Best Value Remodeling – Remodeling Magazine’s 2015 Winners

Posted by: Ken Mariotti

Each year Remodeling Magazine releases it’s Cost vs. Value Report. The report compares year by year changes in job costs with Realtor’s perceptions of what those jobs bring to a home’s price at resale. The 2015 Report measured 36 projects nationally and by region. Three projects that exceeded 2014 values stood out in this year’s report, they are, steel entry doors, roofing, and vinyl siding replacement. The cost-value ratio expresses resale value as a percentage of construction cost. In the north central area, steel entry door replacement returned 86.3% of the replacement cost at the time the

It’s not surprising to see these three replacement jobs on the list of most return for your investment given the rising perception nationwide of the value of curb appeal. If you’re considering undertaking any of these remodeling projects in 2016, now is the time to start your research and here are a few things to consider as you make your decisions.

Upgrade the front door

Steel Door with Sidelites

Your entry door is a key element of design so use this opportunity to capture the look you’ve dreamed of. Modernize your home with a contemporary door, add architectural detail with a craftsman style, or replicate a historical period with a traditional door. In the report, steel entry doors return the greatest value on your investment and an insulated steel door will likely save on energy costs. Wood and fiberglass doors generally cost more than a steel door and so, rank below the lower cost steel in the Report, but we’d recommend comparing the performance of different materials when you do your research. Lastly, once you’ve decided on the type of entry door you want, make sure you get the perfect fit. The most reliable method is to remove any interior or exterior trim to expose the true opening and then measure the width, height, door thickness, hinge locations, hinge width and height and handle center. Better yet, let us help before you order your door.

Replace your old roof

Red Metal Porch Roof - Pinterest

Aesthetics, materials cost, weight and installation requirements are key considerations when researching replacement roofing. A square is the basic unit of measurement in roofing, you may win a Trivia game with this little known fact. One square is 100 square feet, making a square the equivalent of 10 feet x 10 feet. A typical two story house, 2,000 sq. ft. with gable roof will consist of less than 1,500 sq. ft. or 15 squares. The cost for your replacement roof will primarily depend on the condition of the existing roof and shape of the roof. Asphalt is the least expensive and slate (most durable) is the most expensive material, with wood, tile and cement, and metal somewhere in between. Asphalt is the most popular because it’s economical and easier to install. When choosing roofing material, the slope of your roof and the weight of the shingles are key factors to consider. Add flair to the look by adding a red metal roof over a porch like you see in the photo. When you’re ready, let us help you select the appropriate material and design for your roof style.

Add flair with new siding

Alside Prodigy Siding

Vinyl siding has been the siding of choice now for many years since technological advances made it both functional and stylish. Replace ugly or damaged siding and you’ll change the entire look of your home’s exterior. When replacing siding, consider adding a few architectural elements such as crown moldings, beaded soffits or decorative trim. Numerous vinyl siding styles and colors, including custom colors are available. When you’re ready for a change, visit our showroom to see and touch these beautiful products and learn about installation.

Want that model home feel? Focus on the detail.

Posted by: Ken Mariotti

Earlier this year our blog titled “Want that model home feel? Aim high”, suggested that the very act of creating taller windows and doors in your home increases the wow factor found in model homes. The desire to create that model home feel in your own home is a sentiment many homeowners express. Another design secret is the importance of detail.

Once a home’s style is determined, what makes that style come alive is attention to detail. It’s important that you take the time to select the windows, doors and other objects in your home beginning with three design principles.

Marvin Windows

Think about what you don’t see

Oftentimes design is about thing that you don’t add, rather than the material that you do create. In other words, good design requires you to consciously do less. I’m reminded of a couple that selected arched windows and then they proceeded to cover the beautiful design under lavish window coverings. It’s hard to design minimally because we feel that convention dictates otherwise. Try to resist the urge to over decorate. Remember less is more. Open space creates focal points.

Andersen A-Series

Refine to the finer details

Fine-tune a space, the elements, alignment or scale of your windows and doors with the size, shape and existing features in the room. Get the detail right by focusing on proportions and lines of sight. For example, window grills can be used discretely as design elements, rather than simply repeating the identical pattern throughout.

Borrow from what you see

Andersen Visualizer

Get inspired by studying spaces similar to the space in your home that you intend to remodel or build. Today, many manufacturers offer visual tools that allow you to be your own designer. Andersen provides a visualizer to select your trim and sash colors. Andersen Renewal products offers a visualizer that allows you to upload a photo of your home, replace your existing windows with Renewal windows to see the effect. Likewise, Simpson Door's visualizer lets you choose your home style and select from a variety of door styles and colors to create the look you want. It’s as though you have your own personal designer.

When you walk into a model home, you can be certain that professionals created that beautiful space. Becoming a professional at your craft means you’ve created a lot of bad work and made a lot of mistakes on your journey to becoming an expert. Build your skills by decorating less, creating focal points and experimenting.

If you want that model home feel focus on the details like a professional does. Visit our showroom to touch the products, see the colors in different lights and get advice from professionals who can help you avoid common mistakes.