Whether you have just purchased a new property or if you are just looking to shake things up in your home, there are many ways that you can breathe new life into your property. These don’t even require a huge budget. You can target certain areas in your home and tackle them one by one. It can truly bring a new essence into your living space. This article will give you some ideas to give a more stylish modern feel.
Outdoor polished floors
Honedoutdoor polished concrete floors are a versatile material that can be used to create s simple, contemporary minimalist aesthetic. They can also stand up to the strength of harsh weather conditions. They can be used in driveways, alfresco areas, pathways, staircases, and water features. Outdoor polished floors offer the ultimate strength and durability for your outdoor areas whilst offering thermal properties that are slip-resistant. Once they are installed, the upkeep of the floor is actually relatively low costing to upkeep. They are even pet and family-friendly. All in all, investing your money in outdoor polished floors can not only improve your house aesthetic but increase the value of your home.
Modernizing old furniture
Providing the piece of furniture is not a priceless antique, you should check how sound the furniture is. Make sure you cannot see any signs of rot or damp otherwise it might not be worth attempting to upcycle. Light scratches and wobbly legs can be easily resolved. Deeper set problems cannot. For those feeling nervous about attempting to modernize your furniture, you can always start small by using chalk paint on solid surfaces. Painting an unfashionable piece of brown furniture with a contemporary color can transform your home’s look.
Customizing kitchen cabinets
One of the first things you can do is covering up the spaces you don’t like but cannot afford to replace is a good start. Veneer kitchen cupboards can be painted if you use the right stuff such as correctprimer and paint. Sanding down the doors can also make sure that the paint has a rougher surface to cling to. If you can, you can also buy replacement doors for your standard-sized kitchen units. One way to save money, though it is more labor intensive, is to head to builders’ merchants and get fresh wood to attach to your cabinets. This will provide a rustic and traditional look to your kitchen.
Cheap Aesthetics
Money can always be an issue for those who are redecorating. However, you can always get yourself some fantastic piece of decoration for cheap prices if you can be creative. You can forage for treasures in nature. Dried poppy seed heads and thistles or feathers and driftwood can work as display pieces in your home. Using local charity shops can also open lots of options for you.
Rejuvenating your home
There is a lot you can do in your home that will not break the bank. All of these improvements will no doubt increase the value of your home but also make you enjoy your living space even more.
When a person is about to renovate a home, build a new home, or just redecorate the home they are living in or just purchased, the question often comes up about hiring an architect or an interior designer. In some cases an architect is the right choice, in others, an interior designer is the best one to hire, and in other cases, the homeowner or commercial building owner should hire both. It is important when taking on a large renovation or building project to hire the right team of professionals.
What Does An Interior Designer Do?
An interior designer will have a college degree in interior design where they studied space planning, interior materials, rendering designs and making floor plans, and every aspect of interior design. Where an architect designs the building or home structure and details, the interior designer works with the interior spaces of a building once it is constructed. Interior designers can work with a home builder, an architectural office, or residential and commercial design companies. They can also work for retail home decorating stores or building supply centers. There are interior designers who work independently or have their own interior design companies.
Interior designers can work for design supply companies that people call for carpeting services, interior finishes, and design services. These companies can sell flooring, cabinetry, countertops, window coverings, wall coverings, and more. When a company like this offers design center services, customers get better service and results.
· Designers will meet with clients to learn their needs for the space and then create floor plans and renderings of designs for the interior space that create function and beauty.
· Designers will also cost out the design plan for clients and submit a bid for the materials and labor.
· Once the client approves the design, materials, and cost of the project, the designer will oversee the work of creating the finished design.
· A designer can create a space by creative use of paint, fabrics, and furnishings. Other jobs require building renovation or alterations that require a builder or construction contractor to be hired and supervised by the designer before the finishes are installed.
· Designers must create an interior space that is functional, beautiful and meets all building codes for safety.
· Interior designers must have both aesthetic design skills and the ability to plan the best use of any space.
