If you?re thinking about hiring a contractor to do some work on your home using the following tips can help you find a reputable contractor who will do a good job at a fair price.?

Get Recommendations

Start asking around, begin with your friends, ask a building inspector, and check with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of members. Even lumberyards may be a good place as they know which contractors buy the best materials and pay their bills on time.

Ask Questions

Before actually meeting them, give them a call and ask some questions. Do they have experience with the type of project you?re contemplating? Will they provide some reference? Do they use subcontractors? Who do they use and can you contact them? What?s their availability? How many projects do they do at a time?

Collect Bids

Don?t just jump at someone you like or the lowest price but see what comes with that price as there may be hidden extras that are omitted from some bids and will crop up later. Be informed before you agree to anything.

Written Contract

Then when you do come to an agreement, be sure to get everything in writing, this will prevent any surprises in the future and will help you keep things on schedule and budget.?

photo credit: patriotweb

Renters are hit by crime more than people realize, but by working together landlords and tenants can help prevent crime at their apartments.

Security Requirements

Check with state and local housing agencies to see what the security requirements are for rentals in your state. Make sure that your residence is complying with all requirements that relate to the safety and security of the residents.

Do a Walk Around

Landlords and tenants should do an annual walk around of the property together. Look for entrances that might not be locked properly, spots that seem poorly lit, bushes that criminals could hide behind and any routine suspicious activity.

Communicate Frequently

If you are a tenant then you should let your landlord know immediately if there seems to be any criminal activity occurring in or around the property. If you are a landlord and a crime has been committed, let the other tenants know so they can be more watchful of their property and possible criminal activity.

Encourage Community

Say hi to your neighbors and get to know them. People are more likely to look out for those they know than complete strangers. Landlords should get involved in this also and know every tenant by name (if possible). Create a feeling of community in your residence and you?ll find that people are happier and more charitable.

photo credit: aresauburn???

Some people dream of farm living but usually that dream comes with a quaint farmhouse, for Glen and Sandy Wells of Kentucky the farmhouse is optional because they prefer to live in the silo.

The 70 foot tall steel storage tank could hold enough grain for 3000 hogs in its heyday but now it serves as six story home. Each floor is a 20 foot circular room that serves a particular function. The first floor serves as a kitchen with custom made oak cabinets, the second floor is a luxurious bathroom, the third floor serves as a game room of sorts and the fourth floor is a guest room. On the fifth floor is the couple’s bedroom, complete with incredible views of the farmland around. And finally the sixth floor serves as a storage area of sorts. They do hope to one day cap the silo with a deck so they can take advantage of the incredible vista surrounding them.

In addition to the silo space, the Wells family took advantage of the stone building that was attached to the silo, it has been converted into a family room with big screen television, pin ball machine, billiard table, juke box, chess table and fireplace. Everything a modern homeowner could want.

If you’re interested in finding a unique home or a second home, there’s an interesting property for sale in Portland, Oregon. But one would assume that this particular home could be moved to just about anywhere as it’s inside a railcar.

In 1949 this train car was created to be a sleeper car but after it served its purpose it was purchase and renovated by Marc Riera. The 85 foot long car has only 807 square feet but the 10 foot ceilings make it seem roomier. Even though it’s rather small the interior is very modern and features stainless steel windows, grid connection, incinerator powered toilet and DSL.

Currently the home is located in Portland on a private lot but it still could be pulled along any existing rail line to be relocated. The lot it resides on now rents for only $150 a month. The biggest bonus of this home is its not technically real estate so there are no property taxes attached.

For a small space the price ticket is a little high, it’s currently for sale $225,000. But you will be saving in property taxes and you’ll be doing your part to save the environment with a very ingenious form of recycling. And imagine the wow factor when you show your friends.

Living in an RV, or recreational vehicle, isn’t the typical solution when it comes to inexpensive living but it does have its advantages and could be the solution for you. RV’s run the gamut in expense so you’ll need to decide your price range before you begin and like automobiles, they depreciate drastically the minute you take them off the lot so you may want to think about purchasing a slightly used RV.? The upside here is the interest is tax deductible.

You’ll need to find a campground that offers year round amenities and then check out what the rent will be for the space including utilities and water.

One of the great benefits of living in an RV is the people you’ll meet. Some will be long term residents like you but others will be travelers coming from all over the country, it’s a remarkable opportunity to learn more about the world around you and the people in it.

And one of the best parts about living in an RV is you’re packed and ready to go for any vacation. No matter where you go you’ll always have everything you need without the worries of what you left behind. Not to mention all you’ll save on expensive hotels and overpriced restaurants.

photo credit: dave_7

Living on a boat may seem like a dream to you but it’s actually quite possible. The biggest concern is probably the boat and the location. Boats are generally considered a luxury but they don’t need to be outrageously expensive, look for a good used boat or a fixer upper to save money. If you’re single or a couple you can probably get by with a 40 foot boat on the low end. If you have children you’ll want to add another 10 feet at least.

Then examine the locations that work for you. Marina’s vary in size depending upon the size of your boat, the location of the marina and the amenities offered. You’ll also have to look for a marina that accepts liveaboards. Not all of them are set up for full-time residents while some of them cater to that type of lifestyle. Make sure you check with your state regulations as some do have rules regarding this type of housing.

The best part about living on a houseboat is you can pick up and go whenever you wish. If you’re interested in a little day’s cruise you can pick up your anchor and go. If you’re considering becoming a snow bird and traveling south for the winter or north for the summer it’s as easy as setting your course and taking to the sea.

photo credit: shahbasharat