"After speaking with you personally for the first time, I was 100% convinced that I had finally found the right company to trust and use"...

"Mr. Kanakis, you and your staff have exceeded my expectations by far, throughout my entire ordeal.  I'm so thankful for all of your assistance and expertise that you have so kindly and professionally shared"

Joyce Cohen -
Manhattan, New York

Fixer Upper Homes

In today's economy, people are looking to innovative ways to make money on investments. And given the current state of the housing market, it truly is a buyer's market.

This could be the right time to buy a fixer-upper.  That's a house that needs some tender loving care and a coat of paint to turn it into something that any new family would be happy to own.  You can buy these cheap and sell them for a decent profit. But where do you start?

You start at the end.  That simply means you need to have a vision in your mind of what the house should look like when you're finished.  Then you can develop a plan to get from where the house is now to your envisioned end.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Remodeling Articles here remodeling
Local in home price quote for your home renovation project
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After you have that vision in mind, the search starts for possible homes that you can turn into your vision.  Remember as you're searching that you have to get a house that will bring the maximum potential.  A good goal is a three-to-one return on the improvements you make to the home.  So before you begin the process of putting in a driveway for $3,000, ask yourself if this act will increase the property's value by $9,000.  If not, look for an alternative--that will come closer to that 3:1 ratio.

Let's take a look at some of the steps involved in fixing up the home. Take a look at the house and make a list of the things you notice that need fixing.  Right now, you're paying attention to first impressions.  As you first look at the outside or walk into a room, what features jump out at you and scream, "YUCK!"  These are areas that you want to fix so that, on first impression, they now scream out "WOW!"  First impressions are critically important when it comes to increasing home's resale value.

Some of the things that people first notice include switch covers, shelves, doorknobs, light fixtures, the front lawn, curtains, the wood chips or rocks on outdoor paths, faucets, and general cleanliness.  With those things in mind, think about what the home will look like if all of these things are spruced up.

These things we've discussed are small fixes. There are other bigger things that will probably need some fixing-up, too.  Basic systems in the home must work correctly. But again, the changes you make must be subject to the 3:1 rule.

Remember that to almost every buyer, the state of the bedrooms and kitchen will be important.  Same with the bathroom.  In fact, spending $5,000 to update a bathroom can easily add up to $15,000 to the home's resale value.  Or if you spend $2,000 to make the kitchen cleaner and more modern, and you can often add $6,000 to $8,000 to the value. Remember, though, to make changes that are almost universally liked:  Off-white kitchens will be approved by more people than a bright pink.

Some other big changes that will bring big value to the home include installing new carpet, adding a carport, putting in new doors, adding a fence, building a shed, painting (either inside or outside), putting a bench on the lawn, putting in a new closet, planting or trimming trees and bushes, etc.

Some other options to consider for your fixer-upper:

•  Give the house a shower.  This means, if the exterior is quite dirty, hose down the outside surface with a rented pressure washer.

•  Consider replacing your siding if it shows more than average wear and tear.

•  Unclog and re-secure the gutters, or replace them if they're beyond easy repair.

•  Make your windows shine.  This is essential.  Scrape off all paint spatters, wash windows using water and ammonia, and then buff them until they shine.  And above all, if you have any cracked panes, replace them.

•  Consider installing shutters. Adding shutters to the exterior, using a color which is a shade darker or lighter than the house, makes it stand out in an appealing way.

•  Use a good quality, quick-green fertilizer on your lawn.  With correct application, you'll get quality results in just a few weeks.  Keep it trimmed low an you'll have a lawn that looks as attractive as a golf course.

•  Consider that laying a new stone or brick walkway is something almost everyone finds attractive, and which will add lots of value to the home.

•  If there are cracks in the drive way, reseal them so your driveway looks new.

•  A homeowner who replaces a standard front door with a premium raised-panel hardwood one can, by paying $500 to $600, add several thousand dollars value to the home.

•  Another door-related fix-up:  Just install a shining brass  door knob and knocker and, for less than $120, you've added a touch of class to the house.

•  Many people completely overlook the mailbox as they're fixing up the house.  But a new, attractive mailbox speaks volumes to potential buyers.

