Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling

Archives September 2022

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

 

roofing contractor

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor

 

The roof is one of the most important components of your home. For most homeowners, replacing the roof is a huge (and costly) decision. That said, it makes perfect sense that you look for the best roofing contractor to work with.

 

Just like contractor insurance, replacing the roof is a massive investment, so you must make sure you pick the right contractor for the job. When choosing a roofing contractor, keep the following important tips in mind:

Exceptional Standards

If you spend $10,000 or more on your roof, a roofing contractor with “decent” or “average” standards won’t cut it. With such a huge investment, you need to pick a roofing company with exceptional standards.

The ideal roofing contractor focuses on craftsmanship, employee training, and durable materials. Your chosen roofer should also be transparent throughout the whole process. Do some research to determine if a roofer has high standards before starting any work.

Great Partnerships

Superb roofing contractors often give back to their community through partnerships with reputable businesses or other community organizations. Often, you won’t have to ask about these partnerships as they are most likely a part of their PR and marketing efforts. Great partnerships are also a sign they offer superb service and quality products.

Dependable On-Site Project Management

The ideal roofing contractor has a reliable project manager on site that helps ensure work is going smoothly. The project manager also functions as a quality control mechanism and will provide answers to any questions you may have about the project.

Before signing on the dotted line, ask your prospects if they have an on-site project manager to ensure everything is done accordingly and within the agreed timeline. An on-site manager can save you from headaches and hassles down the road.

Excellent Warranties

The right roofing contractor will provide manufacturer warranties covering the roofing products used. They also need to provide labor warranties to protect you against the improper installation of roofing products.

Warranties can give you peace of mind since they will ensure that if anything goes wrong, you are covered. You should opt for a roofer that provides installation and product warranties for maximum protection.

High-Quality Materials

Even if your chosen roofing contractor has the best installation team, it means nothing if they use cheap and substandard roofing materials. Tropical storms, heavy rains, high humidity, and hurricanes can put your roof to the ultimate test so it’s crucial that your roofer use only top-of-the-line materials.

Before picking a roofing contractor, it would be best to find out first about the roofing materials they use. Are the materials fire and algae-resistant? Will they offer protection against high wind and UV rays? When it comes to the roofing materials used, there is no such thing as asking too many questions.

Remarkable Online Reputation

When assessing a prospective roofing contractor’s online reputation, you must remember that not all review sites (and reviews) have been created equal. Case in point: sites like Yelp! give lower ratings compared to other sites because they target those who need a platform where they can share negative experiences.

If someone has a complaint about a business, it does not always follow that the contractor offers mediocre services. Remember that it is also possible that there was a mistake or misunderstanding; in some cases, the problem is not always with the contractor. However, it’s another story if you notice negative patterns in the reviews.

Negative patterns like not communicating clearly, using cheap materials, using high-pressure sales tactics, and lying should not be taken lightly and should be enough to scare you away. Check BBB, Top Rated Local, Google, and other neutral review sites to see what previous clients have to say about your prospects and take it from there.

Right Insurance and Licenses

Insurance and licenses will protect both contractors and homeowners in various situations and it’s the two things that stand between the parties when something goes wrong during the process. That said, it is recommended that you pick a contractor with insurance and licenses.

If a roofing contractor you are considering does not have insurance or a license, don’t hesitate to find another one. Also, if they claim they have insurance and licenses but won’t show you any proof, it would be best to walk away. Ensure you opt for licensed and insured contractors when working on a costly project like your roofing.

Goes Above and Beyond

When choosing a roofing contractor, pick someone passionate about their trade and willing to go the extra mile to deliver superb service. You would also benefit from picking someone who takes their job seriously and is dedicated to going above and beyond to satisfy customers.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, trust your gut. If you find an energetic contractor with a helpful vibe and extensive experience, they might be the perfect contractor for you. Also, take your time when choosing a roofing contractor. Don’t jump into the first ones you talk to or those that offer the cheapest rate. Choosing the right contractor will save you time and money so make sure you choose wisely.

 

 

How to Freshen Up Your Home So It Revives Your Senses

How to Freshen Up Your Home So It Revives Your Senses – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

 

Freshen Up Your Home

How to Freshen Up Your Home So It Revives Your Senses

 

If your home is starting to feel a bit outdated, and you feel like it needs some freshening up, it’s time to take some action. Fortunately, there are many ways to revive your home without spending a fortune or making major renovations, though that’s an option too! By following these tips from Gainesville Restoration & Remodeling, you can breathe new life into your living space and revive your senses.

