Posts with tag 'Home maintenance'

Maybe you're concerned that the exterior of your home looks a little drab and worn down. Or, perhaps you want a different style for your home's siding. Rejuvenate your home by re-siding it.

Re-siding is an excellent way to prepare your home to put on the market before you call our real estate agents. When re-siding your home, here are a few things you should consider. 

1. Whether Your Siding Actually Requires Replacement
   If you like the look of your home, but know your siding has quite a few holes and tears, it's important to determine if re-siding is your best option. While new siding will overhaul the entire look of your home, it's also a large investment.
   
   An alternative might be repairing or replacing the damaged portions of your home. Whether repairing is a viable solution depends on the age and condition of your siding and how many areas have damage.

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A house full of persistent little sounds can drive you crazy all day and keep you up at night. House noises are usually early indicators of potential problems that require attention. Our real estate agents have prepared a list of fixes for the most common house noises to help you restore peace and quiet to your home.

• Whistling Window
  A window that whistles in a strong wind can make for a long day. The unwanted whistling can be caused by worn weather stripping, improperly installed windows, the simple passage of time, or changes in temperature. You can soundproof your window by caulking or weatherstripping around the frame to take care of any possible leak.

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A properly installed roof can reach the end of its useful life without experiencing leaks or other signs of failure. It may simply look old and worn out. However, storm damage can wreak havoc on an old roof and cause further problems down the road. So, you need to watch for warning signs that your roof needs replacement even if it looks fine at the moment. Fortunately, our real estate agents have searched far and wide to bring you this list of telltale signs that your roof needs to be replaced.

• Your Roof is at Least 20 Years Old
  All roofing systems have a maximum lifespan. Asphalt shingles, for example, last 15-20 years, while tile roofing can last up to 100 years. Although many shingles today are made for durability, several factors can accelerate aging. For example, harsh storms can damage your roof, compromising its integrity. Poorly ventilated roofs can also negatively impact your shingles and cause them to fail sooner. So, an asphalt shingle roof that is 20 years old should be a signal for replacement regardless of its present condition.

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Whether you've owned your house for years, or you're just now about to buy one of the beautiful Atlanta homes for sale, all homeowners should be able to complete maintenance and repairs around their property. Our real estate agents know that even newer homes will require a little bit of handy work as the years pass. We believe that it's wise to have a handful of specific tools available to use when you need them most. Here are 15 tools that every homeowner needs in their home.

1. Tape Measure
   A tape measure is one tool you should have the minute you move in. As you attempt to move in your existing furniture or purchase new pieces, you'll need to know the exact measurements of specific spaces. We recommend buying a sturdy tap measure for around the house and a smaller tape measure to keep in your car or purse for measuring items in store.

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For most homeowners, the roof is usually an afterthought—at least until you see a brown spot on your ceiling. Then you realize how critical that part of your home is. In addition to protecting your home from natural elements, the roof contributes greatly to the curb appeal and resale value of your house. So, when building a new home, a house addition or re-roofing, it is best to consider roofing options available and then determine what is suitable for your home. You should also look at the climate in your area as well as the architectural style of your home.

There are more types of roofing materials in the marketplace than ever before. Each has its advantages and shortcomings, so choosing one can be tough. Our real estate agents provide a list of the most common types of roofing materials along with their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

1. Asphalt Shingles
   These are the most common roofing materials, covering a great majority of houses in America. The standard-three-tab asphalt shingles often incorporate granulated zinc or copper to prevent the growth of algae. Asphalt shingles are machine-sawed and available in a wide range of different colors both solid and blended. They are highly durable and made to last around 25 years or more. Most asphalt roofing products are affordable and easy to install. However, this roofing material degrades over time due to exposure to the environment. They are also prone to impact damage than harder, thicker roofing.

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