The roof on your home is a key component to its overall structure, and its value. Proper maintenance can help maintain the roof’s structural integrity while maximizing the value of your home.
The lifespan of a typical roof can last between 15 and 20 years. However, over that time it requires roof inspections to ensure it is operating properly. Having the roof inspected by a roofing professional is affordably priced, and will offer significant benefits to the homeowner and the home. A proper roof inspection will determine if it requires maintenance, to ensure it operates properly.
Short-Term Maintenance
Short-term maintenance on the home’s roof can save the homeowner the high cost of a full roof replacement long before its warranty has expired. In addition, it can help save the home from structural damage that could cost significantly to repair.
Part of the inspection includes looking for nails that have popped up from the roofing system. Any missing or loose nail will need to be replaced. Any missing shingle will need to be replaced also, to ensure that the home is protected from water damage. In the event that water damage has already happened, there may be additional repairs needed to prevent any further problems.
The Flashing
The flashing that surrounds the chimney and other roof penetrations needs to be in proper working condition. As the home ages, the hot days of summer expand the caulking and other sealants. During the winter months the same caulking and sealing contracts. Over time, this can open up the area and allow water to penetrate behind the flashing, into the attic, and eventually into the home. As a result, part of the repair process might require re-caulking an additional sealant around the chimney flashing and other pop-ups in the roofing system.
A Full Replacement
At some time in the future, the entire roofing system will become aged, worn-out and in need of a full replacement. In addition, there may be significant damage to the roof caused by storms, winds, or the outdoor elements. Whatever reason, a full replacement is a costly venture, but one that can add significant value to the home, while providing complete protection against wind and rain.
When it becomes time for a full replacement of the entire roofing system, it is best to seek at least two or three quotes from competent reputable license roofers. Part of the estimate should include the types of materials that will be used, and the extent of the warranties involved.
Typically, a whole roof replacement can be accomplished in one or two days. The roof will generally tear off the entire existing roof coverings including shingles or tiles, and the felt below. They will thoroughly inspect the roofing surface to ensure it is in proper condition, and replace any existing boards that are rotted, damaged or missing.
Before choosing a roofing company to do any work on the home’s roofing system, it’s important to check their references and their license. Be sure that they are highly qualified, carry the right liability insurance, and can do the job right.
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Home Improvement Can Increase the Value of a Home
Once you have been in your own home for a fair length of time, it is only natural that your thoughts veer towards home improvement. This can become necessitated due to changes in the family, improved economic conditions, the need to go in for better facilities, or change in health conditions.
The First Steps
Call for a family meeting and announce your intention to go in for some form of home improvement. Ask every member to suggest improvements or changes that are desired in the home. Discuss each one and come down to a list of the ones that are largely acceptable.
You then need to decide on the way these home improvements will be carried out and priorities for various areas. Home improvements can be carried out through the DIY route or by getting in professionals to carry out the work. Doing it yourself can be very satisfying and economical, but such improvements are likely to take a much longer time, as most such work is only carried out over weekends and in spare time from normal careers.
Professionals will do a much more satisfactory job, though it can be expensive. If you are planning to bring in professionals, give them your list of proposed home improvements and ask them to indicate costs and time frames. If you are planning to do it yourself, you need to make a complete list of required materials and have this list valued out at your local home improvement store.
The final budget, whichever the construction route, then needs to be looked at . See whether you can arrange the necessary financing to see the project through. This will have to come from your own savings or other means of raising funds. Where homes have built up a substantial equity from mortgages, a second mortgage is an easy alternative. Just be sure that you will be able to meet the extra monthly installments that such a second mortgage will entail. The process of obtaining the second mortgage can also take a bit of time.
Home Improvements Increase Property Value
When you add to the facilities in a home and arrange to put in the latest fittings, it can add to the value of a home. Adding a gazebo or conservatory makes for very substantial additions to livable space as well. One very popular item in home improvements is converting basements into play and family areas. Redoing the yard and improving the landscaping can also help to increase the value of a home, and if you put in a swimming pool, your social status will also get greatly enhanced.
Home improvements can come from rearranging furniture or going in for new or added pieces. Change the upholstery as part of your improvement scheme, and the look in your home can immediately change. This can also be achieved by repainting walls, papering them or adding wainscoting.
Before you go in for home improvement remove all the clutter in your home, the basement and attics. Adding paintings or other artwork like sculptures can also add in home improvement.
Installing lifts or adding ramps and other elderly friendly measures are a common form of home improvement, that families have to look at, as the members in them go closer to old age, and need such aids.
Make sure that the home improvement you decide on adds value to the home and makes it one that is far more useful. Examine the safety aspect of each improvement, so that the children and the elderly are never at risk.