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How Long Should New Vinyl Siding Last?

January 8, 2014 | Remodeling

In the 1950s, vinyl siding was first introduced to the market as an alternative to aluminum siding. Siding that is made of vinyl was more lightweight and less prone to dents, and paint lasts much longer on vinyl than on siding that is made of metal or wood.

The Components
Vinyl siding has two layers. The bottom layer contains synthetic resin and polyvinyl chloride, which is one of the most commonly produced types of plastic in the world.

The top layer is made of titanium dioxide, and this substance provides the siding’s color while acting as a physical barrier against UV rays.

Water
To prevent dirt from becoming embedded and very difficult to remove, a homeowner should use a pressure washer to clean the house’s siding at least once per year.

Water won’t harm vinyl siding unless the water has a temperature of more than 125 degrees Fahrenheit. When liquid that has such a high temperature hits vinyl, it will trigger a chemical reaction that can cause some of the titanium dioxide to break up and to fall off prematurely. Furthermore, the heat will swiftly fade the color of any paint that has been added to the siding.

Unlike hot water, rainwater will take many years to remove the color of your home’s siding. A homeowner should install an overhang at the edge of the roof to ensure that a large amount of water, which flows on the shingles during storms, isn’t hitting the siding consistently.

Sunlight
When the majority of homes had aluminum siding, the sun’s rays would heat the thin metal to an incredibly high temperature and cause the siding’s paint to swiftly begin to chip and to come off.

Vinyl is not a powerful conductor of heat, but the sun’s UVA rays, which are the longest UV rays that our star produces, can penetrate deep into the titanium dioxide and cause it to fade when the UV index is higher than 10.

Winter Weather
Snow does not damage vinyl siding, but ice can cause the siding to crack prematurely. When water seeps between the siding during a storm or after you wash the exterior of your home, that water can remain within the siding for weeks.

If the water turns into ice, it will expand. Over time, the constant expansion and contraction of the siding will weaken it substantially, and although the ice won’t cause it to break apart, the frozen water will make the vinyl much thinner and allow a light impact from a piece of hail or a poorly thrown baseball to create large holes in the material.

Hail
Impacts by pieces of hail that have a diameter of more than one inch will create large dents or holes instead of simple scratches, and as a result, a homeowner’s only choice is to completely replace siding that has been damaged by hail.

Scratches And Scuffs
Roofing materials, tools that are used in a garden and pieces of wood can easily scuff siding. These blemishes can only be removed by lightly scrubbing them for at least 10 minutes with brushes that are made of steel or nylon, and scrubbing the vinyl too roughly will create scratches.

To remove scratches, a contractor can use a sander to make the surface smooth again. Next, the technician will apply a filler that is made of wax or silicon to completely eliminate any trace of the blemish.

The Statistics
According to studies that were conducted by Alcoa and the Vinyl Siding Institute, vinyl siding on homes in the United States remains in good condition for 50 years on average, and the majority of companies that manufacture siding provide a warranty that lasts for 20 years to 55 years.

Tags: home improvement, siding, vinyl

How Long Should Residential Home Windows Last?

November 21, 2013 | Remodeling

Windows come in a variety of styles, designs and sizes. Years ago, the material used for window frames was limited to wood, but today, you can choose vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass windows. However, wood frames are still one of the most popular material options. Today’s window manufacturers also produce different types of glass to give you a more energy efficient product.

Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows offer energy saving benefits. The material choice is also affordable. Window manufacturers make vinyl windows from PVC, and as a result, the product can vary in quality. Today’s vinyl is a durable product. Also, manufacturers have advanced the window style’s structural design and implemented construction changes, so if you select vinyl windows, then you will have a quality product that can last as long as 15 years depending on your climate. Keep in mind that vinyl windows have a tendency to warp and become unworkable if they are not installed properly. In addition, the material may fail more quickly in areas that experience high summer temperatures and low winter temperatures. The reason for the failure is that the substance expands in the heat while the cold weather causes it to contract. In addition, if you live in an area with extreme summer temperatures, then vinyl window frames in dark colors will likely have more problems than light-colored models.

Wood Windows
Wood windows are a popular choice for many homeowners due to the material’s diversity. Furthermore, the option should last for 30 years or more depending on your climate and the type of maintenance that you complete on a regular basis. If you live in an old home with the original wood windows, then you can add weather stripping to increase their efficiency. By repairing your old windows, you are helping the environment since you are decreasing landfill waste and using fewer resources to maintain your home’s interior temperatures. Hardwood windows are expensive, but the material is durable. Also, maintenance is simple as the home feature only requires oil. Hardwood windows give you a diverse style because you can paint them or leave them in their natural state. If you choose to install softwood windows, then the material choice will be more affordable than hardwood. However, expect additional maintenance as you’ll need to paint the style or maintain them regularly.

Aluminum Windows
Aluminum is an appealing material choice because it is affordable and stronger than vinyl. Depending on your area’s climate, aluminum windows should last from 15 to 20 years. The material option is best for homes in mild climates due to the failures that frequently occur with the option in more extreme environments. For instance, aluminum windows may suffer from seal failures, glass condensation between the frames and operation issues as the material begins to corrode and break down. In addition, the energy efficiency ratings for aluminum are poor.

Climate Tips
When you begin shopping for new windows, be sure to assess your climate. For instance, wood typically provides the best insulation, but the material can rot. Therefore, it may not be the best choice for rainy or humid climates. Alternatively, when heat transfer and loss is an area issue, aluminum windows may not be the best material choice. However, aluminum is ideal for rainy and humid climates. The substance is also strong, and manufacturers can build aluminum windows to meet the strict building codes in coastal areas. For many homeowners, vinyl is a practical option. Also, the material choice is available in various colors, which lets you select windows that increase the visual appeal of your home. Once you begin considering new windows, assess each style’s U-value as the measurement estimates a window’s ability to withstand heat loss. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC, is another measurement to consider because it calculates the amount of heat that can enter your home through a window.

Tips for Selecting the Best Windows
If your windows are beginning to age, then it may be time to replace or repair them. Keep in mind that windows are a longtime investment, so be sure to select the right material for your area. Also, evaluate the home feature’s glaze and insulation materials to acquire the best replacement results for your residence. When you upgrade your windows, you’ll decrease your utility bills and help the environment.

Tags: aluminum, vinyl, windows, wood

The Average Cost of New Siding and other Home Exteriors

November 5, 2013 | Remodeling

Hiring a contractor to install new siding is a large project that can have a bill ranging from $1,500 to $15,000. This huge price range depends largely on the building’s size and your choice of material. Typically, a contractor must come out to your home to give you a customized quote, but you can get an idea of the siding installation cost by looking at an average size home of about 2,200 square feet.

Vinyl Siding
For every square foot of wall surface, vinyl siding costs between $2 and $3. For example, 1,000 square feet would require $2,000 to $3,000 worth of materials. Labor costs are typically based on the region and union laws. In general, you need to add between $50 and $150 per hour for labor. Your contractor usually quotes a flat labor amount, but this can increase if issues arise during installation.

Aluminum
Stronger than vinyl, but prone to dents, aluminum is slightly more expensive. At $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot, a 2,000 square foot area costs between $5,000 and $7,000 to cover.

It is critical to note that labor and material charges grow substantially bigger when the surface area increases. Installing siding on a small guest house, for example, is significantly cheaper compared to an installation on your main home.

