| |
|
February 1st, 2012
There was a time when homeowners had but one option when choosing how best to remodel their kitchen: complete replacement of kitchen cabinets. Somewhere along the line a kitchen contractor created yet another option: kitchen cabinet refacing.
There's little doubt that economics played into this introduction. After all, if a kitchen remodeling company couldn't sell a potential client on the cost of a complete & thorough project, why not settle for a less expensive job, that while not nearly as professional, would still net the contractor a sale.
The theory was simple, but a bit off-base. If a client's present cabinets were solid wood and in sound structural condition, why completely replace cabinets? Instead, why not simply replace the cabinet doors and drawer-fronts anew to modernize the appearance of a kitchen cabinet. In the cabinet refacing process, laminate is applied directly to the face-frames and sides of all existing cabinetry with an adhesive.
As with most "improvements" to traditional home remodeling, kitchen refacing leaves quite a bit to be desired. First, it's likely that you own a cabinet which, far from being constructed of solid wood, is made of particle board. Therefore, keeping your existing cabinet structure may frankly be less of a home improvement and more of a detriment to the quality of your kitchen remodel.
Second, we've all heard the saying, "If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen." There's a reason we're familiar with this axiom; a kitchen tends to be the hottest part of the house! When you use your stove and oven in the summer months, temperatures rise considerably and can stay elevated for hours. Laminates, which are simply glued onto the cabinet's exteriors, can only adhere for so long before sections begin peeling.
Consider your present kitchen or the one you grew up using when you lived with your parents. If you're like most Americans, you have experienced Formica or another brand of laminate counter-top. Remember how the corners would eventually part from the wood block to which the laminate was adhered? That's the same idea behind refacing cabinetry.
In a time when homeowners have the option to install granite or other solid surface counter-tops, it pays to ensure that your new cabinets will literally be able to support the weight of these heavier counter-tops. Refacing means that you may be relying on a relatively weak cabinet to carry a much heavier load than was originally intended.
Finally, when you settle for refacing in lieu of new cabinets you are unable to alter the layout of your kitchen in order to make it more efficient. New cabinetry allows your kitchen contractor to design a layout that not only suits your purposes, but that adds a modern style and convenience to a newly remodeled kitchen. Suppose you want a double-sink and your sink-base cabinet is only 27" wide. Well, you're out of luck and would be stuck installing another single-bowl sink. Unless you replace your cabinets in order to adjust the kitchen layout properly to accommodate a larger sink and perhaps larger appliances.
At the end of the day, it doesn't take an expert to admire the difference between a refaced kitchen and a completely remodeled one. The quality of materials and the creativity of a new kitchen layout will be noticed by friends and family when you choose professional cabinet replacement.
If you are interested in more information or a free estimate on our kitchen, bathroom or basement remodeling projects, please call 610-667-7775 or Click Here
Tags: kitchen cabinets, kitchen cabinets Philadelphia, kitchen contractor, kitchen contractor Philadelphia, kitchen refacing, kitchen refacing Philadelphia
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Home Renovation Tips, Kitchen Remodeling | No Comments »
January 26th, 2012
Bow and bay windows are sought after by homeowners to make a bold statement. Curb appeal is often enhanced by replacing a few standard double-hung windows on the front of a house with one large "showcase" window that projects outward from the exterior wall of the home. By extending the facade in this manner, you are afforded the ability to construct an interior window sill onto which you can set vases or other floral arrangements, fine porcelain or even trophies, if your heart desires. I had a customer several years ago who purchased a large bay window for one simple reason: to allow his cat a place to comfortably lay in the sun.
As with all replacement windows, there are many factors you must take into consideration when purchasing a bow or bay window. First and foremost is the energy-efficiency of the product. Remember, these windows are much larger than traditional double-hung windows, the ones you will likely find in your bedrooms. As such, there is substantial glass surface area which will be exposed to the elements. Choose a window with poor glass and you'll be miserable for years to come.
Similarly, the frame of the window is of paramount importance. Most replacement windows are made of vinyl, which does an excellent job of resisting heat or cold. Many manufacturers will offer an option to add insulation to the interior of this frame, which is traditionally hollow and multi-chambered, similar to a honeycomb. Always demand a welded vinyl master frame. Such a large window will require a welded frame to ensure its structural integrity.
Be certain to ask your window contractor for the "U-factor" of his or her window. This will inform you as to the efficiency of the bow or bay window. The lower the U-factor, the better its insulation properties will be. Next, consider whether your new window will have fabric curtains or furniture nearby. If so, the large expanse of glass will allow harmful solar rays to fade these materials and colors over time. Insist on a low-emissivity or "Low-E" glass coating. This barely perceptible coating will reflect the UVA and UVB rays, keeping them from destroying your furnishings.
