LIST OF SERVICES:
1. First Time
Homeowners:
Moving into your first house can be an overwhelming experience if you don't
have at least a basic working knowledge of how the mechanical systems in
your house function. There are many good home repair shows on cable and network
television that can help you learn how to make simple repairs. The problem
with these shows are their limited time so they have to leave out many details.
Secondly, if you are unfamiliar with the parts that make up a system, you
can become confused when your dirty, rusty parts don't look exactly like
those nice new clean ones on tv! I would recommend good home repair books
loaded with photos plus the tv series shows along with familiarizing yourself
with the systems in your own home.
We offer home repair tutoring in your own home on your own equipment. This can be tailored to your individual needs such as a basic overall review of how each system functions and the basic maintenance needed for each. If you need knowledge on only one particular system we can concentrate on that exclusively. Knowing your equipment can avoid many panic attacks when a problem arises. Even if you don't want to tackle the repair yourself, you can shut down or isolate a problem system until a service person can be reached. Knowing what you are talking about can help you avoid being taken advantage of by service personal who are less than honest.
2. Renovation
Consulting:
Unfortunately, homes never seem to fit our individual needs or wants. We
all have the option to either accept and adapt to what we have or we can
choose to make it fit our needs. This is where renovation and remodeling
come into play. If you are considering remodeling you can simply hire a general
contractor to run the job from start to finish and your troubles are over.
If you decide to tackle some or all of the work yourself, you can avoid the
common problems made by homeowners such as: Purchasing items that are not
sized to your particular house, illegal connections and hook-ups that can
create a fire/flood damage, etc. We offer renovation consulting that can
include simple technical assistance for a project all the way up to dealing
with contractors if you decide not to do the job yourself. These services
include visits to the jobsite, review of plans, scheduling work crews, budget
control, etc.
3. Repair
Consulting:
If you are standing in 2 feet of water and the level is rising, it would
be in your best interests to get the first contractor who will come and be
happy that you were able to get one on short notice! However,most repairs
are not so immediate in their nature. For these normal upgrades or repairs
you should determine the most cost effective means of getting the job done.
Contractors are a good source of info when you are in need of repairs, but
they do have self interest in mind and you really can't blame them. We offer
an alternative to your needs by providing a written/oral report after inspection
of the system in question. Repair options are discussed and the ultimate
choice is left up to you.
4. Insurance Damage
Claims:
This is a subject most people don't want to talk or think about. It is, however,
a fact of life that damages to your home can result from fire, water, utility
company problems, boiler explosions, etc. Insurance company reps can be less
than generous to you in your loss. Settling a claim quickly and cheaply is
in their best interests, not yours. An alternative is to contact us immediately
after reporting the damage to your insurance company. We can assess the damage
and suggest using licensed public adjusters on your behalf. Many times your
damage can be upgraded to modern efficient equipment/styles using insurance
monies wisely. Our fee comes from the insurance check with no out of pocket
expense to you only after the claim is settled.
5. Energy
Conservation:
Many homes are costly to operate because they were never "fine-tuned" by
the original builders. A great majority of homes were built when energy costs
were very cheap and the equipment used in them reflected that fact. There
are many products on today's market that can make your home run extremely
efficient and recover their cost quickly. Proper equipment setting adjustments
are another example of energy waste control. We offer complete energy
conservation consulting including written/oral reports after inspection of
your property. Fees are based on size and equipment.
6. Selling Your
Home:
Preparing a house properly for the real estate market requires a knowledge
of what buyers, brokers, inspectors and banks look for in a good property.
Sellers should do their part in cosmetically preparing the house to make
it attractive. Once you have a potential buyer the house must be mechanically
sound to pass all inspections and not slow up an otherwise speedy process.
Problems that could have easily been corrected prior to putting the house
on the market can lead to delays and loss of interest after they are discovered.
We can help you prepare your home to pass all bank and home inspections.
7. Got a Question
or Wish?:
Please feel free to contact us for any questions concerning the operation,
maintenance or repair of your home. We will be happy to answer all your questions
over the phone.
Copyright © 1995-2007 John J. Unger All rights reserved.
Contact us at:
Home and Building Consultant Services
60-72 Madison Street Suite 5F
Ridgewood, New York 11385
Fax: 718-386-4034
Phone: 917-771-4592
Over 30 Years Experience in the N.Y.City Real Estate Industry
