Let’s face it, roofs are pretty boring, and most of the time they just sit and do nothing. You probably don’t notice them. Unless of course you have a problem. A leak. Traditional asphalt roofs have a shelf life of typically 10-15 years. After that, you will either need to replace it or have some extensive repair work done.  Most experts will advise that you just replace the whole thing after so many years have gone by because repairs will really only act like a band aid and temporarily fix the problem.

If the idea of having to replace your roof after just 10-15 years makes you cringe, you should consider a metal roof. While asphalt 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

Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry. We would love to spend an hour with you and show you why many are ditching asphalt and investing in a metal roof. The toughest, most durable material in roofing today.

When done wisely with experienced contractors, home remodeling can add increased value to a home. So, before you start knocking walls down, make sure you do a little research and make sure you are making a smart home investment. Although, in our current real estate market, it is difficult to please every potential buyer, it is possible to please the majority.

A good rule of thumb to follow is that curb appeal, de-cluttering, and fresh paint are a must. Local realtors say that nothing turns off potential buyers more than the “big three.” Problematic and outdated kitchens, bathrooms, and aging roofs.

Another area that needs attention is the master bedroom.  Remodeling a master suite can add on average $120,000 to the price of a home.  A kitchen — $70,000, a bathroom — $32,000, and a basement — $46,000.

Now, let’s talk about your roof. In this market, potential buyers want to move right in, not have to think about getting their roof replaced.  Who wants to move in and have a leaky roof? No one. Realtors say if you do get an offer prepare for it to be significantly lower than your asking price. The reality is that most buyers will just move on to another home (so many on the market) that are move in ready.

If you are in the market for a new roof doing a little research will definitely pay off. For starters, a traditional asphalt roof has a shelf life of about 10-15 years. A metal roof will out last that by three times! Plus, metal withstands any weather condition with ease. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to show you why many are confidently making the switch to metal.

It’s always a good idea to keep your home in tip top shape because you never know when you may have to sell. Local home inspectors say it’s a good idea to start with your deck.  First off, inspect it. Start by cleaning the surface with soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. Then check for splinters and popped nails; break off splinters, sand sharp edges, hammer nails, and tighten screws. Finally, check the structure for rotten boards, broken railings, and wobbly steps. If you discover extensive damage to the deck, consider a replacement.

Next up, give your front door a makeover. A fresh coat can transform your home’s facade for the cost of a quart of paint. Choose a color that’s appropriate to the architecture. Traditional homes calls for historically correct hues, say a red or black door on a white Colonial-style home. For a Federal-style brick building, earth tones, including brown and green, are the best complement, or you can pick up the neutral hue of the mortar.

Now let’s talk about your roof. Button up the envelope. A leaky roof allows water to penetrate inside, where it can ruin insulation and drywall, and create opportunity for mold. On a sunny day, use binoculars to spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles, which are signs that the roof is near its end of life. Also check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys, and the rubber boots around vets for cracks. If you know that your roof needs to be replaced, you should look into a metal roof. More and more homeowners are making the switch to metal because it lasts three times as long as traditional asphalt roofs, is extremely energy efficient, and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to show you why metal is a choice that is becoming more and more popular.

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.