Category: Home Improvement

An HVAC system is prone to wear and tear. The HVAC system should also be maintained by an HVAC contractor regularly. When the HVAC system incurs some issues, you should look for a qualified contractor who can repair it. Before hiring any contractor, some of the questions that you should ask include:

1. Is the company licensed and insured?

It is advisable to inquire whether the HVAC contractor is insured and licensed. For starters, a licensed contractor is offering its services legitimately. On the other hand, the insurance policy ensures that in an instance, where the contractor sustains some physical injuries, the medical insurance company will cater to the medical expenses. You may also go ahead and inquire whether the insurance company is bonded. A bond protects the client in case there is an accident.

1. Does the contractor have references?

As a client, you should request the names and contacts of clients who were recently served by the HVAC contractor. Take time to contact each client. The clients will issue valuable feedback, which entails the quality of service offered, the pricing, and whether the contractor completes the work promptly.

1. Does the contractor offer estimates?

A professional HVAC contractor will offer quality services. Such a contractor may charge a significant amount of money for their expertise. As a client, you should take time and request a written estimate from at least three contractors. You will then compare the estimates issued before choosing an HVAC contractor who will suit your needs. The estimate should comprise all the project details. Also, the completion date should be included depending on whether the contractor is tasked with handling repairs or maintenance.

1. Is the contractor experienced?

Always opt for an experienced contractor.

The HVAC contractor should be familiar with the particular brand you are using. For example, some firms usually deal with HVAC systems that have steam-driven radiators. Such a company may experience some challenges when handling an HVAC system that may be depending on geothermal energy.

Additional Information

After meeting the contractor, you should initiate a discussion about payment. Some contractors may request full upfront payment. Others may ask for a deposit before the project commences. As a client, peruse the financial paperwork so that you can understand your responsibilities fully.

Afterward, you can decide on a service contract. The contract will help to establish the number of times the HVAC system should be serviced annually. When the HVAC system is maintained regularly, it will operate efficiently. Also, if any problems occur, they will be minor.

Final Thoughts

When looking for a professional HVAC contractor, you should ask each of the questions that have been listed in this article. By asking such questions, you will be in a better position to hire a contractor who can offer quality services.

The winter months are an ideal time for do-it-yourselfers to tackle some home improvement projects. Not only can you save money and get a sense of accomplishment by tackling a project yourself, but there is also the opportunity to add value to your home. Below are tips on how to accomplish several DIY home improvement projects this winter:

Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing is an important home improvement project during the cold winter. Leaking basements can lead to costly damages in the short and long term, so it’s essential to ensure that your basement is protected from water damage before temperatures drop too low. Waterproof your basement by addressing potential moisture or water entry sources or installing a waterproofing system, you can protect your home and ensure it’s safe from water damage.

Repair Or Replace Windows

Wintertime is also a great time to check the condition of your windows to see if they need repairs or replacing. Old, drafty windows can let in cold air, leading to higher heating bills. Sealing around doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping will help keep warm air inside where it belongs. If your old windows are beyond repair, consider upgrading to new energy-efficient models, as this can save you money on your heating bill in the long run.

Insulate Your Attic

A well-insulated attic can keep warm air in and cold air out, which will help save money on your heating bills. Adding insulation to your attic can be tricky, so you may seek professional help if you are uncomfortable with the task.

Painting Your Home Interior

The winter months are typically harsher than in other seasons, which makes it an ideal time for painting the interior of your home. Be sure to use high-quality paint and check with your local hardware store for any recommendations on preparing surfaces before painting and what kind of paint works best for indoor projects.

Install Gutter Guards

Snowy winter weather can cause leaves and debris to clog up your gutters. Install gutter guards that fit snugly over the tops of your gutters so that no matter how much snow accumulates this winter, your drainage system won’t be affected. This will also help prevent ice dams from forming on roofs due to the runoff from melting snow.

Whether you’re looking for something simple to do around your home or a bigger project, wintertime is an ideal time to take on home improvement projects. With the right supplies and a little know-how, you can ensure that your home is ready for the cold weather months ahead. By investing in these projects now, you can add value to your home and save money in the long run.

It can be a daunting task to choose the right patio materials. You have to consider the weather, durability, resistance to insects, and cost. However, you don’t have to worry about yourself as this article explains the popular choices for your backyard deck materials.

