Do-it-Yourself

• 411homeimprovement.com - Home Improvement:   Includes tips on contractors, ideas, books, laws, how-to videos, and more.
• askthebuilder.com:  Home building, remodeling and improvement information from Tim Carter.
• BH&G  Home Improvement Encyclopedia:   Improve the inside, outside, and your home systems.
• bobvila.com:   Remodeling and repair help and advice, product research and recommendations, design help, and more from Bob Vila.
• diynet.com - Home Improvement:  Home improvement projects & tutorials.
• diyonline.com:  Site helps do-it-yourselfers plan, custom-design, and purchase materials or hire a contractor to complete home improvement projects..  
• homedoctor.net:  Website helps people exchange information about home improvements and repairs.
• homeimprove.com:  Has extensive library of home improvement ideas.
• hometime.com:  Features step-by-step information for home improvement, remodeling, and repair.  Projects include decks, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, landscaping, gardening, and more.
• hometips.com:   Provides help with home improvement, remodeling houses, home repair, decorating, and buying appliances and other home products.
• MSN House & Home - Improve & Repair:  From MSN, information to help you improve & repair your home.
• resourcehelp.com - Home Improvement & Repair:  Resources to help you remodel or build a home including home ideas,  products, and links to other sites.

Hiring a contractor
You need a contractor to your home improvement project.  How do you find a reliable contractor?   Here are some tips for finding a contractor:

• Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractors they have used and are satisfied with.
• Contact local trade organizations, such as the local Builder Association or Remodelers Council for the names of members in your area.
• Check out the contractor with your local or state consumer protection officials and the BBB.
• Ask the contractor for references from customers who have home improvements done similar to yours.
• Ask for a copy of the contractor's current insurance certificates and licenses, if required.
• Get written estimates from several contractors and make sure the bids are based on identical project specifications.
• Get all guarantees, warranties, promises, start and completion dates in a written contract.
• Pay only a limited amount upfront.  Do not pay the full amount until all work has been completed satisfactorily.

Here are some websites that can help you find a contractor

• Better Business Bureau:  Check out a company's reliability before using them.
• Christian Business Phone Book - Home Improvement:  Local listing of Christian home improvement contractors.
• FTC - Facts for Consumers - Home Sweet Home Improvement:  Advice from the US government on finding a competent and reliable contractor to prevent you from being ripped off by unethical contractors.  
• improvenet.com:  Find a local pre-screened designer, architect or contractor for your home  improvement project.   
• magicservice.com:  Find a pre-screened contractor.

Note: godlovesindy.com receives no compensation of any type for the above listings of home improvement sites.  They are listed to help you save money or find a reliable contractor.