Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category
Thursday, August 26th, 2010
Exterior Home Improvements MN
Once again, exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars spent in this year’s Cost vs. Value survey. When you compare the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal, roofing, siding, and windows, give you the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.
Remodeling also allows homeowners to customize a home to meet their needs and desires, without giving up a familiar neighborhood or school. Whether you are looking to add space, incorporate new amenities or accommodate lifestyle changes such as new children or aging, remodeling can provide an alternative to moving. Adding a new master suite or playroom, finishing a basement or upgrading kitchens and baths always are popular projects, while modifications designed to allow residents to “age in place” are becoming increasingly widespread with baby boomers and retirees.
Contact an Experienced Home Remodeling Contractor in Minnesota for your next remodeling project!
Tags: exterior home improvements, home improvements mn, home remodeling, Remodeling, replacement projects, Roofing
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Thursday, August 19th, 2010
Upgrading Existing Space Is Your Best Bet For Recouping Cost
It pays to know which upgrades will deliver the best return when you sell your home. An annual remodeling report finds 4 basic replacements are likely your smartest choice.
Replacement projects included in the Cost vs. Value survey all cost less than $20,000 and most cost considerably less. They instantly enhance curb appeal, boosting a home’s marketability, and they require little maintenance once installed. A bonus: Most of these replacements qualify for a federal tax credit for energy efficiency (not included in Remodeling Magazine’s ROI calculations).
1. Replace the front door.
- The absolute best return on the money of any of the projects surveyed — 129% of cost — is gained by replacing a beat-up front door with a $1,200 steel-shell door filled with foam insulation.
- A new fiberglass door (more expensive, at $3,490) returns less, about 65%. (Fiberglass is the new chic building material because it’s rugged and durable, can be painted and will mimic almost any wood. Unlike wood, it doesn’t crack, warp or shrink and needs zero maintenance.)
- Spend about $7,500 on an entire new entrance, including a widened opening, a solid-core wood door and high-end glass, new lighting and better locks, and you’ll recoup 69%, on average.
2. Replace home siding
- Replacing old siding with a durable fiber-cement product ($13,287) recoups about 84% at resale.
- Use vinyl siding ($10,607) to get an 80% return.
- Foam-backed vinyl ($13,022) costs more and earns back less — roughly 79% — but it is much more efficient at insulating a home.
3. Replace windows. Three of the four window-replacement projects considered in the survey pay back about 77%:
- Wood-trimmed windows ($11,700).
- Lower-end vinyl windows ($10,728).
- Windows trimmed in higher-end vinyl ($13,862).
- The fourth project, higher-end wood-replacement windows ($17,816), has a return of about 72%. Fiberglass windows weren’t included in the study.
4. Replace the roofing: Spend $19,731 on new fiberglass asphalt shingles and you’re likely to recoup about 67% of the cost.
- A higher-end roof replacement using standing-seam metal ($37,359) pays back about 61% of the cost, agents told the survey.
Source: realestatemsn.com
Remodeling Magazine: www.remodeling.hw.net/2009/costvsvalue
Tags: energy efficiency, home siding, Remodeling, replacement projects, replacement windows, roof replacement
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Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
Getting The Most Bang For Your Buck!
Remodeling is a better investment in some years than others. This year has been among the worst if you’re hoping to recoup much money when you sell. Homeowners are getting back just 64%, on average, of a project’s cost, compared with 87% in 2005, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value report.
Some projects pay back better than others. You get more bang for the buck putting money into a basement or attic upgrade than adding a wing to the house. Some of the highest-return projects include a deck addition and quick, conservatively priced replacements of old siding, entry door or windows.
| Job Cost |
Resale Value |
Cost Recouped |
Project |
Job Cost |
Resale Value |
Cost Recouped |
|
| $49,476 |
$37,992 |
76.8% |
Attic Bedroom |
$49,346 |
$40,992 |
83.1% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $62,070 |
$40,447 |
65.2% |
Basement Remodel |
$62,067 |
$46,825 |
75.4% |
|
Tags: basement remodel, home remodeling, resale value, Siding, Window Replacement
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Priorities For Remodeling In 2010 Include Energy Efficiency, Organization & Comfort
A survey of nationwide potential new home buyers and existing home owners who are planning home improvements found top priorities to include price, energy-efficiency, organization and comfort.
Today’s homeowner is also looking for a home that fits the entire family – from a multi-tasking home office, to expanding storage space needs, to a living room that can adapt to advancements in home entertainment and technology.
