Spring Remodeling Projects You Will Love

Spring and summer are here (or, at least they are close). And with the changing of the seasons comes a list of chores and repairs you’ve been putting off because it’s been too cold or snowy (or there have been too many holidays in the way). When it comes to spring cleaning and summer projects, you should obviously start with any major repairs (like fixing a broken roof). But once you get the necessary stuff out of the way, what’s next? If you want to dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal or improve your home’s value so that you can sell it later this year, there are a few projects that are going to be better than the rest. Here are four projects that will make your home stand out and get noticed. And if you need help with any remodeling in Spring Valley, contact a professional today.

The Best Remodeling Projects

1. What’s the most dramatic thing you can do to the outside of your home (short of tearing down a wall or building an addition)? The answer is simple; you can replace your siding. Siding for a home is like clothing for a human—it plays a critical role in determining how you look and a simple change can have a profound impact. New siding will not only make your home look different (and better), but it can also save you money in the long run. Modern siding options are both attractive and energy efficient, providing better insulation than old siding.

2. The second best way to improve your home’s curb appeal is to change your roof. Now, you should be replacing your roof every 10-20 years, depending on where you live. If you aren’t doing so regularly, it’s time make that a priority. When you go to replace your roof, why not pick an option that will make your home stand out? You aren’t limited to black shingles every time you change your roof. From ceramic tiles to metal shingles, you can install a roof that looks amazing and will protect your home for another decade or two.

3. If you want to do some work inside your home, start with your kitchen. Kitchens will have just about the biggest impact on your home’s value. A great kitchen can dramatically increase a home’s value (not to mention make it more fun to cook in). While you can certainly ruin any upgrades by making terrible design choices (pink cabinets and green countertops won’t win over any buyers), it’s safe to say that you will nearly double your investment if you put money into your kitchen.

4. What other room is as important as your kitchen? Your bathroom is the correct answer. Just because you don’t spend more time in your bathroom than any other room doesn’t make it any less important. In fact, a quality bathroom can dramatically increase a home’s value (if you want to sell it) and make every day easier and more enjoyable (if you stay there). Updating your fixtures is a great way to transform the way your home looks. Installing a new bathtub or shower can completely change the way you bathe (for the better). And new flooring and wall coverings can make even the smallest and darkest bathroom feel like a spa or resort.

If you are interested in doing some remodeling in Spring Valley, contact a remodeling contractor today. No matter what you want to do, you will find something that fits your budget and needs.

Indentifying Common Water Heater Issues and Their Causes

Your plumbing system supplies you with clean water and removes the waste water when functioning properly. But without your hot-water heater, you would not have warm water for showers, washing dishes, washing your hands, and more. You may not really think about this important home appliance on a day to day basis, but when it is no longer working probably it can be close to the only thing on your mind. When you are having troubles with your water heater, how do you tell if you need a simple repair from a professional like Winegar W H Plumbing & Heating or a new hot water heater altogether?

No Hot Water

One of the most common complaints associated with a hot water heater is no hot water. This issue can be caused by relatively simple problems to problems that are a little more complex. For example, your pilot may have gone out and simply needs to be relit. If, however, your pilot light does not stay lit or will not light, you may have a bad thermocouple. The thermocouple is a sensor found within the gas valve, which tells the gas valve when it is time to release gas to the water heater. Thermocouples can usually be replaced. Another issue may be the dip tube. The dip tube is a pipe that pushes the cold water entering the tank to the bottom to be heated. If the dip tube is cracked or damaged, the cold water may mix with the hot water, making it closer to lukewarm.

Hot Water Heater Leaks

If the leaking seems to be coming from the top of the tank, it is more likely that the issue will be repairable. Fittings, pipes, and other connections to the top of the tank may become loose or damaged. Tightening or replacing these connections may fix the issue. If the leak is found to be at the bottom of the tank, however, it is most likely due to a cracked or damaged tank. In this situation, you will usually need to replace your hot water heater.

Odd-Colored or Odd-Smelling Water

Is your water running light brown or rust colored? It could be due to older pipes, or it may be a buildup of sediment in your hot water heater. Sediment build up in your tank can be another cause for less hot water, as it can make it harder for the water heater to heat the water within the tank. It can also cause clogs within the system, and can discolor the water. You or a professional, such as those at Winegar W H Plumbing & Heating may be able to flush the tank to help rid it of sediment buildup. In some situations, however, the buildup may be bad enough to constitute replacing the water heater. If your water has a bad or odd odor, there may be a buildup of bacteria within the tank, which will also require flushing along with cleaning the tank. Another possible cause for bad odor is a bad anode, which will need replacement.