· Designers must have training and knowledge of architecture, construction, design, sustainability, building codes, and environmentally friendly practices.
What Does an Architect Do?
Architects handle large building projects from the ground up from planning through construction and finishes. They have trained in college for engineering, design theory, and project management. They are trained to design a project, create blueprints and mechanical drawings, cost out the project, solicit bids, manage the building project, choose the contractors, subcontractors, and other professionals, oversee the work, control the money, and solve complex building design problems.
An architect’s services come at a cost and the more involved with a project you want them, the more the cost will be. But the cost is worth it when a building is built correctly and is functional and beautiful. The larger the building project, the more important it is to hire a good architect. An architect can visualize building ideas three-dimensionally. This is important in creating a building that is aesthetically balanced and attractive as well as structurally sound and functional.
Look for the initials AIA after the architect’s name because this means they belong to the American Institute of Architects. This professional organization requires its members to meet high professional standards. Each state has a process for licensing architects who meet their professional standards.
When Should You Hire an Architect or an Interior Designer, or Both?
A residing factor in hiring an architect is the size of the job. If you are building a new home, you need an architect. If you are doing a large renovation that includes removing walls, impacting the footprint of the house with an addition, changing the height or grade of the home, you need an architect. If you are moving staircases or installing a new kitchen or bath, you may need an architect.
An architect is mainly needed for the big structural changes and the exterior or shell of the building. They basically design and build the structure of a building. The interior designer can work with an architect in choosing building features such as windows, doors, finishes. But, their main responsibility is with the interior of the building once it is constructed. They add the finishing touches and the aesthetics.
If you are working with an existing structure and need interior design help, then you need an interior designer. When an existing structure needs a professional to choose and place finishes, floor covering, artwork, furniture, window treatments, and accessories to make the space functional, safe, and attractive, an interior designer is needed.
Then, there are large building and renovation projects of both residential and commercial buildings that will benefit from hiring both an architect for the structural design and concerns and an interior designer for the interior decoration and finishes. Since interior designers and architects have different skill sets, they often work together from the beginning of a large project.
Hiring both professionals does not mean twice the cost. A well-planned project will have a division of responsibilities for the architect and the interior designer. When the project is complete and the building owner has the aesthetics and functionality of both the building structure and the interiors they want, the cost of hiring these professionals will be well worth the investment.
It is important to hire the correct professionals for the job size and complexity. If the home needs an interior designer but does not involve structural changes, then pass on the architect. But when structural changes are being planned, don’t hesitate to consult an architect.
Solar panels can greatly increase the value of your home. If you are thinking about building a green home based on the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency, you need solar panels.
Installing solar panels so your home can power itself may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is now a feasible and affordable reality for many homeowners.
If you invest in solar panels now, you will end up increasing the equity of your home in the long run while saving yourself money. Read on to find out more.
Invest in Solar Panels for the Long Term
Solar panels are one of those investments that pay off in droves in the long term. As soon as you get them installed, they start saving you money.
This accumulated savings over a long time is what makes them worthwhile. Solar panel costs may seem steep at first, but keep in mind that many states offer to subsidize their installation costs.
There are also some federal tax credits available to help pay for any high initial installation costs. Once you have gotten the panels installed, you only need to do a bit of maintenance on them now and again.
You also need to make sure that you keep your roof in good condition to maintain its structural integrity. Other than that, once you have your solar panel system you are good to go and ready to start saving money.
Increase Your Home’s Value
One of the things that prospective homebuyers love is a home with solar panels. This is because they don’t need to go through any of the efforts of getting a system installed, yet they reap all of its benefits.
This is why solar panels increase your home’s equity. If you want to make your home’s value skyrocket, think about installing some solar panels. This is even more true in states where the cost of energy is through the roof.
To determine if going solar is a smart financial choice for you, first, calculate your monthly energy bill. Next, calculate how much a solar panel system will save you.
