Posts Tagged "Westchester NY"

High End Kitchen Remodels Promise High Returns

August 31, 2012

The kitchen is the heart of most homes. If you love to cook and entertain, you probably spend a lot of time in the kitchen. This is the room where families and friends gather most often, especially if you like to entertain and cook at the same time. Why would you want to spend all that time in a drab, outdated room that lacks space, warmth, and modern design?

While there may be high initial costs, high end kitchens allow for function, great design, and will actually add value to your home. Working with a designer to figure out a plan that will suit your current needs, as well as meet any future needs, is the best way to do a high end remodel. They will steer you in the right direction in order to help you meet those current needs and contemplate what the next homeowner may find useful or off-putting should you sell your home in the future.

 

Even though high end kitchen remodels will cost more than your average do it yourself modifications, the knowledge that everything will be done properly and with care is priceless. When a buyer walks through a home that is for sale, a nice, modern kitchen is usually one of the top things on their list of must-haves. In other words, your kitchen remodel will definitely bring high returns and pay for itself as the value of your home increases over the years.

Even when working with a designer, a high end kitchen remodel does not have to empty your pockets completely. There are many ways to ensure that your money is spent and stretched while still assuring the best quality of workmanship, design, and products.

 

Some things to consider when remodeling a kitchen are custom cabinetry, contemporary lighting and task lighting, ample workspace and storage, and modern, appealing and energy-efficient appliances. Choose pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. A lot of people look for stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and lots of storage.

When choosing a designer to help you with your kitchen remodel, do some research and find the one whose tastes fall in line with your own. Each and every piece of the remodel must be planned and approved, and you want to choose a designer who will not butt heads with you over details. You need a team who will work together to get the work finished in a timely manner.

Keith Gerety
Kitchen Renovations

Roofing: When You Might Need Roof Repair

June 18, 2012

One of the worst things that can happen to the interior of your home is when water comes leaking in from the outside. This tends to happen when heavy rains come and hit your roof with more water than normal. When there are already roof deficiencies in place, the large amount of water will find an extra place to go, and that’s usually through the roof, through your ceiling and onto your floor. These are the leaks that send you scrambling for a container to catch the dripping water. If this sounds like a regular occurrence for you when it rains, it doesn’t have to be. This is just one good reason you should call a roof repair company.

First, a bit about your roof. Your roof serves a number of functions, the most important being to protect your home’s interior from the variety of different elements that nature can create. A roof is built to stand up to wind, rain, snow, ice, and different types of debris that could possibly fall down on top of it. In this respect, it acts as a helmet for your home. Another way it protects your home is through its insulative qualities. A roof can take the brunt of the sun’s heat and keep it from baking the inside of your home. In addition, it’s tasked with keeping warm air inside your home during the colder winter months. However, damage to your roof can cause your roof to become less effective in its protective duties.

What else can cause your roof to become compromised? Blown off shingles is one major issue. When a storm comes through that is extremely windy, weakly-attached shingles can blow off and expose the more sensitive parts of your roof. Hail damage is another major complaint for homeowners. The hardened ice balls can do serious damage to the surface of a roof, which then leads to other problems down the road. And, of course, roofing materials that wear down over time can leave your roof open to penetration by leaks.Roof Repair Westchester NY

If you’ve sustained damage in any one of these ways and your roof is now experiencing a leak or another issue, it’s probably a good idea to call an experienced roof repair company. By taking care of any issues now, you’ll save money and prevent further damage to your roof and the interior of your home.

Keith Gerety
Roofing Company

Protecting Your Roof: Plan Ahead For Summer Storms

May 30, 2012

In every state this summer, storm season will cause damage to homes. Wind, hail, lightning, and flooding that comes with severe thunderstorms is responsible for much of the damage. Much of the structural damage will be minimal, but a few homeowners will experience large amounts of damage. If you want to avoid being one of the homeowners that has serious damage to their home plan ahead and you’ll have a better chance of escaping the summer storm season with serious damage.

Thunderstorms can all cause damage, but severe storms are the biggest concern. Severe thunderstorms are to blame for most of the property damage they are dangerous storms.

Quality roofing materials are important in standing up against storms. Roofing companies can tell you what materials are you best bet in surviving the storms. Maintenance of your roof is as important as the materials you start with. Regular, yearly maintenance must be done on your roof.

