Do you need professional help with a home makeover, a kitchen remodeling project, or a bathroom update in the Santa Barbara - Santa Maria, California, area? Are you in the market for new kitchen cabinets, countertops, flooring, or new bath fixtures? Whether you need home repair help, a plumber, an electrician, or an appliance repair person, you have come to the right place.

HomeTips will help you find Santa Barbara - Santa Maria area contractors, builders, home repair services, kitchen and bath remodelers, and other home improvement professionals who are prescreened, trusted, and reliable. And we will help guide you through your project with expert articles about every phase of home repair, remodeling, and home improvement.

Most homeowners have houses that were built for another family and another era--many California homes are at least 40 years old. Time has taken its toll on the roof, siding, surfaces, and systems. These houses need repair and, in some cases, major improvements or add-ons.

For many types of repairs and home improvements, hiring a qualified contractor or professional is the best route. The trick is to find a good, honest, competent pro in the Santa Barbara - Santa Maria area. For this, you can use the contractor finder service that we offer here-this is a great way to get matched with local contractors who have been vetted and prescreened.

How to Start Your Improvement Project in Santa Barbara, CA

1) Before you begin a major project, check for local zoning and safety restrictions:
County of Santa Barbara Planning & Development

2) Find out about any available local home improvement incentives and programs:
California Home Repair Programs

3) Check to see if your improvements qualify for US tax credits or incentives:
Tax Credits for Energy-Saving Improvements

4) Get free estimates from local prescreened contractors:
Prescreened Local Contractors

5) Find out whether your project will require permits:
Santa Barbara - Santa Maria Permits Information

6) Check the records of contractors you're considering:
Santa Barbara - Santa Maria CA Better Business Bureau

ALSO
Get general information about this area here: Santa Barbara CA Information and Santa Maria CA Information

If necessary, file construction complaints here: California Contractor Review Board

Helpful HomeTips Remodeling & Improvement Articles

• 10 Ways to Cut Home Improvement Costs
• Kitchen Design
• Bathroom Design
• Should You Do It Yourself?
• Building & Remodeling Permits
• Tips for Hiring Contractors
• A Good Home Improvement Contract
• Dealing with Contractor Problems
• Remodeling & Building Safety

A Closer Look at Santa Barbara - Santa Maria, CA

Geographic and weather concerns that may impact building and design: strong summer sun, salt air in coastal areas, earthquakes, occasional heavy winds, fires