Wood
Natural or engineered wood gives a traditional feel to the home, but you must choose the wood type carefully. Find engineered or treated wood that has specialized coatings to resist decay and insect damage. For a basic wood installation, each square foot costs $5 to $7.50. Typically in square or rectangular shingle shapes, this siding choice is more labor intensive. Because each shingle must be attached separately, the contractor may charge more per hour or increase the amount of hours for the job. Check all the paperwork before you sign a contract with a company to ensure that labor costs have a reasonable cap.

Fiber Cement
If you want a wood appearance without the maintenance, look for fiber cement siding. Available in a rainbow of colors, this siding has a wood grain and remains resilient against weathering and insect damage. For a 3,000 square foot wall surface, expect to pay between $13,500 and $27,000 for materials alone. Labor may be more negotiable for this siding because of its easier installation pattern.

Stucco
Stucco is a plaster mixture that must be applied to the building’s outside surface. This unique siding lasts for many years with barely any maintenance, but it costs between $4 and $10 for each square foot, not including labor. Although a 2,200 square foot surface ranges between $8,800 and $22,000 for stucco materials, it may be the last siding you ever purchase.

Unexpected Expenses
Other expenses surprise you as the contractor begins the job. If you have not removed the old siding, for example, an extra $1,000 to $3,000 is added to the quoted installation amount. Requesting insulated siding costs significantly more, depending on the insulation and siding type.

Once removed, the contractor may find poor structural wood on your home, such as supportive beams damaged from termites. This wood must be replaced. The contractor could be liable for faulty siding installation if the wood fails under the new material. You must calculate new wood supports and the labor involved to fully complete your siding project.

Asking for more men on the job to finish the installation faster only increases your labor amount because the contractor must pay more per hour to his workers. Any increase in labor and materials will be presented to you. No work can be completed without your approval on all changes.

Adding new siding to your home increases the value significantly, but you must pay for the upfront costs to receive the eventual benefits. Talk to several contractors to get separate quotes for comparison. Choose a reliable contractor that will transform your home’s exterior.

Tags: aluminum siding, average cost, fiber cement siding, siding, stucco, vinyl, vinyl siding, wood siding

The Average Cost of Installing New French Doors

October 14, 2013 | Remodeling

There’s an old joke among professionals that when a client asks a question that they don’t know the answer to, they are told to respond, “That depends,” which gives them time to look up the answer. Strangely enough, in the case of giving an estimate for the cost of installing new French doors, “that depends” is probably one of the most honest answer you will ever receive.

And as much a non-answer as it may seem, it’s true, since there are such a large number of variables that depend on what you want and how extensively you shop, that at first glance there is no better answer. Fortunately, therein lies an opportunity for you to get exactly what you want and for a price you can afford.

There’s Nothing Like French Doors
There is probably very little to compare to the inviting and elegant look of French doors to a home’s appearance. It’s little wonder that in the past few years the demand for French doors has skyrocketed. Quality French doors can be made from a wide variety of materials that not only enhance the look of a home, but can also be made to fit practically any budget. Further, modern technology allows French doors to be made in a multitude of designs that will compliment any decor.

But What About the Cost?
If you have decided that French doors are for your home, chances are good that you have already taken a deep breath and taken a good hold on yourself over the cost. The good news is that not only will the cost not be as difficult to handle as you might first think, but if there’s a silver lining to the current economic outlook, it ‘s the fact that there are many dealers out there on the market who are not only able but willing to make you a good deal. The trick is to shop around and make dealers compete against each other.

Many Ways to Choose
Just as is the case with many home projects, there are many ways to approach having French doors created for your home. First, there are specialty stores who make and install doors. That’s all. Then there are stores who sell doors along with many other items for the home. Lastly, there are carpenters who can create a door made to measure for your home.

All three of these approaches have downsides and benefits all of their own. Again, the trick is to shop around and tell each one what you are doing. You can rest assured that when they know they are competing against each other they will want to negotiate on price in order to get the work.

Cost Ranges
Depending largely on where you are and the market of the area were you are looking, the cost of French doors can range anywhere from $ 375 to $ 505 on the low end, and $ 615 to $ 745 on the high end for the doors themselves. Installation is priced separately, from $ 93 to $ 155 on the low end, and $ 195 to $ 278 on the high end. Of course, much of the installation costs are for labor, but some costs are for materials such as weatherstripping, insulation, and other sundry items.

Stepping Back
Before you decide on which vendor to choose to instal your French doors, you should step back from the job, take a good look at what you are getting, and don’t be afraid of going back for a further round of negotiations with the vendor. You can bet that they will be willing to adjust prices, just maybe not too much. They need to make a living too, but your ultimate purpose is beautiful French doors.

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Request an Estimate from a Local French Door Installation Company – Here!!

Tags: average cost, doors, french doors, home improvement

Local Looks – Custom Bathroom Floor Coating in Minnesota

September 28, 2013 | Remodeling

We received a submission from Minnesota. A reader, Sammy Jo, submitted a project that appears to have turned out quite nicely. They wanted to replace the flooring in their bathroom. After examining a few options, they wanted to save money, but had a goal of giving themselves a modern / contemporary look. Once the options were weighed, they ended up deciding to go with a floor coating, similar to what you would sometimes see in garages across America. Here is the bathroom flooring before they started.

Before – Old Tile Floor

The homeowner did the demolition on the floor by themselves, which saved them money. They then told us that they began to investigate how to install the new floor coating on their own. It turned out that this wasn’t a great idea. So, after some deliberation, they decided to call a contractor. They decided to contract Garage Floor Coating of Minnesota, a local company to them, to come in and finish the project professionally. They told us that going with the professionals was the best solution, especially after seeing the finished product.

We have to agree, the floor looks great! I hope you enjoy them for a long time Sammy Jo from Minnesota!

After – Custom Bathroom Floor Coating

Tags: bathroom, bathroom remodeling, contemporary, floor coating, flooring, home improvement

What You Can Expect the Average Cost of a New Roof in 2014 to Be

September 23, 2013 | Remodeling

As with everything else, the cost of roofing materials and labor keep going up. Planning allows you to create a reliable budget for these big-ticket items. Whether you are interested in the latest technological advances or want to keep your old roofing style and materials, accurate pricing is imperative.

Your local roofing specialists can provide you with additional information about the structure of your home and any special considerations you may have. Skylights, solar paneling, custom chimneys or other building characteristics greatly affect the cost of the project. In addition, the rates are higher if there are multiple layers of roofing material to dispose of and replace.

The most common styles of roofing projects use metal, rubber and asphalt or shingle roofing. The prices of these materials have a tendency to increase in more populated areas. The market and regional popularity also have an influence on the final expense. When obtaining an estimate for your roof, include the following materials and services in your plan to help create a more accurate financial plan:

Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are popular right now. They save on removal fees because they can go on over most existing roof structures. These roofs come in colors that will compliment homes, barns and businesses. Most metal roofs have a 50-year life span. Weather, quality and technical skill play an important part of the actual condition and durability of the life of your new roof. Estimates vary by region and may be higher in some areas.

