Month: August 2022

Roofing materials come in many shapes and sizes, with flat roofs being one of the most common—and also one of the most problematic. When flat roofs leak, it’s not always easy to find the source of the leak, which makes it difficult to fix and can lead to more damage down the road. To prevent this kind of trouble from arising, homeowners need to know how to spot and fix a flat roof leak before it does major damage to their homes. Here are some tips on how to fix your flat roof so that you don’t have to worry about leaks and costly repair bills down the road.

Signs of trouble

One of the easiest ways to determine if your flat roof is in need of repair is by looking for signs of trouble, such as leaking or missing shingles. Additionally, if you’ve noticed an accumulation of water at any point on your flat roof, it’s time to get up there and investigate. Pay close attention to valleys on sloped roofs that may be hiding places for puddles after a good rain.

Identifying the cause

Depending on where you live, flat roofs can be a great option for keeping warm in winter and staying cool in summer. They’re easier to clean than gabled roofs, take up less attic space, are cheaper to build than pitched roofs, and don’t usually require complicated or expensive repairs. But it’s also important to understand that flat roofs have their own set of problems that property owners will have to deal with at some point; perhaps even more often than those who own traditional gabled roofs. To keep your flat roof properly ventilated is an essential part of protecting your home from leaks and major damage. Here are five things every homeowner should know about flat roof repair.

Quick fixes

The best way to fix a flat roof leak is to take care of it immediately. If water damage has occurred, you’ll need to clean it up quickly. Sometimes, that means ripping out ceiling tiles and replacing them with new ones, but for smaller leaks, you can use flat roof repair membranes or materials like sealant. No matter what your source of water damage is, don’t ignore it: You could end up with permanent structural damage if you leave your leak unattended.

Professional repairs

Get your roofing company involved as soon as you suspect that you have a leak on your flat roof. This way, they can perform an inspection to determine where it’s coming from and come up with solutions. They should also be able to tell if it’s even possible for them to fix it themselves. If so, they’ll give you an estimate of how much it will cost.

Looking at replacement options

If you’re trying to determine whether you need a flat roof repair or if it’s time for replacement, be sure to check these three things: shingles are curled, your roof is covered in moss, or debris has settled under your flat roof. If any of these conditions exist—especially all three at once—consider replacing your roof. This may seem costly, but taking care of small problems before they turn into big ones could save you money down the road.

Signs your flat roof needs replacement

If your flat roof has aged or has been damaged in any way, it may be time for an upgrade. If you see signs of leaks, spots where water collects or tiles beginning to loosen, it’s time to consider getting a new roof. These can all be signs that your flat roof is failing. Keep in mind that these are also common issues with other types of roofs as well.

It’s natural to be excited about renovating your kitchen—after all, it’s the heart of your home, and you may have always wanted to update it. But before you dive in and start making those changes, it’s best to walk into any kitchen renovation project with an open mind about what you can and can’t do so that you don’t end up with a kitchen that doesn’t match your personality or tastes. Here are some things to think about when planning your kitchen renovation project.

If it isn’t broken, why fix it?

Consider what you like and dislike about your current kitchen before you get started. Make sure that whatever vision you have in mind matches with how much time, effort, and money it will take to see it through. While some renovations can be completed fairly quickly and inexpensively, others may require a significant amount of work and cost much more than anticipated. So make sure that when you’re planning your project, you have realistic expectations regarding both time and money. Also consider whether or not a renovation is really necessary.

Consider your location and the functionality of the space

Before embarking on a kitchen renovation, it’s a good idea to think through exactly what you want and what is practical for your space. Do you live in an apartment with one small window? Maybe white cabinets would be better than dark ones so they don’t take up too much visual real estate. Maybe your kitchen is small and there isn’t much wiggle room for large pieces of furniture like island stools; that means storage should play an important role in your design plan. Don’t let how you imagine your ideal kitchen dictate how you design it. Think about what makes sense for your location.

Will doing this add value to my home?

When renovating a kitchen, you’ll want to make sure you spend your money wisely. If your cabinets are damaged or completely outdated, it may be worth it to replace them. But if they still look fine and fit your design plans, you may want to consider refurbishing rather than replacing. Refurbishing typically costs less than half of what it would cost to replace a kitchen cabinet.

DIY vs Hiring professionals

Oftentimes, people renovate their kitchens themselves in order to save money. Although it can be a good idea to do so, if you’re not familiar with remodeling projects, it’s important that you take a little time and research kitchen renovation cost estimates before you begin. You may also want to hire a contractor who specializes in kitchen renovations since they will be able to work quickly and efficiently on your project. However, hiring a professional can sometimes cost more than doing things yourself.

