Month: December 2013 - page 2

Home Improvements that Improve Home Value

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

There are so many reasons to want to bring new life to your home and so many different ways to achieve it.  Homeowners must love their new remodel or home upgrade however; they should also remember that in the end it is also important to think about the long term.  This includes the quality of the improvement, the value it gives to the equity in the home’s value and if the upgrade is universal and will pleasing to many different buyers in the future.

Kitchen renovations give the best return on investment when you do decide to sell your home.  Simple kitchen upgrades are easy enough for home owners to do on their own while others should be left to a professional contractor.  Simply refinishing cabinets, replacing laminate counter tops, steel sinks, faucets and hardware can do a lot to update a kitchen with very little investment to a homeowner.  If looking for something more than this such as moving appliances and restructuring cabinets call in a professional kitchen remodeler.  It will save you money, time and sanity and frankly the money will be recouped in the end but the time and sanity those are things you can’t get back.

The exterior of your home is also an area that can bring a large return on your investment.  Not only will you improve the curb appeal of your home but also the homes’ equity.  New siding and trim is one of the only renovations that will not cause much turmoil to your families routine as well which is rare when thinking about home improvements.

The bathroom is another area that can also increase the value of your home.  Some major renovations in a bathroom are flooring, ceramic tiling, new fixtures and faucets and an upgrade in cabinets and vanities.  Major renovations that include the layout of the space should be really considered as that often adds expense that is not recouped in the end.

Another major exterior investment that helps increase the curb appeal as well as the home’s value is a deck or patio area installation.  A deck home addition adds an extra functional space for entertaining and play.  A deck can be made as cozy as the interior of your home with the latest inventions for outdoor entertaining such as screens to alleviate the presence of bugs or outdoor heaters that keep the chill at bay.

All home additions are worth the expense, stress and time spent if it is something that will improve the quality of your life and enhance the space in which you live.  Some also will help increase the value of your home as well while others are strictly done for the benefit of the homeowner while they are living within the space.  Basement renovations are hard to recoup.  You will see an increase in your home value but it may not be nearly what you spent on the renovations itself.  Doing too many renovations of this nature within your home can leave you upside down when it comes time to sell the home if you have renovated on the equity of your home.  Consider this before jumping head first into any major room renovation.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Installing a New Shingle Roof in Winter

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

There are so many myths and opinions on how the winter and the cold temperatures that it brings with it affect roofing.  As with summer, there are days when it is too hot or roofing.  The same applies to winter, some days it will just be too cold to lay shingles.  If you hire a contractor that understands roofing and follows the procedures needed to install a roof in the winter there should not be any issues with the roof at all. In this article we will look at the advantages and disadvantages that come into play when installing a new roof in the winter.

The first thing roofing contractors get asked about is the temperature and the adhesive on the shingles.  Sunlight, whether during the heat of summer or the chill of winter will help allow the shingles to adhere to the roof.  If a roof contractor ever recommends using roofing cement on your roof run the other way.  Never let anyone use roofing cement on your roof.

Another belief is that shingles installed in the winter will blow off easier because they are not properly sealed.  This too is not the case.  Shingles tend to blow off of a roof because they are not properly fastened.  When a nailing gun is used the roofer needs to make sure at all times that the nails are not blowing through the shingles.  When this occurs, winter or summer, the shingles will blow off.  They key is to hire a roofing contractor that is consensus of how much pressure is being blown out with the use of his pneumatic nail gun.  During the winter it is also best practice to fasten the shingles by hand to guarantee the shingle is held down and doesn’t split from the cold.

There are advantages that come with installing a new roof in the winter.  In the cold shingles are a lot less likely to be scuffed or marred up from the roofers moving about on the freshly laid shingles.  The shingles are more solid and rugged when the tar has not left the gravel loose.

The winter is considered the off season for most roofing companies especially those in the Northeast. With this said winter is the perfect time for those homeowners that do not have time to wait for a roofing contractors schedule to open up because most likely it already is.  In the summer you are really at the beck and call of the roofer.  With so many roofs that need to be done roofers tend to have tighter schedules and skeleton crews. However in the winter your roof could be removed, repaired and re-roofed all in the same day with the larger crew and availability of the roofing contractor.

Another thing to consider is that in the winter shingle lines are being discounted because they are being discontinued.  This can lead to major savings for you as a homeowner.  Assist your contractor in finding the best deal on quality shingles for your home.  It may save you hundreds of dollars having discontinued shingles shipped to you for your new roof.

The jury is still out of course as people that believe winter roofing is not as viable as summer roofing will most likely not be swayed.  The good and the bad comes along with any home improvement project and living in a climate with four seasons presents a challenge when it comes to having a rood installed.

