5 Renovation Projects that Do Not Add Value to Your Home

There are at least two compelling reasons to invest in renovating your home. Firstly, a beautifully maintained home is a pleasure to live in. And secondly, proper maintenance and strategic upgrades can boost the value of one of your biggest assets, and put more money in your pocket when it is time to sell.

Renovating your home to suit your own tastes is easy. But if you renovate your home with only your own tastes and priorities in mind, you won’t necessarily make your house more appealing to potential buyers in the future.

Here, for example, are some renovation projects that will generally not improve the value of your home:

Installing a Pool

Pools are fun in the summertime, but many prospective home buyers will see a pool as dangerous, a maintenance hassle, and even a potential liability.

Overextending Beyond Your Neighborhood

Sunrooms are beautiful and extension projects are exciting. If your focus is increasing the value of your home for new buyers, however, be aware that making your house the biggest on the block may not be a good idea. Certainly, you are unlikely to recover your investment at sale time. You are more likely to seem overpriced for your neighborhood.

Overdoing it on Landscaping

Upgrading your garden is an excellent way to improve your curb appeal. Be wary, though, of spending exorbitant amounts on elaborate landscaping modifications that might not be as appealing to someone else, and which may require extensive maintenance.

Elaborate Lighting

Good use of light and space makes a huge difference to the look of your home. Still, installing ornate lighting – such as expensive chandeliers – may not be a worthwhile investment. What is beautiful to you may not appeal to a future buyer. Rather, keep things clean and simple with track lighting or spotlights that cast a warm glow on your home.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Wall-to-wall carpeting has fallen largely out of favor. People tend to prefer hardwood floors, and associate wall-to-wall carpets with germs, dust, and allergies. For this reason, the installation of wall-to-wall carpeting is unlikely to provide a strong return on your investment.

Now, perhaps you plan on living many long years in your home, and increasing the value of your house is of secondary importance to you. Maybe you are craving a pool, or another one of the renovation projects listed above, and you just know that it will bring you countless of hours of joy, and build precious memories. If that’s the case, then go for it! Happy family memories are priceless.

How to Choose a Quality Portland Roofing Contractor

Whether you have decided to repair your roof or entirely re-roof your home, it’s important to get the job done right. That means finding a qualified roofing contractor you can trust, which isn’t always easy. Here are 8 simple tips to help you choose a quality Portland roofing contractor.

Know who you’re dealing with. Beware of the contractor that does not have a registered business name, works from an unmarked vehicle and cannot provide you with a business card, a business address and a valid phone number. Be cautious about doing business with a contractor who approaches you for work.
Inspect credentials & licensing. Look for a contractor with a track record of quality and customer service. Oregon Contractors must have an Oregon CCB License. Check www.oregon.gov/ccb for licensure and continuing education requirements for your contractor.Additionally, find out how long the contractor has maintained the same Oregon Construction Contractors Board license number? The Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board issued the first license numbers in 1972. The license numbers exceeded six digits in June of 1994. A current Oregon CCB # begins in the 200000 range. A CCB number will tell you how long a company has been in business. The longer a business has been licensed, the lower the number.Sometimes a contractor will say he has been in business for 20 years and yet he has a high license number. This may be an indicator that he has had a recent business problem and has had to re-license. This might be a “red flag” indicating a problem. Beware of the contractor that cannot provide you with an Oregon CCB number.
Coverage is key. A contractor should carry worker’s compensation, general liability insurance and be bonded. Request the name and address of the insurance carrier(s) and bonding company, along with a copy of the company’s insurance certificate(s).Beware of low bids which may indicate lacking, inadequate or incomplete insurance coverage and workman’s compensation. This is only one reason that going with the low bidder may be a costly mistake.
Shop around for best value. Obtain competitive bids from several contractors for comparison. If you have a trusted contractor this step may not be necessary. Don’t automatically accept the lowest bid: All too often, you get exactly what you pay for.
Don’t pay cash upfront. It is customary for a contractor to require a partial down payment when the contract is signed, up to 1/3 of the contract price, but a reputable contractor will never require full payment and doesn’t require cash payments.
Ask for references. Your contractor should be able to provide you with a list of completed projects including the names and telephone numbers of previous clients. Take the time to make some phone calls and find out what people think of your contractor.
Get It in writing. A reputable roofing professional will provide you with a written contract which clearly spells out the details of the job and pricing. Make sure that all details discussed are written on the contract. The contractor will usually have you sign the contract and he will sign it too.
Expect assurance. A reputable contractor will provide you with a written workmanship warranty and written product warranty information after the job is complete.

What to Expect When Re-Roofing Your Home

The roof of your home is of primary importance in protecting it from the elements. When re-roofing becomes necessary there are many things to consider. The following list will help you understand what to expect during the re-roofing process.

