home remodeling contractor

Why use a Licensed General Contractor for

my Home Remodeling Project?

Between Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling shows on HGTV, TLC, A&E, and now even an entire network dedicated entirely to self-run home remodeling projects, it's easy to deduce why hundreds of homeowners across the country feel they have the confidence and know-how to tackle home remodeling projects themselves. But television shows, magazine articles and internet websites are hardly enough to adequately guide homeowners through their own home remodeling projects, and 4 out of 5 do-it-yourself-ers finish their projects wishing they had involved a home remodeling expert during the process. Aside from helping homeowners avoid headaches like seen on shows like Renovation Realities, using a licensed home remodeling general contractor has a long list of benefits to take into account when considering tackling a home remodeling project of your own.

The All-Too-Common DIY Home Remodeling Scenario
The average DIY home remodeler makes the (often untrue) assumption that they can save money by managing their remodeling projects themselves. They turn to random resources referred by untrustworthy sources, like the internet or telephone book, and work without the aide of knowledgeable representatives to pick out materials. With no history with or knowledge of installers and their reliability or willingness to work with other trades, homeowners are forced to leave their remodeling projects to chance or attempt labor and installation themselves. Without a general contractor to oversee the remodeling project and tie the phases of the project together, there is no organization or integrated plan; costing homeowners valuable time and energy. Also, because there's no history - or future - between the average homeowner and the vendors, installers and subcontractors, the customer has no leverage to use to negotiate prices, encourage speedy completion or uphold the standard of quality workmanship. Although using a licensed home remodeling general contractor to manage the project generally seems to increase the cost, not using a home remodeling contractor typically increases the length of construction and results in headaches from dealing with the scheduling, coordination and timing of the different remodeling trades associated with any given home remodeling project.

The Advantages of Using a Licensed Home Remodeling General Contractor
Reduce the Risks Associated with Home Remodeling
Let's face it - at it's core, home remodeling is a construction project. Among the many advantages of using a home remodeling general contractor to manage your renovation project, one of the most serious is to reduce the risks you'll incur as a homeowner. Instead of you being the one liable for the financial, structural and physical well-being of your home, family and subcontractors, your home remodeling general contractor assumes these risks - and should carry the insurance to support it (this is an important question to ask a remodeler you're considering working with). Because mistakes can mean both short-term headaches and permanent damages, it's well worth considering using a home remodeling general contractor instead of trying to undertake a big home remodeling project on your own.

Quality Control, Guarantees & Warranties for your Home Remodeling Project
If there's not a focused dedication to quality from the initial design layout to the final swing of the hammer, the remodeling project will never meet its potential. All elements of the home remodeling project must be planned for and accommodated, compatible with the homeowners and other parts of the project, and all phases of the project must be managed and overseen. It's always more costly (both time-wise and financially) to have to tear down and rebuild because of mistakes, poor workmanship or mismanagement. A good home remodeling general contractor has both crew managers and site supervisors who are on the jobsite, working behind the scenes, and communicating with homeowners to ensure their satisfaction. Finally, the quality of the home remodeling project can be assured at the project's completion, and if the customer isn't happy, there's a team of individuals responsible for the work prepared to make necessary adjustments.

Subcontractor Selection, Management and Quality
It's highly unlikely standard homeowners have a thorough knowledge of local subcontractors that are available, trustworthy, and respectful enough to get a job done on their timeline. Depending on the type of a home remodeling project, there can be anywhere from three or four subcontractors to a few dozen. A good home remodeling general contractor will have trusted, reliable subcontractors who they work with regularly and can manage effectively. Likewise, a home remodeling general contractor will have access to the highest quality of workmanship, both in the form subcontractors' labor and vendors and their materials, and will pass along that quality to your project.

Vendor Partnerships and Material Selection
A good home remodeling general contractor will provide the customer with a list of recommended multi-selection of vendors and list of material options to assist homeowners in the selection of home remodeling products to use with their project. Because home remodeling general contractors have the experience and history working with area vendors, they'll be able to provide materials of the highest quality and often times be able to save homeowners money through the relationships they have with their vendors. Additionally, every home remodeler will have a list of vendor representatives they're used to working with, so when homeowners enter the vendors' storefronts there's a knowledgeable individual who can aide in the selection process.

Integrating Phases of Your Home Remodeling Project
The purpose of using a home remodeling general contractor (besides all the advantages listed here) is to involve someone in your home remodeling project who is knowledgeable and experienced in the construction process and is skilled at managing the various skills and trades needed to complete a remodeling project. The remodeling general contractor will ensure the right steps are taken in the correct order and at the right time, to get the project completed quickly, efficiently, inexpensively and so that the finished product meets state building code. Without the discerning and watchful eye of a home remodeling general contractor, permits may go un-pulled, codes may not be met and your project will drag on. But using a home remodeler will keep your project on-schedule - and on budget - and you won't have to worry about the difficult coordination of your project.

