Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Roofing isnt just an important building material. Its a symbol of contentment, security, and well-being itself; a roof over your head. Quality roof materials are your first line of defense against the elements, as well as a key means of preserving your heat envelope in an era when conserving energy and lowering your energy bills is top of mind.

Luckily, with roofing materials at BuildDirect, you can count on all of the practical value that high-quality products for your roof deliver. And you can get them at prices that allow you to stay within your budget, too. No matter which roofing style or materials youre looking for, you can count on quality at the best possible price. Thats our commitment to transforming the industry.

Roofing for less without sacrificing quality

One of the ways that were able to approach the roofing industry and the supply chain to get high-quality materials to you is by forming partnerships with the experts. They care about making the best roofing products there are, with the most attractive visual effects that appeal to the modern eye, and with the most precise specifications to appeal to the pros who install them. At BuildDirect, we care about preserving the quality that comes out of that expertise, and delivering it in the most efficient way there is.

When youre looking to replace your roof, you want to be sure youre choosing the best roofing materials you can get. This adds even more meaning to having a roof over your head. And with BuildDirect, you can be sure that youre getting roof materials you can count on through a channel that helps you to plan your roofing budget wisely without having to sacrifice on quality to do it.

Take a look at BuildDirects array of roofing options for your residential or commercial property.

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Roofing Materials | BuildDirect

Platinum Preferred Contractor: Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractors are the top tier of a premier network of roofing professionals chosen specifically based on their commitment to service, reliability and unparalleled craftsmanship. They are the only contractors who can offer the Owens Corning System Advantage Platinum Roofing Limited Warranty, which not only provides our strongest coverage, it also covers workmanship for life (as long as you own your home). Preferred Contractor: Owens Corning Preferred Roofing Contractors are part of a chosen network of roofing professionals selected specifically for their commitment to service, reliability and unparalleled craftsmanship. They meet high standards and satisfy strict requirements - all to give you the peace of mind that you've chosen the right contractor for the job. Shingle Recycling Pledge: When you choose a contractor who has taken the pledge, you get their commitment that your old shingles won't end up in a landfill. Preferred Pride Contractor: These contractors are certified in industry best practices, having participated in Owens Corning's Preferred PRIDE program for "Professional Roofing Installation that Delivers Excellence." Platinum Award Contractor: This Platinum Preferred Contractor has won at least one award of distinction given out by Owens Corning Roofing annually. Top of the House Certified: These independent roofing contractors have been specially trained on how roofing, ventilation and attic insulation work together to improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort. TPRS Trained Contractor: This contractor has completed the Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System Training. This training provides our contractors with extensive knowledge on all components of the Total Protection Roofing System enabling them to help you select the appropriate products to complete your roofing project.

Shingle Recycling Pledge: When you choose a contractor who has taken the pledge, you get their commitment that your old shingles won't end up in a landfill.

Preferred Pride Contractor: These contractors are certified in industry best practices, having participated in Owens Corning's Preferred PRIDE program for "Professional Roofing Installation that Delivers Excellence."

Platinum Awarded Contractor: This Platinum Preferred Contractor has won at least one award of distinction given out by Owens Corning Roofing annually.

Top of the House Certified: These independent roofing contractors have been specially trained on how roofing, ventilation and attic insulation work together to improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort.

Platinum Preferred Contractor: Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractors are the top tier of a premier network of roofing professionals chosen specifically based on their commitment to service, reliability and unparalleled craftsmanship. They are the only contractors who can offer the Owens Corning System Advantage Platinum Roofing Limited Warranty, which not only provides our strongest coverage, it also covers workmanship for life (as long as you own your home).

Preferred Contractor: Owens Corning Preferred Roofing Contractors are part of a chosen network of roofing professionals selected specifically for their commitment to service, reliability and unparalleled craftsmanship. They meet high standards and satisfy strict requirements - all to give you the peace of mind that you've chosen the right contractor for the job.

TPRS Trained Contractor: This contractor has completed the Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System Training. This training provides our contractors with extensive knowledge on all components of the Total Protection Roofing System enabling them to help you select the appropriate products to complete your roofing project.

No more contractors to show.

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Find A Roofing Contractor | Owens Corning Roofing

How to buy metal roofing, with in-depth consumer reports on metal roof materials and types. Includes pros and cons to consider when buying metal roofs and how to hire a metal roof contractor.

