Realsolutionshome.com Review

Based on checking the website, realsolutionshome.com appears to be a legitimate home renovation and custom home building company.

However, for those seeking Sharia-compliant financial solutions, the offered financing options through Acorn Finance are a significant point of concern due to their interest-based nature.

Overall Review Summary:

Website Professionalism: High
Service Clarity: Clear, focuses on home renovations and custom builds.
Customer Testimonials: Available and positive.
Licensing/Insurance: Stated as licensed, bonded, and insured.
Financing Options: Utilizes Acorn Finance, which offers conventional, interest-based loans. This is not permissible in Islam.
Transparency: Good transparency regarding company history and team.
Contact Information: Readily available.

While realsolutionshome.com seems to offer quality home renovation services, the partnership with Acorn Finance for financing presents a major issue from an Islamic ethical standpoint.

Conventional financing relies on interest riba, which is strictly prohibited in Islam.

Therefore, for individuals looking for Sharia-compliant alternatives, this website’s financing approach is not suitable.

It’s crucial to prioritize ethical financial dealings, even when undertaking essential home improvements.

Best Alternatives for Home Improvement & Ethical Financing:

When looking into home improvements, especially for those who prioritize ethical and Sharia-compliant methods, it’s essential to consider alternatives that align with Islamic principles.

This primarily means avoiding interest-based financing.

Here are some categories and approaches that represent better alternatives:

Halal Home Improvement Loans/Takaful Financing: Look for Islamic financial institutions that offer Sharia-compliant home improvement loans, often structured as Murabaha cost-plus financing, Ijarah leasing, or Musharaka partnership. These models avoid interest entirely. Key features include asset-backed transactions and risk-sharing.
- Average Price: Varies significantly based on project scope and loan amount.
- Pros: Fully Sharia-compliant, promotes ethical financial practices, supports Islamic financial institutions.
- Cons: Fewer providers globally compared to conventional banks, approval processes might differ.
Direct Savings & Self-Funding: The most straightforward and undeniably ethical approach is to save up the necessary funds and pay for renovations outright. This eliminates any need for loans or interest.
- Average Price: Cost of renovation project.
- Pros: No debt, no interest, complete financial independence, peace of mind.
- Cons: Requires patience and disciplined saving, project delays if funds aren’t readily available.
Local Renovation Contractors with Cash Payment Options: Many independent contractors and smaller renovation companies are willing to work on a cash-payment basis for each stage of the project. This gives you control over expenditures and avoids financing.
- Average Price: Project-specific.
- Pros: Flexibility in payment schedule, potential for direct negotiation on costs, supports local businesses.
- Cons: Requires diligent project management and budgeting, may not offer large-scale credit if needed.
Home Equity Islamic Financing if applicable: For homeowners with significant equity, some Islamic financial institutions offer products like diminishing Musharaka or Ijarah to leverage equity for home improvements without interest. Guidance Residential is a prominent example in the US.
- Average Price: Loan amount varies based on equity.
- Pros: Utilizes existing asset value ethically, provides substantial funds for major projects.
- Cons: Requires existing home equity, limited providers.
DIY Home Improvement Supplies: For smaller projects, doing it yourself or learning new skills can significantly reduce costs and eliminate the need for external financing. This involves purchasing materials directly.
- Average Price: Cost of materials and tools.
- Pros: Cost-effective, builds skills, provides a sense of accomplishment, no financing required.
- Cons: Requires time and effort, may not be suitable for complex or large-scale renovations, potential for mistakes if inexperienced.
Crowdfunding for Community Projects if applicable and ethical platforms: While less common for individual home renovations, for community-focused or impactful projects, ethical crowdfunding platforms could be an option. Ensure the platform adheres to Sharia principles regarding investments and contributions.
- Average Price: Dependent on fundraising goals.
- Pros: Engages community, leverages collective support, potentially interest-free.
- Cons: Not suitable for all projects, success depends on public interest and support.
Bartering Services informal network: In certain communities, bartering skills or services can be a way to get certain renovation tasks done without monetary exchange, thus avoiding any financial transactions that could involve interest. For example, if you’re a web designer, you might offer your services in exchange for plumbing work.
- Average Price: Value of exchanged services.
- Pros: No money involved, fosters community, creative problem-solving.
- Cons: Limited applicability, requires finding compatible individuals, not always professional-grade.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

realsolutionshome.com Review & First Look

When first landing on realsolutionshome.com, the immediate impression is one of professionalism and clarity.

