Should you DIY or hire a pro?

May was National Home Improvement Month. And in honor of that Almar Building & Remodeling CoInc offers homeowners advice before they tackle their spring projects: namely, whether to do-it-yourself (DIY) or hire a professional during the busy remodeling season.

According to a consumer poll from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Website NARI.org, the largest determining factor for deciding to DIY or hire a professional was cost, at 40 percent. Thirty percent of respondents placed project type and know-how as the second most important factor, and level of difficulty was close behind at 25 percent. Safety and length of time required to complete the project were last, with 2 and 3 percent respectively.

According to Terry Quinn “Almar frequently gets call to come in and fix or finish a project that a homeowner had thought they could DIY. But once they get in to it find that they don’t have the time or skills to get it done quickly and looking right. And unfortunately in most cases this attempt to do it yourself and save a few dollars costs you a lot more in time money and stress to your personal relations ships.”

 In reality, the home improvement process—though varied across project type—can be very costly and involved for anyone, not to mention a beginner. That’s why it’s important to weigh all considerations before you begin work to prevent a DIY disaster.

Quinn says “Homeowners need to consider if they have they the necessary skills to do the project – will doing it yourself help or hurt your home’s value? Do they have the time? When you work all day long do you want to come home and start a construction project when you could be spending quality time with your family? What’s the true cost savings to doing it myself? We find in most cases none. And if you need to call a professional in after the fact it will cost you twice what you initially thought.

The most important considerations for homeowners have to do with physical ability, skills, time and understanding of what needs to be.

Quinn says that homeowners should have basic skills when it comes to using tools or knowing which tools are necessary, measuring, installing and following product manufacturer instructions.

Quinn also says that homeowners should plan the process from beginning to end to ensure they have time to complete.

And then homeowners should consider the costs. Permits, materials, time and costs associated with correcting mistakes must be factored into the total cost.

 Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touch-ups, but it’s recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure. Visit the NARI Website to access a DIY quiz, designed to help you decide whether you are going to need to hire a professional.

If you find out that you do need to hire a professional, hiring someone who is qualified and competent to do the work is just as important as preventing a DIY disaster. Make sure you do your homework, hiring an unlicensed untrained contractor because he’s the lowest price can be worse than taking on a project yourself that you can’t handle. Get copies of licensees and insurance, choose a NARI contractor, make sure you are comfortable with the paperwork. Both the Almar (www.almarbuilding.com and NARI (www.nari.org) websites is a great place to find more tips on choosing the best professional.

As of April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passed new regulations to address a lead safety concern in homes built before 1978. The Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule is designed to train professional remodelers how to minimize lead dust in the home to reduce exposure to children under 6 years and pregnant women. Remodel-ready homeowners should make themselves aware of lead-safe practices in their homes during a remodel, either by a professional or as a do-it-yourself practitioner, to keep their families safe. Please learn more at www.nari.org/leadsafety

Hingham Ma: Deck Safety Month 2012

By: Allison Q Guido, CS

The weather is improving and many of us are moving outside to enjoy the sunshine with our friends and family. This past weekend we celebrated the Christening of our son Giovanni and as everyone was coming back to the house to enjoy the company and food at the cookout it made me think that like many of our homeowners it was time to have Craig inspect the deck to make sure there were no issues that might cause a safety issue.

AlmarBuilding has an in depth Deck Evaluation Checklist provided by the North American Deck and Railing Association that we use to look for any potential problems on existing decks.

The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.

According to the NADRA website, “The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it's important for homeowners to check their deck… Older decks require closer scrutiny. Many of these decks were built before code requirements were in place to protect consumers. Some of these decks may have deck-to-house attachments using only nails. If your deck is older, it is even more important to have it inspected.”

Some tips the NADRA suggests homeowners consider when choosing a remodeling professional are:

* Ask friends and family members for referrals and contact state and local licensing authorities and trade associations such as NADRA or NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).

* Meet with and carefully evaluate all potential deck builders. Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of the decking and railing materials they prefer to use. Good builders take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a relationship.

* Pay attention to the deck builder's experience, licensing, insurance coverage and professional references.

When hiring a deck builder, there is more to consider than just price. In addition to the tips above, NADRA recommends homeowners contact their city or county building department to speak with an inspector knowledgeable about deck construction.

So when you are ready to review all of your options for your deck or porch give Almar Buildinga call. Our full service remodeling team can help you every step of the way thru any renovation project you are looking to tackle: Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Sunroom, Siding, Windows, Decking, and even roofing.

As a third generation family owned and operate company for over 50 years we have all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company including financing. We service the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohassett, Duxbury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

Milton Ma: Check Your Deck

Protect your family and friends
By: Allison Q Guido, CS

May is Deck Safety Month® A NADRA DECK SAFETY PROGRAM a Consumer Checklist

Decks and porches can be a great place to spend time with friends and family, but in some cases it can be the place where the fun day comes to a screeching halt. According to the NADRA* website, “The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it's important for homeowners to check their deck

 Almar Building & CAT Exteriors has an in depth Deck Evaluation Checklist provided by the North American Deck and Railing Association that we use to look for any potential problems on existing decks. But there are also some quick things you can do on your own as well.

