Smart Exterior Home Improvements

All homeowners should be aware of the importance of curb appeal, especially when looking to sell their home. The interior looks of the home will never come into play unless you get buyers inside the door, thus the importance of the homes exterior appeal. Let’s face it, if the house looks like a hot mess on the outside what are people to assume the inside looks like. Exterior home improvements often allow you to get the biggest return on your investment, increasing the sale price of your home. In order to maximize your efforts where it counts we have established a list of exterior aspects to focus on during the renovation process.

Front Door

Replacing your homes front door is a solid place to start when looking into exterior upgrades. Replacing the contractor grade front doors that are installed on most newer homes with a high quality, decorative front door can have a major impact. Take the addition of a new front door to the next level with the addition features to dress up the door such as a pediment and molding which offers a more substantial feel.

Front Porch

Along with a new front door, the porch area in itself is a large attention grabber. Some porch renovations include new lighting, fresh decking, the addition of a natural element such as manufactured stone, greenery, and seating can take a space from barely noticeable to a visual masterpiece. When thinking about a front porch most people contour up images of porch swings, rocking chairs, and wicker. It is an image of simplicity, relaxation, and family.

New Roof

When it comes to exterior elements, your homes roof is one of the most important. Not only does your homes roof play an incredibly important role in protecting your home and family from natures harshest elements it adds to the energy efficiency of the home. If you have an older roof with leaks and general overall disrepair it is time to consider a new roof. Installing a new roof with the help of a professional roofing contractor can help to ensure that new roofing technology is utilized, and energy efficiency is maximized.

Increased Lighting

Not only is lighting important to the interior of your home, it can also have a huge impact on the exterior. Exterior lighting be included by each entrance of the home as well as used strategically to enhance architectural features of the home and landscape. Increased lighting not only improves the overall look of the home, it increases the perception of safety. Exterior elements that will be in use throughout the year should have access to lighting. From backyard fireplaces to snowy driveways it is important to be able to have a visual of the area.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

Turn Your Bathroom into An Oasis Through Bathroom Renovations

When it comes to creating a space where homeowners renovate for the sheer purpose of relaxation look no further than the bathroom. Bathroom remodeling, in the last few decades, has come a long way in creating an oasis that can be thoroughly enjoyed in a different manner for each member of the family. Bathroom contractors have complete knowledge on implementing various designs and strategies into your bathroom renovation to create an oasis for your family.

Bathroom Renovations Using Mirrors and Clear Glass

The bathroom is a space within the home where families migrate to relax and escape free and clear from the stresses of the day from work, kids, and more. One strategy that contractors use to help create a unique, oasis like bathroom space is through the strategic use of mirrors. Using large mirrors in the bathroom renovation design helps to create the sensation of a more substantial room. Mirrors make smaller rooms appear less cramped. Another option in bathroom renovations to enhance the size of the space is to use clear glass partitions.

Remodeling Bathrooms Choosing the Best Sink Styles

Instead of using a traditional white porcelain sink in your bathroom, contractors specializing in bathroom renovations choose copper handmade vessel basins, natural stone, ceramic, or glass. These sink vessel materials when used in conjunction with proper fixtures, tiling, paint, and more can provide you with am undeniably serene vibe.

Maximize Natural Lighting During Renovations to The Bathroom

Natural light is not easily replicated. When a bathroom doesn’t have outside light entering the space it is important that the soothing, natural feeling it offers is replicated. Certain lighting elements can be used to emulate natural light while other contractors will suggest bringing natural light into the space through the addition of windows and/or skylights.

Increased Light Features in Your Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom contractors use lighting to brighten up bathroom spaces making them appear clean, sleek, and modern. Bright lighting, with the ability to dim, create an oasis atmosphere. Light fixtures, as well as the type of bulb that is used can change the entire vibe of the space. Crystal lighting often enhances the crisp, clean lines that contractors emphasize within the bathroom space.

