Two additions you’d want to consider for improving your home’s curb appeal, value and functionality are a deck and screened-in porch. Both features lead to the outdoors. A porch refers to a covered space added to the front of the house while a deck is an open outdoor space that’s built on the back of the home.
When to Choose a Deck
Decks are usually part of your outdoor recreational space. They may be built into your landscaping along with a patio, outdoor kitchen or pool. You can use a deck for cooking, hosting gatherings, sunbathing and relaxing. Built-in furnishings like benches or tables can be added to your deck, such as fire pits and hot tubs.
If you’re planning on getting a new roof, one of the first things you need to do is to find a reputable contractor. However, this isn’t an easy task with all the residential roofing companies out there. You can ask for recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues. Also, before hiring a roofer, don’t forget to do your research, verify licenses and read reviews.
Considering building a deck? Here are some questions you should ask yourself if you want to add a deck to your home:
Why Are You Building It in the First Place?
One of the most important things you need to answer is the “why”. Building a deck might be costly, but the benefits might outweigh the costs.
Who Will Benefit?
It is important to ask who else will benefit from your home planning. Building a deck is best for the following familial and social activities: personal time, family dinners and get-togethers.
One of the most enduring roofing materials available today is metal. It is lightweight yet durable, and, when installed properly by a residential roofing expert like Green Tree Home Solutions, can last up to 50 years. And, while metal roofing offers low-maintenance performance, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take measures that ensure it remains in great condition. Here are some handy tips on how to properly care for your metal roofing:
1. Inspect your metal roofing regularly.
This is especially crucial following a major weather event. Keep an eye out for scratches, stains and abrasions. Any metal chips, shavings or random particles embedded in the roof coating should be promptly removed. This prevents these metal bits from oxidizing on the roof and causing unsightly rust stains.
Transparency, accountability and trustworthiness are only some of the most important values that should be upheld throughout a roofing project – and practiced by your roofer. Unfortunately, not everything a contractor says is the truth.
Here are the biggest lies that unscrupulous roofers will try to have you believe.
Lie #1: We’ve Been in Business for More Than 50 years
When the topic (and season) of spring cleaning comes up, the task that immediately comes to mind is closet spring cleaning. But while making sure that your wardrobe is up-to-date and composed only of the essentials, there are other areas around the house that also require cleaning around this time of the year.
In this article, storm damage roof repair and remodeling contractor Green Tree Home Solutions lists down the areas in and around the home that could also benefit from spring cleaning.
Windows
Dirty windows can dull the stunning views that spring has to offer. Don’t miss out on the scenery simply because layers of dust and grime have settled on your windows. Luckily, you can be well on your way to sparkling clean windows using only a trusty squeegee and a bucket of water mixed with dishwashing liquid. Just be careful if you need to use ladders.
The noise, dust and the people coming in and out of your home are to be expected during a kitchen, bathroom or basement remodeling project. These, however, can be particularly upsetting for your pets. Fortunately, you can improve the look and function of your home and still ensure the health and safety of your furry companions.
1. Microchip Your Pet
If you have a pet dog or cat, make sure it has a microchip. This way, the local shelter can identify your pet and notify you should it escape during your home renovation. To be sure, take a current photo of your pet should you need to provide identification.
Frost is a natural occurrence during winter. It’s simply water vapor that has deposited itself as ice onto a surface. During cold spells, it may form on your car and your walkway, though it won’t pose a problem as long as you scrape it off right away. Your roof’s surface may also accumulate frost. Given the importance of this part of your home, you might be thinking, “Is it a cause for concern?”
Winter weather is particularly hard on your roof so you need to be aware of the different kinds of roof damage. Learning about these problems can help you prevent them and help you take care of your roof better. In this article, Green Tree Home Solutions, the leading residential roofing company in our local area, discusses the types of winter roof damage to watch out for.
Ice Dams
Ice dams form when the upper areas of a roof begin to heat up because of inadequate attic ventilation and insulation. This causes the snow to melt and flow down to the edge of the roof where they refreeze, creating an ice dam. This happens over and over and causes the ice dam to become larger. Eventually the melted snow will leak into your home and cause damage. You can prevent this problem by making sure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated.
