5 Ways to Avoid Overpaying for Your Renovation Renovating your home is exciting — but it’s also one of the easiest ways to overspend if you’re not careful. Many homeowners end up paying 20–30% more than they planned, often because of vague contracts, hidden costs, or lack of oversight. The good news? With the right strategy, you can keep your renovation on track — and on budget. Here are five proven ways to avoid overpaying for your project. 1. Get Multiple, Itemized Bids Don’t settle for the first contractor you talk to. Always request at least three quotes — and make sure they’re detailed. A proper bid should break down labor, materials, and overhead costs. You should be able to compare “apples to apples” between bids. Pro tip: Watch out for vague “lump sum” bids. These often hide inflated costs that are hard to challenge later. 2. Verify Materials and Markups

The Art of Choosing a Contractor: Building Trust, Value, and Success A Guide to Navigating the World of Construction Professionals Embarking on a renovation or construction project is both thrilling and daunting. Whether you’re dreaming of a gleaming new kitchen, a peaceful backyard haven, or building your business from the ground up, your journey will be shaped by the hands—and expertise—of the contractor you choose. Selecting the right contractor isn’t simply about finding someone who can wield a hammer; it’s about weaving together reliability, transparency, craftsmanship, and trust. So, how do you distinguish a true professional from a sea of names online? And what’s the difference between a general contractor and a subcontractor? Let’s dive into the art of choosing a contractor with confidence. Understanding the Roles: General Contractors vs. Subcontractors Before you start your search, it’s crucial to understand the landscape of construction professionals. General contractors and subcontractors play

Understanding Change Orders: Navigating Renovations With Confidence A Homeowner’s Guide to Managing Change Orders During Your Remodel Renovating your kitchen is an exciting journey—a chance to reimagine a space, improve functionality, and add value to your home. But as any seasoned contractor will tell you, no remodel is immune to surprises. Whether it’s an unexpected plumbing issue behind the walls or a last-minute desire to upgrade countertops, change is part of the process. That’s where change orders come in. If you’re a homeowner embarking on a kitchen or any other type of renovation, understanding what change orders are, the common pitfalls, and how to avoid them can make your experience smoother and more predictable. At JARRIS CONSTRUCTION, we believe that informed clients make better decisions, which leads to beautiful results and lasting satisfaction. So let’s demystify change orders and empower you to navigate your remodel with confidence. What is a

Top 5 Lessons Learned Surviving a DIY Renovation (Or Three) As A Couple What Building Together Really Teaches You Introduction Embarking on a DIY renovation with your partner is more than a chance to refresh your space—it’s a crash course in teamwork, patience, and adaptability. While you might start out with dreams of Pinterest-perfect rooms, you’ll quickly discover that the true value lies in the lessons learned along the way. Here are the top five takeaways from surviving a DIY renovation as a couple, each one building a stronger relationship as surely as new walls and floors. 1. Communication Is Your Most Valuable Tool Lesson number one: clear, honest conversation matters even more than the sharpest saw or the sturdiest drill. When every project step is experienced together, misunderstandings can lead to more than just crooked shelves—they can cause unnecessary tension. Plan as a team: Discuss your vision, your skill

Under One Roof: Facing a Home Renovation as a Family How Every Member of the Household Experiences—and Overcomes—the Challenges of Change Introduction Home is more than a structure of wood, brick, and tile—it’s a living canvas painted with memories, traditions, and the unique rhythms of family life. When the decision to renovate arises, it’s not just the walls and floors that undergo transformation—every member of the household is swept up in the tide of transition. At JARRIS CONSTRUCTION, we understand that a home renovation is a journey, not just for your house, but for the hearts within it. The Pre-Renovation Family Meeting: Setting the Stage Together Every successful renovation begins long before the first hammer hits the wall. In many families, the journey starts around the dining table. Parents, teens, and even young children gather, plans and swatches spread out, discussing hopes and anxieties alike. For parents, it’s often about

Is Buying a Home an Investment? A Closer Look at a Timeless Debate Why Your House Can Be More Than Just a Place to Live—If You Treat It Right The Great Housing Investment Debate Few topics spark as much impassioned debate as the question: is buying a personal home truly an investment? For decades, financial advisors, economists, and everyday homeowners have weighed in, often arriving at differing conclusions. The American Dream, for many, is anchored to the idea of homeownership, not just as a roof over one’s head, but as a stepping stone to wealth and stability. Yet, there’s a persistent counter-narrative: a personal residence, some argue, is not an investment but a liability—a cost center that drains resources without offering returns typical of traditional investments. So, where does the truth lie? Is your home just a place to live, or can it be a legitimate investment? My position is