 

Create a special space just for you

Perhaps you’ve longed for a space just for you to unwind and relax in. Then why not carve out that special place? This is easy to do even if you aren’t a design guru. Designate the ideal space that can function as a retreat spot. Then paint your chosen space a light neutral color to make it feel more spacious and airy, or maybe opt for the look and feel of textured wallpaper to give the space a unique touch. You’ll also want to decide on the right furniture to suit the look and feel of your new sanctuary. Here, it’s all about the comfort factor. This could be a chic yet comfortable chaise lounge or a cozy velveteen armchair. Ultimately, the goal is to create a serene and inviting space that promotes calm and relaxation.

 

Declutter strategically – start with switching from paper to PDFs

A surefire way to refresh your home is getting rid of the old. Decluttering to refresh your living area clears away unnecessary, unneeded items and frees up space for living stress-free. One idea is to digitize your “paper” records and other documents that tend to pile up. When digitizing paper records, instead of using many files, you can easily keep everything in one file by adding pages to PDFs using an online tool. This tool will also allow you to reorder, delete, and rotate pages, and you can add additional pages to your PDF file if needed.

 

Make your home more plant-friendly

Swanson’s Nursery notes that there are many benefits associated with having indoor plants dispersed throughout your home. Studies have shown that being surrounded by greenery has specific mood-boosting effects, improves the air quality of the air of surrounding spaces, and can lower stress and anxiety levels if you’re feeling out of sorts. Moreover, it’s quite the decor trend nowadays and can add a bit of liveliness to a room that verges on being too ordinary. Best of all, plants are relatively affordable.

 

Design the Ideal Office

If you work from home, then it’s important to have a comfortable and inviting space to work in. One way to achieve this is by ergonomic furniture. Ergonomic furniture is designed to reduce stress on the body and encourage good posture. For example, an ergonomic chair can help to prevent back pain, while a standing desk can help to improve circulation. In addition to ergonomic furniture, there are a few other things you can do to redesign your home office for comfort and focus. For instance, calming colors and decor can help to create a more relaxing atmosphere while storage solutions will help to declutter your space and keep your work area organized.

 

Let the light in

Fenesta points out that natural light is also known to be a mood-booster, as is the fresh air that will most likely accompany it. So, if possible, try to let as much natural lighting as you can into your home if you want to feel refreshed and revitalized. For example, maybe it’s time to renovate your home in such a way that you remove partitioning walls to create a more open-plan area so that natural sunlight flows in and through a room. Or you could decide to install double sliding doors in a room that needs a bigger entrance, creating a better flow from one room to the next.

 

Don’t forget about your home’s exterior

Whether it’s the curb or the back of the house, concentrating on your property’s exterior is just as important as its interior. Essentially, it’s about creating a space that’s pleasing to the eye and restful for the mind and body. Again, be sure to keep records of any new and significant changes you make, such as adding an elaborate water feature to the garden or redoing the deck and patio, for example.

 

Buy a new home

Depending on the age of your home and your budget, the makeover solution may not be the best option. Particularly if you have rooms that need serious updating. In this case, you’re better off moving into a new home that offers the design features and amenities you’re looking for. The housing market has started to let off a bit of steam, but there are still inventory issues to consider. Start surveying properties that fit your designated budget, and then connect with an experienced local agent to set up showings.

Creating a home that promotes health and wellness should be top of mind for most people nowadays, given the busy and stressful times we live in. So, add the touches your home needs to give it the refresh it’s asking for, whether it’s a retreat space or your home office. And if that proves to be too much, it just might be time to change your location.

 

In addition to commercial construction services, Gainesville Restoration & Remodeling provides other related services such as bathroom and kitchen remodeling, roofing, and water leak detection. Text us today for more info! 352-554-0646

Best Tips for Roof Repair

Best Tips for Roof Repair – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

Best Tips for Roof Repair

Best Tips for Roof Repair

 

While most homeowners may not want to attempt a DIY roof repair project, there are situations when it makes sense, especially for smaller repairs and for people with at least some basic building and roofing expertise. Sometimes it is necessary for you to take this step and do the roof repair of your real estate.

 

Following are some of the best possible tips for speedy and effective roof repair:

 

  • Matching shingles should be used:

 

Whether you simply need to change a few shingles, you could assume that it won’t matter if the brand, color, and design match exactly. Think again. Even small variations in shingle type may frequently be seen from a distance. If you want to keep your property’s “curb appeal” while preserving its value, a precise match is essential.

 

  • Use shoes with a rubber sole:

 

Make sure you are appropriately attired if you are dexterous enough to maintain your balance when doing roof repairs from a rooftop. It is advised to wear long pants, ideally jeans, and a long-sleeved top to avoid personal injury. The most crucial item, though, is to put on rubber-soled shoes that will grip the roof since slick surfaces can cause deadly slips and slides.