Wind is the most frequent cause of summer storm damage. Severe wind is at least 60 miles per hour, though some windstorms can get as fast as 100 miles per hour! Winds ranging from 60 mph and up lead to damage of your home and be incredibly dangerous.

Severe wind has the greatest effect on roofs and siding. The damage to both of these areas can be reduced if extra effort is put in during the construction phase. When deciding between roofing companies remember this decision will affect you and your roof for many storm seasons to come! Your decking should be strongly anchored to your walls and foundation, this comes with a well designed roof. This anchoring will stop your entire roof from being physically removed in a big storm! Attaching your shingles to your roof is also important. The best quality shingle poorly attached will still come up in a severe wind.

Maintaining the trees on your property is very important. Dead and weak limbs could fall and cause damage to your roof in the next windstorm so they should be removed. Removing these bad branches will bring down the chance your roof sustains damage in a summer storm.

Roofing companies can help you to find the materials that will best handle these storms. Quality materials and a reliable roofer will best prepare your home to handle a storm. Practicing regular maintenance of both your roof AND surrounding trees will also save you from the stress of storm damage.

Keith Gerety
Roof Contractor

When is it Time to Replace Your Roof?

May 11, 2012

Many homeowners are hesitant to replace their roof even when the signs of problems are obvious. After all, roofs are expensive and without being a roofing specialist, it can be hard to know if it is time to replace your roof or if you are being taken for a ride by your local roofing contractor.

 

Asking yourself the following questions can help you get an idea of whether or not a roof replacement is in your immediate future.

How old is the roof?

If you bought your residence or the structure in question from someone else, this is something that you should have asked during the purchasing process. A new roof can raise the value of real estate while one that is over a decade old can detract from it.

A few good “rules of thumb”:

  • The average life of a new roof is between 12 and 20 years
  • Even if the roof was guaranteed for 20 or 30 years, if it is over 15, it may need to be replaced
  • In areas with extreme weather, such as the heavy winter storms in the northeast, the lifespan of a roof is significantly shortened

Do your neighbors have new roofs? Although it is not a good idea to covet your neighbor’s possessions, roofing is one exception to your mother’s rules. If your neighbors are getting new roofs, this may be a sign that you should also replace your roof for two reasons: first, most neighborhoods are built around the same time, so if their roofs are wearing out yours may be close to this point as well; second, in a competitive housing market like the current one, you need every advantage you can get in case you decide to sell your home.

An old roof looks bad when positioned next to a street full of new ones, and it will decrease the value of your house.

Has there been severe weather?

As mentioned above, extreme temperatures and weather can shorten the lifespan of any roof. Another problem that occurs during severe weather can worsen any small problems that existed before the storm or heat. Loose or weakened tiles that are subjected to strong winds or heavy rain can lead to bigger problems, which may mean that your roof will need to be replaced.

Although these questions can provide an idea of whether or not it is time to replace your roof, the only way to know for sure is to consult a roofing professional.

Still not sure if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced? Get in touch with us.

Keith Gerety
Roof Contractor

Choosing the Right Roofing Option for Your Home

April 13, 2012

If your roof is leaking, the shingles are coming loose and you’re noticing moisture seeping into your home, then it’s time to replace your roof. Roof replacement can be a confusing home improvement project to take on because of the many roofing material options available. Yet, it doesn’t have to be so complex. If you know what each roofing option offers you and your home, you can easily select the right one.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing material and for good reason. It’s one of the least expensive roofing options and asphalt shingles are available in dozens of colors to make it easy to match the look of your home. In addition, many of the asphalt shingles being made today come with a 20 or 30 year guarantee, so you know you’ll have a durable roof for years to come. The only drawback is that asphalt shingles are so common and won’t set your home apart from others on the block.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Quite possibly one of the most stunning looks for your roof is wood shingles or shakes. Wood shingles are smooth and cut to a uniform thickness, but can vary in width. Wood shakes, on the other hand, are thicker and rougher. A properly installed and maintained wood roof should last 30 to 50 years. One thing to be mindful of though, is you should be sure to install your wood roof with high-quality stainless steel nails to avoid rusting.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is attractive, lasts for generations, sheds ice and snow, and tends to be expensive. Since it’s so expensive and heavy, it’s not used much anymore other than for municipal buildings that can support its weight. Regardless, slate roofing is so durable that it is guaranteed to last for as long as 50 years.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofing comes in the form of corrugated, galvanized sheets and is usually used on barns, sheds, and other utility buildings. This type of roof is inexpensive, rugged, long-lasting and easy to install. In addition to metal roofs, there are also copper roofing materials that offer elegance to some of the most beautiful homes in the country. In addition to being well-suited for agricultural buildings, metal roofs are also perfect for homes that endure tough winters.

