You've probably heard this before, but a contractor can make or break your remodeling or home addition project. Finding the right contractor will determine the timeliness and quality of work, and the amount of financial and emotional stress you'll have to deal with. Before paying thousands of dollars for the job, you'll want to carefully screen potential contractors and make sure they know what they're doing. Our REALTORS® have collated a list of questions to ask before you hire a contractor.

• How Long Have You Been Working in This Town?
  When hiring a contractor, you want to know how much experience they have and how long they've been working in your local area. A contractor who has been around the block for a few years is more likely to have a proven track record. They're a safer bet than a contractor planning to commute to your home from 50 miles away.

What's the best thing to do when you settle into a new house? If you are like our REALTORS®, you will fall into your favorite chair and pick up a book to relax. With National Library Week scheduled for April 4-10, there is plenty of time to browse the local libraries' shelves for the perfect book to read. 

Suffolk County Libraries

• Commack Public Library - 18 Hauppauge Rd., Commack, NY 11725
  Located in the heart of Huntington near Commack homes for sale, the Commack Public Library is a great place to kick up your heels and dig into a delicious book. It's the perfect place to find books about decorating, how-to-repairs, and much more.

Communities across Long Island have always held a deep love for history, culture, the arts, and scientific discovery, so it's no surprise that our area is home to a wide variety of fascinating museums for all ages. Exploring museums near Suffolk County homes for sale is a great way to discover new things, and many Long Island museums are currently open with online reservations for timed entry. Our REALTORS® have the exciting details on six one-of-a-kind museums that you definitely won't want to miss around Long Island.

1. Science Museum of Long Island – 1526 N. Plandome Rd., Manhasset, NY 11030
   Located on the beautiful Leeds Pond Preserve near Manhasset homes for sale, you'll find the Science Museum of Long Island. Programs at the Science Museum of Long Island are designed to help children discover and fall in love with science through interactive learning. There are after-school workshops every weekday, and the museum is also open for fun events like birthday parties.

If you're planning to put your Long Island home on the market, you'll want to highlight available space to potential buyers. Our REALTORS® are familiar with ways to squeeze every last bit of utility out of any space. In fact, there are many rooms in your house that can do double-duty to appeal to buyers.

• Double Down in the Dining Room
  The dining room gets used for special events and holidays. The rest of the year it sits fairly empty. Adding book cabinets and a secretary desk can turn it into a cozy library or office space that buyers will appreciate when you decide to sell.