Know When To Hire Roofing Contractor

Posted on February 16, 2012 by admin
 

Maybe you have just recently moved into a new home, or you are getting ready to move within a few months. Then, before your big move, one thought popped into your head-since the new house is kind of old, when would I have to spend all of that money to repair Cedar Roof Contractoror get a new roof? How will I even know if I need to invest in a new roof? Such answers can be found here!

If you are moving into an older home, you may want to play it safe and have a roofing contractor come out for a free quote. The roofing company should be able to tell you whether or not you need a new roof right now, or if you can wait a few years to replace it.

On the other hand, if you are moving into a newer home, you might be wondering how long the roof will last before you must invest in a new one. This is a great question to ask yourself and your roofing contractor so you can plan for this major, but critical home investment. Once again, you can call professional roofing contractors to inspect your roof and gutters to give you their opinion.

In the meantime, you can learn a little bit more about how long the average roof lasts. To start with, you can learn about the few factors that have significant, strong effects on the lifetime of your roof. These include:

  • The color of your roof (light color versus dark color)-Some colors of roofing materials attract more sun than others, which, in turn, can cause your roof to age quicker.
  • Ventilation options-If proper ventilation was not planned for when installing your roof, this can lead to a shorter life span for your roof.
  • How your current roof was installed-This depends on the expertise and craftsmanship of the previous roofing contractors who originally installed the roof.
  • The pitch or the angle of your roof-Every roof is different, so a thorough inspection is needed to assess this.
  • The types of roofing materials that were used-This will highly depend on the area in which you live. For instance, homes located in the desert are typically made with different roofing materials than a home located where it snows a lot.

Far and beyond the previous factors, you should know that the climate you live in also has Roofing Westchester NYa significant impact on your roof’s lifespan. For instance, the following weather conditions could reduce the amount of years your average roof can last, including:

  • Sun
  • Wind
  • Heavy rains
  • Snow, hail, and ice
  • Traffic (pertinent to commercial buildings)
  • Movements in the building’s structure
  • Temperature fluctuations

Those are just some factors that you can evaluate on your own before your roofing contractor arrives at your house for the thorough inspection. It is a good idea to research and understand these factors so that you can have an intelligent and thoughtful conversation with the roofing specialists about your current roof’s condition.

So taking all of these factors into play, how long could the average roof last? Well, the lifespan of an average roof is between 10-20 years. It is critical to keep in mind that you cannot expect a roof to last its entire lifetime without regular maintenance and repairs. As an example, you wouldn’t expect your car to last for 15 years without ever doing the routine maintenance and oil changes, would you? The same care and maintenance applies to your roof, too!

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Phone: (914) 248-1300 or (203) 531-8100
Email: info@geretyrestoration.com

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Simple Keys To Home Remodeling Success

Posted on February 1, 2012 by admin
 

Take time to sit and make a list of all the things you would like to change about your home, whether it is something simple like new throw rugs or larger projects such as an updated kitchen or a new wet bar in the basement. If your list contains any major home remodeling jobs, start contacting contractors now, before their spring and summer schedules start filling up.

Whatever the remodeling project you have in mind there are some keys to a successful outcome that apply to them all.Kitchen Remodeling Westchester NY

Budget – Knowing exactly what you can afford and then sticking to it is essential. Make allowances for the fact that unexpected expenses almost always crop up on any remodeling project, so adding an extra 5-10% as a contingency reserve to your estimated costs is a good idea. Nothing will spoil a great remodeling project like running out of money half way through and having to live in an unfinished room for months while you try to scrape up the cash to complete the work.

The Big Objective – Why are you remodeling in the first place? If you believe that you will be staying in the home for a long time to come it makes sense to spend a little extra on appliances and upgrades like a whirlpool tub, but if you are remodeling with an eye to selling the property spending money on such extras is simply not worth it.Modern Bathroom Remodel

Timelines – Most remodeling projects are not one day affairs and a single delay can cause a domino effect that will cost both time and extra money. Before the project begins make sure that you and your remodeling contractor are on the same page about how long the job will take.

Paperwork – Before the first nail is hammered or tile is laid, make sure that you have any and all required permits on hand and that you and your chosen remodeling contractor have a clear written understanding of the project’s cost and scope.