Keeping up with The Maintenance of Your Roofing

The roof of your home is one of the most important components when it comes to keeping your family safe and secure. It not only keeps out water and weather—it also keeps out unwanted people and animals. Without your roofing, all of your heated or cooled air would escape and your insulation would be all but useless. Your roof also helps to define the space in which you reside, and it can add to and complete the whole look of your home. Your roof is obviously important to your home as a whole, so it makes sense that you would put in the effort necessary to maintain it. The right help can make this process a breeze, and the Internet is the perfect resource for exploring your options. You can see what is out there, compare your choices, and choose a roofing company that meets the needs of you and your family. With great choices like Maciel Roofing Construction, Inc. in your area, you can find a company that will be able to ease your burden and relieve your stress.

Making sure your roofing stays in top shape is relatively simple on your end. Regular inspections of your roofing can go a long way in preventing the accumulation of damage, and you can choose to do them yourself or have a professional do them for you. Either way, you need to make sure that the overall structure and integrity level is checked out, that the shingles are inspected for signs of damage, and that any problems are noted immediately. You can also keep an eye on the ceilings inside your home for water stains and damage that might indicate a roofing problem. By nipping any problems in the bud, you can address them in their early (and less expensive) stages and avoid having to deal with them once they have worsened.

When choosing a roofing company, you have the option of going online and gathering information to help you make a decision. You can look at the websites of companies like Maciel Roofing Construction, Inc. and see what they have to offer, and you can determine if what they bring to the table matches up with your individual set of needs. 

Flooring and Home Upgrades That Add Value

If you are looking for a few ways to spruce up your home, but do not want to be throwing your money away, you would do well to think carefully about what upgrades and additions to your home are necessary. While some home renovations or upgrades may seem nice to you, you may actually be pricing your home out of the market, or in the very least you will not get a return on your investment. The following article is here to help, as it outlines which home renovations, projects, and upgrades will get you the highest return on investment, such as new flooring in Sarasota, FL.

Home Upgrades That Add Value

Whether you have purchased new construction or an older home, the upgrades and additions that add value are the same. If you are thinking about fixing up a few things in your home, read through the following list, as it offers a few home upgrades that add value and allow you to get a better return on your investment.

  • Kitchen remodel: Upgrading or remodeling your kitchen is always a good idea, but the key is to determine just how much to update. If you live in a relatively low income area, you will want to repaint the cabinets (instead of buying new ones), redo the countertops (but avoid investing in granite), and update the appliances. If you live in a high-income area, the sky is the limit. You can install new, high-end cabinetry or marble countertops, update to energy star appliances, and install new lighting and flooring. Kitchen updates are the best way to receive a high return on investment; just make sure you understand your market.
  • Bathroom upgrades: Upgrading the bathroom is a must, especially if your tub, sink, and toilet are dingy or outdated. A tub can be quite expensive to replace, but you can always put in new tile or backsplash to update the look. A new toilet is quite cheap, and if you look carefully you can find a modern vanity and sink for a good price. If you want to go all out on your bathroom update, the bathroom to focus on is your master bath, as most potential buyers are particularly picky when it comes to their master bath wish list.
  • New windows and doors: Windows and doors show age quickly, and if you want a simple way to make your home look newer and be more energy efficient to boot, install new doors and windows. Keep in mind that while new doors may be fairly reasonable, new windows will be a pretty large investment. However, new windows will seal up your house and prevent you from losing warm or cool air, effectively lowering your utility bills.
  • Basement finishing: Finishing your basement is a great way to add value. It is a relatively cheap project, and it is quite difficult to make a basement unattractive to buyers. If you want your home to sell quickly, the best way to achieve that goal is by finishing the basement.
  • Flooring: You can never go wrong with hardwood flooring, even in a relatively low-income area. Oftentimes, you will find hardwood floors underneath carpeting in older homes, and all you have to do is unearth them and refinish them. Hardwood flooring is a big seller, as it is durable, beautiful, and easy to clean. When considering what upgrades to make in your home, consider installing new flooring in Sarasota, FL.