Budgeting and Controlling the Cost of your Home Remodeling Project
Although the upfront cost associated with using a home remodeling general contractor may seem higher, that's not always how the project ends up. First and foremost, when using a home remodeling general contractor, the customer will be presented with a formal proposal and estimated cost for the project - so you won't have to worry about saving and adding up all those Lowe's receipts and invoices from your subcontractors. Before the first swing of a hammer you'll know exactly what financial commitment is required to complete the project, and you can make decisions and make adjustments as necessary. You'll also work with a list of "allowances" for materials you'll be selecting for your remodel, such as countertops, flooring, plumbing and lighting fixtures and cabinetry. You can make adjustments to the allowances before the project begins or as it progresses according to your specific needs, so you still have the flexibility of making your own choices without the unknowns of adding up costs as the remodeling progresses. As discussed above, the remodeling general contractor will have a list of preferred vendors from which you can choose to select these items, and those alliances can actually end up saving the homeowners money. So, think twice before writing off using a home remodeling general contractor because of the cost - it is likely far less than you think, and this is certainly one area those costs are made up.

Debris Removal and Cleanup from the Remodeling Process
Continually throughout the course of the remodeling project, the home remodeling general contractor will remove waste and debris from the site to minimize dust and maintain the highest quality of living conditions as possible during the project. Because most homeowners choose to remain living in the residence during the remodeling process this shouldn't be underestimated, especially because it's not a chore that's easy (or fun) for a homeowner to do. Anyone who's been charged with this responsibility knows the value that comes with necessary, but often overlooked, part of the remodeling process is a welcomed service offered by a home remodeling general contractor.

Regardless of your reasoning, there are a multitude of reasons to choose a home remodeling general contractor when considering improving your home. From the quality of work to the express timeline, your project will be far more enjoyable for you as the homeowner (and resident) if you aren't charged with the responsibility of managing everything. Do some research, get referrals and find a good home remodeling general contractor in your area. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the transformation of your home.

Remodeling the Siding on Your Home

The siding on your house composes 80%+ of your home's exterior, making it the most visible - and significant, when it comes to protection - part of your home. It shields your home from the elements, keeps out wind, water and other nasty effects of Mother Nature, and weathers the extreme temperatures that are common here in the Raleigh area. In addition to those important qualities, you may be surprised to learn just how much curb appeal - and financial value - your property can gain simply by remodeling the siding.

If you're considering siding replacement as an upcoming home remodeling project, you've got an important decision to make in deciding which siding product you'll use on your home. Below we will look at the pros and cons of the two most popular siding products, vinyl siding and fiber-cement siding, in an effort to help you determine the product that best suits your home remodeling needs.

The Pros & Cons of Remodeling Your Home with Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners who want to replace siding on their homes without the mess that's often associated with exterior painting (although it's not as bad as people think - but that's a blog for another time). Vinyl siding is typically relatively inexpensive and has a reputation for longevity, but like anything there are both pros and cons associated with choosing this product for your home remodeling project.

The Pros of Remodeling Your Home with Vinyl Siding%u2026
A Durabile Home Remodeling Product
One of the main reasons homeowners want to install vinyl siding is because of its reputation for being long-lasting and durable. Mostvinyl siding companies offer products that should last decades, and many have warranties to accompany it. The best warranties seem to be offered by CertainTeed, and to take advantage of them in full you'll want to be sure you're working with a home remodeler who is a CertainTeed Certified Installer. As with any home remodeling project, credentials of the home remodeling general contractor you select should include certifications from manufacturers who provide the products being installed in your home, and vinyl siding is no exception. Be sure to ask your home remodeler for a list of their credentials when it comes to vinyl siding - they should have a strong list associated with any product they're recommending.

A Low Maintenance Remodeling Product
Vinyl siding is typically extremely easy to maintain. There is no need to ever paint it, and what minimal fading does occur will be uniformly throughout the building thanks to product technology developed over the last ten years. The only regular maintenance vinyl siding requires is a simple power-wash approximately once a year.

A Cost-Effective Remodeling Product
Over the term of its lifespan, vinyl siding is an extremely cost-effective choice as a home remodeling product. It is typically less expensive than its fiber-cement or wood counterparts, and over its life is certainly less expensive than products that consistently need to be repainted or repaired while on your home. The grain, thickness and even color can determine the cost of specific vinyl siding products, as well as upgrade options like additional insulation (which will ultimately help homeowners save money through their energy bills). For the best selection, use a credentialed home remodeler who can walk you through a selection of available products.