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Essentials of Bathroom Remodeling

Posted on January 27, 2012 by admin
 

The essentials of bathroom remodeling depend on the type of work that will be done in the refashioning process. Remodeling work in the bathroom may involve simple beautification changes and can even go to an extent of the total overhaul of the bathroom. Since the bathroom is one of the areas in the house where most homeowners want to remain sparkling clean, whether the work involves a large or small remodeling job, there are some considerations that one must take into account before the work begins. Taking one’s needs into consideration helps get the desired results. The bathroom is regarded as a place of relaxation and comfort. Therefore, concerned individuals would like it to be clean and tidy. This is achieved by regular cleaning and sanitation of the bathroom as well as a chance to do some bathroom remodeling and redesigning according to preferred tastes and required standards, every now and then.Bathroom Remodel

Some of the considerations that need to be addressed before your contractor embarks on any bathroom remodeling work so as to avoid any frustrations later include:

- Make it clear to the contractor the kind of bathroom remodeling materials you want them to use. Specify the things you need to be fixed, any size alterations you may need done and any other concerns. It will help if you have an agreement at the start.

- Have a detailed house plan from your home builders as this will specify the vital elements to be used. In addition it will give the contractor all the initial dimensions of the house, the electrical cable passages to avoid power cut-offs, plumbing and piping works to avoid damaging the water pipes and also it will give the general knowledge on the kind of materials to be used.

- It would be of importance to set aside a budget allocation for the work to avoid over expenditure. The amount you set aside should be enough for the materials and labor, as well as a cover that includes all other contingencies. Also it would save time if all the materials required are to be procured earlier before the commencement of the work.Bathroom Renovations

- Make arrangements on an alternative bathroom to use while the current one is under remodeling, since it will require time before it is fully ready for use.

Once all these considerations have been met, it is now time to embark on the modifications using the specified essentials of bathroom remodeling. Some of these essentials in brief are:

- Together with the contractor, allocate a target time for the work. This will help you know if the work is on track and if not, if you will be able to make some adjustments.

- The bathroom is supplied with water pipes. These pipes need to be shut to avoid spilling water. In case the same pipes supply the whole house, a bypass will be needed to supply water to other rooms.

- As a homeowner, you have to decide the size and design of your bathroom. A recommended design is the one that does not use much of the house’s space, but is elegant and has a nice look.

- Flooring material like tiles or any other materials should be appropriate for bathrooms and should suit the design and taste of the bathroom owner. Floor heating should be taken into account and alternatives for like wooded or carpeted floor materials should be availed. Ensure that there is no potential for water to accumulate anywhere.

- Bathroom remodeling is a worthwhile method of drastically changing the look and feel of your bathroom. Most importantly, such a project made with careful, timed and budgeted preparations will ensure a renewed private space once the bathroom remodeling is done.

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Phone: (914) 248-1300 or (203) 531-8100
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How Much Value Does Bathroom Remodeling Add To Your Home?

Posted on January 24, 2012 by admin
 

Remodeling a bathroom is one of the most popular home improvement projects. It’s clear that you can add significant value and convenience to your home by remodeling a bathroom. However, most people are unaware of how much value bathroom remodeling adds to the overall equity in a home. This amount varies due to the circumstances surrounding each remodel.

The Type of Bathroom RemodelBathroom Tiles Remodeling

The value that any particular bathroom remodel adds to a home will depend on the scope of the project, as well as the overall condition of the rest of the house. For example, if your home is older and there are other significant repairs needed, updating your bathroom will have the least impact on your home’s value. In fact, you may see little to no added value by completing just a bathroom remodel if your home needs other work.

On the other hand, a home in good condition can see a significant increase in value by remodeling the bathroom. For homes with a modern kitchen, good carpet, sound electrical and clean paint, approximately 80% of the initial investment can be reclaimed when the home is sold. This means that a bathroom remodel that costs you $1,000 will result in about $800 of added value to your home.

These two scenarios deal with remodels that do not impact other areas of the home and do not add more square footage. If more square footage is added or living spaces changed significantly, then the value created by the bathroom remodel will be different.