Proper Bathroom Flooring, Accessories, Fixtures, and More

Bathroom contractors really pull a space together through proper flooring, accessories, and fixtures. Little elements used together and arranged properly create a clean look that emphasizes comfort and size. All the choices from the floor to the vanity, from the toilet paper roll to the towel holder, each helps to create a soothing retreat while maximizing your bathroom space.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

5 Ways Kitchen Renovations Increase Your Homes Resale Value

If you didn’t build your current home from scratch, but instead bought it, chances are you have had to put up with someone else’s idea of a kitchen layout that does nothing to impress the eye. As we approach the hottest selling season, with billions of potential homes expected to change hands, there never has been a time like now, that you can use cost-effective strategies to help you leverage all you can against the competition.

If you shudder each time you waltz into your kitchen, then it’s time to take the plunge to upgrade and refresh one of the most important spaces in your home, the kitchen. According to contractors specializing in kitchen renovations, a professionally remodeled kitchen will not only improve and add value to your home, but when the time comes to sell it, you can command a higher price without batting an eyelid.

Quick Resale

One of the main reasons that homes stay on the market for too long without receiving any offers is because the last thing a home buyer wants is to move into a home that they must renovate right away. No one wants to buy a home with an outdated kitchen where appliances aren’t working, or the cabinets and countertops are falling apart. It is easier to attract prospective buyers when the kitchen is in pristine condition and compel them to pay a premium price for the home.

Energy Efficiency

Anything that can save a potential homebuyer some money is a prime motivating factor for purchasing a home. Installing modern appliances and solar panels will not only increase the energy efficiency of the kitchen but adding skylights in place of artificial lighting will flood the kitchen with more natural light without spending any energy, therefore, contribute greatly toward energy savings, and who doesn’t want to save a buck or two?

Lifestyle

According to contractors specializing in kitchen renovations, your kitchen’s design not only needs to meet your current needs but those of future buyers. Some basic concepts to keep in mind during your project design is open space, easy to access cabinetry, and accessible storage. These are trends that are good for meeting most family’s needs.

Modernity

Provided a space doesn’t feel cold or clinical, remodeling your kitchen to bring it to the 21st century will yield great results in increasing the value of your home and making a big impression in both the young and old homebuyers. Choose colors and styles that create a space that is clean, comfortable, and allows people the ability to relax and stay awhile.

Return on Investment

If your kitchen is too outdated, consider spending about 15 to 25% of your home’s value for new cabinet doors, appliances, countertops, sink, faucet, paint, and hardware. According to contractors specializing in kitchen renovations will increase your homes resale value and yield a higher return. Especially if you are going to be in the house awhile and enjoying the renovation. A kitchen renovation is a terrific way to add value to your home while enjoying the new space.

Advantages of Replacing Your Home’s Windows

Owning a home means continuous home improvement projects to make your place your dream home. As you tackle various projects, don’t forget about your home’s windows. They’ve probably been there since the house was built and are most likely in need of replacement.

Many times, homeowners forget that windows offer high returns on the investment, which could explain why some homeowners keep their homes windows in place well past their prime. Homeowners know that windows can be expensive and therefore put replacing them out of their minds while renovating more visible aspects of the home. Replacement windows do more than just bring up the cost of your home and have several advantages for your household in general. If you’re considering replacing your home’s windows, here are some of the benefits of doing so:

Lower Energy Bills

If you want to lower your energy bills, replacing your windows can greatly help. If you opt for well-insulated windows, they will keep extreme outside conditions from affecting the inside of your home. When it’s hot out, your home will remain cool, which means your air conditioner doesn’t have to run as long. And when it’s cold, you won’t have to run your heater all day and night since the windows will do a great job at keeping the heat in.

Protection from The Sun’s UV Rays

And there are even window replacement options that can block the sun’s ultraviolet rays to help reduce your energy bill while also increasing comfort. If you love natural light in your home, then you most likely have your blinds open all the time. But having too much sun means excessive ultraviolet rays that can fade your home’s interior space. With the right window replacement, you can protect your floors, walls and furnishings by opting for windows that feature Low-E insulating double-pane (or triple-pane) glass.