Ceramic Roofing

Ceramic tile roofs are most commonly used in Mediterranean-style homes in Florida and California. Since ceramic tiles are quite heavy, you need to make sure that the roof framing is strong enough to support the weight. Waterproofing is another important thing to consider when installing ceramic tiles on the roof of your home. Although this style roof can be quite expensive, ceramic tiles also tend to last 60 to 80 years if well-maintained.

Even though the roofing options might seem endless, with the right information in hand you can make the right decision for your home. Choose the best option that fits your budget, meets your environmental needs and makes your home look as beautiful as it can.

Keith Gerety
Roof Maintenance

When Is It Time To Replace Roof?

April 9, 2012

A new roof is a huge project if you are not ready for it, and the roof replacement cost is too much to spend lightly. If you are planning to do your next roofing job yourself to save money, you might be putting it off because you dread doing the work. Do not let your worries stand in your way if it is really time to replace your roof. Here are some indications that it might be time to reroof.

Worn Shingles

Your shingles can show many different signs of wear. They sometimes curl up; it is easy to look up at the roof and see the curled shingles when this happens. Sometimes, they tear due to age and weathering. Shingles can even come loose and fall off. You might actually notice this when a shingle falls down from your roof and lands in your yard. When your shingles are generally getting in this type of condition, it is time to accept the fact that you need to spend the total roof replacement cost.

Mold

If your roof looks discolored, get closer to it and see if the discoloration is actually mold. If your roof is moldy, you need to do a roof job immediately. The mold will deteriorate your shingles, but more importantly, it will also create a harmful environment for people who live in the house and breathe the moldy air every time they step in or out of the house. It is best to go ahead and pay the roof replacement cost rather than risk the health of your family.

Hail Damage

If there is ever a severe hail storm in your area, check your roof for hail damage or have it checked by a professional. Often, a monster hail storm will damage every single shingle on the roof. When heavy hail strikes your home, you will probably need to do the full roof replacement cost. If you are not sure, do not hesitate to ask an expert to evaluate the situation for you.

Leaks

If there is one time you need to accept the fact of complete roof replacement cost, it is when you have massive leaks from your roof. Your entire home can quickly become a haven of mold and mildew. The interior of your home can be damaged from paint and wallpaper to appliances and cabinetry. The damage will not end until you get the roof taken care of properly. Unfortunately, the longer you wait the more interior work you will have to do.

Upgrade

Perhaps you do not have any particular problems with your roof. The shingles may function perfectly well. They may not even look too hideous. However, if you want to sell your house, you might want to upgrade to a better class or style of shingles. Your home might look more impressive to prospective home buyers with a new, attractive roof, and you might get a price for it that will justify any money you have put out.

There is no reason to put off doing a roof job if you really need one. Your roof replacement cost need not be excessive, and you can leave the heavy lifting to people with experience.

Keith Gerety
Roof Contractor

Know When To Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor

February 16, 2012

Maybe you have just recently moved into a new home, or you are getting ready to move within a few months. Then, before your big move, one thought popped into your head-since the new house is kind of old, when would I have to spend all of that money to repair or get a new roof? How will I even know if I need to invest in a new roof? Such answers can be found here!

If you are moving into an older home, you may want to play it safe and have a roofing contractor come out for a free quote. The roofing company should be able to tell you whether or not you need a new roof right now, or if you can wait a few years to replace it.

On the other hand, if you are moving into a newer home, you might be wondering how long the roof will last before you must invest in a new one. This is a great question to ask yourself and your roofing contractor so you can plan for this major, but critical home investment. Once again, you can call professional roofing contractors to inspect your roof and gutters to give you their opinion.

