Posted on July 25, 2018 by admin

Choosing Shingles that Coordinate with Your Siding

You may be tempted not to worry about whether your shingles match the color of your siding, but since your home’s roof can account for approximately forty percent of the exterior of your home, you may want to change your way of thinking.

One of the first things that you will want to consider is the climate of where you live. If you have warm temperatures throughout the year, or most of the year, you may want to choose lighter colored shingles, as they will not absorb as much of the sun’s rays. However, if you live in a cooler climate, a darker roof can absorb some of the heat from the sun and make your home warmer.

Of course, since you cannot just choose a light or dark color without consulting your shingles, your next step is to find a color that coordinates with the sides of your home. Siding that is light gray is best matched with shingles that are a combination of light and dark gray hues. Although, you can also choose shingles that are completely gray, black, blue, white, or green for the same upscale look.

Cream or beige colored siding normally works best with shingles that are solid black, green, gray, brown, or blue, but you can choose a color blend as well for additional visual appeal. Brown siding needs shingles that are green, gray, black, or brown, while white siding can have shingles of any color matching beautifully.

The color that you choose for your shingles should also match the architectural style of your home, which means that you don’t always want the colors of everything matching nicely. The result in those cases are always boring and bland, which is not what you want for the exterior of your home and your curb appeal.

It is possible to acquire shingle samples from roofing contractors to test out at different times of the day, so that you can see what they look like as the daylight and the sun moves across your roof and the exterior elements of your home.

One of the last things that you will want to do before making your final decision is take the roofs of your neighbors into consideration. While you may want your home to stand out a little from your neighbors, you don’t want to go too wild, as your home may seem slightly out of place. An unusual roof color can also affect the resale of your home in the future.

If you are still slightly confused by all this, do not worry. A professional roofer can help you choose the best color for your shingles, so that your home’s curb appeal improves immensely.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

Posted on July 12, 2018 by admin

Creating the Perfect Porch

For many homes, the porch is one of the most overlooked of all spaces. One of the main reasons for this is because most people don’t really take the time to spend outside on the porch. Unless you are lucky to have one that is already fully finished, chances are you probably have not spent much time enjoying yours. However, it does not have to stay that way and depending on your situation this could be a great time to begin considering porch improvements that allow you to enjoy it.

In this article we will give you some ideas and suggestions on creating a porch that you want to make time to enjoy. As always remember to do your research when you are considering a residential contractor especially when it comes to exterior home improvements that affect the curb appeal of your home.

10 Unique ideas for transforming your porch

Create an area of transition –

Remember the porch is part of the entry of your home and therefore you should consider the porch as a transition from the outside to the inside of your home. The spaces should flow and offer a natural transition between the interior and exterior.

Use it to let the light in –

Be sure to add extra large windows to allow more light to shine into your home from the porch. Having temporary sun blocking helps for the times that you are sitting out however letting the natural sunlight in to the home when the porch is not in use is important as well.

Consider adding a fireplace –

Living in an area that gets cooler at times, you may want to consider having a fireplace put in on the porch to add a little extra comfort. There are a number of different fireplace options to choose from, you are likely to fire something that fits.

Establish a plan before getting started –

Before a professional contractor gets started with any changes or serious remodeling be sure that all of your plans are put down on paper so that there is a visual of what the outcome will look like.

A back porch extends your living space –

As the front porch welcomes you into a home, a back porch is seen as an extension of interior and you should treat it as such when considering your remodeling plans. A screened in back porch is even better as it helps prevent insect attacks.

Be sure that your porch idea fits in with the exterior of your house –

When planning the porch take into consideration the rest of the exterior of the house as not to change it too much. Porch spaces should be a natural extension of the interior of your home.

Go a little crazy with a back porch –

Depending on the location of your home, you might consider how a back porch would fit with the outside of the back of your home. Consider adding extra lighting, color, and seating. Make the space comfortable, cozy, and inviting for friends to enjoy.

Front porches should be welcoming –

Since the porch is at the front of your home and is where your front entry door is, your porch should be designed in a way that is welcoming to everyone who arrives. Curb appeal is everything when it comes to home ownership!

