Four Facts About The Declaration of Independence

In the midst of our 4th of July celebrations, it’s interesting to look back at the document
behind the whole idea of American independence. Here are a few things you may not know
about one of our national treasures.

1. The Declaration wasn’t signed on July 4. The Continental Congress declared
freedom from Britain on July 2, 1776. July 4 is when the Declaration was adopted.
2. Six of the signers of the Declaration also signed the U.S. Constitution (including
Benjamin Franklin).
3. Several hundred copies of the document were printed on July 4 and 26 remain. Most
are held in museums and libraries, but three are privately owned.
4. In 1989, a man bought an old picture frame for $4 with an original copy of the
Declaration of Independence hidden inside—and later sold it for $8.1 million!

Three Important Documents for Your Home Remodeling Project

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were without question two of the
most important documents in the building of our country. There are also some very
important documents you should pay attention to when you’re remodeling your home.

1. Your Contract: The contract you sign with your remodeler spells out all the terms and
conditions involved in doing the remodeling work. It covers price, materials, schedule, and a
host of other things. This document exists to protect both you and us, so don’t be in a rush
to sign it. Verbal communication about your expectations and commitments can be
misunderstood. Your written contract spells everything out in detail and makes sure
everyone involved are on the same page.
2. Your Plan/Design: The plan/design for your project is your chance to visualize how the
new remodeling will look. This is helpful because sometimes seeing the plan/design laid out
gives you a clearer idea of what’s really happening. And it’s better to make changes at the
planning stage rather than during the construction phase.
3. Your Change Order Form: Let’s be honest, sometimes changes do happen in the
middle of a project. Some may be small changes – some may be more significant. A change
order form spells out exactly what the change is, what it will cost, and how it may affect the
schedule. Once again, it makes sure everything is clear and all parties are on the same
page.

These documents are essential to making sure your home remodeling delivers the results you want,
so read them carefully before signing your “John Hancock!”

Should You Declare YOUR Independence?

Maybe your 4th of July celebrations are making you feel a bit independent yourself. Should
you tackle your home remodeling project on your own or hire a pro? According to a 2015
survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 58% of people planning a
home remodeling project plan to use professional help.

The NAHB has mercifully not released figures on how many people start a project on their
own and then call in a professional to clean up the mess!
Your home and property are always good places to invest your dollars. Give us a call ( 203-
269-9204 ) with any project questions – we are here to help. Thanks again!

Mark & Nancy Benson