Adding Bathrooms to Your HomeComplete Bathroom Remodeling

You will get the most added value if your bathroom remodel creates a bathroom that is not already in your home’s specifications. The percentage will vary based upon the project. Adding a bathroom to existing square footage will result in different percentages than building an addition that includes a bathroom.

When adding a bathroom to your existing home, the most lucrative project is creating a master bathroom. Most owners prefer the convenience of a dedicated bathroom, so your home will be worth more and easier to market. In fact, this type of bathroom remodel is considered by experts to be the best value for your remodeling dollar. In most cases, you can expect to see a 100% return on the cost of the remodel. In other words, for every $1,000 you spend on the remodel, $1,000 of value is added to your home.

Bathroom Tiles Remodeling

While building a master bathroom in your existing home is lucrative, many families do not have the space to spare. Because of this, adding an addition that includes an extra bathroom is a widely-used option. Again, an addition that is a full master bedroom and bathroom suite is the best value for your remodeling dollars. Still, just building an extra bathroom can increase your home’s value by about 96% of the initial investment. If you are adding a full master suite, you might see as much as 100% of the cost added to the value of your home. This is most likely if the existing home does not already have a master suite.

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Phone: (914) 248-1300 or (203) 531-8100
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When Is The Best Time To Remodel

Posted on January 19, 2012 by admin
 

Most people think of spring and summer as the perfect time to undertake a remodeling project. It is quite true that warmer temperatures and sunny days are beneficial when it comes to working outside – or rather hiring other people to work outside – but temperature is far from the only consideration when deciding when is the right time to begin your remodeling project.
Kitchen Remodeling Westchester NY

In many cases, knowing when to remodel is likely to save you money as well as time during your project. Spring and summer may be the most popular times to call in a contractor but they may not be the right option for you.

Avoiding Contractors’ Busy Times

If you go to your favorite restaurant when they are very busy you are unlikely to get the same careful level of attention as you would at off peak hours and you are far less likely to get the extra side portion of salad dressing or any other extras you want the first time you ask for it. The staff are simply going to be too busy to give you all the attention they probably should.

Custom Shelves CarpentryThe same can often hold true for renovation or remodeling contractors of all kinds. If they are juggling several projects at once they may simply not have the resources or time to pay as much attention to yours, especially if it a smaller project, as they usually would if they were less pressed for time.

Additionally, when every contractor within a ten mile radius is putting in orders for hardwood flooring, paint, lumber and all kinds of other building supplies there is a much greater chance that orders will suffer stock shortages, get delayed, or even mixed up, causing everyone involved extra headaches. Remodeling projects are already a bit of a hassle anyway so these types of extra delays can become a real annoyance.

Kitchen Renovation Westchester County NYSome outdoor remodels just cannot be completed in bad weather of course, but an indoor project like a kitchen remodel can certainly be commissioned in the winter without any problems and you will still have a nice new kitchen by spring time.

By working with remodeling contractors in their “off season” you may also get a more favorable to you price estimate as when they have less projects on their books.

The best possible scenario for many remodeling and home maintenance projects is to schedule them a few months earlier than everyone else is likely to be doing.

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Phone: (914) 248-1300 or (203) 531-8100
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Posted in Baths, Custom Carpentry, Custom Design, Flooring, Kitchens, Painting, Renovations, Specialized Services, Wine Cellars | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

5 Easy Steps to a Stress Free Home Renovation Project

Posted on January 9, 2012 by admin
 

With spring around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planing your home renovation projects. Take the next several weeks to analyze, research and evaluate your current home to find out what you really want and need. This will save you from wasted time and potentially costly mistake down the road.Bathroom Renovations

Whether it’s that gourmet kitchen you’ve been dreaming about, the outdated master bathroom you’ve been putting off, or the new bedroom addition you desperately need, winter is for planning and spring is for building.

Following this five-step approach will take the stress and anxiety out of the home renovation process, at the same time saving you valuable time and money.

1. Dream It!

Assess Your Situation: Taking a realistic look at your current situation will make all the difference between a good home renovation project and a great one! What problems need to be solved? Walk through your home room by room and take great notes along the way.

Inspiration File: Educate yourself on the materials, finishes and appliances that are available to you. Check out the design magazines and the plethora of home design shows to gather ideas that inspire you in some way. You’ll see a pattern beginning to emerge.

