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Choosing a Front Door Color

Choosing a front door color can be a tough decision because it is something that you will see everyday. You want to choose a color that suits the current style and look of your home. Below are a few tips to help you choose the perfect color for your front door.

Options for Choosing Front Door Color

There are many options for choosing a front door color. You will want to take into consider the color of your roof, and exterior. Maybe you want a drastic color to make the front door pop, or maybe you want something a little more soothing that blends in? Below are different options for choosing a front door color.

Celery Green – Connects your house with the nature surrounding it

Grey-Shaded Blues – Great for coastal, colonial, and country homes

Bright Hues – Use a bright hue such as Robin’s Egg Blue if your overhang shadows yours front door to contrast it against the rest of your house

Cherry Red – Great for a warm welcome and compliment most natural colored homes

Emerald Green – Great for formal and historical style houses

High-Gloss – A high-gloss front door gives energy to a monochromatic colored house

 

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Home Renovations That Add Value to Your Home

If you are a homeowner, then you understand how important it is to have a favorable home value. While location and size play a role in the value of a home, the actual details of the home matter too. Therefore, you can easily increase the worth of your home with home renovations. Here are a few home renovations that may provide you with a return on your investment.

Install a New Roof

For older homes, updating the exterior is a wonderful way to increase curb appeal and add value at the same time. Installing a new roof is a great home renovation to consider if your exterior needs a pick me up. With a roof remodel, you can add updated materials to your home that can offer better protection from the outdoor elements. You can also customize the roof to match the other details of your home.

Makeover Your Kitchen

A kitchen makeover is one of the most popular home renovations that can add substantial value to your home. Most prospective homebuyers prefer homes with updated kitchens. If your space needs a transformation, consider adding new cabinets and countertops. You may also want to invest in updated appliances and hardware. When you are designing your new kitchen, try to make sure that it is functional.

Paint the Walls

Adding paint to your walls is an inexpensive and valuable upgrade to invest in for your home. Paint can make your home look more current, and it can also help the interior of your home to look cleaner. When you are painting the walls, try to choose a neutral hue that will be pleasing to a variety of people. This way you will get the most return from this renovation project.

Get started on these home renovations today if you are looking to increase the value of your home. Whether you are selling your home in the future or simply want to maximize your investment, they are wonderful options that will provide you with satisfaction for years to come.

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The Right Roofing Material for Your Home

Choosing the right roofing material for your new roof can be an intimidating prospect if you are not familiar with the benefits and drawbacks of your options. Consider the material’s cost, lifespan, durability, physical properties, and appearance, among other factors. Determine your budget and priorities before making your decision. Below are a list of types of roofing material to help you find the perfect roof.

Asphalt Shingles

The most commonly-used roofing material, asphalt shingles can be found on over 80 percent of residential roofs. They are inexpensive, feature good fire resistance, and are only moderately heavy. While they are recyclable, they are not technically eco-friendly in construction, and they are not the most durable material. They are available in various colors to suit many different looks.

Clay Tiles

A more expensive option versus asphalt, clay tiles offer great resistance to fire, are generally low-maintenance and long-lasting, and are made from natural materials. However, manufacturing is energy-intensive. This type of roofing material is heavier and may require framing for support, but does offer an attractive European-style look.

Concrete Tiles

Very similar properties to clay tiles, although considerably cheaper. Concrete is popular on roofs with steep or moderate sloping, offers excellent fire resistance, and can resemble wood shakes, slate, or clay tiles. This is another heavy material requiring reinforced roof framing for support.

Metal

A versatile option, metal ranges in cost from moderate to high (steel is more affordable than copper). It offers good resistance to wind and fire, and is lightweight. Metal roofing offers good durability, can be made of reused materials, and can be recycled at end of lifespan. It absorbs less heat than asphalt and can be is popular on lower or steeper sloping roofs.

Slate

This is an expensive material which requires specially-trained installation workers, and is applicable for steep slopes only. Slate roofing offers quality resistance to wind and fire, is long-lasting, and made from natural materials. However it is heavy and does require reinforced structural support.