The website prominently features its core services: home renovations and custom homes.

What immediately jumps out is the declaration, “We are a Christian based company and I have surrounded myself with some of the most knowledgeable and talented tradespeople in the remodeling and custom home business who share our values.” This statement, while perhaps aimed at building trust with a specific audience, also sets a clear tone regarding the company’s ethos.

The site is visually clean, easy to navigate, and provides immediate access to key information such as services, contact details, and a gallery.

Initial Impressions and User Experience

The navigation bar is intuitive, offering direct links to “Renovations,” “Custom,” “Commercial,” and “Financing.” This straightforward layout ensures that visitors can quickly find the information they are seeking. The “Get Started” call-to-action buttons are strategically placed, encouraging immediate engagement. The mobile responsiveness of the site is also commendable, ensuring a consistent experience across various devices. However, a glaring issue for a Muslim audience, and indeed anyone seeking ethical financial solutions, is the prominent link to “Financing” which leads to Acorn Finance. This immediately raises a red flag because Acorn Finance, as a conventional lender, operates on interest-based loans, which are strictly prohibited in Islamic finance. This partnership alone renders the site’s financing options unsuitable for those adhering to Sharia principles.

Transparency and Credibility Indicators

The website emphasizes its legitimacy with statements like, “We are licensed, bonded, and insured.” This is a critical trust signal for any construction or renovation company. Furthermore, the inclusion of an endorsement from the “KTSA Home Improvement Show” adds a layer of third-party validation. Customer testimonials are also featured, providing social proof of their service quality. For instance, R.R. from San Antonio praised the quality of work and responsiveness, stating, “I would not hesitate in using his company’s services again.” These elements collectively build a strong case for their operational credibility.

Scope of Services Offered

RealSolutionsHome positions itself as a comprehensive solution for both minor and major home projects. They cater to:

Home Renovations: Covering exterior repairs, remodeling, siding replacement, painting, and fence installations.
Custom Homes: Indicating expertise in designing and building homes from the ground up, with the owner having “specialized in custom homes sales, custom home design, walking the clients through the construction stages, and working directly with the builder as a general contractor for over 10 years now.”
Universal Design/Aging: A specialized service focusing on making homes accessible and functional for individuals with mobility challenges or those looking to age in place.
Commercial Projects: Expanding their service scope beyond residential properties, suggesting versatility and capacity for larger-scale endeavors.

realsolutionshome.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating realsolutionshome.com, it’s important to weigh its strengths against areas that might be less ideal, especially from a Sharia-compliant perspective.

While the company appears competent in its service delivery, certain aspects related to its financial partnerships are a significant drawback for ethical consumers.

Operational Strengths

Clear Value Proposition: The website clearly articulates its services in home renovation and custom home building. There’s no ambiguity about what they offer.
Experienced Leadership: The owner, Zip Gist, highlights over 20 years in real estate and 10 years in custom home sales and general contracting. This background suggests a deep understanding of the industry.
Strong Testimonials: The presence of positive customer reviews, specifically mentioning professionalism, responsiveness, and quality of work, builds confidence in their service delivery. R.R. from San Antonio noted, “I am pleased with the quality of the work done…” and S.G. stated, “He knows his stuff.”
Transparent Credentials: The explicit declaration “We are licensed, bonded, and insured” is crucial for any contractor. This information provides a baseline of security for potential clients.
Specialized Services: Offering “Universal Design/Aging” indicates a modern and inclusive approach to home design, catering to specific demographic needs.
Discounts Offered: The availability of “Military, Educator, and First Responder Discounts” demonstrates an appreciation for community service.

Key Concerns Cons

Interest-Based Financing Partnership: This is the most significant drawback for anyone seeking Sharia-compliant solutions. The prominent link to Acorn Finance for “Financing Options” directly leads to conventional, interest-bearing loans. Islamic finance strictly prohibits riba interest, making this partnership problematic. For a Muslim, engaging in such a financial transaction would be a transgression. This is a critical ethical consideration that outweighs many operational positives.
Lack of Sharia-Compliant Alternatives: The website does not offer any alternatives for halal financing, such as partnerships with Islamic banks or Takaful institutions. This omission forces potential clients to either engage in impermissible financing or seek alternative solutions independently, which defeats the purpose of an integrated service.
Limited Information on Process: While services are listed, detailed explanations of their project management process, timelines, or typical cost ranges are not readily apparent on the homepage. This might require further inquiry.
No Online Booking/Estimate Tool: For a modern service website, the absence of an immediate online estimate tool or a direct booking system for consultations might be seen as a minor inconvenience, directing all initial interactions to a “Contact Us” form.

realsolutionshome.com Alternatives

For individuals seeking home renovation services but committed to ethical and Sharia-compliant financial practices, avoiding interest-based financing is paramount. This necessitates looking beyond realsolutionshome.com’s conventional financing partnership and exploring alternative approaches. The focus here is on how to finance or execute a project ethically, rather than specific direct competitors, as the primary concern is the financing model. Fixcomp.net Review

Halal Home Renovation Financing

The most direct alternative to conventional loans is seeking out financial institutions that specialize in Islamic finance.

These institutions offer products designed to comply with Sharia law, avoiding interest.

Murabaha Cost-Plus Financing: In a Murabaha contract, the bank buys the desired goods e.g., renovation materials and then sells them to the customer at an agreed-upon higher price, payable in installments. This profit margin is legitimate and not interest.
- Key Features: Transparency of cost and profit margin, no interest.
- Considerations: Requires thorough documentation of costs.
- Example Provider: Look for established Islamic banks or financial cooperatives in the US. Guidance Residential primarily for home purchase, but some might extend to renovations is a notable entity.
Ijara Leasing: While more common for vehicle or equipment financing, Ijara can sometimes be adapted for certain aspects of renovation, where the financier owns the asset and leases it to the customer.
- Key Features: Asset-backed, no interest.
- Considerations: Less common for direct renovation financing compared to Murabaha.
Musharaka Partnership: This involves a joint venture where both the financier and the client contribute capital to a project, sharing profits and losses according to agreed-upon ratios. This is often seen in larger real estate developments but can be adapted for significant home projects.
- Key Features: Risk and profit sharing, encourages collaboration.
- Considerations: More complex, requires clear partnership agreements.

Self-Funding and Staged Payments

The most Sharia-compliant method is to avoid external financing altogether by saving up the necessary funds.

Direct Savings: Accumulate funds over time to pay for the renovation project in full. This eliminates debt and any form of interest.
- Key Features: Complete financial independence, peace of mind, no contractual obligations to lenders.
- Pros: 100% Sharia-compliant, no financial burden.
- Cons: Requires patience, delays project until sufficient funds are available.
Staged Payments with Contractors: Negotiate with renovation companies to pay for the project in installments as work is completed. This reduces the immediate financial burden and allows for more manageable payments from savings.
- Key Features: Control over cash flow, ensures work is progressing before payments are made.
- Pros: Avoids large upfront costs, aligns payments with project milestones.
- Cons: Requires careful budgeting, contractors may require initial deposits.

Utilizing Ethical Community Funds

In some Muslim communities, local organizations or benevolent funds might offer interest-free loans Qard Hasan for essential needs, including home repairs or improvements, though these are typically limited in scope and availability.

Qard Hasan: A benevolent loan where the lender does not charge any interest or profit, expecting only the principal amount to be repaid.
- Key Features: Interest-free, humanitarian principle.
- Considerations: Often limited to urgent or necessary cases, availability varies greatly by community.

Searching for Contractors with Ethical Business Practices

When choosing a contractor, explicitly inquire about their payment terms and whether they can accommodate staged, cash-based payments. Acrepairinorlando.net Review

While realsolutionshome.com seems reputable for its services, their financial partnership is a deal-breaker for ethical consumers.

Focus on finding contractors who are flexible with payment schedules that align with your ability to pay without interest.

Vetting Local Contractors: Look for highly-rated local contractors on platforms like Angi formerly Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor. When contacting them, clearly state your preference for cash payments and inquire about their payment milestone policies.
Detailed Contracts: Ensure any agreement clearly outlines payment schedules tied to project milestones, protecting both parties.