Use the space wisely –

Unless you are considering a major remodel and adding extra square footage to the porch space, you want to be sure that you consider the space limitation with all of your plans.

The devil is in the details –

When finishing up the decor of your porch, be sure that you pay close attention to the details. Adding in small finishing touches can add a big punch in the overall design.

Posted on July 6, 2018 by admin

Leave It to The Pros! Why DIY Siding is a Bad Idea

Want to improve the exterior décor of your home? The best option to consider is new exterior siding. It will not only improve the exterior décor but improve the value of your home as well. Moreover, it will also improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Siding that is over forty years old should consider getting it replaced as part of an exterior home improvement plan. It will add freshness to the curb appeal of your home and improve its overall look.

Many people make the mistake of relying on DIY methods instead of leaving it to professionals when it comes to siding. It brings a lot of hassles, chaos, and of course, consumes a lot of time. Hence, it is recommended to leave it to the pros and get the process completed in a professional manner.

Here are some of the reasons why leaving siding to the professional is a better idea than doing it on your own.

Lack of Professionals

A prominent factor that goes in favor of the pros for exterior siding is that they are professionals. Hence, they can employ professional techniques to complete the whole siding project in an efficient manner. On the other hand, opting for DIY methods require so much time, effort, and energy. Despite spending hours or days in completing side project, you may still not get the desired results.

Lack of Expertise and Experience

Hiring professional exterior contractors for a siding project is also recommended since they have the required expertise and experience, which a layman doesn’t have. There is a vast difference in the result of an exterior siding project that is completed by a professional and a layman. This is due to the fact that professionals use their experience, skills, and extensive knowledge optimally to ensure the project is completed in a timely and professional manner.

No Access to Required Tools & Gears

An exterior siding project requires the use of certain tools and gears, which, generally a layman doesn’t have access to. They either have to buy or rent them that can burn a hole in their pockets. On the other hand, if you are relying on exterior contractors, there will be no such issue since the advanced tools and gears will be arranged by the professionals themselves.

Chances of Chaos, Mess, and Hassles

An exterior siding project can create a lot of hassles and chaos if not done properly. Furthermore, there will be a lot of mess left behind that will further add to the hassles. With hiring professionals, the whole process will be completed in a smooth and efficient manner. There will be no hassles, mess, and chaos at all.

Posted on June 27, 2018 by admin

Improving Your Home’s Exterior with Outdoor Masonry

Adding masonry to the exterior of your home will make it look one hundred percent better and it will increase your home’s value as well. Hiring masonry contractors is the best way to get amazing results with masonry services, because they have the skills that are needed to do quality work quickly and efficiently.

One of the easiest ways to improve the exterior of your home with masonry is by replacing a basic concrete walkway with one constructed of stones or bricks. A new walkway can be enhanced by adding stacked stone risers at the beginning or end, as it will define where a person needs to go when they want to enter your home.

Incorporating the stones or bricks from your walkway to your backyard is as easy as constructing a new patio. The patio can be near your backdoor or a little further out in your yard. The options are endless when it comes to patios, and you can still construct one even if you already have a deck off the back of your house. A masonry patio will give you an additional sitting area while creating a new focal point in your yard.

Masonry companies can also create a phenomenal fire pit or fireplace for you out in your backyard. A fire pit does not take that long to construct, and the price is cheaper than a fireplace. However, a fireplace will create more of a focal point in your yard, while immensely improving the exterior of your home.

If you want to utilize your fireplace for cooking, you might want to consider having your masonry contractors construct a wood-fired oven instead. That way, you can enjoy the warmth of the fire when it is cooler out, but you can cook delectable meals that include wood-fired pizzas and even cobblers for dessert.

To really make a lasting impression with your home, you may want to consider having your masonry contractors install stones or bricks on the exterior of your home. This type of masonry will stand out much more than vinyl siding and it will create a luxurious look. While real stone or bricks are fantastic options, you may want to consider faux stone if the type that you want is not available in your area.

There are quite a few masonry services options available to you and masonry companies will be able to assist you will choosing the ones that will complement your home the most.

