The Best Roofing Options For 2022

The roof is one of the most important features of a home. It maintains the structure, keeps the house warm, and offers protection from the elements. When a home goes on the market, the status of its roof is a big talking point. Years ago, there were very few options for materials to use for a new roof job. Today, there are countless types of roofing materials to choose from. We’ve outlined some of the most popular options to consider when you need to replace your roof.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is an excellent option for those looking for a durable choice. Lasting about 60 years, metal roofing can come in shingles, vertical panels, and metal shakes. Metal roofing is very stable when protecting your home from the elements. Depending on the style you choose, metal roofing is an affordable option but may eventually begin to show its age and impact the look of your home.

Solar Tiles

A solar tile roof is an excellent option if you’re looking to increase your home’s energy efficiency, another big selling point when it comes to selling a home. Solar tiles absorb solar energy and help convert it into power. This option is perfect for homes in locations that get a lot of sun but are fragile and cost much more than the typical solar panel installation.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is long-lasting and resistant to different types of mold and fungus. This option is very aesthetically pleasing, but be wary of its weight, which not all homes will be able to support. Slate roofing is also difficult to repair and more expensive than other roofing options.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a popular option across America because they are affordable, easily installed, and easily repaired. Unfortunately, these shingles can last about 30 years but are not very durable past that.

Clay Roofing

Clay roofing is one of the most durable options on the market. It’s known to withstand damage from high winds, tornadoes, and hurricanes. It’s specially molded and works well in warm climates, and you won’t find yourself having to maintain them often since they don’t absorb moisture easily. The main drawback to clay tiles is the high cost, which is worth it to some homeowners since the material can last 50+ years.

Green Roofing

Green roofs are an excellent option for those willing to maintain them. They are covered in plants and helpful in home insulation, improving air quality, and reducing water runoff. Essentially a garden, this option requires lots of maintenance to care for the plants, extra structural support, and water filtration. Green roofs are great for the environment and stylish but have an estimated lifespan of about 40 years.

Conclusion

The options available when choosing a roof can be overwhelming. Your home, budget, and climate are all important factors to consider when you decide to replace your roof. Have questions about your next roof replacement? Contact us today; we’d be happy to help!

January 3, 2022 0

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Home Contractor

Renovating your home is a big deal, and you and your home contractor must be on the same page for the most seamless possible process. That being said, picking the perfect contractor that understands you can seem like a challenging and scary task. It is essential that your home contractor know your needs and vision and actualize these items within your budget. Asking the right questions about your potential home renovation prior to signing any form of contract with them will make your home renovation process exciting and pleasant rather than stressful. These questions will also safeguard you and your home from fraudulent contractors and a home makeover disaster.

What Should I Ask First?

First and foremost, you should ask questions that provide more insight into the contractor’s credentials. Hiring a trustworthy and expert contractor can make all the difference in achieving your ideal remodeling experience – from communication with the contractor to the final product. It is crucial to ask about the prospective contractor’s experience, whether they are licensed, and the specifics of their insurance coverage. It is essential to inquire about the contractor’s insurance policy to ensure you and your family’s safety and protect the valuable items in your home. Contractors should be insured in the event that something in your home gets broken during the job.

Some initial questions that should be asked include:

How long have you been working in this business?
Do you have a contracting license?
What type of insurance coverage do you have? For follow-up, you can ask to see their certificate of insurance. You could also ask about their worker’s comp policies.

The key is to look for clear, affirmative answers from the contractor. Long, round-about answers to your questions could signify that the candidate is not adequately qualified or adequately insured for the job. As with many jobs, it is also beneficial to ask the prospective contractor for references. References are particularly helpful when hiring a contractor because they can speak from their personal experience. Good questions to ask the references are about the contractor’s communication skills and adherence to the projected timeline.

Other Possible Questions:

How often will you be on-site to supervise the progress of the job?
Do you offer a guarantee for your work? If so, what is it?
How frequently do you finish your projects on time?
How do you plan to clean up at the end of each day?
Where will you store your equipment and materials? Will you need to use space in my home for storage during the project?

There are careful considerations you should make before hiring a contractor to renovate your home, but the process doesn’t always have to be stressful. Have more questions about new projects? Contact us today!

December 27, 2021 0

Common Home Remodel Myths Debunked

Home remodeling can be a daunting task, and common myths about the renovation process can even more so deter you from finally pulling the trigger on those renovations. However, spending time renovating your home can give it the refresh it needs and increase its overall value. Instead of wasting more time dreaming about installing new countertops or tearing apart that old bathroom, think about how you can make those dreams a reality. It’s time to debunk the three of the most common myths about home remodeling.

Myth 1: It is more expensive to hire a professional than to renovate your home yourself.

