The market today offers a huge variety of roofing materials. One gets to choose between asphalt shingles, metal tiles, plastic polymer tiles, slate tiles and concrete tiles. However, with so many options to choose from, the ordinary person may find it hard trying to choose the right roofing material that suits their needs. To help with that, we have compiled for you the ultimate guide to choosing the right roofing material.
What are they made of?
Asphalt shingles are made of fiberglass or organic paper fiber that is infused with asphalt then finally coated with mineral granules.
How do they look like?
Asphalt shingles present themselves as sets of 3 traditional tiles. The thicker ones are known as architectural, and are best for snow-prone areas.
Are they environmental friendly?
Asphalt shingles are oil-based, which is not environmentally friendly. They however, can be recycled and utilized in landfills.
What are they best for?
Asphalt shingles are best used on steep sloping roofs. They are also preferred in regions prone to wild fires such as California because they are fire resistant.
What are the costs?
Asphalt shingles are among the cheapest roofing material you can find. The actual cost, however, may differ depending on where you are purchasing them from.
What are they made of?
Metal tiles are available in different materials including zinc alloy, steel, aluminum and copper. To ensure durability, steel roofs are coated with zinc or a paint finish that prevents rusting.
How do they look like?
Metal tiles are presented as tiles or sheets. Once installed, they are fastened with exposed or concealed fasteners.
Are they environmental friendly?
Metal tiles are made from recycled materials. They absorb less heat compared to asphalt shingles.
What are they best for?
Metal tiles work perfectly on both steep and low roofs. They are also the best for regions that are prone to fires and harsh winds.
What are the costs?
Steel metal tiles cost less than copper metal tiles. They are generally more expensive than asphalt shingles.
What are they made of?
These are synthetic tiles made from high-tech plastic polymers.
How do they look like?
Plastic polymer tiles resemble wood or slate. The appearance varies depending on the type and intensity of mold after long use.
Are they environmental friendly?
The high-tech plastic polymer can easily be recycled and replaced.
What are they best for?
Plastic polymer is best for moderate to steep roofs due to their heavy long-lasting nature.
What are the costs?
They are more expensive compared to asphalt shingles and steel metal tiles.
What are they made of?
They are made of a compounded mixture of sand and cement. They are really good fire resistant material.
How do they look like?
Concrete tiles look like normal slate, clay or wood tiles. The difference is in the texture. After installation, you may paint whichever color you desire.
Are they environmental friendly?
Concrete tiles are made from natural materials (sand & cement). No adverse effects have been related to concrete tiles.
What are they best for?
They are heavy, making them ideal for steeper inclined roof designs.
What are the costs?
Concrete tiles are slightly more expensive than asphalt shingles, but less expensive compared to metal tiles.
What are they made of?
They are made from normal slate which unfortunately makes them fragile and quite expensive. They are however durable and fire resistant.
How do they look like?
Slate tiles are usually dark grey in color, with an irregular yet appealing appearance.
Are they environmentally friendly?
Slates are made from natural material, making them recyclable.
What are they best for?
Slates are best used only on steep sloping roofs.
What are the costs?
Slate tiles are the most expensive roofing materials. They, however, are among the most long-lasting roofing materials.
The decision to have your home remodeled is a pretty straight one to make. However, choosing the right contractor for the home remodel may not be as simple. Clients get bombarded with hundreds of results upon initiating a simple search on the internet. So how do you choose the right contractor from the hundreds of available firms? We have compiled for you a list of 5 critical questions that you should ask a potential contractor before commencing any repairs or remodeling works.
Practice makes perfect. It is within your right to want to know how long the contractor has been in the industry. Experience, just like in any other work scenario, contributes a lot to the quality of work. A contractor that has been in the industry for at least 10 years has most likely tried all the market trends and innovations in the construction field. Therefore, they are more likely to offer better services compared to younger firms/contractors. Although this is not an exact science, you are better off with a contractor that has more years under their belt.
A home remodel costs money; your hard earned money. So you want to be served by a firm that is legally qualified to offer such services. Most contractors are regulated by the state government. For instance, contractors in California are required to be licensed and registered with the California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board. Working with an unlicensed firm could get you on the wrong side of the law. In case of malpractice, your building may face demolition.
Contractors are different. Some specialize in roofing, others in paving, and others in bathroom remodels and so on. Renowned firms have a reliable team of experts that specialize in every project. Be keen to ask if they have undertaken a similar project in the past. A confident contractor will give you a detailed response on their procedures. You can also insist on viewing their portfolio of previous projects just to be sure.
You hire contractors because they have the technical knowhow of what works and what doesn’t. A good contractor shall provide you with specific details concerning ways of improving your project or why they prefer a certain material to another. For instance, a contractor seeking to undertake a kitchen remodel should advise you on the different kitchen layouts that work for your space. A contractor that refrains from giving you their professional input is a red flag.
Good work speaks for itself. Satisfied clients like recommending a good firm to others. Dissatisfied clients, too, are sure to voice their complaints. Asking for references gives you an insight of what others think about the contractor’s services. You can view these from testimonials on their website, or independent and trusted reviewers such as Yelp or Home Advisor.