Remodeling your bathroom can do wonders not only for your home, but also for you as a homeowner. However, transforming your bathroom into a more functional, aesthetically pleasing space comes with a few challenges and misconceptions. To make the most out of your renovation project, here are four of the most widely believed bathroom remodeling myths to which you should never give credence.
Myth #1: Bathroom Remodeling Is Expensive.
While renovation projects can become costly, you don’t have to break the bank to remodel your bathroom. You can set a budget to make sure that you don’t overspend. Moreover, you can enlist the help of your remodeler to set the limit on how much the whole project is going to cost.
Renovating your kitchen is a home remodeling project that can have a high return on investment. Regardless of whether you’re doing a complete overhaul or just replacing critical appliances, this project is one of the best ways to increase the appeal and long-term functionality of the kitchen space.
Overhauling the kitchen, however, is one of the more pricier endeavours on your home remodeling list. That’s why it’s important that you plan your budget carefully.
Roof-overs are one method of addressing your current roofing woes. It’s a simple and straightforward process of adding a second layer of shingles over your existing one and is usually the first choice for many homeowners due to its convenience.
That said, roofing over your existing shingles does carry risks. So, when is it safe to do a roof-over?
Roof-Over Advantages and Disadvantages
The main draw to roofing over your current shingles is that it’s fast. Since you’re simply applying a second layer on the roof, you don’t need to tear off the old shingles and expose the sheathing. You also don’t need to clean up after the inevitable messy work.
It’s also less expensive than a full shingle replacement. That said, there are a couple of risks and disadvantages. Roofing over the existing shingles hides existing roofing problems, such as leaks or water damage to the sheathing.
When looking for siding contractors, it’s important to interview them to ensure that they are qualified to do the work. These questions will help you determine whether your selected company is worth hiring.
1. How Much Experience Do You Have in Siding?
Start by looking into a contractor’s background. Ask how long they have been in business and for examples of their work. If they haven’t been in business long, find out what type of certifications they carry as a guarantee of their expertise. Find out, too, if other homeowners in your area have worked with them and whether the contractor you’re talking to is highly recommended or not.
There are certain advantages you can get from by planning ahead and not waiting until the last minute to find a roof replacement contractor. For one, you’re prepared in case of disaster. Here are some other reasons.
Find an Experienced and Certified Roofer
No homeowner would want to end up with a roof that will need repairs so soon after installation. Make the time to search for an experienced contractor with a good job portfolio. Inquire about certifications and how well customers have rated them for past projects. See if your chosen contractor is properly insured and authorized to work in your area, too.
After making sure that your family is safe after a passing storm, you need to perform a quick inspection of your property. Here’s a step-by-step guide on performing a roof inspection:
1. Roof Visual Inspection
Start with a visual inspection of your roof. Taking care to avoid hazards, such as downed power lines and glass shards, look for shingles that may have blown off your roof. Use a pair of binoculars if you need to take a closer look.
Siding and trim are two of the most visible exterior components, second only to the roof. A harmonious color pair can boost your home’s curb appeal. So, it’s important to do it right the first time.
Roof replacement can be a straightforward process, or it can involve other complicated home remodeling procedures. It all depends on a number of factors, such as roof type and extent of damage.
Typically, there’s a certain amount of preparation done by contractors before heading up onto the roof. Moreover, they will follow a more or less similar flow to determine the project timeline. Acquainting yourself with such information can help you ready yourself and your home for the job – which can help in ensuring everything proceeds without hassle. Here’s what to expect during a roof replacement.
There are a lot of things involved in planning a bathroom remodel. You have to know what you want your space to look like, create a budget and look for a reliable remodeling contractor.
Layout
Decide on a design you want for your new bathroom. Create an inspiration board from magazine and catalog pages. Pinterest is a great platform to look for bathroom remodel ideas and styles. Consider what works and doesn’t in your existing bathroom layout. Determine areas where you can add extra storage or other features.
In the last decades, homeowners have begun to build their outdoor living spaces in their backyard. However, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says that many homeowners today are investing in front porches.
Here are some tips for decorating front porches:
Roof repairs or replacements take a considerable amount of time and planning. One of the things you should think through is the overall cost. After all, depending on your choices for your new roof, the total price of your roofing project will vary.
Here are six factors that can increase the overall cost of your roofing project:
