Author: Kelly Loeb

Should You Replace Your Windows? Four Ways To Know

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Window replacement can be an expensive part of any home improvement project, costing an average of $500 per window. Even so, sometimes new window installation is necessary to save money in the long-run. Here are a few signs it’s time to call your local window installation contractors for some replacement windows.

 

  • Your Windows Are Damaged: While a broken window is easy to spot, some minor forms of damage don’t stand out as easily. Is the window frame warped at all? Does the window stick open, or does it not shut properly? Is there a small crack in the glass? Sometimes, repairs are possible in these situations, but the best way to be sure you won’t see worsening damage is to replace it altogether.

 

  • Your Windows Aren’t Energy-Efficient: An old window might work perfectly fine, but some older windows don’t have the same energy-saving materials a newer window might have. An older window is also far likelier to be drafty than a newer window, meaning a new window could eventually pay for itself in energy savings. Talk to a window installation contractor to see how replacing your old window could end up saving you money.

 

  • You’re Selling Your Home Soon: Putting in the money for repairs before selling the house could be well worth the investment. By doing a bit of home renovation before listing your home for sale, you could increase the resale value of your home significantly. This is especially true if your windows are older; old windows can make a home look dated. Newer windows can add an extra dimension of visual interest to a home on the real estate market!

 

  • You Live Near The Coast: Any sort of severe weather can damage windows, but sometimes just living near the ocean is enough. Ocean water and wind can wear down windows faster, making the life expectancy of the window shorter than one might expect. Replacing your windows with lower-maintenance options might be the best option for coastal homeowners; talk to a window installation contractor to see what sort of windows would work best for your environment.

If it’s been a few years since you last had your windows replaced and your situation is listed above, it might be time to call a contractor to see if your windows should be repaired or replaced. Make sure that you talk to a professional about the best options to ensure that you’re getting a window that’s going to last!

Affordable Home Remodeling: 3 Tips For Renovating On a Budget

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A recent homeowner survey found that nearly two-thirds of consumers are planning on renovating their homes at some point. Home remodeling can be a lot of fun but it can also be quite stressful. Though these renovations are often necessary, they can be quite pricey — and for families on a budget, that can lead to some serious financial stress. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to improve the look and feel of your home (and its value) without completely breaking the bank. Here are some terrific tips that should help you with your home remodeling projects while simultaneously saving you some money: 

  • Head to recycling centers for materials — Rather than spending a fortune on all the costly materials you’ll need for various home improvement projects, check out a nearby recycling center. These facilities often have all kinds of recycled or lightly used figures and building materials. Some centers across the country even offer high-quality materials at half off.
  • Demo: Invite friends over to take out some frustration — Knocking stuff down might not be as expensive as rebuilding, but you can still save some money by doing the majority of the demolition yourself. Make sure you are careful, however, because these demolition parties can be dangerous. But invite a few family members and friends over, bust out the sledgehammers, and get to work!
  • Stick to a realistic budget — From the moment you decide to start planning your next home renovation project, you should start figuring out your finances. Saving money is one thing, but properly budgeting is another — you need to make sure you aren’t spending more than you have on any of these projects.

Keep in mind, if you really want to ensure that your home looks its best after all these remodeling projects, it’s best to work with a professional home renovation company. These organizations can send experienced contractors to your home for both consultations and to perform various improvement tasks. There are all kinds of little things you can do around the house to boost its value and appearance, but leave the major projects to the pros. 

If you want to learn more about affordable home remodeling and work with experienced Delaware contractors, give Ceccola Construction a call right away. 

3 Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Repair and Installation

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Homeowners love making improvements to their property. According to Houzz, four out of five property owners who renovated in 2014 made upgrades to the main home structure, and three out of five made improvements to their outdoor spaces and/or structures. 

Roofing is one of the most important aspects of a secure and structurally sound home. Unfortunately, so many American homeowners either neglect their home’s roof or incorrectly perform repairs and maintenance. From having the right kind of shingles installed on your roof to knowing how to properly and safely inspect your roof and gutters, you need to be aware of all these crucial aspects of roofing maintenance.

Here are some frequently asked questions when it comes to dealing with your home’s roof: 

 

    • Should I perform roof repairs myself? — No! Unless you have worked as a roofer in the past and know how to use fall protection equipment, you’re probably unsure of how to safely and properly perform roof repair and maintenance tasks. Whether you need a full installation or just minor repairs done, don’t do it yourself — contact a team of experienced local roofers.