Posted on June 21, 2018 by admin

When Is It Time To Replace Your Homes Siding?

While the purpose of your home’s exterior siding is mainly to protect your structure against exposure to the elements, prevent heat loss, and for aesthetic purposes, some siding materials are more susceptible to deterioration over time. There are several different types of siding. Most of which seem to be made from imitative material which after some time, fall into a state of disrepair and it’s important to know when to replace your siding when the time comes.

Moldy Siding

Mold is a fungus that produces harmful spores and grows and spreads rapidly especially in humid conditions. Skilled exterior contractors will tell you that your home’s exterior siding is the perfect breeding ground for mold and the best way to tell that you have this problem is through a musty smell including black or gray dirt-like spores on your siding. While some homeowners will opt for a professional power wash, hiring an experienced exterior contractor to replace your siding will ensure the mold is completely killed and your family’s risk of getting mold-related health concerns such as asthma is reduced. It also means that you can consider hardier vinyl siding such as what you see from CertainTeed or fiber-cement from James Hardie.

Soaring Energy Bills

An unexplainable spike in your energy bills is a sure-fire sign of an exterior siding issue that needs to be addressed, window seals leaking, or installation issue. Some older homes have very little insulation in their walls and heat loss could be attributed to the lack of insulation. Your siding can become worn due to excessive exposure to temperature fluctuations which can contribute to a loss in heat or air conditioning. This is when you will want to consult with exterior contractors who can help you determine whether your heat loss is as a result of lack of insulation or it’s your HVAC system that’s working double time to maintain adequate temperature levels in your home.

An exterior home improvement project can be a costly affair, however, if you’re an energy conscious homeowner, hiring a professional team of exterior contractors to replace your siding can be a crucial line of defense against keeping your home energy low and cost-efficient.

Physical Damage

Warping boards, rust, discoloration, cracking, splitting, are all clear visual signs of siding wear and tear. If you find that you need to repaint your exterior siding often to keep it looking fresh, it could mean that this is a sign of structural damage that needs an assessment from professional exterior contractors. Thus resulting in an overall exterior siding replacement just to be on the safe side.

Posted on June 12, 2018 by admin

5 Tips on Why it Pays to Hire a Professional Contractor

Renovating a home can be daunting, but the entire process can be much easier if you hire a professional contractor to assist you. After all, how much do you know about building codes, permits, and basic home remodeling projects? Seriously though, there are literally dozens of reasons why you and everyone else should hire a professional contractor for home improvement projects of any size.

Here are 5 tips on why it pays to hire a professional contractor:

Saves Time

Most home remodeling projects are completed on schedule when a professional contractor is involved, which means that you will have your home back to normal much sooner that you would if you didn’t hire someone.

Connections

A professional contractor is going to have numerous connections that you do not have, and that means that they may be able to get their hands on the materials that you can’t find. These connections can also help you save money, because they will receive discounts from the vendors that they work with often.

Experience

A professional contractor has multiple years of home improvement experience, and that experience can benefit you immensely. Your professional contractor can tell you immediately if something you want will work in the space or if you are wasting your money choosing one material over another.

Safety

Professional contractors know all the codes for the home remodeling projects they work on, so you will never need to worry if your electrical, plumbing, or anything else will pass inspection. This also ensures that you and your family are safe long after the work is completed.

Saves Money

You are going to want to come in at or under budget for your home remodeling project, and while anyone can accomplish that feat, only professional contractors will do it properly. Anyone who isn’t a professional may cut corners to make the numbers work out, but that is only going to cause you headaches in the future when half of the work needs to be done once again. You will never need to worry about that happening when you hire a professional contractor, as they will get everything done correctly the first time.

These are the five best reasons why you need to hire a professional contractor for your next home improvement project. If you have never hired a professional contractor before, you should do so for your next home remodeling project, as you will see a major difference in the results.

Posted on June 6, 2018 by admin

Exterior Home Improvement Contractors Share Unique Porch Concepts

A perfectly executed exterior home improvement project will not only increase the value of your home, but you might also find yourself chasing off prying neighbors who want to take pictures of your home because it makes for a stunning backdrop. The average return on investment (ROI) of a professionally installed porch, deck, or patio construction is about 73% and average even higher for high-quality wooden decks.