Easy to Maintain

Windows can be a pain to clean, but not if you choose some with advanced designs like easy-clean features, quality construction and durability. With new designs like between-the-glass blinds or shades, you won’t have to spend as much time cleaning and they can reduce the allergens or dust in your home.

Noise Reduction

Newly installed windows throughout your home can greatly reduce the outside noise, allowing you peace and quiet when you need it most! Peace and quiet within your home is much needed.

Increased Curb Appeal

New windows can also enhance your home’s curb appeal, providing it with visual interest that will increase your home’s value. Homeowners should be well versed on their homes curb appeal as it is one of the most important aspects. People’s first impressions are of utmost importance.

Choosing A Color For Your Homes Vinyl Siding

2018 is the year that is taking the curb appeal of your home to the next level. Homeowners are more aware now than ever before that how their homes look on the outside has everything to do with how the inside is viewed. This is even more important when looking to put your home on the market. The exterior of your home is a reflection to the rest of the world of you. It can make your home look warm and inviting or just the opposite based solely on how it looks. One way that homeowners are looking into bringing new life to their homes exterior is through the installation of new vinyl siding.

Vinyl siding installation creates an entirely new look for your home. It is important to choose a color that expresses who you are while also taking into account other homes within the neighborhood and future buyers preferences. In some areas vibrant colored vinyl siding is the norm however for many of us safer choices such as shades of gray or beige are more suitable.

To really determine what color is best for your homes new vinyl siding homeowners should consider the advice of an outside source, such as the siding contractor. Professionals will offer you the cold, hard truth about your choice in the color choice of your vinyl siding. Often times exterior siding contractors work with professional decorators to come up with a plan for exterior home renovations to be sure that all plans for the exterior of the home are tied together.

One aspect that contractors and decorators will consider is the color of the exterior doors of the home including the garage door as well as the color of the roof. If you as a homeowner are not looking to replace the entry and garage doors or to install a new roof, then it is crucial that the homes vinyl siding is compatible with them.

The homes siding should also compliment the architecture of the home. Certain styles of architecture fit better with certain colors and not with others. Think about the typical colonial home; what comes to mind? Yep, solid color vinyl siding in yellow, white, green, or blues.

Another feature to take into account is the size of your home. Super dark vinyl siding makes homes stand out. Dark colors can be considered overwhelming when used on larger homes where as on smaller homes they can create a cozy feeling. If you are looking for your home to blend into the homes around the neighborhood then it is best to stick with lighter vinyl siding colors such as white or yellow.

Consider the climate in which your home is as well. There are particular colors that are perfect for homes in cooler climates however look off when used in tropical climates. Sunlight exaggerates brighter colored vinyl siding while heating up dark color siding. It is also crucial to consider color combinations as well. Dark blue and black appear dark and drab whereas dark blue with white trim appears nautical and fresh.

Enhance Your Home’s Exterior with Stone Veneer

The word for 2018 in home improvement is curb appeal. Everyone I have spoken to is interested in sprucing up the exterior of their home to increase the aesthetic value. It might be that they are interested in new siding, updated windows, a decorative front door, or something a bit more budget conscience, the addition of stone veneer. A popular combination that is being seen more and more is mixing two elements such as updated siding and stone veneer to create a high quality, low-maintenance exterior.

The installation of stone veneer to your homes exterior creates a refreshing façade that offers a solid ROI. Stone veneer is an organic material that is used to give homes a unique look and to enhance elements on the exterior of the home. Most often homeowners will choose to enhance a front porch, chimney, driveway gate entrance posts or walkway. Stone veneer comes in a variety of colors, styles, sizes, and shapes to consider in your renovations.

