Category: home improvement

5 Reasons You Need A New Roof In Worcester

Rachael

There are many things that a homeowner must do to keep their house in excellent condition. One of them is keeping their roofs inspected annually. However, since the roof is on top of the house and out of sight, it’s easy to forget about it. Unfortunately, negligence is the reason why so many homeowners end up needing an entire roof installed.

Failing to get regular inspections and fixing problems when they are small can add up to more significant issues. For example, small cracks and missing shingles that would have only cost a few hundred dollars when they surfaced may turn into thousands of dollars. This is because the cracks and missing shingles may have damaged the roof decking and caused leaks. The homeowner will need to replace the roof, remediate the mold, and fix the drywall.

Damage isn’t the only time a roof will need to be replaced, however. Here are some of the common reasons that a homeowner will need a new roof installed by roofing contractors Worcester, MA.

Microorganisms Have Destroyed Your Old Roof

A homeowner in Worcester may need a new roof because the roof has moss, lichen, or algae growing on it. Moss is green-colored, while lichen is usually white crust-like patches. Algae is black, and it looks like a stain spreading over the roof. However, all of these are living microorganisms. These growths are typically present when there is a moisture problem with the roof. They extend all over the roof, causing damage that eventually leads to premature roof replacement.

Damages from microorganisms not only destroy shingles but can also destroy the roof decking and allow moisture into the home. Not only will homeowners have to pay up to $12,000 to solve the roof problem, but they may have to pay a couple of thousand dollars for mold remediation if mold is present. They will also have to pay up to an additional thousand dollars to fix the ceiling. Thus, these seemingly harmless growths on the roof can lead to some very costly problems. And worst of all, since these growths usually indicate a homeowner’s neglect, home insurance policies won’t likely cover the damages.

Current Shingles Are Missing or Severely Damaged

Microorganisms can lead to premature roof replacement, but sometimes the shingles on the house can be damaged due to changes in the weather. Severe dry spells can cause the shingles to start to crack and fall off the house. Once this happens, it leaves the decking open to moisture. Thus, these extremities in the weather cause a host of problems with the roof, leading to replacement. The most significant cause of cracked or missing shingles is black algae. This black-colored organism eats away at the shingles, particularly asphalt shingles removing the UV protection layer from them. Therefore, when the sun shines on the home, this dries out the shingles, making them brittle. Aging can also cause the shingles to become brittle and start to crack.

There Are Many Stains Showing Inside Your

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Top 5 Benefits of Roof Cleaning (You Haven’t Heard About)

Rachael

Roof cleaning is mostly considered cosmetic maintenance of your home and roof, but there are a lot more benefits to this than you might think. If you’re looking into getting your roof cleaned and want to know if it’s worth it and what exactly you’ll get out of it, then you’ve come to the right place. There are a lot of options when it comes to cleaning your roof. You can get moss removal, roof tile cleaning, power washing, or stain removal done to your roof. It’s extremely important to keep up with your roof cleaning because it can help you prevent more problems or damage as well as keep your home looking in tip-top shape. Here are five benefits of roof cleaning that you might not know about.

If you need more information about cleaning services for your home, our Garden City MI power washing company is here to help.

1.   Warranty Upkeep

One benefit to cleaning your roof is to keep up with the warranty. This is something that a lot of homeowners don’t exactly know, but it can save you if you ever need to use your warranty for some reason. A lot of the time the roof warranty will only be valid if you keep up with your roof maintenance. This can mean something as simple as a roof cleaning, which is actually doing a lot for your roof. If you keep up with regular cleanings then you will honor the warranty by keeping up with the maintenance with it. So if you ever have any problems with your roof, you shouldn’t have to worry about warranty problems if you’ve been keeping up with your roof cleaning. This should be the most minimal reason that you clean your roof.

2.   Boost Your Home’s Appearance And Value

The roof is a big part of your home and it’s something that a lot of people see so getting regular cleanings on it will help you to have a home that looks in tip top shape. This is also an amazing benefit if you’re planning on selling your home. Cleaning your roof will remove stains, leaves, moss and other debris that can make your home not look very appealing to the eye. This may also boost your value because maintenance and upkeep on the roof will bring more value to your home for buyers that know they won’t have to make any repairs to it anytime soon.

3.   You Will Save Money

Saving money is something that comes from roof cleaning. Roof cleaning can help maintain your roof, which means less repairs. It’s cheaper and easier to get regular roof cleaning to help avoid any leaks from build-up than having to repair a crack or hole in the roof. You also will save money because this keeps up with your maintenance and gutter maintenance as well. So when the professionals are doing your cleaning, they will also make note of any repairs that need to be done or just … Read more ...

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Tips for Selecting a Custom Home Building Contractor

Rachael

No one builds a custom home alone, even if you’re the most experienced contractor. You need help from subcontractors, and you need someone to manage them all and make sure the job gets done on time and within budget. That’s where a custom home building contractor comes in. But not just any contractor will do. It would help if you found a good fit for your project and personality. Here are several tips for selecting the right one.

Get Recommendations from Friends, Family, And Colleagues

The best way to start your search is by asking around for referrals. Chances are, someone you know has hired a contractor for a custom building or renovation project. Ask them to tell you about the experience; what type of project it was? How does this contractor work? Did the project go smoothly, or were there hiccups along the way?

Check Their References and Credentials

Once you’ve got a shortlist of local contractors, give them a call and ask for references from clients they’ve worked with in the past. These should be homeowners who have had similar projects like yours, such as building an entire house from scratch or renovating a bathroom.

