Home improvement is a significant investment which—if handled properly—can improve both the value and the appeal of your home. However, if the job is done poorly, it can lead to years’ worth of headaches, exorbitant repair costs, and even lawsuits. You can spare yourself a world of frustration by ensuring that you work with reputable, reliable home improvement companies capable of completing the job to perfection.
1. Work Quality & Oversight
When you’re dealing with the best home renovation companies, the results speak for themselves. You can look at their past work and confirm that they’re capable of premium home improvements.
The first thing to consider is their level of experience and years in business. For example, Evergreen Home Exteriors & Remodeling hires master-level craftsmen who have a minimum of 10 years’ experience and a minimum of 5 years of home improvement leadership experience. That’s the kind of expertise you want when scouting home improvement companies.
Ask questions, read third-party reviews, and inquire about case studies and past jobs. The more you learn, the more confidently you can proceed.
2. Transparency & Communication
The best home improvement companies treat you as a partner and keep you in the loop throughout every phase of the project. You should have easy access to the project manager at all times, and they should be able to clearly articulate the status of the job at a moment’s notice.
If your home improvement team is slow to respond to calls and emails, if they’re not upfront about challenges or delays, or if they have long gaps in communication, these are serious red flags.
3. Material Selection
Some contractors will use cheap materials to cut costs, but these materials tend to degrade much sooner and never offer the level of stability that you need. The top home renovation companies are diligent about using premium-grade materials.
For example: if you’re having an extension built on your home, a cheap contractor might use 1/2-inch drywall sheets instead of the much stronger 5/8-inch sheets. While the difference might not be noticeable at first, it will become painfully apparent when the ceiling starts to sag or the wall takes some unexpected damage.
4. Trustworthy Estimates
While a home improvement company may not get your estimate exactly to the dollar, they should at least be in the ballpark. An experienced company will account for every factor that can influence the cost of a job, from the materials to the hours and the challenges that can potentially lead to delays.
Less reputable home improvement companies might give you a lowball estimate in the hopes of enticing you to sign on—knowing that the actual costs will be higher. A reputable company will give you an honest estimate every time.
5. Financing
If a company is hesitant to offer financing, it could mean a number of things. They might not be established or financially stable enough to manage financing, or they might be looking to collect the money upfront because they’re not officially licensed. At any rate, it’s potentially problematic for the buyer.
You want to work with a company that offers flexible and convenient financing. Not only does it ensure an easier transaction for you the buyer, but it’s an added vote of confidence that you’re working with an established, trusted business.
Go With the Home Improvement Experts
If you’re looking for a home improvement company that offers all of these qualities, we invite you to contact Evergreen Home Exteriors. We offer financing for 100% of our projects, we’re experienced and transparent, and we only use premium-grade materials.
Call or text us at (253) 313-7943 to schedule a free price estimate.
Whether it’s wrought out of boredom or the need to update your 1970s style kitchen, home remodeling is a part of almost every homeowner’s life. It may seem like a daunting task, but it’s one that millions of homeowners take on each year. Whether you’re just doing some siding repair or a whole home remodel, knowing where to start will save you time and money in the long run.
Your home remodeling process should be fun, creative, and exciting! It doesn’t have to be filled with complicated paperwork, difficult contractors, and months of endless construction. When you take the time to lay a solid foundation for your project, you’ll be able to relax and get the most out of your whole home remodel. So, where’s the best place to start?
Build a Detailed Plan
It’s easy to get lost in the complexities of home remodeling, but a little research goes a long way. Your first step should be to build a detailed plan of exactly what you want. Look up samples, blueprints, and find inspiration so you can effectively communicate your vision to your contractor.
If you’re doing a whole home remodel, you might want to look into the local permits and ordinances you may need to know before contractors start doing any work.
Create a Budget
This one may seem obvious, but home remodeling can get out of control…and fast too. Whether it’s uncovering new problems — like a roof that needs to be repaired — needing more materials, or even extending the project deadline, expenses can add up quickly. When you’re creating your budget, here are some helpful tips to keep you on track:
Lock in on how much you want to spend and don’t exceed it unless you absolutely have to
Set aside at least 10% of the budget for unexpected costs
Research and request estimates from professionals
Count the cost of all the necessary materials
Locking in the financial aspect of your home remodel or renovation will help the process go smoothly and help you determine what you can realistically get done.
Hire & Research Contractors
It’s easy to want to do it yourself, but at the end of the day, hiring the people who make a living doing home remodeling is the best way to go. That being said, you have to hire the right team. References, years of experience, certification of insurance, and payment plans are some of the things to keep an eye out for while doing a whole home remodel and figuring out where to start. While this step may seem like a lot of work, it’s well worth it. Plus, companies like Evergreen have already done all the research and leg-work. We have a broad network of licensed contractors who specialize in each aspect of home remodeling, from kitchens to decks, bathrooms, and more.
Ready to get going with Evergreen? Call or text (253) 320-5383 to learn about financing and schedule your free price estimate today!
The outside of your home is often just as important as the inside, and one feature sure to impress is a deck. If you’re looking for home decking ideas or have already picked out your favorite home deck designs, there are many ways you can make your outdoor space the special place you want it to be. After all, your deck is a place that will add value to your home and your life.
Whether you’re looking for a spot to relax after a long day or a great space for entertaining, these home decking ideas will give you the inspiration to take your deck to the next level.
Materials
One of the first things you need to think about when designing your outdoor space is what material you want to use. There are many options to choose from when looking for home decking ideas. Wood, composite, vinyl, plastic, and even aluminum are all materials you can work with when you’re coming up with your home deck design.