•  Here's a psychological trick that works wonders in giving value to your home.  If the home has a front door that opens right into the living space, do some modifications.  Even if it takes away some of the living room area, build a separate entryway that then brings the person into the living room.  A separate entry like this makes the home feel like a higher caliber home than it otherwise might be.  If it's just impossible to create such a hallway, then build a makeshift one by using a cabinet, screen or bookcase as a divider.  Ad a plant on top of the bookcase to complete the illusion of a foyer separate from the living room if the bookcase is low. Or create the illusion of a separate foyer with different flooring.

•  This is a biggie:  Get rid of all odors from the home.  It doesn't matter if they originated with pets or come from the kitchen or bathroom, these odors will offend your prospective buyers.  And trying to cover the odors with potpourris or sweet smelling sprays doesn't help much, either.  You need real, genuine cleaning to get rid of the odors permanently.

So far, we've talked mostly about the lawn and main rooms of the house.  But there's one other area that you must look at--and it's often the most difficult. This is the garage and / or basement.  As important as the closets and bedrooms are for the woman, the garage or basement is for the man.  Fix them up well.  This means to get rid of all oil stains from the floor. There are commercial degreasing liquids sold at hardware stores that help with this.  These areas need to be clean and in move in condition as well.

When you're cleaning and repairing windows in the house, don't overlook those in the basement and garage.  Clean and fix them just as thoroughly.

Lastly, make sure that you have a healthy garage or basement.  Check for asbestos and radon.  Use a test kit to do your own test fast and easily.  Also, keep all chemicals stored away in a safe manner.

Once you've got your fixer-upper fixed up, it's just a matter of selling it, hopefully at a decent profit.  Selling it means, first of all, getting the right agent. A good real estate agent will often be a better negotiator than you are.  Often the seller becomes too apologetic for the smallest of flaws. A good agent will be good about pointing the potential buyer to all of the changes you've made to the house.

When you're trying to determine a selling price for the home, remember that this will be largely determined by the current market and the location.  Because of the current economy, your new fixer-upper might sell better in a couple of years than it will right now. That's okay; it gives you time to fix it up to get it ready, however mortgage payments can drain your potential profits.  Regardless, understand that there is a limit to how much the house will fetch in today's market. To find out a fair rate, find out what others with similar houses in the same area have sold theirs for. The Internet can be an invaluable tool to help you find out the going prices.

Above all, look at this as a project that will eventually yield a profit, more than a quick shot of instant cash.  If you do, then you'll have plenty of time to get the house in the shape that will appeal to buyers--and that will put the odds in your favor to earn a decent profit.

Want to get a free estimate for a new home improvement project now?
Get estimates from the best New York Home Improvement and Remodeling Contractor
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New York, Staten Island, the Bronx,
Yonkers and Westchester
 

With four out of five homes having an asphalt roof in America, it seems to be the winning alternative to roofing but why is that so? Cost, more than any one thing makes it the frontrunner as it is the least expensive option available so it fits most homeowner's budget more easily. The variety of colors, patterns and styles available give it a huge plus as well. It can be used on just about any type of architecture and fits well with its neighbors. They are also relatively easy to install with many homeowners choosing to do the work themselves, thus saving themselves more money.

There are basically two primary types of asphalt shingles - composition and fiberglass - with both being soaked in asphalt thereby embedding minerals into the surface of each shingle. These mineral or ceramic granules provide protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays and against wear and tear from the elements and nature. These granules also provide improved aesthetics to the shingles.  Once these granules start flaking off or washing away with the rain, it means your asphalt shingles are getting worn and need repair if possible or replacement.

The composition type of asphalt shingle is created from a core of organic felt material that has been produced from paper fibers and wood that has been saturated with asphalt making it waterproof with a top coat of adhesive asphalt. With approximately 40% more asphalt in each shingle making them more durable and weighing more than the ones made of fiberglass.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Home Improvement Articles here home improvement
Local in home cost estimate for your home renovation project
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The fiberglass asphalt shingle has a core that has been manufactured from fiberglass matting that is not waterproof but it serves as reinforcement. Because asphalt will not stick to the fiberglass matting, fillers are used to get the asphalt to stick to the matting thereby filling the gaps and making it waterproof. After cooling the adhesive asphalt is then applied. This shingle is also considered more fire resistant than the composition one made from organic material.

