We’ve all been there. You know, the moment your heart falls in love with the most perfect house you’ve ever seen. Of course, in your head your already rearranging the furniture and deciding which bedrooms would be perfect for your kids. Local real estate experts say, you really should try not to fall head over heels in love with a house until after the inspection. Whether you think you’ve found the perfect house, the classiest neighborhood or the friendliest neighbors, be sure to step back and look at the big picture when you’re shopping for a new home. Was there something you missed along the way because of your enthusiasm?

Real estate experts say, a lot of first-time homebuyers fall in love way too fast, and then look for reasons to fall even more in love instead of the other way around. Once you’ve narrowed your search to a few neighborhoods, don’t fall for the first bargain that sweeps you off your feet. Some people are blinded by just the value and are not stopping to consider whether or not they have the money to fix it up. Just because the price is right doesn’t mean the home is. Even if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, remodeling costs add up quickly. If the home you’ve fallen for has flaws that you can fix down the road, you can hope you’ll have enough equity in the home within a few years to take out a home-equity line of credit. Even experienced homebuyers aren’t immune from love at first sight, but they might be more aware of signs that could signal a deal breaker.

Local realtors say, the biggest problems with a home that causes the most buyers to back out are foundation issues and bad roofs. Both of these problems are costly and most homeowners do not want to deal with them right when they move in. Because asphalt roofs have such a short shelf life, more and more homeowners are choosing to invest in a metal roof. They are incredibly strong and will last four times the length of a traditional asphalt roof. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a leader in the industry and can show you why many are going metal, and not looking back!

Recent studies including one by the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition shows that installation of reflective metal roofing can save your home up to 40% in summer cooling energy costs. This means less money out of your wallet, less dependence on energy resources and less general air pollution in your neighborhood.

The secret to metal roofing’s energy savings is in its variety of finishes. The basic, unpainted roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in your attic and home by a traditional asphalt roof. But, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated roofing systems in metal not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home. This is done because it works to re-emit most of what solar radiation is absorbed. Where annual cooling loads dominate, a highly reflective and highly emissive painted or granular-coated roof is optimal for reducing energy consumption and can actually re-emit up to 90% of absorbed solar radiation. That’s a lot of savings, and it’s why metal is fast becoming a popular residential roofing option.

Most roofing that is metal, including standing seam, is composed of recycled material and can be installed directly onto an existing asphalt roof, reducing landfill waste and promoting quick installation. Erie Construction in Evansville, Indiana offers you a long-term solution in roofing. An option that will protect your home and put money in your pocket.

Metal roofs used to only be seen on commercial buildings, but now it seems that they are gaining in popularity among homeowners. One reason why is that they are extremely strong and durable. Their toughness meets the strictest codes for wind, fire, and impact. Another big reason to consider this type of roof is energy savings. It is one of the most energy efficient roofing systems available. They are durable and weather resistant, having the highest UL ratings for fire, wind, and impact resistance. Another benefit is that it will last three or more times longer than traditional asphalt shingle roofing.

No matter where you live, summer temps are climbing higher and higher. Another reason, why this type of roof makes sense. Energy Star certified metal roofing materials reflect a high percentage of the sun’s energy back into the atmosphere. What this means is that your attic temperatures will be lower. Traditional, dark asphalt shingle roofs absorb solar radiation, making your attic a very hot place during the summer months. The higher the Energy Star reflectance rating your metal roofs have, the more money you save.

Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a leader in the industry because of the quality product we offer and our low prices. Give us a call so we can meet with you and give you a free estimate. Many of our homeowners say they’re biggest regret, is waiting as long as they did to go metal.

No matter where you look, metal roofs are gaining in popularity, and are everywhere! Experts say, metal roofs are growing in popularity for a couple of reasons. Besides the fact that they’re now made in a great many colors and styles, metal roofs are also much more reliable than they used to be years ago. They make a lot of sense for many reasons including the fact that they have a neoprene washer under the head which lasts much longer than the lead-headed nails that were used years ago.

Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest growing segments of home improvement more than quadrupling its market share over the past decade. The benefits offered by today’s metal roofs allow homeowners to upgrade their homes with products of lasting value. While other roofs quickly diminish in value as they age, metal roofs provide the following lasting benefits:

• Proven performance expectation of 50+ years
• Beautiful styles to match any home or neighborhood
• Interlocking panels for maximum wind resistance
• Fire resistance
• Energy efficiency by keeping homes cooler
• Low weight to help preserve structural integrity and life

Local realtors say, potential home buyers get excited when they see a metal roof because they know it will last a long time and requires little to no maintenance. In many instances it can be the deciding factor when it comes to making an offer.

We all know we need to do more to lessen our carbon footprint. But are there ways to do this without going to the extreme of selling your home and moving the family into a tent? Actually, you will be relieved to know that there are easy ways you can go green at home!

Here are a few tips.

• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
• Save water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water. Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too. Install a low-flow showerhead. They don’t cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.