Need help NOW? Get a Local Metal Roofing Pro Fast!

This diagram shows how a metal roof is built, including sheathing, solid foam insulation, wooden battens used for attachment, metal roofing panels, and installation of a skylight and solar panel.

According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, the popularity of metal roofing products has increased dramatically over the past decade, a clear sign that homeowners and builders are growing more and more aware of this products benefits.

In fact, during the last 20 years, a whole new genre of metal roofing materials has hit the market. These are a far cry from the corrugated tin barn roofs that leap to mind at the mention of metal. They are high-tech answers to the need for durable, fire-resistant, lightweight roofing that looks at home on a house.

Brightly colored standing-seam metal roof does a great job of shedding water and snow with very little maintenance required.

Metal roofs are favored for their fire-resistant qualities, longevity, and speed of installationin most cases, by a qualified metal roofing contractor. They are also surprisingly lightweight and are great at reflecting heat from the sun, a characteristic that helps homeowners save energy on cooling bills and may even qualify for tax credits.

Of course, there are a few drawbacks, too. For more about these considerations, see Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing.

Metal roofing materials are made primarily from aluminum and steel, but other materials, such as copper and alloys, are also used but can be very expensive.

Steel and aluminum are by far the most common and sensible of available roofing materials because they are economical, hold paint finishes well (steel can be galvanized), and are durable. Aluminum is a relatively soft metal, so it is more prone to denting and damage and it is also more expensive than steel. On the flip side, aluminum wont corrode the way steel can if the finish is compromised. For more about materials, see Metal Roofing Materials.

Metal panel roofing, applied in sheets, has raised ribs. Photo: David Vandervort Architects

When considering a metal roof, youll first want to determine the fundamental look you want it to have. Residential metal roofing comes in two basic forms that are very different in appearance: sheet-like panels and shingles. Within these two categories, there are many variations, colors, and patternsmore about that later.

Metal panel roofing.The most familiar pattern of panel-style metal roofing, standing-seam roofing, has raised ribs every 6 or 12 inches and is applied vertically on a roof and doesnt attempt to look like anything other than what it is: metal roofing. It has a decidedly commercial look that is favored by architects for its honest, clean, contemporary appearance; it is commonly used on homes ranging from mountain cabins to modern masterpieces but would look very out-of-place on a Colonial home.

Stone-coated steel shingle roofing offers the look of shakes with the strength of metal.

Metal shingle-style roofing is quite different than sheet roofing. With this style, metal is formed into shapes that imitate Spanish tile, wood shakes, or slate. These shingles are typically given multiple-layer factory finishes that may include granulated-stone topcoats to complete the realistic effect.

For a much more detailed look at both types of metal roofing, see Standing Seam Sheet Metal Roofing and Metal Shingle Roofing.

In the articles listed below, youll find helpful information on the pros and cons of metal roofing, materials used for metal roofing, popular brands, how to choose a metal roofing contractor, and basic metal roofing repairs.

NEXT SEE:

Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing Types of Metal Roofing Materials Metal Roofing Repairs How to Hire a Metal Roofing Contractor

Featured Resource: Get a Local Metal Roofing Contractor

Call for free estimates from metal roof pros now: 1-866-342-3263

Read the original:
Metal Roofing Buying Guide | HomeTips

Summary

Some low slope roofs are covered with multiple layers of tar paper and bitumen.

Roofers repair and install the roofs of buildings using a variety of materials, including shingles, asphalt, and metal.

Roofing work can be hot and physically demanding. It involves heavy lifting, as well as climbing and bending. Overtime may be required to finish a job, especially during busier summer months.

Although most roofers learn on the job, some learn their trade through an apprenticeship program. There are no specific education requirements for roofers.

The median annual wage for roofers was $35,290 in May 2012.

Employment of roofers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Most of the demand for roofers will stem from roof replacement needs and high job turnover.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of roofers with similar occupations.

Learn more about roofers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Roofers commonly apply asphalt shingles.

Roofers repair and install the roofs of buildings using a variety of materials, including shingles, asphalt, and metal.

Roofers typically do the following:

Properly installed roofs keep water from leaking into buildings and damaging the interior, equipment, or furnishings. There are three basic types of roofs: low-slope, steep-slope, and sustainable. Roofers may specialize in the installation and replacement of one or more of these roof systems.