Getting New Beautiful Tile Flooring

One part of any home that is quite simple to change is the flooring. It is a great way to really change a room without having to put aside a whole week of your time to get it accomplished. Your flooring is a lot of decisions that need to be made, and time for professionals to do what they do best. And of course, you need to decide which type of flooring you will be getting. One of the more popular and practical types of flooring now is tile in Venice, FL. It is practical because it can really hold up under a lot of accidents as well as traffic in that area of your home. It is the best way to really get a lot of compliments on your flooring without having to replace it as often. It really holds up.

Choosing the Style

When you are getting new tile for your home, it can be hard to know what to choose. There are so many different laying options, colors, and even options that aren’t tile that look like tile. There are so many options to choose from and it can be frustrating. A great option for times like this is to hire a company to help you install it, and they will also help to advise you which options would be good for you and your situation. They will review with you what kind of family you have living in your home and how much traffic goes through the area you are getting new flooring for. And then they will discuss your pet situation and other factors like toddlers and so on. They will also want to know things like how long you want it to last, what kind of style and look you are going for, and more. Then they will help you know what options might be best for you and your situation.

Getting Design Help

And when it comes to choosing the style and tile option, you might also want help with color options and just the general look of the flooring for that area of your home. Many companies have interior designers that they send to your home that will look at the area you are getting new flooring for and they will then be able to advise you on these things. They will look at the coloring of your walls, the lighting in that specific room, and what kind of climate you live in. Then they can advise you on what coloring of flooring to get with your tile in Venice, FL, and what methods to use. When they come to your home, they can see a much larger picture of what you are working with and can give you better advice and guidance on what way to go. You can’t go wrong having this kind of help and advice. Plus, if you don’t like their suggestions, you don’t have to use them either.

Plumbing Services and Tankless Water Heaters

Due to the rising cost of utilities as well as the increased concern that traditional water heaters are environmentally incompatible, many households are opting to replace these appliances with new, tankless water heaters. Companies like Larkin Plumbing offer services to help homeowners make the transition to this new way of heating the water in their homes.

Why You Should Consider a Tankless Water Heater

If your electric or gas bill is higher than you would like, switching out your old water heater for a tankless one may be the solution. Traditional water heaters continuously heat the water in the tank whether the tank is in operation or not. This is a waste of energy that shows up in the form of extra dollars on your monthly utility bill.

Tankless water heaters heat the water on demand. When you turn on the faucet to your kitchen sink or you turn on the shower, the tankless water heater begins to heat the water. Most homeowners find that there is very little difference in how long it takes for the water to heat up when comparing the two types of heaters, though there can be significant difference in the cost between the two.

Cost of a Tankless System

One of the reasons that homeowners may be hesitant about installing one of these systems is the fact that the initial costs are rather high. When compared to traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters are quite a bit more expensive. However, what homeowners need to consider is how much a tankless heater will save them years down the line.

The amount of energy used to heat the water in a tankless system is minimal compared to traditional water heaters. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that a tankless system could pay for itself over the course of just a few years.

Homeowners that are interested in a tankless system but are not sure they have the money to make such a large initial investment may want to consider contacting their local plumbing supply company. Sometimes these companies can offer special financing making it affordable to install a tankless system. Special tax credits can also help defray the costs of purchasing a tankless system.

Who Uses a Tankless Water Heater?

All types of households, even businesses, use these systems. They are ideal for large families that use a larger-than-average amount of hot water each month. Businesses like fitness centers, health clubs, and even medical facilities that use hot water on a frequent basis can also benefit from tankless water heaters.

In addition to these businesses, landlords that operate multiunit complexes may want to consider converting their units to run on a tankless system. This can reduce costs for both the landlords and the tenants.

Installing a Tankless System

Installing one of these systems does require plumbing expertise. Homeowners or business owners that attempt to tackle the installation themselves risk damaging the equipment and voiding any warranties attached to the system.

Places like Larkin Plumbing offer services to help homeowners and business owners properly install tankless water heaters so that warranties are preserved and the users can enjoy the economic benefits of the heaters as soon as possible.

Water Heater Repair Will Help You Have Warm Water

Every time you turn on the water, you just expect warm water to come out. If you are about to take a shower, you just assume that you are going to be jumping into a warm shower. If you quickly find that the water is not warm at all but cold, you become miserable and will take the fastest shower of your life. Until there is a problem with your water heater, you do not think twice about the temperature of the water. If you have found yourself in this situation, it is essential to get San Francisco water heater repair right away so that you can continue to have warm water for your everyday needs. 

