Roof Replacement Before Selling Your Home

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What to Know About a Roof Replacement Before Selling Your Home

Considering a roof replacement before selling your home? When you’re getting ready to sell your house, it’s important to pay attention to your roof. While you might be focused on interior aesthetics, your roof will be one of the first things prospective buyers see when browsing for homes online or pulling up to your curb. Here’s what you need to know about whether or not re-roofing the house is a good idea before listing the home for sale.

Get Your Roof Inspected Before Listing Your Home

Before listing your home for sale, get your roof inspected by at least one licensed and trained roofer. You could choose a roofer who’s already worked on your home or one that is highly rated by the BBB and your neighbors. Keep your copy of the inspection report. If problems are found, keep in mind that you don’t have to contract with that roofer to do the repairs or replacement. You may want to get a couple of professional opinions on the status of your roof, especially if issues are discovered. Be wary of one roofer who says you need an entirely new roof if two or three other roofers tell you that there is only minor wear.

Repairing Versus a Roof Replacement

When problems are found with your roof, you may have an option to repair the damage or replace the whole roof. If the damage is extensive, you’re better off re-roofing your home. The old roofing materials should be removed, and a new roof should be installed. For moderate damage, buyers may turn away from the home after they have it inspected by their own professional team. A roof with moderate damage will have a shorter lifespan even if repairs are made. Re-roofing a home with moderate roof damage is usually a better choice when you’re selling. If the damage is minor, such as one loose piece of flashing or a handful of loose shingles, a repair is an acceptable option. However, if the roof is old, you should replace it regardless of whether or not it is damaged.

Financial Benefits to Repairing or Replacing the Roof Before Selling

Putting a new roof on your home is a big financial investment. However, you can list your home for a better price with a new roof. You will be more likely to get good bids from buyers if the house has a brand-new roofing system. Most sellers get at least 80% of the cost of the new roof back when they sell the house. On the other hand, not re-roofing could turn off buyers even before they get inside your house. They may not even want to attend your open house or take a private tour if they see a damaged rooftop. The prospective buyers could assume that the rest of your house is also poorly maintained. They may think the whole house needs costly repairs. Replacing the roof is a good investment that will help ensure your house sells more quickly. Contact Steele Restoration, your local Charlotte roofing contractor before deciding about a roof replacement before selling your home.

What to Check When Renovating a Historic Home

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Are you renovating a historic home? Many consumers don’t realize that owning a historic house has a downside. Any renovations and modifications that are done to the property must get approval from the city where the home is located regardless of which registry the house is included on.

Most historic homes are over 50 years old, but keep in mind that an old house isn’t necessarily a historic house. The National Park Service manages the National Registry of Historic Places. This is the official list that makes a home historic, rather than just old. Homes are placed or registered on this list due to age, architectural style, and/or overall significance. In some cases, entire neighborhoods have been designated as historic, and all the properties within are subject to certain restrictions.

Local Laws for a Historic Home

Laws governing the maintenance and restoration of historic homes are at the local level. Some of these rules and regulations are quite restrictive, and owning a historic house can often be a frustrating and expensive experience. It’s impossible to detail every rule/regulation. The final word on what can/can’t be done lies within your specific locality’s rules governing historic homes.

Start by contacting the city where you live. Be aware that if it appears on multiple registries, there may be multiple sets of rules to conform to. If you’re going to live in the home, it also must be brought up to code once work begins. This occurs as part of the permitting process.

Permits

Any modifications to a historic home will likely require permits. Most of the local rules/restrictions revolve around maintaining the aesthetics of the exterior of the home, sometimes even down to the type of landscaping that can be installed. Your city’s development office will be able to provide you with the guidelines and permitting process.

You should be prepared for some of your permit requests to be denied by the city. Understand that you don’t have control over what your house will ultimately look like; in fact, the governing authority has the final word. This means that any additions, changes to architectural style, color palette, and all exterior details will have to conform to current guidelines.

What Kinds of Renovations Are Allowed?

In general, interior renovations that do not impact the exterior appearance of the home may be allowed. It is still best to check with the city before proceeding with your project. Contact Steele Restoration, your local Charlotte roofing contractor for more information about renovating your historic home.

What Is the Cheapest Type of Roof?

