Wednesday, April 21, 2010
We've Moved
We did some renovating of our own and moved to a new location: http://www.legacyremodel.com/blog/
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The "Replacement" Kitchen
Today's blog is about "replacement" kitchens. I put this in quotations because I am not talking about what people typically are referring to when they say "new kitchen." Many homeowners would love to have a new kitchen in their home but feel that it's way more than what they could afford. Prices of $30,000, $40,000 even $70,000 and $80,000 are not uncommon when installing an all new kitchen.
Fortunately, for most people, there is a less expensive option that will accomplish many of the same goals but at a much lower price. This is what I refer to as a "replacement" kitchen. Much like a replacement window fits into the opening created for the last window, a replacement kitchen is laid out just like the old kitchen.
When installing a replacement kitchen, we install new cabinets and counter tops. New appliances are installed and a new coat of paint is applied to the walls. However the layout of the kitchen does not change, the sink, dishwasher, refrigerator and other appliances all are positioned in the same spot as they previously had been. Thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for any plumbing or electrical work. The cabinet and counters are laid out just as before, but using new materials. This reduces greatly the need for any type of framing work, drywall work or other carpentry. If the condition of the floor will allow it, this can also be left unchanged.
By reducing the scope of the project down to the key parts of a kitchen (counters, cabinets and appliances) the job can be performed at a significantly lower price and in a much shorter period of time. Generally speaking, the replacement kitchens Legacy has installed run between $10,000 and $20,000, including the new appliances. This work is done in 3-5 days.
If you have wanted to get a new kitchen but have thought that this too much money. You should consider the concept of a replacement kitchen. This will give you a nice new area in your home, at a reasonable price and with minimal disruption. Best of all, like many remodeling projects, this investment will pay off one day when you go to sell your home.
Fortunately, for most people, there is a less expensive option that will accomplish many of the same goals but at a much lower price. This is what I refer to as a "replacement" kitchen. Much like a replacement window fits into the opening created for the last window, a replacement kitchen is laid out just like the old kitchen.
When installing a replacement kitchen, we install new cabinets and counter tops. New appliances are installed and a new coat of paint is applied to the walls. However the layout of the kitchen does not change, the sink, dishwasher, refrigerator and other appliances all are positioned in the same spot as they previously had been. Thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for any plumbing or electrical work. The cabinet and counters are laid out just as before, but using new materials. This reduces greatly the need for any type of framing work, drywall work or other carpentry. If the condition of the floor will allow it, this can also be left unchanged.
By reducing the scope of the project down to the key parts of a kitchen (counters, cabinets and appliances) the job can be performed at a significantly lower price and in a much shorter period of time. Generally speaking, the replacement kitchens Legacy has installed run between $10,000 and $20,000, including the new appliances. This work is done in 3-5 days.
If you have wanted to get a new kitchen but have thought that this too much money. You should consider the concept of a replacement kitchen. This will give you a nice new area in your home, at a reasonable price and with minimal disruption. Best of all, like many remodeling projects, this investment will pay off one day when you go to sell your home.
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Icy Grip of Winter
With Pittsburgh under record setting amounts of snow and ice this year, many homeowners are finding themselves dealing with leaking gutters and roofs as a result of this weather. In many cases, the specific culprit is something called an Ice Dam. This occurs when roofs are snow covered and gutters become filled with ice. The longer the snow and ice are on the roof and the more of it there is, the worse the situation can become.
The physics behind an ice dam works like this: regardless of how well insulated an attic or roof is, some heat will escape. When the roof is covered with snow, this will melt a thin layer of the snow, closest to the roof. This melt water will run down the roof to the gutter, and if things are working right, down the spout and away from your home. This melt water will flow beneath the un-melted snow on a roof, so it is typically not noticed.
However, when the gutter is full of ice as a result of heavy or continuous snow, this melt water will have no where to go. Therefore when it encounters the ice in the gutter, the water will simply refreeze since it is no longer above a heated part of the home (over hangs and eaves where gutters are attached typically are not heated area's).
