Tag: Contractor

Should You Repair or Replace Your Home’s Roof?

A leak in your homes roof can cause some damage to your home and cost you some serious money if not caught and dealt with.  If water is allowed to accumulate, overtime you can expect to see saggy drywall, mold, and rotting wood frames.  When you see the damage, you should repair the damage. Call a roofing contractor ASAP.  Usually roof repairs are not simple matters.  It requires diagnostics and a detailed analysis of repairing the roof verse replacing the roof.  This guide can help.

A leak in your homes roof can cause some damage to your home and cost you some serious money if not caught and dealt with.  If water is allowed to accumulate, overtime you can expect to see saggy drywall, mold, and rotting wood frames.  When you see the damage, you should repair the damage. Call a roofing contractor ASAP.  Usually roof repairs are not simple matters.  It requires diagnostics and a detailed analysis of repairing the roof verse replacing the roof.  This guide can help.

Leaky Roofs

When your roof has a leak, it is crucial you fix it immediately.  Repairs to leaking roofs need to be permanent verse temporary.  You have a few choices when it comes to repairing leaks.

•           If your roof is sound overall besides one or two week spots the damage may just be from something out of the norm like a falling branch or a strong windstorm.  When making repairs be sure they are permanent.

•           If your roof is showing signs of wear, then making repairs will only solve a temporary problem before other leaks appear.  This will be the time you will want to start considering a new roof.

•           If you need a bit to prepare for the roof replacement, leaks can be covered with tarps or plywood until the process of getting a new roof can begin.

•           If you know you are unable to install a new roof anytime soon then go ahead and make semi-permanent repairs.  Replaces shingles, perform attic inspections, and after it rains be prepared to repair interior damage.

Roof Problems

Without ever noticing an issue, it is still crucial that you inspect your roof twice a year.  You will look for cupping, splitting, water damage, missing shingles, issues with gutters, and more.  Below are some issues that are common and how to fix them.

Replacing Shingles

During your bi-yearly roof inspection you may notice a few missing shingles.  If this is the case, you can most often fix this without the need to call in a professional.  Locate the area where the shingle is missing and using shingles leftover from the original install replace the shingle.  Remove all of the damages shingling, install fresh underlayment, and replace the shingle.  Flat roofs are a bit different and require assistance from roofing contractors that specialize in flat roofing.

Attic Ventilation

Your roof and attic need to breathe otherwise air will be trapped and ruin the insulation and cause mold which leads to rot.  Vents are a key element in roofing.  Without vents, ice can build up in the winter because no warm air would ever reach the attic.  There are four types of vents to be aware of: soffit, ridge, roof, and gable vents.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including:  roofing,  siding,  windowmasonry, chimneysgutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at https://www.kearnsbrothers.com/.

Custom Handicap and Age in Place Remodeling Solutions

The benefits of age in place remodeling are insurmountable.  There are countless remodeling solutions that enable those who want to retire and live in their own homes with freedom, dignity, and pride. Age in place remodeling solutions are designed using handicap construction techniques in mind.  This helps to remove unnecessary hazardous clutter and to allow easy mobility especially when a wheelchair or walker accessibility is required.

Bathroom and Kitchen Accessibility

The most important rooms for any age in place remodeling and handicap construction are the bathroom and the kitchen. The idea is to use principles of universal design.  This is essentially all about making a space useful to people with diverse abilities with appropriate size and space provided for approach, adequate reach and use regardless of individual body size, posture, or mobility.

For example, an outdoor ramp, often referred to as a handicap ramp, with a comfortable incline integrated into the exterior of a home is one essential age in place remodeling solution that will allow easy and safe accessibility for a person in a wheelchair, a cane or a walker. One full bathroom, kitchen, and common room areas should be located on the main level of the home. Planning ahead to accommodate assistive devices is a good idea in order to make it easy for someone in a wheelchair to make their way around the toilet, bathtub, or shower, as well as easy-to-reach cabinets and drawers.

Options For Age In Place Remodels

Two of the most common options for achieving the comfort and safety of an age in place commode is to install a seat extender or replace the old toilet with one that is the proper and recommended height. The toilet paper holder should also be designed for one-handed changing and must be in a position where it is not only easy to reach from a sitting position but is also sturdy enough to hold an individual’s weight.