By focusing on these alternatives, individuals can pursue their home renovation goals while upholding their commitment to Sharia-compliant financial practices, ensuring their efforts are blessed and free from the stain of riba.

How to Avoid Interest-Based Financing in Home Renovations

For Muslims, engaging in interest-based transactions riba is strictly prohibited.

This prohibition extends to loans, mortgages, and any financial product where a fixed or variable interest rate is charged.

While conventional financing options might seem convenient, their use is contrary to Islamic principles.

Therefore, when embarking on home renovations, it’s crucial to implement strategies that completely bypass interest.

Understanding the Prohibition of Riba

Riba, in Islamic jurisprudence, refers to any unjustifiable increase or excess obtained in a transaction involving the exchange of two similar commodities, or a stipulated increase over and above the principal amount of a loan.

The Quran and Sunnah explicitly condemn it, equating it with fighting against Allah and His Messenger.

The wisdom behind this prohibition lies in promoting justice, equity, and avoiding exploitation, ensuring wealth circulates in the real economy rather than accumulating through usury. Treeremoval-newyorkcity.com Review

For detailed understanding, one can refer to Islamic finance scholarly works and interpretations of Quranic verses such as Al-Baqarah 2:275-280.

Practical Strategies for Interest-Free Renovations

Save and Pay Cash:
- Strategy: The most straightforward and undeniably permissible method. Set a budget for your renovation project, save diligently, and undertake the renovation only when you have the full amount available.
- Benefits: No debt, no interest, complete peace of mind, and full ownership from day one. You also gain leverage in negotiations with contractors as you’re a cash buyer.
- Execution: Create a dedicated savings account. If it’s a large project, break it down into phases and save for each phase individually, executing them sequentially as funds become available. This can be slower, but it’s financially sound and ethically pure.
Explore Islamic Financing Institutions:
- Strategy: Seek out banks or financial institutions that offer Sharia-compliant home financing products. These are structured to avoid interest while still enabling asset acquisition or improvement.
- Common Models:
  - Murabaha Cost-Plus Sale: The financier buys the renovation materials or pays for the contractor’s services and then sells them to you at a pre-agreed profit margin, payable in installments. The profit is a legitimate return on a tangible transaction, not interest on a loan.
  - Ijara Leasing: Less common for direct renovation, but potentially applicable for large equipment needed for a project, where the financier leases the equipment to you.
  - Musharaka Mutanaqisah Diminishing Partnership: Typically used for home purchases, but could be adapted for very large-scale renovations where the financier and client jointly own the property, and the client gradually buys out the financier’s share.
- Key Providers in the US: Look for institutions like Guidance Residential or other emerging Islamic finance entities. Verify their Sharia Supervisory Board’s credentials.
Negotiate Staged Payments with Contractors:
- Strategy: Instead of taking a lump-sum loan, agree with your contractor on a payment schedule tied to the completion of specific project milestones. This allows you to pay for work as it’s finished, potentially using your ongoing savings or smaller, short-term interest-free personal loans from family/friends.
- Example: 20% upfront deposit, 30% upon completion of framing, 30% upon drywall installation, 20% upon final completion.
- Benefits: Reduces the need for large external financing, aligns payments with work progress, and provides an incentive for the contractor to complete phases promptly.
Community-Based Interest-Free Loans Qard Hasan:
- Strategy: In some Muslim communities, benevolent loan funds or individual philanthropists offer Qard Hasan, which are interest-free loans, usually for essential needs. While typically not for luxury renovations, they might be available for critical repairs or improvements that impact habitability.
- Conditions: These loans are often based on need, trust, and the ability to repay the principal amount without any additional charge.
- How to Access: Inquire within your local mosque or Islamic community center.
Bartering and Skill Exchange:
- Strategy: For certain tasks, consider exchanging your own skills or services with a contractor or tradesperson. If you’re an IT professional, you might offer IT support in exchange for plumbing work, for example.
- Benefits: Completely eliminates monetary exchange and thus any potential for interest.
- Limitations: Highly situational and dependent on finding compatible individuals willing to barter. Not suitable for large, complex projects.

By meticulously planning and prioritizing these interest-free strategies, Muslims can ensure their home renovation projects are not only successful but also conducted in a manner that aligns with their deeply held religious and ethical convictions.

realsolutionshome.com Pricing

Based on the information available on realsolutionshome.com’s homepage, there is no direct pricing information provided for their renovation or custom home services.