Wood
Wood is the most common material for home decks. Whether it’s pressure-treated, an exotic wood, or softwood, this material is attractive and inviting. A wood deck does require some care though: pressure washing, restaining, and annual maintenance are very important to keep your deck in tip-top shape.
Composite + Other Materials
Composite materials are made of wood combined with plastic fibers, usually recycled. This material is strong, durable, and easy to maintain. Other materials like vinyl, aluminum, and plastic are options for your home deck designs, but they may not have the same feel as composite or wood.
Design
After nailing down your material, you can start thinking about the layout and design of your deck. From outdoor brick ovens to hanging lights, feel free to get creative with your home decking ideas. Your deck should speak to who you are. For example: you’re not limited to having only a grill and seating in your space, so why not make it a full kitchen?
Living Wall
For those with a green thumb, a living wall is a great way to add privacy to your home deck designs. Adding planters provides you with life and some natural vegetation. Succulents and flowers will keep the deck lively, and herbs will be ready-to-go for any grilling you do.
Pergola
A pergola is another feature you can add to your home decking ideas box. This trellis-like addition provides shade and an opportunity for a little extra privacy. You can create this by using wood beams, a lattice, and columns to elevate your deck and give you a taste of Tuscany.
Get Started Today
Getting started may seem daunting, but there are many home decking ideas out there–these are just a few to help you get going. At Evergreen, we know how important your home is to you, so we provide you with the necessary tools and resources to get you the home you want.
Reach out today to learn more about our financing options!
Remodeling your home can be a stressful process. From picking color palettes to choosing appliances, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the home remodeling ideas. You probably loved your home when you first bought it, but now it’s time for some updates. Or maybe you grabbed that fixer-upper in a great neighborhood with lots of potential. Either way, when it’s time to update, looking into the latest home remodeling concepts is an important step.
So, let’s get into the latest trends and examine the top 5 home remodeling ideas for 2020 and 2021!
1. Accessibility
Gone are the days of impractical and disjointed spaces. When looking for good home remodeling ideas, think about how accessible your rooms are. Sure, that winding staircase may be great now, but what about in 20 years? The buzzwords lately are looking to the future, and accessibility means being smart about your home remodeling concepts. Open floor plans and eliminating tripping hazards–like room transitions–will have you well on your way to a smart and accessible renovation.
2. Staying Connected
In the age of the internet and smartphones, it’s no surprise that a smart home is on this list. Tech-savvy home remodeling ideas include a voice-activated thermostat, phone-controlled lighting, and even refrigerators that send reminders to your cell phone. These additions in your home add flexibility and convenience to your life and will add value to your home as well.
3. Customization
Make it your own! With so many styles and feels in architecture and design, you have the ability to customize your remodel. From raised countertops to soft-close drawers, there are countless home remodeling ideas you can customize for your specific needs.
4. A Basement Oasis
Whether it’s a play space for the kids or a much-needed getaway, a renovated basement is one of the hottest trends these days. Your basement doesn’t have to be filled with mysterious corners and a laundry room from a horror film. Modern home remodeling concepts usually include a renovated basement that is open, airy, and is convenient for your lifestyle.
5. An Open Concept
Part of making your home inviting is an open concept. Home remodeling ideas that include an open concept between the kitchen and living room can make your home feel larger and help connect families. This home remodeling concept has been around for a few years now, and it’s easy to see that it won’t be going anywhere.
Above all else, it’s important to work with people you can trust. At Evergreen, we provide you with respected and reputable installers who are the best at what they do. Your home is a special place, and we’ll be sure to treat it that way. Call or text (253) 320-5383 for your free price estimate today!
Whether you own a home, business, or any building that requires upkeep, you have to maintain the roof. You may have run into the debate about whether to put roofing over existing shingles. Should you build on what you already have or start a completely new roof installation process? As you might expect, it depends. Roofing over existing shingles is certainly allowed and won’t do any damage to your roof, but for some people, going through the new roof installation process may be a better option.
Shingles last a long time, but they don’t last forever–about 20 to 25 years. So, how do you know when you need a roof upgrade? What type of shingles should you buy? These are all questions homebuyers have when deciding whether the time is right for a roof revamp.
Starting the Process
The first sign that you need a new roof won’t be on the exterior. You’ll have to check inside–more specifically, your attic or crawl space. Leaks and water stains will be evident, so you’ll know it’s time to start thinking about upgrading your shingles. The outside of your roof will also have tell-tale signs like rot and unwanted plants growing. You can even check your home’s records to see how old your current roof is.
Roofing Over Existing Shingles
Now that it’s time for some roof maintenance, you have to ask: complete overhaul or go over what’s already there? For most homebuyers, it’s completely fine to roof over existing shingles. Most shingles can withstand another set being laid over them without compromising the integrity of the roof’s framework. And that’s good news because starting the roof installation process from scratch is more expensive. Applying shingles over the ones you already have will save you time and money.
Save Time
By roofing over existing shingles, you’re able to completely forgo the process of ripping off the old ones, and that’s perhaps the most labor-intensive part. Instead of wasting your whole day ripping out nails and shingles, you can use your existing shingles as a framework and begin your roof installation process right away.
Save Money
Cutting down on the time and labor portion of roofing saves you a lot of money. Contractors won’t charge as much for a re-roofing because they’ll use fewer people, fewer hours, and fewer tools. Getting the job done is a lot more manageable and quick when you roof over existing shingles.
Your Roof Renovation Headquarters
Getting a new roof can seem like a daunting process, but when you partner with trusted and quality home exterior companies, they make the job easy. At Evergreen, we only use the most reputable contractors for our customers. So, if you’re thinking about a new roof, call or text (253) 320-5383 today to schedule your free price estimate. We offer easy financing options with no interest fee.
