Q. Having just retired, would love to embark on some things to keep me busy while idling. Planning on some home remodeling and would like to take on those with high ROI.

A. There are several areas in your home that you can work on to achieve the possible highest ROI. The kitchen and the bathroom, being the most essential as well as frequented areas in the home, would be the best candidates for such. With whatever remodeling works, it is important to note that allotting the biggest budget you could possibly squeeze out from your finances will not lead to an equally big ROI. Quality of work and product selection are keys to your success so do your research.

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Q. What are the basic costs per square foot prices of homes vs remodeling an existing home?

A. That's really not a question that can be answered. It's going to depend upon the quality of the construction. Cheap residential construction can start around $80/square foot and will go up from there, with high quality construction going from $120/square foot and up. This doesn't really include the property which can vary. Remodeling is difficult to price because sometimes you won't know exactly what will have to be done until you get into it. It takes a lot of experience to bid remodeling work correctly. Another factor is where in the country you are. Some areas cost more than others depending upon cost of living and land value.

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Q. To do the following work: 1.Bathroom remodeling. 2.Fences. 3.Hardwood flooring. Any suggestions on the related websites much appreciated.

A. Try the BBB if you are in the US

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Q. Would it save me any money if had the house prepped for the contractor? Having cabinets, appliances, carpet, flooring removed or Am I better off letting contractor handle all the demo himself? (I have not received a contract from builder yet)

A. All you can do is ask him it probably would save some money just be sure exactly what the want out the may wish to reuse certain things.

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Q. Im remodeling my apartment and my roommate chose white to paint the walls in our entry way and living room? i get to choose the carpet or flooring (hardwood, etc) and color of the trim, does anyone know what color of trim, and what type of floor would go nicely with the white walls?

A. Lucky you! I'd rather be allowed to choose flooring and trim any day! That's a keeper whereas paint can be changed. As for what matched white walls, basically everything! White is not a color in decorating, but the absense of all color and that is why you can match it with anything. So, you can buy whatever pleases you! Do keep in mind that the lighter the floor color, the larger the room will appear and the darker the floor color, the smaller the room will appear. Also, lint, dust, etc., shows up more on dark floors. What you choose to use as material for the floor really depends on your budget. Hardwood floors are definitely the best for getting a return on your money. If you can't afford that, then consider these types of flooring: - laminate wood floor - vinyl soft floor covering - bamboo flooring (my favorite, by the way!) - ceramic tile (did you know that you can get ceramic tile that looks soooo much lilke wood, you have to touch it to know the difference? It's better than hardwood since it doesn't scratch and is very resistant!) Will you be painting the trim or using natural wood? If using natural wood, it is advisable to match the floor. Enjoy!

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Q. I'm remodeling my kitchen. The orginal vinyl flooring is really ugly, but not really that bad shape. I want to put new vinyl flooring. What is the best method. I don't see the option of removing the old flooring but instead, putting the new floor on top of the existing. Should I just lay down 1/4 inch luan or is there a better, more professional method?

A. If its only 1 layer down, most manufactures ok it it to go over the existing as long as its in decent shape like you say. Yes the use of a luan or birch luan is the best way to go. The new glue will take to the pores of the wood the best.Filling in the seams w/ a special cement based filler and if theres any imperfections in the wood. I ve always have used Ardex but there are other names out there. Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar. GL

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Q. I am about to have a general contractor perform services for me (tile in kitchen, wood flooring, wallpaper removal). He told me that there is no contract to sign, and that we both can sign the proposal he has given me to act as a contract. I trust the guy, as a trustworthy friend of mine recommended him, but what do I need to do to protect myself? Is there a simple contract I can draw up to ask him to sign? Where can I find it? Thank you.

A. I would tell him that you don't feel comfortable moving forward without a contract. He should respect that and draw one up for you. If not, then you may want to try to find a different contractor. It may be find without one, but if problems arise, a contract might make things much easier to resolve.

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Q. I am remodeling my bathroom and decided to go with Loose Lay Sheet Vinyl Flooring, I have 3/4" subfloor and am going to install 1/4" 5-ply Birch Underlayment on top of this, however, I need a way to fasten this to the subfloor, I have seen Chisel Staples, Ring-Shank Nails, and Underlayment Screws. My problem is deciding which to use, but also, I have been told that you do not want to have the fastener break through the subfloor, meaning I need a fastener < 1" long. Assuming 3/4" is what I need, I cannot for the life of me find 3/4" nails or screws, but I would rather use these then staples. Is there any way I can get 3/4" nails or screws for underlayment installation?

A. Underlayment is normally installed with staples. They are normally 1/4 inch wide and 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches long. Directions call for a staple every six inches on the entire underlayment. These staples will shoot into the top layer of the underlayment. Once fastened, floor leveler is used to fill the dents and joints of the underlayment. This is then sanded lightly to remove excess floor leveler, and make the surface smooth and ready to install the vinyl. Screws or nails will work, but the finished product will look much better if staples are used according to the directions for the underlayment.

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