Don’t forget to factor in that the system will increase your home’s overall value over time as well. Keep in mind that your only major solar panel cost is a bit of maintenance over time, and the initial installation cost.
If you need help making a thorough cost-benefit analysis, contact Blue Raven Solarto get an estimate on some installation costs for your home.
Go Solar and Save Money
If you are looking for a worthy way to help out your financial situation you should invest in solar panels. It is one of the few investments that you can make that will also help save the planet.
Having an opportunity that benefits you while saving the earth is rare so you should take advantage of them when they come around. Get some solar panels today for your home. Make sure to peruse our site often for other great news.
Are you looking to boost your property value or just have the coolest house on the block?
There are plenty of ways to renovate your home that can really amp up your interior style and design whether you’re looking to sell your home or stay in it forever.
Home renovations don’t have to be difficult and overwhelming. There are great small-scale tweaks that you can make to take your home to the next level. What are you going to choose?
Keep reading to learn about a few simple home upgrades and design changes that you can make to boost the value of your home.
1. Replace Kitchen Appliances
Is your kitchen outdated? How new are your appliances?
Fresh and new appliances can do wonders for a home’s value. After all, when you’re getting ready to move into a new house, wouldn’t you rather have appliances that you know you won’t have to replace in a few years?
This is a simple task that you can do at home, at least for the stove and refrigerator. If you’re installing or upgrading a dishwasher it’s best to enlist the help of a professional.
If you choose not to sell, you still have a shiny new set of kitchen appliances that you can cook with!
2. Fix Your Tiling
We don’t pay enough attention to our floors. We grow blind to the things that might be “not quite right” and ignore how dingy tile floors can get over time.
There are several ways to re-tile a floor and some are easier than others. Tearing up tile is going to be the hardest part.
If you’re going about this the hard way (yet also the best long-term way), remove the tiles that you already have. Then, you’re going to replace them with your new tiles and grout, being careful to cover all blank space. Everything has to be sealed to protect from moisture.
For a simpler route, there are plenty of options for stick-on tiles. They’re beginner-friendly and they aren’t permanent, but they hold up well and they look great.
They’re also a great choice for a fancy kitchen backsplash! Fresh and clean tiling makes such a huge difference to the aesthetic appeal of your home.
3. Consider Replacing Carpets
Carpets aren’t as popular as they used to be. They get dirty, they’re hard to clean, they don’t stay fluffy, and they can trap mold.
More and more people are opting for hardwood all over. That means that if you want more potential buyers, you might want to do the same.
Replacing the carpet isn’t easy. If you’re lucky, you’ll discover beautiful hardwood underneath your carpet, but don’t count on it. If you haven’t done this before, hire a professional.
It’s a quick fix that makes a big difference.
4. Add Some Fans
Have you ever moved into a new home and been disappointed that there are no fans in the rooms? We’ve been there. There’s something calming about the slow rotation of a nice fan.
You can install fans if you don’t already have them. You do need a bit of know-how but it’s still considered a DIY project for anyone who’s handy.
Whether you want the smooth look of a classic fan or the beachy look of Gulf Coast fans, there’s something for you. Find something that matches the overall “vibe” of your home so your potential buyers get a cohesive and trendy space!
5. Basic Hardware Upgrades
Have you ever sat down and really looked at your handles and doorknobs?
Probably not, right? You’re used to them. They’re utilitarian in nature and they aren’t meant to be aesthetic. But should they be?
Having a cohesive style of cabinet handles, door locks, doorknobs, and all of the other metal bits and bobs around your home can make a big difference. They’re also fun to shop for as a bonus.
This is a time-consuming but easy process once you have your new hardware pieces picked out. Why not give it a try?
6. Paint Your Cabinets
What good is the new hardware if your cabinets are ugly or scuffed?
Painting the cabinets is a great way to make your kitchen (with its new appliances) pop. Cabinets often get overlooked, but pay attention! Painting them is way easier than getting new ones installed and you can customize them.