As a group, low-cost replacements — new siding, windows, doors and roofing — deliver the best bang for the buck now, a considerably better payback than from a two-story remodel or a kitchen remodel, also in terms of resale value.
Given great improvements in materials, you can replace your inefficient 10- or 15-year-old products with highly efficient ones for a decent return when you sell. In addition, the improvements help you save on heating and cooling bills. Replacing leaky windows with highly efficient newer ones is a good example. The technology behind the glass and frames has so improved that you’re tightening up your home’s weatherproofing in the process. You get more comfort, and, from a real-estate point of view, new windows show off your house from the street.
Information from the cost vs. value report about remodeling.
Tags: energy efficiency, home improvements, kitchen remodel, new siding, new windows, resale value, Roofing, Siding
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
Energy Efficient Home Improvements
If you are looking to make your home more energy efficient, you should consider adding insulation to as many places in your home that you can such as outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors and floors. Many people do not choose to insulate in all of these areas of their home, but it is recommended to do so if you want to obtain the best and highest in energy savings.
Insulation is most commonly put in walls, attics, basements and crawlspaces.
What are the most common types of roof insulation?
- Cellulose
- Fiberglass (Batt and blown)
- Rigid foam board
- Spray foam
- Reflective insulation or radiant barrier
The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined (including roofing, insulation, HVAC, and water heaters) is $1,500 during 2009 and 2010.
Langerman Exteriors is ready to help with any repair or installation you may be dealing with. Call us for a free inspection of your property.
The climate you live in will determine the amount of insulation necessary for your home. View a map of the recommended levels of roof insulation needed for your home.
Tags: $1500 tax credit, energy efficient home improvements, roof insulation, tax stimulus home improvements
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Monday, October 26th, 2009
Home Improvements Are “In!”
As most consumers are unaware of our President and his economic stimulus packages, there are many residential home improvement items that qualify for the State of Minnesota/Federal Tax Rebates for 2009. In consideration of many of these improvements, windows, doors, roof insulation, metal and asphalt roofing, are at a 30% tax rebate up to $1500 for existing homes only. (See www.energystar.gov)
When it comes to the projects that make sense, given the housing market is at a historical low, here are some of the best places to put money into your home for remodeling.
• Siding Replacement – ranks among the highest in terms of cost recouped at a approximately 70%
• Window Replacement – also ranks at approximately 70% cost recouped
• Roof Replacement – as a major improvement if your roof is in need of replacement, why not take advantage of your federal tax rebate money now. (This can also be included in your hail-damaged roofs. (Note: there are some color requirements for this rebate.)
In the upper Midwest, these are the approximate percentages according to the Remodeling Magazine for your resale of existing homes.
Langerman Exteriors Inc has been a window, siding, and roofing contractor serving Minnesota and Western Wisconsin homeowners for over 40 years. With our many years of hands on personal experience, we are knowledgeable in all areas of home and property improvements. Please call us at 763-493-0058. We would like the opportunity to discuss your needs in further detail.
Tags: home improvements, new windows, Remodeling MN, replacement windows, Roofing, Siding
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
Home Improvements For More Curb Appeal
Any real estate pro can tell you there are 3 important areas to consider if you’re selling your home: curb appeal, kitchen and bathrooms. But, why wait until you sell your home to shape up these areas? Follow the advice of real estate professionals to put your home’s best “face” forward even if you are not putting it on the market.
It’s Called Curb Appeal
This is the first impression your home makes on any visitor. In the real estate industry, it is referred to as “curb appeal” because many prospective buyers will not even get out of the car to look inside if they do not like your home from the curb. But, your home can have the same effect on your visitors, as well. Take a good hard look from your curb: Does your home feel welcoming? Is it a place that makes you want to come inside?
Here are a few other questions to consider:
- Is your siding out-of-date or in need of repair?
- Is your roof in good shape?
- Are your driveway and walkways cracked and dingy?
- Does the landscaping date your house?
- Are your windows and shutters in good condition?
- What does your front door look like?
- Is your porch welcoming and clutter-free?
Langerman Exteriors has been handling every type of remodeling job for over 40 years. Whether it is updating the condos in your complex or giving the bathrooms and kitchens a modern face lift in your apartment complex, townhome facility or your single family home, we are here to assist you.
Langerman Exteriors is your one stop shop for all your remodeling needs. One call is all it takes to get it started. Contact our office today at 763-492-0058
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
Home Improvements That Are Still A Wise Investment
Top 10 Project Paybacks In Home Improvement Projects
Once again, exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars spent in this year’s Cost vs. Value survey. When you compare the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal—siding, windows, and decks—give you the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.