Low-slope. Low-slope roofs rise less than 3 inches per horizontal foot and are installed in layers. Low-slope roofs make up about two-thirds of all roofs, as most commercial, industrial, and apartment buildings use this type.

Many of todays low-slope roofs are covered with a single-ply membrane of waterproof rubber or thermoplastic compound. Most previously installed low-slope roofs, however, use several layers of roofing materials or felt membranes stuck together with hot bitumen (a tar-like substance).

Steep-slope. Steep-slope roofs rise more than 3 inches per horizontal foot and use asphalt shingles, which often cost less than other coverings. Steep-slope roofs make up most of the remaining roofs, as most single-family homes use this type.

Although asphalt shingles are most commonly used, some roofers also install tile, solar shingles, fiberglass shingles, metal shingles, or shakes (rough wooden shingles).

Sustainable. A small but increasing number of buildings now have vegetative roofs that incorporate landscape materials into traditional roofing systems. A landscape roofing system typically begins with a single or multiple waterproof layers. After that layer is proven to be leak free, roofers put a root barrier over it, and, finally, layers of soil, in which vegetation is planted. Roofers must ensure that the roof is watertight and can endure the weight and water needs of the plants.

Solar is another sustainable roof that is becoming increasingly popular. These systems include solar reflective, which prevents the absorption of energy; solar thermal, which absorbs energy to heat water; and solar photovoltaic, which converts sunlight into electricity.

Roofers use a variety of tools, such as a heat gun, to install a roll of roofing.

Roofers held about 132,700 jobs in 2012, of which 64 percent were employed in the roofing contractors industry. About 28 percent were self-employed.

Roofing work can be hot and physically demanding. It involves heavy lifting, as well as climbing, bending, and kneeling. Roofers work outdoors in all types of weather, particularly when making repairs. However, they rarely install roofs when it rains or when it is very cold.

Although some roofers work alone, many work as part of a crew.

Roofers have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average. Workers may slip or fall from scaffolds, ladders, or roofs. They may also be burned by hot bitumen. However, proper safety precautions can prevent most accidents.

Roofs can also become extremely hot during the summer, which can cause heat-related illnesses.

Like many construction workers, most roofers work full time. In northern states, roofing work is limited during the winter months. During the summer, roofers may work overtime to complete jobs quickly, especially before rainfall.

About 28 percent of roofers were self-employed in 2012. Self-employed workers may be able to set their own schedules.

Most roofers learn their trade on the job.

Although most roofers learn on the job, some learn their trade through an apprenticeship program. There are no specific education requirements for roofers.

Although there are no specific education requirements for roofers, high school courses in math, shop, mechanical drawing, and blueprint reading are considered helpful. Technical schools that offer courses related to roofing may be available in a few areas.

Most on-the-job training programs consist of instruction in which experienced workers teach new workers how to use roofing tools, equipment, machines, and materials. Trainees begin with tasks such as carrying equipment and material and erecting scaffolds and hoists. Within 2 or 3 months, they are taught to measure, cut, and fit roofing materials and, later, to lay asphalt or fiberglass shingles. Because some roofing materials, such as solar tiles, are used infrequently, it can take several years to gain experience on all types of roofing. As training progresses, assignments become more complex.

Some roofers learn through a 3-year apprenticeship. For each year of the program, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of related technical training and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Apprentices learn about roofing and construction basics, such as blueprint reading, mathematics, building code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices.

After completing an apprenticeship program, roofers are considered journey workers who can perform tasks on their own.

Several groups sponsor apprenticeship programs, including unions and contractor associations. The basic qualifications to enter an apprenticeship program are as follows:

Balance. Roofing is often done on steep slopes at significant heights. Because of this, workers should have excellent balance to avoid falling.

Physical stamina. Roofers must have endurance to perform strenuous duties throughout the day. They may spend hours on their feet, bending and stoopingoften in hot temperatureswith few breaks.

Physical strength. Roofers often lift and carry heavy materials. Some roofers, for example, must carry bundles of shingles that weigh 60 pounds or more.

Unafraid of heights. Because work is often done at significant heights, roofers must not fear working far above the ground.

Median annual wages, May 2012

The median annual wage for roofers was $35,290 in May 2012. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,350, and the top 10 percent earned more than $60,350.

The starting pay for apprentices is usually between 35 percent and 60 percent of what fully trained workers earn. They receive pay increases as they learn to do more.

