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.

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.

Let’s talk about traditional asphalt shingles which come in many styles and price points. They are appropriate for any climate, and are easy to maintain. The basic asphalt shingle is a 3-tab shingle and is available in a variety of colors, however it offers no textural interest. The other main issue with asphalt is that it doesn’t last forever and will need to be replaced after 15 or so years.

Another option that is definitely picking up steam in the residential arena is a metal roof. If you truly want a worry free roof that will withstand any weather condition, metal is for you. Metal roofing is available as a panel or shingle for residential applications. Shingles are made to look like other materials and panels present clean and more modern lines. Metal panels are lightweight, but strong enough to endure severe weather, and snow easily slides off the roof. Finally, metal 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.

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 fast becoming a favorite among homeowners.

When it comes to home investments, we all know there is certainly a lot to choose from. It always seems that as soon as you invest in one improvement, another area needs updating. The same is true with fixing things that break around the house. That’s just how home ownership works. Whatever project you decide to take on, make sure it’s a good investment.

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 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.

Before you start house hunting , home improvement experts say you really need to understand what exterior style of home you love. Knowing this, will definitely help you when it comes time to purchase your next home. No matter what style appeals to you, make sure the home is an energy efficient home. If not, plan on shelling out big bucks on heating and cooling bills. Two big areas to watch for are updated windows and a newer roof. There are many styles to choose from.

First up, the Colonial. Some of the first homes were built by English colonists. They feature a step roof line; wood clapboard siding or wood shingled siding and multi pane double hung windows.

The Cape Cod is definitely a favorite of many. The Georgian Colonial is the one that is most common today. They have a very rectangular, symmetrical and formal style to them. Typically, they are made of brick, but up north, wood siding is popular.

Bungalows are also popular. They have one and half stories, low pitched roofs and a horizontal shape. They’re known for having an extremely efficient floor plan.

Ranch styles became *the* style around 1945 when World War 11 ended and the soldiers came home. Developers bought huge tracts of land because soldiers needed homes. They built them very simplistically and very affordable.

If none of these styles work for you, you may want to take a look at modern contemporary homes. Or “neo-eclectic” homes. These are large homes that borrow styles from many different styles of homes. No matter which style of home you pick, choosing an energy efficient home is always an appealing style. Look for an energy efficient roof. Many homeowners are even going metal, and choosing a metal roof. They last three times as long as a traditional asphalt roof, and they are known for being green and extremely energy efficient. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to come out and show you why metal will save you energy dollars!