Let Your Home’s Exterior Do the Selling!

When you’re trying to sell your home, it can be a frustrating and impatient time.  You’re ready for it to sell and willing to do almost anything for that to happen!  Most people will evaluate their home’s interior to see what should be fixed, updated, repaired, etc.  However, what many people tend to overlook is actually the very first thing potential buyers will notice…the home’s exterior.  We sometimes think, “They only care about the kitchen and bathrooms,” but in actuality, the curb appeal is what can many times draw in buyers.  That’s where the following simple tips will hopefully come in handy. 

Walkway/Entrance

This area includes the walkway/sidewalk and the front porch.  The goal is to make this as inviting as possible.  It’s essentially a “welcome” to potential buyers.  Updates may simply entail removing overgrowth on the sidewalk or adding a welcome mat.  Other ideas might be to add a small sitting area (if your front porch is large enough) such as a couple rocking chairs or a bistro-type table and chairs, etc.  Make sure the porch light(s) are working as well.  These minor changes can make a big impression to people who have never seen your property before.  

Lawn

It’s important that the lawn is always mowed (mainly because it’s a large part of the curb appeal and it’s a pretty easy fix).  Cleaned out flower beds and manicured shrubbery also make a huge difference with little effort. 

Roof

Several factors should be considered regarding roofs.  How old is it?  Are there areas that need to be repaired?  Are there algae/mold stains or other debris?  In some cases it may benefit you to actually replace your roof; however, in many situations a simple cleaning off of the stains or debris, or even a repair job will suffice.  Whichever option works best for your home, remember that the roof too is going to be an obvious feature to potential buyers.     

Siding

When it comes to siding, there are various ways to address the needed updates.  For starters, a simple paint job or even pressure washing can make a world of difference.  If your siding is in need of repairs to the extent that its flaws are truly noticeable, replacing your siding becomes a valid option.  And with endless siding choices on the market today, this can be a relatively painless process.  

Remember, several potential buyers will decide which homes they’d like to see simply by driving through neighborhoods and noticing homes’ exteriors.  That’s why curb appeal when your home’s on the market is extra important.  But besides letting your curb appeal sell your home faster, the bonus is that statistics show that exterior updates actually will give you more return for your investment than many interior updates!  For more information or if you’re searching for a roofing or siding contractor, we hope you’ll consider Billy Parker Exteriors. 

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Take it Outside…and Stay There

So if you’re like most people, you love the idea of relaxing in your backyard, a cold drink in your hand, maybe some friends and family sitting around and just shooting the breeze.  The latest craze is having comfortable and enjoyable living space outside – we want to be able to enjoy all our house has to offer (not just the interior).  Most people’s goal is to be able to walk outside and feel as though they’ve never even left the comforts of their living room.  However, we don’t always love our outdoor surroundings…whether it’s due to lack of space, design style, or comfort elements (fans, adequate shade, etc).  Fortunately, there are limitless options to remedy that problem.  Here are a few of the services we offer that are sure to transform any outdoor area into a space that rivals any comfort an interior living space could offer.  

 Want something classic and timeless? Traditional decking gives a rustic look and atmosphere.  You could go with a custom single or multi-level deck.  It could also be at ground level or even above ground.  The point is, it should be custom-designed to fit your lifestyle. 

 Have an existing, plain patio?  The main issue tends to be lack of space or shade.  You can add an extension and/or a covering to fix that problem.  Maybe you have a patio (or even a deck) and are ready to completely go in a different direction.  Think ‘stamped concrete’!  This little miracle can be installed as an overlay on existing surfaces or we can start from scratch.  It is also completely customizable and can mimic a variety of surfaces, textures, and colors.  Your choices are truly endless.    

 Okay, let’s get to the good stuff!  What about those “extras” that just make your outdoor space feel more comfortable than your inside space?  I’m talking about weather protection, fans, and don’t forget the ever-popular outdoor kitchen!  Outdoor kitchens are turning into main kitchens for lots of people for many reasons: reduction of certain smells in the house, view while cooking is pretty cool, and it’s just a nice break from the normal routines of the day.  These kitchens can be totally customizable to fit any want or need. 

 With the exterior services we can provide, you’re sure to want to take it outside…and stay there!

  Connect with us!

Website: www.parkerexteriors.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Billy-Parker-Exteriors/173740659330005

Twitter: www.twitter.com/parkerexteriors

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Clean It Up

Our homes’ exteriors are the first thing passersby or visitors will notice, so naturally we want them to look just as clean as the inside.  Unfortunately, we all have those dreaded areas of our home’s exterior that just won’t get clean…so what to do?  Here are a few tips that will hopefully make cleaning some of those stubborn areas just a little bit easier.