This is a common practice for service-based businesses, especially in construction and remodeling, where costs are highly variable and depend on numerous factors.

Why Direct Pricing Is Absent

Customization: Every renovation or custom home project is unique. The scope of work, materials chosen, existing structural conditions, necessary permits, and client-specific demands all contribute to a highly variable cost.
Material Costs: Prices for building materials like lumber, steel, insulation, tiles, and fixtures fluctuate significantly based on market demand, supply chain issues, and global economic conditions. Providing fixed prices would be impractical and quickly outdated.
Labor Costs: Labor rates vary by region, the complexity of the task, and the specialization required. A general contractor’s overhead, subcontractor fees plumbers, electricians, painters, and project management time are all factored in.
Unexpected Issues: During renovations, unforeseen problems can arise e.g., discovering mold, structural damage, outdated wiring. These unexpected issues necessitate additional work and costs that cannot be quoted upfront.
Design & Engineering: Custom homes involve significant design and engineering work, which varies widely based on architectural complexity and client preferences.

How to Get a Quote from RealSolutionsHome

The website funnels potential clients towards a consultation process to obtain pricing. Prismcreativedesigns.com Review

The repeated “Get Started” buttons link directly to their “Contact Us” page.

To get an estimate for a project with RealSolutionsHome, you would typically need to:

Contact Them: Reach out via their contact form, phone number, or email details available on their “Contact Us” page.
Initial Consultation: They would likely schedule an initial consultation, either over the phone or at your property, to understand the scope of your project, your needs, and your budget.
Site Visit: For renovations, a site visit is almost always necessary to assess the existing structure, take measurements, and identify potential challenges.
Detailed Proposal: Based on the information gathered, they would then provide a detailed proposal or estimate, outlining the scope of work, materials, timeline, and estimated costs. This proposal is typically non-binding until a contract is signed.

Ethical Considerations Regarding Financing

While RealSolutionsHome does not list pricing, they do list a “Financing” option prominently, linking to Acorn Finance. This is the critical point for ethical consumers. Acorn Finance is a conventional lending platform that offers loans with interest.

Impact on Islamic Finance: For Muslims, engaging with interest-based financing riba is forbidden. Therefore, even if RealSolutionsHome provides a competitive quote for their services, the offered financing avenue is problematic.
Recommendation: If considering RealSolutionsHome, it is imperative to reject their recommended financing partner and instead pursue one of the Sharia-compliant alternatives discussed previously e.g., self-funding, Islamic finance institutions, or staged payments. The cost of the renovation itself is permissible, but the method of financing it must be free from interest.

In summary, expect to engage in a consultation process to obtain pricing from realsolutionshome.com.

While their service pricing might be competitive, their partnership with an interest-based lender means clients seeking Sharia-compliant solutions must secure their own ethical financing before proceeding.

Realsolutionshome.com vs. Ethical Contractors

When considering realsolutionshome.com, it’s not simply a matter of comparing their renovation services to another contractor’s.

The crucial distinction, particularly for individuals committed to Islamic ethics, lies in the financial aspect.

This isn’t a direct feature-for-feature comparison of construction quality, but rather an examination of business models and their compatibility with Sharia principles.

Realsolutionshome.com’s Approach

Realsolutionshome.com positions itself as a professional, experienced general contractor for home renovations and custom builds. Their strengths lie in:

Established Presence: Started in 2019, with the owner having over 20 years in real estate and 10 years in custom home work. This suggests a solid foundation and experience.
Comprehensive Services: They handle everything from minor repairs to full custom builds, including specialized areas like “Universal Design/Aging.”
Customer Trust Signals: Boasts “licensed, bonded, and insured,” positive testimonials, and an endorsement from a local radio show.
Value Alignment for some: As a “Christian based company” sharing specific values, this might appeal to a segment of the population looking for contractors with a stated moral compass.