The addition of stone veneer gives your home a natural, authentic appearance. It is an exterior housing material that is considered low maintenance that wears nicely; in fact, many homeowners have told us that they prefer how the veneer look after a few years of exposure to our Michigan climate. Stone veneer does not fade or chalk and tends to be more durable than even vinyl siding. The stone veneer can protect your homes exterior from harsher elements due to being incredibly durable.

Homeowners often desire the addition of stone veneer on to outdate chimney’s especially when they are in the process of replacing their homes roof. Adding a touch of stone veneer to the chimney cap offers a more visually appealing aspect to a normally dull aspect of your homes exterior. Adding stone veneer also gives your home a stately look while protecting your chimney against mortar joints, snow, water, branches, leaves and other elements that come with living in the wonderful state of Michigan.

Stone veneer is also used on the exterior of your home as protection to your windows, foundation, and doors when installed on headers, sills, and water tables. Unlike wood, which requires regular upkeep, and plastic which is easily damaged by the sun or differing weather elements, stone veneer lasts a lifetime and looks great as it ages. If you want to increase your homes curb appeal, as many of us are, the addition of stone veneer is the addition to your homes exterior that you are looking for.

The Importance of Your Homes Exterior Appearance

There are many ways to add aesthetic value to your home; the trick though is to get a return on your investment along with it. Most homeowners think about the interior of the home when considering upgrades however, renovations on the exterior of the home are just as important. Exterior home improvements that boost your homes curb appeal can go a long way in increasing the value of your home. First impressions often make or break how buyers look at a home. The exterior appeal of your home can literally change the way your home is perceived to future buyers.

Of course, most homeowners don’t move forward with renovations to our homes because we will one day will sell the home. We make upgrades to improve the quality of our experiences in the home. It is important homeowners consider both their personal enjoyment and added value. Here are five exterior projects that we believe will add value now and later.

Add a Deck and/or Porch

Sitting in a comfortable chair enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine on your porch or deck is a feeling better than any amount of money. Even the smallest of homes with a yard of any size can enjoy the benefits of a space outdoor that is able to be used as a livable space. It is important that the area be in proportion with the landscape. The addition of the deck or porch should only consist of 1/5^th of the overall space. Even a small patio space, set aside, can make a world of difference. The perception, and hopefully the reality, is that it is a space that used to relax and contemplate the beginning or end of the day.

Replace the Front Door

The first thing you see when you come upon your home is the front door. An older style door can really date your home. The front door of a home not only adds to the appeal of your home it is a big part of the home’s safety. Consider replacing an older front door with a new steel or fiberglass front door with a little bit of artistry to add to the overall look of the home and entry way.

New Window Installation

New windows for a home can be quite expensive; most homeowners don’t consider replacing windows until they absolutely need to. That however, can be a huge mistake. Your homes windows are crucial in providing light, ventilation, and insulation. New windows are a great way to improve the energy efficiency within the home while increasing the appeal to the exterior. Windows are one of the first renovations to consider in older homes as advancements in windows with both durability and energy efficiency far surpasses that of older window technologies.

Maintenance: Roof, Gutters, Siding, and Landscape

Twice a year it is important to take time to do complete a thorough cleaning of the exterior of your home. This is above and beyond the normal weekly maintenance. A homes roof should be inspected and maintained at the beginning of spring and the end of fall. This will ensure that any cracks in the caulking are filled, missing shingles replaced, and leaks are caught before causing damage to the structure of the home.

Gutters should be cleaned as well during this time to ensure that leaves and extra debris are removed, and the gutters are allowing water to properly flow away from the home. There are many problems that come from improperly functioning gutters including ice dams that lead to roof and structural damage.

It is important to keep up on your homes exterior such as siding and masonry. Power washing and touch ups should be performed as needed to prevent any major build ups of mold, algae, or fungus. This will keep the siding in tip top shape both structurally and aesthetically.