These asphalt shingles are manufactured into four different types:

•  Strip shingles – These are the most common and are manufactured in both standard and metric sizes with American strip shingles measuring twelve inches wide by thirty-six inches long. The most popular strip shingle features three tabs that allow you to design a wide variety of patterns of shadow and light depending on how you align each tab.

•  Laminated shingles - These are three dimensional shingles that vary in thickness, size, the number and spacing of the tabs. These are also called architectural shingles because they have a bigger impact on the viewer visually offering more character and depth with the variety and types of patterns that can be designed.

•  Interlocking shingles - These will fasten one to another and are considered ideal for high wind or bad weather areas where roofs might be subject to these types of climatic conditions. They are usually only available in those areas where there is a higher need for them.

•  Large individual shingles - These are obviously bigger than the other types of shingles and do not have any tabs. They are usually used when designing a unique pattern or one that is rectangular or hexagonal.

With a vast variety of textures, patterns and colors available and some with varying weights as well, it offers a perplexing array of choices that might make it difficult to determine which one to purchase! The heavier shingles are used by most homeowners as they are more durable and they are usually three dimensional offering a better style and look than a lighter weight less durable product.

Your roof's shape and slope will also be a consideration when deciding which type of shingles to purchase. Many roofs with uneven shapes offer the opportunity to create a design or pattern that can be visually effective especially if it will be readily seen. Gabled roofs are one type that has a single slope on either side of a single ridge creating a triangular shape on the front. A side gabled roof means the non-gabled side features the front doorway and front of the home while the front gabled roof faces the front. A cross gabled roof has two separate gabled wings. Any of these roof shapes offer lots of possibilities in terms of a design or pattern that can be striking and make a bold statement.

Another consideration is that many areas of the country are subject to severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornados or sleet and hail storms, so many asphalt manufacturers are designing their products to withstand harsher weather conditions. With some insurance companies providing discounts if your roof is designed to resist high impact winds, more and more homeowners are opting to pay a little more for their roofing to prevent damage and to qualify for such a discount.

Some areas of the country have more extremes in temperatures or are generally cooler or warmer than other areas so that the lifespan of asphalt roofs can vary considerably from one end of the country to the other. In cold areas where there is a freeze and thaw cycle, water can get into cracks or gaps and then freeze at night expanding as it does so. This can cause a minor crack to become larger or split open a shingle. In areas where the temperature is exceedingly hot during day at over one hundred or more and then do a dramatic drop at night by as much as 50 degrees, the shingles are not able to keep up with the vast changes so damage can result. These variances in temperature and weather conditions demand that you ensure that your roof properly sheds any water and that insects, molds or mildew do not develop where there are pockets of water. By being vigilant about these occurrences and ensuring that your attic is properly ventilated your asphalt roof will withstand the rigors of nature for many years. Many asphalt companies have warranties that cover defects for twenty or more years giving you some protection as long as you maintain the roof properly.

Want to get a free estimate for a new home improvement project now?
Get estimates from the best New York Home Improvement and Remodeling Contractor
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New York, Staten Island, the Bronx,
Yonkers and Westchester
 

Roofing shingles come in all shapes and sizes and offer a variety of styles to suit every type of architecture out there. So where do you start looking when you decide that you need to replace your roof? As with anything else, the best thing to do is a little research.