Textured grab bars along the bathroom, around tubs, hallways, bedroom, and in areas where assisted seating and standing are required can make all the difference they also must be strong enough to support about 300 plus pounds.

When it comes to the age in place kitchen solutions, having the height of the dishwasher raised can reduce the strain of loading and unloading. Motorized, adjustable height counters, pullout or pull-down cabinets, roller sinks makes the whole kitchen more accessible by someone who is wheelchair bound or handicap. Bookcases on hallways, wiring on the floor, floor rugs are examples of things that pose various trip hazards and must be removed in both a handicap and aged in place remodeling solutions.

Here are additional age in place remodeling solutions:

  • Widen doorway and halls to a width of between twenty five and twenty seven inches wide to accommodate various assistive devices.
  • Install consistent lighting that is easy to locate. Use shades to prevent unnecessary glare.
  • Eliminate transitions between flooring materials of various heights. Remove scatter rugs from all locations within the home.

 

Learn more about licensed and insured general contractor Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com.  To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.

Benefits of Age in Place Remodeling

Age in place remodeling is something everyone should consider. The term has many misconceptions about growing old. However, a good age in place contractor will help to create a space that you will always feel comfortable in. Rather than a home looking old, it continues to show your personality and offers the style you desire.

Here’s a look at the four benefits of age in place remodeling:

Your Home Becomes Your Forever Home

It’s common to look at a home as a stop-gap for the time being. Eventually you want to upsize to grow your family or you want something different in terms of living space, kitchen, or bathroom. You may even need to look at installing handicap ramps into your home.

Age in place remodeling makes it so your home is your forever home. It is designed for all your needs now and into the future. A good age in place contractor will help you consider the possibilities in the future of needing ramps and support while considering your current needs, ensuring that your space will always offer exactly what you need.

You Are Ready If Something Happens

You just don’t know exactly what the future holds. While you may feel in full physical health now, an accident can happen tomorrow or you may have an underlying health problem with no symptoms. This time next year, you may find you need to completely remodel your home just to be able to live comfortably.

Thinking about age in place remodeling will give you the chance to plan ahead. You look at the chances of an accident and look at the parts of your home that could become inaccessible. If something does happen, you can quickly add in the new needed items, rather than wait weeks to get a contractor in and then months for the total remodel to take place. You have peace of mind and security.

Make Your Home Comfortable

Harsh lighting can cause headaches, while a cluttered kitchen can make it difficult to work around. When you opt for age in place remodeling, you have the ability to create a comfortable home. Each room will have the specific purpose you need and you can choose lighting specifically to soften and create relaxing areas.

The bathroom gets the tub and suite that you’ve always dreamed of having, while the hallways can be lined with the right shelving to make storage easier. Getting rid of the clutter and creating a space you’re happy with will make you happier when you are at home.

Your Home Requires Less Maintenance

While you may enjoy a little gardening, you don’t necessarily want the whole garden and lawn to be covered in grass. An age in place contractor will look at the garden and help create one that requires less maintenance. You don’t have to worry about watering or mowing the lawn every week or so. There’s no need to worry about that will do it when you’re physically unable to.

That doesn’t mean all your flower beds will be removed. The contracts will consider ways to make it easier to get to your plants. You may have raised flower beds installed or handicap ramps around your lawn to make sure you can still get across the grass to your plants should something happen.

Consider age in place remodeling for your home. Thinking about it now will help you have peace of mind for the future so you can get your forever home.

Learn more about licensed and insured general contractor Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com.  To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.

New Looks for an Old Home

There are many ways which can be used in order to improve the old looks of homes. With the help of remodeling and home renovations any type of home can get a new look. Many things are located inside a home. These can be changed to get a new look. Placement of things in a home can be changed in order to have a new look. Repairs in homes can be done to remove the defects and get new feelings.

  • If you have a home with paint on walls then you can use tiles on walls in order to have new looks.
  • There are many types of tiles in the market which can be used for homes.
  • You can have tiles of different colors for different rooms.
  • There are special tiles which are made for bathrooms and different tiles are to be used for other rooms.
  • You can have curtains in your home with new styles.

Many types of curtains are available in the market which can be installed in homes for getting new looks. You can have curtains of different designs in different rooms to have unique looks. Furniture is another main thing which can be used for changing styles and looks of homes. You can change furniture in your home or change the arrangement of furniture in your rooms.