According to exterior home improvement contractors a porch addition, such a masonry blocks are not only the most popular thing to add during a home improvement, they also come in different wall heights that you can either use as retaining walls, tree rings, fire pits, or even stack them up to create eye-catching layers of raised planting beds. Renovating a dated porch and front yard requires more than a lick of paint or a little weeding. You can transform your homes curb appeal by using uniquely designed pavers to create a stunning walkway or entrance to your renovated front porch.

Other creative ways to liven up your home’s exterior and improve the look of your front porch without breaking the bank include painting, replacing the front door, and adding masonry enhancements. Your front door is the first thing that catches your eye and using a bold color or replacing it with a decorative door is an easy and affordable way to instantly add some character and provide a more welcoming entryway into your house.

Changing dated items on your porch such as light fixtures, locks, handles, or house numbers can help you call attention to certain features you want people to notice. According to exterior home improvement contractors, if you’re happy with the look of your door, you can spend money on upgrading the front porch color and light fixtures. Soft porch lights can enhance your home’s overall look and make it appear more inviting. Most importantly, exterior lighting such as solar lights don’t use any electricity from the house, and they improve security by reducing dark spots around your home.

If you have a seating area, even the smallest space on your porch, contractors can help you create a warm and welcoming entry. As well as the installation a few low-maintenance flowers, porch furniture and outdoor artwork to create an attractive focal point. Get creative with your flower containers as well as outdoor rugs to bring life and color to the front of your home.

Posted on May 31, 2018 by admin

Increase Your Home’s Value Through Exterior Home Improvements

Chances are your home will be the single largest investment you will ever make in your lifetime and because of this, you will want to be sure that you are doing everything to prevent it from losing value. One way that a home’s value can be maintained or even increased is to pay close attention to the exterior of the home.

When it is time to consider exterior improvements, you should look for reputable exterior home improvement contractors in your area. These companies have the expertise in planning and carrying out most any type of exterior work that you could ever need. Be sure that do your due diligence when it comes to selecting the best contractor so that you feel confident that they will do all of the work you that are asking them to do.

Curb appeal is one of the primary motivators when it comes to planning any exterior home improvements. Making the outside of your home and the surrounding areas will go a long ways in making it more appealing from a visual standpoint. We have come up with 7 ways that you can easily spruce up the exterior of your home that will add value to the property.

Entry door replacement

The front door of any home is absolutely the first thing that most people notice about a house when they are looking at it from the street. That is why it is essential that you pay extra attention to how attractive your front entry door looks from the street. You also will want to be sure that it is up to date, but not look out of place with the rest of the exterior.

Adding architectural stone accent

Architectural stone and rock will add an extra bit of character to the outside of your home. This is one way to really spruce the outside of your home if it looking kind of blah. You may want to reconsider if you have any brick veneer on your home currently, if so the two may clash and not really look good together.

Garage door replacement

If you have an attached garage and it faces the street, chances are it might be the largest single feature on the front of the house. If this is the case, then you might want to consider replacing or even repainting the entire garage door. This will help to add a really nice touch to your home and quite possibly may add some value to your home.

Siding replacement or refinish

If you still have the original wood siding on your home from when it was first built, you may want to consider looking into one or more of the newer siding materials that are being offered by contractors today. Vinyl siding gives you really good looks, amazing durability and extra insulation can be added for additional energy savings in your home.

Adding a deck

Outdoor entertaining is really popular these days and having a deck off the back door can really add quite a bit of value to your home. With so many material options and colors to choose from, you should easily be able to find what looks best for what you can afford.

Replace the whole roof

A good-looking roof is very important when it comes to curb appeal and the elements can easily take their toll on the look and effectiveness of a shingle roof. You may want to get a professional opinion about the condition and look of your roof from a professional inspector.

Rework the patio

There is so much that can be done on a patio these days which can easily add some much desire value to your property. If you find one of the top exterior home improvement contractors, you can be assured that they will help you make it look its best.