Aesthetic Appearance - It's Easy to See Your Home Remodeling Return
Between the grain patterns, colors, plank widths and thicknesses offered by vinyl siding manufacturers today, it's hard to believe a homeowner won't be able to find a product suited for his remodeling needs and tastes. Vinyl siding is now produced by a number of different methods to help give the product a more realistic wood-grain appearance, and color is baked into the product instead of simply being applied as before. This not only gives vinyl siding an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but also helps the product maintain that appearance throughout its lifespan and makes it resistant to showing scratches or small imperfections.

The Cons of Remodeling with Vinyl Siding%u2026
Severe Weather Susceptibility
While vinyl siding can withstand most typical weather conditions, it can be damaged in very severe weather and when it is, the entire panel will need to be replaced (though this is true of any siding product). Vinyl is often less durable than its wood and fiber-cement counterparts in extreme weather conditions, due largely to the product's light weight. In the instance of vinyl more so than other siding products, extreme or violent winds can penetrate under the siding and lift panels from the wall, and blowing debris can puncture it.

Moisture Confinement
While vinyl siding needs little maintenance to maintain its fresh appearance, the product can trap moisture under its panels causing mold and mildew to grow. This can lead to problems with insects, which often breed in dark, moist environments. In extreme cases, underlying moisture that is left untreated can seep through to the inside of the house and cause dampness in walls and similar mold and mildew problems within.

Although these moisture-related problems seem intimidating, occurrence of severe instances are few and far between. A good home remodeling contractor who properly installs the siding can not only help eliminate the issue, but also educate you on the likelihood and prevention of a moisture-trapping problem.

Product Matching when Remodeling
While vinyl siding is offered in a full palette of colors and textures, matching the product for a home addition or siding replacement can be tricky - especially for older panels. Not only do vinyl siding manufacturers constantly change and update their color schemes, but fading of installed panels can further change the hue and make matching even more challenging. In this instance the best solution is a good remodeler who is well-versed in vinyl siding and can offer access to a wide variety of siding brands and products. The more selection that is available the better the chances are of exactly matching the product that's currently on your home.

Whether you choose vinyl siding for the price, looks or its durability, it's a strong option to consider if you're looking for a durable and maintenance-free way to improve your home through a remodeling project.

The Pros & Cons of Remodeling Your Home with Fiber-Cement Siding
As it is with any product you're considering using as part of your home remodeling project, thorough research into the products themselves and companies that manufacture them can help in the decision of which to use. Your home remodeler can help educate you in any product you're considering, and if fiber-cement is on the table as an option for your siding remodel, you'll want to consider these pros and cons before making your final decision.

The Pros of Remodeling with Fiber-Cement Siding%u2026
A Durable & Long-Lasting Remodeling Product
Unlike its vinyl counterpart, fiber-cement siding is impact resistant, not affected by moisture (when properly painted and installed) and won't shift like vinyl can with temperature swings. The longevity of the product is equal or better to vinyl, and it's not as susceptible to damage or rattling caused by strong winds. Because of this durability, manufacturers of fiber-cement siding offer a slew of warranties to back up their products - some of them as long as 50 years. Ask your home remodeler for details on specific product warranties, as their well as credentials and certifications for providing and installing fiber-cement products.

A Moisture-Resistant Remodeling Product
Again offering a solution for a problem associated with vinyl, fiber-cement siding isn't affected by moisture so it's not susceptible to rot. Similarly, the worry about termites or other pests that threaten wood siding or can breed in the moisture-confined spaces under vinyl siding isn't an issue with fiber-cement products.

Dimensionally Stable & A Low Maintenance Remodeling Product
Fiber-cement siding doesn't expand and contract in conjunction with changes in the environment like a vinyl product can, which makes it a good base for paint. The better paint adheres when it's first applied, the less you'll have to repaint over the course of the product's lifespan and the better the paint will look.

Although painting the product is a viable option, manufacturers now offer fiber-cement products that are factory-painted and don't need additional coats once it's installed. Because the paint that's applied at the factory is done so under optimal conditions, it's likely to last longer than conventional paint that's applied at the time of installation. The most popular is James Hardie's ColorPlus product, but CertainTeed has also released a similar product in recent years and both companies are continually making improvements to these products. Ask your home remodeler for a true product comparison.

Aesthetic Appearance - It's Easy to see your Home Remodeling Return
Similar to the current vinyl products that are on the market, fiber-cement siding has made major progress in the last decade in the ability to simulate a wood product. Because fiber-cement siding is available in panel, board and shake form, its imperative the products closely mimic their wood counterparts in appearance so they appear authentic. Many fiber-cement products are now cast into shape (as opposed to being pressed with a pattern as they were before), giving them a far more realistic appearance without the inherent drawbacks of an actual wood product.