The interior window sill on a bay or bow window can be vinyl or wood. Often, birch is the wood chosen by manufacturers for its beautiful wood grain. Be careful if you plan to place plants on this window sill. When watering, any overflow will damage the wood before long. It may be best to opt for a vinyl sill if this is your intention. If instead you plan on placing a large vase or artificial flowers on your new sill, birch will be your most attractive option. A wood sill can be stained and a polyurethane coating applied to not only protect it, but to complement your home's interior. Often we will stain a sill to match a wood banister or hardwood flooring in a customer's home.
For More Information About Our Window, Door & Siding Installation Services OR to Schedule a Free Consultation, Please call 610-667-7775 or CLICK HERE
Tags: bay window, bow window, Philadelphia windows, replacement windows, vinyl windows, windowsPhiladelphia
Posted in Doors & Windows, Energy Saving Tips, Home Renovation Tips | No Comments »
January 23rd, 2012
American housing can be divided into a few distinct groups. If you live in the Philadelphia suburbs, you likely dwell under a sloped or pitched roof. Such construction allows for the installation of fiberglass roofing shingles as the primary membrane keeping rain and snow from penetrating into the wood sheathing beneath them. Usually, shingled roofs are guaranteed by the manufacturer for 20-30 years, depending on the thickness and quality of the product.
If you reside inside of the Philadelphia city limits, you likely have a flat roof. A flat roof is exactly what you would expect…very little pitch or slope to aid in the draining process. These roofs are typically found on houses built inside Philadelphia between 1900-1950. A Philadelphia roofing contractor should have ample experience with these roofs.
Historically, rolls of fiberglass were installed over of the older layer of roof covering with the help of hot asphalt in order to adhere a new membrane for protection against the elements. Since flat roofs are problematic with regard to proper drainage, only 8-10 year guarantees were offered by flat roofing contractors. And even then, the flat roofs needed to coated with a fresh layer of asphalt every three years to keep the warranty in force and valid!
As you can imagine, after 30-40 years of continually adding layer after layer of new roofing material over the older layers, the durability of each new layer was reduced substantially. Look at it this way: suppose you placed a piece of duck-tape over a hole in the side of a styrofoam cup filled with coffee. For a while, perhaps a long while, the tape would do its job just fine, holding the liquid inside the cup. But, after a period of time, the tape would need some help doing its job. At that point, you'd add yet another piece of tape over the old one, extending the protection. Well, once you had about six layers of tape, you might be wondering whether tearing everything off and starting from scratch might be in order.
That's exactly what homeowners need to do in many cases: remove ALL layers of roofing membrane and haul them away in a dumpster, prior to applying a new roof covering over the original roof decking which is typically constructed of wood.
Today, homeowners would be well-advised to steer away from fiberglass and hot asphalt on their flat roofs. Instead, rubber roofing material, typically modified bitumin, should be applied over the decking or existing roof. This material is warranted for 15 years if installed by a professional Philadelphia Roofing Contractor . He will also replace the drain-box and downspout in the rear section of a flat roof to ensure that all water will drain easily, leaving no puddles on the rooftop. Inside our city, these drain-boxes often need to be lowered by a qualified contractor familiar with flat roofing projects on 60-100 year-old housing. Only then can you be certain that your new roof will last for nearly a generation.
For More Information about our Roofing & Siding or Door & Window installation services or to schedule a free consultation, call 610-667-7775 or Click Here.
Tags: Philadelphia roofing, roof contractor, roof installer, roofer Philadelphia, roofing, roofing contractor, roofing Philadelphia
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Home Renovation Tips | No Comments »
January 9th, 2012
Replacing your old, drafty windows is one of the best ways to reduce your heating and cooling costs. But, just any new window won't necessarily solve your problems. Windows come in many shapes and sizes, to be sure, but you'll want to consider window components to ensure that you won't regret your purchase.
Let's remember, you have enough to worry about. Providing you with the components and features available on replacement windows in Philadelphia is a contractor's job! Frames may be made of several materials, insulated-glass can contain Argon gas for additional insulation and frames offer the option of insulation as well. The only true way to make certain you buy the "right" window for you is to see a physical sample of a contractor's window right there, in the middle of your living room.
A professional will always bring a scaled-down version of his window when he visits your home. If he doesn't have one available, you need to find another contractor. You wouldn't purchase a car or even a barbeque without seeing it first! Why on Earth would you not do the same with windows.
Replacement of rotted woodwork and installation of exterior capping is necessary on most homes. Make sure your window contractor has the equipment required to perform these important tasks. An uncapped window will need to be painted, otherwise it will rot, causing you more maintenance headaches in the coming years. And headaches are exactly what you're trying to put an end to.
