Where to go on holiday in March 2023 - Condé Nast Traveller

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Temperature: 19°C high; 13°C low Season: spring Travel time from UK: 2 hours 35 minutes Time difference: GMT +1 Nothing brings a spring to the step quite like the sight of Italy's glorious Amalfi coast. Particularly in March, when its vertiginous twists are bathed in a daily average eight hours of sun. Cliffs plunge into the Tyrrhenian Sea, topped with grand palazzos and smart hotels. Narrow, Roman lanes are stuffed with limoncello stalls flogging the boozy spoils of Sorrento's famous fruit. Its snoozy air and pastel-coloured houses are pure Italian cinema: you might even swear you've seen a young Sophia Loren looking impossibly saucy by the quay. Do as the Italians do and spend the lazy, romantic days enjoying a long aperitivo . Don't miss fresh fritto misto at Marina Grande, the town's old fishing harbour, or Michelin-starred Il Buco in the cellars of an old monastery, where chef Peppe Aversa serves seasonal ingredients under a stone-hewn, vaulted ceiling. Th...
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Kelvin Collins: Ready for a DIY project? Do it with these wise tips - The Augusta Chronicle

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Kelvin Collins  |  Columnist

Do-it-yourself is an attractive way to save money on home improvement projects. Home centers stay busy each spring with people looking to improve their home and yard. Whether you are remodeling your home, making needed repairs or sprucing things up to put your house on the market, the following tips will help make your next home improvement project a success:

Come up with a budget and stick to it

Home improvement projects can get expensive, fast. If you don't want to break the bank, create a realistic budget to figure out how much you can spend ahead of time. Be upfront with contractors you hire about how much you can spend on a project as well.

Think about the pros and cons of DIY projects

If time and motivation is no problem for you, you may be able to tackle some basic home improvement projects on your own, but other projects may require further expertise. If you don't have a background in construction, it's usually best to hire a contractor to help with larger projects, such as plumbing, tiling, tree removal, exterior painting, and general remodels.

Give priority to projects that keep your home clean and safe

If your home is in need of repairs, take care of those projects first. For example, fix that leaky roof before you give your home's walls a fresh coat of paint. In addition, don't forget to stay on top of regular home maintenance tasks to maximize the cleanliness and safety of your home.

Add value with a bathroom or kitchen remodel

Remodeling your bathroom or kitchen can completely change the look and feel of your home, creating a space you enjoy being in – not to mention it can add quite a bit of value to your home. For large scale remodels, hire a contractor that specializes in construction and remodeling services.

Improve energy efficiency

Save money (and the environment) by improving the energy efficiency of your home. Energy saving projects that are worth taking on include checking and replacing the seals on all windows and ducts in your home, installing new windows and looking into green energy options like solar panels.

Get multiple quotes from contractors

When you are ready to start your home improvement project, be sure to get multiple quotes from several companies. Never be pressured into hiring the first person you speak with. Comparing pricing and services is a critical step in choosing a skilled contractor you can trust.

Properly vet contractors before you hire 

Even if the price is right, don't hire a contractor before doing some research. Ask the contractor to provide references. Look up their name or company name online and pay close attention to any reviews or complaints from previous customers. Verify that the contractor is licensed and insured and get an estimate and contract in writing. Read contracts carefully before you sign them.

Think about permits

For larger projects, you may need to pay for building permits. Do your research ahead of time and understand that even if you hire a contractor, you may still be responsible for the cost of the permits.

Don't get scammed

Stay alert to any suspicious behavior on the part of "home improvement specialists." Red flags include not putting things into writing, demanding upfront payment, unexpected price changes, high-pressure sales tactics, unsolicited free inspections (that usually reveal the need for an urgent repair) and cash-only deals.

For more information, visit BBB's HomeHQ for tips on everything in and around your home.

Kelvin Collins is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving the Fall Line Corridor, which includes the Augusta-Aiken metro area. Direct questions or complaints about a specific company or charity to (800) 763-4222 or info@centralgeorgia.bbb.org.

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