 
      1.      Check for splitting or decaying wood.

2.      Is the Flashing sound and firmly in place?

      3.      Are there any missing, loose or corroded fasteners.

4.      Check that railings and banisters are secure and not loose.

5.      Check that stairs and handrails are secure.

6.      Check that stair treads are in place and there are no open stairs.

      7.      Clean away any leaves or debris, and make sure there is no mold or mildew.

8.      Make sure any source of fire or heat is places away from flammable surfaces.

9.      Lighting: make sure there is adequate lighting and that it works properly.

10.  Make sure there are no limbs or branches that might fall on the deck. 

So when you are ready to review all of your options for your deck or porch give Almar Building & CAT Exteriors a call. Our full service remodeling team can help you every step of the way thru any renovation project you are looking to tackle: Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Sunroom, Siding, Windows, Decking, and even roofing.

As a third generation family owned and operated company for over 50 years we have all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company including financing. We service the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

 * The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.

Deck Safey 2012: Preventing Deck Failure

By: Allison Q Guido, CS

As a professional remodeler I find that decks are probably the project we get the most calls about but are the hardest to sell. Why is that? We find that homeowners often think that decks and porches are an easy project that any handyman or part-time carpenter can do and aren’t sometimes aren’t willing to hire a professional.

This often concerns us because decks and porches being built properly is so important to the safety and well-being of you and your family. We want to avoid future problems and potential injuries by building a safe and secure deck that is in line with current Mass building codes. 

Almar Building & CAT Exteriors also recommend that homeowners with existing decks have them inspected regularly to make sure that there aren’t any new safety issues arising from age and wear and tear. Many older decks might have been built prior to the current building codes which were written to protect homeowner’s safety. Decks and porches can fail for a variety of reasons. According to the North American Deck and Railing Association website “especially due to old age, poor maintenance, improper building methods or exceeding load capacity. Heavy snow loads during the winter in northern regions can weaken the deck, necessitating an inspection in the spring before high levels of activity return.”

Craig Guido, CS says “Deck failures can be prevented, homeowner’s just need to understand the importance of having existing decks inspected regularly and the importance of hiring a professional contactor. By providing regular maintenance, inspections and knowing the limits of the structure homeowner’s can be sure to protect their families.”

So when you are ready to review all of your options for your deck or porch give Almar Building & CAT Exteriors a call. Our full service remodeling team can help you every step of the way thru any renovation project you are looking to tackle: Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Sunroom, Siding, Windows, Decking, and even roofing.

As a third generation family owned and operate company for over 50 years we have all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company including financing. We service the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohassett, Dubury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

Scituate Construction: Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Spring has sprung. While you’re banishing the cobwebs during your annual spring
cleaning, take some time to give your home a thorough inspection. A few simple
maintenance maneuvers will ensure that your home will remain in good shape and
that all systems will keep humming efficiently.

Clean your gutters.
After a long winter, dirt and debris will gather in the gutters. Clean them out and ensure that they
are still in good repair. Direct the downspouts away from your foundation. If the ground closest to the house along the foundation puddles water from the downspout, add extenders to direct the water further away from the house so that the water doesn’t cause damage.

Inspect your roof.
If you can’t remember the last time you had a roof inspection, it’s probably time to call in
a professional to take care of any repairs. Check for loose shingles or damage, and have them fixed before leaks happen. If you had issues with roof dams or heavy snow accumulation on the roof during winter, you might see damage to the lowest few feet of your roof. Ice and water can seep under the flashing, wreaking havoc on insulation and the roof deck below.

Check your foundation, basement and crawlspace.
Before those spring rains hit, check the foundation around your house for cracks or imperfections. Seal them or call in a contractor if necessary to keep water from seeping into your house. The same goes for walls and floors of your basement and crawlspace. Check for any signs of moisture and seal as necessary. Also, keep a close eye on the sump pump. Ensure that it’s working properly and get a battery backup just in case.

Maintain your A/C.
Call a qualified HVAC contractor to give your air-conditioning system a once over. Doing so each
year will help ensure that the system is running at peak performance and help
to lower your energy bills. Be sure that the inspector looks at the system’s
condensate drain hose where sediment can build up. Use a wet-vac to suction out
any blockage.

Fix the deck.
If you have a wood deck, now’s the time to inspect the surface for warping, loose boards and popped nails that could cause damage to treading feet. If you have stains or discolorations, you should reseal the deck so that it is protected against heavy spring and summer rains.

Clean the water heater.
The average lifespan of a water heater is eight to 12 years. If yours is more than five years old,you should check around the base for any leakage or rust. If you find some, replace the heater. For areas with hard water, you may be required to drain the water heater to eliminate sediment that builds up in the tank.

Almar Building & Remodeling (781-826-2577) is a full service General Contractor located in Hanover Ma. We've covered the entire South Shore since 1959 - including Scituate, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Cohasset, and Duxbury. Almar can handle all of your home's to-do list including Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Basement Renovations.