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Need the cheapest type of roof? Your roof needs repair or replacement and your budget is limited? Are you building or renovating your roof while on a tight budget? If you are, you’ll want to select a roofing style that is affordable and energy-efficient and whose materials are sustainable. You’ll also need the various roofing components to be able to withstand harsh weather elements without running up your utility bills. Finally, these types of roofing should have a robust installation design that will keep them intact for years to come. For all of these advantages, which is the most affordable type of roofing to fit your slim budget? Here is a quick guide.

Roof Shingles

Shingles roofing features overlying materials that offer adequate cover from the elements. Further, it is available in at least 17 unique categories. These include metal, shakes, slate, tile, cedar, and asphalt types. The wooden and asphalt shingles are the cheapest and have the following attributes.

1. Asphalt Shingles

The asphalt shingles rank the best in appearance, affordability, environmental friendliness, ease of installation, longevity, and energy efficiency. Asphalt shingles are the most popular, lightweight and fire-resistant shingles with a lifespan of at least 30 years. More so, most manufacturers will offer a warranty of up to fifty years.

Then, when shopping for asphalt shingles, price is only one of the factors. Compare the hail ratings from the various brands in the market. This rating will give you a clue on the roofing’s durability and resistance. For example, a class 4 rating means your roofing will withstand strong winds or a hail storm. The UL2218 is the highest hail rating available. Asphalt shingles with this rating will remain intact amidst winds blowing at 110 mph.

Pros

  • Available in a variety of colors and styles to complement the style and appeal of your home.
  • They can last up to 30 years.
  • They offer adequate protection at an affordable price.
  • They are environmentally friendly.
  • They are easy to install.
  • They require minimal maintenance after installation.
  • They are energy efficient.

Cons

  • They are not ideal for flat roofs.
  • They may crack due to extreme temperature fluctuations.

2. Wooden Shingles

Do you prefer a home with a natural look at the lowest price possible? Then, go for wooden shingles. Typical wooden shingles use the fire-resistant redwood or cedar materials. Plus, you can spray a fire retardant on the materials. Once installed, wooden shingles can last up to 50 years and require minimal maintenance.

Now, if you spend a substantial budget on insulation costs, you’ll be glad to know that wooden shingles are natural insulators. Hence, opting for this energy-efficient roofing can help you manage your utility bills during winter.

Like asphalt shingles, always confirm the hail rating when shopping for the best wooden shingles brand. Further, check for the wind and fire resistance ratings.

 

Pros

  • They give your home a timeless rustic touch.
  • They offer additional insulation.
  • They use fire-resistant cedar and redwood materials.
  • They are budget-friendly.
  • They are quite resistant to insects.

Cons

  • They are prone to cracking due to extreme weather fluctuations.

 

Conclusion

Both the wooden and asphalt shingles roofs give you great value for the money. Even so, wooden shingles excel in resisting strong winds. And, asphalt shingles offer you better protection against rain and moisture. The roofs will serve you for a long time with minimal maintenance. Need a new roof but also need the cheapest type of roof? Contact Steele Restoration, your local Charlotte roofing contractor for more information on how to get your roof repaired or replaced and stay within your budget.

Most Popular Roof Design Types

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Most popular roof designs are varied. Are you replacing or installing a new roof for your new home? Did you know that unlike popular belief, there is more to roof design types than just shingles and cedar? Even so, your final roofing style will depend on the regulations in the region where you plan to live. And, roofing is one part of the house that you can never undertake as a DIY project. It requires an expert to do a proper installation of the various complex layers. Otherwise, you risk damaging the rest of your house due to exposure to the elements. Let’s explore the most popular roof design types.

Gable Roofs

Also known as peaked or pitched roofs, gable roofs are typical triangular roofs popular in the United States. They are in full varieties, like Dutch, front, crossed, and side gable styles. The simplistic style is easy to construct and costs less than most designs. Gable roofs prevent any buildup of rainwater and snow. Plus, the space created by the joints is ample for your vaulted ceiling or attic. Do you live in hot and humid areas? This design will improve your overall ventilation.

Still, gable roofs may not withstand strong winds. That is, the materials tend to peel away in high winds. In extreme cases, if there is poor frame support for the roof, it can collapse or be blown away. Hence, secure the roof using robust braces, and opt for durable materials like tiles, asphalt shingles, and cedar.

Hip Roofs

Hip roofs have a distinctive inward slope on each of the four sides. It is these slopes that make these roofs quite stable, far better than gable roofs. The equal sides then join at the top and form a distinct ridge. Depending on the size of the house, you may have ample space for a dormer crow’s nest at the top. Typical hip roofs include a simple hip, cross-hipped, note, and half-hipped styles.