Your homes landscaping is another element that cannot be ignored. It is a huge part of the exterior view of your home. Homeowners are wise to complete weekly maintenance such as mowing, weeding, and watering on-top of the chores that need to be completed at least twice a season such as tree trimming, edging, fresh mulch, separating over grown plants, and grass care.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan’s interior and exterior construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

Home Improvements To Increase Energy Efficiency

Here at Kearns Brothers we are often asked about energy efficient upgrades. Many homeowners are finding it quite costly to heat and cool their homes thus compelling them to investigate ways to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. When considering enhancements to your home that increase its overall efficiency it is important to start by evaluating the exterior “envelope” of your home.

The first step in improving the efficiency of your home and decreasing your overall utilities comes from eliminating air from entering or exiting the home unnecessarily. A new, bigger furnace or air conditioning unit will do nothing to decrease your utility bills if the air is still seeping through windows, doors, walls, or the roof.

Window Replacements

New windows are one of the first home improvements that we would suggest to homeowners with older homes or worn out windows to improve a homes energy efficiency. Yes, high-quality replacement windows can put a large dent in a homeowner’s home improvement budget however, not only do they provide energy savings they also provide a solid return on investment when going to sell your home.

If new windows are out of the question, another option is weather-stripping. This process includes sealing areas where air is seeping in and out of the home such as windows, doors, cracks found in attic piping, chimney, wiring, and recessed lighting. Little crevices can radically increase heating and cooling expenses. These minor, open areas need to be addressed before insulation issues are addressed.

Additional Insulation

The next area to address is insulation. Adding insulation, of at least ten inches, on the attic floor is a must. Since heat naturally rises this is the first place that should be taken care of with additional insulation. Adding insulation to the walls of an existing home is often a little trickier than with new construction. The best time to add insulation to older homes is when you are in the process of installing new siding or updating the exterior such as adding stone veneer or other masonry upgrades.

Another budget conscience way to increase the energy efficiency in your home is by having a home improvement contractor seal and insulate your homes duct work. Ducts are responsible for leaking heated and cooled air throughout the attic, basement, and crawlspaces of the house. By having a professional contractor seal and insulate the duct work in your home can cut your heating and cooling expenses upwards of thirty percent.

Look Into your Heating and Cooling Systems

Once your home has been effectively sealed homeowners will see a significant decrease in heating and cooling expenses. Heating and cooling systems over ten years old are often considered inefficient by many HVAC specialists. Of course, there is always going to be a new and improved, high efficiency upgrades you can install but without the maintenance mentioned above this won’t help provide any cost savings to homeowners. Reputable HVAC specialist and home improvement contractors will always suggest making the modifications within the space to create an air tight seal before unnecessarily removing working heating and cooling systems. If your home is already sealed and insulated properly and you are still looking to increase energy efficiency then and only then should you look into the latest and greatest high efficiency heating and cooling unit.

Springtime Checkup for Maintaining Your Homes Exterior

Owning a home is synonymous with home improvements and maintenance. The perfect time to take inventory of what needs to be done around your home in order to keep it running full speed ahead is during the first month of spring. This is especially true with the homes exterior. The snow has melted meaning that the landscape and roof are no longer covered and can be thoroughly examined. Your home has gotten through the tough months of winter and will start to show signs of wear that will need to be taken care to prevent further, more expensive repairs or replacements later down the road. As with all home improvements, maintaining your home is important and it is crucial that any maintenance and repairs are done by professional contractors that are licensed and insured.

Spring Checkup for Exterior Home Maintenance

Your homes roof is one of its most important features. It provides necessary protection to the structure of the home and is also your families first defense against the harsh winter elements. What this means is that come spring your roof is one of the most important regions of your home to maintain. Dead decaying leaves have made their home on your roof for the last six months. Moss has been given the perfect opportunity to make a home. Now only is it important aesthetically to take care of the debris it is important to the overall condition of your roof.