Like many construction workers, most roofers work full time. In northern states, roofing work is limited during the winter months. During the summer, roofers may work overtime to complete jobs quickly, especially before rainfall.

About 28 percent of roofers were self-employed in 2012. Self-employed workers may be able to set their own schedules.

Percent change in employment, projected 2012-22

Employment of roofers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Roofs deteriorate more quickly than most other parts of buildings and, as a result, they need to be repaired or replaced more often. Results of a National Roofing Contractors Association survey indicate that about two-thirds of all roofing work is for repair and replacement. This factor should result in some new jobs over the coming decade.

In addition to repair and replacement work, the need to install roofs on new buildings should result in job growth. However, some roofing work may be done by other construction workers, and that may slow job growth for traditional roofing contractors.

Job opportunities for roofers will occur primarily because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. The proportion of roofers who leave the occupation each year is higher than in most construction tradesroofing work is physically demanding and a considerable number of workers treat roofing as a temporary job until they find other work. Some roofers leave the occupation for other construction trades. Jobs are generally easier to find during spring and summer.

Demand for roofers is less vulnerable to downturns than for other construction trades because much roofing work consists of repair and reroofing, in addition to new construction. Still, workers may experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of new construction falls. However, shortages of workers may occur in some areas during peak periods of building activity.

Roofers

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of roofers.

Carpenters construct and repair building frameworks and structuressuch as stairways, doorframes, partitions, and raftersmade from wood and other materials. They also may install kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall.

Cement masons pour, smooth, and finish concrete floors, sidewalks, roads, and curbs. Using a cement mixture, terrazzo workers create durable and decorative surfaces for floors and stairways.

Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboards to walls and ceilings and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboards for painting, using tape and other materials. Many workers do both installing and taping.

Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used for heating and air conditioning.

Tile and marble setters apply hard tile and marble to walls, floors, and other surfaces.

Construction laborers and helpers perform many basic tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, often called PV installers, assemble, install, or maintain solar panel systems on roofs or other structures.

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Roofers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of ...

Wow, i aum surprised you didn't get 10 answers already with roofers say X was the best or N was the best or A was the best. In reality you are focusing on the WRONG THING!

5 estimates? Why 5? Why would you do that to yourself? Normally if you are dealing with reputable companies you don't need more than 2 estimates. I advocate to people to always get at least two estimates and if the roofers are saying something very different or if the roofers are way way way off in price, get an equalizer, get a 3rd. Obviously if you don't trust a roofer disqualify that roofer immediately. I beliee you have now fallen into "Analysis Paralysis" which is what happens when you have too many opions.

But back to the topic, I said you are focusing on the wrong thing. Why did I say that? Because you can take the best shingle in the world and if installed wrong is compeltely garbage. i can take the worst shingle, known to fail, and if installed properly will last some ammount of time. So you should focus on the roofer, not the product. The roofer is more important and a good quality roofer will only want to install good quality product.

The roof is a system comprised of many components, not just the shingles. You have the water proofing underlayment such as ice shield, the water resistant underlayments such as felt. You have the shingles, the ventilation and the flashing details. All of these things add up to equal one roof. Neglect one and your roof is doomed to fail.

But the roof is more than just product it is detail, know how and heart. Heart? yes heart. It takes the utmost CARING the utmost DESIRE to want to install a good roof. It's hard work and easy to fall into the train of thought as to do what's easier, instead of what's faster. Faster and easier seldom ever equals better. At the end of the day you ened a roofer that cares about your roof.

So what product is best? That's hard to say. Each manufacturer has multiple plants and it seems each plant puts out varying levels of quality. I will tell you in my area Atlast is known as a cheap commodity shingle. I have Tamko Heritage on my house but I stopped using it because I was having seal failue issues and at the time they offered no contractor certification program, but I hear they started up one. Ownes corning is a decent product backed by a great company. I don't install very many OC's though. I primarily install CertainTeed Landmark shingles and my feeling is that they are the best on the market in my area. I'm sure others will disagree with me.

But don't miss the point, the roofer is more important than the shingle.

Read more:
Our 390 Best Chicago Roofing Contractors | Angie's List

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Call us now at 800-590-6364 to get quick quote. If you have any specific queries about finished basement companies and finish basement contractors, you can get in touch with the customer support team.

