We’re blushing! Coastal Windows & Exteriors has been selected by Remodeling Magazine to be awarded the Remodeling Big50 for 2016. Every year since 1986, Remodeling Magazine inducts 50 owners of remodeling companies that have set exceptionally high standards for professionalism and integrity through exemplary business practices, craftsmanship, and impact in their community or industry at large. Additionally, Coastal is the ONLY exterior remodeling company to make the list in New England.
The Coastal Windows & Exteriors team is THRILLED about this honor and wants to share our passion for home renovation with all of you and go BIG! So below you will find 50 Tips For Home Renovation from the Big 50’s Coastal Windows & Exteriors!
1) When purchasing a new entry door, it is important to pick a door that fits your home style as it will be the focal point of your home.roo
2) If you’re picking a door with glass, make sure it has the privacy you are looking for. Some glass designs have more privacy glass than others as well as unique stained glass for style with privacy – win-win!
3) Research exterior door warranties as most doors will carry different warranties depending on paint finish, material, and manufacturer you are buying from.
4) Check the reputation of the manufacturer of the door and the company that will be installing it to see if they stand behind their product. You should be getting a lifetime warranty!
5) When looking for a door to help energy efficiency of your home, check to make sure the door is Energy Star certified and has a good efficiency rating.
6) If you’re looking for a door that fits into your existing home opening, look for a door manufacturer that can customize the door unit to fit the opening versus making the opening fit the door.
7) Look for a contractor that specializes in exterior remodeling specific fields such as AAMA gold for windows versus a general contractor so you get the best of the best with the RIGHT licenses and training.
8) When purchasing new window installation in Boston consider how much maintenance you will have to do. There are maintenance-free options out there with options in the glass for “self-cleaning.” Make sure your new windows are easy to clean. While no product is totally free of maintenance, vinyl windows require only light cleaning with warm water and a rag. They’ll require no painting, re-glazing, stripping, or sanding.
9) To maximize energy-efficiency, it’s best to always replace all windows at once as you can save more on your energy bills. If replacing all windows is not an option, consider the rooms in which new window installs in Beverly will do the most good– the ones you use most, or are most drafty, should be priorities as this will place the biggest impact on energy bill savings. You should be able to save up to 40% on your energy bills when replacing all of your windows.
10) Choose custom-made replacement windows. Customized windows are more energy efficient than standard, off-the-shelf windows because the product is made to fit perfectly, creating a tight fit and preventing air and moisture from entering around the opening.
11) Select windows made of premium-grade materials such as Kevlar reinforced frame and make sure they are 100% virgin vinyl as they offer high thermal efficiency, low maintenance, excellent durability and an attractive appearance.
12) Purchase ENERGY STAR certified windows. The insulating properties of the entire window determine whether or not a window can be ENERGY STAR labeled. Windows can have a U-Value as low as .16, offering you extreme energy efficiency.
13) Consider personalizing your home with an array of options. Think about new color or wood grain finishes. Other options you may consider are internal grids, decorative glass designs, and specialty shaped windows.
14) When choosing triple pane windows – the most energy efficient one – make sure you tailor it to your climate region. This would have you chose the appropriate spacer, inert gas options, and low-e coatings. This will ensure you receive the right benefits for your triple pane windows for your home – a more comfort, draft-free home and lower energy costs.
15) The “DIY” concept is fine for many applications, but installing windows is not one of them. You should have a window professional who is trained and equipped properly to measure your new windows and install them. Installation with proper insulation and procedures is key to having an energy-efficient window.
16) Only consider products tested to National Fenestration Rating Council standards. The NFRC (www.nfrc.org) is a non-profit organization created by the U.S. government to rate window, door, and skylight performance. The NFRC has established a voluntary national energy performance rating system for products that rates the following: U-Value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Light Transmittance, Air Leakage, and Condensation Resistance.
