Perhaps you’ve been thinking of adding an addition to your home, which is less time-consuming and expensive than moving to an entirely new property. You’ll likely reach out to a number of home construction companies in your geographic area for estimates. Knowing what’s factored into the estimate for home additions can help you narrow down your options and make a well-informed decision.

Gutters are essential to protecting the physical structure of your home. This is because they drain away water that may otherwise leak through into your attic, harm your roof, or destabilize the foundation of your home. Find out why seamless gutter installation could make for a get choice to protect your home along with your peace of mind.

Over the years, parts of your home will take a beating and will suffer wear and tear. Your roof is particularly susceptible. External forces such as wind, rain and snow are common culprits for causing problems. Though a well-built roof will last 20 years or even longer, chances are good that you’ll eventually have to replace it. You shouldn’t have to wait until it’s too late. There are some clues that it’s time for roof replacement.

You bought the house of your dreams. You’ve unpacked all the moving boxes and started to add your personal touch. Then the first thunderstorm reminds you that you forget to have a professional check the quality of the roof. Should you be worried about roof replacement?

As the lazy days of summer hit, an outdoor extension to your living area can be a soothing oasis after a long day. Outdoor space is becoming more and more popular, with decks and patios ranging from simple seating to fully-equipped outdoor kitchens. Though it may not be quite that grand, outdoor living space can improve the value and appeal of your home, giving you all the excuse you need to undertake the deck construction you’ve been dreaming of.

Increase Outdoor Living Space

After waking from winter hibernation, summer temperatures lure homeowners outside. More people are looking for ways to make their time outdoors comfortable and enchanting. In fact, according to the American Institute of Architects, requests for outdoor living spaces has increased for six years in a row. From patios with fire pits to deck construction that includes planters or built-in seating, there are many ways to make your guests feel at home and want to linger longer.

Create Visual Interest 

Once an outdoor space has been created, there are many ways to customize it. Choose a color scheme, and carry it through the yard with unique furniture, pillows and plants. Adding an outdoor rug can create a focal point for small seating arrangements, and containers of flowering plants bring color and height. Interest can also be enhanced by constructing screens to block views of the neighbor and adding ambient lighting.

Add Value 

With a robust housing market, it’s important to find ways to set your home apart and maintain your property value. With so many people looking for ways to entertain outdoors, adding a deck or patio is a natural way to enjoy evenings with friends and increase the investment in your home. Proper maintenance will protect your investment.

Find new ways to savor time outside this summer. Contact a professional to create a beautiful patio or begin deck construction, and start enjoying your home, inside and out.

Putting a new roof on your home is serious business. Finding the right materials for your roof’s pitch and the climate you live in are important, but that is not all you need to consider. There is a huge market for roofing materials. Consider these guidelines when looking at options

Things To Keep in Mind When Selecting Roofing Materials

•The style and pitch of your roof

•Local building codes, climate requirements

•Longevity and level of maintenance needed

•Compare costs

Perfect Pitch

Whether your home has a Mansard roof, a saltbox pitch or a flat roof matters more than you may realize. For instance, a mansard roof has a flat top and swooping sides. Is the material you want appropriate for both? A flat roof may require a membrane type system. Corrugated steel on the sloping sides of a saltbox roof may lead to a mini avalanche every time a door closes in snowy climates. Because of scenarios like these, local building codes may either require or prohibit certain materials to be used.

A Long Life

How long will the materials last? It is too big an investment to need repeating in five, or even ten years. Make sure it is something that will likely still be around for necessary repairs or any additions. Find out what is required to maintain it. Red tile roofs may need to be hosed off to prevent moss buildup and may crack in heavy hailstorms. A membrane roof can’t sustain a heavy snow load or it may stretch or puncture, so may need frequent cleaning in winter.

Cost

A new roof can be a huge expense, so comparing prices against quality and ease of care is important. Once you’ve settled on a type, check out competitor’s prices. Make sure you include labor costs. You will want to call a professional

Roofing company to do the job right.

If you have done your research, have confidence and move forward. There is nothing like a new roof to give new life to your home and improve your curb appeal. Who wouldn’t love that?

One area that can often be overlooked when you are thinking of remodeling your home is the attic. Yet, this dusty and perhaps drafty space in your home can hold a good deal of potential for adding much needed square footage to your home. Attic remodeling can be done at a potentially lower cost than most other projects as well. Whether you use the space as is or bump out the roof and add a couple of window dormers, French doors or build out further, there are a few basics that will apply to most attic plans.

Things You May Need To Consider

1. Decide on a purpose for the space

2. Added insulation where needed

3. Lighting, electrical, heating and plumbing

4. Roof changes or dormers for natural light and expanded headroom

5. Flooring

Getting Started

Attic Remodeling can be an exciting way to expand your home, but first you need to decide how you plan to use the space. Will it be a sewing and craft room, a man cave or a home office? How about a guest suite, or media room? Whatever the plan make sure you have details figured out before tearing into the roof. The floor and lower level walls should be inspected to ensure they can support the load of more construction materials, furniture and people. Check ventilation and make sure the ceiling is insulated against heat or cold and that the floor can be adequately insulated for noise reduction.

Do it Right

The roof may need to be extended or have dormers added in order to give enough headroom. Once the basics are decided, walls can go up and utilities installed and you can do the fun things like choosing flooring and paint colors. Call a professional roofing and construction contractor to ensure that your build is done properly and efficiently.

Once the attic remodeling is finished and cleaned, in goes the furniture and your family can begin to enjoy the space. You will love your new room and wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

There’s little more relaxing than swimming or lounging about in a pool. Those with an in-ground pool may already know the pleasures of having a deck poolside where they can soak up the sun and relax, but what of the many people who have an above-ground pool?

An above ground pool can be an investment as well, but some people don’t necessarily enjoy the look of them. Why not add a wrap around deck? An elevated deck could heighten the enjoyment you get from your pool by allowing you to slide in more easily and giving you somewhere to relax poolside. Building a new one or doing a deck remodeling job is a great way to expand your outdoor living space as well. Here are a few ways a new deck could rock your backyard world.

Ways Your New Deck Could Improve Your Yard

•Provides easier access for swimming

•Creates an elevated area for lounging at poolside

•Allows you to extend your space for grilling and entertaining

•Camouflages the base of the pool

Imagine an elevated deck or even one that starts at ground level with graduated tiers leading to the top level of the pool. It could be a real focal point with built-in planters and benches or an attractive patio set. Deck remodeling of this nature could also allow using the area for entertaining or grilling with the family. Consider the material you use for your deck remodeling job. Natural wook is always beautiful and if treated and maintained properly it can keep its good looks and strength for many years. Composite lumber is also a choice and comes in many great looking finishes.

You would do well to call on construction professionals to take a look at the area and help come up with a creative plan that works and can bring the most variety of use and enjoyment. Before you know it, you could have the oasis of your dreams right in your own back yard.