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The Basement Remodel Guys basement remodeling company offers efficient service so that you can make the most of your investment. When you get personal attention from finished basement contractor, there will be a great facelift to your basement. The remodeling will happen as per modern styles so that the available space will be utilized in optimum way and it is possible to meet the latest safety guidelines. When you get a quick estimate and the availability of the service, you can make an informed choice.

Basement Remodel Guys basement remodeling

Basement Remodel Guys offers attractive basement remodeling services. When you call 800-590-6364, you will get more information about the basement services, plans and strategies. There will not be any hidden charges. There will be detailed and written proposals so that there will not be any conflict of interests in future. You can get assistance in selecting the details as well. You can discuss your home improvement ideas with basement remodeling contractors so that realistic solutions will be offered.

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The Basement Remodel Guys offers highest level of safety standards. The home building services are customized as per your needs. The accessible and responsive professionals can deal with your issues and you will get clarity on services. Finished basement contractor will ensure that standards are maintained so that the design will be safe and sound.

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Basement remodeling contractors are provided to customers as per their needs. The contractors had executed numerous residential and commercial contracts so that your basement will be treated in a most effective way and it will be done in the shortest possible time. You will be exposed to numerous basement plans so that the most appropriate plan can be chosen. Finished basement company will ensure that all your needs are fulfilled in an effortless manner.

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Basement Remodel Guys | Call 800-590-6364

Project: Analyze a Structural Issue (Structural Engineer)

Date: 09/2015

Need for Engineer: Inspect repairs during and after work

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Completion Date: 1 - 2 weeks

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Project: Analyze a Structural Issue (Structural Engineer)

Date: 09/2015

Architectural drawings: No

Wall Construction Type: Don't Know

Type of Project: Structural repair on existing structure

Type of Engineer: Structural

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: I just bought the house and I found couples things wrong related to the house structure

Project: Analyze a Structural Issue (Structural Engineer)

Date: 07/2015

Type of Project: Structural repair on existing structure

Type of Engineer: Structural

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Comment: Possible structural defect in detached garage

Project: Survey Property

Date: 06/2015

Survey Purpose: Boundary survey (American Land Title Association)

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Comment: This mobile user did not provide any additional comments.

Project: Analyze a Structural Issue (Structural Engineer)

Date: 06/2015

Architectural drawings: No

Need for Engineer: Inspect repairs during and after work

Wall Construction Type: Don't Know

Type of Project: Structural repair on existing structure

Type of Engineer: Structural

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: need a structural engineer to inspect cracks on walls (townhome)

Project: Analyze a Structural Issue (Structural Engineer)

Date: 06/2015

Architectural drawings: No

Need for Engineer: Inspect repairs during and after work

Need for Engineer: Test structures to withstand natural forces, including earthquakes, water, wind, and snow

Wall Construction Type: Masonry

Type of Project: Structural repair on existing structure

Type of Engineer: Structural

What kind of location is this?: Business

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Property Owner: No

Comment: insuraance agent for a commercail building in Secaucus Nj

Project: Hire an Architect to Design a Project - For Business

Date: 04/2015

Project Type: Interior remodel of a few rooms

Building Type: Commercial office

Needs: Design drawings

Needs: Technical construction documents

Needs: Project evaluation

Needs: Assist with selection of general contractor

Needs: Review construction

Needs: Would like recommendation

Needs: Permit assistance

Desired Completion Date: Less than 2 months

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Project: Hire an Architect to Design a Project

Date: 03/2015

Project Type: New structure

Building Type: House

Desired Completion Date: Less than 2 months

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Comment: This mobile user did not provide any additional comments.

Project: Hire an Architect to Design a Project

Date: 03/2015

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Type of Addition: Second story addition

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Project Description: Design - Create architectural drawings

Rooms Included:: Bedroom(s)

Rooms Included:: Living/Family room

Rooms Included:: Common area(s)

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: Need architect for home project - Closing of basement. Moving utilities on 1st Floor. Addition of about 350 sqft space on 1st floor and 450-500 square feet space on 2nd floor.

Project: Analyze a Structural Issue (Structural Engineer)

Date: 03/2015

Architectural drawings: No

Need for Engineer: Concrete foundation specifications

Need for Engineer: Design appropriate structural repair(s)

Need for Engineer: Test structures to withstand natural forces, including earthquakes, water, wind, and snow

Wall Construction Type: Don't Know

Type of Project: Structural repair on existing structure

Type of Engineer: Structural

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Read this article:
21 Best Residential and Landscape Architects - Secaucus NJ

A home addition is a major investment for a homeowner. With money at stake, it pays to be smart and do your research before undertaking a large remodeling or home addition project. Start by researching your local real estate market to get the scoop on whether your project will return your investment when it is time to sell. The amount you will get in return depends greatly on where you live. Certain areas will get you 100% percent of the cost of the project back when you sell. By doing your research you will be able to find out what home addition investments recoup the most.