Northeast: $8.30 to $11.04 per sq ft
$1604 to $2138.70 for 200 sq ft
West Coast: $8.89 to $12.30 per sq ft
$1779 to $2450.00 for 200 sq ft

Rubber Roofs
Rubber roofs are very durable and require limited maintenance. These roofs are generally flat and contain membranes that help draw the water into channels and then into dispersal systems to protect the building and foundation. These roofs use a single sheeting of rubber cut to fit the size of the building. This eliminates seams and reduces maintenance. These roofs usually last about 20 years but most manufacturers only guarantee them for 10 years. Prices for these roofs may increase by as much as 14% due to the complexity of the roofing job.

Northeast: $2.15 to $3.32 sq ft
$373.89 – $738.51 for 200 sq ft roof
Midwest: $2.14 to $3.25 per sq ft
$2148 to $2781 for 200 sq ft roof

Asphalt Roofs
Traditional shingle roofs are found on many different styles of houses, buildings and structures throughout the United States. They are popular because you can easily install a new roof over the top of an existing roof. This helps keep the price down and reduces your landfill waste. The prices will increase about 12% to 15% if you have hired a general contractor to oversee the project.

Northeast: $5.63 to $7.30 per sq ft
$1129 to $1467 for 200 sq ft roof
Midwest: $5.59 to $7.26 per sq ft
$1118 to $1453 for $200 sq ft roof

If these options do not meet your needs, there are other roofing options to consider. Remember, whatever style you choose, there are many things to consider when totaling the price of your roof. Labor and materials are only part of the total cost. Discuss your needs extensively with your contractor. There may be structural considerations, timing issues and disposal concerns once the project is underway. Addressing these subjects early on keep them from becoming a major problem later.

Information Provided by The Roofing Directory

Tags: asphalt roofs, average cost, home improvement, metal roofing, roof replacement, roofing, roofing materials, rubber roofs, shingles

4 Great Front Porch Remodeling Ideas

August 21, 2013 | Remodeling

The front porch is making a comeback, and homeowners around the nation are giving their front entrances a makeover. You can spruce up your front porch and turn it into a relaxing retreat that you will enjoy anytime the weather is nice, and you may even find yourself sitting on the porch to watch storms that roll through. Here are some ideas for incredible front porch makeovers that you can use on your own home.

Check out the Front Porch Ideas Generator – Visualize Your Own Front Porch Ideas

Protection and Privacy
Most front porches feature wide open space above the railing, and this can leave the area exposed to the elements. You can make this space more private and offer protection from the elements by closing it in with louvered panels and functional shutters.

A contractor can add vertical supports spaced evenly around the porch to hang the panels and shutters. Placing the louvered panels along the roof to make the space feel more private. Mounting the shutters along the railings allows them to be closed against the rain or opened to let a breeze in.

Finish off the area with some gauzy curtains over the stairs. Tie them back to welcome guests in, and then close them when the weather turns cool in the evenings and you want to keep the mosquitoes away. With the protection from the elements, you can add more comfortable furnishings and even a ceiling fan to complete the new front porch.

Dressing up a Small Porch
A small covered porch doesn’t have to be boring. Even a tiny space can become more welcoming when it’s renovated to make it more attractive and important. Make a small porch more impressive by adding key architectural changes.

Simple supports made of wrought iron can be replaced with impressive pillars for a bold look. Choose an elegant hanging light that will add a finishing touch to the ceiling. Have the simple trim around the fascia replaced with exquisite crown and decorative molding. If you have a concrete surface on the floor, hire a contractor to cover it with beautiful natural stones like travertine or marble. You can also soften the look and make it feel more elegant by adding sheer curtains along the exposed walls of the porch.

Go Larger
Small front porches can be expanded to become stunning outdoor living spaces. A gabled roof can be used to provide shade and shelter while adding architectural interest to the building. The porch itself can be extended from a simple area in front of the home to a full porch that extends from one side of the building to the other. If the porch will be very large, you might consider adding skylights to the roof to provide natural light around the front door to the home.

In addition to expanding the footprint of the porch, you can also go bolder with the supports. Replace simple pillars with stunning brick columns topped with bold wood columns featuring decorative trim. Use round Greek-style pillars instead of simple wrought-iron. Paint the woodwork and new supports a contrasting color to help them stand out from the home and become an important architectural detail.

This is also an excellent time to change the shape of your front porch. A simple covered porch is more interesting when the front of it is rounded and extends beyond the roof line. If the porch is near the corner of the house, you can choose an octagonal shape to add more visual interest to the home. If you have a decorative window directly above the porch, consider a flat roof with a railing around the upper part to create a balcony. Even though you will never get to use the decorative balcony, it will still add an elegant touch to the home.

Open the Structure Up
Some people want more privacy, and other people want the front of their home to be more visible. If your front porch has a simple railing that leaves it feeling bland, consider opening up the space by removing the railing. Install more attractive pillars and invest in stunning trim work to add visual appeal, but remove the railings completely to make the house look more open and inviting. Use all-weather furniture because there will be limited protection from the elements. Add interest to the space by using a few potted plants around the patio.

Front porches don’t have to be large to be amazing. Some of the most impressive porches have a small footprint. However, you can make any porch more impressive with these great remodeling ideas. Contractors can help you take a simple front porch and turn it into an important part of your home’s living space. Whether you add natural stone tiles and beautiful molding to your small porch or have it completely remodeled to add square feet, skylights and a luxurious look, you are going to love how the right front porch transforms your home.

Front Porch Resources

Front Porch Remodeling Architects

Visualize Your Front Porch Ideas

Tags: front porch, front porch ideas, home improvement, porch architects, porch design

The Pros and Cons of Bathtub and Shower Liners

June 4, 2013 | Remodeling

What is a bathtub and shower liner? They’re liners that are made of the same material that your existing shower is made of, without the additional fiberglass backing. In most cases, they’re custom molded to the exact contours of your existing fixture, and slide right on top of the old one without having to demolish part of your home.

Bathtub and shower liners have been around since at least the 1980s, but are now enjoying an increase in popularity in the home remodeling industry. This is because of new advances in technology that have allowed them to become a more viable option by reducing many of the problems that plagued the days of their inception. This does not leave them without their faults, however. Let’s look at some of the reasons to install a bathtub or shower liner as opposed to undergoing a full-scale remodel.

Quick Installation – In most cases, you can call a company that specializes in liners and they can have a technician sent out to gather measurements within a week. After the technician gathers the required measurements, he submits them to the factory that he represents, and they will begin molding your liner as their workload permits. Once it’s ready, the installation crew will come out to your house and install it in a matter of a single day. You can use your shower or tub the same day they install it.

Cheaper Than a Remodel – Electing to install a liner is much cheaper than a remodel. Depending on your choices, the difference can be as little as a few hundred dollars for a liner, or a few thousand dollars for a remodel. Most of your costs will always revolve around your own personal choice in design, texture, material, and how drastically you want to change your bathroom. If you just want to cover a few scratches or chips, a process called refinishing may be right for you.

No Wrecking Ball Required – Most remodeling jobs require no small amount of demolition in order to replace your fixtures. Depending on the size of your doorways, you may have to demolish part of your wall in order to remove your existing tub or shower. This may be as simple as one doorway before you’re lucky enough to squeeze it out of those French doors. Unfortunately, it could be as bad as having to demolish an exterior wall on the second floor in order to remove and replace it with a crane. With a liner, virtually none of this messy business is required.