Hip roofs are quite resilient in areas prone to heavy snowfall or high winds. Like gable roofs, the slant prevents rainwater from accumulating at the top. However, this elaborate design uses more materials. Hence, it comes at a hefty price tag.

Combination Roof Designs

Some homeowners prefer to incorporate more than one roofing style to get the most out of their protection. For example, a hip and valley roof design merges the two forms to come up with unique angles that push up the value of the home. Second, intersecting roof designs use gable and hip styles to create a classic visual effect. A Jerkinhead will feature a gable roof but also mimic a hip roof. That way, it reinforces the gable roof to withstand high winds.

Other roof design types include flat, gambrel, and skillion roofs. Then, as you decide on your ideal roof design type, ensure you work with a skilled professional to counter check the architectural elements of the final roofing style. Finally, get your roof inspected before you move into your newly roofed home. Contact Steele Restoration for help with the most popular roof design types.

roof

Make a More Educated Decision About Your Next New Roof

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Your next new roof should be a major decision, and one that should not be made lightly or without a bit of thought, brainstorming, and comparison. Making a more educated decision can help you to feel comfortable with and confident that the choice you make is right for your home or commercial property. Comparing various types can help you to make an informed decision, even if you have never worked with roofing in the past.

Asphalt Shingle

Asphalt shingles are the most common solution not only throughout the U.S. but also around the world. Some of the advantages of working with asphalt shingles include affordability as well as ease of installation. Unfortunately, although asphalt shingle are affordable and easy to find and to install, they often have a shorter overall lifespan and are much more susceptible to high winds, storms, and other natural disasters.

 

Wooden

Opting for wooden is much more uncommon than going with traditional asphalt shingles. However, wooden roofing lasts much longer than traditional asphalt, sometimes upwards of 25 years in total. It is important to note choosing wood is much more expensive than alternatives on the market, including both asphalt shingles as well as metal solutions. If you are living in an area that is prone to wildfires or any type of fire, it is best to steer clear of choosing a wooden roof for your home or place of business.

 

Metal Roofing Solutions

Metal roofing options have become increasingly popular and in-demand in the past few decades alone. Choosing metal may not be the first solution you think of when you are considering investing, but it may be the right choice depending on your property as well as your roofing needs.

Metal roofing solutions are extremely appealing and attractive to homeowners and property investors as they have a lifespan of 60 years or more, depending on the type of metal roofing you have chosen. Additionally, metal roofing can help you lower insurance rates because they are less likely to catch fire or to become damaged in high winds, storms, and other natural weather disaster instances. Investing in metal is optimal if you are interested in getting creative with your roof choice since there are hundreds of color swatches and options available.

Before opting for metal roofing, it is important to note that you may require specialized roofers. Additionally, metal roofing is costly and will require much more investment than standard and traditional roofing jobs.

Understanding the different types of roofing can help you to make your next roof decision that is right for your home based on your current location, your home’s structure, as well as your budget and long-term plans you have for your home. With the knowledge and education of roofing and types, select the roofing that provides the highest return on investment for your home and future plans. Call Steele Restoration for help with this important decision.

How to Avoid Being Scammed When Getting a New Roof

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Getting a new roof is a big investment. Some unscrupulous roofers or individuals claiming to be roofers might try to rip you off. This is especially common after a severe weather event that damages a lot of roofs in the community. Paying a deposit only to find that the roofer takes off with your money, starts the job and doesn’t finish or uses inferior materials and shoddy practices put your finances and home at risk. Here are some tips on how to check the references of a roofer and avoid getting ripped off by a con artist.

Getting a New Roof- Check the Roofer’s References

Before making any deposits or signing any contracts for getting a new roof, check the roofer’s references. You can ask for some past customers and their contact information. However, a scam could involve the roofer giving you the names and numbers of their friends or family. You could also ask for a list of roofs they have done in the past year in your neighborhood. With that information, you could contact the homeowners and ask for their review of the roofer. You could also check references from the roofer’s suppliers. Find out if they pay their bills on time and how well they communicate. When contacting the roofer’s recent customers, ask about the estimate versus actual cost, if the job was done on time, if the customer was satisfied and if they would choose the same roofer again.

Verify the Business License and Insurance

You should also verify that the roofer is licensed to do business in your city, county or state. An ethical roofer will have no problem giving you their business license number. Also, ask for their liability insurance policy information. You can verify that the roofer is insured for any injuries incurred by their workers. Be sure to verify the policy’s coverage if the roofer causes any damage to your home, the neighbor’s home or any public areas, such as a right-of-way or sidewalk.

