Jim's Articles

House builders advices and services in Rockport

Home remodeling recommendations and firms in Rockport? The Secret Services home improvement professionals have been skilled carpenters since 1977. We install and build fireplace mantels, cabinets, bookcases, wooden countertops and more. From colonial to modern and more, our insured handymen professionally handle this detail-oriented, transformative carpentry job. Discover additional info at home remodeling contractors Rockport tx. From time to time homeowners have small projects involving wiring and electrical components. Call The Secret Services instead. We can professionally install electric appliances like ceiling fans and fix problems with light switches, dimmers and household lighting fixtures.

The most important of my home renovation tips is this: your contract should outline the schedule of which the project will be completed and at what point draws will be made. ‘Draws’ is the term for financial payments that the homeowner makes to the contractor usually in percentage form. So for example: weeks 2 & 3 will be for demolition, installation of the framing, base work for the hardwood floors, and wiring for the electrician. 10% draw. From the very beginning, you need to stick to the draw schedule to the T. Let the contractor know that any single delay any of the line items means a delay of payment. Contractors will often tell you that they need more money to finish a certain section but that makes for a slippery slope. Trust me.

There’s a certain amount of paranoia among the public when it comes to dealing with builders. The fact is, most builders try to do a decent job, often despite late payment and awkward clients giving them a lot of grief. Individual tradespeople can actually be a mine of valuable experience. Of course, sometimes there’s an ulterior motive to drum up business. But it’s often the case that the person tasked with doing the job will know a better, less expensive or simpler solution in a specific area than designers focused on the bigger picture. Trades also tend to have a useful knowledge of materials and local suppliers, potentially helping you save time and money. So don’t automatically disregard advice from the person doing the job.

Trim your trees: Tree limbs hanging down over your roof, or even on it can be a serious hazard. Not only do they put you at risk for broken limbs falling on the roof, they can wear down and damage shingles. Tree limbs can also encourage squirrels and raccoons to gain access to your home. Keep in mind that they may be closer to your home than you think: tree limbs are often flexible and can swing several feet during a storm. Read additional info at https://www.thesecretservices.co/.

No pressure water: Do not wash your roof with pressure water. This causes the shingles to loosen, and the exposure of asphalt to UV rays will shorten the lifespan of the roof. Only a professional should use pressure water. Keep up-to-date with the condition of your roof. Make sure that everything is in order. It doesn’t hurt to get a professional’s opinion on the matter. Don’t paint the roof: Just because your roof looks old or moldy doesn’t mean you should paint it over. It may be that it is time for a renewal, or the roof just appears this way. No matter what the case, applying paint wears the shingles down and ruins a perfectly good roofing system. Certainly, don’t make any major decisions without a consultation from a professional.