Posted on May 24, 2018 by admin

5 Reasons Homeowners Should Enhance Their Home’s Exterior

For most homeowners their home is their biggest source of pride and joy. You’ve spent hard-earned money to buy it and keep it up, so why wouldn’t you want it to look great on the outside. Your home’s exterior is the first thing people will look at, so you obviously want it to look amazing and considered one of the best-looking houses in the neighborhood! Here are some reasons why homeowners will want to work with a full-service home improvement company when it comes to enhance your home’s exterior:

Create a More Modern Look

Even the smallest updates done to a homes exterior can create a look that is no longer dated. Older homes appear fresh with simple additions like a color change, freshly painted trim, and a few fresh accessories in the yard can completely enhance the homes modern look.

Enhance Curb Appeal

The first thing that people see when they are driving by your home is the exterior. Your homes exterior curb appeal will send a signal about how they feel about your home within the first seconds of seeing it. This is especially crucial when looking into selling your home. Prospective buyers will judge your home by its exterior which will then either lead them to view the interior or skip it in favor of something that is more appealing to the eye. A full-service home improvement company can offer you suggestions that will benefit your homes curb appeal be it fresh siding, new window, adding a porch, or even upgrading parts of the siding with natural masonry stones.

Increased Value

When you want to sell your home, some exterior enhancements will get you more money than if you left it in a state of repair. Getting more money for your home is always the goal when you are looking into selling your home. A good-looking exterior will get you that!

Increased Neighborhood Value

If the homes within your neighborhood all look like a million bucks and your home is still harboring an old dingy, outdated look, your home will decrease the overall value of the homes within the space. Don’t let your home get the “worst on the block” wrap. Whether you make major changes or minor ones keeping your home up to date.

Fewer Complaints from Your HOA

When you live in a community with an HOA it is important that your homes exterior stay in line with the rules of the neighborhood. Many HOA’s will fine you if you fail to keep with the homes look and overall appeal. Unused cars or RV’s, unkept bushes, faded mulch, worn out fences, and more can all lead your HOA to fine you as a homeowner until updates are put in place to fix the issues at hand.

Posted on May 16, 2018 by admin

Smart Exterior Home Improvements

All homeowners should be aware of the importance of curb appeal, especially when looking to sell their home. The interior looks of the home will never come into play unless you get buyers inside the door, thus the importance of the homes exterior appeal. Let’s face it, if the house looks like a hot mess on the outside what are people to assume the inside looks like. Exterior home improvements often allow you to get the biggest return on your investment, increasing the sale price of your home. In order to maximize your efforts where it counts we have established a list of exterior aspects to focus on during the renovation process.

Front Door

Replacing your homes front door is a solid place to start when looking into exterior upgrades. Replacing the contractor grade front doors that are installed on most newer homes with a high quality, decorative front door can have a major impact. Take the addition of a new front door to the next level with the addition features to dress up the door such as a pediment and molding which offers a more substantial feel.

Front Porch

Along with a new front door, the porch area in itself is a large attention grabber. Some porch renovations include new lighting, fresh decking, the addition of a natural element such as manufactured stone, greenery, and seating can take a space from barely noticeable to a visual masterpiece. When thinking about a front porch most people contour up images of porch swings, rocking chairs, and wicker. It is an image of simplicity, relaxation, and family.

New Roof

When it comes to exterior elements, your homes roof is one of the most important. Not only does your homes roof play an incredibly important role in protecting your home and family from natures harshest elements it adds to the energy efficiency of the home. If you have an older roof with leaks and general overall disrepair it is time to consider a new roof. Installing a new roof with the help of a professional roofing contractor can help to ensure that new roofing technology is utilized, and energy efficiency is maximized.

Increased Lighting

Not only is lighting important to the interior of your home, it can also have a huge impact on the exterior. Exterior lighting be included by each entrance of the home as well as used strategically to enhance architectural features of the home and landscape. Increased lighting not only improves the overall look of the home, it increases the perception of safety. Exterior elements that will be in use throughout the year should have access to lighting. From backyard fireplaces to snowy driveways it is important to be able to have a visual of the area.