Erie Construction Co., Erie Construction Mid West
Month: January, 2013
Pick Home Improvement Projects that Add Value to your Home
| January 28, 2013 | 10:00 AM | Metal Roof, Remodeling | No comments

In our current real estate market, more and more homeowners are opting to “stay put” and make improvements to their homes. With that being said,  it’s important to pick home improvement projects that add value to the property. With real estate prices still in flux, value-adding projects make more sense than pleasure projects that may actually take away from the home’s overall worth.

A can of paint does not cost much more than about $30. Yet Kiplinger reports that a home with freshly painted walls provides home sellers with a hefty ROI. (Return on investment) If money is tight, make this your one top project for next year. Of course, take care not to go overboard with outlandish color schemes that are unlikely to net you a sizable return.

A steel front door is an upgrade buyers look for. It adds not only safety but also a lot of curb appeal to your home’s facade. Old-fashioned steel is still the material of choice. Fiberglass, although typically much more expensive, only nets you a 65% ROI.

When was the last time you checked on your insulation? If you live in an older home, the original insulation may no longer be in keeping with the guidelines. Adding insulation offers a full return.

Home Improvement experts also say that a kitchen remodel features an 88% ROI. Pricing the average kitchen remodel at $8,655, it makes sense to upgrade cabinets, appliances, window treatments and paint. With an average bathroom remodel cost of $9,135, the ROI is nearly that of a kitchen remodel.

Local realtors say, residential roofing is another area that can ultimately be a “deal breaker.” If your roof is in bad shape it’s a good idea to go ahead and replace it. If not, expect a low ball offer that could be $20-$30,000 under asking price. Metal roofing is also picking up steam because potential buyers know it lasts three times that of a traditional roof and that it is extremely energy efficient. Erie Construction, of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to show you why metal will one day dominate the industry!

If the House Needs a New Roof: Ask for One!
| January 21, 2013 | 8:26 AM | Advantages of a Metal Roof, Metal Roof | No comments

When buying a new home real estate experts say you shouldn’t let minor aesthetic differences sway you from making an offer.  If appliances or the decorative theme are not up to your expectations, keep in mind that most of these things can be easily modified over time. What is important when viewing the interior of the home is to check for overall structural soundness and try to focus on potential rather than current appearance. A good strategy is to hire a licensed home inspector before you close the deal. The inspector will provide a detailed analysis and cost breakdown on actual required repairs.

Buyers should not get discouraged when their potential dream home requires some old-fashioned manual labor to get it up to their standards. Realtors refer to this as “sweat equity.” Sweat equity is a time investment by the potential buyer to clean, redo and repair the potential property once the purchase is complete. Right now we are in a poor real-estate market which is littered with short sales and foreclosures – many of which are neglected, vacant properties. Also, many purchases are older properties with excellent construction characteristics but needing some “elbow grease.”

So don’t let aesthetics stop you from making an offer on what could be your dream home. However, don’t feel pressured to sign on the dotted line if the inspection shows larger problems. For example,  if the inspection shows that the roof needs to be replaced. If this is the case, ask the homeowner  to put a new roof on or give you a substantial credit towards a new roof. In this market, sellers want to make their deals work because they don’t know when another offer is going to come through. A metal roof is another option that many homeowners are turning to. It lasts three times as long as a traditional roof and is extremely durable during extreme weather conditions. Erie Constructionof Evansville, Indiana is a leader in the industry and can show you some of the reasons metal makes sense for your home and your pocketbook.

 Another great tip to getting the best possible deal is to ask for a 1-2% reduction in commission.  Real estate agents make $0 if your deal doesn’t go through, so they have as much incentive to keep your deal alive as you do! Good luck.
Three of the Smartest Home Improvements you can Make!

If you want to make a smart home improvement, new energy efficient windows,  vinyl siding, and a new roof are the way to go. Not only will you get a good ROI, or return in investment, both of these improvements will dramatically up your curb appeal.

Over the years, vinyl siding has gained in popularity and is now found on about 30 percent of homes.  Today’s product is far different than your parents siding. It lasts for years and years and withstands most weather conditions. It also won’t fade. The beauty is that it is so easy to maintain and doesn’t need to be repainted.

In addition to improving the look of your home, installing vinyl sidingbenefits your budget. Because it requires little maintenance, you can save on costly repairs and upkeep. Vinyl is also substantially less expensive than other types of exterior siding materials. It acts as added insulation for the house as well, so it can boost energy efficiency and save you money in the long run.

If you have old, leaky windows, you absolutely can’t afford not to replace them. Sure, replacing your inefficient windows with new Energy Star approved windows is an investment. Keep in mind that it is hands down, one of the smartest home improvements you can make. Did you know that research shows that replacing your windows with new, energy efficient replacement windows will give you an ROI, (return on investment) of 80-90%? Plus, replacing them with new Energy Star approved windows will save you a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills.

Now let’s talk about your old roof. Local realtors say residential roofing can be a huge deal breaker when trying to sell your home. Many are even investing in metal roofing because it lasts three times as long and is by far the most durable. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and can show you why investing in your roof can drastically increase the resale value of your home.

One Roofing Option is Truly the Most Durable

When it comes to residential roofing, there is a lot to keep in mind. There are various types of roofing shingles available for your home. Some better than others.  Let’s talk about the most popular option, asphalt.

Asphalt shingles come in many styles and price point and are appropriate for any climate, wind-resistant and easy to maintain. The basic asphalt shingle is a 3-tab shingle; it’s available in many colors, but offers no textural interest. The other main issue with asphalt is that it doesn’t last forever. It will need to be replaced after 15 or so years.

Another option that is definitely picking up steam in the residential arena is metal. If you truly want a worry free roof that will withstand any weather condition, metal is for you. Metal Roofing is  no longer just for commercial buildings, but is available as a panel or shingle for residential roofs . Shingles are made to look like other materials and panels provide clean lines which are suitable on a farmhouse and on urban applications.

Metal roofs offer durability and are ideal for areas with harsh weather conditions. It is resistant to fire, hail, moisture and fungal growth and is very low-maintenance. It is fully recyclable and can be made of recycled materials. Local realtors say, buyers love when they see metal because they know that means they won’t have to give the roof any attention. Erie Construction, of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to show you why metal is the last roof you’ll ever need.