This process will continue as long as the roof is snow covered and ice is forming over an unheated area. Unfortunately as that snow continues to sit on the roof and provide melt water for the ice dam, the dam will grow. It will manifest this growth in two ways. First you will begin to see the big ice sickles that are visible all over Pittsburgh right now. The growth of these ice sickles is fed by the melt water from the snow above. Secondly this ice dam will grow back up the roof towards the snow where the melt water is coming from. As this happens the ice will actually lift shingles allowing water to get beneath them. Eventually the ice will grow far enough back up the roof that it is no longer over an unheated area, but is actually over a heated area again (typically this occurs 24-36" up from the roof edge). When the ice dam grows to the point where this melt water becomes blocked from running down the roof, it can then run into your home instead.
Many times this leak is through the roof, and therefore very obviously related to the ice and snow on the roof, but other times the ice will work its way behind siding or brick, infiltrating the home through the walls. This can manifest itself as a leak around a window or an outlet or in another area.
Once you find that this type of a situation has developed on your home, there is very little that can be done other than to remove the source of the water (get the snow off the roof) or remove the ice dam itself by removing the gutter. While removing a gutter may end up costing money to have it replaced in the spring, this will likely be significantly less than the repair for water damage.
As is often the case, with ice dams, an ounce of prevention ahead of time is worth a pound of cure. A properly installed gutter and roof system will prevent ice dams in all but the most severe weather. This would include the use of a roof apron for the gutter to prevent water from getting behind the gutter. Additionally, a good roofer should be using a minimum of 36" of ice and water guard on all gutter edges of a roof and in any valley area's of the roof. Lastly, a gutter heater, if properly installed can prevent an ice dam from forming by keeping the temperature to high for water to freeze in the gutter.
The physics behind an ice dam works like this: regardless of how well insulated an attic or roof is, some heat will escape. When the roof is covered with snow, this will melt a thin layer of the snow, closest to the roof. This melt water will run down the roof to the gutter, and if things are working right, down the spout and away from your home. This melt water will flow beneath the un-melted snow on a roof, so it is typically not noticed.
However, when the gutter is full of ice as a result of heavy or continuous snow, this melt water will have no where to go. Therefore when it encounters the ice in the gutter, the water will simply refreeze since it is no longer above a heated part of the home (over hangs and eaves where gutters are attached typically are not heated area's).
This process will continue as long as the roof is snow covered and ice is forming over an unheated area. Unfortunately as that snow continues to sit on the roof and provide melt water for the ice dam, the dam will grow. It will manifest this growth in two ways. First you will begin to see the big ice sickles that are visible all over Pittsburgh right now. The growth of these ice sickles is fed by the melt water from the snow above. Secondly this ice dam will grow back up the roof towards the snow where the melt water is coming from. As this happens the ice will actually lift shingles allowing water to get beneath them. Eventually the ice will grow far enough back up the roof that it is no longer over an unheated area, but is actually over a heated area again (typically this occurs 24-36" up from the roof edge). When the ice dam grows to the point where this melt water becomes blocked from running down the roof, it can then run into your home instead.
Many times this leak is through the roof, and therefore very obviously related to the ice and snow on the roof, but other times the ice will work its way behind siding or brick, infiltrating the home through the walls. This can manifest itself as a leak around a window or an outlet or in another area.
Once you find that this type of a situation has developed on your home, there is very little that can be done other than to remove the source of the water (get the snow off the roof) or remove the ice dam itself by removing the gutter. While removing a gutter may end up costing money to have it replaced in the spring, this will likely be significantly less than the repair for water damage.
As is often the case, with ice dams, an ounce of prevention ahead of time is worth a pound of cure. A properly installed gutter and roof system will prevent ice dams in all but the most severe weather. This would include the use of a roof apron for the gutter to prevent water from getting behind the gutter. Additionally, a good roofer should be using a minimum of 36" of ice and water guard on all gutter edges of a roof and in any valley area's of the roof. Lastly, a gutter heater, if properly installed can prevent an ice dam from forming by keeping the temperature to high for water to freeze in the gutter.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
There is no such thing as "Free" Window
Today I have decided to tackle the topic of marketing in the remodeling industry. Sadly the home improvement business is very UN-regulated here in Pennsylvania. Although we do have The Home Improvement Contractor Registration law, in many regards, companies are still free to take advantage of people through mis-information, and in some cases, flat out lies.
