Is it Time to Remodel Your Home?

Your home is an important investment, but the time may come when it needs the services of well-qualified home remodeling contractors. A lot can happen to a house over the years, from a settling foundation to needing more room for your family. If you are trying to decide whether it is time to remodel, here are some of the most common indicators that remodeling is called for.

Aging Home

Older homes may have developed a wide variety of problems over the years that should be addressed by home contractors. Walls can become damaged, baseboards lost or broken, chair rails banged up, and more. Even the construction of the home itself may deteriorate over time, with wallboard working loose, floors wearing out, and ceilings becoming damaged or sagging. Seasoned remodelers are adept at returning your home to its original beauty and sturdiness.

Growing Family

Children born into the family, or loved ones coming for an extended visit may mean that you need to make more room. Remodeling a home allows you to modify the internal design, convert a garage or attic space, or even add a new room to the home's foundation. If you prefer adding a separate cottage for mom or as a starter dwelling for a young couple on the property, it would still be considered remodeling, and can be part of an even larger project.

Cracks and Gaps

Step-shaped cracks in your exterior walls are typically a sign that the home's foundation has settled. Inside, the same thing may be visible in sheets of drywall pulling away from each other, cracks or gaps in your trim, or corner bead cracking and peeling away from exposed wall corners. Remodelers can re-level the home and rebuild damaged areas to restore the integrity of your home.

Sticking Doors and Latches

Another indication of settling in a home can be found in windows and door frames. Broken glass may be the result of windows that are out of true, putting the glass under abnormal pressure. Doors may be hard to open, or refuse to latch-- or they may not even fit into the jamb anymore. If you have doors or windows that don't work the way they used to, remodeling may be in your future.

Deteriorating Shingles

Most shingle roofs are only warranted for around 20 to 25 years. After that, shingles begin to weather and deteriorate. This can be visible as peeling or broken shingles, but many homeowners don't discover roof problems until damage begins to show inside. Similarly, overhanging tree limbs can scrub away the surface of shingles, deposit mold and algae on your roof, or cause punctures in high winds. 

If your home fits any of these categories, consulting a local home remodeling contractor is probably a great idea. You may be able to get by with inexpensive repairs now, but allowing your structural problems to go untreated can lead to very expensive repairs in the future.

Signs You Need a Sewer Pipe Replacement

 

Sewer lines need to be replaced over long periods of time, and trenchless sewer replacement is a practical modern way to do the job. If your drains are sending you a message that it is time for sewer repairs, consider using trenchless methods as a way to preserve your lawn and get the job done sooner.

Drains Backing Up

If only one drain is having the problem it may be a localized clog that can be cleared up by a rooter service, but multiple drains backing up may indicate that home plumbing inspection would be in order. Remember that drains typically slow down before they stop working, so calling a home plumbing service at the first sign of trouble is important.

Odors Near Sinks and Drains

Material or standing water in your sewer lines will begin to emit unpleasant odors after a while. If you notice foul scents near any of your drains, try flushing them with baking soda, but be prepared to schedule a home plumbing inspection if there are other symptoms present as well.

Gurgling Sounds in the Walls

The same debris that will decompose and cause odors will also prevent pipes from flowing the way they were designed to do. As water backs up in the pipes you may hear rattling or gurgling sounds coming from your walls as the water builds up pressure and forces its way through. Gurgling sounds in your sewer lines is an almost certain sign that you have a problem developing.

Wet Patches in Your Lawn

If you have places in your lawn that remain wet even during dry weather, there is a good chance that you have a sewer leak somewhere nearby. The wet patches are where the water is forced to the surface and may not be directly above the leak. If the area around the wet patch seems to be greener than the surrounding foliage, it is because of the rich content of the sewage that is leaking under your lawn. Both symptoms may be accompanied by unpleasant odors or a noticeable increase in flies and other insects.

If your sewage lines clog, it can cause raw sewage to rise, back up in drains, or even leak out onto your floors. Trenchless sewer replacement can correct your sewer problems in a way that causes a minimal amount of destruction to your lawn as well as less disruption for your life. As soon as you notice symptoms of a sewage problem you should schedule a plumbing inspection to avoid additional damages.

How to Choose Windows When Remodeling

If you have decided that it is time for residential windows replacement, give the project some consideration before you start. If you are having a hard time deciding on the specifics of your window replacement, qualified contractors can show you samples and offer advice based on what you want, where you live, what the regional climate is like.

Custom Windows Vs. Big Box Stores

Residential windows replacement shopping at chain hardware stores may seem inviting, but the bargains may not be as good as you think. Mass-produced windows often lack quality control checks and may need minor repairs before they can be installed. Additionally, the window dimensions for your home may not be the same as the original openings due to settling or shifting of the home over the years.

Window Style

With custom windows, you can choose from different styles and shapes of windows. Big bay window out front? Great idea. Round windows on the bathroom openings? No problem. Before you decide that you have to have the same old boring windows, take a look at the styles, shapes, and tints available in modern windows. The beauty of custom windows is that you have the freedom to think outside the box and be a little more creative.

Glass Options

From single pane glass to multiple panes with argon between them, choosing custom glass options can have a big impact on your energy bills, the aesthetic look of your home, and even how long your new windows will last. Professional glass installers can advise you on the right type of glass for your geographic region, taking into account the many variables involved. Not every glass option works for every design, but there are enough variations in window design to allow you to reduce energy costs and get windows that will last for decades.

Window Frame Choices

Window frames may be made from several materials, including, metal, wood, and vinyl. From frames that never need to be painted to decorative wooden sills and shutters, your choice of window frame will have a huge impact on how the finished project changes the look of the home.

Professional Installation 

The professionalism of the glass company that performs your window replacement plays a role in how the job looks when it is complete, how long the new windows will last, and even whether the job will be completed as you expect it to be. Always verify that you are dealing with licensed and insured contractors who specialize in glass replacement. Check online reviews and customer testimonials to get an idea of how previous customers have reacted to the company's work.

Window replacement is a big investment. Give the project serious consideration before you begin. Choose a licensed and insured contractor with a good reputation, and look at all of your options before you make the decision. You will be looking through those windows for years to come, and the choices you make now will affect how you feel about the view later.