Cover Stained Walls – Now you’ve installed this lovely new liner, but that wall behind it looks like something straight out of a horror movie. Never fear. The same companies that handle your bathtub and shower liners, also handle convenient wall liners that are made out of the same material. They won’t just cover up all of that mold or mildew, either. Most companies these days will actually use a special industrial cleaner that’s specifically designed to be antimicrobial and prevent the growth of any future mold or mildew before they install the wall liners.

Even with all of the new advances, bathtub and shower liners still have their issues. Nothing is perfect, of course. Here are a few imperfections to consider before making your final decision on your bathroom overhaul.

Water Leakage – Even with all of the tape and caulking that your installation technician will use, there is still a chance that the seal they place on your liner will not be 100% waterproof. If this is the case, water can seep in between the liner and the tub and cause the growth of mold and mildew. Left unchecked, this can actually rot holes in the structure of your tub, causing it to collapse or form holes. All of this takes years to happen, but it’s still worth knowing and being aware of.

That “Spongey” Feeling – If your liner isn’t molded precisely to the contours of your existing bathtub or shower, you may become aware of areas that seem to sink in when you sit or stand on them. When you have these areas, they can easily lead to cracks and breakage in your seals. This can cause, you guessed it, water leakage as described above.

Still Somewhat Pricey – Ultimately, bathtub and shower liners still cost a few hundred dollars or more in order to install. Refinishing costs much less than this, and can more easily cover your cracks and chips.

Ultimately, the choice is entirely up to you. While there are good and bad points to liners, it all depends on how much you want to spend for that look you’re going for.

Tags: bathroom, bathroom remodeling, bathtub liners, home improvement, shower liners

The Greenest Roof of All, A Living Roof (aka Green Roof)

May 28, 2013 | Remodeling

As we move further into the 21st century, the general populace is becoming increasingly concerned about the environment and new ways to apply green living to all aspects of our lives. Green living (many ideas available for interested homeowners here). The roofing industry is no exception. There are some products, such as metal roofs, that lower your heating costs. There are others that help by recycling post-consumer products such as tires, milk jugs, waste wood, and various other plastics, though at a slightly higher cost to the customer. There is one option, however, that is by far the greenest both literally and figuratively.

Called by many, “the living roof,” it’s by far the most environmentally friendly option for your next building project. Not only does it help lower your heating and cooling costs by adding additional insulating layers on to your existing roof, it helps reduce harmful storm water runoff as well. Storm water runoff has recently been discovered to be contaminating no less than 13 percent of rivers, 18 percent of lakes, and 32 percent of estuaries across the United States.

Here are several benefits to having a living roof:

Reduce Energy Usage
The green roof can reduce your heating and cooling costs by adding additional insulation and mass to your roof. The natural evaporation process of rainwater on your roof also contributes to lowering the cooling load on a building anywhere from 50 to 90 percent.

Reduce Storm Water Runoff
By capturing and absorbing rainwater before it has a chance to create runoff in the streets and in the storm drains, it reduces the overall amount of pollution that makes it into the water table. The water that does manage to runoff will have already been filtered by the plants and the soil foundation that they grow from. Streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds can more easily sustain their natural ecosystem without dangerous foreign pollutants.

Helps Absorb Pollutants
Living roofs can help to absorb pollutants such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide out of the air and replace them with pure oxygen. This can be especially helpful in the city and can even lead towards cooling the overall temperature of a city by reducing the heat island effect.

Increase the Life-span of Your Roof
Green roofs provide extra layers of protection on top of your water proofing membrane to reduce the environmental wear and UV damage that it would normally endure. Hail and other such dangerous weather would have little to no impact on the integrity of your roof due to the nature of the construction.

Tax Incentives
There are many tax incentives that are provided to both residential and commercial business owners who choose to install living roofs. New York City and Philadelphia are two such cities that provide tax credits for “greening” your roof.

Of course, nothing is ever perfect, so here are a few downsides to living roofs:

Higher Cost
If you’re constructing a new building, the cost of initially installing a green roof can be higher. Wait, aren’t you just planting a garden on your roof? Not exactly. It’s actually constructed in many layers which are as follows:

Base (concrete slab, roof decking, etc.)
Sub-Membrane
Waterproofing Membrane
Drain Mat
Soil Filter Fabric
Actual Soil Layer
Plant Layer

Additional Structural Support
Since it’s carrying so much additional weight, you will have to add additional structural support to meet local building codes and safety standards.

The facts should speak for themselves, and the pros certainly outweigh the cons. A living, green roof is the way to go if you’re really wanting to go green!

Tags: eco-friendly, energy efficiency, green roofing, living roof, roof replacement, roofing, roofing materials, tax incentives

The Average Cost of Installing a New Inground Pool

May 21, 2013 | Remodeling

The idea of your own pool in the backyard entices many homeowners, but not many people realize how expensive installing an inground pool can really be until they see the quotes from the pool companies. Pool installation is a major project that takes significant planning, preparation, time, and – unfortunately – money. But just how much does it cost to install a pool in your yard? On average, you should expect to spend anywhere between ten and fifty thousand dollars, depending on the style, size, shape, and materials used in your pool. Vinyl-lined pools are the cheapest, hovering around the $10K mark, while concrete pools are the ones that will cost you something closer to $50K, based on average size and pricing.

This average cost doesn’t take all of the landscaping associated with installing a pool in your yard, either. While you could technically just dig a hole in the grass, many homeowners prefer to build a deck around the pool for aesthetic reasons and fences for safety reasons, particularly if there are going to be small children playing in or around the pool. These additions can cost you an additional $40,000 on top of a $50,000 pool. So in reality you are looking at a price closer to $90,000 for a large pool, with landscaping and hardscaping to blend in to your back yard.

The good news is that these average prices include just about everything you need to get your pool up and running. Filtration systems, lighting and all of that will all be put in by the pool installers as an inclusion to whichever price you end up paying. They will also fill your pool up for the first time at no extra charge, allowing you to jump in and start enjoying your pool as soon as construction is complete. Of course, one more thing that isn’t included in the price of your pool is all of the flotation devices and other toys that you’re going to want!

All in all, installing a pool is not cheap, but it will undoubtedly raise the value of your home and provide you and your families with hours of entertainment that can’t really be matched by any other household amenity. So if you can afford the cost and have always wanted a pool, go for it!

Tags: average cost, pool

America’s Most Popular Fencing Materials and Pros and Cons of Each

May 16, 2013 | Remodeling

You very well may be one of the millions of people around the country that have decided that you want to experience the benefits that are available with installing a fence around your property. However, what fence will provide you with the various amenities that you are seeking from its presence? Are you looking for heightened security and safety for your property? Is it an increase in property value you are looking for? Or are you interested in the look and feel a new fence will provide for your home or business facilities? Whatever your reasons for wanting to install fencing you should first know your options and the pros and cons that the different types of fences have to offer.

While there is a plethora of fencing options available all types fall within three major categories. This includes Natural Material fencing which consists of mainly stone or wood style fencing; Man-Made Material fencing which includes composite and vinyl fencing; and Metal Material fencing such as chain link and wrought iron styles. Throughout the United States people have found the most popular styles of fencing to be wood, vinyl, and chain link. But other than their popularity, what do these fencing options have to offer and what drawbacks do they carry with them?