The Major Detractor: Financing. Their partnership with Acorn Finance means they direct clients towards conventional, interest-based loans. This is the critical incompatibility for those seeking ethical, Sharia-compliant solutions. From an Islamic perspective, even if their renovation work is excellent, facilitating or promoting interest-based transactions is a serious concern. Serisimple.com Review

Ethical Contractors & Their Approach

An “ethical contractor” in this context refers not necessarily to their religious affiliation, but to their flexibility and willingness to accommodate payment methods that align with Sharia principles, specifically by avoiding interest. This doesn’t mean they offer Islamic financing themselves, but rather that they are amenable to working with clients who secure their own permissible financing or pay directly.

Focus on Project Delivery, Not Financing: Ethical contractors prioritize the quality of their work and project completion. They typically operate on a direct service-for-payment model.
Flexibility in Payment Terms: They are often willing to negotiate staged payments tied to project milestones. This allows clients to pay as work progresses, using cash saved or funds from Sharia-compliant sources.
Transparency in Costing: While they won’t list fixed prices, they should be transparent in their quoting process, breaking down material and labor costs.
No Push for External Loans: They do not actively push or recommend specific conventional lenders. They might accept various forms of payment, including bank transfers, checks, or cash within legal limits, without inquiring about the source of the funds unless legally required for anti-money laundering, which is separate from interest.

The Crucial Distinction

Feature / Aspect	Realsolutionshome.com	Ethical Contractor from Islamic perspective
Primary Service Focus	Home Renovation & Custom Homes	Home Renovation & Custom Homes
Experience & Credentials	High Licensed, bonded, insured, experienced owner	Varies, but ideally equally high Requires vetting for credentials
Customer Reviews	Positive, available on site	Should have verifiable positive reviews e.g., Google, Yelp, local referrals
Financing Offered/Linked	Yes, through Acorn Finance interest-based	No direct financing offered, accepts ethical payments, no push for interest-loans
Sharia Compliance Financing	Non-compliant due to interest	Potentially compliant if client sources ethical funds
Flexibility for Ethical Pay	Unstated, but likely would accept cash/staged payments if you provide it	High, often willing to negotiate staged payments tied to milestones

Conclusion:
For a Muslim consumer, while realsolutionshome.com appears to be a legitimate and competent contractor, its direct affiliation and promotion of interest-based financing make it a less desirable choice. An “ethical contractor” in this context is one who focuses solely on providing the renovation service and is flexible enough to allow the client to manage their own, Sharia-compliant financing through savings, Islamic banks, or staged payments. The emphasis shifts from who the contractor is to how the project is financed. Therefore, the strategic choice is to find a reputable contractor who aligns with ethical financial principles, rather than one who facilitates interest.

How to Work with Contractors Ethically Without Interest

Navigating home renovations while adhering to Islamic financial principles requires proactive planning and clear communication with contractors.

The goal is to secure quality services without engaging in interest-bearing loans.

This means the onus is on the client to ensure their payment method is Sharia-compliant, regardless of the contractor’s preferred financing partners.

Step 1: Secure Your Ethical Funding First

Before even contacting contractors for quotes, determine how you will finance your project without interest. This is the foundational step.

Dedicated Savings: The most robust method. Ensure you have the necessary funds saved in a halal manner e.g., in a non-interest-bearing account.
Islamic Finance Products: If saving isn’t feasible for the full amount, research and secure a Sharia-compliant financing product like Murabaha or Ijara from a reputable Islamic financial institution. Get pre-approval or a clear understanding of your budget through them.
Community Loans Qard Hasan: If applicable and available, secure a Qard Hasan from a trusted community source.

Crucial Point: Do not proceed with discussions that involve traditional financing options offered by contractors or their partners like Acorn Finance in realsolutionshome.com’s case. Politely decline these offers and state you have your own financing arranged.

Step 2: Clearly Communicate Your Payment Terms

Once you have your ethical funding in place, or a plan for staged payments from your savings, clearly communicate this to potential contractors during the initial bidding process.

State Your Preference Early: When requesting a quote, inform the contractor that you will be paying directly via cash or bank transfer from your savings/Islamic financing and prefer a payment schedule tied to project milestones.
Inquire About Staged Payments: Ask if they are accustomed to working with a payment schedule where a percentage is paid upon contract signing, and subsequent payments are made upon the completion of agreed-upon phases of work e.g., foundation, framing, rough-ins, finish work, final inspection.
Be Specific: Provide a proposed payment schedule. For example:
- 10-20% deposit upon signing the contract.
- 20-30% upon completion of Phase 1 e.g., demolition and structural work.
- 20-30% upon completion of Phase 2 e.g., electrical and plumbing rough-ins.
- 10-20% upon completion of Phase 3 e.g., drywall and flooring.
- 5-10% upon final walkthrough and client satisfaction.