The biggest driver of most remodeling companies is customer inquiries, or leads. These are the lifeblood that keep businesses in business. With little effective regulation, some unscrupulous companies will put out whatever message they believe will make the phone ring, regardless of how misleading it may be.
Some examples of this are companies that offer windows for ridiculously low prices, like $188 per window or $189 per window. Can you get a window for this price, yes. Is that window efficient when compared to other major brands, No. Is it equipped with options most consumers desire? No. What it is really is an effective way to get a chance to speak with you so that they can offer you the better products or the options that most want, only at a higher price point. It seems very close to bait and switch... although apparently not close enough to warrant action by the state.
Along the same scam ridden lines is the idea of "Buy one, Get one free." This may be an honest offer for pizza's or socks, but I can assure you, there is no such thing as a free window. Since remodeling projects are sold as a negotiated sale it is very hard to prove what a window "normally" costs. Typically its a different price each depending on many variable, including what the sales person can get for it.
For example, lets say a company is willing to discount up to 50% off of an extremely inflated list price of $1,000 per window and sell it for $500, then that same company is able to offer "buy one, get one" by just holding their price high and offering none of the discounts that they normally would and thereby "selling" one window for $1,000 and "giving" you the the other. Either way, 2 windows will cost you the $1,000... its really all just a shell game with these deceptive types of companies.
My advice to someone who is looking for windows is to do your research ahead of time. Look for companies with a lot of information about themselves on their website and good standing with the BBB. Check independent 3rd party sources like www.NFRC.org... There are many good companies out there, like Legacy Remodeling, What I would not do is waste time on companies that have to try to trick people in order to get customers.
The biggest driver of most remodeling companies is customer inquiries, or leads. These are the lifeblood that keep businesses in business. With little effective regulation, some unscrupulous companies will put out whatever message they believe will make the phone ring, regardless of how misleading it may be.
Some examples of this are companies that offer windows for ridiculously low prices, like $188 per window or $189 per window. Can you get a window for this price, yes. Is that window efficient when compared to other major brands, No. Is it equipped with options most consumers desire? No. What it is really is an effective way to get a chance to speak with you so that they can offer you the better products or the options that most want, only at a higher price point. It seems very close to bait and switch... although apparently not close enough to warrant action by the state.
Along the same scam ridden lines is the idea of "Buy one, Get one free." This may be an honest offer for pizza's or socks, but I can assure you, there is no such thing as a free window. Since remodeling projects are sold as a negotiated sale it is very hard to prove what a window "normally" costs. Typically its a different price each depending on many variable, including what the sales person can get for it.
For example, lets say a company is willing to discount up to 50% off of an extremely inflated list price of $1,000 per window and sell it for $500, then that same company is able to offer "buy one, get one" by just holding their price high and offering none of the discounts that they normally would and thereby "selling" one window for $1,000 and "giving" you the the other. Either way, 2 windows will cost you the $1,000... its really all just a shell game with these deceptive types of companies.
My advice to someone who is looking for windows is to do your research ahead of time. Look for companies with a lot of information about themselves on their website and good standing with the BBB. Check independent 3rd party sources like www.NFRC.org... There are many good companies out there, like Legacy Remodeling, What I would not do is waste time on companies that have to try to trick people in order to get customers.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Maximize Window Efficiency and Save!
I am writing this blog entry with a bit of irritation with the bad information that is often given to consumers regarding energy efficiency in windows. As a rule, my company, Legacy Remodeling, Inc. offers highly efficient windows to our customers when we visit with them to discuss replacement windows. However, not all companies have the ability to offer the latest in window technology.
When these companies visit with potential clients they can only offer those products their company sells and if a triple pane window is not something their company handles, it seems that that more often than not, the easiest way out for the consultant is to lie. I know that is a strong word, but frankly it is the only one that fits when a person says that increased U-value (an important measure of efficiency) really is not important or that triple pane windows really dont work.