Wood Fencing
Wood fencing is available in a wide range of styles giving people the ability to find an option that will produce the look and feel they are seeking around their property. This is the type of fencing that was first introduced in the United States as a way of setting up property divisions and securing livestock for early settlers. From split rail fencing to 8 foot stockade fencing, you will find these products available in most any home improvement store in your area.

For individuals that choose to install wood fencing around their property they gain the ability to paint or stain their fencing to compliment their property. However, it should also be noted that wood fencing does require a great deal of maintenance as it will have to be painted often and protected from the outside elements frequently to prevent it from deterioration. Wood fencing styles can also be damaged due to insect infestations, discoloration due to the sun, and swelling during high levels of rain or snow seasons.

Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is one of the newest options for fencing that has recently become available. You will find that when choosing to create a fence with this type of material you are provided with the ability to purchase from a wide range of colors, sizes, and styles to match your residential or business building facilities. Made from some of the toughest materials available, vinyl fencing is virtually maintenance free, requiring simple washing with a garden hose or power washing machine to keep it looking new throughout the year. This type of fencing is believed to last for many decades when properly cared for.

The cost is one of the biggest drawbacks of vinyl fencing as it can be quite costly to purchase. Due to the fact that precision drilling or fitting is required it can be time consuming as well to install a vinyl fence around your property. There are vinyl fencing styles that can be purchased pre-drilled so that you simply bolt the various sections together, but again this can be an added expense that people do not always want to invest in.

Chain Link Fencing
Chain link fencing was created to provide a more economical option to wrought iron fencing. Created from galvanized steel, people could eliminate the fear of having their fencing rust or breakdown due to exposure to outside elements such as moisture, heat, snow, and ice. People found that chain link fencing was easy to install even if they had to do the work themselves. The design of a chain link fence requires that long steel posts be inserted into the ground. The mesh chain link fencing is then wired to these posts allowing for a barrier around the property. This type of fencing is ideal when your purpose for the fence is to keep unwanted foot traffic through your property or to prevent children and pets from getting out of the yard.

While there are many pros to installing a chain link fence around your property, there are some negative factors that should be considered before you head out to your local home improvement store to purchase this type of fencing. The chain link fencing can be pushed out on the bottom if some type of edging is not installed around the bottom of the fence. There is very little privacy that is obtained by the installation of a chain link fence. There are however special mesh strips that can be woven through the links of the fence to allow for limited privacy from the outside world but this is an added expense that many people do not always want to take on. It should also be noted that chain link fencing does allow for children and other people to climb the fence to get in or out so special precautions should be taken if this is one of your main purposes for installing a fencing system.

Regardless of the specific type of fence you choose to install around your property you will find it to be a worthwhile investment should you obtain the specific benefits you are seeking. There are positive and negative attributes of every style of fencing that you will find, but knowing what they are is the key to receiving the satisfaction you are seeking.

Tags: chain link fencing, fence, fencing, home improvement, vinyl fencing, wood fencing

A Leaky Roof is Priority 1 on a Honey-Do List

May 10, 2013 | Remodeling

The last thing you want is your Honey-Do list to turn against you. Even a minor leak in your home can create major damage if left untreated. So, a problem like a roof leak should be addressed with haste.

Don’t Worry, Be Handy

If you’re lucky, you’re only dealing with a small leak, which can probably be fixed without the help of a professional. The hard part about a do-it-yourself project is locating the leak. TheFamilyHandyman.com suggests running water on parts of the roof to find the problem area. If that doesn’t work, the site suggests to removing shingles until the problem spot is found.

If you find one or more shingles that are cracked, This Old House suggests applying roofing sealant under the cracked shingles.¹ You’ll need a putty knife to spread the sealant. This Old House offers a couple more tricks, too, to blend the patchwork in with the rest of the roof.

The cause of the leak could be a number of things, such as weathering, loose installation with a television cable dish, or, as Buildings.com points out, it could be due to poor installation and workmanship of your house’s initial roofing project and the lack of maintenance. Inspecting your roof on a routine basis could prevent costly damage to your home and your pocket.

Heavy Metal

If you have a metal roof, the job could be a lot bigger. If the damage covers a large area, you may have to replace entire sections of the roof, something probably best left for the professionals. Smaller leaks can be taken care of fairly easily, though.

Loose nails can easily be pulled and re-nailed, notes HomeTips.com. Rust should be removed with a wire brush, then primed and painted. Any repair will have to sealed with a urethane roof cement or waterproof membrane.

Avoid the Bigger Uh-Ohs

Most manly men take pride in fixing things on their own. But when you’re facing the potential of thousands of dollars in roof repair, you don’t want that sudden “uh oh” to come up. Choosing a roofing contractor to fix your leak takes time, research and, most importantly, trust. The contractor should be bonded and able to give you references from current and past jobs, according to Roofer 911.²

Paying for the repair may sometime be stressful. Little do most people know, but for homeowners without a rainy day fund, there are actually some federal grants for certain home repairs. According to Roof Rocket, Uncle Sam has many grant programs for home owners who are facing a costly fix and can’t afford it.

A BAND-AID for Your Home’s Boo-Boo

While you wait to figure out which contractor to use and how to pay him, every rainy day causes worry and frustration with each drip that penetrates through the walls. It may not be pretty, but in an emergency, keeping a leak in check until the professionals get there only takes a special roof patch, a putty knife or a caulking gun, according to HomeOwnerCare.com. Don’t be afraid to raid the kitchen to use pots and pans to catch any dripping water. On the exterior, use roofing tar, roofing cement or even thick plastic or tarps to cover the problem area for the time being, according to Roofing Tutor.³

The sooner you apply these quick fixes the less additional damage you’ll have.

1. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,219567-3,00.html

2. http://www.roofer911.com/roofing-articles/choosing-a-roofing-contractor.htm

3. http://www.roofingtutor.com/guides/quick-fixes-for-a-leaking-roof.html

Tags: home improvement, roof repair, roof replacement, roofing

Small Kitchen Space? Why You Should Install Large Kitchen Drawers During Your Next Remodel

May 9, 2013 | Remodeling

Every cooking enthusiast dreams about having a larger kitchen, but many times the budget just does not allow for it. There are many ways to create the illusion of an expensive looking, more open feeling kitchen without having to knock down any walls or break the bank. You can start with rethinking your cabinet drawer size and opting for large drawers rather than standard sized drawers.

The primary reason why it is a good choice to incorporate large kitchen drawers in your remodeling plans is that they make the space appear larger. If you have many smaller drawers on your cabinets, it can make the kitchen look busy and cramped. The same rule about using larger tiles on your floor to give the illusion of larger square footage can be applied with cabinet drawers. The less that you have going on, the larger the space will appear.

Many homeowners are choosing to install large kitchen drawers because they offer a fresh, contemporary look. Large drawers work nicely with the clean-lined, open concept style that most people desire when doing a kitchen remodel. Small drawers tend to make kitchens appear dated, so if you want a higher-end, updated space, large drawers are an excellent choice.

Another good reason to include large kitchen drawers is that they offer more options for organization. They make it easy to incorporate all the great customizable drawer organizers that are available on the market today. Drawers are not merely for holding flatware and knives anymore. People are choosing large drawers over cupboards for heavy cumbersome items such as cookware and small appliances. The ease in which drawers slide out, allowing a clear view all the way to the back is the reason they are a great option for storing bigger items. There are pegs that can be placed in deep drawers to hold stacks of plates and bowls. Tiered organizers can be used to neatly display every spice in your collection. Large drawers are now the answer to the dreaded question of where to store all those food storage containers and lids.