Asphalt or composition shingles are probably the most typical type of roofing used as they generally last up to thirty years.  With a variety of color choices, brands and styles, these shingles are not only the most affordable but the most versatile shingle as they can adapt easily to any number of applications. Most are Class A fire resistant and easy to install with low maintenance so they are an easy sell. With three sections or tabs on each shingle these shingles are reinforced with paper or fiberglass and generally have tar or roofing cement on the front edge to hold the shingle that will be laid on top of it. They can even be nailed in place over another existing roof and they can be walked on with no fear of damaging them. Repairs to asphalt shingles can be easily made by using roofing cement to repair upturned corners or you can replace a shingle by removing any nails and scraps and then easily sliding in a new shingle that can be glued down with the roofing cement.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Renovation Articles here renovation
Local in home price quote for your home restoration project
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Laminated shingles are becoming more popular because they have the look of slate which is much more expensive. With distinctive designs that add lots of depth and character to a roof the laminated shingles are created from multiple layers staggered to create unusual patterns. Using angled or rounded tabs and shadow lines, these shingles can look like a shake roof, slate or tile which can be very appealing. Repair to these shingles is the same as asphalt shingles except they are usually thicker so require a longer nail.

Wood shingles or shakes are usually made from cedar, pine or spruce with cedar providing the best performance of the three although pine can be good if it has been treated. With lots of variations in thickness, color and styles or sizes, this shingle offers a more natural environmentally friendly look that blends in well to its surroundings. With its versatility in character you can be assured that your wood shake roof will be different from your neighbor's simply because they are all different in color, shape and style. With a textured rough finish on the front and a smooth one on the back, shakes are hand split. Wood shingles on the other hand are sawed smooth on both sides by machine.  When new, the shakes have a reddish cast or are brown in color but as they age they begin to fade and become gray after about a year.

Normally lasting up to thirty years before replacements are required, they may warp or splinter or even shrink over time. Shakes are usually placed up to one quarter inch apart to allow for expansion. Repairs to shakes can be handled with a nail ripper to remove the nails holding them and then splitting them free with a bar or a hammer as necessary. A new shake can be nailed in place and some roofing cement should be used over any nail heads or gaps to prevent any seepage of water. Besides warping, shakes are usually not as fire resistant as other roofs although some have been specially treated to meet national safety standards, but these roofs are also subject to mildew, mold and insect infestation if not carefully maintained.

Slate shingles are usually found on more upscale homes because it is a more expensive roof although it has a natural look that makes it inviting and it comes in a wide variety of colors found in nature and many shapes and sizes so that it can be patterned into a multitude of designs that will draw attention to a home. With its long lifespan of more than one hundred years, its fire resistance and its low maintenance this material is a good choice for many who can afford it. Slate is very heavy and more difficult to install with the requirement of a specialized cutter to split the slate to size.  Because it is more fragile and can be easily broken if walked on professionals are required for installation thus making repairs more expensive as well.

Concrete tile shingles are a lightweight type of manufactured roof shingle that are made of fiber reinforced cement products with many containing recycled materials and coatings of enamel, plastic or metals. Durable as well as having a long lifespan, there is a vast variety of products with quality that can vary from product to product making selection difficult. However, they offer shingles that resemble wood shakes or clay tiles and slate without the expense and weight of the real thing. With many colors and styles to choose from these roofs are generally low maintenance and fire resistant and retard mold and mildew as well.

Metal roofs are another example of a shingle that can resemble wood shakes, real shingles, clay tiles or even Victorian metal tiles. It is aluminum or steel coated and formed into individual shingles although it is sometimes seen in long four feet long modular panels that resemble a row of shingles. Durable and fire resistant these types of roofs can be found in a variety of colors and shapes and sizes as well and is often seen with distinctive vertical lines where adjacent sections connect creating a more historic look that is becoming popular once again. With anticipated energy savings of up to twenty percent, these roofs although expensive to install, may offer a better alternative both aesthetically and environmentally over the long-term.

With dramatic differences in types of roofing styles, patterns, colors and materials, it is up to the homeowner to consider what the best alternative is for his home. The variety of looks and prices will ultimately determine what the best option is for you and your family.

Want to get a free estimate for a new home improvement project now?
Get estimates from the best New York Home Improvement and Remodeling Contractor
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New York, Staten Island, the Bronx,
Yonkers and Westchester
 

If you have a flat roof chances are you are replacing your old asphalt roof because it leaks. This is a common problem with flat roofs and a frustrating one for homeowners who have to deal with the mess and costs of repairs and/or replacement of roofing material. Then they have to worry that it will probably start leaking again because water usually collects on flat roofs around seams or joints so if a section becomes lose or damaged it increases the likelihood that a leak will occur.