Wish List: Creating your wish list will influence the overall concept and design that you ultimately want your home to reflect. Gathering all of this information will help you determine the overall scope of your project.

2. Plan It!

Budget and Financing: If you plan on staying in your home for ten years or more, then budget what you can to create the home of your dreams. Be realistic, as your lenders will let you know exactly how much you’re qualified to borrow.Complete Bathroom Remodeling

Professionals: Hiring the right design professionals will definitely save you valuable time and money, and eliminate any planning mistakes down the road. Pre-planning is undoubtedly the biggest money saver!

The Contract: Once you’ve committed to a licensed contractor review the bid and contract line by line and make sure that the scope of your project is documented throughout. If you’re unclear on a item, ask for clarification.

3. Design It!

Floor Plan: Designing the floor plan is where you begin to see your dream
take shape. Try to visualize this space three dimensionally.

Details: Whatever your style, focusing on the details will set your space apart from the rest and will provide you with a true reflection of your
personality.

Shopping: Selecting the perfect materials, finishes, appliances and fixtures
is what will infuse the detail and character into your project. Take your
plans, samples and photos with you on every single shopping trip. You never know what you’ll find.

4. Do It!

Demolition: This is chaos at its best. If you want to release some deep seeded aggression now’s the time to grab a hammer and crow bar and help the demo crew. I highly recommend it!

Construction: The most exciting phase of the renovation process. This is where you begin to see all the pieces of the puzzle come together. Attending weekly site meetings and following an agenda will keep your project
running smoothly.

Coping with Construction: Be realistic and plan for delays. It will reduce the level of stress and anxiety you could potentially feel. Be flexible.

5. Live It!

Punch List:Custom Wine Cellar

Do a walk through with your contractor and list all the outstanding minor repairs and completions that still need to be done before your project is one hundred percent complete.

Clean Up:

Even if your stipulated a clean up clause in your contract, hire your own cleaning crew to come in just before you move back in. Just remember though – it will take weeks for the dust to settle.

Moving Back In:

It’s all behind you and you’ve made it through the renovation process relatively unscathed. Now roll up your sleeves and put your personal signature on everything. Invite some family and friends over for that dinner party you’ve wanted to host – and start living the dream.

Feel free to get in touch with us...

Phone: (914) 248-1300 or (203) 531-8100
Email: info@geretyrestoration.com

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Kitchen Renovation: Adding Value To Your Home

Posted on December 8, 2011 by admin
 

A kitchen renovation is one of the smartest ways to add value to your home. Real estate experts agree that a well-designed and updated kitchen attracts buyers. Whether you are completely remodeling or simply making a few updates, homeowners can improve the appeal of their home and increase the value with a kitchen renovation. Kitchen Remodeling Westchester NY

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report, a homeowner will recoup about 60% of the cost of a major kitchen renovation. This makes it one of the best remodeling choices for homeowners looking to build equity in their home. A modern kitchen makes your home more valuable and more attractive to buyers when the time comes to sell.

The kitchen is the heart of a home. It is a place to gather as a family, visit with friends, and share meals. Because it is one of the most popular rooms in the house, kitchens tend to suffer a lot of wear and tear over time. Countertops, appliances, and flooring can get worn and damaged, decreasing the style and appeal of the room.

A kitchen renovation may include knocking down walls to add space or redesigning the layout to improve functionality. Homeowners have the chance to design the room they have always wanted. Make the most of it by increasing storage space and improving traffic flow.kitchen remodeling

Consider upgrading your appliances to high-efficiency models. Not only can they save you money in energy costs, you may be eligible for tax rebates. Be sure that your electrical wiring and plumbing are properly installed to prevent damage and ensure that your appliances will work correctly.

Your existing cabinets can be re-surfaced or you may decide to replace them entirely with new ones. Choose a countertop surface that will blend well with your cabinets. Stone, especially granite, gives your kitchen an up-scale and classic look that will last the lifetime of your home.

Hardwoods and ceramic tiles are the most popular choices for kitchen flooring. Both materials are attractive to buyers and need very little maintenance to look good.

Lighting is extremely important in the kitchen. Ambient lighting will keep the room bright. Task lighting illuminates the food prep and cooking area. Under cabinet lighting can accentuate the beauty of your room.