Any construction project can cause stress for certain family members such as pets, children or seniors. This should be considered before the project begins and appropriate provisions should be made.
Typically, large trucks will deliver materials. Driveways and walkways should be cleared to make way for deliveries. Materials will typically be stored on your roof, on your driveway, or around the perimeter of your home temporarily through the project. You may want to discuss your preferences about this with your contractor.
Job length can vary from 1 day to several weeks, depending on complexity of the roofing job, and material type being installed.
Rain gutters do not have to be removed in most cases, unless new rain gutters are being installed as part of your roof package.
During re-roofing, debris may fall from above, electric cords, tools, ladders, and materials will likely surround your house. The tear off and re- roof process can be messy and loud at times.
It is not necessary to be at home during the re-roofing process, but it is a good idea to be available by phone as unexpected things come up that your contractor may need to consult with you about. Sometimes, when the existing roofing materials are torn off, repairs that were not visible and therefore not contracted for, are necessary such as the replacement of sheathing or other structural issues due to dry rot or water damage. This is what is normally referred to as a “change order” or an “extra”. It is typical to run into unforeseen roof repairs, but good communication between the contractor and the homeowner are invaluable to the successful outcome of the project.
Your contractor may need access to power outlets. If you are not planning to be at home it can be helpful to orient your contractor to the location of your breaker box in case of a tripped circuit breaker or other similar issue.
The re-roofing process can cause vibration down to the foundation of your home. So, it is recommended that the homeowner take precautions to protect any fragile items such a collectibles or pictures by removing them from shelves, or walls, to prevent damage.
Some debris may fall into your attic. Debris or dust may also enter the interior of your home though skylights or tongue and groove ceilings. It is recommended that you cover the areas below as well as storage areas, such as attics, where personal belongings are stored with tarps or drop clothes.
Cathedral or vaulted ceiling areas can experience “nail pops”, (a sheetrock nail which backs out and causes a hole in the interior finish) from the tear off and re-roofing process. This is unavoidable. Usually these repairs are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Upon completion of your roofing project your contractor should do a thorough cleanup of your lawn, driveway and walkways. A large magnet will typically be used to collect nails and metal debris. It is virtually impossible to guarantee the collection of every nail, so be cautious and don’t hesitate to call your contractor for a return trip with the magnet if necessary.
New roofing will form to the surface to which it is installed. If the roof structure is un-even, or has sags, or rises, the shingles will not hide these areas. If these areas pose a structural problem, your contractor can address this and present repair options. After the initial install, some shingles will appear raised, not sitting as flat, etc., this is due to the storage and shipping of the product and will flatten out as the sun warms the roof, and the product has time to lie down.
You may experience a rainy day or two during the course of your re-roofing project. It is not prudent to do some phases of a re-roofing project if it is raining. However, some phases of roofing can continue in the rain. Depending on the severity of the weather conditions safety can become a factor and so work may cease for a period of time to allow for improvement of conditions. Tarps may be installed over your roof temporarily as a precaution. Weather can create a slower process and may effect scheduling, so allow for possible delays in the completion of your project. Remember, re-roofing your home is major construction, but a reputable contractor will take necessary precautions to keep your home and family safe and dry.
Upon completion of your re-roofing project, you should receive an itemized invoice. Final payment is typically due upon completion. Warranty and any other pertinent information will typically be available for you at the end of the job.

12 Questions You Should Discuss with Your Contractor before Beginning your Re-roofing project

The roof of your home is of primary importance in protecting it from the elements. When re-roofing becomes necessary there are many things to consider. Here are some important questions you should discuss with your contractor before beginning the project:

How should I prepare my family members and pets for activity and noise caused by this project?
What preparations need to be made outside my home to make way for construction to begin?
How long should I expect this roofing project to take?
Do my rain gutters, solar panels, satellite dish, etc. need to be removed for roof installation? If these items can’t be done by the contractor, who needs to do it?
Do I need to be at home while this project is underway? What parts of my home does the contractor need access to?
What is the protocol if needs for additional repairs, that are not part of the contract, come up during course of the roofing project? Will those things be discussed along with additional charges before moving ahead?
Do I need to prepare the inside of my home for my roofing project? (Removing pictures from walls, protecting furniture from dust, etc.)
What consequences will roofing have to the inside of my home, such as cracking sheetrock? Does your contractor take care of those occurrences as part of his contract?
What will the condition of my property be when the project is finished? Will clean up of debris be complete or should I expect to find pieces left on my lawn and in my flower beds? Does your contractor use a magnet to pick up nails/ staples from lawn, driveway and flower beds?
Will my roof look and perform its best as soon as it is installed or should I allow a period of time for roofing material to seal and conform to the roof with the heat of the sun?
What happens if it rains while my roofing project is underway?
When is my final payment due? Will I be provided with an itemized invoice and warranty information?

Good communication between you and your contractor will go a long way in assuring a successful outcome for your roofing project.

Infographic: Eco-Friendly Portland Roofing

Three Great Eco-Friendly Portland Roofing Options you Should Know About

It’s important to protect your home from the elements, and the roof of your home is of primary importance in making sure to keep the weather out and keeping heating and cooling in. If you’re considering a new roof, there’s a wide variety of eco-friendly Portland roofing options on the market, many of them designed to last 50 years or more.