Since the 1960s rubberized roofing has been in existence with millions of square feet installed throughout the United States. Because it is relatively easy to install you can do it yourself and the fact that this product is very inexpensive has made these roofs become more and more popular. In today's economy that makes this option seem better and better as homeowners are faced with rising costs everywhere they look. Being able to install it yourself saves you the cost of hiring a professional so it's definitely the prize choice when your budget is next to zero!

The new rubberized synthetic compounds that are now on the market are all made with various synthetic products including special thermoplastics. These compounds offer a single ply membrane that is glued directly onto a layer of foam board or a board with a fiberglass backing. This acts as a barrier to protect the rubberized roofing from any defects there might be on the deck of the roof itself and to provide a slight sloping to allow water to drain properly to a drain or gutter.

With seams being the common culprit for the cause of leaks, these rubberized roofing membranes can sometimes be almost one extra large sheet if your roof has no plumbing or heating vents and/or pipe penetrations or if it has no chimney. With sheets as large as fifty feet wide, this is entirely possible although smaller sizes are generally used on a home because they are easier to handle and install. If you do have pipes or a chimney then smaller sheets are necessary and you will have some seams but the goal is to have as few seams as possible. There are also specialized adhesives and tapes that help to minimize the chances of leaks at seams and you can also consider the installation of a layer of insulation prior to putting down your foam board. This additional insulation will be more energy efficient as well as a further protection for possible leakage.

The rubberized roofs are often mechanically secured with treated roof screws. Any pipes, vents or chimney or other protrusions are sealed with rubber flashing material or a rubber membrane. Many of these roofing systems offer fifteen or twenty year warranties making them even more attractive. If you plan to install the roof yourself you should ensure that you have all the instructions that comes with the materials as well as necessary tools, ladders, gloves and protective eye goggles.

Following the steps accurately without rushing through the process will minimize the likelihood of problems with seams or other problems later on. The surface of the roof should be cleared of the old roofing materials and taken down to the roof deck. When you start applying the rubberized membrane the seams and the adhesive are the keys to performing a good job. The application of adhesive should be applied along the entire seam with a silicone roller pressed along the seam to make sure it adheres properly. It should then be allowed to dry thoroughly up to twenty-four hours before you test the results. Proper installation will give you less chance of a problem later on. All rubberized roofs are not installed the same with some systems using a fusion welding process that does not require solvent cleaners or adhesives.

Like anything else, rubberized roofs come in all qualities and prices, although still one of the cheapest ways to install a roof particularly on a flat roof, you need to do your research about companies and their products to ensure that you are getting the best quality that you can get within your budget. With a variety of options and a vast selection of types of rubberized products on the market, it pays to be fully aware of what you are purchasing.

Some tips to give you assistance in your search for the right rubberized roofing product for you is to ask some of these questions of each manufacturer that you look at:

•  How many years has this particular company been in business?

•  Is this manufacturer using the latest technological advances available today in this area?

•  What kind of warranty does the company offer? 10 years? 15 years? 20 years?

•  What does the warranty really cover?

•  What have references said about the product? Have there been any problems with leaks or with the quality of the materials?

Once you have asked some of these questions and determined which product is the best one for you, then you can decide whether you want to try to install the roof yourself or have a professional do it. Sometimes saving money on the product is a good idea but if you are unsure about how to install it or if you are afraid of heights or have any kind of health issue - then perhaps it would be better if you spent the extra money now to have it installed by someone who knows what he is doing. Proper installation is important as with anything but in particular with a roof that is going to protect your home from the elements and from Mother Nature who likes to wreak havoc from time to time with not only bad weather conditions but fires or other hazards.

If your budget is very limited and your home has a flat roof that is currently leaking, more than likely a rubberized roofing product is the right choice for you.

Want to get a free estimate for a new home improvement project now?
Get estimates from the best New York Home Improvement and Remodeling Contractor
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New York, Staten Island, the Bronx,
Yonkers and Westchester