Company name: e-doors.com (The Door Superstore) Web address: www.e-doors.com Your overall recommendation ( 1 to 5 stars): 4 stars Comments: Marty was very helpful and delivered a beautiful entry door for a very reasonable price. I'm giving this supplier 4 stars instead of 5 because after I made the order, I felt there was a little bit of a lack of communication. I would have liked an email order confirmation and shipping notification without asking. However, the door arrived in great condition and I'm very happy with my purchase. He was also quick to follow up and ship some brick mould that was missing when we went to install the door free of charge. Company name: Art Tile Direct Web address: www.arttiledirect.com Your overall recommendation ( 1 to 5 stars): 5 stars Comments: I got a great deal on the tile for our kitchen back splash and fireplace surrounds from Christeen at art tile direct. She sent me lots of samples for no charge to help me make my decision. She is able to make custom art tile when given a line drawing or you can choose any color combination for any of her existing art tiles. Field tile is also very reasonable. I would highly recommend. Company name: Vintage Tub and Bath Web address: http://www.vintagetub.com Your overall recommendation ( 1 to 5 stars): 5 stars Comments: I ordered my cast iron clawfoot tub and faucets from Vintage Tub. They were a pleasure to work with, had great communication and held my tub in the warehouse until I was ready to have it delivered. The faucets are beautiful and I would highly recommend. Company name: 1 Stop Lighting Web address: http://www.1stoplighting.com Your overall recommendation ( 1 to 5 stars): 5 stars Comments: Very good customer communication. After placing my order, one item was discontinued, but they "compensated" me for the inconvenience by giving me a 10% off coupon on my entire next order, which worked out rather nicely when ordering lights for an entire home. Their search feature is a bit antiquated so it may be hard to find things online, but they are a great company. Company name: Lamps Plus Web address: http://www.lampsplus.com Your overall recommendation ( 1 to 5 stars): 5 stars Comments: Well established lighting company. Good customer service and price on products. Items arrived quickly and as described.

Christmas of 2005 I volunteered to do The Dinner for 10 extended adult family members; I planned a relatively simple meal & it should have been a breeze. Christmas morning, DH's nephew decides that his vegan girlfriend can join us after all - terrific, I'm serving tenderloin & the stores are closed so where do I get vegan food for someone I've never met. SIL saved the day by bringing trophy sized shrimp for appetizers & we saved some for her entree. First crisis averted. Then everyone (except me & SIL who are scurrying like rats to get food ready) are in the greatroom/kitchen drinking, eating shrimp & opening presents & DH cuts his finger on a new pocket knife. Blood is flying & about the same time, a bowl of vinagrette gets knocked out of the frig sending an oily mess everywhere. Finally, dinner is ready & everyone is seated. I plated & served the 1st course of oyster stew with the last 2 bowls given to an elderly lady & myself. I guess most of the pepper had settled to the bottom of the pot & we got the dregs; she choked on the pepper & had a huge coughing spell. Next, the entree was put on the table & it wasn't until later that I realized that I placed a huge platter of very rare tenderloin directly in front of the vegan! In the meantime, I went to pour red wine only to find that DH & his BIL had drunk all except 1 bottle of the good stuff, leaving the rest of us with an amount equal to communion. We decided to take a break before dessert & DH went to the basement to feed the dogs while everyone was settling in the living area. We waited, & waited, & he didn't come back. Finally, I went downstairs & found out that he had passed out on the couch & was dead to the world. That was the last time I've done Christmas Dinner for a crowd. I have no plans for future Yule festivities for this bunch, either. I just remembered: on his way out, BIL missed the step down to the public sidewalk & broke a bottle of port.

