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.

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 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 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 11, 2018 by admin

Turn Your Bathroom into An Oasis Through Bathroom Renovations

When it comes to creating a space where homeowners renovate for the sheer purpose of relaxation look no further than the bathroom. Bathroom remodeling, in the last few decades, has come a long way in creating an oasis that can be thoroughly enjoyed in a different manner for each member of the family. Bathroom contractors have complete knowledge on implementing various designs and strategies into your bathroom renovation to create an oasis for your family.

Bathroom Renovations Using Mirrors and Clear Glass

The bathroom is a space within the home where families migrate to relax and escape free and clear from the stresses of the day from work, kids, and more. One strategy that contractors use to help create a unique, oasis like bathroom space is through the strategic use of mirrors. Using large mirrors in the bathroom renovation design helps to create the sensation of a more substantial room. Mirrors make smaller rooms appear less cramped. Another option in bathroom renovations to enhance the size of the space is to use clear glass partitions.

Remodeling Bathrooms Choosing the Best Sink Styles

Instead of using a traditional white porcelain sink in your bathroom, contractors specializing in bathroom renovations choose copper handmade vessel basins, natural stone, ceramic, or glass. These sink vessel materials when used in conjunction with proper fixtures, tiling, paint, and more can provide you with am undeniably serene vibe.

Maximize Natural Lighting During Renovations to The Bathroom

Natural light is not easily replicated. When a bathroom doesn’t have outside light entering the space it is important that the soothing, natural feeling it offers is replicated. Certain lighting elements can be used to emulate natural light while other contractors will suggest bringing natural light into the space through the addition of windows and/or skylights.

Increased Light Features in Your Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom contractors use lighting to brighten up bathroom spaces making them appear clean, sleek, and modern. Bright lighting, with the ability to dim, create an oasis atmosphere. Light fixtures, as well as the type of bulb that is used can change the entire vibe of the space. Crystal lighting often enhances the crisp, clean lines that contractors emphasize within the bathroom space.

Proper Bathroom Flooring, Accessories, Fixtures, and More

Bathroom contractors really pull a space together through proper flooring, accessories, and fixtures. Little elements used together and arranged properly create a clean look that emphasizes comfort and size. All the choices from the floor to the vanity, from the toilet paper roll to the towel holder, each helps to create a soothing retreat while maximizing your bathroom space.

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

Posted on May 2, 2018 by admin

5 Ways Kitchen Renovations Increase Your Homes Resale Value

If you didn’t build your current home from scratch, but instead bought it, chances are you have had to put up with someone else’s idea of a kitchen layout that does nothing to impress the eye. As we approach the hottest selling season, with billions of potential homes expected to change hands, there never has been a time like now, that you can use cost-effective strategies to help you leverage all you can against the competition.

If you shudder each time you waltz into your kitchen, then it’s time to take the plunge to upgrade and refresh one of the most important spaces in your home, the kitchen. According to contractors specializing in kitchen renovations, a professionally remodeled kitchen will not only improve and add value to your home, but when the time comes to sell it, you can command a higher price without batting an eyelid.

Quick Resale

One of the main reasons that homes stay on the market for too long without receiving any offers is because the last thing a home buyer wants is to move into a home that they must renovate right away. No one wants to buy a home with an outdated kitchen where appliances aren’t working, or the cabinets and countertops are falling apart. It is easier to attract prospective buyers when the kitchen is in pristine condition and compel them to pay a premium price for the home.

Energy Efficiency

Anything that can save a potential homebuyer some money is a prime motivating factor for purchasing a home. Installing modern appliances and solar panels will not only increase the energy efficiency of the kitchen but adding skylights in place of artificial lighting will flood the kitchen with more natural light without spending any energy, therefore, contribute greatly toward energy savings, and who doesn’t want to save a buck or two?

Lifestyle

According to contractors specializing in kitchen renovations, your kitchen’s design not only needs to meet your current needs but those of future buyers. Some basic concepts to keep in mind during your project design is open space, easy to access cabinetry, and accessible storage. These are trends that are good for meeting most family’s needs.

Modernity

Provided a space doesn’t feel cold or clinical, remodeling your kitchen to bring it to the 21st century will yield great results in increasing the value of your home and making a big impression in both the young and old homebuyers. Choose colors and styles that create a space that is clean, comfortable, and allows people the ability to relax and stay awhile.

Return on Investment

If your kitchen is too outdated, consider spending about 15 to 25% of your home’s value for new cabinet doors, appliances, countertops, sink, faucet, paint, and hardware. According to contractors specializing in kitchen renovations will increase your homes resale value and yield a higher return. Especially if you are going to be in the house awhile and enjoying the renovation. A kitchen renovation is a terrific way to add value to your home while enjoying the new space.

Posted on April 19, 2018 by admin

Choosing A Color For Your Homes Vinyl Siding

2018 is the year that is taking the curb appeal of your home to the next level. Homeowners are more aware now than ever before that how their homes look on the outside has everything to do with how the inside is viewed. This is even more important when looking to put your home on the market. The exterior of your home is a reflection to the rest of the world of you. It can make your home look warm and inviting or just the opposite based solely on how it looks. One way that homeowners are looking into bringing new life to their homes exterior is through the installation of new vinyl siding.

Vinyl siding installation creates an entirely new look for your home. It is important to choose a color that expresses who you are while also taking into account other homes within the neighborhood and future buyers preferences. In some areas vibrant colored vinyl siding is the norm however for many of us safer choices such as shades of gray or beige are more suitable.