1. Redwood and Cedar

Redwood and cedar are some of the popular decking materials available in the country. The tannins and oils available in both species make them naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insects. Also, they pose a rich color that makes them naturally beautiful.

The resistance of these decking materials to bugs and weather elements would depend on the amount of heartwood or sapwood used. Heartwood is relatively resistant and is located closer to the center of the tree. On the other hand, softwood grows to the outside of the tree and is associated with knots. Since they are softer, they are more susceptible to decay.

An annual power washing and a coat of sealant would ensure the maintenance of the decking materials. Protecting the wood’s surface from checking and weather elements would involve applying a clear wood preservative with water repellent. A semi-transparent stain would ensure that the wood maintains its natural color and does not turn to a silvery grey color.

2. Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-treated pine is an ideal type of decking material when you are looking for something inexpensive. It is fit for your deck when you suspect your patio to be vulnerable to insects and water. The chemicals used to treat the deck would repel insects and fungus away. These are some of the common problems people face, making it a common decking material.

Maintenance of the decking material is also easy. Even though it is pressure-treated, you will need to do an annual treatment of pressure washing, sanding, and sealing to make it last the next 30 years.

3. Composite Decking

Composite decking is made from recycled materials like plastic sacks and wood waste. Its use and popularity are fast growing due to its low budget and maintenance. Besides being resistant to weather and insects, it doesn’t need to be sanded or painted to maintain its look.

There is a wide variety of composite decks. It comes in different styles and colors. Depending on your choice, you can opt for the one that looks like wood or feels like wood. Special fasteners are important to those composite decks that are slippery and prone to mildew. They are also lighter, making them easy to carry and lift into places during installation.

 

The patio is an important part of the house. Improving it would increase the value of the house. Therefore, you will want to decorate the patio in your best interests and lifestyle. You should choose wisely the type of materials you use to make the patio. It is important to consider concrete patio cleaning and maintenance of your deck as well.

 

 

A roof is an essential part of the home that keeps you safe from various elements. When constructing a new house or planning to replace the roof, it’s crucial to understand how to choose suitable roofing materials.

There are various types of materials, and you need close attention when deciding on your best choice. Appropriate roofing materials offer just more than roofing and also add value to your home. They add a classic finish and make the house look beautiful.

Making the right choice will help you get a bang for your buck and enjoy a comfortable stay. Below are some of the best roofing materials for your home.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material. They come in various types. Asphalt doesn’t require much work, and you can install it yourself. They’re light and less costly compared to other materials.

 

Asphalt lasts for many years. The lifespan is between 15 to 30 years, and some go even for a more extended period. Most people prefer these types of materials, although they may not be environment-friendly due to asphalt. They can also wear out quickly when under harsh weather conditions.

Metal

Metal is a durable type of roofing material. You only need proper maintenance and care to last for more extended periods. The beauty of this type is that they reflect sun rays in the home and maintain low temperatures. They’re also fire and insect-resistant. You might experience a noisy environment during the rainy season. It’s best to note that metal materials are more expensive.

Wood Shakes

Wood shakes are made from redwood, cedar, or pine trees. They create a beautiful exterior of the home. Wood shakes are quick to root since they’re prone to various elements such as insects and mods. Such are costly and hard to install, and you may need to hire a roofing expert.

Slate

Slate materials are suitable for large houses of over 3,000 sq. Ft. They create a natural look to the home and are fire and insect-resistant. Slate saves you on cost since they require minimal repairs and maintenance. They’re also costly and cumbersome. You may need more support from a roofing contractor.

Tile

Tiles create a beautiful finish to the home. They’re robust, insect, moisture, and fire-resistant. Tiles respond well during temperature changes, making them energy efficient. They’re also expensive.

Solar Glass

Solar glass has a longer lifespan and comes with a lifetime warranty, boosting its rating and making it one of the homeowners’ best choices. They are cost-effective and also energy-efficient, although you’ll incur the high cost of installation.

Summary

The best choice of roofing materials will give you a quality roof and make your home have beautiful architecture. You’ll also keep off from constant repairs and maintenance, saving you more costs in the long run. Be sure to investigate roof cleaning methods when choosing your materials. Your major factor should be choosing materials that are energy efficient.

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Curb appeal is a term for how attractive the frontage of a house is when it’s viewed by a passerby from the sidewalk. The passerby might be someone simply walking down the street or a person who is in the market for a new house, and that’s one thing that makes curb appeal important. Curb appeal alone can add value to a house.

