In our current real estate market, more and more homeowners are opting to “stay put” and make improvements to their homes. With that being said,  it’s important to pick home improvement projects that add value to the property. With real estate prices still in flux, value-adding projects make more sense than pleasure projects that may actually take away from the home’s overall worth.

A can of paint does not cost much more than about $30. Yet Kiplinger reports that a home with freshly painted walls provides home sellers with a hefty ROI. (Return on investment) If money is tight, make this your one top project for next year. Of course, take care not to go overboard with outlandish color schemes that are unlikely to net you a sizable return.

A steel front door is an upgrade buyers look for. It adds not only safety but also a lot of curb appeal to your home’s facade. Old-fashioned steel is still the material of choice. Fiberglass, although typically much more expensive, only nets you a 65% ROI.

When was the last time you checked on your insulation? If you live in an older home, the original insulation may no longer be in keeping with the guidelines. Adding insulation offers a full return.

Home Improvement experts also say that a kitchen remodel features an 88% ROI. Pricing the average kitchen remodel at $8,655, it makes sense to upgrade cabinets, appliances, window treatments and paint. With an average bathroom remodel cost of $9,135, the ROI is nearly that of a kitchen remodel.

Local realtors say, residential roofing is another area that can ultimately be a “deal breaker.” If your roof is in bad shape it’s a good idea to go ahead and replace it. If not, expect a low ball offer that could be $20-$30,000 under asking price. Metal roofing is also picking up steam because potential buyers know it lasts three times that of a traditional roof and that it is extremely energy efficient. Erie Construction, of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to show you why metal will one day dominate the industry!

When buying a new home real estate experts say you shouldn’t let minor aesthetic differences sway you from making an offer.  If appliances or the decorative theme are not up to your expectations, keep in mind that most of these things can be easily modified over time. What is important when viewing the interior of the home is to check for overall structural soundness and try to focus on potential rather than current appearance. A good strategy is to hire a licensed home inspector before you close the deal. The inspector will provide a detailed analysis and cost breakdown on actual required repairs.

Buyers should not get discouraged when their potential dream home requires some old-fashioned manual labor to get it up to their standards. Realtors refer to this as “sweat equity.” Sweat equity is a time investment by the potential buyer to clean, redo and repair the potential property once the purchase is complete. Right now we are in a poor real-estate market which is littered with short sales and foreclosures – many of which are neglected, vacant properties. Also, many purchases are older properties with excellent construction characteristics but needing some “elbow grease.”

So don’t let aesthetics stop you from making an offer on what could be your dream home. However, don’t feel pressured to sign on the dotted line if the inspection shows larger problems. For example,  if the inspection shows that the roof needs to be replaced. If this is the case, ask the homeowner  to put a new roof on or give you a substantial credit towards a new roof. In this market, sellers want to make their deals work because they don’t know when another offer is going to come through. A metal roof is another option that many homeowners are turning to. It lasts three times as long as a traditional roof and is extremely durable during extreme weather conditions. Erie Constructionof Evansville, Indiana is a leader in the industry and can show you some of the reasons metal makes sense for your home and your pocketbook.

When it comes to residential roofing, there is a lot to keep in mind. There are various types of roofing shingles available for your home. Some better than others.  Let’s talk about the most popular option, asphalt.

Asphalt shingles come in many styles and price point and are appropriate for any climate, wind-resistant and easy to maintain. The basic asphalt shingle is a 3-tab shingle; it’s available in many colors, but offers no textural interest. The other main issue with asphalt is that it doesn’t last forever. It will need to be replaced after 15 or so years.

Another option that is definitely picking up steam in the residential arena is metal. If you truly want a worry free roof that will withstand any weather condition, metal is for you. Metal Roofing is  no longer just for commercial buildings, but is available as a panel or shingle for residential roofs . Shingles are made to look like other materials and panels provide clean lines which are suitable on a farmhouse and on urban applications.

Metal roofs offer durability and are ideal for areas with harsh weather conditions. It is resistant to fire, hail, moisture and fungal growth and is very low-maintenance. It is fully recyclable and can be made of recycled materials. Local realtors say, buyers love when they see metal because they know that means they won’t have to give the roof any attention. Erie Construction, of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to show you why metal is the last roof you’ll ever need.

When it comes to a new roof, we all want the same thing. A roof that’s not too expensive, requires no maintenance, and lasts forever. But when it comes to residential roofing, most roofs are replaced, or at least repaired, every ten years. Most asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

Slate, aluminum, steel, and clay roofs all have life spans of 50-plus years, some lasting up to 200! Because of this, many homeowners are switching to metal and never looking back. Local realtors say, buyers know metal lasts a long time and are attracted to homes with these types of roofs. Even though another asphalt shingle roof may seem like a steal per-square foot, when you account for energy inefficiency and the replacement costs in another 15 years, going with a more durable, longer-lasting roof can be a better financial decision as well as more environmentally sound.

Metal roofs are fast becoming a popular option both in commercial and residential roofing properties. They are durable, fire retardant and almost maintenance-free. They are also energy efficient; metal reflects heat and blocks its transfer into the attic. Research by the Florida Solar Energy Center in 1985 showed that metal absorbed 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles, and homeowners switching to metal roofing reported saving up to 20 percent on their energy bills.

As with any larger roofing project, finding a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor for the job is essential. Whatever you do, make sure you find a pre-screened, certified roofer today. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love a chance to come out, give you a free estimate and show you why many homeowners are switching to metal and loving their decision.