By hiring a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof you are guaranteed that cracks and leaks are found. Often homeowners have no idea what to look for when it comes roof damage. Professional roofers will check the roofs vents, louvers, flashing, and roof valleys to ensure that the caulking is intact and free of damage. Shingling will be checked for blistering, buckling, missing shingles and more as well. Maintaining your roof is a lot more practical than replacing it. By maintaining the existing roof, you are looking at expanded the lifespan of your roof well past the manufacturer’s warranty.

Gutters are another element of the exterior of your home that is crucial in protecting the structure of your home from water damage. Gutters must be cleaned regularly as debris that can build up will prevent water from draining properly. Water that backs up within the gutter will find it’s way under the shingling and into your home if not maintained. Loose or leaking gutters should be repaired as well.

Chimneys are many peoples saving grace through the long, cold Michigan winters. It is important that after being used non-stop throughout the winter months that your chimney is given special attention. Chimneys should be examined and repaired. It is also a good time to have your chimney cleaned professionally. Soot build up can often hide areas that need maintenance.

To preserve summer fun have your deck inspected at the beginning of spring. It is a great time to check for loose boards, soft wood, or signs of damage from water. You can also determine from the amount of discoloration if the deck needs to be resealed. Spring is a perfect time to prepare the deck for when temps warm up and stain and sealant can be applied.

Spring comes along to wake us from our long winter slumbers where we can procrastinate and put things off until the temperatures warm up. Spring temps allow exterior work to be done without the baking sun of summer. Maintenance done in the spring also means time spent enjoying the Michigan summer instead of weekends stuck at home while work is done on your home. As your landscape awakens and buds start to form throughout your homes landscaping call to schedule a professional exterior home inspection to perform the necessary maintenance on your home.

Improving Your Homes Value with Exterior Improvements

When it comes to home improvements all homeowners know that it is best to invest money into a home where the return on investment is the highest. Exterior home improvements are one of the most sought-after services that contractors in Southeast Michigan are hired for. A homes curb appeal not only boosts the resale value of your home when it comes time to sell but also helps homeowners sell faster. In this installment we will discuss several exterior home improvementsthat not only improve the look of your homes outside but also efficiency on the inside.

New Windows

Not only do new windows look amazing they help to protect a homeowners biggest financial investment. By replacing your homes windows, you improve the appeal of your home as well as improving security and energy efficiency. Homeowners now have many choices of styles to choose from when picking new windows including: double-hung, casement, awning, picture, transom, slider, stationary, and bat windows. Newly installed windows are a popular exterior home improvement because of the beautiful way they finish off the look of your home while adding efficiency to the home that keeps a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer while reducing energy expenses.

Updated Siding

Another exterior improvement that many homeowners are choosing to pursue is new siding. There are two main types of siding that professional contractors recommend: vinyl siding and fiber-cement siding. Vinyl siding is incredibly versatile as it comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles. Contractors recommend vinyl for homeowners looking for economical, durable, and virtually maintenance-free option for the homes exterior. Fiber-cement sidingis another siding option that is attractive and resilient to various climates. The benefits of fiber-cement siding include: a variety of colors that can be updated to choose from, weather resistant, fireproof, rot, swell, insect, salt-spray resistant, and are installed in a manner that the seams do not overlap which prevents mildew and mold growth.

Front Door Replacement

The front door to your home is as important as the smile is to your face; it is the element that welcomes friends and family into your home and speaks volumes about home on a whole. There are so many benefits of a new front door including:

A 10% decrease on your energy bills with the installation of an energy efficient front door
Added levels of security to the home
A1 00% return on investment upon resale
Appeal to future buyers

DIY Cheap and Effective Exterior Home Improvements

Not all exterior home improvements projects require a huge budget to improve the curb appeal of your home. Pressure washing your home, driveway, deck and walkway can give your home an update appearance. Fresh mulch along with a weed free landscape are another boost to the homes curb appeal that cost almost nothing. A freshly cut lawn and debris free lawn really can transform a homes exterior. Whether you have a large or small budget you can update your homes exterior that allows the outside to match the inside.