Does the Exterior of Your Home Need Repair?

Homeowners that are conscientious about the maintenance of their home sometimes have a greater concern about exterior maintenance versus interior maintenance.  After all, we have the ability to control the environment (humidity, temperature, etc.) inside our homes, but we have very little control over the environment outside of our homes.  So the question many homeowners face is both what to look for on the outside of their home in order to determine if a repair or replacement is required and how to look for it. 

The most efficient way to look for areas that may require maintenance is to harness the power of simple technology to see places that could be dangerous to inspect (i.e., roofs and related areas) and use visual inspection of areas that are easily accessible.  A good pair of binoculars or a digital camera (with a zoom in feature) should be used to inspect: 1) roof shingles to see if any are missing or not lined up properly due to wind damage; 2) flashing around anything that is on the roof, especially chimneys, but also dormers, plumbing vents, and skylights to make sure it has not become loose or misaligned and; 3) roof valleys where different sloped roof sections meet to make sure leaves, snow and of course water are not collecting. 

For the following areas a visual inspection should be easily accomplished by the homeowner without the need for anything but perhaps a ladder and a keen eye: 1) gutters and downspouts for cleaning and/or repairs in late spring after trees have greened; 2) siding and corner boards for condition and secure attachment with painting required to prevent water damage and power washing for vinyl siding or perhaps replacement if the age and condition warrant it; 3) windows for painting if made of wood and caulking of seal gaps for all window materials. 

A key priority for a homeowner is to make sure exterior preventive maintenance is done and needed repairs are made in a timely manner. This will minimize the cost of home repairs, so you can invest in more home improvements. The first step to good home exterior maintenance is inspecting your house.  After your inspection if you have concerns, then feel free to contact Feazel for free inspection and an honest opinion on a course of action.

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio & North Carolina by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry. Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.  

 

Home Ownership 101

Deciding to own a home could be one of the best decisions you ever make.  But making sure it is the right choice requires more than just being able to afford the purchase of a home.  There is a great deal more to being a homeowner than just signing the mortgage and moving in.  You quickly become aware of a new role that you must assume since there is no landlord to call when your home needs maintenance or repairs. 

So are you ready to be a homeowner when it comes to exterior home repair and maintenance projects?  You can find out by reviewing some of the most common maintenance and repairs which become your responsibility when you become a homeowner. 

First consider maintenance and repairs that are often performed by the homeowner.  These include cleaning of your home’s exterior (siding, windows, gutters, etc.) and painting, including staining and sealing of any decks or wood fencing as required.  Additionally, there is routine lawn cutting, weeding and landscape maintenance.  You need to be prepared to dedicate a portion of your free time (on average 2 days per month or more if you have a large lawn) to complete these types of projects yourself.  Of course some or all of these can be hired out but the cost needs to be considered and if your budget can handle it. 

Other major exterior projects are best left for the pros.  Fortunately, these repairs and / or replacements won’t be required often.  But when they are needed they will require an investment of money and some time as well to make sure you are comfortable with the company and the cost of the residential home service provider you trust for the job.  These projects typically consist of roof repairs (and after a certain amount of time, replacement), siding replacement and window replacement as well as other projects that are specific to an individual home such as chimneys and skylights.  

If you are new homeowner or existing homeowner, Feazel offers residential home services including roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  We are a trusted company that you can rely on now and in the future for your needs.  Please contact us to learn more about our services. 

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company serving Raleigh NC, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland Ohio.  We have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Since our founding in 1988 we have been a top choice by offering the best customer service, stress free buying experience and the highest standards.

Why the Lowest Roofing Bid May Not be the Best

It is always a good idea to get at least 3 bids for any major residential home service such as replacing a roof.  When you are going to spend thousands of dollars for the project it just makes sense.  However, for anybody that has experienced the confusion and frustration of bids for the same project having prices that vary significantly here is some helpful information. 