The coronavirus has affected so many aspects of our lives – from how we work to how we exercise, communicate, and so much more. It has also affected the housing market and how we now buy and sell homes. If you’re thinking about listing your home you may be wondering what you can do to attract homebuyers during this unprecedented time? While executing on curb appeal ideas and implementing strategic home staging are all still worthy endeavors in appealing to homebuyers, an ideal home office or an entertainment-worthy backyard may have found renewed interest for today’s homebuyers. Here are 9 tips to help you sell your home during coronavirus.
Due to coronavirus, developments in virtual home tours, 3D walkthroughs, and the ability to close remotely with online notaries have made homebuying and selling process easier than ever. Along with these advancements in real estate technology, services such as virtual staging, virtual home inspections, and even virtual interior design have grown in popularity.
Whether you’re listing a single-family home for sale in Atlanta, GA or a duplex for sale in Sacramento, CA, staging your home is one of the most integral parts of the process. It gives potential buyers an opportunity to visualize themselves living in your space, which can make or break a deal. So, unless you have experience staging homes, consider consulting with a professional home stager.
Given the current climate, however, not everyone necessarily wants a professional stager to enter their house. That’s why virtual staging services have become such a popular alternative. The advent of virtual staging has allowed stagers to create comfortable and aesthetically pleasing atmospheres for potential buyers to view a home without ever setting foot inside. While in-person staging will likely return post-coronavirus, virtual staging will remain a convenient and favorable option that should be considered when getting your house ready to sell.
As with virtual staging, many have found virtual organizing services to be an affordable and convenient way to receive advice on how to organize and declutter their space. Some organizers even claim that working virtually allows them to have longer organizing sessions with their clients, resulting in more in-depth appointments. However, one of the most compelling reasons to try a virtual organizing session is that you get to work hands-on with your space. By allowing a professional organizer to virtually guide you through the organization process, you can practice and integrate your new skills long after your session has ended, and having a functional space will give your home a leg-up when it’s time to sell.
Nowadays, with the ability to buy and sell almost entirely online, it’s more important than ever to make sure your home’s online appearance is top-notch. While it may be tempting to forego the expense of professional real estate photos and do it yourself, it’s important to note that your house will likely sell faster and for more money, if you go with a professional. Investing in a real estate photographer will ensure that your home is presented in its best light when you list.
In the case that your home is located on a large plot of land or has a spectacular view you want to show off, consider having aerial photos taken of your home. With advancements in drone photography, this service is more affordable than ever and is able to capture your home’s most prominent features from a whole new perspective.
For many people, things like working and exercising from home have been a completely new experience that they weren’t entirely prepared for. Prior to coronavirus, many hadn’t considered the importance of having a dedicated workspace that promotes productivity while remaining separate from their day-to-day lives. However, now people have begun to recognize the value of additional space.
If you have an unfinished basement, a spare bedroom, or an insulated garage, take the time to transform it into a usable and desirable space. Whether it functions as a home office, gym, indoor garden, or something else, having a bonus area that buyers can customize to their individual needs will certainly provide value to your home in the eyes of today’s homebuyers.
As many may have noticed, when the coronavirus initially struck, produce and even proteins were in short supply at the local grocery store. This shortage ultimately gave people a greater appreciation for being able to grow their own food from the comfort of home. Taking the time to build a garden bed in a previously unused part of your backyard will bring life to your outdoor space and be an added bonus in the eyes of the buyer.
Why limit your gardening to the outdoors? Indoor gardening has also seen a rise in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic. Having a proper place for an indoor garden within your home can be a bonus from a buyer’s perspective. Not to mention, building an indoor garden can be a fun, rewarding, and educational project for the whole family to be a part of. Start by finding the right space in your home. Keep in mind that the ideal location for an indoor garden receives a lot of natural light and has an average temperature of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, choose vegetables and herbs that thrive indoors such as lettuces, carrots, tomatoes, arugula, etc.. For more in-depth instruction, refer to these expert tips on how to create the ultimate DIY indoor garden.
With all the time that’s been spent at home, a beautiful space for outdoor entertainment has taken on a whole new level of importance. Investing a little time and money into your outdoor space will provide a range of benefits to you as a homeowner while adding value to your home when it comes time to sell. Create the ultimate gathering space in your backyard by incorporating elements like a wooden porch swing, lawn games, outdoor lighting, or even a DIY firepit.
Adding a deck to your exterior for entertainment, barbecues, or even just relaxing is a great way to boost your outdoor living experience. Not to mention, decks add living space at a fraction of the price of a fully enclosed living area. You can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $35 per square foot versus an enclosed addition which can run you anywhere from $100 to $150 per square foot. Deck space also adds to the overall value of your home and will be an asset when it’s time to sell.
Having a fence that provides privacy without being an eyesore is another great way to improve your outdoor living area and appeal to buyers. There are a variety of aesthetic fencing materials such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron and composite all of which can range in price and require varying degrees of maintenance. So before you run to the hardware store and start building a fence yourself, we suggest consulting with professionals to determine what material is best for you and your home.
Investing in an outdoor space that acts as a getaway can be one of the best ways to relieve stress and provide entertainment, while simultaneously adding to your homes curb appeal and overall value. Whether it’s sprucing up your lawn, adding exterior features like a fountain or a pool, or giving your walkway some love, investing in your homes curb appeal will make buyers eager to picture themselves living there. If you’re short on ideas, give your local landscaper, hardscaper, or exterior design expert a call – they can work with you to develop a personalized plan that will make your home the star of the cul-de-sac.
Originally posted at https://www.redfin.com/blog/tips-for-selling-your-home-during-coronavirus/
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