Step 3: Negotiate and Formalize the Contract

Review the Proposal Carefully: Ensure the contractor’s proposal reflects the payment schedule you discussed. If they initially send a proposal with a lump-sum payment or a schedule that doesn’t align, request revisions.
Include Payment Milestones in the Contract: Crucially, the agreed-upon staged payment schedule must be explicitly detailed in the written contract. This protects both parties and provides clarity.
No Interest Clauses: Scrutinize the contract for any hidden interest clauses, late fees that are essentially interest, or language that might imply conventional financing. If you see anything ambiguous, seek clarification or legal advice.
Retainage: For larger projects, it’s wise to include a retainage clause e.g., holding back 5-10% of the final payment until a post-completion inspection is done and all punch list items are addressed. This incentivizes the contractor to finish strong.

Step 4: Due Diligence on the Contractor

While focusing on ethical financing, don’t compromise on the contractor’s quality and reliability.

Check Credentials: Verify their license, bonding, and insurance. This protects you in case of accidents or unfinished work.
References & Portfolio: Ask for references from previous clients and review their portfolio of completed projects. Contact references to inquire about their experience.
Read Reviews: Look for independent reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific sites.
Multiple Bids: Get at least three bids for your project. This helps you compare costs, approaches, and identify fair market value. It also allows you to see which contractors are most receptive to your payment terms.

By taking these steps, you can confidently engage in home renovation projects while steadfastly adhering to the Islamic prohibition of interest, ensuring your home is built not only structurally sound but also on an ethically sound foundation. Tricaredme.com Review

Understanding Universal Design/Aging-in-Place Services

Realsolutionshome.com specifically mentions “Universal Design/Aging” as one of their service offerings.

This is a progressive and socially responsible aspect of home renovation that aligns well with community welfare and long-term planning, particularly for Muslim families who often prioritize caring for elders at home.

What is Universal Design?

Universal Design is an approach to design that creates environments and products usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

It anticipates the needs of a diverse population, including those with varying abilities, ages, and circumstances.

Seven Principles of Universal Design developed by a team of designers and researchers at North Carolina State University:

Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. e.g., a ramp alongside stairs.
Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. e.g., lever handles on doors.
Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. e.g., clear, simple controls.
Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. e.g., visual and auditory cues.
Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. e.g., non-slip bathroom floors.
Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue. e.g., easy-open drawers.
Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space are provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility. e.g., wider doorways, clear floor space.

What is “Aging-in-Place”?

Aging-in-place refers to the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

For many, this means modifying their existing home to accommodate future needs as they get older, rather than moving to assisted living facilities.

Common Aging-in-Place Modifications:

Bathroom:
- Grab bars: Installed near toilets and in showers/tubs.
- Roll-in showers: No curb, allowing for easy wheelchair or walker access.
- Handheld showerheads: For easier bathing while seated.
- Comfort-height toilets: Taller toilets that are easier to sit on and stand up from.
- Non-slip flooring: To prevent falls.
Kitchen:
- Lowered countertops: For wheelchair users or those who prefer to sit.
- Pull-out shelves and drawers: To make items more accessible.
- Lever-style faucets: Easier to operate than knob styles.
General Home:
- Wider doorways and hallways: To accommodate wheelchairs or walkers typically 36 inches.
- Ramps or stair lifts: To navigate stairs.
- Good lighting: Especially in hallways, stairs, and task areas.
- Lever handles: On doors and cabinets, easier to operate than knobs.
- Rocker-style light switches: Easier to use than toggle switches.
- Elimination of tripping hazards: Removing throw rugs, ensuring level flooring transitions.

Importance for Muslim Families

For Muslim families, aging-in-place and universal design principles are particularly relevant due to the strong emphasis on caring for elders within the family home and community.

Islam encourages maintaining strong family ties and honoring parents. Sr22-peoria.com Review

Providing a safe, comfortable, and accessible environment for aging parents or relatives to live independently with dignity aligns perfectly with these values.

