Home Improvements Archives | Page 7 of 9 | Blessings Realty | Colorado Springs and Monument Realtor

From Minor to Major: Roof Damage to Look for After a Bad Storm

September 9, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

Depending on where you reside, bad storms may be a frequent occurrence. Even if you don’t live in these storm-prone areas, when they do eventually hit, they can leave unspeakable damage.

While you may be safe inside, the same cannot always be said for the exterior of your home. One part of the house that takes the brunt of a storm is the roof. Here are different types of roof damage to look out for after a storm:

Damaged, Broken or Missing Shingles

The kind of roof damage you have depends on the type of storm that hit your area. If your roof has damaged or missing shingles, it’s most likely due to a wind storm. Shingles are roofing materials that keep water, debris and even pests from infiltrating the interior of your home. While shingles are made to withstand turbulent weather conditions, they aren’t indestructible.

If your roof is old, it’s not uncommon to experience an issue with shingles. If you notice damage or missing shingles, contact a professional roofing company to replace them.

Faulty Gutters

Your gutters are one of the main safeguards to keep water from damaging your home. However, if they become clogged or break after a storm, you might start to see water inside. Water damage caused by faulty gutters can include a leaking roof and structural damage. It can also cause mold to grow, which can ruin your home’s foundation and could also make you sick. If your gutters are in disrepair, you should contact a roof restoration service for help.

Attic Issues

When a storm blows over, the first place you should check is your attic. This area of your home can show tell-tale signs of roof damage from the inside out. If you notice any stains or leaks, there’s a good chance your roof is damaged. Even the tiniest of leaks can cause serious damage to the drywall inside. Furthermore, if you feel a breeze in your attic, it can also be a sign that your roof has lost some shingles or it has sustained damage from hail.

Storms can affect your home in many ways, but the truth is, your roof is vulnerable. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to call a professional to repair your roof!

REMEMBER: Make sure you go with reputable local companies for the most affordable options! It’s also a good idea to get free bids from 2-3 roofers before choosing one and don’t forget to have your insurance company involved if your bid is significantly over your deductible so that they can pay for the difference over your deductible.

Article originally published at http://blog.rismedia.com/2020/roof-damage-bad-storm/.

How Window Replacement Improves Home Value

September 2, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

If you’re looking to enhance the value of your home, one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades you can make is to install new windows. Older windows could make your home appear out-of-date and raise questions about their ability to insulate the home’s interior.

New windows are available in many styles that can let more light into your home, filter or adjust the light that enters and even offer built-in shades that can be managed digitally. Here are four ways that new windows can increase your property value:

Update the Home’s Decor

Replacing your older windows can make any room more attractive and functional. Many homeowners have all their windows replaced at the same time for consistent style and effectiveness, but even one room with upgraded windows can add that ‘wow’ factor to your home. You can choose from options like a bay window, a skylight, a stained glass effect, various pane designs and windows with an internal shading feature. With incoming light adjusted through the new windows, you can arrange for each room to have its own ambiance.

Eliminate Air and Moisture Flow

The frame seal on older windows can begin to deteriorate over time. Moisture from rain, snow and ice can creep into the property to create a damp or chilly effect. Strong breezes may cause older windows to rattle, revealing your home’s age and reduced ability to control airflow to the interior of the home. Having new windows installed will seal up any leaks to prevent further problems from outdoor air and damp weather.

Maintain Value

Newer windows are built to last with sturdy materials and expert construction. You won’t have to worry about replacing your new windows anytime in the next few years. They’ll continue to look good as well; keeping your home up-to-date and aesthetically appealing. With a firm seal and quality products, your windows will hold their value without breaking down due to inclement weather conditions.

Reduce Utility Bills

Replacing your home’s windows will keep the cold air out so you don’t end up paying to heat your home against cold air squeezing into aging window frames. The glass of newer windows is also tempered to withstand strong heat, which may also help to reduce heating costs. Windy days won’t cause your new windows to rattle and you don’t have to worry about moisture seeping into the home to increase humidity or glass condensation.

Consider updating the windows in your home for a new look and more efficient heating and cooling. Windows can improve the appearance and overall comfort of your property!

REMEMBER: Make sure you go with reputable local companies for the most affordable options!

Article originally published online at http://blog.rismedia.com/2020/window-replacement-home-value/.

3 Renovations That Can Help You Sell Your Home Faster

August 5, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

If you’ve decided to place your home on the market, you likely want it to sell as quickly as possible. Partially, this is for your own convenience. More importantly, though, the longer that a house sits on the market, the lower its final price tends to be. Therefore, before you list your home, you need to be sure it’s ready to attract as much attention as possible.

One great way to do this is by making strategic renovations to various areas around your home. You want to be sure you’re making the most of your remodeling budget to ensure it results in the biggest payoff. To help you come out ahead, here are three renovations that can help you sell your home faster:

Kitchen

A dated kitchen is one of the biggest turnoffs for potential homebuyers. A kitchen that’s been renovated using quality materials often draws people in and causes them to overlook other potential flaws. Therefore, a kitchen renovation can be a great investment to make before you sell your home.

Quality finishes in the kitchen are crucial, as many buyers at all price points are looking for granite countertops (or something similar) and tile backsplashes. The cabinets should also be of decent quality and a neutral color that appeals to a wide range of people.

Roof

Since a roof is rarely seen except when you’re coming and going, it might not seem like the best place to spend your renovation dollars; however, if you can state on your home’s listing that the roof was recently replaced, you may gain more interest, potentially helping you to sell your home more quickly.

Be sure that the roofers you choose do a good job of sealing the roof cap and any protrusions, as you certainly don’t want the next homeowners to be left with a leaky roof. Also, make sure that the color of the shingles matches the character of the home so buyers aren’t turned off the moment they approach your house.

Bathroom

Moving back inside, a bathroom renovation is a great way to maximize the effectiveness of your remodeling budget. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re living in someone else’s grime.

A bathroom is one area where you can have a little fun with the renovation, adding unique features such as a tile tub surround or a designer light fixture that’ll help your home stand out from others in your area. Again, quality installation is important here, as you don’t want to put the future homeowners at risk of a major water leak.

Renovations can go a long way toward helping your home sell more quickly. Remember, it’s important that you are disciplined in how you spend money on remodeling to be absolutely sure that you don’t end up spending more than you get out of your home when you sell it.

Article originally published at http://blog.rismedia.com/2020/renovations-sell-faster/