What Contractors See When They Walk Into Your Living Room

Before redecorating, make sure you're not covering up issues that are going to cost you later. Here's the checklist.

The living room is where most homeowners focus their decorating energy — and where they most often discover expensive hidden problems once they start working. Here's what I assess before any cosmetic work begins in a living room.

Contractor Tips

• Check crown molding and baseboards where they meet the ceiling and floor. Gaps mean the house is moving — usually seasonal, but worth understanding before adding tile or hardwood.
• Look at the fireplace surround and mantel if there is one. Cracks in the firebox interior require repair before the fireplace can be used safely.
• Outlet count: living rooms need an outlet on every wall and near any seating area. Running extension cords is a fire risk and a code violation.