Homeowners are often under the impression that it will be less expensive if they take on remodeling projects like roofing replacements and kitchen renovations themselves. However, hiring a professional to supervise the project will typically save you time, money, and stress in the long run. There are many hidden expenses such as engineering, permits, and hiring technicians that are associated with remodeling and easy to overlook when taking on a project yourself. Contractors account for all of these factors when beginning a project, take responsibility for any issues that may occur during the remodeling process, and provide warranties on their work. While small home remodeling projects may be manageable to DIY, working with a professional on a large-scale renovation project will save you many headaches.

Myth #2: You’ll have to move out of your home until the remodeling is complete.

Homeowners are rarely required to move out while their home is under renovation. Contractors are used to working with limited space and accommodating occupants. The only time you would be asked to leave your home while renovations take place is if there are safety or structural issues. Professionals will often work with you to create a schedule so you will know when workers will be in your home.

Myth #3: Renovations will always take more time and money than planned.

If a project is properly researched and planned out, it should not take longer to complete than expected. It is important to account for some wiggle room in your projected timeline and cost in case each step does not go as planned and to ensure the project will not exceed your budget. Hiring a skilled professional to build a precise timeline and budget for your home remodeling will ensure that your renovations will be completed on schedule.

Getting started with renovations can be overwhelming. Have questions about remodeling? Our team is here to help, contact us today!

December 20, 2021 0

Create the Perfect Home Office

As more and more people opt to work from home these days, home offices have become an increasingly popular home addition. Having a space dedicated solely to work can increase productivity, establish a solid work-from-home routine, and help keep the boundary between work life and home life. Here are some tips on creating the perfect home office space.

Consider the Neccesities

One of the most important steps in designing the perfect home office is assessing the electrical needs. You may need to invest in more power outlets or power strips to make sure all work-related devices can be properly set up. You should also consider the phone and internet connectivity of the space and make sure that any necessary wifi extenders or phone lines are installed.

Another necessity in an office space? Comfort. Working from home means getting away from the fluorescent office lighting. Your space should be well lit with a bright desk lamp and ideally some natural light from a few windows to reduce eye strain from staring at a computer screen for hours at a time.

Location

The placement of your home office is another important factor to consider. Are there spaces in your home such as an extra bedroom, basement, or attic that aren’t being put to any use? A great place for a home office is in a location that is far away from busy parts of your home such as the kitchen or living room. If your home doesn’t have a ton of extra room, you could consider installing a dividing wall in a large room to break up the space.

Design

The design of office space depends on a lot of personal preferences. Do you work better in a minimalist, tidy space or a colorful one that drives creativity? What kinds of things are you prioritizing in your work from home life, comfort, function, or something else? If you’re starting from scratch by renovating an unfinished area into a home office, the space is a blank canvas. Interior design magazines and experts will help you settle on different elements of design.

Installations

You can maximize the potential of your space by installing office features such as a built-in desk, standing workstation, and extra storage space. Consider renovating to make the most of your square footage and add a unique style to your home office while adding value to your home.

Conclusion

Interested in renovating your house to make space for a home office? Contact us today with any questions!

December 13, 2021 0

Avoid These Bathroom Remodel Mistakes

A bathroom renovation can be an expensive project. Whether you’re updating the entire space or just replacing a few outdated features, there are many common mistakes that homeowners make during the remodel process. When you know what to expect, you’ll be able to plan ahead for common headaches and minimize stress during your bathroom remodel. Here are a few of the most common issues homeowners run into during a bathroom remodel.

Letting Water Out of the Shower

Showers that spray or leak water can be incredibly frustrating. The last thing you want to deal with in your finished bathroom is a soaked floor after every shower. That’s why it’s important to pay attention when you’re installing shower tiles. Make sure the tile is slightly sloped towards the drain so that all of the water from the shower is directed to the right place. Accounting for this common mistake could save you money in the future by preventing deterioration and water damage.

Not Incorporating Enough Storage Space

Another aspect of bathroom design that many people don’t consider is adequate storage space. While many like to include more space between fixtures, it’s important for your design not to be too minimalistic. Make sure you have enough space to store personal items, paper products, and linens. Make sure to be practical and include plenty of cabinets, closet space, and built-in nooks for storage.

Failing to Plan Out the Details

Before you start the demolition process, it’s critical to map out a thorough replacement plan. The smallest of decisions, such as paint color or shower tile, shouldn’t be saved for the last minute. These details could end up having a huge influence on the aesthetics of your new bathroom. Planning out every detail meticulously will also make for a much quicker timeline.

Cutting Corners On Plumbing

Many big box stores and discount outlets offer cheap plumbing kits. While the initial reduced price may seem attractive, you should educate yourself on how opting for a cheap kit could cost you in the future. Oftentimes, plumbing fixtures from big box stores are made with low-quality plastic parts rather than metal. Most experienced plumbers will often refuse to install cheap plastic hardware. Specify plumbing for your project through a professional plumbing supply company.