For More Information About Our Window, Door & Siding Installation Services OR to Schedule a Free Consultation, Please call 610-667-7775 or CLICK HERE
Tags: vinyl replacement windows, vinyl replacement windows Philadelphia, window company, window installer Philadelphia, Windows Philadelphia
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Contractor Selection, Doors & Windows | No Comments »
January 3rd, 2012
Most of us rarely have the need to hire a contractor to perform our home alterations. If you do so regularly, you have no doubt encountered a sub-par company or two (or several!) along the way. For those of us who don't regularly make improvements to our house, exhaustively researching when choosing a contractor is of paramount importance. Philadelphia homeowners should make certain that they're hiring the best company for their project the first time. Most remodelers won't be happy coming to the rescue to repair shoddy work done by a less than professional contractor.
So, how do you do this? How do you ensure that the skills necessary to properly complete your project are possessed by the company you choose?
State Registrations – Qualified home remodeling contractors in Philadelphia will be registered with the Office of the Attorney General's Office in Harrisburg. Check the website online for proof of state registration.
Work Experience – Find out which homes in your neighborhood or even on your street have been improved by the contractor you are considering. If they don't have references which you can walk to, they simply haven't completed enough projects on homes similar to yours.
Innovation & Style – Nearly anyone can install a store-bought cabinet or front door. But when you are interested in a "look" that is entirely your own, you may want to hire a contractor who offers a unique selection and options you may have never thought of before. Don't settle for a firm with limited experience, find a remodeler with a sense of style who has ample experience employing creative ideas.
When you hire a remodeling contractor in Philadelphia, you need to find a company whose employees are willing to work with you. They must understand the problems you need solved, as well as your time-frame. Finally, while you must ensure that you are not overcharged, make sure that you don't choose the cheapest contractor either, as you will likely get what you pay for.
If you are interested in more information or a free estimate on our line of replacement windows, vinyl siding & doors or our kitchen, bathroom or basement remodeling projects, please call 610-667-7775 or click here.
Tags: Bathroom Remodeling Contractor, door contractor, kitchen remodeling contractor, Siding contractor Philadelphia, vinyl replacement windows
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Contractor Selection | No Comments »
December 15th, 2011
Finding the right siding contractor in Philadelphia involves more than just looking through company names in the phone book or perusing the internet. Quite frankly, anyone can "set-up shop" as a siding contractor by establishing a web page or newspaper advertisement. Your job as a consumer is to vet a contractor that has attracted your attention.
First steps should included visiting www.bbb.org, the Better Business Bureau website, to determine if the company is a member. Never do business with a company that hasn't committed to satisfying customer concerns by joining the Better Business Bureau. Next, check whether the company is registered in Pennsylvania. The PA Attorney General website is a quick way to ensure that you're dealing with a legitimate contractor.
To ensure that you have selected the best contractor to install your vinyl siding and insulation, demand to speak to several of their clients. A quality company should have no qualms about giving at least 10 references whom you can visit or at the very least speak with. If the company representative bristles when you ask for 10 referrals, look elsewhere; this contractor is NOT for you.
Consider the years of experience they have, as well. A company in business less than five years likely hasn't the track record sufficient to ensure you professional project and warranty. After all, how good is a 30-year or lifetime guaranty offered by a contractor who has only been in business for three or four years?
By taking these steps, you will avoid a less-than-professional Philadelphia siding contractor. One who will complete your siding installation in a shoddy manner, if he completes it at all. We’ve all heard the phrase, “He could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo”. Before falling for the “door to door” salesman who claims to be the best contractor for your siding installation, make sure that you follow this guide when beginning your search.
So pay heed, when you begin looking for the right siding contractor Philadelphia, be sure you check them out thoroughly. Contacting the right siding contractor in Philadelphia ensures that you will not only get what you really need, but that you'll receive it at a price you can afford.
For More Information about our Siding, Door & Window installation services or to schedule a free consultation, call 610-667-7775 or click here.
Posted in Ask The Contractor | No Comments »
November 1st, 2011
What Makes a Qualified Home Remodeling Contractor Philadelphia
Finding a qualified home remodeling contractor in Philadelphia may sound easy. Unfortunately, the fact is that while hundreds or even thousands of contractors exist in our area, woefully few can be considered qualified. Sadly, many are unskilled and lack what it takes to complete a project in a timely and professional manner.
Even before a project commences, the professional contractor shows his worth by directing his client to the proper materials and layout necessary for satisfying the needs of his or her customer. The goal isn't simply to complete the job and get paid, but rather to exceed the expectations of his client. Achieving this task requires helping with design and product selection from the outset.
Once a contractor has been awarded the contract by a homeowner is when the "heavy-lifting" begins. It becomes readily apparent whether the installer is indeed qualified or just another "jack-of-all-trades". Homeowners can only guaranty they have chosen wisely by doing their homework beforehand. The more experienced a service provider is, the better the project will turn out upon completion. Often, something unforeseen arises in the middle of a contracting job. An experienced technician will know at once how best to overcome such obstacles. Checking a company's references and licensing will go a long way to determining how long an enterprise has been in business. Many states require licenses and almost all cities do as well.