 

    • How can I safely inspect my roof? — Though you should work with professional roofing contractors for installation and repair projects, you can — and should — still take a look at your roof every once in a while to ensure that nothing is wrong. Don’t just hop on your roof and walk around by yourself, however, because that can be extremely dangerous. You need to be careful every time you step onto your roof and it’s recommended to always have someone else nearby just in case you fall. If you’re inspecting your roof by yourself and fall, you could be seriously injured. If no one is around to call for help, you could end up trapped on the ground and in pain for hours. If you’re going on the roof, make sure someone is aware of it and is nearby.

 

    • How much will my new roof cost? — A standard 2,200-to-2,600 square foot roof will typically cost between $2,000 and $8,500 to fully replace. Though this can be a bit pricey initially, having a quality roof atop your home will actually save you plenty of money down the line since it won’t likely need repairs for 15 to 30 years.

 

If you want to learn more about the importance of working with quality home improvement contractors or get in touch with experienced roofers, give Ceccola Construction a call today. 

3 Important Things to Remember When Starting a Home Improvement Project

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Americans love starting and finishing home improvement projects. In fact, according to a recent survey, nearly two-thirds of them are planning on renovating their homes at some point in the near future. Home renovation projects can be full of excitement but they can also result in just as much stress.

There are plenty of ways that even the simplest project can go wrong and cause serious problems for your home and your wallet.

Here are some important things to remember when starting any home improvement project this year:

  • Work with experienced home improvement contractors — Unless you’re skilled in various household repair and improvement projects, you’re likely going to cause some additional problems once you begin. It’s a much better idea to consult and work alongside professional contractors. These skilled workers can assist with just about any household improvement projects, from roof repair to constructing a nice deck.
  • Don’t start multiple improvement projects — Even if you’re working with a team of skilled professionals, you must stick to only one task at a time. Far too many homeowners begin one task, get bored with it, and then focus on two or three other projects. This might feel like you’re being productive but in reality, none of those projects are likely to be completed. That’s why you must see whatever project you begin all the way to the end — even if it’s not the most fun task.
  • Plan ahead before you start — Certain household improvement projects can take a long time to commence. If there are going to be contractors working in and around your home for hours on end over an extended period of time, it might be difficult to get back to your day-to-day life. That’s why it’s important to plan well in advance. Get a little more items when you grocery shop so you won’t have to leave the house and let your family, friends, and coworkers know that your time will be occupied with this household project.

If you want to find quality Delaware contractors to assist with various home remodeling jobs, give Ceccola Construction a call right away — and enjoy your new and improved home!

It’s Time to Revamp Your Property With These 3 Projects

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It’s time to start looking for new and exciting ways to change your home’s appearance and add some value to your property. Far too many homeowners purchase a home in their 30s, and then go through the entire duration of their time living there without making any improvements or changing just about anything in terms of their property’s appearance.

You shouldn’t live in a home that you’re “fine” with — you should live in a home that you love. Here are some great ideas for livening up your property that will not only increase your resale value, but will give you a whole new appreciation for your home:

  • Landscaping additions — Improving your yard can actually significantly improve your home’s appearance. You could have the most fantastic looking home on your street, but if your yard is lacking it will negatively impact the rest of your property. Adding a beautiful garden to your yard or planting some colorful trees can give your landscape a much-needed boost, subsequently improving the rest of your property.
  • New home windows — Having new windows installed in your home can completely transform its entire look. From both inside and out, new windows will give you a whole new appreciation for your home and you’ll surely love how fresh and clean they look. Keep in mind, replacing old windows with new home windows can cost between $300 and $700 per window, but the resale value these new and improved windows will give you will be well worth it.
  • Roof remodeling jobs — If you’ve had the same roof atop your home for decades, it’s probably time for a new home or, at the very least, a remodeling job. New roofing can give your home a terrific revamp and make the rest of your property stand out even more. Make sure you’re working with experienced and skilled roofing contractors, however, because these tasks are not only extremely difficult, but dangerous as well.

Stop living in a home that makes you feel fine and start living in home that you truly love. If you want to learn more about having new home windows installed or work with qualified home improvement contractors, give Ceccola Construction a call today.

A Few Great Home Improvement Projects to Consider This Summer

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replacement windowsThe nice weather is finally approaching, which means it’s time for you to start your home improvement projects. A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of consumers are planning on renovating their properties. You can’t just jump right into these household improvements, though, you need to spend some time planning out every step that you’re considering this summer.

