Q. I am going to do a kitchen renovation in my house at Scarborough, Ontario. I am looking for a cost effective home renovation group hailing from GTA.

A. 'Renocanada' is a good choice. They're excellent in kitchen makeover. My friend recently had a complete home renovation from them, and it was very affordable too. I had a visit to his house and what I saw really impressed me.

A. You can search easily from internet best bathroom remodeling contractor in Huston. Many of them are good remodeling and renovation service provider in Huston. One of my friend also live in Huston, he tell me about http://www.everhartconstruction.com/. He was saying that they provide very good service of remodeling and renovating.

Q. I am remodeling our bathroom not the entire bathroom just bathroom wall panel, tub, and toilet. Should I buy everything before I get started? or get it as I get into it?

A. If you buy it altogether (from the same store) you may be able to get a discount (ALWAYS ask if you can get a better price if you're buying more than just one item!). Then you'll have a few $$'s left over to buy some pretty new towels or nic naks for you're lovely new bathroom! Good Luck :o)

Q. I have a couple of rental houses that need renovation and paint.

(No Chosen Answer)

Q. I have a house that i would love to keep, the location is great but the house layout is not working for me. i dont know where to begin - what kind of contractor should i look for? do i hire an architect first? here is what i want to do: 1. tear down walls and recreate spaces - including moving windows where necessary 2. move an upstairs bathroom 3. create a master bedroom suite with new bathroom space 4. move laundry room upstairs 5. finish off basement 6. create an open floor plan down stairs by removing walls where possible 7. open up the foyer from front door 8. expand on existing sunroom and construct a new one 9. concrete porch repairs 10. brick driveway i estimate the house construction will take approximately 6 months to a year to complete. i plan to move out of the house and rent an apartment for the duration of the project. i want to 'go green' as much possible. the location is 15 minutes east of philadelphia. any one with experience? been through a renovation of this kind? all knowledge and tips on how to start and what to look for would be great! thanks!

A. You have two avenues: manage everything by yourself or hire a general contractor. I'd suggest the latter, they have had way more experience and have a ton more contacts than you. Interview tons before deciding on one. Have them work up an estimate, ask for references on prior jobs, maybe find an architect you like and ask them for referrals. I'd go at it from every angle to find the right one. It will be very helpful you are willing to move out for the process (esp when moving/changing bathrooms and the kitchen this is a life saver). During the most major remodel I did, my favorite part was having a detail-oriented contractor who did such a nice finishing job that I could not have come up with better solutions for tricky small details. From start to finish, he did everything. Another contractor (friend) I hired wanted the get through the work and preferred the heavy work but wasn't detail oriented so now, years later, I'm still finalizing the finish work myself (painting, etc). MOST IMPORTANT: Get in writing what the estimate will cover, ie: dump runs, product/supplies, paint, finish work, cleaning, labor, prep, etc. Both parties should sign it. Don't pay for full amount till project is done. Ask for contractor's license number. Follow the rules! For resale and safety purposes, don't work-around permitting. Good luck!

Q. What are some good websites and publications that will help me with the remodeling of a small bathroom? I think I am fairly handy; however, I lack real experience and formal training with plumbing. I've fixed leaky faucets and I've replaced a water heater, and that's the extent of my plumbing experience. In light of those considerations, should I just hire someone to remodel my bathroom? Are bathroom remodels generally 'difficult'?

A. This website is fine, I think. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/ I love the home ideas in it, really cool.

Q. I've never painted before and I'd like to paint my bathroom this weekend. I'd like to know all the basics in painting. I'm not sure what type of paint to get, how much to buy, what accessories are needed and how do I cover everything up in the bathroom so it doesn't get paint on it. Basically, I need as much information on painting a bathroom as possible because I've never painted anything before. Thanks.

A. Let the paint store know that it is a bathroom and they will help you pick the best paint for that room. The most important thing is to take your time!! you will want to finish it because the end result is exciting, but take your time so you have nice straight lines. I would cover and or remove fixtures...mirror, lights, plate covers. Keep a damp cloth handy for any mess to be wiped up immediately. Invest in a good angled brush.

Q. (In addition to the last payment!)

A. Make like a gift basket, candy, cookies etc., we build homes and the customers always do things like that, something that little says a whole lot