When you’re talking to references, ask about the contractor’s communication style, how well they worked with the client and other contractors on-site, and whether they completed the project on time and budget.

Ask For References from Subcontractors

Once the main contractor has been hired, they should help you find additional tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, carpenters) licensed and insured. Some contractors may ask you which subs they should hire; others may do their research and select reputable businesses that offer quality work at a fair price.

Either way, it’s important to ask for references from subcontractors, too. Once they’ve been hired, the contractor should regularly keep in touch with subs, ensure they have all the necessary materials and tools, and answer any questions they may have.

Get A Contract in Writing

This one is a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning. Always get a contract in writing before work begins on your custom build or renovation project. The contract should outline the expectations of both the contractor and the homeowner, the payment schedule, and any offer warranties. It’s also important to have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what (e.g., the homeowner is usually responsible for supplying water and power to the job site, while the contractor is typically in charge of waste removal).

Make Sure the Contractor Is Insured and Licensed

Custom home building contractors must be licensed with the government in most places. You can check if a custom home building company is licensed on various contractors licensing websites. All contractors working on your project should also have insurance in case of an accident.

Ask About Their Experience with Your Type of Project

Not all contractors are created equal – some may have more experience with smaller projects, while others may specialize in larger or more complex builds than yours. … Read more ...

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FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SEARCHING FOR GARAGE DOOR SERVICES

Rachael

Garage doors are the first thing people see, for better or worse. The garage entry and the front door to your house have the same benefits and detriments of being seen by many daily. Therefore, it is important to ensure you get top-notch garage door services when it is time to repair your door. Before hiring a company for garage door services, consider the factors below:

The Reputation of Business

When choosing a company, it is important to do your research ahead of time and find out what others think about them. Go online and check out the reviews on several different companies. Read what other customers have to say about their experiences with their service techs, customer service skills, timeliness, etc. If you see any red flags or unhappy customers, this might not be the right place for you. Your family’s safety should always come first when considering whether or not someone is trustworthy enough to be in your home doing repairs on your system.

The Convenience of Their Location

Is the business close to your home or work? This could be a deciding factor if you need the garage door repairs done quickly. If the business is close, you can easily get there without wasting time.

The Cost of Services

Garage door services can be expensive, so it is important to get quotes from several companies before deciding. It is also important to ask about what is included in the cost. Some companies may charge more for additional services, such as removing old parts or cleaning up after work.

The Experience of Technicians

It is important to ensure that the company you choose employs experienced technicians. They should have a reasonable number of years of experience working on garage doors and solving any problem that comes their way. A good technician will be able to inspect your garage doors and give you a fair estimate of what they can do for you.

The Customer Service Skills

Customer service is important in the business world, so make sure the company you choose is friendly, courteous, and willing to answer any questions that will help them better serve you. They should also show up on time if they say when they will arrive at your home or business location. It is important to go with someone who has great customer service skills because this is their livelihood. These skills reflect how much they care about their business and the customers’ needs.

The Warranties Offered By the Company

Most companies offer at least some form of warranty for their services. This could be a warranty on the parts they use, a warranty on the work done, or even a warranty on the installation. It is important to know what is covered by the warranty and its duration.

The Company’s Licensing and Insurance

When hiring someone to do work in your home, you must ensure they are licensed and insured. This protects you from any potential damages or accidents that may … Read more ...

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Tips On How to Save Money When Building a House

Rachael

One of the major investments people make is building a home. This sort of investment is not cheap, and be prepared to part with a substantial amount of cash. However, as a homeowner, your choice of the piece of land, contractors you hire, home design, and other things go a long way to how smooth the process will be. If you make smart decisions and plan early, building a home can be done without breaking the bank. Still, keep in mind that going over the budget is pretty common when building a home. Here are a few ways you can save money in the process.

Have A Budget

It is very unwise to start building a home without estimating what your budget will be. Assess how much you can comfortably spend on constructing your home. It is actually better to meet with a financial advisor even before you buy a lot. They will advise you on the amount of money you should spend on building a home, depending on your financial position. Budgeting will also help you track your expenses so as not to go overboard. It is easy to overspend when you do not have a budget. You will find that you are splurging on roofs, only to discover that you are short on another area, such as labor costs. A budget reminds you of how much to spend on various elements.

Pick Your Builder Wisely

Builders are a huge determinant when you are trying to stay within budget. Your goal needs to be finding affordable and respected home builders Huntsville Alabama-based that will deliver quality work in a specific timeline. Research various home builders and go with the one that offers the most for your budget. Also, take note of things like reviews, reasonable upgrades, and projects completed recently. Once you find a builder, let them know your budget and what your priorities are. Some builders are always happy to advise you on different ways you can cut costs.

Go With a Small Footprint

Every square footage counts when building a home. The bigger the size, the higher the cost. How much space does your family need for a happy and healthy home? If you have a small family, then a basic one-story is recommended instead of a mansion. If you have three or more kids and pets and enjoy hosting people regularly, you will need a bigger space to accommodate your lifestyle. The point here is not to end up with something smaller than you need, but enough space that works for you.

Save Where You Can

It is important to look at areas where you can DIY. Labor costs can drive your building costs up. However, where you can confidently DIY, you should do it. Some easy tasks to do include painting, installing light fixtures, assembling furniture, installing a kitchen backsplash, and caulking windows.

Building a home does not have to break your wallet. You only need to research and stick to your budget. Be … Read more ...

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