Any home improvement requires careful consideration and planning. Regardless of how big or small the project is, you need to think carefully about what you want to achieve with it and how to go about it in the most cost effective way. After all, you and your home deserve nothing short of the best.
Part of the decision-making process is deciding when to have your desired upgrades done. Conventional wisdom states that spring is the best time to tackle exterior home improvement projects because the weather is mild, but anyone who’s lived in Ohio more than a year or two knows how temperamental the spring can be here. The same is true of Ohio falls.
Summer is often a good choice. While the weather can be hot, it is at least fairly predictable. However, with kids home from school in the summer and vacations planned, this might not be the most convenient time for many homeowners.
That leaves us with winter, particularly the first months of the new year. As a trusted and experienced roofing company in Fostoria, OH, Clear Choice Exteriors recommends tackling some of your overdue home upgrades this season. This may seem like an unusual time of year to remodel your home, but it actually provides many benefits. First, contractors tend to be less busy in the winter, with spring, summer and fall busier seasons for home improvement projects. Remodeling as a new year’s resolution can also make you feel fulfilled in many ways and ensures you’re starting the new year out on the right foot.
Once you’ve decided on timing for your project, you need to figure out exactly what projects to invest in. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place as we’ve got a couple of projects to recommend.
1. Roof Replacement
The roof is the home’s first line of defense against the challenging weather conditions that we have here in Ohio. If your roof is old, it may be harboring underlying issues, especially if you haven’t had it inspected or maintained recently. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the daily beating it receives from nature.
While it’s true that many roofing issues can be remedied by repairs, if your roof is old, total replacement is often a more cost effective option. If you’re unsure as to whether a replacement is indeed the best solution for your roof, check for these signs:
- Your roof is over 15 years old.
- The shingles are starting to curl.
- Multiple shingles are missing.
- The shingles are cracked, dented or broken.
- The gutters are filled with shingle granules.
- The roof is covered with moss or algae.
- Beams of sunlight are shining through the attic
- The roof is sagging.
- Your home’s walls and ceilings are water-stained.
If your roof ticks most or all of these signs, then there’s no doubt about it—it badly needs a replacement. When you decide to get a new roof, you’re not only enhancing your home’s protection against the elements; you can also enjoy these other benefits of roof replacement:
- Enhanced energy efficiency – Today’s roofing materials are designed to help enhance a home’s energy efficiency. They do this by reflecting away as much heat as possible. This way, little to no heat will be absorbed into the home through the roof. As a result, your HVAC will have an easier time maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, which means you’ll consume less energy.
- Enhanced curb appeal – A dilapidated roof will not lend your home a good impression. By replacing your old and damaged roof, your home will enjoy a fresh new look, boosting its curb appeal.
- Enhanced home value – With a renewed look and enhanced energy efficiency and comfort, your home will appreciate in value. Even if you don’t have plans to sell your home any time soon, this is still advantageous.
With roof replacement, you are not only boosting your home’s protection against the elements, but enhancing its comfort and energy-efficiency too!
2. Window and Door Replacement
You probably don’t think about your windows and doors too often–unless they are showing signs of problems. Not replacing damaged windows and doors puts your home at risk for a number of issues, such as:
- Reduced indoor comfort
- Reduced energy efficiency
- Compromised security and poor protection against intruders and pests
You will probably feel some of the effects of your damaged windows and doors this winter as your home gets colder than it should be, despite setting your heater to maximum. You’ll know you need a window or door replacement service in Fostoria, OH, when you notice these signs:
- Your home is always cooler than you expect it to be considering the current weather situation.
- The windows and doors look crooked or broken.
- There’s condensation or mold inside the glass of your dual-pane window and door glass.
- Wood parts are rotted and metal parts are rusted.
- The windows or doors are difficult to open and close.
- Pests begin to invade your house.
- The windows and doors create an eyesore that drags down your home’s appearance.
When you decide to invest in window or door replacement this year, you will be able to reverse the negative effects that damaged windows and doors have on your home. You will enjoy:
- Lower energy bills
- Reduced indoor noise and unnecessary heat or cold
- Reduced fading
- Better light, views and privacy control
- Cost-efficient home exterior makeover
By investing in window and door replacement, you can enhance not only your home’s protection and comfort, but its appearance and energy efficiency as well.
3. Interior Remodeling
An advantage of interior remodeling projects is that the weather doesn’t usually impact the schedule. This means you can schedule them anytime of the year without worrying about weather-related delays.
Some worthwhile interior remodeling projects to consider include:
- Room addition
- Bathroom remodeling
- Kitchen remodeling
- Basement remodeling
- Attic conversion
- Painting
- Updating appliances and furniture
- Cabinets refacing
There are many projects you can do, from minor to major ones. Minor to mid-scale bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects can provide some of the best returns on investment. A room addition, on the other hand, is great for growing families. You can also turn a basement into a game room or family entertainment room. The attic can be transformed into another bedroom as well. You can even add a home office. The possibilities are endless!
Ensuring Your Home Upgrade Success
Whether you’re opting for a roof replacement or new home window installation in Fostoria, OH, some of the requirements are the same. First, you need to plan the projects really carefully. Second, you need to work with a reliable and trusted contractor like Clear Choice Exteriors. When you plan your remodel with an experienced professional, you can rest assured that your goals will be realized.