This will give a new feeling in your home and your decoration will be changed. Many people are using remodeling and home renovations in order to get new feelings from time to time. You can change the covers of your beds and seats to have a new look. You can buy some new things to be used in your home and sell out some old things. You can make a budget to make sure that you are spending in limits while remodeling.

  • Many people like to introduce some changes after some time in their homes to have new feelings.
  • It is good to use some changes in old homes or getting new looks.
  • Homes have many things which can be changed after some time in order to have new looks.
  • If you are willing to have some new feeling and decoration then you can change the arrangement of things in your home.

This will require some efforts on your part but you are not needed to invest money in this process. You are just needed to change the location of things in your home and you are done. You can change the location of tables and chairs from one room to another and change the location of your bed and cupboard in rooms to have a new look. These and many other options are available in changing the styles and looks of things in homes. If you want to introduce some new things then you have to invest some money.

You can but new chairs and tables for your home and install them in required rooms to have new feelings and looks. With some remodeling and home renovations you are able to change the looks and feels of your home and have good results in a short time period.

Learn more about licensed and insured general contractor Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com.  To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.

 

The Best Solution When Needing Help Around The Home

When it comes to hiring a professional contractor or handyman it is always the best idea to know which one is right for the job that you need done.  If you end up hiring the wrong contractor or handyman you could end up putting the project at risk and you may end up paying more than necessary.

No matter what size job that needs to be done, big or small, you need to concentrate on finding an extremely skilled, reliable, and experienced in exactly what you need done.  A handyman should offer you great customer care and professional service.  They should be able to work around your personal schedule to help get the project completed on time and as you desire.

Handymen can often provide a wide range of both residential and commercial projects including property maintenance, home repairs, and home improvements including small and large scaled indoor and outdoor projects. Most handymen offer a one call solution to providing the solutions that clients need.  Many not only offer to do one time repairs but also emergency repairs and monthly maintenance routines that are needed around the home.

Handymen often do most everything a homeowner can think of. If you have stuff that needs to be replaced, fixed, or even maintained, most handymen are capable of handling it for you.  Projects ranging from basic carpentry needs to bigger or more complex projects for both residential and commercial needs from painting, furniture assemble, railing installation, gutters cleaned, sheetrock repaired, doors adjusted, light fixtures replaced, and so much more.

Handymen understand how important it is to you to get your repairs done.  Depending on their schedule handymen are usually able to handle and arrange their schedules to get to emergency repairs as soon as possible but when it comes to bigger projects it is best not to wait to contact the handyman you are hoping to hire to complete your project.

Many handymen schedule their appointments in blocks of time from ¼ day blocks to full day blocks.  They will work to schedule your project around a time that is convenient and works best for you.  When the appointment is schedule homeowners can expect the professional handyman to show up with all the basic supplies and tools to complete your job.

Handymen often charge a deposit upfront and a final payment when the job is completed.  It is important for homeowners to note that if they add to the original scope of the project the project will cost them additional funds.  It is also important to note that sometimes they have only allotted a certain amount of time for your project so they might not have time to get to the additional requests of the homeowner.

Learn more about licensed and insured general contractor Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com.  To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.

Benefits That Come From Hiring a Handyman

If you are a homeowner you know that there is always something that needs to get done around the house.  There is never a reprieve from the chaos when you own a home or is there?  Maybe you think that you can do it all by yourself but do you have enough time, skill, materials, & such?  Even the handiest homeowners can have a hard time accomplishing everything they need to.  No matter what you’re lacking, be it time or skill hiring a handyman can alleviate a month of weekends wasted on home improvement projects.

With a little bit of research homeowners can find an affordable handyman that is willing to do most any job around the house for you.  Hiring a local handyman saves you time and the headache of learning a new skill by experimentation your own home.  When you hire a handyman they come prepared with knowledge, time, tools & materials to get your job done on the first try without you having to lift a finger.

Think about what a waste it would be to have to buy all the tools you would need for projects such as tiling.  Not only would you need a jig saw but also a tile saw, level, drill, scoring tools, and more.  This alone covers the cost plus some associated with hiring a handyman to do the job.

Hiring a handyman is often times more economical than hiring a construction company.  The overhead of your local handyman is much less and since most jobs around the house are not month long projects it will be far more inexpensive to negotiate with an independent handyman even when it comes to things such as the installation of a new stove.

