The idea of planning and completing a major exterior home improvement
project—a new roof, siding, door or windows—can be daunting. Which
installers do you choose? How long will it take? Which kinds of
materials are best for your home? What kinds of things should be top of
mind while planning? We’ve got the answers here.
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Choose the Right Installer
Choosing a trusted installer is the most important thing when
planning a home improvement project, according to James Pearce, a sales
manager at Sears Home Services.
“This is almost more important than the product itself,” he says.
“Too many times have I seen people who are disappointed with either the
way the job came out, the workers themselves, or just plain old
dissatisfied because the contractor over-promised and under-delivered.”
It’s better to invest in a company that you know will have your best
interests in mind, he says, cautioning people to remember the old adage:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is—and could cost you
more if you have to redo the work.
“Don’t continue down the path of shady contractors and have to pay
for future repairs or redo the whole project,” he says. In other words,
get it done right the first time.
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| PHOTO: COURTESY OF A PARALLEL ARCHITECTURE |
Plan Your Timing With Weather in Mind
It may seem like common sense, but there are good reasons to choose
the start time for your project wisely. Although many people aim to
complete projects by April or so, any months during spring through fall
are prime time for revitalizing the exterior of your home, Pearce says.
But keep an eye on the calendar, because as colder weather
approaches, the materials you’re using may not perform as they should.
Pearce advises that roofing be installed when it’s 45 degrees or warmer
in most cases. Cold weather can lead to moisture problems, including
rot, for both windows and siding. With Weatherbeater siding, Sears
installers adapt their methods based on temperature to ensure the right
fit.
Consider a Project Manager to Stay on Time and Budget
Intimidated by the idea of a major exterior project like new siding
or a new roof? Worried that the project might run into infinity and
beyond, when it comes to time and budget? If you choose to do a
renovation with Sears Home Services, you’ll also get the services of a
project manager who helps keep your project on schedule and who hires
reliable vendors and subcontractors to get the job done.
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If You’re Going Big, Do it in Phases
Replacing your windows, for example, will freshen and update the look
of your home and will help you save on energy costs. But doing the
whole house at once takes time and can be a large expense. Do it in
phases instead, Pearce advises. Where you start is up to you. You could
do the front of your home one year and the back the next. Or do the
bottom floor and wait to do the top floor next year. That way, your
budget won’t take as big of a hit.
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| 1000 WORDS/SHUTTERSTOCK |
If You’re Going Small, Replacing Your Entry Doors is a Great Place to Start
Many homes have doors that let in an exorbitant amount of draft,
Pearce says. To save on energy costs, one of the easiest ways is replace
those old inefficient doors in your home. Adding doors in deep, rich
colors like red or green can really change the look of your home and
won’t break the bank.
Bottom line: Planning, finding a trusted installer and keeping an eye
on your budget go a long way in making your home-improvement vision a
reality.
Article Source: 5 Tips for Planning Your Exterior Home Improvement Project
Related Article: 10 CHEAP WAYS TO BOOST A BUILDER-GRADE’S CURB APPEAL
If you require repair and improvement on your current garage door or even installation of a new one, go to www.hollywoodgaragedoorrepair.net
Related Article: 10 CHEAP WAYS TO BOOST A BUILDER-GRADE’S CURB APPEAL
If you require repair and improvement on your current garage door or even installation of a new one, go to www.hollywoodgaragedoorrepair.net