If your water heater is broken or not working right, do not try to fix it yourself. There are so many different parts of the water heater that if you try fixing it, you can create even more problems than before. To help you save both time and money, a technician can come and inspect your unit and will find the exact problem. If the problem is small and needs a simple fix, you can have that part replaced to get your water heater working again quickly. Sometimes, there are problems that are too big and expensive that it is just worth buying a brand-new water heater. Depending on the cause of the problem, you can trust that the technician will give you an honest opinion. 

If you need to replace your water heater, there are many options available to you including the size of the tank, brand of the unit, and if you want your water heater to be energy-efficient. To help you decide this, you first need to take into consideration how many people are in your house using the warm water? This will help you determine the size that you should get. If you are running out of warm water quickly, you might want to consider getting a larger unit. If you are not sure which water heater is the best for you, you can get an honest recommendation from the technician to help you narrow down your choice. 

Nobody ever expects their water heater to go out; if it does, it is usually at the most inconvenient time and you need help quickly. If this is the case, emergency services are available to you. It does not matter what time of day or which day of the week; you can get help to fix your water heater in no time. Every technician is understanding and will make sure that you have warm water again quickly. 

Water heaters are such a great luxury that nobody wants to live without. If you think that there are any concerns with your unit, do not hesitate getting the help that you need. By getting San Francisco water heater repair, you will have the confidence knowing that you will have warm water when you need it. 

How to Hire a Great Roofing Contractor

Caring for your home’s roof is an important maintenance task. Unfortunately, many people allow their roof to deteriorate until it needs major repairs or a complete replacement. Hiring the right Denver, CO, roofing contractor to care for your roof is a great way to prevent expensive repairs. Here are some tips from www.DenverRoofContractor.com/services/ to follow when searching for a good roofer.  

 

Experience

When you contact a roofer, ask them about their experience. How long have they been working in the industry? Do they receive regular training? Find out what work they have done for local clients as this can help you to determine if they are capable of taking care of your roof. Some companies have experience dealing with a number of roofing materials, which is necessary if you are planning to use unique roofing materials.

 

Cost

Always compare bids from multiple roofing companies. This will give you an idea of the overall cost, and it can help you to determine if you can afford a complete roofing replacement, or if you need to plan on basic repairs. The cost is another thing you have to consider when reviewing the bids as some of the roofers may have a higher or lower bid from the other. You need to make sure you are choosing the roofer that gives you a reasonable price as the lowest price doesn’t always mean you are getting the best deal.

 

Insurance

Seek out a roofer with plenty of insurance coverage. Insurance is needed in the event that a person is injured while working on your home. The insurance coverage will cover the cost of repairs if you end up with damage after the work is completed by the roofer. When you are discussing insurance with the roofer, you should discuss warranty options. Will they be able to replace the roof due to an error on their part? What does the warranty cover? Some warranties only cover the cost of the roofing materials, not the labor costs.

 

Timeliness

If you are dealing with a major leak, you need a roofer to get out to your home quickly. How soon will the Denver, CO, roofing contractor be able to come to your home and provide you with proper repair work? If you have to wait weeks to schedule an appointment, it is a good idea to contact another roofing company. You deserve to work with a roofer who cares about you, and wants to help you as soon as possible. To find a great roofer, visit www.DenverRoofContractor.com/services/ for more information. 

Information on Water Heater Repair and Replacement

Water heaters in the home are generally reliable and don’t cause many problems; however, in some cases, a water heater will need to be repaired or replaced by a professional such as a plumber. For more information, homeowners can visit the site of companies that provide water heater repair services. 

There are certain things that may go wrong with a water heater that suggest a repair or replacement is necessary. If a homeowner loses hot water, there may be a number of causes. These causes include the water heater’s pilot light going out, problems with the circuit breaker, a faulty thermostat, or a valve that isn’t functioning properly. These problems can all be repaired fairly inexpensively by hiring a plumber. The average cost of water heater repair is anywhere from $150 to $300. Tanks that are over 10 years old or those that are leaking will most likely need to be replaced. Water heaters need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years due to steel corrosion. Steel corrosion is the main cause of leaks, and these leaks are unrepairable. A homeowner may choose to have an older water heater replaced and have a new, energy-efficient model put in its place. Newer models are better insulated and are less prone to corrosion. Tankless and solar water heaters may cut even more costs and the homeowner may also qualify for a federal tax credit. 

