Simple Home Repair & Improvement Help for Women
Home Improvement Help
Planning an upgrade, renovation, or improvement? HouseFixHer helps you understand what the project may involve before calling contractors or approving a quote.
Bathroom renovation or update
Bathroom projects can include plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, flooring, ventilation, fixtures, tile, and finishing details.
- Are you replacing fixtures, changing layout, or doing a full renovation?
- Will plumbing or electrical work be moved or upgraded?
- Is ventilation included?
- What waterproofing or moisture protection is being used?
- Ask what materials, fixtures, cleanup, and warranty are included.
Kitchen update
Kitchen projects can range from painting cabinets to a full remodel. The quote should be clear about cabinets, counters, flooring, electrical, plumbing, and appliances.
- Are cabinets being replaced, refaced, painted, or repaired?
- Are countertops, backsplash, sink, faucet, lighting, or flooring included?
- Will appliance locations change?
- Are electrical or plumbing upgrades needed?
- Ask what is included and what you must buy separately.
Flooring replacement
Flooring quotes should explain the flooring material, underlayment, subfloor condition, trim, transitions, removal, and disposal.
- What flooring material is included?
- Is old flooring removal included?
- What happens if subfloor damage is found?
- Are baseboards, transitions, and cleanup included?
- Ask about durability, water resistance, and warranty.
Painting project
Painting sounds simple, but prep work makes a big difference. Make sure the quote explains repair, priming, coats, paint type, and cleanup.
- Are wall repairs, sanding, caulking, or priming included?
- How many coats are included?
- What paint brand and finish will be used?
- Are trim, doors, ceilings, or closets included?
- Ask how furniture, floors, and fixtures will be protected.
Deck, patio, or exterior project
Exterior projects may involve structure, footings, permits, drainage, materials, safety railings, weather exposure, and long-term maintenance.
- Does the project need a permit?
- What materials are being used?
- Are railings, stairs, footings, and drainage included?
- How will the project handle weather and ground conditions?
- Ask about inspections, cleanup, and warranty.
Basement finishing
Basement projects can involve moisture, insulation, electrical, flooring, ceilings, permits, egress, heating, and code requirements.
- Has moisture been checked before finishing?
- Are insulation, vapour barrier, electrical, and heating included?
- Are permits required?
- Is flooring suitable for a basement?
- Ask what happens if hidden moisture or foundation issues are found.
Windows and doors
Window and door projects should include product details, measurements, installation method, insulation, trim, disposal, and warranty.
- What brand, style, and efficiency rating is included?
- Is interior and exterior trim included?
- Will old windows or doors be removed and disposed of?
- How will drafts and water protection be handled?
- Ask what warranty covers the product and installation.
Insulation or weatherproofing
Comfort upgrades can reduce drafts, moisture problems, heat loss, and cold rooms when the right problem is identified first.
- Where is heat loss or draft coming from?
- Is insulation, air sealing, or weatherstripping needed?
- Are ventilation and moisture concerns being considered?
- Are rebates or energy programs available?
- Ask how success will be measured after the work is done.
Accessibility upgrades
Accessibility improvements should be planned around safety, comfort, future needs, layout, materials, and ease of use.
- Are you improving entry, bathroom access, stairs, flooring, lighting, or safety?
- Are grab bars, ramps, walk-in showers, railings, or wider access needed?
- Will the work need reinforcement behind walls?
- Are slip-resistant materials included?
- Ask whether the project meets your current and future needs.
What to decide before calling contractors
- What do you want changed?
- What is your must-have list?
- What is your nice-to-have list?
- What budget range feels comfortable?
- When do you want the work done?
- What are you worried about or unsure about?
Questions or feedback?
Send us a note at support@housefixher.com.