Online Resource Guides Homeowners Through Construction Process Calfinder.net Provides New Features for Bay-Area Home Improvement

Bay-area homeowners embarking on home improvement now have a single-source for planning and completing projects, Calfinder.net. Originally launched in 2005 as a source for finding qualified contractors, Calfinder.net has expanded to walk homeowners through the entire construction process, from initial planning through the construction phase.

San Francisco (PRWEB) August 9, 2006 —- Bay-area homeowners embarking on home improvement now have a single-source for planning and completing projects, Calfinder.net. Originally launched in 2005 as a source for finding qualified contractors, Calfinder.net has expanded to walk homeowners through the entire construction process, from initial planning through the construction phase.

“Since we launched Calfinder, thousands of homeowners have sought our help finding competent contractors. While identifying a reliable and professional contractor is critical for a successful project, we found that many of them feel intimidated by the whole construction process and needed more than just a source for contractors,” said Gabriel Luna-Ostaseski, president of Calfinder.net. “With the relaunch of Calfinder.net, we’re able to offer expert design assistance, planning and preparation help and key tips to ensure a smooth project. We work with Bay-area’s most respected contractors and building experts to bridge the gap between homeowners and contractors.”

The new features of Calfinder.net were driven by homeowner feedback and requests for guidance. Among the new features of Calfinder.net include project galleries that showcase pictures and descriptions of completed renovation projects to give homeowners ideas and suggestions for their home. If too many choices is the problem, the site’s Narrowing the Options section helps homeowners narrow down the multitude of styles, finishes, materials and colors available to determine exactly what they want.

“Embarking on a home remodel or improvement is stressful, both financially and emotionally. In fact, of the more than $40 billion spent to improve homes in 2003, 34.1 billion was paid to contractors,” added Luna-Ostaseski. “Our goal is to give homeowners all the background information they need to make informed and confident decisions that lead to a successful renovation.”

In addition to the new features, the site continues to offer contractors in more than 15 trades that have been through a complete screening process that includes reference checks and confirming that they are licensed, insured and specialize in specific types of improvement projects.

According to a study conducted by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, nearly 45 percent of the dollars spent by homeowners involve changes to interior space (kitchen, bathroom, or room additions) and 28 percent went to interior and exterior replacements such as new roofs, flooring, or painting. Another 11 percent went to upgrading or replacing systems such as built-in appliances, HVAC, or electrical and plumbing work.

About Calfinder.net
Calfinder.net specializes in helping Bay-area homeowners find prescreened and qualified contractors, design and plan their projects and gain an understanding of the construction process. The goal of Calfinder.net is to help homeowners make informed and confident decisions throughout their home improvement experience. At the same time, it provides professional contractors with prequalified homeowners who are knowledgeable and can define their wants and needs in the home improvement process.

For more information, visit www.calfinder.net or call 415-488-9100.

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