17) You should consider replacing your windows if:
- Your home feels drafty in cold weather or uncomfortably hot in warmer weather
- Your heating and cooling bills are high
- You’re concerned about the security of the windows
- The windows have seal failures (foggy)
- Your windows are difficult or impossible to open or close
18) Look for manufacturer designation– these are considered a badge of honor. For roofing, consider a GAF Master Elite Contractor – only 3% of roofing contractors have qualified and must follow strict requirements such as 6’ of ice & water shield.
19) When purchasing a roof, think about all the important parts besides shingles such as leak barrier, deck protection, ventilation, starter strips, ridge cap/vent. Make sure you know the warranty on all of them.
20) Learn about your material choices when purchasing roof shingles. The color and style of shingles you install can affect the resale value and curb appeal of your home.
21) Good roofing isn’t cheap and cheap roofers aren’t good. Sticker shock is a big problem in the roofing industry. Your roof should last a lifetime with a GAF Master Elite certified installed shingles. If your contractor’s price seems too good to be true, it probably is. The contractor is most likely lacking in 1 of the areas of the project: craftsmanship/labor, quality product, or warranty.
22) Insulated vinyl siding in Beverly is the only exterior cladding with a certified installer program, VSI, to ensure that installers demonstrate knowledge of industry-accepted application techniques and meets or exceeds industry standards. Make sure your siding installer is VSI certified. Siding is the home’s first line of defense against Mother Nature (as well as the roof). If not properly installed, your home is exposed to extreme weather conditions like high winds and rain, so make sure you hire a trained, experienced, and certified professional to help ensure that your home’s siding will not only look amazing but perform to the Mother Nature’s finicky behavior!
23) Make sure your contractor pulls a permit. For example, siding installations can be done only after obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from your local building authority. Make sure you check local laws that will specify what type of siding you can choose for your home. You may need to have siding with mandatory moisture-barrier.
24) Not all vinyl is created equal; you’ll need to learn how to pick a quality product. You’ll know if it’s vinyl by looking at the corners. With vinyl, cap strips on the inside and outside corners cover the edges of the panels; clapboard and shingles usually have mitered edges at the corners or a trim piece installed flush with the siding. Make sure you check the detailing around openings. The J-channel that receives the panel ends should be neat and precise. Look for mitered corners and smooth caulking application. Vinyl siding standards are covered by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Any vinyl siding you buy should have this designation on product fact sheets and packaging and you should choose one that has:
- Panels at least .040 in. thick
- Soffit panels should be about .05 in. thick. (Extra thickness prevents panels from sagging)
- Look for anti-weathering protection with titanium oxide as sunlight is deadly to raw vinyl. Make sure you ask your contractor to explain HOW it will resist weathering
25) A contractor’s expertise and experience are crucial to a good siding job. The reason is the material itself. Because vinyl expands and contracts so much, even the most expensive siding will buckle and warp if not put on correctly. For example, panels are installed with a ¼ in. clearance at all openings and stops, such as where a panel butts up against a window or comes to a corner of the house. That clearance is increased to 3/8 in. when siding is installed in temperatures below 32°F.
General Tips for Choosing a Contractor
26) Check Angie’s List to make sure the contractor is rated highly in customer satisfaction. Just like you go on Trip Advisor, check them out…do they have great reviews? Are they a part of your community?
27) Be sure to ask for multiple references from previous jobs.
28) Check if the contractor is a certified installer with the manufacturer of the product.
29) Check for proper licensing and insurance. The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their CURRENT insurance certificate for validity.
30) Make sure the contractor is Lead Safe Certified. If they don’t hold this certification you can be liable and fined up to $30,000 for this if the EPA finds out.
31) Research their Proof of Establishment. Do they just work out of their pick-up truck because then you may see a “taillight-warranty”? Ask for a current bank letter & supplier letter for accreditation.
32) Get the work in writing! Work should never be done without a signed contract that details all of the work to be done on your house. Make sure their current license # is on their contract, an estimate start and end date and is signed by both parties!
33) Make sure you meet with the prospective contractor in person. Feel out the personality of the contractor. They should be excited to meet your needs and provide you with an excellent service. They should also be able to provide 3 references.
