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.

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

Choosing A Shingle Color

You knew one day the time would come to replace the roof on your home.  You became aware of this when you requested Feazel to come out for a free inspection several years ago. They informed you then that although the roof only needed some minor repairs it would likely need to be replaced in a few more years.   

Now the roof is ready for replacement and you contacted us again to do the job because of our superior reputation for quality, service, and honesty.  The only thing left to do is choose the color for your new asphalt shingle roof.  Here are some helpful tips to make this process easier and more enjoyable. 

The first step should be to use the Design Your Home App on our website to see what you like. After getting signed in you have the choice of using the sample homes that are available or uploading a photo of your own home. Once you are fully engaged in the app you can select areas of the home to design with window options, siding options and roof options including colors. Then drive around your neighborhood and check out the different color combinations of roof, brick / siding, and trim colors on the homes of your neighbors.  This will help you to learn what you think works and what doesn’t.  These are both good starting points to determine your preferences. 

The next step should be to make some of the larger decisions before you narrow down your choice of color.  For example, do you want a lighter or darker color?  Once you decide on light or dark it is best not to go too much to the extreme either way.  The darker the color the less sunlight that is reflected which can make your home warmer in the summer.  Too light a color may reflect more sunlight in the winter giving a tendency to need more energy to heat the home.  Browns and grays are selections that are more neutral choices with respect to energy concerns. 

It is always a good idea to get full size samples of the shingles with the colors you are considering and compare them directly to the brick, siding, stone or stucco on your home.  The color you pick should coordinate well with not only the exterior but also the trim of your home.  Of course if you are planning on changing the exterior of your home either now or in the future, then that should be taken into account with your color selection. 

Neutral colors tend to stay in style for many years but if you find a color that goes well with your home don’t be afraid to use it as long as it does not draw unwanted attention to the home.  If you live in a community with a home owners association, then be sure to check with them and see if they have any design review rules for roof colors before you make a selection.

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.  We strive to maintain our highly regarded reputation earned over the past 28+ years.  Call or visit us online to learn more.

The Many Benefits of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material both with homeowners and roofing contractors.  In fact, more than 12.5 billion square feet of asphalt shingle products are made annually – that’s enough to cover more than 5 million homes EVERY YEAR, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. 

They come in a variety of styles and colors which make them easy to enhance or maintain the exterior appearance of your home.  Also, asphalt shingles provide a good value as they are a very durable and relatively inexpensive material that provides excellent waterproofing ability for 20 to 50 years depending on the product that is chosen. 

At Feazel we use asphalt shingles for most roof replacements and repairs that we perform.  We find they offer the best value and return on investment to the typical homeowner that will occupy their home for a generation or more.  When replacement or repair is warranted they also have the benefit of being recyclable and are easily maintained, repaired or replaced. 

Other benefits of asphalt shingles as noted by the ARMA include: 1) an over 100 year proven track record in North America; 2) excellent wind and fire resistance; 3) many pricing options for all budgets; 4) few leak problems and; 5) ideal weight, no need for additional structure to carry the weight. 

Now is an excellent time for an asphalt shingle roof replacement and you can count on us to get the job done right and with a customer experience that will exceed your expectations.  Please contact us to schedule a FREE inspection. 

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio serving Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and surrounding areas.  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.

Feazel Honors Veterans Day with Donation to Wounded Warriors Project

In honor of Veterans Day Feazel is proud to make a donation in your name to the Wounded Warriors Project when you schedule a free inspection during the month of November.  You can make your appointment either online or by giving us a call.  Please include specifics about the issue you are experiencing so we can be better prepared to serve you during the appointment. 

The Wounded Warrior Project provides services and programs giving attention to the mental, physical and financial welfare of wounded returning veterans, their families and their caregivers.  Their service is dedicated to Wounded Warriors that sustained injuries or illness on or after September 11, 2001.  The benefits of the program are dues and cost free as these service men and women paid their dues in service to our country. 

Part of the success of the Wounded Warrior Project lies in the holistic approach they take when serving warriors and their families.  It encourages healing of mind, body, economic empowerment and community engagement.  WWP strives to achieve the most successful, well-adjusted wounded service members in our nation’s history.   

Signature programs that WWP offers include: 1) Project Odyssey – a combat stress recovery program; 2) the Warrior Care Network and; 3) long-term support initiatives including the Independence Program and Long-Term Support Trust. 

Another cornerstone of the WWP is offering support to family members and caregivers of wounded warriors.  These individuals are so important to the success of recovery for their loved ones that WWP strives to offer programs for their success as well.  The WWP team also reaches out to family members and caregivers to make sure they receive the full support ad benefit of WWP services and programs. 

Feazel has been providing residential home services to residents of Ohio since 1988.  Homeowners trust us to provide the best customer service and stress-free buying experience when it comes to roofing, gutters, windows, siding, chimneys, masonry, skylights and insulation.  We also take a great deal of pride in making a positive impact in the communities we serve. 

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

 

Cincinnati’s Endless Activities

Feazel is very pleased to be able to offer our full line of residential home services to the greater Cincinnati region.  We believe our core values are a perfect match with the values of the residents who live, work and play in Cincinnati.  And when it’s time to play, Cincinnati is second to none with the large number and variety of activities to choose from.   