The best advice is to invest in a remodeling/home addition project when you are planning to stay in your home for awhile. Giving yourself a few years to enjoy your improved home is much better than doing it just to increase your resale value. This is true mainly because you can never be sure how much you will get back when you do resell. It makes the most sense to invest in a remodel or home addition when you will be able to enjoy the benefits in the long run. If the primary goal is resell, stick to minor remodels.

According to recent studies and across many real estate markets, kitchen and bathroom remodeling consistently offers the greatest return on your investment with percentages ranging from 80-100%. Basement, master suites and family room additions also offer a fairly high return. Remodels that convert unused space into functional living space, such as basements and attics, can vary widely from region to region. Deck additions also vary according to region, but in regions where outside activity can be enjoyed, deck additions usually return their full investment.

In addition to doing research in your local real estate market, you should also look around your neighborhood. Consistency among neighborhood homes is crucial to the overall environment and home buyers will notice if your house does not fit in. Any improvement you make to your home should be consistent with other homes on your block. For example, if you invest in an elaborate addition when your house is next to several modest homes, it will stick out like a sore thumb. Making this investment will not provide the return you are hoping because the truth is that home buyers that can afford such a house will look for one in a more expensive neighborhood.

Furthermore, it is important to keep the original design of your house in mind when you attempt to add an addition. One way to do this is by using the same materials. By using the same materials or complementing ones, your home will remain tastefully appealing on the inside and out. It is never a good idea to go with bold, eccentric colors schemes if you are planning to resell your home. Remaining neutral and conservative gives the home buyer the creative freedom to integrate their own style without having to redo everything that has been done. Remaining neutral will benefit you when it comes time to sell.

Lastly, the best advice is to make the remodel that makes you the most happy, without having dollar signs in your mind the whole time. If you want a deck built or a basement remodeled, do so and enjoy every inch of it. The truth is that your return on investment can vary greatly depending on several factors so you can never really be sure what you are getting yourself into. It depends on the economy and the real estate market in your area, as well as other factors. Bottom line, it is better to do what is best for your living experience because your remodeling return could be more or less than you expect when it comes time to sell.

Building an addition onto your existing home is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right contractor for your project and your budget. We offer Free Additions Price Quotes from local, reliable contractors.

See the article here:
Home Additions, Room Additions - Free Price Quotes

Attic remodel: This post shares how we converted an unused walk-up attic into ample space for a family room, train table, sitting area, playroom, and storage.

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Our attic was one of the areas that totally convinced us to buy our house. In the house I grew up in, the attic could be reached through a pull down door in the ceiling. When my parents stored stuff in there, you knew it wasnt coming out for a LOOOONG time because the access space was over our stairs. Not easy to get to. Thats why I thought it was so incredibly cool that our attic had stairs going up to it. Mark and I have always thrown around the idea of trying to fix up the attic space, but we knew the cost of fixing it up might be more than it was worth. We started off by painting the area to make it seem cleaner and brighter. Eventually we moved the train table and Geo Trax up there. The kids loved it but could realistically only play up there during fall and spring. Summertoo hot. Wintertoo cold. The more we thought about it, though, the more we realized that this area was the perfect hang-out spot for our family. Mark put so much work into the attic remodel, and we are happy to say that this is now our favorite spot in the house.

The train table used to be the first thing people saw when coming up the stairs.

Now, we have a Craigslist (awesome deal) table where we can play cards. Mark also put in a larger window and HVAC unit. The big window is what allowed us to get our furniture into the house!

Cant forget a picture of Mark on the lift. Hard to tell its 3 stories up! Yikes!

Turn to the left, and it used to be an open space with a ventilation piece sticking up from the floor.

We first had foam insulation put in.

Now we have the TV (sitting on a low entertainment center that Mark made) and two queen-sized sleeper sofas.

Keep turning left, and there is a small area that I was hoping could be a newborn studio area.Before, it was the dollhouse and GeoTrax area. (Aw, look how little my guys were!)