Check With the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers online information about businesses. Especially when getting a new roof, its important to check out the BBB. If a customer files a complaint with the BBB, it will be listed on the website. BBB listings are by location. Keep in mind that some scam artists will list their location as a different state in order to avoid getting reported to the BBB. They may also change their business name frequently. On the BBB website, you can read through customer complaints and the business’s response. You can find out if the complaints were resolved to the customer’s satisfaction. If a business has a lot of unresolved complaints, it will have a poor BBB ranking.

Look at Online Review Sites

Not all customers with a problem will go through the BBB. Some might choose to leave an online review elsewhere. Consider perusing the reviews on sites including Yelp, Angie’s List and Google. Keep in mind that unhappy customers are more likely to leave a review than customers who were satisfied. Getting a new roof?  Contact Steele Restoration for a local company you can trust.

Home Roof Designs: Why It’s Important to Choose Right

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Home roof designs can vary. The roof is one of the most important parts of any home. However, it’s also one of the most underestimated. Strong winds, severe thunderstorms and hail can cause significant damage to a home’s integrity. In fact, even the sturdiest of roofs can be damaged. And depending on the roof design, certain areas can weaken and components may start to loosen and rust.  Understanding why roof design is important is the first step to replacing your roof. Although they make them look similar, all roofs are not the same.

Here’s why it’s important to choose from the best home roof designs.

Types of Home Roof Designs

Deciding on types of home roof designs involves more than aesthetics. Certain types of roofs are designed specifically with a purpose in mind.

  • Gable Roof: Gable roofs, also called a pitched roof, is probably the most popular type of roof. Known for their triangular shape, gable roofs withstand heavy rains and snow well. Note, gable roofs are not the best choice in areas that are prone to heavy winds. Tornado-force winds can actually cause roofing material to pull away, if it’s not installed properly.
  • Hip Roof: A hip roof has slopes on all four sides. The sides are all equal length and come together at the top to form the ridge. Since the slant allows easier water and snow run-off, these roofs are an excellent choice in areas that have heavy snowfall. However, hip roofs are usually more expensive than traditional gable roofs. In addition, if installed incorrectly, hip roofs are more prone to leaks, especially around the dormers. These types of roofs must also be slanted correctly to avoid leaking.
  • Slant Roof: A slant roof is a type of roof that offers more effective drainage. Due to the increase in the slope, things like water, leaves and debris will fall off more easily. However, the unique design of a slant roof may cost more than the other options.
  • Shaker Roof: Shaker roofs are roofs that are primarily made of wood. However, most shake shingles are made of fiberglass and asphalt. This is to make it more durable and increase the aesthetic of the house. But shaker roofs aren’t easy to install, they can cost a lot of money and are prone to fires.

 

It Can Save Homeowners Money

Roof installation is a huge investment. In fact, even the least expensive type of roof can cost thousands of dollars. When looking at home roof designs, you need to think about the type of materials you want to use, how large your roof is and how much you are willing to invest.

 

It Will Last Longer

On average, roofs should last somewhere between 20 to 25 years. However, the longevity of a roof depends on both the design and the materials used. Some roofs can even last up to 50 years. However, not all types of home roof designs are compatible for every home. Without the right roof design, homeowners may be opening the door for catastrophic damage to not only the roof, but the interior of their home as well.

In addition, some roof designs may not be as durable as others. It’s important to research the different types of roof designs while keeping the following points in mind. Where you live plays a huge role in your choice of roof design. If you live in an area with turbulent weather, like scorching summers or heavy snow in the winter, you need to choose a roof design specifically made for these conditions.

It Lowers the Need for Maintenance

Regardless of style or design, every roof requires maintenance. However, when a roof starts to need more than routine maintenance, that’s an indicator that something isn’t right. The right roof design should only require maintenance once a year.

It’s worth pointing out that the design of a roof is more than the way it’s laid out. Again, you need to consider the materials as well. You may love the way a stucco roof looks, however, it might not be structurally sound.

If you’re having trouble deciding home roof designs, be sure to consult a professional roofing company like Steele Restoration. We can help you come up with the most effective and affordable options. Contact Steele Restoration for more information on new home roof designs.

Design a Rich-Looking Roof on a Budget

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A rich looking roof would be great! Roof designs face limits of budget and imagination. With enough money behind the idea, almost all plans are possible. However, it will take a bit more planning to achieve the look you want with a smaller budget.

