By Mike Smego | Smego Construction Finding the right contractor is one of the most important decisions a homeowner makes. The wrong one can cost you thousands, leave your home in worse shape than when they started, and disappear before the job is done. The good news is that most bad contractors show their hand early — if you know what to look for. Here is what Mike Smego and the team at Smego Construction want every homeowner to know before signing a contract. They Cannot Pro

By Mike Smego | Smego Construction It happens all the time. A homeowner gets three estimates for a renovation project. One comes in noticeably lower than the others. It feels like a win — until it isn't. At Smego Construction, we've been called in more times than we can count to fix work that was done on the cheap. What looked like savings on paper turned into torn-out tile, failed plumbing, and structural issues that cost far more to repair than the original project would ha

When planning a renovation, addition, bathroom remodel, or deck, many homeowners are surprised by how widely contractor quotes can vary. Two proposals for what appears to be the same project can differ by thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — of dollars. So what causes the gap? Understanding the variables behind contractor pricing helps homeowners evaluate proposals more clearly and confidently. 1. Scope of Work May Not Be Identical Even if two contractors are pricing “th

When hiring a contractor, most homeowners assume the work will meet building code requirements. But how can someone tell whether a project is actually being built to code — especially if they’re not in the construction industry? For homeowners in Central Pennsylvania, understanding a few key indicators can provide clarity and confidence. What Does “Built to Code” Actually Mean? Building to code means the project complies with: The International Residential Code (IRC) Pennsylv