Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling

Archives November 2022

Should You Buy a Starter Home or a Forever Home?

Should You Buy a Starter Home or a Forever Home? – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

 

Starter Home

Should You Buy a Starter Home or a Forever Home?

Choosing between a starter and a forever home can be difficult. Moreover, there are many things to take into account beforehand, depending on your situation and preferences, that might compel you to make a decision one way or the other. Gainesville Restoration & Remodeling outlines some of the things you should consider before settling on a starter or forever home for good.

 

Pros of a starter home

 

Starter homes are generally the best option if you’re on the fence regarding what it is you envision for your ideal property. Furthermore, starter homes give you time to really look around for that perfect property that you can see yourself living in “forever.” The pros of investing in a start-up property include that it is usually smaller and therefore requires far less maintenance overall.

Then there is the fact that it will probably come in on the lower end of your budget, which means you get extra money to spend on making your house a home. Additionally, your property taxes won’t be as high. Plus, as Purlfrost notes, you get the chance to try your hand out at DIY experiments if you want to give your new starter home a bit of character.

It’s also a good idea to contact a local, reputable company that specializes in restorations and upgrades like those to the roof or plumbing. Reach out to Gainesville Restoration & Remodeling whether it’s for remodels to the kitchen, bathrooms or even to add on a room. They can also address any issues that may arise, such as plumbing or roof leaks or storm damage.

 

Cons of a starter home

 

Some of the cons of purchasing a starter home include the space issue. Starter homes are usually on the smaller side, which means you might not have adequate space. You might also have to go the extra mile to make your home all you want it to be, as starter homes usually require a few upgrades or renovations to make them much more attractive.

 

Why you would want to invest in a property permanently

 

Suppose you have found the property you have dreamed about for the longest time. If so, it’s a good idea to go ahead with the purchase, especially if you feel like it’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. Other benefits of moving into a property for the long term include not having to move again anytime soon, and it’ll probably have the space you and your family need to live in comfortably.

 

Cons of purchasing a forever home

 

Some of the disadvantages of purchasing a forever home include having to purchase a property that is likely to stretch your budget that much further. Additionally, your expenses are likely to increase, as you’ll have a larger area to maintain. These expenses could include additional costs like having to maintain your lawn, paying for a higher utility bill, and purchasing all the extra furnishings you’ll need to make your property feel more homely.

 

Deciding on your budget

 

Ultimately, your budget will determine what type of home you can afford. You’ll want to factor in the cost of any home repairs or appliance replacement, especially if you’re going with a starter home. A smart way to offset such expenses is by insuring your above and beyond the required homeowners insurance. If you want coverage in case home systems or appliances break down, then a home warranty can be beneficial. Before deciding whether to get a home warranty, check the home inspection report for any red flags and check if there are any existing warranties on appliances and what they cover; this will help determine if it’s worth the cost.

Also, if you don’t have a lot of savings to put down on a home, you’ll need to qualify for a mortgage. The amount you’ll be able to loan will depend on various factors, such as your credit score, what your income is currently, how much of a down payment you’re able to make, etc. A mortgage loan calculator can help you figure out what your mortgage repayments are likely to be based on your unique circumstances.

You will also need to decide between different mortgage options, as different home loans require different down payments. For example, as Credit Karma points out, with an FHA loan you can probably get away with putting down a 3.5% down payment going up to 10% based on the purchase price of the property. If you qualify for a conventional loan, on the other hand, you may be required to put down up to 20% of the home’s value.

 

These pointers should be able to give you a rough indication of what each property type involves and how to go about getting a home loan, which should hopefully make your decision easier at the end of the day.

 

Image via Pexels

 

Gainesville Restoration & Remodeling is a trusted full-service construction company specializing in commercial building, remodeling, roofing, and restoration. Text us today for more info! 352-554-0646

The Best Roofing Materials to Consider for Your Home

The Best Roofing Materials to Consider for Your Home – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

 

Best Roofing Materials

The Best Roofing Materials to Consider for Your Home

 

Some things need to be prioritized more than others when looking for a new roof. While cost is a major factor for many homeowners, other factors are more crucial, such as longevity, durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability of the materials you use. Of course, you’ll also need to hire a reputable roofer with adequate roofing insurance coverage to ensure your new roof is properly installed.