The addition of large drawers in your next kitchen remodel is a great way to get the look of a large, updated custom kitchen, without breaking the bank and offering more options for storage as well.

Tags: cabinets, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen cabinet pictures, kitchen drawers

How to Get Competing Roof Replacement Estimates from Licensed Roofers in Your Area

May 5, 2013 | Remodeling

Roof replacement estimates are easier to achieve than ever before. Companies (like Roofing Directory or, of course US :)) bring together networks of roofers and put them through a pre-screening process, which the majority of can be done online. Our company has a network of roofers that spans the entire United States, and in order to achieve competing replacement estimates from local and licensed roofing contractors in your area, all you have to do is fill out the form on the upper right hand side of this page.

We want our readers to know a few fundamentals before going in to their roof replacement estimate process. Check out some of the details we have outline below.

Sorting Through the Options for Your New Roof
There are many options for homeowners to choose from when replacing a roof, depending on the constraints of the climate, location, taste of the homeowners and even a desire to reinforce continuity of appearance within a neighborhood. Roofing options may include composite, very common, affordable and long lasting; metal, lasts seemingly forever but some homeowners dislike the noise and appearance; cedar shake, which has a rough, informal, rustic appearance; asphalt, which is a classic choice, durable and appropriate for almost any home; and beautiful options like terra cotta tile (common in the Southwest and West) and slate, which can give a home an elegant, stately appearance. There are materials appropriate for every home and every budget, and most professional contractors have the ability to install almost all of the choices.

Know the Roof Replacement Process, Going In
Whether your preference is for asphalt shingles, standing seam metal roofing, tiles, or one of the many green alternatives like eco-shake, the process of replacing a roof is reasonably straightforward: roofers will begin the project by removing the current roofing materials. They will then reinforce, fix, or replace any issues with the sub-roof itself, including sealing any crevices from moisture. When this is complete, they will begin the process of replacing the original by first applying a thin layer of black material over the now-bare roof, which provides provides back-up protection against moisture or other damage that might occur as a result of wind or falling tree branches. The tiles or shingles will then be affixed (accompanied by the rapid-fire noise of a nail gun in the case of shingles).

Following the replacement, most roofing companies will then remove all building materials and rubbish produced by the replacement, providing a dumpster and then removing it when the job is complete. And when the process is complete, the homeowner can relax and stop worrying!

Whether a roof is leaking, has been damaged by falling branches from a tree, or just subjected to the natural course of time and weather, the professionals we work with can provide you with free and competing roof replacement estimates. Based on the estimates that you receive, you can choose the roofing contractor that offers you the best options with the best pricing.

So again, use the form on the upper right hand side of call the number at the top of the site for free roof replacement estimates from local and licensed contractors.

Tags: estimates, roof replacement, roofing, roofing materials

Kitchen Remodeling ROI – Best “Bang” for Your Buck

May 4, 2013 | Remodeling

If a kitchen remodel has always been on your to-do list, or if you’ve just outgrown the décor and design of your kitchen, the simplest solution isn’t to sell the house and move. You will be much happier if you put in the effort to make your house feel like home again with an affordable kitchen remodel. Remodeling the kitchen or the bathroom is the fastest and often the most economical way to add value to your home. However, kitchen remodeling price tags can often be upwards of $10,000. Of course, it doesn’t have to be that much.

In an era when more and more homeowners are looking for ways to save and keep money in the bank, smart, affordable remodeling is within your reach. Ready to embark on your own affordable remodel? Hire a kitchen contractor and use him as a reference for choosing the best, most cost efficient products and materials on the market. You can also keep these tips in mind as well.

Smart Remodelers Make Smart Choices

With any remodel, the name of the game is creating a new look and feel. Feeling like you’re walking into a brand new room doesn’t necessarily have to involve stripping the room and starting from scratch. If you love the layout of the kitchen, but hate the look, refinishing your cabinets might be a smart choice for you. By taking what you already have and refinishing it, you create something brand new out of something you already had. This saves you money, but you’ll still have great results.

When you’re trying to keep a manageable kitchen remodeling budget, you’re going to have to make tough choices about materials. It’s completely understandable if you have your heart set on having a new granite countertop installed. They are durable and, of course, absolutely gorgeous. However, in your kitchen remodeling project, it might be more cost efficient and just as attractive to use slate or granite tile instead. With the money you save on granite, you will be able to either save more, or add to your budget for another part of your remodel. Talk to your contractor about the elements of the kitchen remodel you really don’t want to live without and see if he or she can help you make your décor dreams come true without breaking the bank.

An affordable kitchen remodeling doesn’t mean a cheap and unattractive one. You can have some of the materials you want in your home and still save money. It’s simply a matter of making compromises and really understanding the pros and cons of your choices.

So if we are seeking to embark on an affordable kitchen remodeling project we might surely ask ourselves about the ROI (return on investment) of various updates.

As mentioned in our last post, ROI really depends on what sort of “return” you are seeking. For real estate investors, “return” is the sale price of the house or the rental fee they can get. Thus, ROI is essentially asking “how much more can I sell or rent this house for” divided by “how much did this project cost”.

For many homeowners, its not just about resale but also about your appreciation of where you live. Thus, gauging “return” can be a bit more vague. But you can rather easily measure the latter part of the ROI formula – the investment.

Here are some ideas for low-cost kitchen remodeling projects:

Paint – this one is easy, a new coat of paint goes a long way in any room. The kitchen is no exception. Unless you just recently painted, its hard to beat a new coat of paint in a kitchen remodeling project.

Cabinet Refacing – “reface cheaper than replace” is the slogan here. The idea is that your cabinets frames (plus the installation of them) is a big part of the cost of new cabinets. In most cases though, cabinet frames are in great condition. Most people replace cabinets because they want a new look or style. For that, you can either a) paint the cabinets, or b) reface them by replacing the doors and hardware . As such, kitchen cabinet refacing is a great ROI project. You can also refinish them but this is a bit more of a project!

New Countertops – Everyone wants granite counters, and they certainly add to a home’s value. But they aren’t cheap. Consider granite tile as a more affordable alternative, or lower-cost Corian or Ceramic. If you are replacing laminate countertops than any of these new kitchen countertops is a great option. You might even check into Butcher-block.

New Flooring – Again not the cheapest, but consider a product like Pergo or QuickStep in place of real hardwoods. Depending on where you are starting, this can really upscale your kitchen quickly and easily.

Appliance Refacing – this is a pretty new concept, but basically for $10-30 you can reface your appliances by covering them with a coating or film. This can make a regular dishwasher look like it has a stainless steel finish, without the price tag. Be careful though, you want to do a good job here so it doesn’t look tacky. Also don’t go too cheap on the materials.