Do I want appliances included in my budget?

As you are budgeting for your kitchen renovation, decide whether you will want appliances included in your budget. If you would prefer to buy new, be sure to add these costs into your final numbers. On top of that, it’s a good idea to estimate for unexpected items as well, such as replacing an appliance if it breaks after your project is completed. These small things can really add up during a kitchen renovation and aren’t something most people have factored into their budgets.

Use each stage as a stepping stone towards completion

The kitchen renovation process begins when you first start dreaming about what you want your kitchen to look like and ends when everything is complete and you’re ready to cook up a storm in your new, beautiful space. It can be a daunting process, but if you take it one step at a time and don’t let yourself get overwhelmed, it will all go more smoothly.

Choosing the best drywall repair company near you can be hard when you don’t know much about them. There are so many factors that go into the process, from pricing to quality of materials used to reputation, that sometimes it’s hard to know what to look for in a company or who to trust with your project. Here are some tips on how to choose the best drywall repair company near you!

Look for Experience

If you need drywall repair, start by finding a company that’s been in business for several years and preferably has its own store front. This is important because it means they are local and have more of a reputation to uphold. After that, look at online reviews of their work; if they don’t have any or they only have bad ones, move on to another candidate.

Ask About Guarantees

If you’re new to hiring out home improvement projects, take advantage of one of these resources to get started. Once you start comparing drywall repair near me in your area, ask about guarantees and their process—even if you’re only in need of a patchwork fix. These companies should be upfront about exactly what they are able to do and how long it will take them to finish your job. If any parts aren’t guaranteed, it’s important that you understand why that is. Try asking about free estimates or visiting a few sites before deciding on which company gets your business. Keep an eye out for cost-saving coupons, too!

Ask About Payment Options

When choosing a drywall repair service, you’ll want to consider which payment options are available. Do they offer financing? Can you pay in installments? Will their prices match if a competitor offers a lower price? It’s your responsibility to ask about payment options so that your job is done right and on time. If they don’t have an answer when you call, think twice before hiring them!

Compare Pricing

Before you sign a contract, it’s essential to know how much you’ll be paying. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—you should always know exactly what your total price will be up front. The best contractors and installers in any field are also honest and transparent, so they don’t mind answering your questions. If a company seems hesitant or vague about price details or is willing to negotiate, run! These traits are red flags that indicate that something shady is going on.

Check Out Online Reviews

Reading online reviews of drywall repair companies near you can provide you with information on things like their workmanship, quality of customer service, and price. Use review sites like Angie’s List or check out a company’s profile on Facebook and other social media platforms to get a feel for whether or not they’re a good fit.

Ask about Insurance Coverage

If you’re trying to decide between companies or doing research, ask about any insurance or warranties each company offers. If you do go with a company that is bonded and insured, that means they are paid for any damage beyond normal wear and tear on your home caused by work done on your walls. Any reputable drywall repair near me should be able to provide you with these details ahead of time so there aren’t any surprises during or after repairs are completed.

Get It in Writing

There are many fly-by-night repair crews out there, so make sure to get any guarantees in writing. The price you’re quoted is one thing, but what if your drywall repair job isn’t done on time? What if it doesn’t hold up over time? Does your provider offer warranties or a license number that can be verified by checking with your state licensing board? These guarantees will help protect you from scams.

A lot of people ask when to paint their exterior, and the answer depends on the climate where you live. Traditionally, painters were told to avoid painting during rainy or hot weather because paint doesn’t stick well in those conditions. However, today’s exterior paints have advanced so much that this advice no longer holds true in most cases. If you want to repaint your house this summer, the best time to start is now! Read on to learn when and how to paint your exterior and get the best results possible.

What happens when you don’t prep your home before painting

Before you start, make sure your home is ready for a fresh coat of paint. All surfaces should be cleaned, and any cracked or flaking paint should be repaired or removed. If needed, use a chisel or hammer and pry bar to remove loose or damaged plaster, then sand smooth before priming and painting. Also make sure that any wall hangings don’t block windows and doors so they can be easily opened when necessary.

The best time of year to paint your exterior

For exterior painting, you’ll want to schedule a job in spring and summer months. That’s when there’s plenty of daylight and warm temperatures (which are good for drying) but not too much heat that can crack your freshly painted walls. Avoid painting during rainy weather, as well—it can ruin an entire day’s work. Finally, don’t skimp on prep work.

