To keep a lid on home-improvement costs, hire only the expertise you really need.
By Josh Garskof, Money Magazine contributing writer
October 23, 2009
(Money Magazine) -- For anything from a small upgrade to a major remodeling job, perhaps the most important decision you'll make is whom to hire. You'll seek out a top-notch worker with a stellar reputation, of course, but first you'll have to decide what kind of expert you're looking for.
That choice can have a dramatic effect on the cost of your project. Whether you're wondering if you really need an architect to design your new den or debating whether a handyman can handle your wiring job, here's how to figure out which pro to call.
Specialist or handyman?
The difference: Electricians, plumbers, and other specialists have the know-how to tackle any project in their area of expertise, but they cost at least $75 to $100 an hour.
A handyman doesn't have that depth of experience but has the advantage of breadth: He'll not only hang your ceiling fan but repaint the ceiling too. You'll typically pay just $25 to $50 an hour for an independent handyman. Franchises such as MrHandyman.com and HouseDoctors.com will charge you more -- $50 to $100 an hour -- but are likelier to insure and bond their crews. (Both handymen and specialists may tack on an extra fee for small jobs.)
How to decide: For jobs that involve inside-the-wall changes to electricity, plumbing, or heating or cooling systems, go with a licensed specialist.
General contractor or several tradesmen?
The difference: A general contractor will handle a renovation, addition, or remodeling job from soup to nuts, bringing in whatever subcontractors he needs -- plumber, tiler, roofer, and so on. In exchange he'll mark up the subs' fees by 10% to 20%. Or you could hire those same contractors yourself and save thousands.
How to decide: If you need only one or two subs -- perhaps a plumber and a granite guy for those new counters -- and you're a veteran home improver, go for it on your own. Otherwise, a GC will spare you the hassle of getting referrals and doing due diligence on a host of pros as well as the delays and cost overruns you'll encounter by juggling multiple tradesmen yourself.
Architect or contractor?
The difference: When a contractor designs a project, he looks for efficient, cost-effective ways to achieve your goals: A family room addition is likely to be a boxy appendage off the kitchen, for example.
An architect is trained to design the new space around your family's lifestyle and to weave it seamlessly into the existing house. But his fees will also add at least 5% to 10% to your project cost -- and his design will probably cost quite a bit more to build than a general contractor's.
How to decide: Bring in an architect for any project that involves a significant alteration to your floor plan or exterior or will entail spending more than 10% of your home's value. You'll stand a better chance of coming away with a design that adds charm and value to your house.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/23/real_estate/home_improvement.moneymag/index.htm?postversion=2009102305
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
OPEN HOUSE November 5, 2009 4pm-7pm
You’re Invited over to
our
Open House
We would like to re-introduce ourselves to the community. After nearly 4 years in business in the Dallas area we want to take the opportunity to invite our Friends and Neighbors over for a little meet and greet. In fact we have designed a special drink just for the occasion
“The Milicki Mojito”
Join us for lots of fun, prizes, food and the opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones.
Date: November 5, 2009
Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Place: Milicki & Associates
110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 103
Dallas, GA 30157
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Forbes: Atlanta ranks No. 1 among America's 'recession proof' retirement markets
Metro Atlanta ranks No. 1 on a new list by Forbes of America's 40 "recession proof" retirement cities.
Forbes said it considered such factors as average income for seniors, current and expected home prices, job-growth predictions through 2014, the cost of living and median monthly housing cost.
Atlanta ranked 17th for number of sunny days, 17th for income of residents 65 and older, seventh for median home price, 17th for home price change predicted for 2009-2014, 11th for cost of living and 23rd for median housing cost.
Atlanta was followed by Dallas-Fort Worth, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Houston, St. Louis, Austin, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Kansas City and San Antonio.
New York finished last among the 40 cities, with Milwaukee and Boston near the bottom
click here for the ranking of 40 cities.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Milicki & Associates, Inc.
Real Estate Specialists
110 Evans Mill Dr. Suite 103
Dallas, GA 30157
770-874-2022
866-966-3022
www.Milicki.com
information@milicki.com
America’s First Millionaire
An excerpt from “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor”, by Gary Keller with Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan
“It’s a little-known fact that America’s first millionaire was a real estate investor. A German immigrant and the son of a butcher, he was named John Jacob Astor. In the early 1800’s Astor got rich trading in furs, tea, silk, and fine china, but that was not where his real fortune was made. Eventually he invested his trading profits in something that would prove to be even better: real estate. His most profitable investments were in New York City, and before long the man known as “Manhattans Landlord” was widely acknowledged as the wealthiest person of his time. He has not only become America’s first millionaire, he was now its first multimillionaire. Shortly before his death Astor reportedly said, “Could I begin life again, knowing what I now know, and had money to invest, I would buy every foot of land on the Island of Manhattan.” Astor passed away in 1848, leaving over $20 million to his heirs. ($20 million may not seem like a great fortune now, but in 2005 dollars it would be the equivalent of about $458 billion.) This immigrant butcher’s son not only was America’s first millionaire and multimillionaire, he was also America’s first Millionaire Real Estate Investor.