These statements could not be further from the truth. A triple pane window with low-coatings and an argon or krypton gas between the panes will return a tremendous increase in efficiency that directly translates to lower energy bills for the homeowner.
However, rather than take my word for it, I have recently had the pleasure of simply directing my clients to information and programs that are coming out of the Department of Energy. First, the Energy Star program. As of April 1 2010, there will be new, more stringent requirements for windows that want to carry the energy star label. In Pennsylvania, this will mean a window with a minimum U-Value of .3. This will bring Energy Star standards into alignment with the requirements for the 2009 and 2010 energy tax credit.
While these standards can be met with a dual pane window with an advanced glass package, they certainly cannot be met by the low end products that unfortunately permeate the market. Soon, though there look to be standards in place that even the best double pane windows will not be able to match. Currently the DOE is looking at implementing an R-5 window program which would essentially try to create demand for the production of windows that have an overall R value of 5. In order to achieve this, the glass unit on the window would need to have a U value of approximately .20, something that can only be achieved using a triple pane window or specially designed films between the panes.
The reason that the government is trying to promote these increases in the performance of windows is because it translates to real savings for the homeowner and has national benefits such as reducing dependence on foreign energy and the reduction of our national carbon footprint. According to the Energystar.gov website, upgrading from single pane windows to the current energy star standard for windows translates to monthly savings of up to $478 per month, that's some real savings.
If you are in the market for replacement windows, be sure to take the time to do your research before you start to get estimates. That way you will be able to recognize the savings that a good product can offer just as well as you will recognize the smoke that is being blown by people who's products just haven't kept up with current technology.
When these companies visit with potential clients they can only offer those products their company sells and if a triple pane window is not something their company handles, it seems that that more often than not, the easiest way out for the consultant is to lie. I know that is a strong word, but frankly it is the only one that fits when a person says that increased U-value (an important measure of efficiency) really is not important or that triple pane windows really dont work.
These statements could not be further from the truth. A triple pane window with low-coatings and an argon or krypton gas between the panes will return a tremendous increase in efficiency that directly translates to lower energy bills for the homeowner.
However, rather than take my word for it, I have recently had the pleasure of simply directing my clients to information and programs that are coming out of the Department of Energy. First, the Energy Star program. As of April 1 2010, there will be new, more stringent requirements for windows that want to carry the energy star label. In Pennsylvania, this will mean a window with a minimum U-Value of .3. This will bring Energy Star standards into alignment with the requirements for the 2009 and 2010 energy tax credit.
While these standards can be met with a dual pane window with an advanced glass package, they certainly cannot be met by the low end products that unfortunately permeate the market. Soon, though there look to be standards in place that even the best double pane windows will not be able to match. Currently the DOE is looking at implementing an R-5 window program which would essentially try to create demand for the production of windows that have an overall R value of 5. In order to achieve this, the glass unit on the window would need to have a U value of approximately .20, something that can only be achieved using a triple pane window or specially designed films between the panes.
The reason that the government is trying to promote these increases in the performance of windows is because it translates to real savings for the homeowner and has national benefits such as reducing dependence on foreign energy and the reduction of our national carbon footprint. According to the Energystar.gov website, upgrading from single pane windows to the current energy star standard for windows translates to monthly savings of up to $478 per month, that's some real savings.
If you are in the market for replacement windows, be sure to take the time to do your research before you start to get estimates. That way you will be able to recognize the savings that a good product can offer just as well as you will recognize the smoke that is being blown by people who's products just haven't kept up with current technology.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Tis' the season..... To Remodel?
Although many people may not realize it, this is one of the best times of the year to move forward with those remodeling plans that many homeowners have been putting off because of the cold weather.
By acting early in the season, homeowners can hope to realize a variety of benefits in improving their home. Rather than take the time to write lengthy descriptions of each of these I have listed what I consider to be the top 5 reason below. Incidentally this is the same theme as what I wrote about in "Remodeling and the Holiday Season" on December 2, so if you want to read more about this, check out that entry.
