Monthly Archives: April 2012

Options for Installing a New Roof

Leave a reply

A while back we wrote an article that discussed different tips for examining the condition of your roof. This is typically a good thing to do in the early Fall, so that you have time to make any fixes to it before the Winter weather begins. In this article we’ll discuss some options you have if you’ve decided to replace your existing roof.

Before even making the decision to replace your roof you need to make sure that it is in need of being replaced. This depends on the existing roofing material and the weather. Asphalt shingles may need to be replaced as early as 15 years after installation. Wood and rubber tiles can usually last 30-50 years. Metal typically can last at least 50 years, and slate, one of the most durable roofing materials, typically lasts the lifetime of the house.

Like any other housing material, there is a direct relationship between price and durability/longevity of the material. In short, if you want something that’ll last longer you’ll need to pay more for it. This is why most Americans use asphalt shingles on their home. It’s cheap, easy to install and fairly resilient. They also come in a variety of colors, and asphalt shingles tens to look aesthetically appealing for many different home styles. If you’re an environmentalist though, you might want to avoid asphalt shingles because they’re not usually recyclable because of the layer of fiberglass added to the shingles.

Wood shingles and shakes allow for a variety of different wood styles (including cedar, redwood, pine and more). Wood shingles tend to be a little costlier than asphalt, but they do blend pretty well with most home styles, particularly ranch, cottages and contemporary-style homes. The big concern with wood is its low fire safety rating. This risk can be offset with a fire-resistant treatment, which usually comes with an additional cost

Slate, as mentioned above, tends to last forever (or at least as long as the house). Slate is also very environmentally friendly, since it is not only made from a sustainable mixture, but it’s also recyclable.  However, it is expensive and very heavy, and it tends to only work well with Mediterranean, Mission and European-style homes. Also, keep in mind that it is often a darker color, so it’s not ideal for high-heat locations.

There are several other popular roofing options out there, including synthetic shingles, clay & concrete, metal and fiber cement. They all come with different price points, durability and colors. When choosing the right roofing material you’ll need to factor in your budget, as well as the style of your home. Of course, when installing or repairing your roof it’s always a good time to consider adding solar panels.

Greyhound General, a San Diego home remodeling contractor will help provide you with all the different options for your home and roof. If you have any questions about remodeling your home or roof, or if you’re interested in a free estimate please fill out the form here or call 800-568-7108.

4 Signs You Need to Remodel Your Kitchen

Leave a reply

Home is where the heart is! For most people this saying conjures up images of family and friends gathering for a nice meal. Think of the last time you entertained guests, or even just prepared a nice dinner for your immediate family. Did you find yourself with limited space to do all the prep work? Did you have to look thoroughly to find additional space for your dishes? Or did you simply notice the worn down look our your kitchen? These are signs that your kitchen may be in need of a makeover!

Here’s a list of the top 5 signs you need to remodel your kitchen:

1) Cabinetry is Looking Rough: If your home was built in the 1970s or earlier, and you have the original cabinets, I’m probably preaching to the choir. Wooden cabinets should reflect the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Sometimes you can get away with simply painting or staining your kitchen cabinets, but if you’re even considering replacing them then you need to think about overhauling the rest of your kitchen.

2) No Counter Top Space: No space to do your prep work? Have your counter-top appliances taken up all the working space? Has junk mail and other miscellaneous items cluttered the center island? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions you’ll want to consider remodeling your kitchen. According to the National Kitchen &  Bath Association (NKBA), a Kitchen should have a minimum of 158″ (13 ft) of linear counter top space. BUT that’s just a minimum! You can try to move appliances around, and that might free up some space. Also, if you have a smaller-sized kitchen, but a breakfast nook and/or dining room, you might consider knocking down a wall or two to open it up. You’ll want to talk to a full service remodeling contractor who can review your design options.

3) Lighting & Flooring: Look up and then look down. Are you happy with what you see? Is your lighting and flooring showing its age? Old lighting can not only look bad, but it can cost you money! Newer, “greener” light bulbs can last up to 30,000 hours, whereas typical light bulbs only last about 900 hours. Furthermore, you can power 6 LED lights with the same amount of energy it takes to power one incandescent light bulb!

Check out your flooring. Are there any gouges in it? Are the edges, where the floor hits the base boards, showing age? Or is it simply old or unsightly, like linoleum? Sure you can simply replace the existing flooring, but if there are other areas of your kitchen in need of upkeep then consider a full kitchen remodel.

4) Outdated Appliances: Just like light bulbs have advanced to become “greener,” so have appliances. If you’ve owned your home for more than 10-15 years or more and you have the original appliances chances are they are, or are starting to become, an eyesore. Consider an energy efficient refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and oven.

Your kitchen is where your family and friends come together, so make your kitchen look its best, and save yourself some energy costs in the long run. Make sure you speak with a trusted home remodeling contractor that can help you with the design phase, as well as the remodeling phase. If you’re looking for a San Diego kitchen remodeling contractor then leave Greyhound General a message, or call us directly at 800-568-7108.