When replacing a water heater, there may be added costs involved. Certain cities have building codes that require the homeowner to also upgrade the water heater mount, type or size of the venting system, the drain pan underneath the heater, and the supply pipes. The individual can ask the repair professional for information on these building codes and ask them to provide an outline of all costs before beginning the installation. The average cost of a water heater installation will include the price of the water heater itself, labor hours, added materials, and the disposal of the old heater. A new water heater can cost anywhere from $300 to about $450. The homeowner should expect to pay for about 5 hours of labor for the installation. Labor hours may cost in between $250 and $275. Materials and supplies will be roughly $45 and the disposal of the old heater is around $20. Depending on the location and the company, a homeowner should be prepared to pay about $630-$800 for a water heater replacement. 

There are several simple and inexpensive ways to increase a water heater’s longevity and efficiency. There are certain maintenance tasks a homeowner will only have to do once such as insulating and setting the temperature on the heater. Other maintenance tasks will needed to be done annually. These tasks include flushing the tank and checking and/or replacing the anode rod. An anode rode is an aluminum or magnesium rod designed to protect exposed steel with a slow electrolytical reaction. This reaction will prevent rusting and corrosion of steel. An old anode rod may cause steel corrosion that leads to unrepairable leaks in the water heater. Replacing the rod if there is any visible deterioration will ensure that the homeowner doesn’t have to replace the heater earlier than they should. Flushing the tank will remove any built-up sediment and increase the efficiency of the heater. Once every couple of months, the homeowner or residents should check the heater for leaks, including gas leaks. 

To find a company that specializes in water heater repair and replacement, the individual can visit the site of companies in their area for more information. 

A Chain Link Fence Provides Security and Boundaries

Chain link fences have been around for many, many years. Not only do these fences offer security, but they can create boundaries for your yard. Companies like Elrod Fence Co. help homeowners decide whether or not to install this type of fencing every day. If you are unsure about installing a chain link fence, continue to read this article to learn more about the benefits and cost effectiveness of this type of fencing.

Security

A fence can secure your property from would-be burglars and other criminals. Although these types of fences are not considered privacy fences, they can still be a deterrent to criminals. The very nature of a fence whether it is four feet high or twenty feet high makes it an additional barrier that a criminal has to deal with. In addition to keeping your home secure from outside influences, it also protects pet owners from personal injury lawsuits. A chain link fence can help keep overly friendly or protective dogs away from people passing through your yard like neighborhood children that may prefer to get to their friend’s home by way of your yard rather than use a sidewalk.

Boundaries

Individuals that live in small neighborhoods with tiny backyards may want to install a fence to make it clear where the property lines are. This can reduce neighbor disputes and keep other homeowners’ pets or children off of your property. In order for a fence to clearly define property lines, it is important that you contact a land surveyor that will come to your home and define the property lines for you. If you are hiring a company to install your new fence for you, this should be part of the process.

Cost-Effective

Chain link fences are one of the least expensive types of fences to install. Not only are the materials cheaper than vinyl, wood, or wrought iron, but these fences are also easier to maintain. There is no need for regular painting or sealing. You won’t have to worry about rust or wood rot. With so little maintenance required, installing a chain link fence makes the best financial fence.

Things to Consider

While chain link fences may be popular choices among homeowners that want to create boundaries and secure their property for as little money as possible, not all communities welcome chain link fencing. If you drive by older communities, you will most likely see many homes with this style of fencing. However, if you visit a newer neighborhood with upscale homes the landscape changes. Instead of chain link fencing you may see more vinyl fences or wrought iron products. The reason for this is that chain link fencing comes with a reputation for being trashy or low-class. Not all neighborhoods will allow homeowners to use this type of material to create a fence.

Sprucing Up Chain Link Fencing

If your neighborhood does allow chain link fences, but you are concerned about the aesthetic aspects of one of these fences simple landscaping tricks can create an attractive setting. Bushes, flowers, and other types of shrubbery can be planted alongside the fencing to make it more appealing to the eye.

To learn more about chain link fences and other fencing options, consider speaking with a company like Elrod Fence Co. Fencing contractors can help you weigh the pros and cons of all different types of fencing materials.