To really determine what color is best for your homes new vinyl siding homeowners should consider the advice of an outside source, such as the siding contractor. Professionals will offer you the cold, hard truth about your choice in the color choice of your vinyl siding. Often times exterior siding contractors work with professional decorators to come up with a plan for exterior home renovations to be sure that all plans for the exterior of the home are tied together.

One aspect that contractors and decorators will consider is the color of the exterior doors of the home including the garage door as well as the color of the roof. If you as a homeowner are not looking to replace the entry and garage doors or to install a new roof, then it is crucial that the homes vinyl siding is compatible with them.

The homes siding should also compliment the architecture of the home. Certain styles of architecture fit better with certain colors and not with others. Think about the typical colonial home; what comes to mind? Yep, solid color vinyl siding in yellow, white, green, or blues.

Another feature to take into account is the size of your home. Super dark vinyl siding makes homes stand out. Dark colors can be considered overwhelming when used on larger homes where as on smaller homes they can create a cozy feeling. If you are looking for your home to blend into the homes around the neighborhood then it is best to stick with lighter vinyl siding colors such as white or yellow.

Consider the climate in which your home is as well. There are particular colors that are perfect for homes in cooler climates however look off when used in tropical climates. Sunlight exaggerates brighter colored vinyl siding while heating up dark color siding. It is also crucial to consider color combinations as well. Dark blue and black appear dark and drab whereas dark blue with white trim appears nautical and fresh.

Posted on March 1, 2018 by admin

Increase Your Homes Curb Appeal

In real estate, a good looking exterior of a home isn’t just memorable, it’s key to brokering a deal. Hence it is pertinent to give maximum attention to the basics of how increasing your homes curb appeal. The first impression of your home is what makes buyers pick interests in it, your exterior home improvements should be top notch in terms of quality and beauty.

Front entry, sidewalks, driveway, and yard serve as a summary of what to expect on the inside. Potential buyers pay attention to little details that define your home’s exterior outlook – your replacement windows should be perfect. You can’t leave anything for granted when it comes to what can make or break your home sales.

Here some few ways to get it right:

Buyer’s instinct

Put yourself in the position of the buyer and walk around to examine your home by yourself. This opens your mind and you start to notice so many imperfections in your home which you have not been noticing before or paying attention to.

While doing the walking, take proper and critical notes of those things that need repairing, those that need to be updated and don’t forget to keep an eye on the windows and the roof as well. There are a lot of replacement windows for those that need replacement. You roof condition is critical to the overall exterior outlook of your home. If need be, give it an exterior home improvement.

Get an expert opinion

If you have tried to improve your home’s curb appeal using the above method and you are still not sure of your decisions, get an expert view. It might be a siding contractor or a flooring expert, all you really need is someone who understands what it means to improve your home’s curb appeal.

Their responsibility, in this case, is to critically and construct active point out other places that need improving that you have not been able to see. Somethings you might be wrong with your judgment, say you decided to repair what is supposed to be totally evac and replaced.

Under Pressure

Pressure-washing the dirty siding and deck, as well as the stained driveway and faded walkway in a highly cost-efficient way to improve your home’s curb appeal. This is a good option for some budget-conscious homeowners. You can rent a pressure washer from a local home improvement store near you if you don’t own one.

These are just some helpful options that would have you achieve your goal of increasing your home’s curb appeal. Remember to add some colors, light up the landscape, and add some polish to make them see it as beautiful as you do.

Posted on February 21, 2018 by admin

Four Reasons To Plan Exterior Home Remodeling During The Winter

Many homeowners do not consider the winter season as a good time for home improvement projects and repairs – and this is understandable. Although several factors could determine the ideal time for your exterior home improvement project, the winter presents a perfect time for several reasons. Here are four big factors.

Contractor Availability

The spring and summer season months are usually the busiest seasons for building contractors. Engaging in an exterior home improvement project during this period can be difficult as well as frustrating. On the other hand, contractors are usually more available during winter as most people prefer not to invest in major home remodeling projects during the winter. This makes it convenient for you to schedule a timeline that suits both parties – you and the contractor, for the completion of your project.

Another big advantage of the winter season is that building contractors usually give more attention to little details. Although it is normal that every experienced and reputable contractor will go to any length to satisfy a client, there is more time to focus on your project during the winter.

Accelerated Permit Approval Process

Depending on the scope of your home remodeling project, you may require some sort of permission from local government agencies or homeowner associations. During the summer seasons, these agencies and offices receive a lot of requests and this could delay your approval. However, you can rest assured of an expedited process when you send your request during winter as government agencies receive fewer home improvement/addition requests.

Cost Effective

Summer months are usually peak seasons for building manufacturers. As more homeowners renovate or remodel homes during this period, the prices of certain building products and materials will increase. However, during the winter off-season, these manufacturers offer product specials and promotions. This will save you lots of money on items such as windows, doors, flooring, and tile. Scheduling your home improvement project during the winter will allow you take advantage of the available opportunities and save lots of money in the long run.

Vacation

People often seize the opportunity that the winter season presents to travel to warmer climates. Planning your home remodeling project during this season allows you take off for your much-needed vacation as you have little to nothing to do once you have everything well planned out with your contractor. The vacation also helps to limit your exposure to the noise pollution and demolition hazards.

It is very important that you plan your exterior home improvement project well on time, so you can have your home ready during the winter, ahead of the summer when you can invite friends and family to the house.