In the meantime, you can learn a little bit more about how long the average roof lasts. To start with, you can learn about the few factors that have significant, strong effects on the lifetime of your roof. These include:

  • The color of your roof (light color versus dark color)-Some colors of roofing materials attract more sun than others, which, in turn, can cause your roof to age quicker.
  • Ventilation options-If proper ventilation was not planned for when installing your roof, this can lead to a shorter lifespan for your roof.
  • How your current roof was installed-This depends on the expertise and craftsmanship of the previous roofing contractors who originally installed the roof.
  • The pitch or the angle of your roof-Every roof is different, so a thorough inspection is needed to assess this.
  • The types of roofing materials that were used-This will highly depend on the area in which you live. For instance, homes located in the desert are typically made with different roofing materials than a home located where it snows a lot.

Far and beyond the previous factors, you should know that the climate you live in also has a significant impact on your roof’s lifespan. For instance, the following weather conditions could reduce the amount of years your average roof can last, including:

  • Sun
  • Wind
  • Heavy rains
  • Snow, hail, and ice
  • Traffic (pertinent to commercial buildings)
  • Movements in the building’s structure
  • Temperature fluctuations

Those are just some factors that you can evaluate on your own before your roofing contractor arrives at your house for the thorough inspection. It is a good idea to research and understand these factors so that you can have an intelligent and thoughtful conversation with the roofing specialists about your current roof’s condition.

So taking all of these factors into play, how long could the average roof last? Well, the lifespan of an average roof is between 10-20 years. It is critical to keep in mind that you cannot expect a roof to last its entire lifetime without regular maintenance and repairs. As an example, you wouldn’t expect your car to last for 15 years without ever doing the routine maintenance and oil changes, would you? The same care and maintenance applies to your roof, too!

Keith Gerety
Roof Contractor

Kitchen Renovation: Adding Value To Your Home

December 8, 2011

A kitchen renovation is one of the smartest ways to add value to your home. Real estate experts agree that a well-designed and updated kitchen attracts buyers. Whether you are completely remodeling or simply making a few updates, homeowners can improve the appeal of their home and increase the value with a kitchen renovation.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report, a homeowner will recoup about 60% of the cost of a major kitchen renovation. This makes it one of the best remodeling choices for homeowners looking to build equity in their home. A modern kitchen makes your home more valuable and more attractive to buyers when the time comes to sell.

The kitchen is the heart of a home. It is a place to gather as a family, visit with friends, and share meals. Because it is one of the most popular rooms in the house, kitchens tend to suffer a lot of wear and tear over time. Countertops, appliances, and flooring can get worn and damaged, decreasing the style and appeal of the room.

A kitchen renovation may include knocking down walls to add space or redesigning the layout to improve functionality. Homeowners have the chance to design the room they have always wanted. Make the most of it by increasing storage space and improving traffic flow.

Consider upgrading your appliances to high-efficiency models. Not only can they save you money in energy costs, you may be eligible for tax rebates. Be sure that your electrical wiring and plumbing are properly installed to prevent damage and ensure that your appliances will work correctly.

Your existing cabinets can be re-surfaced or you may decide to replace them entirely with new ones. Choose a countertop surface that will blend well with your cabinets. Stone, especially granite, gives your kitchen an up-scale and classic look that will last the lifetime of your home.

Hardwoods and ceramic tiles are the most popular choices for kitchen flooring. Both materials are attractive to buyers and need very little maintenance to look good.

Lighting is extremely important in the kitchen. Ambient lighting will keep the room bright. Task lighting illuminates the food prep and cooking area. Under cabinet lighting can accentuate the beauty of your room.

Find a wall color that will accentuate your new cabinets, flooring, appliances, and countertops. Consider the addition of a colorful backsplash or accent wall to create a focal point in the room.

A kitchen renovation is a large project and can take months to fully complete. Discuss a timeline and a specific budget for your project with us so you will know what to expect.

Not everyone is willing or able to complete a large-scale renovation of the kitchen. Even minor improvements can change the entire look of your kitchen and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Whether you are selling your home or simply want to improve the room’s appearance, small projects like painting or replacing outdated appliances can make a big difference to the value of your home.

Keith Gerety
Westchester NY