I love the story of John Jacob Astor because it captures both the art and science of investing. The art inspires us, and the science instructs us. The fact that an immigrant butcher’s son could build America’s first great fortune is the inspiration. The fact that he did it through real estate is the instruction. This is consistent with my experience. I believe there is an art and a science to achieving your highest potential in any endeavor, and building financial wealth is no exception. The art of real estate investing is about becoming inspired to overcome your MythUnderstandings and think like a millionaire Real Estate Investor. The science is about learning and applying the models these successful investors use. Up to this point we’ve addressed the art. It’s now time to address the science: the Five Models of the Millionaire Real Estate Investor.”
“It’s a little-known fact that America’s first millionaire was a real estate investor. A German immigrant and the son of a butcher, he was named John Jacob Astor. In the early 1800’s Astor got rich trading in furs, tea, silk, and fine china, but that was not where his real fortune was made. Eventually he invested his trading profits in something that would prove to be even better: real estate. His most profitable investments were in New York City, and before long the man known as “Manhattans Landlord” was widely acknowledged as the wealthiest person of his time. He has not only become America’s first millionaire, he was now its first multimillionaire. Shortly before his death Astor reportedly said, “Could I begin life again, knowing what I now know, and had money to invest, I would buy every foot of land on the Island of Manhattan.” Astor passed away in 1848, leaving over $20 million to his heirs. ($20 million may not seem like a great fortune now, but in 2005 dollars it would be the equivalent of about $458 billion.) This immigrant butcher’s son not only was America’s first millionaire and multimillionaire, he was also America’s first Millionaire Real Estate Investor.
I love the story of John Jacob Astor because it captures both the art and science of investing. The art inspires us, and the science instructs us. The fact that an immigrant butcher’s son could build America’s first great fortune is the inspiration. The fact that he did it through real estate is the instruction. This is consistent with my experience. I believe there is an art and a science to achieving your highest potential in any endeavor, and building financial wealth is no exception. The art of real estate investing is about becoming inspired to overcome your MythUnderstandings and think like a millionaire Real Estate Investor. The science is about learning and applying the models these successful investors use. Up to this point we’ve addressed the art. It’s now time to address the science: the Five Models of the Millionaire Real Estate Investor.”
Friday, October 16, 2009
215 Lafayette Street, Dallas, GA 30157$134,900
This well cared for home features 4bedrooms/2bath. It is located in a well established neighborhood with close proximity to the Silver Comet Trail. Bonus Room / Office / or fourth bedroom on the lower level.
Milicki and Associates
Real Estate Specialists
110 Evans Mill Drive
Suite 103
Dallas, GA 30157
Main: 770-874-2022
Fax: 770-874-2027
Thursday, October 8, 2009
~ Tickle Your Funny Bone ~
AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES THAT ACTUALLY WORK!!
* Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.
* Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.
* For high blood pressure suffers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.
* A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent your from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
* If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you'll be afraid to cough.
* You only need two tools in life: WD-40 and Duck Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and it does, use the duck tape.
* If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
And finally, a daily thought:
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES: NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.
Hope this put a little laughter into your day!!!
* Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.
* Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.
* For high blood pressure suffers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.
* A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent your from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
* If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you'll be afraid to cough.
* You only need two tools in life: WD-40 and Duck Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and it does, use the duck tape.
* If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
And finally, a daily thought:
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES: NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.
Hope this put a little laughter into your day!!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Featured Property
3978 Lullwater Main, Kennesaw, GA 30144
$194,000
Bring your family home to this sunny haven with gleaming hardwoods on the main level. 3bed, 2 1/2 bath with a 4th bedroom downstairs that is versatile. This home has the perfect flow for entertaining. Large backyard is level and shaded. Sellers are installing new stainless steel kitchen appliances for buyer. GREAT SCHOOLS!
Milicki & Associates
Real Estate Specialists
110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 103
Dallas, GA 30157
770.874.2022 Main
770.874.2027 Fax
info@milicki.com
www.milicki.com
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