Recycled Metal Portland Roofing

Recycled metal roofing products provide many attractive advantages. They are beautiful, durable and shed snow buildup. Recycled metal roofing systems protect your roof from wind-blown sparks and embers, leading the way in home fire protection, and often netting discounts from insurance providers.

Many of the recycled metal roofing products also come with a high-tech coating which creates a cooler, more efficient home due to the special reflective pigments embedded in the finish. Homeowners with recycled metal roofing products have reported saving up to 20% or more on their energy costs and many of these products are Energy Star rated which translates into nice tax savings.

Recycled Rubber Portland Roofing

Sustainable roofing products made from recycled rubber tires are a beautiful and practical choice in the Pacific Northwest. These products are rain, wind, hail, impact and fire-resistant. As an added bonus, many homeowners comment on the difference the product has made in keeping their homes cooler in the summertime, and also about the superior sound-deadening qualities these products have to offer.

Recycled rubber roofing was developed with the goal of diverting and re-purposing the tremendous deluge of used tires ultimately destined for the landfill. Between 600 and 1,000 rubber tires are used in the production of a roof for an average sized home. Once the roof has reached the end of its life it can be once again recycled. Scrap material generated during the installation process can be collected and recycled again, virtually eliminating environmentally harmful waste from entering the landfills.

Recycled Synthetic Portland Roofing

Whether you are in your home for two years or 30 years or more, recycled composite products can add to the resale value of your home with excellent performance. What make these roofing products so durable are the reclaimed materials used to manufacture the shingles including post-industrial plastics, crumb rubber from tires, and natural fibers, creating durable and environmentally friendly building material. These products are generally resistant to warping, rotting, cracking, and blistering, and can be installed over plywood or skip sheathing. These products are also resistant to hail, moss, mildew, and insects, making them ideal for the weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest region

Advancement in recycled roofing materials and demand in the Portland, Oregon marketplace has made eco-friendly roofing a viable option for homeowners. If you’re interested, contact a roofer specializing in these products to find out if eco-friendly roofing materials will suit your project.

Kitchen Tiles

by Keith Green Construction

With quality work and waterproofing in mind, Portland tile contractor Keith Green Construction offers tiling projects for remodeling kitchens. Keith Green ensures that every kitchen remodeling job is “done right the first time,” eliminating any remodeling worries.

For kitchen tiling projects, Keith Green Construction always keeps the following in mind:

Uses the best tiles available, gathering materials locally, eliminating any unwanted middle-man costs.
Beautifies your home while supporting other community businesses.
Assures clients that sustainability and green practices are always a priority.
Turning any job into something to be proud of for both adding elegance and value to a home while protecting the environment.

Bathroom Tiles

by Keith Green Construction

With quality work and waterproofing in mind, Portland tile contractor Keith Green Construction offers tiling projects for remodeling bathrooms. Keith Green ensures that every job is “done right the first time,” eliminating any remodeling worries.

For bathroom tiling projects, Keith Green Construction always keeps the following in mind:

Uses the best tiles available, gathering materials locally, eliminating any unwanted middle-man costs.
Beautifies your home while supporting other community businesses.
Assures clients that sustainability and green practices are always a priority.
Turning any job into something to be proud of for both adding elegance and value to a home while protecting the environment.

Expression Series Kitchen Cabinetry

by DeWils

Remodel your kitchen to make it an extension of art and beauty of a home with the Expression Series by DeWils. Keith Green Construction your Portland kitchen cabinetry installation contractor proudly installs the Expression Series, enhancing the elegance and tradition of your home for generations to come.

Available a wide variety of styles that come in the following finishes: Mohogany, Alder, Knotty Alder, Hickory, Quarter-sawn White Oak, Eastern Hardrock Maple, Cherry, Red Oak, Thermofoil, Laminate, Engineered Wood.

Traditional design and architecture, created for discerning tastes.
Distinctive lines and deep, rich colors transform the cabinetry into a work of art, adding an unprecedented value to your home.
Additional cabinetry features, such as full-extension drawers and soft, self-closing hardware, come standard with the Designer series.
Rich, deep colors are enhanced by a combination of hand-rubbed staining and conversion varnishing.
Real wood veneers are engineered from fast-growing, sustainable trees, emulating the elegance of exotic wood without the toll on the environment.
Old World Craftsmanship and staining echoes history and tradition.
Built to last for generations and backed by a 12-year Warranty.

Designer Series Kitchen Cabinetry

by DeWils

Impress family and company with the glamour and chic of the Designer Series Kitchen Cabinetry by DeWils. Keith Green Construction, a Portland kitchen cabinetry contractor, proudly installs the Designer Series, remodeling your kitchen into a work of art to be admired.

Design-centered features allows any homeowner to take the creative reigns of their kitchen.
DeWils promises divine distinction with its wide variety of colors and wood species.

Full-extension drawers and soft, self-closing hardware, come standard with the Designer series.
Rich, deep colors are enhanced by a combination of hand-rubbed staining and conversion varnishing.
Real wood veneers are engineered from fast-growing, sustainable trees, emulating the elegance of exotic wood without the toll on the environment.
Old World Craftsmanship and staining echoes history and tradition.
Built to last for generations and backed by a 12-year Warranty.