Other Considerations

Weigh all factors when deciding on a roofing material. This includes the reputation of the installation company and the type of warranty they provide. Determine the most likely risks in your area, and the benefits you are seeking, whether for safety, appearance, or weather. The roof is a major element of your home from aesthetic and functional standpoints. Make sure to do your homework before you make a decision.

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Green Flooring and Its Benefits

These days, going green is important. If you are planning any renovations to your home, it is important to find flooring and other home products that are sustainable and made in an environmentally friendly manner. Green flooring reduces the chemical exposure and harm to your home after installation. Choosing green products is also an easy way to increase the value of your home and make it more desirable should you decide to sell.

Sustainable

Green flooring products are often made out of sustainable materials. Sustainable materials are usually able to be replenished, meaning that there is not necessarily a finite amount. Although part of the material is used up in making your product, more of the material can be grown to fulfill other needs down the road.

How Green Flooring Is Made

Even the process by which these products are made need to be green, meaning there is little impact on the environment during the manufacturing process. Many products are made out of recycled materials and are recyclable themselves.

Less Chemical Exposure at Installation

Engineered flooring products can be beautiful, but they often come laden with chemicals that leave distinct smells around your home. They may also require the use of glue and other products that fill your home with volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. VOCs can be found in the finish of some hardwood floors. Choosing green materials lowers your exposure to chemicals like VOCs.

Less Harm to Your Home

When you think of green flooring products, you might only think of the pieces of your floor that get installed in your home. You also want to consider the products used to keep your new flooring clean. Many harsh chemical products are not suitable for cleaning your green flooring. They can also be hazardous to the health of everyone in your home. Consider using more natural cleaners, which can be better for your floors anyway. Consult the instructions for care from your flooring manufacturer for more help.

Your Choice

While you do not have to choose green flooring products, there are many benefits to doing so. Consider all of your options carefully the next time you are looking for new flooring.

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Home Improvement Blog

Pick Home Renovation Ideas That Add Value to Your Home

There are several things you can do to improve the appearance of your home, but it is usually nice to pick home renovation ideas that will also increase the value of your house. While most home renovations improve the value of a house, some provide more return on the investment. If you want to maximize your home renovation, then the following four projects are great options to choose from.

Kitchen Makeover

A kitchen makeover is usually a great option if you want to boost the value of your home. Renovating a kitchen is a great way to increase its usefulness and improve its visual appearance. Most people spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so they want one that looks nice when they are buying a home.

New Roof

If you are looking to improve your curb appeal, a new roof might be good home renovation ideas to choose. This is a particularly good option if you live in an older home. A roof upgrade can improve the overall quality of your home and help it look better from the outside. Even better, there are several different styles of roofing materials so you can choose one that fits with your home.

Flooring

Many of today’s homebuyers are concerned about flooring. They like homes with tile or hardwood floors because they are more aesthetically pleasing. Too much carpet sometimes makes a home look smaller and less custom. If your home does not have upgraded flooring, you might want to choose this renovation. You will love how it visually improves the inside of your home and increases its value.

Paint

Finally, a simple and effective way to add value to your home is with paint. A fresh coat of paint can help your home look newer. Just be sure to choose a neutral hue.

Have fun with these different types of home renovation ideas, and enjoy the process. You will love results and the value that is added to your home.

 

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Home Improvement Blog

2015 Trends for Home Flooring

Just like with fashion, every year brings with it a new trend in home flooring and design. Hardwood home flooring has been in for a while now, but there are certain color and material trends that appear to be dominating the 2015 scene. If you are looking to keep your home up-to-date, you will want to go dark, wide, vintage and domestic.

Hardwood Floors Are Still In

While carpet still has its place in the home, hardwood home flooring has dominated home improvement trends for years. They are generally easier to keep clean than carpets, and they look beautiful, to boot. Carpets are still a popular choice for areas of the home such as bedrooms. Living and dining areas, however, tend to use hardwood floors. Consumers in particular seem to be looking for environmentally friendly options.