First, each contractor bases their bid on many factors including material cost, hours to complete the project, and other variables.  So bids can differ based on those factors.  Therefore, when selecting the contractor it is not always the best practice to select the low bid.  As the old saying goes: “you get what you pay for” so understanding what is included in each bid could be a very good reason to select one that is not the lowest.  If the higher priced vendor is providing better materials that last longer and are warranted longer and doing a full replacement instead of a cover over, then the higher bid is a better value.  In fact, your selection should be based more on overall value than on the lowest price. 

Second, don’t hesitate to get recommendations from friends and family members that have replaced their roof with expectations that were exceeded by the contractor that performed the work.  After you get 3 bids that include the recommendation you may find the recommended contractor is not the lowest.  But you will have the past experience of a satisfied customer which is priceless when it comes to an important project like replacing your roof.  After all, a solid roof that does not leak and is properly installed the first time is worth more than one that does not last or experiences problems due to poor installation. 

Our experts here at Feazel are happy to come out to your home and provide a free 17 point inspection and free estimate.  In fact, we take pride in taking the time to make sure all your questions and concerns are addressed.  You can even schedule the free inspection with us online.  If you know a trusted neighbor, family member or friend that used Feazel, then ask them about us.  We are proud of our record of service. 

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio and North Carolina by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry.  We strive to maintain our highly regarded reputation earned over the past 28+ years.  Call or visit us online to learn more.

Not All Roof Warranties Are the Same

Many homeowners may not be aware that when they decide to replace the roof on their home they typically receive two warranties: one from the manufacturer that covers the products used and another from the installer that covers the workmanship.  Unfortunately, if the homeowner experiences any problems with their roof down the road, then there is a strong tendency for the installer to claim a product issue or the manufacturer to claim improper installation of their products.  Who gets stuck in the middle of this: the homeowner that simply wants the problem they are experiencing fixed. 

At Feazel we think there is a better way.  Feazel provides 100% of their customers with a true lifetime warranty that is fully transferable, non-prorated, and covers every element of the roof including the materials and installation with no exclusions for as long as they own the home.  If the home is sold within the first 10 years, then the warranty transfers to the next owner.  This gives our most important asset, satisfied Feazel customers, true peace of mind for their roof purchase. 

Feazel also believes in other best practices that provide our new roof customers peace of mind in addition to our lifetime warranty.  We employ only manufacturer certified installers, we include tear off and disposal costs in our prices, and offer the Good Housekeeping protection on our roofs.  Typical competitors do not offer these best practices as standard in their services. 

Feel free to contact Feazel for a free 17 point inspection and free estimate for your roof.    You can schedule the free inspection with us online or contacting us directly.     

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio and North Carolina and we have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.  Call or visit us online to learn more.

Fun Things to do in Ohio this Winter

Just because the cold weather has arrived does not mean it is time to wait out the winter season for fun things to do in Ohio.  At Feazel we can perform our outstanding residential home services all winter long and still find time after hours to enjoy numerous exciting leisure time activities.  Here are a couple of our favorites. 

If music and art is your thing don’t miss the Brite Winter Festival in Ohio City in February.  It features top-notch local and regional music acts, hot drinks and treats and fireside conversations galore.  Plus there are the incredible art installations and tents along with vendors to visit and view.  All the events are free or low cost and fulfill the mission of the event sponsors to deliver creative culture during underserved times of the year.  The event slogan says it all:  Art. Music. Fire. Fun. 

For fans of Dicken’s and England, or just those that want some great fun, there is still time before the last day on January 2^nd, 2017, to visit the Dicken’s Victorian Village in Cambridge, Ohio.  Take a trip back in time with a unique walking tour back to life in 1850’s England.  Featuring more than 80 scenes with 180 lifelike figures that represent Victorian society and Dicken’s novels, this activity is a real crowd pleaser and completely unique to Ohio.  Be sure to visit the website for information on tickets and attending before heading out. 