Whether your need is for residential or commercial roofing or construction services, Langerman Exteriors Inc will work with you throughout the entire process to ensure your customer satisfaction. Whether your project requires repairs, upgrades or installation, our goal is to create a trusting relationship with a satisfied client. The roof adds greatly to the look of the house, so when building a new house, adding to an existing one or re-roofing, it may pay to consider the options. Right now, there are more options in the marketplace than ever, so choosing one is tough. We want to help you choose one that will look good but also be very long-lived.
Our proven performance and skilled crews are the best assurance of a timely and guaranteed job.
Call Langerman Exteriors Inc today for a free estimate of your home at 763-493-0058
1) Upscale fiber cement siding (86.7%)
2) Midrange wood deck (81.8%)
3) Midrange vinyl siding (80.7%)
4) Upscale foam-backed vinyl (80.4%)
5) Midrange minor kitchen remodel (79.5%)
6) Upscale vinyl window replacement (79.2%)
7) Midrange wood window replacement (77.7%)
8) Midrange vinyl window replacement (77.2%)
9) Upscale wood window replacement (76.5%
10) Midrange major kitchen remodel (76.0%)
Despite a weak economy and a shaky housing market, your home is still one of your most solid investments. Even though the markets have gone through some adjustments, remodeling is still the best way to invest in your home. Langerman Exteriors is here to help you do just that!
Call Langerman Exteriors Inc today for a free estimate of your home at 763-493-0058
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Monday, September 14th, 2009
New • Replacement • Repair • Siding • Roofing •Windows
Your choice in a home improvement company is a big decision. Choose a company you can trust for reliable products, service, installation and peace of mind. After all, your home is one of your biggest investments.
There are many reasons to replace old windows. From better aesthetics to eliminating drafts, new windows are a great investment for your home. Because drafts can cause energy loss, new windows can make your home more air tight, lowering your heating and cooling costs. Langerman Exteriors Inc contractors can help you make the best choice for your new or replacement window selection that will fit your home and your budget.
Your choice of a contractor is vital to the success of your home improvement project. Select one with care, as you would any other professional service provider, like a doctor or lawyer. Selecting your contractor is crucial. It can save you money and countless hours of heartache.
The style of windows you choose sets the tone for a house. When choosing a style, it is important to consider the house’s architecture, and the window’s locations. Certain types of windows work better in some settings than others. Whether it is for a new home, an addition, or a repair, it can all be mind-boggling! The good news is that LEI is ready to assist you with any of your home improvement needs.
Windows are bigger than ever…and there are lots of them, with a wide variety of styles and sizes to choose from that can slash energy costs.
Langerman Exteriors Inc has been a window, siding, and roofing contractor serving Minnesota and Western Wisconsin homeowners for over 40 years. With our many years of hands on personal experience, we are knowledgeable in all areas of home and property improvements. Please call us at 763-493-0058. We would like the opportunity to discuss your needs in further detail.
Based on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, you can now take advantage of the Federal tax credit for qualified Replacement Windows. Tax credits are available for up to 30% of the cost, up to $1500, for existing homes. See www.energystar.gov for more details.
Call us for a free inspection of your property
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Monday, September 7th, 2009
Home improvement tax credits are available for insulation, replacement windows and doors, roofing
If you are considering a home improvement project this year, now is the time! Remember that the energy tax incentives can help save you money. This legislation provides consumers with tax credits for making their homes more energy efficient.
New windows are one of the best returns on investment of any home improvement. They will increase your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. The Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report concludes, when replacing 10+ windows with vinyl replacement windows, the home’s immediate return of investment is 73.6%.
Langerman Exteriors Inc can provide you with quality windows to enhance the look, value, and energy efficiency of your home. If you buy them now, you may qualify for a credit of 30% of the product cost up to $1,500 on your federal income tax. To be eligible, windows, doors and skylights must have both a U-Factor equal to and less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30.
Windows can be one of your home’s most attractive features, but they can also account for 10 to 25% of your heating bills. Lower energy bills, attractive appearance, easier cleaning, maintenance free operation, and increase your home value…these are the benefits you get with every product purchased from LEI. Choose from wide selection of attractive options that will make your home stand out in a crowd…for all the right seasons.
Call the experts at LEI today. Let us help you choose the right window style, with the right glass, and all the right options that will suit your needs as well as your budget. 763-493-0058
For more information on what qualifies for tax credits visit energystar.gov/taxcredits
Get the ENERGY STAR Guide — For complete information on keeping your home comfortable year-round, get the ENERGY STAR Guide to Energy Efficient Cooling and Heating
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