In this economy it only makes sense to choose home improvements that are smart investments. You know, the ones that carry large ROI’s. (Returns on Investment.)  Home improvement experts say kitchen improvement are always smart.  Buyers love up-to-date kitchens! Next up, master bedrooms are also wise investments. Now,  more than ever, people view the master bedroom as a retreat, and improvements here can increase your comfort as well as your bottom line. Upgrades such as walk–in closets, fireplaces and vaulted ceilings can set your home apart from others in the neighborhood while still keeping your investment sound.

Bathrooms. If you don’t have one, consider adding an attached master bathroom or improving the one you have. Simple things like a new vanity, lighting or mirrors can go a long way toward making your bathroom an inviting place. Also, don’t forget paint. Nothing shows a home’s age faster than peeling paint and dings in the baseboards. Painting the inside and the outside can make an older home look new again and give everything a finished look. As a bonus, this is one improvement that is easy to do yourself.

Now let’s get energy efficient and really save some money. Buying new windows is right up there with probably one of the biggest home improvement projects you can make. It’s also one of the smartest. Did you know that research shows that new, energy efficient replacement windows will give you one of the biggest ROI’s (return on investment) than most other home improvement projects?  Expect to get back around 80% of what you invested. Energy efficient vinyl siding, gutters and bathroom and kitchen remodeling are all big investments. The good news is that they are also among the smartest. Residential roofing is also shown to impress potential buyers and give you a nice ROI.

Another improvement that is extremely smart is your roof. If you truly want a worry free roof that will withstand any weather condition, metal is for you. Metal isn’t just for commercial buildings anymore. It is available as a panel or shingle for residential applications. Shingles are made to look like other materials and panels offer clean lines. Metal panels are lightweight, yet strong enough to withstand severe weather, and snow easily slides off the roof. Finally, a metal roof lasts longer, conserves energy, and requires virtually no maintenance. Many are even investing in a metal roof  because it lasts three times as long and is by far the most durable. Local realtors say, another great perk is that investing in metal can drastically increase the resale value of your home. Stick with the top home improvement list and it will be money well spent. Erie Construction, of Evansville Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry because we offer the highest quality product at fair and honest prices. We would love the chance to come out and show you why metal is such a smart investment both for commercial and residential properties.

It’s no big surprise that more and more homeowners are getting sick and tired of dealing with roofing problems every time it storms. Traditional asphalt roofs are losing their steam because homeowners are growing frustrated with their short shelf life of 10-15 years. So what’s a homeowners to do if they are fed up with asphalt? While businesses have tapped into the world of metal for years, more and more homeowners are now looking at metal roofing for their homes.

Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest growing home improvement projects  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 a durable long lasting, value added roofing system.   While other roofs quickly diminish in value as they age, metal provides 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

If you are like the thousands of homeowners who thinks metal makes sense, we here at Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana would love to come out and give you a free estimate and show you why our roof is the last one you’ll ever need!

Once you become a homeowner, your “to do” list starts. If you don’t stay up on projects your home will soon start looking worn. Not a good image, especially of you are trying to sell your house. Even if your not trying to sell, you need to act like you are. If not, your home will start to look like it hasn’t been cared for. Before the cold weather really sets in, experts say it‘s a good time to inspect your deck. 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, how does your front door look? 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.

Another critical area that often scares homebuyers away is a problematic roof. 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. Many homeowners are sick and tired of having roofing issues every few years so they are opting to invest in a metal roof. That’s right, metal isn’t just for commercial properties anymore! Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a leader in the industry and can show you why metal is fast becoming such a popular roofing option.

So we all know that our current housing market is definitely a buyers market. But the big question is: Do buyers want fixer uppers or homes that are move in ready? Local realtors say, the majority want homes that will require light cosmetic repairs. Buyers who gravitate toward fixers are those who either don’t qualify to buy a more expensive home or those who want to make a profit by fixing the home themselves. Most fixer buyers are willing to do simple repairs such as paint the walls, put in new carpeting or replace light fixtures. They typically don’t want to rebuild a foundation or move walls, or deal with residential roofing problems. This means that sellers need to make sure their roofs will not only pass inspection but that they are solidly constructed and newer, rather than older. Realtors say, buyers also love it when they look at a home with a metal roof because they know it means they won’t have to mess with it. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana has been helping homeowners make the switch from asphalt to metal for years, and would love to show you all the pros of metal.

If you have an old roof that needs repairs, keep in mind that fixer-upper buyers will discount the price of the home to allow for the repairs and, for the inconvenience, a bit more. Say, a home is worth $100,000 fixed up, but it needs a new roof. A new roof might cost $10,000. A buyer most likely will not offer $90,000 for this home. Otherwise, they could buy an identical home with a new roof for $100,000 and not have the hassle. A buyer for this type of home might offer $75,000, or even less. In this scenario, a seller would be smarter to pay for a new roof and sell the home for $100,000.

Planning home improvements that pay you back at the time of sale requires a strategic vision. However, there are certain projects that will get buyers in your home and will provide a good ROI, or return on investment. Curb appeal is the first step in a successful home sale, and installing a beautiful, high quality front door is a simple home improvement project that delivers impact both in buyer drive-bys and online listings. A new entry door will also help lower home energy costs and stand up to weather extremes.

Next up, building a deck is one of the least-expensive ways to extend your living space. Composite decking is a great low-maintenance option, and even building a deck from pressure-treated woodcan bring a return on investment of up to 80 percent at the time of sale. Another area that will really get you a nice ROI is beautiful siding. This is a great way to really score some curb appeal and takes major home improvement worries off a potential buyer’s list. If you have an old and unattractive kitchen or bathrooms, you really need to put your time, energy and money sprucing these spaces up. New sinks, cabinets, and windows will definitely help. Don’t forget, paint, is the cheapest way to transform a room.

Lastly, if you have an old, asphalt roof you may as well place a sign in your front yard that says you have rats. Nothing turns off a potential buyer more than old, falling apart residential roofing. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a leader in the roofing industry. Let us show you several affordable options that will not only give you curb appeal, but will get your house sold. Plus, a new roof will also get you a pretty decent ROI. Lastly, you’ll get the foot traffic you would not have if you left your roof as is