*Get free kitchen remodeling estimates from local contractors by filling out the form on the upper right hand side of this page*

Tags: cabinet ideas, cabinets, countertops, granite, kitchen, kitchen cabinet pictures, kitchen remodeling

The Benefits of Choosing Bamboo Flooring

May 1, 2013 | Remodeling

Bamboo flooring can instantly transform a room into a classy and elegant living space. Millions of homes enjoy the benefits of hardwood flooring, but why is bamboo becoming such a more and more commonly chosen floor that is taking away from the previously dominated hardwood market? There are reasons, some really really good ones at that. Let’s explore…

Environmentally Friendly / Eco-Friendly
There are many kinds of hardwood flooring available, red oak, white oak, hickory, birch, cherry, maple and more are all popular types of hardwood flooring, but they’re far from the being environmentally friendly. Oak trees can take about 15 to 20 years to grow to maturity. A birch tree takes about 10 to 15 years. Most of the trees used in hardwood flooring take at least 10 years to regrow. The growth rate can’t keep up with the cutting rate, which causes more trees to be cut down while the other trees grow.

Bamboo is quite the opposite. The growth rate of bamboo is incredibly fast. Bamboo only takes about three to five years to grow to full maturity. Bamboo shoots will also continue to grow from the roots of an already harvested plant, which allows more bamboo to grow without needing to be removed and then replanted. Since it’s very abundant in many parts of the world and regrows so quickly, it leaves much less of a footprint to cut bamboo instead of other types of traditional wood.

Low Price
Compared to other hardwood flooring materials, bamboo is quite affordable (I don’t want to use the term cheap, because that gives the wrong impression here – see durability below). It’s not uncommon for bamboo flooring to be priced below a dollar per square foot while other flooring materials can cost about $3 to $10 per square foot.

Durability
Bamboo flooring is made to handle high levels of daily abuse, levels that compare well to some of the more durable hardwood flooring options. Certain types of bamboo flooring, such as decarbonized bamboo and woven bamboo, are even more durable than regular bamboo flooring. Weaker flooring made from softer wood tend to get scratched and dinged up very easily. After some years of constant use, the floor will eventually need to be replaced or refinished. This can cost thousands of dollars in materials and labor. Bamboo lasts as well as the best of hardwood.

Maintenance
Bamboo flooring is easier to maintain than traditional hardwood flooring. It typically comes water and stain resistant, which helps prevent it from staining. It also doesn’t have as many slight or deep notches or grooves where dirt and grime may collect. Regular maintenance for bamboo flooring should consist of nothing more than sweeping and mopping.

Style
Bamboo flooring adds an elegant and stylish feeling to a room with its bright and clean color and sparkling sheen. Bamboo flooring comes in a wide range of styles and colors to match anybody’s preferences and home style. In fact, today’s options include bamboo floors that look identical to certain types of wood floors.

Bamboo flooring is only increasing in popularity, and with all of the benefits it offers, it’s not difficult to understand why. If you’re considering installing a new floor in your home, consider the unique style, eco-friendliness and durability of bamboo flooring.

This post was sponsored by Removals House

Tags: bamboo flooring, flooring, hardwood flooring

The Average Cost of the Most Common Roof Repair Projects

April 30, 2013 | Remodeling

Repairing your roof is a smart way to correct a problem before it gets out of hand, causing even more damage and expense. If caught early enough, there are quite a number of roof-damage issues that are fairly simple and cost-efficient to fix. Houselogic.com urges homeowners to be on the lookout for signs of roof damage and recommends a roof inspection once a year.

When conducting this inspection on the inside of your home, you should ensure that the ceiling contains no dark spots, that the paint job is intact underneath roof overhangs, and that there is no dampness or water staining on pipes or fireplaces. If discovered, these problems can be corrected with reasonable expense. Since these figures are estimates and vary from location to location, housewyse.com recommends that homeowners obtain bids from several contractors in order to receive the very best value for their money.

Elizabeth Dunn, contributor at AngiesList.com, provides a list of specifics that helps to determine the cost of a roof repair job. Roof type, for instance, can prove a huge factor due to the roofing material, topography, and pitch. Asphalt is relatively inexpensive, whereas white sheet and tile shingles can cost up to 1,000 per square foot, so this price discrepancy will impact your overall repair cost. Dunn also addresses other factors, such as size of the job, water damage, and the adherence to state permits, all of which can greatly impact total repair costs. For example, if your state requires a specific procedure for conducting a roof repair, extra materials may be needed to ensure that the roof meets the standards outlined in the permit. Also, if you have extra navigational obstacles, such as a chimney or a skylight, the contractor may charge additional fees.

Indoor / Outdoor Roof-Related Issues and Costs:

Cost of Water Damage Repairs: Through the use of a clever calculating system, Housewyse.com reports some helpful costs of repair statistics and what actions are required to complete the repair. Again, since there are no set-in-stone prices for such repairs, we will “plug in” the state of Indiana to gather some statistics for the average cost. There is a direct labor expense, or the price of the actual work being performed, and this repair takes approximately three hours and around $220 to complete. The supply cost of items such as fasteners, seam tape, and top compound, will average around $25 per patch, setting the estimated cost of repair at $250.

Roof Gutter Repairs: According to Mike Long, roofing expert and contributor at AngiesList.com, homeowners should take a look at the condition of their gutters to ensure that there is no bending, leaking, overflowing, or rusting. If a problem is determined, Long reports that the repair cost averages approximately $200-$1,000 for a 2,000 square-foot home.

Houselogic.com outlines some issues to look for when inspecting the exterior of the roof, such as bucking shingles and moss or lichen growth. The roofing blog at roofing-directory.com reports that homeowners should expect to pay around $1,500 for shingle repair since shingles are sold by the square, and each square runs between $100 to $300.

A roof shampoo is recommended for moss or lichen growth in order to prevent decay to your roof due to the decomposing action of these fungi. Brian Eckert with CostOwl.com reports that the cost of roof cleaning varies with service professional and location. For a 1,200 square-foot home, you will likely pay around $250-$500 for this service. The roof of a 2,500 square-foot home would probably cost between $375-$750 to clean. Keep in mind that variables such as height and roof size will certainly impact the overall cost.

As houselogic.com explains, a roof that is in good condition is definitely worth the time and money to repair, and you should also explore other options when considering the cost and scope of a roof-repair project. Many repairs are quick solutions that the homeowners can even fix themselves. Others are not so simple, but if the cause is weather-related, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to determine if such damage is covered under policy.

Finally, if a personal roof inspection leaves you with questions, you might consider gathering a professional inspection of your roof to ensure that all issues are adequately addressed. Houselogic.com explains that homeowners can either receive a free inspection through a participating company or can secure a professional roof inspector for around $175 through the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association. Keep in mind, however, that the key to successful roof repair is to adequately prevent and address issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage. In this way, you can work to extend the life of your roof, saving yourself much aggravation and expense.

Sources: http://www.angieslist.com/articles/5-factors-influence-price-roof-repair.htm
http://www.angieslist.com/articles/gutter-trouble-when-replace-instead-repair.htm
http://www.costowl.com/home-improvement/roof-cleaning-cost.html
http://www.roofing-directory.com/blog/2009/10/average-cost-of-a-shingle-repair-job/
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/roofing-gutters-siding/roofing-repair-or-replace/
http://www.homewyse.com/services/cost_to_repair_ceiling_water_damage.html

Tags: average cost, gutters, repair, roof inspection, roof repair, roofing, roofing damages, roofing materials, shingles, water damage

The Primary Factors to Consider when Assessing Competing Home Addition Estimates

April 16, 2013 | Remodeling

Expanding a home with an addition is a terrific way to offer a family more room in the house and improve the value of the property. Any home owner who is considering an addition on their home where a construction crew would be involved would need to research local contractors before making a choice.