Are you ready to exercise away some of those holiday treat calories?  One fun option is the Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake in Peninsula, Ohio within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Snow shoe treks and cross-country skiing on peaceful trails in the winter is just the way to relax and burn calories.  And don’t worry if you don’t own equipment as you can rent it at the center.  Using snow shoes in particular is very easy to quickly learn and some people find it addictively fun when they try it for the first time.  When planning a trip remember to check their website for the dates they are open and also make sure there is snow on the ground! 

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company serving Raleigh NC, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland Ohio.  Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.

 

Where to See Great Holiday Lights in Ohio this Season

Many of us that work at Feazel know a thing or two about climbing up on roofs.  Of course we do if for other reasons than installing holiday light displays!  But just like everybody we love the holiday season when light displays go up and thrill us with their creativity and design.  Some of the best ones around Ohio are featured below and there is still time to get out and see them before the end of the season. 

The Woodland Lights in Dayton is open from 6 pm until 9 pm nightly through December 31^st.  There is a minimal cost of $8 per person with children 2 and under free but most people think its a bargain for the incredible display of scenes and lights.  This year a new laser light show has been added along with a tunnel of lights and a trackless train.  Plus there are revolving activities so check the website before you go to learn about all that is happening. 

For those that like a big and flashy display of lights and dazzle, don’t miss the PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens going on until January 2^nd.  This year the event features a “Frozen” themed Wonderland and a Gingerbread Village.  The display has been voted the Number #1 zoo display in the country by USA Today and for good reason.  It features a new Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake, Toyland Express Train Ride, Fairyland with 5 hidden fairies to find and lots of strolling entertainment with themed areas.  

Another interesting display is the Holiday Lights on the Hill at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum in Hamilton.  The cost on this one is $20 for a whole carload.  The sculptures are lit up for the holidays and offer a completely new perspective for previous visitors to the park as well as delight for those who have not yet visited.  Again, check their website for dates and times before making the trip. 

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio and North Carolina by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry. Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.  

 

Roofing Material Types and Costs

If the time has come to replace your roof, then you are probably want to be educated on the choices in roofing material, the cost associated with each, and some of the benefits and drawbacks of each.  The below primer may assist you.   

Asphalt shingles are used in 80% of the roof marketplace and for good reasons.  Cost is a major part of their popularity.  Expect to pay anywhere from $3.00 to $4.50 per square foot for the material.  Add to this the fact that they are durable and come in a variety of textures and colors and are easy to install which also keeps the cost down.  Recent advances in manufacturing techniques have created the ability to emulate different roof materials such as slate, tile and wood.  Perhaps the largest drawback to asphalt shingles is they can easily blow off in very high winds.  But replacement is inexpensive and easy.  Expect anywhere up to 30 years of life from an asphalt shingle roof depending on the product selected. 

An up and coming choice for roof material are tile shingles (both the traditional style rust color/curved and slate style) used primarily on Old-World style homes (traditional) and modern style and newer built homes (slate).  The cost of these can range from $11 to $16 per square foot and they can be flat or curved.  Tiles can be very energy efficient as air circulates underneath helping to keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Another major benefit is that they can last over 100 years.  Slate tiles come in many styles and colors to accommodate all tastes.  But be sure your home can accommodate the weight of tile by checking with an engineer.   

Wood shingles and shake shingles are on a smaller number of homes and range from $6 to $8 per square foot for shingles and $7 to $9 for shakes.  They are most often cited for their beauty and how well they age plus the fact that they can last about 10 years longer than asphalt shingles.  But they are difficult to install correctly, more likely to catch fire, and prone to insect, rot and mold if not properly maintained. 

Costs are estimates only and should not be relied upon as a final cost 

At Feazel we can install any type of roof but we primarily use asphalt shingles for the replacements and repairs that we perform.  If you are contemplating a roof replacement or repair, then we invite you to contact us for a free inspection and estimate. 

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry. Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.   

Source: realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/types-of-roofing-pros-cons-and-costs/?is_wp_site=1