Save yourself not only time, money & trouble but also stress and anxiety by hiring a local handyman.  When you find the right one you often will find they are willing to work in conjunction with you saving you money, time, and headaches.  While assisting a handyman you are learning valuable skills while helping preserve time.

Learn more about licensed and insured general contractor Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com.  To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.

Hiring a Home Remodeling Specialist

One of the best parts of home ownership is the ability to create an environment that is uniquely your own.  The tricky part is that not many of us are talented enough to make these renovation changes without hiring a professional remodeling specialist.  Renovations are not always easy and often can take more time then homeowners have.  Instead of trying to handle a complete room renovation on your own consider the benefits that come from hiring a contractor.

In this installment on renovating your home we will look more in-depth at the reasons to hire a remodeling specialist to take on your home improvements.

  • Better Quality of Construction

When they are remodeling your home, you can be sure that whether they are using wood for the reconstruction of the furniture or whether they are using some other material, it would always be consisting of quality material. Due to this very reason, you can be sure that the quality which you would get from the remodeling would be much better. Even if you try to choose the materials by yourself, you would not be able to directly judge the quality of the materials. On the other hand, the remodeling experts would be able to exactly judge the quality of the materials and therefore would be able to provide you with the best quality of materials.

  • On Time Work

When you’re hiring a remodeling expert, you can easily give them a strict a deadline. When you’re thinking about doing it yourself you would be procrastinating and there would be a lot of obstacles which you would be suffering from.

On the other hand, when you’re hiring the remodeling expert, you can be sure that the work would be done by the deadline which you have given to that remodeling expert. When the work is done by the deadline which you have given to the remodeling expert, automatically it would become easier for you to get the home ready in time.

  • Written Contract

Instead of just having a verbal commitment, when you’re hiring the home remodeling specialist, you can be sure that you would be getting a written contract about the things which are included and the things which are not included. This would ensure that you are able to get the entire work done on time and you are able to also know which work would be completed.

Instead of tackling home improvements on your own take these three reasons to hire a contractor to reiterate the reasons you should not tackle it on your own.

Learn more about Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com.  To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.

Perfect Home Renovations To Do During Fall

Fall is the perfect time of year to complete home improvement projects.  It is not too hot or too cold to be working either on the interior or exterior of your home.  If you are looking to improve your home or to make the home more energy efficient for the winter; fall is the perfect season to work around your home.

Fall home improvements are popular not only because of the perfect weather to complete tem in but also the timing is ideal with the holiday’s right around the corner.  Consider improvements to your kitchen.  This is the gathering spot for many occasions from Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas brunch.  With all the cooking and entertaining that will take place kitchen renovations including a double oven and additional seating will sure to be crowd pleasers.  Minor kitchen updates like new cabinet hardware are also a great way to update the space.

Another home update that is ideal to accomplish in the fall is replacing older windows with new energy efficient ones.  Old windows tend to be the biggest source of lost heat within the home.  Cold air easily enters and hot air escapes through the cracks in the window frames.  If new windows are outside your budget consider caulking window sill and adding plastic overlay to window in the areas with the greatest heat loss present.  This simple renovation to your home can save you hundreds of dollars in utility costs.

Fall is the perfect time to evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic.  Too little or too much ventilation can be problematic when it comes your homes attic.  The addition of insulation to your home can be done in a variety of ways.  The two most common are for insulation to be blown in or to use rolled insulation.  This is a simple home renovation that can really make a different during the cold winter months.

Another repair or renovation that is wise in the fall is roof repairs or the installation of a new roof.  Roofers are often less busy then they are in the summer months during the fall season.  Now is the perfect time to have a new roof installed.  You can negotiated a better price on labor as well as roofing materials.  Fall is when they start to move last year’s stock so many contractors will offer specials on fall roofing projects.  Just remember that you have to live with your roofing choice for the next fifteen to twenty years.

Fall is also the best time of year for exterior painting.  Summer weather has a negative effect on the paint.  The hot temperatures and direct sunlight all expose the paint to elements that don’t allow for it to properly adhere.  The fall temperatures make is ideal to add a fresh coat of paint on to the exterior of your home.

Home improvements can be done throughout the year.  The fall weather is ideal for many different renovations that are difficult to do in summer temperatures. Space out renovations in a manner that allows you to take advantage of the seasonal temperature benefits.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Planning Before Starting Home Improvements

There are so many variables to take into account when beginning any remodeling project within your home.  Whether you are going it on your own or hiring a contractor there are some things that will help your remodel or hurt it.  Read on to discover the do’s and don’ts with your next home improvement projects.