Keep in mind that you should only start one home improvement project at a time. Even if you are hoping to accomplish a few tasks this summer, you have to take it step by step. Starting more than one project at a time can lead to overwhelming feelings and potentially major financial issues.

Here are some big and small household improvements to consider this summer that will increase your property’s value and overall appearance:

 

    • New roof installation — A new roof is a great way to improve your home’s look and resale value. Keep in mind, though, you’re going to need to work with professional roofing contractors to ensure that you’re getting the best quality remodeling work done.

 

    • Replacement windows — Far too many people neglect their windows throughout their time as homeowners. Not only are your windows becoming extremely dirty as the years go by, but they are becoming much less durable as well. Replacement windows are excellent home remodeling projects to consider this summer.

 

    • Bathroom remodeling projects — For the larger bathroom projects, you should probably consult with professional home improvement contractors, but there are plenty of smaller jobs you can do by yourself. From building new shelves to adding new curtains or floor tiles, doing a few small bathroom remodeling projects can be a great way to improve your home’s look and value.

 

From smalltime tasks to major home remodeling projects, you should always be looking for ways to increase your home’s value and to improve its overall appearance. If you are ready to improve your home and want to learn more about replacement windows or consult with home improvement contractors, give Ceccola Construction a call today.

3 Things to Focus On Before Listing Your Home

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Although owning a home can be a permanent living situation, it doesn’t always have to be. Even if you’ve lived in a space for multiple decades, eventually, you might want to put your home up for sale. Whether you’ve lived in the same home for 30 years or you want to move out of your first-ever home, you should always try and get the highest possible resale value for your property.

Before you list your home on the market, there are plenty of things that you can do to improve the look of your property and earn a higher price on your home. Here are some things you should think about doing to yield a higher return on your investment when you finally decide to list your home on the market:

  • Update your windows — Call a window installation professional before you list your home. Updating your home’s windows is a great way to earn a higher resale value once you list your home. Replacing windows can cost between $300 and $700 per window, but can yield a significant return on investment (ROI). By working with a professional window installation company, you can get rid of your old, dirty windows, and have new, beautiful once installed. Once its on the market, prospective buyers will be looking at your home and will feel much more drawn to it if there are high quality, nice-looking windows on the home.
  • Clean every inch of your property — This is something you should be doing regularly until you no longer live there. When prospective buyers checkout your home, its cleanliness truly matters. If your home is messy, they won’t feel comfortable there and might refrain from making an offer. Be sure to thoroughly clean your property once or twice before you finally decide to list your home, but you should always be cleaning at least somewhat.
  • Fix up your roof — Your home’s windows and doors could look amazing and the rest of the property can be in great shape, but if your roof is damaged or poor quality, prospective buyers aren’t going to be willing to spend too much on your home. If you notice any damage or just want to tune up your roof a little bit, contact roofing contractors and get it fixed before you sell your home.

Good luck on your home ownership journey and remember to constantly be looking for ways to increase your home’s resale value. If you want to learn more about window installation, home renovation, or speak with experienced roofers, contact Ceccola Construction today.

Why You Should Leave Window Installation to the Professionals

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In today’s world, everyone is trying to save money. We all try to cut costs wherever we can. One area in which people try to cut costs and actually can save quite a bit of money is home improvement.

When it comes to home renovation, many people try the DIY method. The usual driving force behind attempting these projects themselves is to save money. By not hiring a contractor, homeowners save money in labor and installation costs.

Although this may sound appealing to many homeowners, it is usually not the best idea to attempt to DIY a wide array of renovation projects. When homeowners are not also professionals in home remodeling, products are not necessarily always installed correctly. This factor alone can cause a lot of potential problems and damage to the home, regardless of the project.

Window installation is one of those projects that is best left to the professionals. Replacement windows need to be installed properly in order to serve their intended function. Windows can last up to 20 years or longer, depending on the material, when they are of high quality and are properly maintained.

If you want your windows to last 20-plus years, they really need to be installed by a professional. If they are installed poorly by a homeowner trying to save money, serious consequences may follow. Here are some of those consequences.

Poor Weather Sealing
If windows are improperly installed, it could lead to having poor weather sealing properties. This means that your windows will leak. The cold air in the winter time will come in through your windows, and it will allow the heat from your house to escape outside. The same is true in the summertime. All your air conditioning will go right out the window, letting the hot air into your home in the same turn.