We love the look of clean white cabinets with shiny gold handles, but the coloring is up to you. What do you love?
7. Re-Color Those Walls!
If your walls are looking scuffed and dingy it’s time for a new paint job or wallpaper. You can do this in a few ways.
First, basic painting. This is a DIY project that anyone can do, but it can be time-consuming. It’s best to go for somewhat neutral and agreeable colors to make sure you appeal to the widest audience, but we love a good statement wall in an otherwise neutral room.
You can also try wallpaper. This is extra good on a statement wall. Removable wallpaper allows you to make the statement that you want while also allowing your buyers the ability to remove it if they choose.
8. Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Going green is in style right now. How green is your home?
There are eco-friendly options for all over your home and some are easier to install than others. You can opt for a few green electrical items like a greener dishwasher or a green garage door opener. There are solar hot water heaters and large, energy-efficient windows that can keep the house’s carbon footprint low!
You don’t need to install full solar panels (though you can) to have a greener home.
Which Home Renovations Are You Going to Do?
There are so many fun and easy home renovations that can take your home from drab to fab. Which ones are your favorites?
Whether you’re new to renovation or you’ve done this all before, there’s something for every homeowner.
For more posts on renovations, real estate, and more, check out the rest of our site!
Whether you’re renovating a rundown property for yourself to live, or to sell on once your project is complete, it’s essential that you do it right. If you cut corners and don’t make the home a decent place to live, you will not make as much money as you like or live comfortably if you do move into it. A renovation project of this size is a lot to take on, so you must be willing to see it through to the end and be able to afford to make the necessary changes. Here are a few tips to help you plan for this kind of project if this is something you have been considering.
RenovationBudget
You might not have spent a lot of your budget on the property itself when you purchased it, but the surveyor should have been able to give you a good estimate of what all of the work will cost before you finalised a sale. You should also prepare for hidden costs, as often these kinds of projects have unforeseen circumstances that add more to the final bill. Once you know how much you can realistically afford to spend, you can start to think about the most cost-effective materials to use that will still be good quality for the build.
Structural Work
The most important thing to get right when you’re renovating a property is the structural work. If a house has been left empty for an extended period, there is a good chance that it has sustained damage to the roof, windows, brickwork, and possibly the foundations. Again, your surveyor should have included all of this in their report, and you can use that as a reference to what needs to be done to make the property safe to live in. Make sure you’re investing in these areas, as quality structural work is vital.
Interior
Once you know the property is structurally sound, has new windows fitted, etc., you can begin to look at the interior. For things like your bathroom or kitchen, you will need to find a company that specialises in these designs and installation, like granitetransformations.co.uk. You might also want to think about hiring an interior designer if you can, as they will be able to bring your vision for the property to life.
Reliable Team
Even if you’re a builder or a DIY enthusiast, there is no way you can renovate an entire house by yourself! You will need to find a reliable team of contractors, plumbers, electricians, and so on to help you piece together your dream home. If you are planning to make some structural changes to the property, you might need the help of an architect to draw up these plans for you. Take your time to find the right people for the job, get a variety of quotes to compare, and use reviews and recommendations to help you make your decision.
Renovating a property is a big undertaking, but taking the time to plan it properly and with a strong team to work on it, all of the effort will pay off.
Elevators are necessary by law in buildings that are two-story or more. There are standard requirements set by the Otis Safety System and the elevators have to be designed to meet all of the needs for the different types of elevator users that visit the building. There are different elevator options that are available to meet these needs.
Thelift installation services by Hin Chong uses the Otis Safety System that has been referred to the most since the 1850s. Otis Safety System has made it known that elevators have essential needs to meet these standards: control systems, counterweights, steel side-by-side pulleys, and steel beams over the elevator car. More modern elevators have emergency event items added such as phones and ceiling trap doors. Machine rooms are no longer necessary in modern elevators due to inbuilt safety mechanisms. The modern elevators come in four main types: hydraulic, traction, machine-room-less, and vacuum.