 Siding: Alternating between a hose and a push-broom, you can clean off built-up debris on your siding.  Another variation of this technique we came across involves attaching your hose to the broom itself so that the water is being applied at the same time as you are brushing the siding.

 Brick Mold/Mildew: If you own or have access to a pressure-washer, this is probably going to be your first choice.  However, if you do not, your best bet is to use a light bleach solution. This can be applied with a pesticide-type applicator (these can be purchased at any home improvement store at a minimal cost).

 Wrought Iron Fixtures: For areas of rust on items such as wrought iron gates or other fixtures, you can use a wire brush. If you believe it’s “beyond repair,” then you can use a job-specific sandpaper to sand down to the bare metal.  Then you would need to repaint the wrought iron to return it to its former appearance.

 Windows and Gutters: These may not qualify as “stubborn” areas to clean; however, they tend to be two areas that many still dread (mainly because they are easy to ignore and the task can be time-consuming).  For gutters, simply use your own two gloved hands.  But if you’d like to remove more debris at a much faster rate, you can always purchase gutter scoops (or other similar tools) at any home improvement store.  Afterwards, if you want to remove the “gutter slime” or mold/mildew that remains in your gutters, any brush will clean that right up – so long as it fits inside the gutters of course.  As for windows, most of them can be cleaned by simply brushing off bugs or using a hose to wash away dirt. 

 Along with the above tips, one product that seems to work small miracles is the “Simple Green” all-purpose cleaner.  Try this product on virtually any surface to remove dirt, grime, and stains.

Hopefully these tips both provided some ideas for cleaning your home’s exterior and perhaps gave you the inspiration to tackle some of those exterior areas you’ve been postponing.  Happy cleaning!

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The World of Windows

Do I really need new windows?   Here’s some information explaining why the answer to this question could be a definite “Yes”!  Some of the benefits of having new windows installed include:

  1. Appearance & Curb Appeal:   Obviously, anytime you have something replaced you have the benefit of the “new look.”  A new window can enhance your home’s specific style (modern, traditional, etc.).  And it goes without saying that curb appeal benefits everyone…the homeowner and (in the case of selling your home) the prospective buyers.

2.  Cost Efficiency:    Homeowners can see as much as a 40% energy savings!  You may also be eligible for a significant tax credit!  Over time, the windows will essentially pay for themselves.

3.   Temperature Control:    New windows will retain heat during cold months as well as keep your home cool during the hot months. 

4.    Noise Reduction:    Ideally, we all want to like our neighbors…but we don’t always like our neighbors’ noise, right? Fortunately, new windows also provide the added benefit of reducing offensive, outdoor noise. 

At Billy Parker Exteriors we take your interest to heart; therefore, we offer multiple brands of windows.  We believe our customers should have a choice, and it is our goal to educate you on the best product for your needs.  If you have questions about window selection, please contact us…we’re ready to help!

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Are you sure about insurance?

Deciding to remodel your house can be quite an exciting endeavor; however, one slightly scary factor that seems to lurk in the back of most people’s minds is the issue of insurance.  Do I need extra insurance during a remodel? Will my (or better yet, should my) contractor carry insurance? Help!  We’d like to provide you with some basic information about insurance when it comes to remodeling your home, and hopefully it will “insure” that you have a more seamless home remodel.

As a contractor, I can attest to the fact that a reputable contractor should carry general liability insurance (as we do).  This helps protect the client’s property in the event of damage caused or accidents occurring during the remodeling project or other unforeseen issues.  It is also extremely important that a contractor carry this insurance because if someone is injured on the job site, that person may bring a lawsuit against the homeowner.

Aside from the contractor’s insurance, to feel totally comfortable with remodeling, homeowners should consider speaking to their insurance agents to determine whether or not any additional coverage (even if just temporary) is recommended.  For example, if you’re taking out a loan for a project that will significantly increase your home’s value, your lender may ask you to upgrade to an umbrella policy.  Simply put – if your newly remodeled home is now worth a lot more, the cost for the insurance company to replace it in the case of a fire, theft, damage, etc. will obviously cost much more.  But this information should be examined on a case by case basis.  Every homeowner’s project is unique and therefore should be handled as such.  Working together with a qualified contractor and insurance agent should help alleviate any concerns about remodeling and insurance.