Dark

Whatever color of hardwood floors you are thinking of installing, the biggest 2015 trend is to go dark with a satin finish. Black is particularly popular, although gray and whitewashed wood are also a suitable choice for the year. Black floors can help make other accents in your home, such as your cupboards and furniture, really pop.

Wide

The size of the planks used in your flooring directly affects its appearance. There are a variety of options to choose from, but going with wide planks appears to be popular this year. Going with 5-inch planks is one ideal choice, although it is common to find options 7-inches and wider.

Vintage

If you are going with hardwood floors anyway, you might as well attempt the vintage trend of 2015. Obtaining flooring with a reclaimed or stressed look can easily add personality to your home. There is only a set amount of real reclaimed wood, and it is quite expensive given its high demand. You can achieve a desirable appearance for your home at a lower price with manufactured vintage wood.

Domestic

Staying in the good old USA to purchase your products is becoming increasingly popular, and wood flooring is no exception. For even better prices, select flooring options that are native to your area. Just make sure the wood was harvested and processed in the US. This also opens the opportunity to choose green flooring from the U.S. as well.

Stay on Trend

If you want your home to reflect the latest trends, keep these areas in mind when selecting your new flooring.

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Blog Home Improvement

How You Can Join the Sustainable Architecture Movement

Sustainable architecture focuses on creating buildings that are more energy efficient and cause less damage to the environment. However, you do not have to start with constructing a building from the ground up to improve its energy efficiency. If you are interested in the sustainable architecture movement, there are several actions you can take. This will help to make your home more energy efficient.

Choose Metal Roofing

One of the best places to start when trying to reduce your house’s carbon footprint is with the roof. Believe it or not, metal roofing is generally 15 to 20 percent cooler than other types of roofing, so it actually helps keep your house cooler. A cooler roof is a sustainable roof. This means you will not have to run the air conditioner so much in the sweltering summers. This will reduce your energy consumption and save on your power bill.

Seal and Insulate Your House

If you already heat and cool your house efficiently but do not have proper seals and insulation around your house, your efforts may be in vain. Did you know that hidden cracks and gaps in your home can generate as much airflow as an open window? Next to choosing an energy-efficient roof, sealing and insulating the cracks in your home’s exterior is one of the best ways you can improve your home’s sustainability.

Opt For Recycled Materials

Regardless of what home improvement projects you plan to tackle, look for materials that were made from recycled wood or metal. Using previously recycled products helps to reduce the amount of waste in landfills, and it keeps companies from creating new products out of raw materials. One of the top ways to reduce your waste output is to recycle and reuse products. It is a small change that has a large impact on the environment.

Help the Environment By Choosing Sustainable Architecture

If you plan on remodeling or re-roofing soon, consider choosing environmentally friendly options like metal roofing and recycled materials. The energy savings you can expect from your choices will save you money in the long run. It will also reduce your carbon footprint. It doesn’t take much to join the sustainable architecture movement, join us today!

 

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Home Improvement Blog

Exterior Home Improvement Projects: Metal Roof

When you are trying to balance saving money with making an exterior home improvement, you have probably thought that replacing your metal roof is out of your reach. However, there are exterior home improvement projects to get that “new roof look” without starting from scratch, particularly in a rainy environment. Here are some ways you can make some small improvements that really pay off.

Exterior Home Improvement Projects to Try

Two of the biggest contributing factors to a roof that looks beaten and worn are damage and dirt. Most people spend very little time on and around their roofs. If this describes you, you will probably be surprised with how much grime and wear can accumulate over the span of a couple of years. Hiring a team to inspect your metal roof for damage, make small repairs, and even clean your roof can produce results that exceed your best expectations. Like a face lift for your house, this exterior home improvement will benefit the appearance of your entire home and property.

Another way to improve your metal roof is to change the color. Roofing companies who are familiar with metal roofing needs should have the equipment and experience to help you get the color that you want. Roofing companies that specialize in metal roof painting can paint the roof to compliment the rest of the house. They will also provide the quality results to help that color last. An added benefit of having a metal roof with just the right color is that it can help attract buyers should you decide to sell in the future.