Choosing an exterior paint color

The climate and location of your home will influence your choice of exterior paint color. Here are some helpful tips when choosing a paint color.

What color is right for my house?

Typically, light-colored paint is better suited for houses that get a lot of sunlight. Dark colors tend to absorb heat while light colors reflect it, so your home will stay cooler if you use lighter shades. Lighter tones like yellow and light blue will also make your home look larger. Be sure to ask your painter what color would be best suited for your house before he or she starts work.

How many times should I repaint?

Exterior painting fades and peels every time it rains or when there’s a lot of humidity in your area. To keep your house looking its best, you should repaint it once every few years (depending on how often it rains in your region). Repainting is typically done between April and October because that’s when mild temperatures are ideal.

How do I select an exterior paint?

Weather conditions, as well as time of year and time of day, all play a role in selecting exterior paint. Early morning is best if you’re concerned about humidity or heat affecting your work—just make sure there’s no dew on leaves that could drip onto freshly painted surfaces! Mid-afternoon is great if you’re working in cold weather.

Do I need additional products with exterior paints?

The answer is yes, but only if you’re using a paint that requires an additive. You’ll find that most exterior paints require some sort of additive (such as an alkyd resin) to give it better sun protection and/or durability. If you’re not using any additives, there’s no need to use additional products on top of your paint.

Additional Tips & Resources on Exterior Paints

According to Benjamin Moore, exterior paints should be applied between mid-April and late September. The prime reason for that recommendation is that paint simply sticks better in those conditions. But what does that mean exactly? And why do most painters avoid painting in rainy or hot weather?

If you’re planning to redo your bathroom, you’ll have to be prepared to shell out some cash. In fact, you can easily expect to spend thousands of dollars on the renovation process, depending on the size and needs of your bathroom. In this article, we’ll discuss what the bathroom renovation costs are in general and then break down each of the different elements of your renovation project so that you know how much you can expect to pay (and save!) when it comes time to hire a contractor and get started with your bathroom renovations.

What to expect from an estimate

Not all contractors and renovation companies are equal. A good estimate should be a detailed list of everything that will be included in your project. Although costs may vary based on materials, you should get an idea of what you can expect to pay for each service listed in your estimate. Some estimates may include line items for unexpected expenses that don’t end up occurring; others may come with detailed explanations about why certain elements cost more than others or fall outside of an expected range. Whatever is included, your contractor or company should be able to clearly explain how they came up with their estimated price (including sales tax and labor) when providing you with an estimate of cost for bathroom renovation.

Getting Free Quotes

On any given project, you should get at least three cost estimates. The best way to do that is to get referrals from friends, or scour Yelp or Angie’s List for reviews of contractors. Contractors love customers who shop around and ask for quotes—it makes them look good if they win your business. If a contractor has asked you for money up front, don’t pay it—that’s a sign of a scammer. And always get everything in writing.

Steps for getting the most out of your estimate meetings

1. Be prepared to ask lots of questions and request additional information. 2. Look at several estimates, not just one. 3. Check references for each contractor you are considering hiring. 4. Ask about a company’s safety record and how it deals with customer complaints or problems that arise during work. 5. Make sure all contractors have liability insurance or a bond (which means they will pay for any damage they cause). 6. Make sure all contractors carry workers’ compensation insurance (which means their employees will be covered if injured on your property). 7. Consider asking for references from friends who have had similar work done recently; call those people to see if they were satisfied with their contractor’s work and service after completion of the project.

How does your renovation cost breakdown?

If you’re getting quotes from contractors, make sure you know exactly what each estimate is based on. Is it a firm price or an estimate? If it’s an estimate, have they included contingency amounts to ensure that unforeseen issues aren’t going to break your bank at last minute? What items are they planning on installing, if anything; do you prefer to buy and install everything yourself? In any case, make sure you understand all of these factors before moving forward with a contractor. Your bathroom renovation could cost more than $10,000 but on average a basic remodel averages $3500-$6000. Here is a breakdown of how much cost for bathroom renovation can vary based on local prices and types of services provided.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Once you get all your estimates, don’t be afraid to question and dig in on costs. A good contractor should be able to clearly explain each item and why it is being charged as such. If you feel like something doesn’t make sense or that you are getting some hidden charges, don’t be afraid to question them further. Do they provide a warranty? What materials are they using? Where will they dump their trash? How long have they been doing work in your neighborhood?