Installing an Exterior Window in the Wrong Spot

While it should go without saying, you need to be careful when choosing the placement of a bathroom window (especially on the ground floor). There are builders that will recommend using a fan with an outside window as a backup method of ventilation, but make sure you are accounting for the view in and out of the bathroom. Keep in mind that bushes do wonders for privacy in the warmer months, but won’t be much help in concealing bathroom windows during the winter.

Conclusion

Thinking about renovating a bathroom but don’t know where to start? We’d be happy to help, contact us today!

December 6, 2021 0

Install A His & Hers Walk-In Closet

Everyone knows how frustrating it can be to battle over space in a shared closet, walk-in or not. It’s difficult to make the most of a cramped, dark closet that doesn’t have enough space for all of your clothing, accessories, and miscellaneous items. If you are prepared to renovate, consider transforming your small master bedroom closet into a modern-day his and hers styled closet. Maximize every inch of your closet with these helpful tips.

Divide Space

The first thing you should do when you start designing your walk-in closet is to distinguish clear sides of the closet. Be realistic when dividing up space, if one person has more clothes, shoes, or accessories that need space should be reflected in the design of the closet. Once you have your dimensions, your builder will be able to tailor your space to your exact needs.

Utilize shelving and baskets

Storage tools will be your best friend when it comes to organizing your his & hers closet. They’re a great way to organize jewelry racks, ties, hats, socks, and any other small item that doesn’t necessarily need to be hung up or take up an entire drawer. For maximum organization, you can even label baskets and shelves.

Make The Most Of Empty Space

Adjusting the hanging space in a closet to fit your clothes will do wonders for making the most of the space. Most closets are designed with one single rod and shelf at the top, which leaves large gaps of unused storage below your clothes and often a large unused block above the upper shelf. You can double your storage by including double hanging sections that feature an upper and lower rod in the same vertical section.

Don’t Forget The Little Things

When designing your closet, small additions can make a world of difference. Use a wardrobe rod to stage your outfits for the next day or incorporate a jewelry rack to organize your favorite pieces.

Conclusion

A His & Hers closet can make a world of difference in the organization of your home. If you have questions about updating your closet, contact us today!

November 29, 2021 0

Advantages Of Living On A Corner Lot

When buying a home, the location is a key consideration in the decision-making process. While factors like the neighborhood or proximity to schools and downtown areas are a common topic of conversation, the lot placement is also an important aspect to consider when shopping for a home. In recent years, plenty of drawbacks of living on a corner property have become apparent to buyers, but many people overlook the feeling of openness and light that a corner property brings to the table. We’ve outlined some of the benefits of living on a corner property to consider in your home buying process.

More Parking

In busy urban areas, extra parking is a huge advantage of owning a corner property. There are many more parking spaces available when your property is surrounded by twice the amount of street space than a traditional lot. This hidden benefit is especially useful if you plan on entertaining large groups of people in your home.

Great Lighting

Corner homes in densely settled areas are distinguished due to the amount of sunlight they get through extra windows. While most homeowners look to maximize any bit of sunlight they get, inhabitants of corner lots have ample light to utilize when decorating the interior of their homes.

Reduced Costs

Corner lots tend to be noisy, especially ones on busy roads. The benefit of the possible increased noise pollution is that you may find a house that’s perfect for you AND affordable. Corner lots on busy roads tend to be priced lower than surrounding homes, so if you can deal with a little noise you’ll likely save a considerable amount of money.

There’s also a significant chance that you’ll save money on insurance rates when it comes to a corner property. If you live in an urban area, your city may use your corner as a place to put safety features such as fire hydrants. The proximity of safety features may decrease your home insurance.

Extra Space

In general, corner lots are larger in yard size and home size. For a similar price to surrounding homes, you’ll get a more spacious house as well as room outdoors to utilize for gardening, a pool, or entertaining. If you’re looking for an investment property, consider landscaping the yard to perfection and adding fun outdoor features to increase the home value.

Conclusion

When you consider all the benefits of a corner home, it may mean more to you than noisy traffic and extra yard work in the spring. Recently, corner properties have started to become more sought after by homebuyers. If you’re wondering about the potential projects for your home on a corner lot, reach out to us today!

November 22, 2021 0

Should You Include a Skylight in Your Home?

If you’re looking for more natural sunlight in a living room, to heat up a bedroom, or have better ventilation in your home, you’ve probably thought about installing a skylight. You might not be sure if a skylight is the right investment for you. We’ve created this guide of benefits and drawbacks to take into consideration when deciding whether or not a skylight is a good fit for your home.