Six factors are essential for choosing a new roof design:

  • Aesthetics and your personal preference
  • Total cost
  • Roof functionality
  • Building geometry/design
  • Adjacent building and surrounding geometries
  • Zoning and planning regulations

Keep these in mind when deciding on your next roof.

Gable Roofs With Fake Dormers Pack a Punch

One design that looks fantastic but doesn’t break the bank is a gable roof that’s augmented with fake dormers. Gable is a traditional roofing style known for its versatility and low cost. Using this design and adding aesthetic touches like the faux dormers give any home a classic appeal.

 

A Flat Roof Is a Rich Looking Roof

Most people who think of roofs picture soft sloping materials that finish at a peak. However, modern designers are moving away from that aesthetic and turning towards cleaner lines. An example is the current flat roof, which is gaining popularity. A flat roof is becoming very popular and is definitely rich looking.

Naturally, this type of roof works primarily with modern homes and is not a suitable replacement for many. However, for new builds, it’s worth considering how a flat roof can benefit the homeowner.

 

The White or Cool Roof Is an Option

White roofs, or very light-colored ones, are considered to be cool roofs. They significantly reduced the average roof temperature by reflecting the sun rays away from the home. That keeps the roof itself and the interior of the house cooler.

 

Cooler temperatures are fantastic for reducing energy bills during the summer months. Fortunately, white asphalt shingles are inexpensive, making this type of roof an excellent choice for multiple reasons. Depending on the budget, it’s also possible to purchase white metal roofs that are more durable but that offer similar advantages.

A Sustainable Wood Shake or Shingle Roof Makes Sense

Consider wood shake or shingles if you’re looking for an eco-friendly roofing material with strong curb appeal. These wood shingles come from sustainably managed forests and are biodegradable and natural. They provide a classic cottage look of shingles and make your home stand out.

 

Sustainable materials may cost a few extra dollars initially, but having them is a strong selling point. If you plan on getting the most out of your house when you put it up for sale, it may be worth using more in-demand materials.

Rubber Roofing for a Rich Looking Roof

An affordable and eco-friendly option is rubber roofing, which is gaining mass acceptance among homeowners. This material comes from recycled vehicle tires, which once all went to landfills.

Now, contractors can use recycled materials to create attractive roofs for clients. An average roof uses 250 to 1,000 rubber tires and can look like many different traditional roofs. The shingles look like a wood shake but last up to 50 years under warranty. Roof roofing systems are worth a look for people who want to gain the most from their long-term investments. Contact Steel Restoration for a rich looking roof today!

Defaulting on a Note After You Get a New Roof

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Owning a home is a rather expensive endeavor. Homeowners pay yearly property taxes, monthly mortgage payments, and also finance general upkeep for their property. This is why so many people choose to finance the work they do on their roof. The cost of replacing or repairing a roof costs on average $7,500.

Sometimes loans sneak up on us, however, and it becomes difficult to stay up to date with a payment schedule. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon instance that homeowners will finance the work they’re doing to a financer and cannot keep up with the loan costs. Because of this, homeowners end up defaulting on the loan.

So, what happens when a homeowner defaults on a loan they’ve taken out for work on their roof? The short answer is that it depends on what kind of loan you take out.

Unsecured Personal Loans

Home repair loans can take many different forms. You may take out a personal loan to finance your roof. This is an option worth considering because an unsecured personal loan does not put up your house as collateral.

Since this loan is unsecured, homeowners are not guaranteed a lower interested rate. However, if you can’t pay the loan back and end up defaulting, you’re not at risk of losing your new roof or your new home.

Home Equity Loans

Home equity loans are attractive loans for homeowners to consider because they allow you to borrow money against the worth of your home. Most often, homeowners can’t borrow more than 85% of their equity in the home. Home equity loans are secured, which means that homeowners will receive a lower interest rate than with an unsecured loan.

However, home equity loans tend to come with fees, and if you default on a home equity loan, you’re at risk of losing your house.

Home Equity Line of Credit

A home equity line of credit is very similar to a home equity loan in that you need to put up your home as collateral for the loan. It is also a secured loan so interest rates should be reasonable. But instead of receiving a lump sum of cash, you’re given a line of credit, which can make payments easier to keep up with. However, one catch to keep in mind is your budget. If you borrow more than you can pay back, you’ll risk foreclosing your home. Contact Steele Restoration if you need a new roof.