Family fun activities are a good way to get the whole family together for some exciting times.  If the weather is not cooperating for being outside, then the Newport Aquarium is always a fun activity.  Be sure to check out the Galapagos tortoise and the pet sharks.  And for train lovers a must see is EnterTRAINment Junction which features 25,000 square feet of indoor train display.  For those beautiful Cincinnati days to be outside there is Kings Island which features the Banshee, the world’s longest inverted roller coaster.  And if that is too wild for your taste, then perhaps you would like a tour with Ride The Ducks Newport for a land and river view of the best local landmarks. 

If you are interested in Arts, Culture and History, then Cincinnati offers some great choices.  Uptown features the venerable Cincinnati Museum of Art which has an unparalleled collection of over 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years of history.  And for those whose tastes are more modern, the Contemporary Arts Center in Downtown has very interesting displays.  When visiting the CAC don’t forget to visit The UnMuseum which occupies an entire floor and has family friendly interactive art exhibits.  A lesser known but very fun museum, also located in Uptown, is the American Sign Museum which features displays  from the golden age of signs spanning the first half of the twentieth century. 

Foodies can rejoice in Cincinnati too!  Cincinnati was even named one of “six small cities with a big food scene” by a major national newspaper.   There are the mainstays of unique Cincinnati fare such as Skyline Chili for famous Cincinnati style chili and Graeter’s for French pot ice cream.  But there are also many restaurants and brew pubs that have garnered national attention such as Senate, Over The Rhine and Quarter Bistro. 

In Cincinnati as well as Columbus and Cleveland and the surrounding areas, Feazel offers residential home services including superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Please contact us to learn more about our services. 

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.  

Common Causes of Roof Leaks

If you are a homeowner that is seeking to prevent roof leaks from occurring, then you should be aware of the most common conditions that may cause a leak to develop if left unchecked.  Fortunately, most roof leaks can be easily repaired.  However, the common refrain “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true when it comes to roof leaks. 

Typically, roof leaks can be caused both by natural causes and/or roof conditions that result from improper work or repairs. The most common natural or environmental cause is damage to shingles, tiles, or seams from storms, ice, wind or hail. The roofing conditions that commonly lead to roof leaks include work that is performed improperly on skylights or flashing leaving seams that become corroded and eventually allow water to seep through as well as improper attic ventilation. 

Less common but still prevalent are other roof conditions that lead to leaks such as ponding water, exposed nail heads, built-up debris and, in the winter, ice dams that stop proper drainage during periods of melting which forces water to back up under shingles.

Sometimes the most difficult step in repairing a leaking roof is correctly determining the source of the leak.  Homeowners often assume that the location in their ceiling where the drip is occurring is also the originating point of the leak in the roof.  But the leak could be travelling from another point via a rafter or other means.  Also, the leak could be originating in the plumbing of the home.

Perhaps the most important step in preventing roof leaks is to perform periodic and proper inspections of your entire roofing system.  At Feazel we perform superior roofing inspections, maintenance, repair and replacement.  Feel free to contact us if you would like a free roof inspection.  And, if you are currently experiencing a roof leak, we will offer you an affordable solution to the leak and a 100% satisfaction guarantee for any repairs that we perform.

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio serving Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Central Ohio and surrounding areas.  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 for roof replacement by offering the best customer service, stress free buying experience and the highest standards.

Summer and Winter Roof Replacement

If roof repairs are no longer an economical option and your roof has reached the end of its useful life, then the time has come to replace it.  In a perfect world that time would come with at least some advance notice that would allow a homeowner to plan both the timing of the replacement as well as the cost.  But as we all know we don’t live in a perfect world.

So what happens if you learn your shingle roof needs replacement and it’s the middle of the winter months?  Is it best to try and wait until the weather is warmer to replace it?  Or can the work be performed satisfactorily in the winter?  The answer depends on a number of factors, but the bottom-line is that a roof can be successfully replaced during any time of the year if done properly.

The first question that needs to be answered is whether the roof needs immediate replacement or can it perform satisfactorily for an additional but limited amount of time. If the roof is not in need of immediate replacement, then the homeowner has the option to wait until the weather is more favorable.  However, if its winter and the need for replacement is immediate, then the following guidelines are a must.

First, it is important to follow the shingle manufacturer’s recommendations for installing their product in the winter.  Second, proper temperature of the shingles upon installation is important so they should be stored at a warm temperature before use and installed during the most favorable weather conditions.  Finally, most asphalt shingles have self-sealing strips that require the warmth of the sun heating the roof to seal properly.  A proper installer will know that installation without the required solar heating being forecast may require adding adhesive to the underside of the shingle during installation that will keep it in place until self-sealing can take place naturally.

At Feazel we are experts in roof installations and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee no matter what time of year we replace your roof.  Contact us anytime and we will be glad to provide our expert opinion on your roof replacement.

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio serving Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Central Ohio and surrounding areas.  We have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Call or visit us online to learn more about roofing materials or any of the other full line of residential home services we offer.