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Homeowner Resources

Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.

What size AC do I need?

HVAC

Avoid Unexpected Expenses During Your Air Conditioner Replacement

What to Know About Hidden AC Replacement Costs Replacing your air conditioner can improve your home’s comfort, value, and energy efficiency. However, without the right preparation, it can also come with unexpected costs. In this guide, we’ll cover how to stay on budget and avoid surprise costs: To avoid hidden expenses, start by understanding your…

Windows

Phone Vetting a Potential Windows Contractor

When considering a window replacement or installation, choosing the right contractor is as crucial as selecting the best window design for your home. While online reviews and testimonials provide some insights, nothing beats the direct interaction of a phone call. Vetting window contractors over the phone allows you to gauge their professionalism, knowledge, and responsiveness…

Solar panels on homes in an Austin neighborhood

Solar

How to Vet a Potential Solar Installer During a Phone Call

In recent interviews with Modernize, 90 percent of homeowners requested a checklist to help them find and vet contractors. One of the most important steps of that process is your first phone call with a potential contractor, during which you will vet this contractor against the others you’re considering. While finding someone you feel comfortable…

metal roofing shingles

Roofing

5 Tips For Negotiating Cost with Roofing Contractors

When it comes to home improvement projects, a roof replacement tends to feel like one of the most overwhelming. In fact, we here at Modernize have done homeowner surveys for years, and roofing repairs/replacements consistently rank as the most stressful project. Even if there are no major issues and it’s just time for a roof…

Windows

Understanding Window Warranties

Window upgrades are an excellent way to improve your home’s value and efficiency, but they can be expensive. One of the best options for homeowners looking to protect their investment on new windows is to take advantage of window warranties. In the event of a product malfunction or a mistake in the installation process, a…

Roofing

Avoid Hidden Costs During a Roof Replacement

Roof repairs can be some of the most expensive renovations for homeowners. So how do you ensure that your roof replacement stays in budget, and avoid hidden costs that could break the bank? Knowledge is key. To help with this stressful project, Modernize has created a series of articles that take you from finding damage…

Best air conditioner brands

HVAC

How to Evaluate Contractors’ HVAC Replacement Cost Quotes

Comparing contractor quotes is an important step in the journey to save on your HVAC improvement project, whether you are replacing an air conditioner or upgrading the furnace heating your home. A recent Modernize survey revealed 63% of homeowners compare three to four contractor estimates ahead of a home improvement project. Evaluating multiple HVAC replacement…

Siding

How To Evaluate Contractors’ Siding Quotes

Comparing contractor quotes is an important step in the journey to replace the siding on your home, whether after damage or as part of a home improvement project. According to a recent Modernize survey, 63 percent of homeowners compare three to four contractor estimates before starting a project. Evaluating multiple siding quotes not only helps…