A Straightforward Guide to Popular Home Improvements
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement quandaries addressed by calling or texting 651-461-9226. Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus, shared on 9.25.21.
Hail damage to a roof is not always obvious. This is especially true when moisture is present on a roof, as it can camouflage damage. A good rule of thumb is if your property experienced hail that was an inch and half in diameter or larger, it is likely an insurance claim is needed. A reputable contractor will perform free roof inspections. They will even inspect your attic to see if there is evidence of moisture on your roof deck. Signs a roof may need replacement include missing granules, damaged flashing, and loose shingles. Reading online reviews about a contractor is a good way to see what their past customers have to say about them. During your estimate, it’s wise to ask your contractor if you can speak with their past customers to learn more about their experience.
Many roofing contractors also offer insulation services. A quality roofing contractor should be able to put together a custom plan for your home and explain their reasoning. Diagnostic tools, such as infrared imaging, blower doors, smoke sticks, and borescopes can be used to understand a home’s energy deficiencies.
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During the pandemic, many homeowners reevaluated the condition of their homes and opted to add porches. While initially, a three-season room can be cheaper to build than a four-season room, many homeowners regret not initially installing a 4-season room. That’s because the cost to upgrade a three-season porch so that it can be used year-round is often more than if a four-season porch had been built to start with. The same can be said for decking. While composite decking can be more expensive than wood, it requires less maintenance. In addition, a composite deck lasts longer than a wood deck, leading to less buyer’s remorse. Many homeowners opt for metal deck railing systems over glass and cable. Metal railings systems are easy to maintain and are easy for trained craftsmen to install. When it comes to deck construction, it’s important to work with a contractor that understands building codes. Regulations on soil types and setbacks can vary by municipality.
Two home improvement projects that make sense to do at the same time are windows and siding because of the cost savings associated with labor. This is especially true when full frame window replacement is taking place. This technique allows a contractor to address air and water infiltration. The same cannot be said for insert window replacement which only allows for the sashes to be removed. Quality windows for the Midwestern climate should have a coating on them to prevent substantial condensation from forming. With the current real estate market, most exterior home improvement projects have a breakeven point of three to five years in terms of return on investment.
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