Storms
Windows that are unstable from not being installed properly can rattle and whistle during a storm. If there is even so much as some wind whipping by your house, these poorly installed windows will shake, causing a loud disturbance in the home.

Rain
As stated previously, windows that are not properly installed will let the elements from outside into your home. This is no different during a rain shower. This can be especially problematic because of the extensive water damage that may result from excess water coming in the home from the windows.

Short Lifespan
As a result of not only poor window installation, but the other factors previously mentioned, windows can occasionally dislodge themselves from the frame completely. Can you imagine coming home and one of your windows is no longer securely in place? This is probably the most dangerous result of poor window installation.

Windows are a very important part of the home’s structure. It is vital to have good quality windows to save money on heating and cooling bills, as well as keeping the elements of nature out of your home. If you’re thinking that you can do new window installation yourself in your home, remember these dangers and leave it to the professionals!

On The Fence About a Home Remodel? 3 Great Reasons To Go For It

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Home renovation can actually be a lot of fun when it’s done right, but so many homeowners are skeptical about going for a new home remodel. It’s time to stop being overly anxious about the hard work that’s involved and just go for it. You will probably love your new and improved house and those great new fixtures once the remodeling projects are completed.

According to a Houzz survey, four out of five homeowners who renovated their properties made upgrades to their main home structures (80%), while three in five made upgrades to their outdoor structures or spaces (62%). But it doesn’t matter what kind of home remodeling project you have in mind, 2018 is the perfect time to get started. Here are some excellent reasons why you should make the leap and go for that next big home remodeling project in the new year:

Increased resale value
The easiest way to get motivated for doing a new home renovation project is to take a look at the numbers. Whether you plan on selling your home in the future or not, it’s always nice to improve its value, and new renovation projects will surely do that. You can do minor projects that will yield positive numbers or major projects that will give your property a significant spike in value. Either way, the end result is a more valuable piece of real estate.

You can get it done fast
As long as you’re working with credible home improvement contractors, you will be able to get any project done in a reasonable amount of time. It might feel pretty overwhelming at first, and you will have paint and tools and other items spread out across your home, but after a few days or weeks, the mess will be gone and you’ll be able to enjoy your new and improved home for years to come.

Get the home of your dreams
Have you ever wanted to add a new addition onto your home but never thought it would work? Maybe you wanted a new kind of roofing material but figured your home was fine the way it is. Renovations can help you truly craft your dream home. Your living space has a huge impact on your quality of life, and you shouldn’t settle for a home that doesn’t inspire you to live your best life.

If you’re still unsure of whether or not you should go through with those home remodeling projects, contact Ceccola Construction today and see if we can persuade you. You spend the majority of your time at home, so isn’t it time to invest in your quality of life?

Home Damaged By a Major Storm? Consider These 3 Tips

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In the wake of hurricanes like Irma and Harvey, it’s extremely important for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas to do everything they can to protect their properties from these damaging storms. Keep in mind, however, it’s just as important to know what to do after it’s too late and your home is already damaged.

Hopefully these tips will help you get a better idea of how to handle a hurricane-damaged home and allow you and your family to get back to living a happy, safe, and relatively stress-free life. Here are a few things you must do after your home was hit by a hurricane.

Contact roofing contractors

Experienced roofing contractors should be contact immediately after a hurricane damages your home in order to secure your roof once again. Whether damage is severe or minor, you need to ensure that every single issue with your home’s roof is fixed to avoid further danger.

Photograph every inch of your home

You should document all the damage in your home with photos to make sure that your insurance claims are processed without issue. Additionally, keep a running list of all the items damaged inside your home so you can get assistance with those as well.

Find somewhere safe to stay for the time being

If your home is too damaged to live in, you’ll need to find a safe place to stay while your home is being repaired. Hopefully your damage isn’t so severe that you’ll need to stay elsewhere for more than a day or two, but have a backup plan just in case. Talk to a close friend or relative who won’t mind you and your family staying there while your home is being repaired.

Home improvement following hurricane damage must be done quickly and properly. If you delay any home renovation projects immediately following a hurricane, your home will be in further jeopardy and might not ever be completely fixed. You have to focus on home improvement as soon as possible once a hurricane strikes. In 2014, more than 50% of homeowners renovated their properties but that number should be much higher in areas that were hit by damaging storms.

If your home has been impacted by a hurricane or major storm and you’re in need of professional home improvement contractors, contact Ceccola Construction today.

Ceccola Construction, LLC | 302-478-1399 | 2417 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810