Find a wall color that will accentuate your new cabinets, flooring, appliances, and countertops. Consider the addition of a colorful backsplash or accent wall to create a focal point in the room.

kitchen remodeling

A kitchen renovation is a large project and can take months to fully complete. Discuss a timeline and a specific budget for your project with us so you will know what to expect.

Not everyone is willing or able to complete a large-scale renovation of the kitchen. Even minor improvements can change the entire look of your kitchen and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Whether you are selling your home or simply want to improve the room’s appearance, small projects like painting or replacing outdated appliances can make a big difference to the value of your home.

Feel free to get in touch with us...

Phone: (914) 248-1300 or (203) 531-8100
Email: info@geretyrestoration.com

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Asphalt Roof Repair and Copper Flashing Installation

Posted on December 7, 2011 by admin
 

This week we completed a Asphalt Roof Repair and Copper Flashing Installation. If there is water coming through the roof around your chimney, you may need your chimney re-flashed. See pictures below of the finished roof.

Feel free to get in touch with us...

Phone: (914) 248-1300 or (203) 531-8100
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Blue Stone Walkway

Posted on December 2, 2011 by admin
 

Couple of weeks ago we started work on a Blue Stone Walkway. We recently finished that masonry project and below you will find pictures of the final result.

Feel free to get in touch with us...

Phone: (914) 248-1300 or (203) 531-8100
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Posted in Masonry, Specialized Services, Walkways | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Roofing Choices – Asphalt, Wood, and Slate

Posted on November 30, 2011 by admin
 

There are a wide range of roofing materials available when you come to choose for your
home, but they have different qualities and there are different cost considerations involved. Choosing the right roofing material will involve considering not only cost but the need for professional help as some materials should not be fitted by home improvement enthusiasts, also there are the local aesthetics to take into account. Roofing materials offer a wide range of choice when it comes to color, look and feel and you can opt for a traditional, natural look or modernistic lines and everything in between.

There are numerous other roofing materials available however we are going to look at three of the major roofing materials in use today; asphalt shingles (also known as composition shingles), wood and slate.

Wood Shakes
Cedar Roof Contractor

Wood shakes come in an extremely wide variety of colors, shapes and finishes and as a consequence, it is impossible for any two wood shake roofs to be the same. Wood is an extremely good insulation material as well as allowing your home (and particularly the roof space) to breathe with circulating air which helps prevent the build-up of moisture and the attendant problems this brings.

Wood does require a higher degree of maintenance than most other building materials and without proper attention the roof will deteriorate and need replacing. Wood is also susceptible to rot, mold and the work of insects which adds to the cost of maintenance and repair. Wood is also not a fire proof material which means there is an elevated fire risk when using wood, however it is possible to source pressure treated wooden shakes which are injected with fire retardants and also last longer.

Cedar Roof Contractor

Slate TileInstallation is more involved than for asphalt shingles and the finished build quality is directly related to the ability of the contractor used for the job as well as the quality of the wood shakes used.

Slate is highly durable and despite an initial high cost, it provides the lowest overall annualized cost as it has virtually zero maintenance. Slate cannot burn, it is waterproof and requires no cleaning or painting, it is also impervious to the effects of water, excesses of heat and cold and insects cannot use it for food or as a habitat. Not only this, but slate requires very little cleaning and no chemical treating for algae, moss and mold as it provides no habitat or nourishment for them.

Slate is also highly aesthetically pleasing on the eye and comes in a variety of shades and colors from light brown through to olive green with a variety textures and feel. Slate is heavy and usually requires additional roofing support and it should only be installed by an experienced professional.

Asphalt or Composition Shingles

Roof Contractor

Asphalt shingles are an extremely popular roofing material which combines affordability with good, clean looks. Aside from asphalt, composition shingles may also include fiberglass or other materials, and may typically utilize recycled materials for a more environmentally

Asphalt shingles are available in a wide range of colors and styles and they are easy to work with. Asphalt shingles can be worked by home improvement devotees though experience with roofing is preferred. Asphalt shingles are generally low maintenance products and many provide good fire protection though they can be affected by the elements, typically being subject to high winds and being blown off the roof. friendly product.

Feel free to get in touch with us...

Phone: (914) 248-1300 or (203) 531-8100
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