Homeowner's Guide to Managing a Home Renovation Project

Getting the most from your money in any home renovation project originates from knowledge of the improvement process and hiring the right contractor. With our tough-as-nails tactics guide, you can assure yourself that your home project has the expected outcome. 

Do some research.

              

             Whether you're about to renovate the interior or exterior of your home, it may help to know what you want before setting your first appointment. Are you looking for a modern or more classic design? What is your budget? What kind of materials do you think you will need? Attending local expos and fairs is a good way to see the latest products all at once from a variety of vendors. Do you have an idea of what you want to update or change in your home? Are you looking for more traditional neutral colors or something bold that makes a statement? Having an idea of what you want helps route the contractor to the type of work and look you have in mind. 

Know your insurance.

            If you have checked out your contractor's references and history you know that you will be dealing with someone with integrity who is ready to help with any issue involved in your project. Most homeowner insurance policies will provide coverage for damage to roofs, siding, windows, doors and other parts of the home depending on the cause. It is also best to check your coverage. You may find that your insurance covers most of, if not all of, the costs involved if there was some damage done. 

What are the terms?

            A contract is rarely a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. Read your contract carefully and discuss any concerns you have with your contractor before starting. Remember a good contractor will be willing to sit down with you and thoroughly review all aspects of a service contract and provide satisfactory answers. If you are not confident about part of a contract, DO NOT SIGN IT. Instead, have someone else look it over for you as well. Remember that this is your money, your home, and the contractor is there to help you. Allrite Home & Remodeling's team members are always willing to discuss the details of every project to ensure that your renovation is stress free. 

Hire the best.

            The term "you get what you pay for" is never as valid as it is when dealing with a home renovation. Many people take short cuts hiring a friend of a friend only to find their project incomplete and a nightmare left behind. When checking out contractors for your home renovation you should look for these factors: 

             

• Is the contractor licensed and insured?
• Does the contractor have a satisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau?
• How long has the contractor been in business?
• Do they have a guarantee to satisfy the homeowners?
• Have they been awarded for previous work completed?
• Check for online reviews of the contractor.

A home renovation project can be stressful, but if you follow these few simple steps you may find that the project goes smoothly without a hitch. Remember that if a problem arises and you have done your due diligence in hiring a quality contractor, do not be afraid to speak up and talk to the contractor right away. He or she will help you to reach a fair and satisfactory conclusion to your concern. 

           
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What is the right type of roofing for your home?

What is the right type of roofing for your home?

When it comes to home styles, it seems the variety is almost endless. Homes can be Cape Cod, Art Deco, Bungalow, Craftsman, Contemporary, Colonial, Dutch Colonial, Georgian Colonial, Federal Colonial, French Provincial, Greek Revival, Italianate, Mediterranean and the list goes on.

 It is no wonder with all of these different types of home styles, there would be a wide variety of roofing styles as well. The basic roofing material types are asphalt shingles, composite shingles, wood shingles, slate and metal. So what do you choose for your home?

Style is one factor to consider, but not the only one. Yes, you want your roof to look nice and suit the style of your home, but, factors such as product cost, material weight, installation requirements and lifespan of the product are also important to consider.

Here is what you need to know to make the right decision:

Asphalt/Fiberglass Shingles-  The most commonly used of all roof materials, probably because they are the least costly and easier to install. Asphalt shingles are made from a fiberglass medium that has been blended with asphalt and given a cover of sand-like granules. They come in multiple thicknesses with the thicker being covered in a laminated product. In today’s market, companies like Certainteed (http://www.certainteed.com/residential-roofing/types-asphalt-roofing-shingles/) offer a variety of asphalt shingles that meet most desired looks. They offer Strip Shingles which are the most basic type of shingle for single layer roofing, Dimensional Shingles which offer a multi-layered richer appearance and possible impact resistance.  The Premium Shingle which offer designs that mimic “old-world” roofing shingles like natural slate or natural shake roofing shingles.  Because of the varieties available, you would need to consult your roofing installer as to the lifespan of these products.

Wood Shingles-  These usually sawn or split shingles are mostly made of cedar, redwood or southern pine. Wood shingles have been a favorite in the housing industry for centuries and are still a great option, however, they are forbidden in some areas due to local fire codes. These shingles last normally around 25 years before needing to be replaced.

                                 

Slate Roof-  A slate roof is among the most durable and long lasting roofing materials. The average slate roof can last for hundreds of years and are often reused in projects because of its high durability. Several factors need to be considered when looking at slate roofing such as cost and weight of the product. Slate roofs are extremely heavy so making sure that the right company installs the roof and that your structure is solid is imperative. However, a slate roof not only looks amazing, improves the value of your home, but is heat retentive as well. Slate roofs look great on Chateau, French and Colonial style homes. To see a great example of a slate roof visit this link: http://www.allriteremodeling.com/roofing.html

Composite Shingles- This product is a great alternative to the wood shingles or real slate roofing, as that the composite shingles are durable and fire retentive. One such manufacturer that makes a great composite shingle is DaVinci. Their roofing product is a good fit on a large variety of homes and offers low-maintenance, durability, a wide range of color options and solid warranties. This is a cost effective alternative to the slate.

Metal Roof-  These surprisingly lightweight roofs are both durable and fire resistant, however, they do require some specialized handling in their installation as some require soldering of seams.  Metal roofs are primarily made of aluminum, steel, copper or copper- alloys. Products usually last 20-50 years with most holding a 30 year paint guarantee. Things to consider when thinking about a metal roof is the fact that they can dent and noise can be an issue. A final consideration, in cooler climate areas, where snow falls often, the release of snow as the seasons change , may cause an “avalanche” effect. 

When choosing a home roofing product, you are best to talk to an expert in the field. New products and materials are always making their way into the market and a qualified Allrite contractor can assure that you get the best possible products for your home installed correctly.