How Do These Benefit Your Home?

Making these types of improvements in areas with significant rainfall is particularly important. Roofing materials that fail to receive the attention they need regularly can become severely damaged. This could be from excess rain and debris in a matter of just a few years. As the wear and tear increases to build up on the roof, bigger, unseen problems, like leaks or mold, can begin to form under the surface, and can be expensive to repair later on.

When it comes to saving money and making an exterior home improvement, choosing the tasks that can help you avoid big expenses in the future is the way to go. If your metal roof has seen better days, contact a roofing company. They can help you revive it and it could be the affordable solution you have been looking for.

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Blog Home Improvement

Different Types of Roofs and Why They Matter

As far as perishable home furnishing goes, there is no more important installation on your house than its roof. The roof provides protection from the elements for residents as well as for the home itself. There are all sorts of different types of roofs out there, and each has its benefits and disadvantages.

What Are the Different Types of Roofs?

There are many different types of roofs, and there are pros and cons of each. Depending on your personal style and preference, along with the climate you live in, your decisions may be different. Here are the different types of roofs, and the benefits of each.

Composite Shingle

Perhaps the most common type of roofing material in the United States is the composite shingle. These are made from petroleum based products, are very inexpensive and are relatively easy to install. They do get damaged easily by hail and falling debris, but are a good choice for people who need a roof fast and on a budget.

Wood Shakes & Clay Tiles

Two types of classic-style roofs are wood shake and clay tiles. These roof materials look amazing and have a quaint overall feel. They are some of the most expensive options on the market, but also keep many specialized companies in business and often employ local craftsmen for their creation and installation. These roofs do not withstand high winds very well, and they do become damaged when impacted.

Metal Roofs

One of the most durable types of roof materials is metal. However, if you are thinking corrugated shanty, thank again. Standing seam roofing and metal shingles look very appealing and come in many different colors and styles. It is very difficult to install a metal roof without professional help, but once installed, metal roofs can last upwards of 50 years. Even if the surface of a metal roof becomes dented with hail or other debris the protection the roof offers is still uninhibited.

Rubber Roofs

Another common roof, but mostly in commercial circles, is rubber or PVC coatings. These types of roofing systems are not shingles and are mostly for flat buildings. They are installed for waterproofing, but also may have an element of insulation or thermal protection. Choosing the right roof for your property is important in terms of investment and protection. Make sure you consider the total benefits and setbacks when you select a roofing material.

These are four different types of roofs, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Call a local roofing professional to determine which type of roof is best for your environment.

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Home Improvement Blog

DIY Home Improvements and Roofs

There are some do-it-yourself DIY home improvements that are simple, easy, and can take less time than changing the oil in your car. Doing DIY home improvements to your roof will generally not fall into this category but maintenance and repairs on your roof can. Before starting any home improvement projects you should consider safety and experience to ensure the best results. Getting expert advice and tips can help you complete the project yourself or decide to bring in professional help.

Starting DIY Home Improvements

The first thing that you want to think about before starting any DIY project is safety. If you are trying to fix a leaky roof in the middle of a rainstorm then you are far more likely to get hurt than to get anything fixed. You should also make sure that you have the right kind of shoes, a tether to keep you from falling, and a friend to help with the project.

Gather Proper Supplies

You will then want to make sure that you have the right supplies for the job and that they are quality supplies. For example, if you are changing the gutters on your home then you will want to make sure that you have enough of the right kind of fasteners. You will also want to make sure that any shingles you are using are in good repair and not too brittle before you put them on your roof. Knowledge is also a supply and making sure that you have good instructions for your project is the best way to ensure success.

Replacing the Roof

Unless you have experience in roofing, you will probably not be replacing a whole roof by yourself. Performing general maintenance, making repairs, and even changing out some of the parts of your roof or other feature of your home and yard are good places to start your DIY home improvements. These tasks can also give you a good idea of whether you need to get professional help to repair or replace something that is beyond your time and experience capabilities.

 

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