34) When meeting with a contractor, don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions! They are there to help you through the entire process from securing an affordable finance solution, to choosing the RIGHT product for YOUR home (not the other way around!), to giving you a good estimate on time and checking in after the install to see if you are totally satisfied. This is our JOB to take care of YOU!
35) Make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. If someone was to fall off of your roof and the contractor is not insured, guess who’s covering their workman’s compensation? YOU!
36) Once a project begins on your house, make sure you know who the lead person on the job site is. This will help you if you have any pressing questions or concerns.
37) Ask for an address of an ongoing project, and then drive by to observe how the job site is managed.
38) Always agree on a clear payment schedule prior to the start of a project and have this in writing.
39) Some pointers for spotting questionable contractors:
–Contractors with bargain prices because they have leftover materials from a nearby job
-Contractors that use scare tactics, and watch out that they don’t lure you in with cheap insufficient product. Don’t fall for the bait & switch and make sure your product is energy efficient and will save you money and the environment.
40) When contacting the contractor’s references, consider asking these five questions:
- Would you hire this contractor again?
- Were you satisfied with the quality of the work?
- Was the contractor easy to talk to? Was he/she responsive when asked for information or changes?
- Was the project completed on time and at the bid price?
- Would you recommend this contractor to a family member?
41) Contract, Contract, Contract…. Get the work in writing! Work should never be done without a signed contract that details all of the work to be done on your house. Most contracts will be simple and straightforward. Longer contracts don’t necessarily mean better contracts. Contract disagreements are most often caused by VERBAL misunderstandings, rather than dishonesty or incompetence. Make sure you read the entire contract carefully. Do they have a detailed contract AND a change order form? If not I would run away. This is where most homeowners get taken advantage of because there is NO written contract. Every single project, no matter how big or small, should have a written contract. Every detail down to dumpster removal should be included in this contract. It should also have:
- Current license # is on their contract
- Description of the work withbrand and materials being used
- Rough estimates for start and finish dates
- Contract Price- firm, not an estimate
- Signed by BOTH the homeowner and the company representative
- Change Order Form for ANY post agreed work is mandatory signed again by both the homeowner and the company representative
- Don’t pay more than 30% upfront and don’t pay until you are satisfied. They should have a Certificate of Customer Satisfaction and after you go through the project with a representative-then you pay the balance. Ask to see this form
42) Require a daily cleanup of the premises.
Include specifics like:
- Picking up trash
- Keeping radios at a reasonable volume
- Working within appropriate hours
- Workers being respectful and dressing appropriately
43) Try not to change your mind (too much). Even though it’s likely you’ll change your mind on something on a project, this affects the entire job scheduling. Frequent changes typically mean added costs, too.
44) Don’t buy your own materials. Contractors will usually get a better price and you will not know the proper amounts and can lead to purchase of wrong materials, not enough which the contractor may charge you a trip charge anyways. It’s best for the contractor to purchase the materials and pay for delivery of such items to make sure they have all you need to get your job done right and in a timely manner.
45) For many homeowners, your home is your largest single investment. Hire a responsible, professional contractor you can trust as exterior home improvements are the thermal envelope of your home- your largest investment!
46) Expect a contractor to be too busy to start right away. The best companies are the busy ones but work with you to accommodate with your schedule.
47) Don’t make the final payment until the job is 100% COMPLETE to your satisfaction.
48) Establish good communication as soon as your first meeting. If there is more than one homeowner involved in the decision making – get them all there. Many times we hear that they are too busy, but when it comes to installation day and one homeowner doesn’t like the color of the roof, there will be issues.
49) If any changes happen during the job process, always make sure to track them in writing.
50) The warranty is another clue to how weather resistant a product is – make sure you read the fine print and get a transferable lifetime labor AND lifetime warranty on the product.
Think beyond price: I know it’s hard but you need to step away and think beyond price. You are going to make an investment in your home and building a relationship with your contractor. So when you make your decision, think about the above checklist and keep your eye on the renovation prize! Even though the project may be disruptive, just remember that the end result will be worth it!
I hope these tips are helpful to you, and if you have any additional questions, call me, Stephanie Vanderbilt, at 888-812-2783 or email me at svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com!