Your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) will also prove helpful. Simply being a member of the BBB isn't enough for the discerning homeowner. Today, you'll want to ensure that he or she has an A+ rating at the BBB. Only then can you be certain that the contractor will satisfy any concerns that you will have both during and after the project has been completed.
For More Information about our Home Remodeling and Window & Door Installation services or to schedule a free consultation, call 610-667-7775 or click here.
Tags: kitchen remodeling contractor, Philadelphia Bathroom Remodeling, Philadelphia contractor, philadelphia door contractor, Philadelphia remodeling company, vinyl replacement windows
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Contractor Selection, Home Renovation Tips | No Comments »
October 24th, 2011
When searching for an entry door replacement, Philadelphians have a wide variety of door styles and contractors from which to choose. Construction materials range from varieties of wood, to steel or fiberglass. There are a number of companies that offer door installation as well, so homeowners should make certain that they choose wisely.
Since an entry door is likely to be the first thing people notice when visiting your home, it not only makes a statement about the house, but also says quite a bit about you, its owner. Therefore, it's best to find a style and material that complements the overall structure of your home.
 Also consider which elements the door will be exposed to before buying. By considering the environmental elements your door will experience, owners will be better able to decide the door material that best suits their needs. Sun exposure, wind and rain are only a few of the weather and environmental elements that come immediately to mind. Don't forget to estimate the day-to-day traffic in and out of your home. A door that is not suitable for its purpose will show signs of wear quickly. In the long run, owners may end up spending money on repairs. Or, worse yet, need to purchase yet another replacement entry door.
Choosing the right entry and storm door is not just about esthetics, it's also about getting the most out of your investment. By replacing an entryway, a homeowner can boost a house's curb appeal. Someone who is selling a house understands how important this can be when trying to attract buyer attention. Also, many will understand the importance of purchasing a suitable door to maximize security, especially for doors on the rear of the property.
Whatever the reasons for seeking an entry door replacement in philadelphia a local contractor can will surely find one that best fits your needs, encountering options that cater both to your esthetic preferences, energy-efficiency & security concerns alike. The best part is that with intense competition among these products, it's likely you will find quality entry doors and storm doors at fair prices.
For More Information about our Door & Window replacement services or to schedule a free consultation, call 610-667-7775 or click here.
Tags: door contractor, door installer, fiberglass door, insulated entry door, insulated fiberglass door, insulated steel door
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Contractor Selection, Doors & Windows, Energy Saving Tips | No Comments »
May 11th, 2010
Congress is about to up-the-ante for homeowners interested in making their homes more energy-efficient. Currently making its way through Congress is "The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act", affectionately known as "Cash for Caulkers". Its goal is to provide rebates for completing energy-efficient home improvement projects and installing energy-efficient appliances.
At present, the maximum tax credit available for installing qualifying replacement windows, doors, insulation and high-efficiency HVAC equipment is $1,500.00. "The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act" aims to enhance those credits, making it as cost-effective to make these improvements as it may ever be…in our lifetimes!
For instance, currently homeowners receive a 30% tax credit for installing windows and doors that comply with stringent US Government requirements. That percentage may rise to 50% of those product's cost once the bill is passed by both houses of Congress.
Perhaps the most compelling piece of the legislation is known as the "Gold Star" program. It would require homeowners to obtain a Home Energy Audit from a licensed, professional, trained contractor and implement the recommended improvements in order to increase their homes energy-efficiency by 20%. Those who do so would receive a $3,000.00 rebate on the products purchased. Homeowners who increase their home's efficiency beyond 20% would earn an additional $1,000.00 rebate for every 5% increase in energy-efficiency. A homeowner who, as a result of making the recommended improvements, increases his or her home's energy-efficiency by 45% would receive a rebate of $8,000.00, which is the maximum rebate amount currently being considered.
Regardless of exactly what the legislation looks like once it makes its way out of Congress and onto President Obama's desk, homeowners would be wise to prepare themselves for the home improvement opportunity of a lifetime.
We hope that you'll allow American Home Concepts, Inc. into your house to perform a Home Energy Audit in order to determine how best to make your home more energy-efficient. Be sure to take advantage of all the rebate opportunities available to you! Please click the link below for more information.
For More Information about our Home Energy Audit, Vinyl Window & Door replacement & Insulation services or to schedule a free consultation, call 610-667-7775 or click here.
Tags: Cash For Caulker Contractor, Contractor, Energy Tax Credit, Home Energy Audit, Home Star Rebate, Window and Door installer, Window and Door replacement
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Contractor Selection, Doors & Windows, Energy Saving Tips | No Comments »
|
|
|