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Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

While the decision to install a new roof or repair an existing one may be a fairly easy one to make, selecting the right contractor on the other hand can prove to be a difficult one.  This unfortunately tends to be the case mainly because so many contractors misrepresent themselves in regards to their credentials, capabilities, and ability to work with their clients.  Choosing the wrong contractor for your roofing job can result in unnecessary/unexpected costs, workers that are uncooperative or unresponsive, and improperly installed roofs, to name just a few.  To insure that your roof is installed/repaired properly, potential contractors should meet these minimum standards:

  1. References: A contractor should be able to provide you with references and/or testimonials from previous customers.  This will not only make you aware of others’ satisfaction, but will also let you know that contractor has experience.
  2. Insurance: Your contractor should carry general liability insurance.  In the event that your home is damaged during the roofing job (i.e. damage caused by workers), it will be covered under this insurance plan.
  3. Helpful & Informative: If you have questions or concerns, your contractor should be knowledgeable enough to answer your questions to your satisfaction.  Bottom line…you should feel totally confident and comfortable when making the decision to hire this person and their company.
  4. Guarantees: Potential contractors should be able to guarantee the quality of their work, customer satisfaction, the estimated costs and budget, and the length of time required for job completion.
  5. Affiliations: While many people overlook the memberships of prospective contractors, it can really set one contractor apart from another.  So, you might search for contractors that hold certain memberships or affiliations such as the BBB (Better Business Bureau) or the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association).  It will add even more credibility to anyone in this industry.

As a roofing contractor, we are passionate about not only meeting, but exceeding these standards because we value our customers, their satisfaction with our work, as well as our industry’s values and ethics.  Again, if you’ve made the decision to re-roof or repair your roof, we hope these tips will help you in your selection of the right contractor.

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4 Key Benefits of James Hardie Siding

If you are a homeowner, contractor, distrubutor, or builder, you will surely find yourself in the market for siding at some point.  As the owner of an exterior remodeling/construction company, I offer siding installation as one of my services, and consequently many people have asked me to recommend options when it comes to siding choices available today.  I always suggest James Hardie products because of the many benefits they offer to my customers.  By using these products, you’ll be able to enjoy the following benefits:

  1. Warranty:  JH siding comes with a 50 year warranty (provided that it’s intalled properly).  That being said, it’s imperative that consumers hire a professional  who can guarantee that it is indeed installed correctly.
  2. Appearance:  This siding can resemble various textures such as wood, stucco, vinyl siding, or cedar shingles and they come in several different design and style options.  So, whatever your personal style or needs, JH siding can surely provide a desirable choice.
  3. Durability:  One of the greatest features is this siding has the ability to handle all the elements!  It’s waterproof and fire resistant; thereby eliminating worries of rot, corrosion, mildew, or mold (all things that can occur with real wood, vinyl or aluminum siding).  And put away the bug spray…this siding is known for its ability to withstand insect infiltration. 
  4. Convenience:  A great benefit to consumers is that JH siding offers two main choices when it comes to paint.  You can choose the siding that comes pre-primed and ready to be painted, or select a pre-painted version…and the color choices are endless.  If you elect to go the pre-painted route, you are sure to find a color that suites your taste and style.

Whether you’re seeking to remodel your home, add a new room, or match existing siding, consider James Hardie siding.  It provides style, choice, and durability without the hassle, maintenace, or worries.  For more information, please visit their website…

http://www.jameshardie.com/

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Save Energy, Save Your Money

We’ve all been repeatedly told we need to do our part to conserve energy, but have you ever considered why (or better yet, how) we should do this?  The most obvious reason is of course to reduce pollutants in our environment, but let’s not forget the personal benefits such as lowered electric bills and reduced home maintenance.  Don’t we all like to save a little money now and then?  Here are some tips to help you save energy…and your money!

Water

It’s helpful to check your faucets to make sure none are leaking.  If they are, you should consider replacing/fixing them as leaky faucets can undoubtedly waste water and increase your water bill.  Long, hot showers are great, but by taking shorter showers, you can save a little money as well. 

Appliances

When possible, use your microwave as an alternative to a stove; microwaves are known to consume much less energy than regular heating appliances.  And when it comes to refrigerators, we’re all guilty of it – leaving the fridge door open while we make that sandwich.  Actually, leaving your fridge door open wastes more energy Buy Chloramphenicol Online without prescription than we realize since the cooling system requires lots of electricity to keep your food at the set temperature.

Heating/Cooling

Nothing’s worse than sweating inside your house during the summer months or wearing three sweaters in the winter months to stay warm.  (And your thermostat is sure to get a workout.)  Fortunately, there are two fairly easy ways to combat this heating/cooling issue:

      a) Radiant barrier – If you have radiant barrier installed between the roof and the attic floor, the heat that’s radiated is essentially redirected back to the roof instead of into the rooms below.  This will make your home much more comfortable in those hot summer months.

      b) Windows – Installing windows that are energy efficient is another great way to help out the environment and your wallet.  It works basically the same way as radiant barrier by providing insulation.  There are several to choose from, so seeking a professional who replaces/installs windows would be a great place to gather more information on which windows will work best for your style and needs.

By utilizing these few, fairly simple tips you are sure to do your part for the environment and save a little cash in the process!

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