 

  • Save the shingles:

 

In certain cases, it is possible to conserve existing shingles rather than buy new ones or run the risk of being unable to match the shingles because the item has been discontinued. To hold curled-up shingles in place, use roofing cement in conjunction with roofing nails. To prevent them from breaking as you push them to the ceiling if they are fragile, you may frequently use a heat gun to soften them.

 

  • Repair vs Replace:

 

You can quickly fix your roof if the damage is limited to a few isolated spots. However, don’t squander your time and money mending broken items. There are a variety of indicators that can help you determine the difference, such as shingles that seem naked, gutters clogged with shingle dust, easily broken shingle or shingles that are curled up and won’t fall back down, as well as age and a manufacturer’s guarantee that has run out.

 

  • Flashing during rain:

 

Flashing has to be fastened to the rooftop with nails and/or roof cement if it is loose or has holes around it. Even if the caulk is present but broken, leaks might still occur. Avoid a pricey roof leak by making sure the areas surrounding vents, flashing, and chimneys are sealed. This will prevent water from coming into your home and thus prevent any slip and fall accidents.

 

  • Cover the nail heads:

 

Use nails that won’t rust quickly, such as galvanized steel or aluminum. However, be careful to keep all nails slightly above the shingle they are in, just below the shingle. If you can’t do that, cover the nail heads with caulk or roof sealant.

 

  • Contact the professionals:

 

The virtue of caution always triumphs over bravery, and taking on more than you can handle is never brave. Never hesitate to call in the experts when you don’t know how to repair a roof issue, lack the time or expertise to handle it, or don’t feel secure doing it.

Plumbing Upgrades That Help With Water Conservation

Plumbing Upgrades That Help With Water Conservation – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

Plumbing Upgrades

Plumbing Upgrades That Help With Water Conservation

While it seems like there is an infinite water supply on the planet, this is not the case. Water is a precious and finite resource and must be used wisely.

Most homeowners conserve water by turning off the tap when not in use, taking shorter showers, fixing overflowing kitchen sinks, checking for pipe leaks, etc.

While all the methods mentioned above work, water conservation efforts at home should not stop there. Fortunately, reducing water consumption has become much easier with so many innovations in water conservation technology and plumbing fixtures.

To help with your water conservation efforts, below are some of the plumbing upgrades you should consider:

Pressure-Reducing Valves

Most of the wastewater at home is caused by excessive water pressure in your pipes. While 70 psi is considered the standard pressure for plumbing systems, 35 psi would often suffice.

Pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) allow homeowners to control the pressure that goes into the pipes. Have your plumber check your water pressure and install a PRV if needed. PRVs can also help prolong the life of your pipes.

Low-Flow Shower Heads

Obsolete shower heads can be a massive source of water waste, just like old toilets. Most shower heads consume 2.5 liters every minute. If you switch to a low-flow model, you can reduce water consumption by as much as 40% without compromising performance and water pressure.

There are two low-flow shower heads to choose from—aerating and non-aerating. Aside from helping reduce water consumption, low-flow shower heads can also help lessen your energy usage, as you will need less hot water when you shower.

High-Efficiency Toilets

If you want to renovate your bathroom, consider fitting them with low-flow and high-efficiency toilets. Low-flow toilets will use 20  to 60 percent less water than standard models. The average family can save as much as 80 liters of water annually when they use low-flow toilets.

Another option you can look into is the dual-flush toilet. Amazingly, they use even less water than the low-flow ones. Dual-flush toilets come with two buttons, so the user can pick between two flush amounts, depending on the waste. While they cost more, they can also help you save more.

Hot Water Recirculating Systems

Hot water recirculating systems send hot water to the faucet or shower on demand. They can also deliver hot water way faster than water heaters. Hot water recirculating systems can help ensure you won’t waste cold water while waiting for it to get hot.

The technology has been around for many years but is mostly used by hotels and buildings. Fortunately, newer versions are already suitable for use in residential settings. Having one installed might also qualify homeowners for a tax break, depending on the laws of the state they live in.

Green Sprinkler System

In the United States, inefficient landscape irrigation is considered one of the top contributors to water waste. Because of this, automated sprinkler systems are recommended instead of conventional manual models. The automated type can water the garden or lawn at night when water is less likely to evaporate.

Most automated water sprinklers have a timer to turn off the misting system after a specific time. The more sophisticated variety has other amazing features, like a weather-monitoring function, which offers high quality outdoor misting. Advanced models can predict precipitation levels and will only disperse water when needed.

Final Thoughts

Switching to the plumbing fixtures mentioned above will save you money and help you conserve clean and fresh water. While these modifications can cost money, you will eventually save in the long run as you will use less energy and water.

 

About the author

 

Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing, and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Rachel enjoys yoga and writing articles about how to make home living more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.