Hydraulic
Pistons for support are usually placed at the bottom to push the elevator car up while the hydraulic fluid is forced down by the electric motor. They are usually in 2-8 story buildings with 200-feet per minute maximum and the option of being roped to enhance the motion with a 60-foot limit. It is also common to have a pit with a sheave below the floor of the pit to support the retracting piston. There are also low maintenance hole-less hydraulic elevators that have a telescoping piston at the pit base and it can travel 50 feet or if it’s a non-telescoping it travels 20 feet.
Traction
A traction elevator has an electric motor above the shaft that the ropes pass over to raise and lower the elevator. It uses a counterweight to eliminate the occupant weight for easier movement. These come in both geared and gear-less traction. Geared Traction has a gearbox to power the wheel that moves the ropes up to 500 feet per minute, but the gear-less traction doesn’t have speed regulation gears so it can move up to 2,000 feet per minute.
Machine-Room-Less
These are becoming more common in mid-rise buildings. The conservation of energy and fewer space requirements make the name. They are designed with a machine fitted override space that can only be accessed by going through the top of the elevator. They also have a space-limit set at a distance of 250 feet.
Vacuum
These are air-driven and do not use any cables or pulleys to operate. It is a tube that is controlled by the air above and below the elevator car. The air pressure will push the tube upwards or the air pressure is minimized to bring the car down. It is constructed with polycarbonate and aluminum materials. There are three models that range from a single rider to wheelchair three passenger-accessible.
When it comes time to decide which elevator to install into the building, consider the most important factors after the standard safety requirements. Consider the different types of passengers and the weight of the users. If it is only going to be people, that is one thing. But, if it is going to have shipments or be used for services, consider what the shipments or service providers may need in regards to space, weight, height, double doors, and speed before deciding which elevators to purchase and install.
Switching to solar energy is not just a positive for your household, but for the environment as a whole.
Making the switch to solar power protects the environment, lowers your carbon emissions, and helps you keep more money in your pocket since you won’t have to worry about an electric bill.
With these matters in mind, it’s crucially important for you to find the help and assistance of a solar energy company that can look out for you.
Not all of these companies are created equally, so give yourself the chance to get help from professionals that will look out for you. Picking solar installers becomes easier when you follow the tips in this article.
1. Do Your Solar Energy Research
Do as much research as you can into solar energy. The more that you know about this form of energy, the better chance you have of making a qualified and informed decision.
Come up with a list of questions to ask your prospective solar power experts and you’ll be well ahead of the game when it’s time to hire somebody.
2. Get Referrals on the Best Solar Installation Companies
Just knowing that someone you trust hired the company and had a good experience can put your mind at ease. When you speak to the solar power company, you should also ask them if they can provide you with any references for customers that they have done business with.
This cuts out a lot of the red tape and helps you gauge a company’s credibility.
3. Browse Some Solar Panel Designs
Think about the aesthetic aspects of installing solar power.
Look through the portfolio of your solar power professionals to see what kind of designs they can set you up with. Choose a design that accentuates your roof and brings your entire home to life.
This will buy you plenty of great years out of your panels and will serve as a positive return on investment (ROI) for your home.
4. Get Cost Estimates
Speak to several different solar power professionals to see how much they will charge you for their systems. Ask them if they can apply the federal tax rebate to the purchase as well.
When you know how much these systems cost you, it becomes easier to shop around until you find a fair deal. Ask these professionals if they can price match as well to find the best solar power system for your budget.
5. Find a Company That Will Also Address the Maintenance
Finally, take a long-term approach with your solar panel installation. The company you hire for the installation should also be able to address your ongoing repairs.
Bundle the installation with a maintenance program, and use this as a deciding factor when choosing between different competitors.
Use These Tips When Picking Solar Installers
These tips will help you out if you have the task of picking solar installers. Solar panels provide power to your home that is clean, green, and sustainable.
