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 Problematic and outdated kitchens, bathrooms, and aging roofs.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.

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.

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!

We all have a “to do” list when it comes to home renovation projects. The key to investing in your home is doing it wisely, making sure you recoup at least some of the cost upon the sale of your home. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Remodeling Magazine recently released their 2012 Remodeling Cost Vs. Value Report, and the findings show you don’t have to spend a ton of money to add to your home’s resale value.

Exterior renovations dominated the list of cost-effective projects. This year’s Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report shows the value of putting your home’s best facade forward. Exterior replacement projects are not only crucial to a home’s regular upkeep, but are also expected to recoup close to 70 percent of costs.

If you want to recoup about 78% of your investment, high quality siding is the way to go. Siding replacement is already part of long-term home maintenance, so go for the good stuff and reap the rewards upon the sale of your home.

Replacing your current entry door with a strong steel door pays for itself in more than one way. You see more than 70 percent of your cost returned, and you will know you and your family are safer than you would be with a flimsy wooden exterior door.

Next up, replace your garage door. You can expect a good return when you replace your old garage door with an upscale or mid-range model. Also, you can’t ignore your old, leaky windows forever. As with many of the projects on this list, window replacement is part of long-term home maintenance for many people. By replacing your old windows with newer vinyl models, you’ll recoup some of your cost and save yourself money on utility bills over time.

Lastly, local realtors say, nothing turns a buyers off more than an old, falling apart, asphalt roof. More and more homeowners are making the switch to a metal roof because they last three times as long, and they are energy efficient. Erie Construction, of Evansville, Indiana is a leader in the industry and can show you why many homeowners are reaping the rewards of metal.