1. Remodelers are hungry right now. This is one of the best times to negotiate a good deal on a project as even many of the best companies out there could use some additional work right now. Let the remodeler know that you would be willing to accept installation immediately and you will be able to negotiate your best price.
2. The weather really does not impact installation of many products. I have heard many homeowners express concern about undertaking a major remodeling project during bad weather. However in most cases these concerns can be handled with some forethought on the part of the installer. The use of drop cloths, booties, etc. will mitigate any mess. Additionally, any good remodeling company recognizes that clean up is as important as any other part of the job and will be sure to clean up at the end of a project.
3. Since the spring is the busy time of the year for remodelers, purchasing then can mean long waits as other customers fill the schedule ahead of you. By purchasing in the January, you will be able to get your project done quickly.
4. Again, since the spring is the busiest time of the year for remodelers, this is often a time when manufacturer's will look to increase their prices. Beat this price increase by getting your project under contract now. In many cases, if your project is under contract but has not yet been installed, a good contractor will be able to get their supplier to honor the old pricing.
5. Because the winter is a slower time for remodelers, individual projects will command more attention from the company involved. Further, those who are involved in the project for you will tend to be more of the "A" quality people from their company. Many remodelers will add staff as they become busier, sometimes resulting in a slip in quality. By purchasing your project now, you will have the benefit of an installer that the company see's fit to keep busy year round.
As you pull into your driveway on these cold winter days and you see the projects you have planned for this spring. Ask yourself if this is a project that could be installed now, if so, proceed to find the right contractor and you will get a top notch job at a great price.
By acting early in the season, homeowners can hope to realize a variety of benefits in improving their home. Rather than take the time to write lengthy descriptions of each of these I have listed what I consider to be the top 5 reason below. Incidentally this is the same theme as what I wrote about in "Remodeling and the Holiday Season" on December 2, so if you want to read more about this, check out that entry.
1. Remodelers are hungry right now. This is one of the best times to negotiate a good deal on a project as even many of the best companies out there could use some additional work right now. Let the remodeler know that you would be willing to accept installation immediately and you will be able to negotiate your best price.
2. The weather really does not impact installation of many products. I have heard many homeowners express concern about undertaking a major remodeling project during bad weather. However in most cases these concerns can be handled with some forethought on the part of the installer. The use of drop cloths, booties, etc. will mitigate any mess. Additionally, any good remodeling company recognizes that clean up is as important as any other part of the job and will be sure to clean up at the end of a project.
3. Since the spring is the busy time of the year for remodelers, purchasing then can mean long waits as other customers fill the schedule ahead of you. By purchasing in the January, you will be able to get your project done quickly.
4. Again, since the spring is the busiest time of the year for remodelers, this is often a time when manufacturer's will look to increase their prices. Beat this price increase by getting your project under contract now. In many cases, if your project is under contract but has not yet been installed, a good contractor will be able to get their supplier to honor the old pricing.
5. Because the winter is a slower time for remodelers, individual projects will command more attention from the company involved. Further, those who are involved in the project for you will tend to be more of the "A" quality people from their company. Many remodelers will add staff as they become busier, sometimes resulting in a slip in quality. By purchasing your project now, you will have the benefit of an installer that the company see's fit to keep busy year round.
As you pull into your driveway on these cold winter days and you see the projects you have planned for this spring. Ask yourself if this is a project that could be installed now, if so, proceed to find the right contractor and you will get a top notch job at a great price.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Cash for Caulkers Jobs Creation Program
There has been a lot of talk in the news this week about the idea of a second stimulus program focused on job creation. One key aspect of this program would be an incentive for people to spend money on energy efficient upgrades to their home.
In my opinion, so far, so good. I believe that up to this point much of the government action during this recession has been to benefit large businesses and the financial industry with very little assistance for normal folks and small business. Considering how dependent our country is on small businesses and consumer spending, this has seemed to me to have been a major missed opportunity to inject some life into the economy.... get help to small businesses, we make jobs!
