We all know when you own a home you need to stay on top of things and fix them before the problem either gets worse or something else breaks. It’s just part of home ownership. Some problems are small but unfortunately, some are bigger and more costly. One of the biggest areas that seems to keep homeowners on their toes is residential roofing. Asphalt is a very popular option for many homeowners but they are not durable. The biggest problem with them is that they do not hold up in stormy conditions and on average only last 10-15 years. It’s never good news to find out you have a problem roof that needs to be replaced.

If you are looking for a more durable and energy efficient solution for your home then you need to consider a metal roof. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry because we offer the highest quality product at a fair and honest price.

So why is a metal roof becoming so popular? For starters, it is the strongest product available which is why it’s the new go to material for not only commercial properties but residential as well. They  can last 50 or even 100 years if properly installed and proper maintenance is carried out. According to National Association of Home Builders other types of roofs such as asphalt can last anywhere from 10-15 years, under the same conditions. So when do you want to replace your roof after 10-15 years, or after 50 plus? I know my answer. Plus, a metal roof is great for the environment  and extremely energy efficient. Even better, home builders say you will see a reduction on your energy bills in a short amount of time.

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!

We all know we are still in a depressed real estate market.  It’s a buyers market. Great time to buy a house but not a great time to sell a house. My realtor friend, Debbie tells me that buyers are spoiled nowadays. They want to essentially move their toothbrush in and call it a day. That means your home better be in tip top shape. If not, buyers will move on to the next house and not think anything of it. Ok, so now let’s talk about deal breakers. Debbie says there are three big ones. Foundation issues, roofing issues, and outdated bathrooms are the “big three” that she sees most. A bad kitchen isn’t a good thing either. The most common though, is a bad roof. Not a good thing to have when desperate to sell your home.

When it comes to residential roofing, most roofs are replaced, or at least repaired, every ten years. If that number doesn’t sit well with you, you should consider a roofing material other than asphalt. Most asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years but 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 making the move to metal roofing.  Realtors say, buyers know metal roofing will last a longer time and are attracted to homes with these types of roofs. Put it this way, if you have a problem roof, you will not get asking price for your house. If you do get an offer, (you may not) expect one that is at least twenty thousand dollars under your asking price!

Metal roofing is fast becoming popular for not only commercial but residential as well.  It’s durable, fire retardant and almost maintenance-free. Metal roofing is also very energy efficient because it reflects heat and blocks its transfer into the attic. Research shows that metal absorbed 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles, and homeowners switching to metal reported saving up to 20 percent on their energy bills. This is a great feature in both the scorching hot summer months as well as the cold winter months.  Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to come out and give you a free estimate. We will show you why metal is picking up steam as the “go to” product in the roofing industry.

If you are about to build your dream house, it’s important to make choices that you love, but that don’t break the budget! Let’s talk about a few ways to save money when deciding on those dream house features.

Let’s start with flooring. The most common flooring choices in the family room or great room are carpeting, laminate hardwood, engineered hardwood, or site-finished solid hardwood. Carpet is usually the least expensive option, but may need to be replaced in 5-10 years, due to wear. Hardwood is another popular option. It can be expensive, but with proper care and eventual refinishing, can last for the life of the home. High-quality engineered or laminate floors can cost as much as site-finished natural hardwoods, or even more. It’s important to determine what the best investment is for your budget, initially and long-term.

In today’s homes, fireplaces are chosen more often for their visual appeal and the lure of cozy, romantic winter evenings than for traditional heating imperatives. In 1991, 62% of new homes had a fireplace. By 2007, only 51% of new homes included fireplaces. And most fireplaces today are gas, rather than wood-burning. A full, floor-to-ceiling stone surround can be the most striking focal point in your home. But it can get expensive, so you may also want to consider a ceramic tile fireplace, which can also look beautiful as well. (This will also be a big money saver!)

Now let’s talk about built-ins. Beautiful yes, but their price can definitely add up. A beautiful, furniture grade built-in with lower cabinetry, upper bookshelves, and special places for electronics can really make a room sizzle. But this type of upgrade can cost several thousands of dollars. If you simply can’t afford this, talk to your builder about “framing“ in preparation for future additions.

A higher ceiling can make a home feel a lot larger than it actually is, but it does have its drawbacks. If lower heating and cooling costs and more efficient use of space are more important to you than open space overhead, you might agree with the most recent trends that are replacing wide-open ceilings with a full size bonus room occupying that space. This a good option that will definitely save you on your energy bills.

Many people love the character older homes have, but not the problems that come along with them. Experts say there are things you need to do in order to properly maintain an older home.

The first thing you should do is get the roof repaired before any further damage is done. The next thing is to have the electrical updated to code to reduce chances of an electrical fire. Plumbing would be next, but make sure you have taken into consideration all that you plan to do to the home. For instance, you don’t want to have the plumbing modified, then decide to remodel a bathroom or kitchen and have to redo what you’ve already done.

Older homes will most definitely have windows that are far from energy efficient. There are window companies that can help you pick out new, Energy Star windows that will match your old world style. When you get your first energy bill, you’ll be glad you switched them out.