It allows elders to remain connected to their family, community, and local mosque, facilitating their spiritual and social well-being.

This service by realsolutionshome.com, if ethically financed, could be a valuable offering for such families.

FAQ

What is realsolutionshome.com?

Realsolutionshome.com is a professional home renovation and custom home building company based in San Antonio, Texas, that also offers specialized services like universal design and aging-in-place modifications, as well as commercial renovation projects.

Is realsolutionshome.com a legitimate company?

Yes, based on the website’s claims of being licensed, bonded, and insured, along with positive customer testimonials and an endorsement from the KTSA Home Improvement Show, realsolutionshome.com appears to be a legitimate and established renovation company.

Does realsolutionshome.com offer financing options?

Yes, realsolutionshome.com partners with Acorn Finance to offer financing options.

However, these are conventional, interest-based loans, which are not permissible in Islamic finance.

Are the financing options from realsolutionshome.com Sharia-compliant?

No, the financing options offered through realsolutionshome.com’s partner, Acorn Finance, are conventional interest-based loans and are therefore not Sharia-compliant.

Muslims should seek alternative, halal financing methods.

How can I get a quote from realsolutionshome.com?

You can get a quote from realsolutionshome.com by contacting them through their “Contact Us” page or by clicking on any of the “Get Started” buttons on their website, which will lead you to a consultation request. Sr22-arizona.co Review

What types of services does realsolutionshome.com provide?

Realsolutionshome.com provides a range of services including general home renovations, custom home building, universal design and aging-in-place modifications, and commercial renovation projects.

Does realsolutionshome.com serve commercial clients?

Yes, realsolutionshome.com explicitly states that they offer services for commercial projects in addition to residential renovations and custom homes.

Does realsolutionshome.com offer discounts?

Yes, realsolutionshome.com advertises that they offer discounts for military personnel, educators, and first responders.

What is Universal Design as offered by realsolutionshome.com?

Universal Design, as offered by realsolutionshome.com, refers to designing or modifying homes to be accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

What does “Aging-in-Place” mean for home renovations?

“Aging-in-Place” home renovations involve modifying an existing home to allow individuals to live safely, independently, and comfortably as they get older, often including features like grab bars, wider doorways, and roll-in showers.

How can I pay for renovations without interest?

You can pay for renovations without interest by saving up and paying cash, securing financing from an Islamic financial institution e.g., Murabaha, negotiating staged payments with your contractor, or exploring community-based interest-free loans Qard Hasan.

Does realsolutionshome.com have customer testimonials?

Yes, realsolutionshome.com features several customer testimonials on its homepage, highlighting positive experiences with their professionalism and quality of work.

Is realsolutionshome.com endorsed by any third parties?

Yes, realsolutionshome.com states on its homepage that it is “Endorsed on the KTSA Home Improvement Show.”

How long has realsolutionshome.com been in business?

Realsolutionshome.com was started in 2019, but its owner has over 20 years of experience in real estate and over 10 years in custom home sales and general contracting.

Does realsolutionshome.com work on small projects?

Yes, the website states, “It doesn’t matter how small or how big your project is, we understand the importance of paying attention to the customers’ needs and serving them well.” Aslantraining.com Review

How transparent is realsolutionshome.com about its operations?

Realsolutionshome.com appears transparent about its history, stating how it got started and emphasizing its licensing, bonding, and insurance.

It also introduces its team members on a dedicated page.

What should I look for in a contractor if I want to avoid interest?

When looking for a contractor to avoid interest, prioritize those who are flexible with payment schedules, willing to accept staged payments tied to project milestones, and do not push or recommend conventional, interest-based financing options.

Does realsolutionshome.com list specific pricing for its services?

No, realsolutionshome.com does not list specific pricing on its homepage, which is typical for custom renovation and construction services due to the variability of project scope and materials. Quotes are provided after consultation.

What are the main cons of realsolutionshome.com for a Muslim consumer?

The main con for a Muslim consumer is realsolutionshome.com’s partnership with Acorn Finance for interest-based lending, which goes against Islamic principles of avoiding riba interest.

Where can I find more information about Islamic home financing?

You can find more information about Islamic home financing by researching reputable Islamic financial institutions in your region, consulting with Islamic scholars, or visiting websites dedicated to Islamic finance, such as Guidance Residential.