At any rate, the rough outline of this program as I have read about it in a variety of online locations is this:
Homeowners get a 50% credit on spending on certain energy efficient upgrades to their home up to a $12,000 credit (on a total purchase of $24,000). Included purchases would be things like energy efficient appliances, heating and cooling systems, windows and insulation.
This program seems to be to be a good idea for several reasons.
1. It builds value in homes. If homeowners continue to invest in their homes on a large scale, we will see a faster turnaround in the real estate market.
2. It creates real jobs. This program will create work at the installation level as home improvement companies do the work. It will create factory jobs as the material is produced, it will create jobs for people to go out and estimate and specify the work.
3. It dovetails well with the need for better energy efficiency in the United States, allowing us, as a nation, to work on two problems (unemployment and energy) at the same time.
I do have two specific concerns that I believe will greatly impact the effectiveness of this program.
First, the government must find a better way to get the funds for this out in the hands of consumers than what happened with "cash for clunkers" Remodelers by and large will not be able to foot the bill for large amounts of remodeling work while waiting months for repayment by the government. Perhaps allowing this to be a refundable credit.
Second, the requirements for participation must be kept simple and the record keeping must not be overly onerous. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have passed two very rigid training and testing courses for home efficiency, BPI and Resnet. While I believe that these classes were beneficial, I do not think this type of certification should be required to participate in the program, I think this would both significantly slow down the implementation of this, but I also think it would drastically reduce the companies that would be available to participate.
My solution to making sure that homeowners get a good efficiency bang for their buck is to set specific material requirements and as long as those materials are used correctly and installed correctly, then this should qualify. If there are concerns about the effect an incorrect installation would have on efficiency, then require the contractor to be certified on that particular product by the manufacturer.
The concept of "Cash for Caulkers" is a very good idea, I only hope it is allowed to develop in a way to maximize benefit to the economy. Companies like Legacy Remodeling would hire many additional workers if we could find the work for them to do. Give us that opportunity.
In my opinion, so far, so good. I believe that up to this point much of the government action during this recession has been to benefit large businesses and the financial industry with very little assistance for normal folks and small business. Considering how dependent our country is on small businesses and consumer spending, this has seemed to me to have been a major missed opportunity to inject some life into the economy.... get help to small businesses, we make jobs!
At any rate, the rough outline of this program as I have read about it in a variety of online locations is this:
Homeowners get a 50% credit on spending on certain energy efficient upgrades to their home up to a $12,000 credit (on a total purchase of $24,000). Included purchases would be things like energy efficient appliances, heating and cooling systems, windows and insulation.
This program seems to be to be a good idea for several reasons.
1. It builds value in homes. If homeowners continue to invest in their homes on a large scale, we will see a faster turnaround in the real estate market.
2. It creates real jobs. This program will create work at the installation level as home improvement companies do the work. It will create factory jobs as the material is produced, it will create jobs for people to go out and estimate and specify the work.
3. It dovetails well with the need for better energy efficiency in the United States, allowing us, as a nation, to work on two problems (unemployment and energy) at the same time.
I do have two specific concerns that I believe will greatly impact the effectiveness of this program.
First, the government must find a better way to get the funds for this out in the hands of consumers than what happened with "cash for clunkers" Remodelers by and large will not be able to foot the bill for large amounts of remodeling work while waiting months for repayment by the government. Perhaps allowing this to be a refundable credit.
Second, the requirements for participation must be kept simple and the record keeping must not be overly onerous. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have passed two very rigid training and testing courses for home efficiency, BPI and Resnet. While I believe that these classes were beneficial, I do not think this type of certification should be required to participate in the program, I think this would both significantly slow down the implementation of this, but I also think it would drastically reduce the companies that would be available to participate.
My solution to making sure that homeowners get a good efficiency bang for their buck is to set specific material requirements and as long as those materials are used correctly and installed correctly, then this should qualify. If there are concerns about the effect an incorrect installation would have on efficiency, then require the contractor to be certified on that particular product by the manufacturer.
The concept of "Cash for Caulkers" is a very good idea, I only hope it is allowed to develop in a way to maximize benefit to the economy. Companies like Legacy Remodeling would hire many additional workers if we could find the work for them to do. Give us that opportunity.
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