 

Home Pro Roofing MI

Aging In Place With Home Improvements

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Ages in place remodeling needs are increasing as seniors are demanding to stay independent and in their own homes longer than ever before. With advances in home remodeling, contractors are able to upgrade homes to fit the special needs of the aging population thus making living alone possible. Success in remodeling for aging in place depends on several things including choosing improvements that work with the homes original structure and a certified contractor to complete the remodeling process.

The first step in senior home improvements should start at the homes entrances and exits. Handicap ramps and increased doorway width are an important place to begin. A wheelchair accessible entrance is beneficial for those confined to wheelchairs, walkers and the use of a cane. Stairs are an incredible burden when it comes to the aging body and a handicap ramp, installed properly whether aluminum or wood will ease the burden of accessing the home.

The next room within the home that needs to be looked at is the bathroom. Over fifty percent of accidents happen in the bathroom mostly from falls. A bathroom is easily modified with proper installation from a certified contractor. Installing grab bars by the toilet and within the shower are a must for home improvements for seniors. The use of special fixtures and door pulls are especially helpful when it comes to the lack in strength in aging hands. You can also increase the height of the toilet to help ease getting on and off as well.

The kitchen is another area prone to senior accidents. When remodeling a kitchen for aging in place fixtures are important as well as accessibility. Keeping items within reach to avoid seniors climbing is important. One way that this can be accomplished is using sliding platforms within cupboards. This allows items to be stacked lower. Keep all appliances and everyday items within reach, increase the lighting within the space and simplify.

In the bedroom space it is important to have abundant lighting that is easy to get to. A light should be within arms reach from the bed so that when waking in the middle of the night to use the restroom they are not maneuvering about in the dark. Organize closet space so that clothing is within reach without having to over stretch or climb. This will be a reoccurring theme, lighting, ease of reach and maneuverability.

Include seniors in the changes around their home. This will make them less resentful of the age in place remodeling and make adjusting to the lifestyle of one that is aging less difficult. Help by removing throw rugs and increase lighting throughout the home. Increase fire safety by providing fire alarms with increased volume and flashing lights along with fire extinguishers throughout the home. Remove obstacles and create areas within the home where things can be stored.

When remodeling for aging in place creating a safe, usable space that still feels like home is the most important aspect of the entire project. Find a contractor that listens and offers several different design ideas that fit with creating a safe space to grow old in.

 

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Pool Plaster

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Owning a pool is a wonderful luxury but also requires a good amount of effort to maintain the pools finish, plumbing and everyday care.  One important aspect of pool maintenance is the finish of the pool be it white plaster or something more specialized like Hydrazzo, Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Traditional White Plaster, Quartz Aggregate and Pebble Surface plasters.  When researching plaster finishes for your pool you will come to realize that white is the most affordable therefore the most common finish for commercial and residential inground pools.

Plaster is the most common material and the least expensive finish for inground pools. It is likely that if your home has an inground pool or if you are installing one that the shell of the pool is made out of concrete, or as known in the pool industry a material called gunite.  The pool plaster is laid over the gunite shell and smoothed to perfection.

Pricing on different types of plaster finishes can vary a great deal depending on the color, style of the plaster chosen and the region in which you are from. When looking at companies to finish or refinish your pool make sure to check references and ensure that you are looking at what each company offers and their references.  Some companies will take shortcuts that can make the plaster job cheaper however will reduce the length of time the finish will hold up costing you more in the long run.

Below is a brief overview on the different options in plaster finishes you can choose from for your pool finish.

White Pool Plastering:  As mentioned above, this is the most affordable and most common plaster finish.  It is created using a combination of marble aggregate, water and cement.  White plaster is often used in commercial pools as it is standard code.  The one disadvantage of white plaster over other options is that is tends to be softer and therefore lasts only about five to seven years before the first signs of erosion are seen.  Keeping the chemistry of your pools water will increase the longevity of your white plaster finish.

Colored Pool Plaster: The difference between white plaster and colored plaster is, you guessed it, the color.  A dye is mixed in with the aggregate, water and cement to create a tint.  This is one way to add interest to the finish while keeping the costs reasonable.  The one disadvantage is that overtime the coloring will start to fade.

Crushed Quartz Additives In Plaster: Diamond Brite and Hydrazzo are brands that add luster and shine to the pools plaster finish along with increasing the life time of the finish.  Using quartz additives can increase the life of the finish for up to twenty years.  Just be careful as the quartz adds a slip resistant surface which is durable but can be rough on feet.

As with every purchase around your home you need to weight the benefits, cost and time you will be living in the house. If you intend to stay in your home, therefore utilizing the pool for a long period of time it is a safe bet to go with a quartz finish as it will save you the hassle of finishing the pool every five to seven years!

 

Pound Pool Plastering