Several issues may impact whether a particular contractor is right for the job. Smart home owners will want to consider every angle of the project before making their choice on competing estimates from contractors.

1. Reputation

A building contractor’s business thrives on happy customers, and one of the primary ways such professionals obtain additional work is through the recommendations of satisfied home owners. Asking friends or family who might have had work done by a local contractor about their experience is a good first step in determining whether the contractor will deliver.

The internet is another valuable resource for researching the reputation of a local contractor, but home owners should beware that what might be found on the internet regarding a contractor’s reputation might not always be accurate. Speaking to real-life clients of a contractor or building company will always be the most truthful way to determine a contractor’s reputation. The homeowner should also look for multiple reviews online as opposed to just one person’s review. Free review sources such as Google reviews and Yelp can be great sources for this.

2. Experience

The amount of time a particular contractor has been operating is a good indication of their reputation as any contractor who doesn’t perform well will suffer from a lack of new projects. Experience also showcases a contractor’s dedication to his profession, and the number of projects he might have completed that had similar goals as a client’s present request.

3. Price

Simply choosing the lowest cost estimate is never a good idea when it comes to home improvement projects and complicated installations like an addition to the home. The budget is often the biggest wildcard associated with a significant home improvement project, and will often be one of the determining factors regarding the choice a home owner makes.

Estimates that are too low reveal the inexperience of the contractor, while estimates that seem too high might be a more accurate representation of what the project may cost. A home owner might want to spend no more than a certain amount of money on a project, but sometimes what the home owner wants would cost much more.

4. Time

There are two considerations regarding time that every home owner should think about when choosing the right home estimate. One consideration will be the amount of time the contractor or building professional took to come to a decision on how long the project would take. No contractor worth his cost will ever offer an estimate over the phone. Good contractors always request an on-site investigation of the premises to be modified for accurate budgeting.

In addition, the completion time offered should also be under consideration as this timeframe might offer clues as to which contractor is telling the truth about how long it might take to finish a project. By comparing the estimates of time given from each of the contractors, it’s possible to come to an average timeframe and eliminate any estimate that seems suspiciously short when compared to the others.

When considering which bid to accept for a home addition, each of the preceding factors should be considered before any decisions are made. Speaking with each contractor or building professional more than once is recommended to get a feel for how each project may play out when the project gets underway. Careful decision-making regarding the contractor will be the best way to get a fabulous looking home addition.

Tags: average time, contractors, estimates, experience, home addition, home improvement, price, reputation, summertime, time

The Most Common Bathtub and Shower Replacement Options

April 15, 2013 | Remodeling

Homeowners considering bathtub and shower replacement options will be happy to find a large selection of choices available in varying price ranges. Relaxing in a hot bath or shower can reduce stress after a day of work or play.

When a limited budget is not a hindrance, a residential steam shower unit is a common option. The steam shower contributes greatly to relieving tension and offers many other health benefits as well. Water vapors coming from a generator heat the air in a steam shower unit. These units can include features like seating benches, foot massagers and ceiling rain showers in addition to the steam. Common materials for steam showers are tile, granite, marble or fiberglass. These units do not require any more space than a regular bathtub. The steam controls can be located either in the shower or outside the shower door. Homeowners commonly choose to have controls installed both inside and outside the shower for more convenience. A thermometer or timer can be included as well. It only takes about two gallons of water to take a steam shower that lasts 20 minutes. For unclogging sinuses and relaxing muscles, there is nothing like a good steam shower.

As the population ages, many homeowners are equipping their bathrooms with walk-in tubs. These units fit in the same space as their existing tubs and offer convenience for anyone who has difficulty stepping up and over an ordinary tub. A popular choice is a walk-in tub with a 16-jet warm air massage feature that produces bubbles of warm air to surround the bather’s body. The quick drain system has two drains for faster draining of the bath water, and the independent filler system lets bathers fill the bathtub and take a shower at the same time. The shower water and bath water temperatures can be pre-set at separate maximum temperatures as a safety measure. Faucet handles with ceramic disc cartridges make operating the lever handles easy. The door swings inward and has a palm pad latch on its top. This type of latch allows the door to be opened by depressing the pad with an elbow, open hand or closed fist. An antibacterial seat cover tops a comfortable thick pad seat cushion, and it is easy to remove the cover for cleaning. A textured bath floor helps to prevent the possibility of slipping in the tub. These tubs are a popular option for homeowners as they mature.

Homeowners on a tight budget commonly choose a fiberglass tub and shower combination unit when they want an economical option for replacing their current tub. Fiberglass is lightweight and relatively inexpensive, and it has a nice appearance. Most homeowners choose a tub and shower unit with shelves on the shower walls for holding soaps, shampoos and other items. Towel bars are another popular addition to provide added convenience. Pressing layers of fine glass particles into a mold and holding the layers together with resin is the method of constructing fiberglass tubs. A built-in wood frame adds strength to the tub. When the unit has a sturdy wooden framework and the fiberglass walls are thick, it should hold up well for a long time. Fiberglass remains the material of choice for tub and shower replacement when saving money is important.

Tags: bath tub replacement, bathroom, bathtub, shower, shower replacement

Think Outside the Box for an Affordable Bathroom Remodel

April 10, 2013 | Remodeling

No one is going to dispute that avocado colored wallpaper and orange linoleum tile floors from the 1970’s are less than desirable. If you ever wanted to have a home spa day in your own bathroom, you would have to leave the cucumber slices over your eyes the entire time because seeing your Partridge Family bathroom would never let you relax. If you’re tired of your bathroom, but not sure you can afford to remodel it, here are some tips to help you reconsider.

A bathroom remodel is one of the smartest things a homeowner can do for their house. Along with the kitchen, remodeling the bathroom is incredibly effective for increasing the value of the home and a well done one can even boost your selling price. These kinds of remodels tend to pay for themselves when the house is sold. If you have no intention of selling, then an affordable bathroom remodel is a nice treat for you and makes your home that much more pleasant for you and your family. Of course, you don’t want to skimp on the quality of the remodel, so be sure to hire the best contractor you can find for the job.

Consider Creative Options for Saving Money on Your Bathroom Remodel

Affordable bathroom remodeling is all about being willing to think outside the box. While the easiest option for a remodel would be to simply gut the room and start from scratch. However, it isn’t the most affordable option. You’ll want to consider doing a “surface” remodel in which you only replace or refurbish certain parts of your current bathroom. A surface remodel could include repainting the room, adding new light fixtures, refinishing the vanity, or adding new countertops or floors.

If you need some ideas for inexpensive fixtures for your new bathroom there are several TV shows dedicated to the subject and home improvement magazines are another resource you shouldn’t overlook. Many larger cities also have home improvement stores that specialize in used and refurbished construction items. If you have one in your area, be sure to see what they have in stock. You never know, you might find that claw foot tub you have always wanted at an amazing price.

You might also find that there are some inventive programs from your city that will help your remodeling budget bottom line. For example, if you are replacing your toilet with a newer, water saving model, you could receive a rebate from the city by recycling your old one and showing proof of purchase and installation of the newer model. You don’t need a lot of money to change parts of your bathroom you don’t like, however you will need to do your research to make sure you are making smart decisions. A bathroom contractor will also be able to use his experience to help you make your dream room a reality within your budget.

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Tags: bathroom, bathroom remodeling, countertops, flooring