Rohl's services sucks for such expensive brand. I had a brand new A3608 faucet in storage for 4 years. When ready to install it, I found lots of spots on the chrome surface. I submitted a request of replacing the unit. After 2 days, I received an email from Michael Cantin, Technical Support Associate, House of Rohl, saying need more photos (only one photo allowed when submit the request, bad limitation). I emailed him 7 more photos. However, no response from Rohl. I called them and talked with Michael and was asked to send photos again. I resent photos and was told "That looks like a bit of tarnish. Recommended polishes include Flitz polish, Simichrome, or Wrights." I did it according to Michael's recommendation. Yes, many spots are gone, however, there are still some spots with damaged chrome layer, metal color appeal, roughness felt by hand. I reported the fact to Michael, however, no response. I called back and discussed the issue with another rep of Rohl. I was told she would discuss this issue with Michael (she told me Michael is manager of tech support). Again, no response from Rohl. I feel I am deserve a good customer service since the faucet is soo expensive. I guess I am wrong. I remember I received an excellent service, have a similar issue, from Price Pfister. I think Rohl's service is not acceptable, shame for such a reputable vendor. I think no more Rohl for me in the future. I may file a complain to consumer report agency as well.

Here is what I obtained from our village website. They only provided "tips". I have included my comments to some items. More detail would have been helpful: Tips on Home Remodeling Getting Started The Village of xxxx allows homeowners to act as contractor for their own home remodeling projects. It must be noted, however, that a permit is required for all projects in which an addition or alteration will be done at the property. (comments: I can understand additions, difficult to define "alteration" e.g. cabinets replacement, carpet replacement with hardwood flooring, or replacing existing vanity and tub, or replacing existing fluorescent light with regular light.. etcare these "alteration"? or alteration of the structure of the home?.. this is a grey area dont understand this.. this can be interpreted different ways unless there is a definite definition for this) Additionally, projects that require the alteration of the roofline of the existing structure must have drawings sealed by a (STATE) licensed architect or structural engineer. Lastly, check the covenants for your subdivision before proceeding with any work; individual subdivision covenants may have special requirements and restrictions. Obtaining a Permit Although many people consider obtaining a permit to be a burden, it does have a critical role in any construction project. Having a permit entitles each homeowner: · Provides inspectors to answer questions. · Offers some security from contractor fraud. (some security? What does this mean? With permit contractor fraud did happen. With "zero" security from the village) · Allows inspectors an opportunity to verify that the contractor is working in a professional manner.(does this mean that the inspectors verify the quality of work and also the behavior of the contractors? Define what does it mean by "verify that the contractor is working in a professional manner" again.. this can be interpreted differently by inspectors according to their likeness unless there is a definite definition) Tips on Hiring a Contractor · Insist on a written contract. Obtain a written contract and make sure you understand the terms. Include a time frame for the completion of the project, but do not rush. Include terms of a payment plan and agree as to who will handle additional unforeseen expenses. · Make secure payments. It is not unusual for a contractor to require some money up front before construction starts. Make certain, however, that payments do not get ahead of work that has been completed. Never pay the full cost of the job up front. If a contractor insists on full payment up front, look for a different person. · Conduct interviews with potential contractors. Remember the contractor is working for you. Be certain that you are comfortable working with this person. Additionally, talk with friends and neighbors: people who have had experiences with contractors (good or bad) are always willing to share their knowledge. · Check with the Better Business Bureau. Checking with the Better Business Bureau will give you an opportunity to assess a potential contractors work history. · Verify the handling of inspections. Come to an agreement as to who will handle the permit and inspection process. If the contractor is scheduling the inspections, ask for copies of the results and keep them with the permit. · Make sure the contractor has insurance. Without insurance you may be liable if a worker is hurt in your home. The Village of XX does have an ordinance requiring all contractors working within the village to be licensed and bonded. · Ask for at least 3 references. Make sure that the sources had work done that was similar to your proposed project. · Get at least 3 bids. Check material pricing with that of your local building supply store to see if the price quoted is fair. · Establish a reasonable timeframe. If the contractor states the project will take 8 weeks, do not insist on 6 weeks; doing so might affect the quality of work. Revised