Pros of Skylights

Improved Ventilation For Your Space

Skylight windows can be opened to let in fresh air, which aids with cross ventilation. Especially in stuffy rooms, skylights can cool down the space and freshen up the air without the costs of other ventilation methods, such as air conditioning

Saving on Energy Costs

Skylights can be useful in both the heating and cooling of your space. They can warm up areas of your home that are cold and stuffy due to inadequate lighting as well as provide heat during the daytime. Energy costs can pile up quickly, so a skylight is a great alternative. Just make sure the skylight you choose to install features laminated glass and is leakproof!

Aesthetic Changes Increase Home Value

Skylights are a popular and sought-after cosmetic enhancement. They can add value to your home if you ever decide to put it on the market, as they provide a natural light that creates a beautiful ambiance.

Make a Room Feel Bigger

Skylights often have the potential to make a room feel more spacious. They also allow for beautiful views of the night sky.

Cons of Skylights

Improper Placement

The placement of a skylight is crucial to its effectiveness in the aforementioned benefits above. Make sure to consult a professional about the placement of your skylight

Too Much Light

Sometimes, the placement of the skylight brings in too much light or heat during the day. Proper consultation could help fix this potential problem, making sure you install a skylight in an area that will fit your needs without letting a space get too hot or cold.

Cleaning Issues

Skylights can be difficult and sometimes downright unsafe to clean. From the inside, you’ll likely have to use a ladder to clean. From the outside, you’re likely to have leaves and branches fall on the skylight from time to time, and getting on the roof to brush them off can be a pain.

Conclusion

There are several compelling arguments for and against skylights. Here at the Horton Group, we’re here to assist you with considerations to make when deciding to install a skylight as well as proper installation techniques.

November 15, 2021 0

Install a Spiral Staircase

Many homes can benefit from installing a spiral staircase. They’re a versatile design option that can work well in homes with open floor plans as well as ones without extra space to spare. Installing a spiral staircase can add a simple yet sophisticated element to any home. We’ve outlined a couple of reasons that you should consider investing in a spiral staircase.

Seamless Installation

Spiral staircases are a lot more affordable than one might think. Some people even choose to order the materials in a kit to install them by themselves! They are easier to assemble than regular stairs and often much cheaper.

Add Value to Your Home

Spiral staircases are very attractive to architects and homebuyers alike. While they are relatively inexpensive to install, they are one of the most desired elements that boost the value of a home.

Save Space

Spiral staircases can be put in where other types of staircases may not fit, such as cottages or apartments. Even when it’s not a top priority to save space when selecting a staircase, they can make the largest of rooms feel even more spacious.

Versatile

Spiral staircases are known to compliment almost every interior. The material and color used in the construction of spiral staircases can vary greatly while still preserving the aesthetic of your space. Wood, glass, and iron are all elements that you can feature in your spiral staircase.

Conclusion:

Spiral staircases have stood the test of time and have continually stayed popular in a variety of different home styles. If you’re looking for a customizable and aesthetically pleasing update to your home, a spiral staircase might be the perfect option for you. Want to start a project with us? Get to know some of our skilled professionals and give us a call at 203-624-6873.

November 8, 2021 0

The Benefits of Recessed Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important things to consider when renovating or updating a home. Apart from improving the way a home looks and feels, the right lighting can increase the value of a property. While chandeliers, wall mount fixtures, and track lights are all right for certain spaces in your home, recessed lighting is the right choice for anyone looking to brighten up a space without installing a fixture that extends into a room and changes elements of its decor. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of adding recessed lighting to your home.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Recent data from the most popular U.S. home trends suggests that homes with recessed lighting receive around 1,110 views per listing on real estate websites, which is higher than any other top 10 home trend. It’s also been reported that on average, homes with recessed lighting are more likely to sell above list price.

Illusion of Space

Recessed lights naturally make a room feel bigger because there is less physical space being taken up with light cans being set into the ceiling. Different types of trim can also cast more light around the room, especially when spaced further away from the wall and other fixtures.

Highlight Aspects of Your home

When installing recessed lighting, you’re able to highlight specific designs or aesthetics of your home. Use a recessed light to shed light on an art piece, unique structural feature, or special collection. Recessed light can also act as a spotlight in a home office or kitchen.

Safety

The casing of a recessed light keeps it safe and out of reach of children and pets, as opposed to hanging light fixtures.

Versatility

Recessed lighting has many options that you can choose from to customize your lighting setup. A few things you can consider when customizing your recessed lighting:

Fixture sizes: based on the height of the ceiling & size of the area you want to light.
Light Bulb Type: control temperature, cost, lifespan, and intensity of light.
Trim styles: an eyeball trim can help with wall-wash lighting, while a flat trim is ideal for a minimalist finish.

Conclusion:

Recessed lighting allows you to upgrade your home in a way that’s both stylish and discreet. The Horton Group has been serving the Northeastern United States for over 20 years, and we’d love to help you, too. Want to start a project with us? Get to know some of our skilled professionals and give us a call at 203-624-6873.

November 1, 2021 0