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THE HOMEOWNER’S NOTEBOOK
A better brief.
A better beginning.
Plain answers to the questions homeowners ask before they hire.
How to hire a contractor without getting burned
A step-by-step way to vet a home-improvement contractor — license, insurance, bids, references and a payment schedule that protects you.
Read the guideWhat home improvement projects cost in 2026
Typical national price ranges for common home repairs and remodels, what drives the number, and how to get a fair written estimate.
Read the guideContractor licenses and permits: what you need to know
How contractor licensing works, how to verify a license, and when a permit is required for home-improvement work.
Read the guideHow to avoid contractor scams
The common home-improvement scams — storm-chasers, big deposits, unpermitted work — and how to protect yourself.
Read the guideRepair or replace? How to decide
A simple way to decide whether to repair or replace a roof, HVAC system, water heater or appliance.
Read the guideRoof age and home insurance in Florida
What Florida law says when an insurer wants a newer roof, what 4-point and wind mitigation inspections are, and how the 25% repair rule works now.
Read the guideTermites in Florida: signs, treatment and cost
What winged termites inside mean, subterranean vs drywood treatment, what a termite (WDO) report is, and what Florida homeowners pay.
Read the guideAC replacement in Florida: cost, permit and getting help fast
What a new central AC costs in Florida, the permit and license to expect, how to decide between repair and replacement, and finding help in the summer.
Read the guidePool service in Volusia and Flagler: cost, repairs and green water
What weekly pool service costs in Florida, who can repair a pump or heater, what to do when the pool turns green after rain, and the safety rules for new pools.
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