 

Nowadays, roofing materials are available in more varieties to accommodate different budgets and preferences. Durable and impact-resistant roofing materials guarantee longevity and protection from the harshest weather conditions, while energy-efficient and sustainable roofing systems contribute to long-term energy savings. There are also synthetic options that offer both durability and energy efficiency at a much lower cost.

 

Top 6 Most Popular Roofing Options

 

Despite the wide variety of roofing materials available, a few options consistently attract the attention of homeowners across the country.

 

The following are the most common types of roofing materials you can see today:

 

1.     Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles usually come in two types: fiberglass and organic. Most homeowners prefer fiberglass shingles over organic ones because they are easier to work with but tougher than the organic variety.

With so many styles and colors available, fiberglass shingles can be used in any home type. The shingles have fiberglass layers separated by ceramic and asphalt granules to make them more durable. Fiberglass asphalt shingles have an expected lifespan of 15–30 years and are the best choice if you’re looking for a stylish but budget-friendly roof.

 

2.     Metal Roof

Metal roofs can outlast most types of roofing materials. And as more people look for aesthetically-pleasing eco-friendly roofing systems, their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years.

Although metal roofs are slightly more expensive than asphalt and wood, they are better able to withstand prolonged exposure to inclement weather. In terms of style, there is a wide variety of metal roofing options, with some even designed to look like traditional shingles, shakes, or tiles. However, installing a standing seam metal roof requires specialized skills, and not every roofing company is equipped to do so.

 

3.     Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are made from fire-resistant wood. It is unquestionably one of the most classic types of roofing material – a beautiful, rustic option that is also extremely durable and energy efficient.

But while wooden roofs look great, they’re expensive to order and install. There are also costs associated with keeping them in good condition. Maintaining wood roofing is labor-intensive and time-consuming. If not maintained well, the roof can get severely damaged.

4.     Slate Roof

Slate is one of the oldest and most expensive roofing materials. It is also very durable, known to withstand the test of time, and lasting more than a hundred years with proper care and maintenance.

​​Slate roofs are, by far, the most sustainable roofing material around. They can last two or three times longer than the next best option, eliminating the need for replacement every 30 years or so. Slate is also very dense, making it a good insulator and a highly-efficient choice.

 

5.     Clay and Concrete Tiles

 Clay and concrete tiles give a roof texture and elegance. Authentic clay tiles are energy-efficient and extremely durable, but they are also heavier and costlier than most roofing choices.

Because of their weight, roofs made with clay or concrete tiles typically require additional framing and must be installed by roofers with plenty of experience in handling these materials, running up the costs even more. If you’re after the aesthetics, though, the results can be worth it! With proper maintenance, clay or concrete roofing systems can last between 40 and 50 years.

 

6.     Synthetic Roofing Products

 Rubber, plastic, and polymer are just some of the modern synthetic roofing materials that can be made to look and feel like more traditional materials like slate and wood.

Synthetic roofing is appealing because they are often not as fragile, heavy, or expensive as natural products. They can last up to 50 years with minimal maintenance and work well  with different architectural styles. However, be very careful when selecting synthetic roofing because the quality can vary across manufacturers.

 

How to Choose A Roofing Material for Your Home

Several factors need consideration when deciding on a roofing system for your home. These factors include your budget, location, architectural design of your house, maintenance, and more. If you’re planning a rooftop HVAC unit, you should first ask your HVAC contractor to speak with your roofer. Whatever type of roofing fulfills your requirements is the one for you.

Your roof’s primary purpose is to keep the elements out, but you should pick a material that does this without compromising your home’s aesthetic value. You don’t want to spend too much on a roof, especially if you’ll have to put in a lot of work and money keeping it in good condition.

Many roofing companies provide no-cost inspections and quotes. Whether you’re in the market for a new roof or replacing your old one, consult with the experts and ask for their professional advice.