By putting these tips to use, you’re closer to getting the solar power service that you need.
Finding the right scaffolding and formwork can be tough. There are tons of options available online, but they are not all created equal. Given how essential these tools are to ensuring worker safety and getting the job done right, it’s worth taking the time to research options before placing an order. Read on to find seven tips for buying formwork and scaffolding online that will make the process easier.
1. Research the Formwork Supplier
On the surface, it may appear as though all scaffolding and formwork suppliers are the same. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. Contractors need to research companies in advance to ensure that they actually have the skills and experience required to design safe, effective products. Those who don’t have time to research every online supplier can also visit Doka Formwork to learn about one reputable company that stands out from the rest.
2. Stick to the Standards
Every region of the world has different standards when it comes to formwork and scaffolding, and there’s a reason for them. Make sure the vendor works with other companies in the area and adheres to recognized regional standards. Avoid manufacturers that use unspecified materials. Check the standard numbers on scaffolding and formwork to make sure the materials are designed for that use before setting it up.
3. Avoid Knock-Offs
It’s not uncommon to findknock-off products online, and construction equipment is no exception. Bear in mind that even if knock-off products manufactured in China look like the real thing, they aren’t held to the same quality control standards. Buy directly from a reputable company instead of falling for deals that are too good to be true.
4. Embrace High-Tech Options
Today’s scaffolding and formwork may look simple, but they’re high-tech products. The advantages of spending extra money on high-tech formwork or scaffolding outweigh the higher initial expense. These options will be more adaptable, provide better stability, and avoid hassles on the job-site.
5. Ensure Traceability
Every formwork or scaffolding component should have a unique marking to indicate where it was manufactured. This common industry practice ensures that customers won’t have trouble tracking down parts if they experience equipment failures later down the line. It also says good things about the manufacturer. Manufacturersenhance traceability in part to make it easier to locate and quarantine defective products, indicating that they are willing to take responsibility for their scaffolding or formwork.
6. Look for Stellar Support
When contractors trust reputable suppliers, the chances of something going wrong are slim. It’s still important to work with a company that offers reliable tech support, though. No contractor wants to be left in the dark in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.
7. Inspect the Product
No matter how much homework contractors do before purchasing products, they should still inspect the formwork or scaffolding when it arrives. Make sure that the product delivered meets the expectations established during the sales phase. Check to see that it is properly sized and marked and that it has a good quality finish.
The Bottom Line
The ability to buy necessary equipment online gives modern contractors access to far more options than their predecessors had. All those options can make choosing the right products feel like an ordeal. As long as contractors follow the advice outlined above, they should wind up with exactly the scaffolding or formwork products they need to get the job done right.
You’re planning on finally renovating your out-dated kitchen. It’s far past time, and you’re eager to design the farmhouse-stylekitchen of your dreams.
There’s a long road ahead of you as you design and start renovations in your kitchen. You’ll have to select cabinet colors, backsplash tile, and, most importantly, a quality sink.
Just as the kitchen is the center of your home life, the sink could be considered the center of your kitchen.
There are countless options for your kitchen sink. You can have a double or single-basin sink. It could be made of steel, ceramic, or granite. The latest trend for sinks is fireclay due to their durability and ceramic style.
Read on to find out why a fireclay sink would be perfect for your new kitchen.
Fireclay sinks are a type of ceramic sink composed of glazed clay heated at extremely hot temperatures (about 1600 degrees). They can take a hit, and they look sleek and soft in any kind of kitchen.
These sinks are also nonporous and heat resistant. They will also hold up against any scratching or scrubbing.
As a minor downside, however, they tend to be quite heavy, and it’s advised that if you are installing a fireclay sink, you should let professionals take care of the handling.
Fireclay Sink Aesthetic
While fireclay sinks look good almost anywhere, they are especially fitting for farmhouse or rustic kitchen designs.
They typically have a deep basin, and most popularly come in white or off-white, but there are other ideas for sink designs that would work in any kitchen you dream up.