Keep turning left, and were back where we started.

The little door leading to Jordyns playroom was designed to not be immediately noticed. It is the fourth secret hidden playroom in our house.

Photo with the Mosers (our cousins).

Now, I just need to spice it up with a few decorations. There are very few options for wall art since we dont have many straight walls. In our attic remodel, we kept the knee walls short to maximize space. Anyway, were really happy with how the attic remodel turned out and were surprised how much space there really was to work with.

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The Attic Remodel Before & After Happy Chaos

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If you're looking for a home improvement project that's going to increase the value of your home and improve your day-to-day life, you might rush toward a kitchen or bathroom remodel. If you stop and look around your home, though, you might realize you have attic space that can be used for an entirely new living area. Many Houston homes use their attic space for ductwork, but this creates a unique opportunity to upgrade your home in a number of ways at the same time.

Houston Ductless Air Conditioning and Heating If your Houston home does, in fact, have a duct-filled attic, the good news is that you probably also have a good amount of attic space, and ductless air conditioning and heating systems are now a viable home installation. An air compressor, refrigerated coils, and miniature air distribution units are the three main components of a ductless air conditioning system. These systems can improve your energy-efficiency, indoor air quality, and eliminate the need for ductwork, duct-cleaning, and duct-repair.

Ductless heating typically presents a greater challenge in colder climates, but in Houston you can probably get all the heat you need from a heat pump. Heat pumps exchange heat from outside and pump it into your home. This process requires an additional heat source in extremely cold weather, an irrelevant fact for a home in Houston. These units are extremely energy-efficient and are becoming cheaper every day.

In the end, this type of installation probably isn't worth it if you have a relatively new heating and cooling system. On the other hand, if your system has been around for a while, it may be nearly time to replace the ductwork, furnace, air compressor, or some other expensive piece of your heating and cooling system. If this is the case, now is the time to consider the switch that can also free your attic space.

Houston Attic Remodeling Once you've cleared your attic space, you're ready for the exciting stuff. Floor and wall coverings, lighting fixtures, and attic decorations will create a livable space that rivals the rest of your home. You can tailor these attic installations to create an extra bedroom, a home office or work space, an artist studio, or some other vision for your home. As improved as a bathroom or kitchen might become, it doesn't compare to an entirely new living area that effectively adds to the total square footage of your home.

Houston Attic Renovation If all this seems like a bit much, a simple attic renovation can make for a wise home improvement project without the exorbitant costs. An attic insulation upgrade can do wonders for your utility bill. Most of your heat loss (and a good portion of your cool air) escapes through your attic. Be careful, though, installing insulation without putting in roof vents as well. You don't want to improve your home's energy-efficiency just to sacrifice adequate ventilation that can ruin your home's indoor air quality.

Cost of Houston Attic Remodeling The nature of your remodeling project will also determine the cost. Installing attic insulation will probably run you about $1,500. Roof vents can cost another few hundred to a thousand bucks. Ductless cooling and heating systems can run anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000. This means you may spend as much as $10,000 or more before you begin the actual remodeling process. In some situations, however, you can get this part of the project done for $5,000 or less. In the end, a full-service Houston attic remodel can cost upwards of $15,000. Elaborate projects can even hit $25,000-$30,000. To put that in perspective with other major home remodeling projects, a bathroom remodel costs around $9,000, a kitchen remodel runs $18,000, and building an add-on to your existing home can cost $40,000 or more.

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Attic Remodeling and Houston Property Values As with any major home remodeling project, part of the true cost of the project should also be looked at in terms of increased value to your property. Not only will you have a brand new cooling and heating system for your home, you'll have a new and unique living space. Just how much value you're adding to your home with an attic remodel is extremely difficult to estimate. While you probably won't recoup all your expenses, you'll see a significant portion of it returned when it comes time to sell the home. In fact, a unique living area such as this can be the very thing that attracts your home to a potential home-buyer.

Project Length of a Houston Attic Renovation Attic insulation can be installed in a couple days. On the other hand, a full attic renovation in Houston, as you might expect, can take several weeks if it involves extensive labor to initially clear your attic space. Hopefully, you can schedule this work while you're away. In any case, an attic renovation is likely to present a sizable inconvenience, though nothing like the eating out for 4-6 weeks that is common with a kitchen remodel. Just remember what you'll have when the project's finished and trust that the hassle will be worth it in the end.

Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.

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