Many homeowners improve their house’s curb appeal for reasons other than increasing its resale value. Some people simply want to engage in a home improvement project that makes their home more aesthetically pleasing. Others, frankly, want their house to stand out from the other houses in the neighborhood. Some homeowners add curb appeal because their homeowner’s association has informed them that their house and yard are not quite up to snuff.

 

Improving Curb Appeal

Improving a house’s curb appeal is only limited by the homeowner’s imagination and, of course, their budget. Following are some of the many things that improve curb appeal:

 

Plants and Flowers

Installing plants and flowers around the front of the house is an easy way to enhance curb appeal. Ideas can range from planting a garden in the front yard, planting colorful annuals in window boxes, adding plants with interesting colors and textures as foundation plants, or training vines up trellises. Other ideas are to purchase urns or other types of containers, fill them with plants, and put them on the ends of the front steps or place them on either side of the doors.

 

Keep it Clean and Tidy

Eliminate clutter and keep up with landscaping. Nobody likes to see junk in the yard or overgrown shrubbery. Clean the exterior regularly, including siding, gutters, driveways, and roofs. A pressure washing service can be extremely helpful for this and save you headaches and time.  Go to https://eliteexteriorsolutionsmn.com/ for more information.

 

Smarten Up the Front Door

Even from the sidewalk, the front door is what a passerby first notices about a house. Sometimes all it takes to improve its look is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Indeed, many home decorators urge that homeowners choose bright, bold, primary colors such as fire-engine red, cobalt blue, or sunny yellow. Other homeowners replace their old door or even simply replace the rusted and uninspiring hardware on an old one.

 

Add New Hardware Overall

The front door may not be the only element that could use new hardware. An interesting pendant lamp on the roof of the porch can replace a boring sphere made of glass or porcelain. House numbers that can barely be read from the street can be replaced with huge, unignorable numbers made of wrought iron or other metal. The homeowner also shouldn’t forget their mailbox. A standard mailbox is serviceable, but there are mailboxes that are not only serviceable but attractive. Many are even quirkily attractive, such as a mailbox made to look like an old, cast iron stove. Even planting flowers around a standard-issue mailbox does much to beautify it.

Siding and roofing are, no doubt, the perfect way to add pomp and color to your abode. It is imperative to choose the most convenient option for you with many options in the roofing and sliding market. Not to underscore the importance of aesthetics, sliding material’s ability to resist water, versatility, and durability are key considerations to make.

Most Popular types of Roofing and Siding

1. Wood

Wood is mostly used in bungalows and cottages as an exterior finish. Wood siding is durable and has an aesthetic appeal if looked after in the right way. A key point to note for wood lovers is that it requires a lot of maintenance to last long. Wood maintenance practices may include staining, chalking, and painting to prevent the harsh effects of adverse weather conditions and insect attacks. Well-maintained wood can last for up to a century. The market price for wood siding or roofing varies from $5 to $10 per square foot.

2. Stucco

Conventional stucco is a combination of cement, lime, sand, and water. In most stucco siding or roofs, a waterproof membrane and a galvanized metal sheet are layered over wooden walls before installing stucco. These measures are normally undertaken to create a good foundation for the stucco finish and protect the walls or roof ceiling.

Due to the rigid nature of stucco, cautious installation is required to prevent cracking. Properly installed stucco lasts for as long as the house exists.

3. Vinyl

Vinyl is one of the most common sliding materials thanks to its low cost, easy maintenance, and flexibility. The plastic nature of vinyl turns off most architects and designers, its design and color variety makes it a go-to option for most people. Vinyl requires little installation equipment and is available in most stores. The vinyl option is best for those who want a cheap and do-it-yourself siding or roofing solution. Since self-installation can come with technical mistakes, it is prudent to follow the manufacturers’ guide word by word.

4. Bricks

Brick roofing and siding have passed the test of time as convenient roofing and siding materials. It is mostly found in ancient cottages or colonial castles. The fired clay finish material comes in various dimensions and textures. Since bricks can absorb water, they require damp-proof paper between the house and the veneer. Properly installed brick roofing or siding can last a lifetime of the house. Bricks require high levels of labor, and thus their high cost.

Whatever material you choose, consider the long-term maintenance and cleaning.

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