You can add a painted or etched design that aligns with the rest of your interior design ideas. A double-basin sink or one with drainboards can alter the use of space depending on how you like to use your kitchen.
A fireclay farmhouse sink can withstand your family’s kitchen antics without wearing down easily.
Fireclay sinks are molded prior to being heated and glazed, so you have the flexibility to create any kind of sink shape that best fits your needs.
They are also easy to clean because of the smooth surface that won’t cling to dirt and grime. While they have a similar sleek look to granite and marble sinks, they are much more affordable.
The Best Sink for Your Kitchen
Don’t underestimate the power of an amazing sink for your new kitchen design. Since the kitchen is the social hub of your home, the sink will be seen and admired often.
Regardless of the colors and new layout you decide on for your kitchen renovation, a fireclay sink can fit in with almost any design. And it’s bound to receive wonderful comments from your friends and family.
Fireclay sinks are cost-effective, long-lasting, and beautiful centerpieces for a home kitchen. Make it a part of your kitchen while you renovate.
For more interior design ideas and inspiration, find your muse on our blog.
A home is a place where a family gathers to enjoy the warmth and make memories. With the harsh and unpredictable climate that most states experience, owners need a strong structure. When building a house, it is advisable to consider high-quality and resilient materials to enhance durability. It is possible to live in a residence where you rarely have to repaint the walls, replace the roof, or rebuild the deck.
Most durable building components need minimal maintenance. For example, you can opt for cedar, copper, slate, aluminum, and galvanized steel for the roof. Property owners always have a choice to go for relatively cheap materials that they will replace in a decade or two or pay more for a sturdy structure that will outlive them. They may also considergranite fabricationto make the home’s countertops durable and stylish.
What’s in a Roof?
Roofs are crucial because they shield the occupants of a home from the weather. The direct effects of freezing and thawing are felt most by the roof. When building a house, alow-maintenance roof is not one that lasts 20 years—it’s one that lasts for several decades or a lifetime. The cost of the materials and installation will determine how long the roof lasts. Some of the materials include:
· Clay tiles. Just like concrete, clay tiles can last up to 100 years.
· Slate. Although it may be challenging to source slate, this material may last for a century and beyond.
· Copper. Copper lasts for 70 years or more, but finding reliable installers may be a problem.
· Galvanized steel. Metal is ideal for snowy areas and can last for decades. However, high-quality metal roofs can be costly.
Why Invest in Indestructible Exteriors?
While appearances are always important, the exterior must withstand harsh weather conditions. Remember, the surfaces suffer the wrath of extreme weather conditions. Choosing the best materials is not enough because some builders may not know how to install them correctly.
Insist on sturdy materials that can withstand the repeated effects of freezing and thawing, and get them installed properly by a professional builder. The exterior trim may necessitate maintenance more than any other section. With your builder’s help, you could use the following:
· Fiber cement
· PVC· Aluminum
· Wood
Ensure Your Wood Siding is Low-Maintenance
Natural materials like cedar and redwood require minimal maintenance. For instance, materials like Western Red Cedar will be appealing even without applying any coating. In addition, cedar could last up to 60 years without the need for repairs or replacement.
However, after painting any wood, you may have to recoat it periodically. Although such maintenance costs were minimal in the past, things are different these days. Labor is relatively expensive, and so is the paint. Uncoated wood is ideal for any property, but it may attain a grey color as it ages.
Budget Materials Appropriately
Some products, like uPVC windows and doors, are meant to be low-maintenance. However, employing the principle of proper installation applies. When installing the windows, it is imperative to hire experienced contractors to achieve the best results. Budget appropriately to ensure you get the best low-maintenance materials for the home.Scheduling maintenance and repairs is vital. All the low-maintenance materials, however good, require some care. Ensuring that preventive maintenance is done on time might guarantee low upkeep. It is important to work with a reputable professional that will work with your schedule.