Be decisive with your decisions from the start. There will be a million decisions to make when remodeling a room in your home.  The best thing to do is to make every decision before you begin any home improvement project no matter how large or small the renovation is.

Hiring a general contractor can help with this process.  They are able to lay out a plan and keep you on a schedule.  Small things like ordering a faucet can derail the schedule of a kitchen or bathroom remodel.  When your faucet is late being delivered then the plumber needs to be rescheduled.  Then if the plumber later installs the faucet only to find that the medicine cabinet door hits the faucet you have a new issue.   It is simple to see how one mishap can lead to a lengthy and unexpected delay in any remodeling process.

Try not to change your mind.  It is inevitable that something is going to happen and you are going to want to change your mind.  The most important thing to remember is that each time this occurs it will result in your order needing to be changed.  This might not seem like a big deal however it usually adds to the cost of your project, increases time spent on the project and can lead to major schedule changes.  Make sure of your choices before placing orders or settling on design renovations.

Don’t buy materials on your own. Many people believe that purchasing materials on their own is the most affordable way to proceed through a remodel. Many people think that builders are just going to mark up the prices on their materials which is true.  However, the fact is that the most affordable way to proceed through a remodel. Many people think that builders are just going to mark up the prices on their materials which is true.  However, the fact is that builders get a decent discount on building supplies that many pass on to their customers.  Even with their markup the materials still tend to cost less than they would at a home improvement store.

Don’t wait to make necessary upgrades.  There are times when you want to make cosmetic upgrades to your home but it is not always the right time.  Adding fancy cabinets to a home with a saggy foundation or leaky roof is just not smart.  Before making any upgrades or renovations to the home make sure the house is sound structurally.  Adding central air to a home with little insulation is another renovation that just doesn’t make sense. Make sure all necessary updates are made to the home before choosing cosmetic renovations.

Updating your home is always an adventure.  You can keep the surprises to a minimum by following the tips above.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Upgrades Around The Home That Pay You Back

Purchasing a home is an adventure.  Maintaining and increasing your homes property value is of utmost importance to all homeowners. In order to do this there are a few simple things to keep in mind. One of the most important elements in owning a home is maintaining the property.  This entails keeping the home as clean as possible as well as keeping the home in working condition with no pest infestations, fresh paint, and updated water as well as electrical systems.  A home that is kept up on will sell time and time again over a home that is not kept up on and is under cared for.

Real estate is starting to pick up again.  If you are trying to sell your home you will want an edge up on the competition.  When it comes to homes you will want to ensure that your home is in physically better shape than all the others.  There should be absolutely no visible problems in the home.  Your homes curb appeal should be top notch.  All visible siding, roofing, windows and exterior improvements are areas where you should spend money.

Home improvements should pay you back upon the sale of your home.  When you put money into your home you should expect that in the end you will get an equal return on your investment.  Make sure that every improvement that is made within your homes interior or exterior will net an equal return on your investment as well as keeping with the cohesiveness of the existing neighborhood.

Many homeowners ask about upgrades including room additions, expansions, renovations as well as updating bathrooms and kitchens.  The answer to any of these is a resounding yes!  If you as a homeowner want it then they should do it.  The trick is to be careful about overdoing it.  Any upgrade can be done, but doing it within the standards of the community that you live in it is important to keeping your home’s value consistent with those around it.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are super important when it comes to any home upgrade. Getting your money out of the remodel is the trick.  When it comes to kitchen upgrades and bathroom renovations be sure to update your home to make it more high-end.  This will encourage buyers when it comes to buyers purchasing your home.  The problem is over-improving your home.  Don’t add a designer, high-end kitchen, in a home that is within an average first time home owners budget.  As a seller you will not recoup your money.

In an average subdivision with first time home buyers a better source of spending money on renovations is with the addition of a second bath or half bath.  Using materials that are of good quality and adding an extra bathroom can turn an ordinary three bedroom home with one bath into an extravagant three bedroom home with a separate bath for the kids and one for the adults.  Any dull house or small apartment can be improved upon with the addition of a half or full bathroom.

New homeowners are looking for upgrades that keep homes updated while maintaining their fair market value in an overall friendly community.  This is ideal for most homeowners looking to purchase a new home.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.