Home Improvements

When spring hits New Jersey, so does the realization that there’s a whole lot of work to be done on your house! As days get warmer and you get outside for a chance to look around, you start to notice the projects you put off since last year, along with the dings and dents that winter put into your home. One day, you come home from grocery shopping or dropping the kids off at baseball practice, and as you pull into the driveway you wonder, “Who lives HERE? Oh, wait…” Ok, even if it’s not that bad yet, these are…

Are you adventurous? Bold? Creative? Conservative? And did you know that these character traits are written on your home’s walls, in its windows and doors and by the colors and shapes you choose? They say you can’t judge a book by its cover but there’s no doubt that everyone from passersby to family and visitors are measuring you up by the size and shape of your cultured stone. You may think that selecting a vinyl siding or door option is a matter of budget or simply taste, but your home’s exterior can say a lot about your own values and…

If you’ve got a leak or see other serious signs that your roof is about to enter retirement, if your windows are in serious trouble, or if you’ve got other structural problems that need attention, then don’t delay in calling your contractor. But if it’s one of those projects you’ve been tossing around in your head – whether your siding has seen better days, you’re tired of staining those aging cedar shingles, your doors are looking a bit 1982, or you’re in the market for a great bay window to add curb appeal and bring more light into your home…

Few things embody summer like a back yard deck, conjuring images of family barbecues and lazy afternoons lounging in a hammock or on a chaise. But maintaining a wood deck can be a pretty major chore, from scrubbing and staining to repairing and replacing damaged boards. You’re probably also no stranger to splinters in your feet, which can really put a damper on your summer fun. Wood decks have a certain charm, but if you’re not up for the endless power washing, sealing, staining, repairing and replacing that goes along with keeping it looking great, why not replace your old…

The humble portico, that under-appreciated covering above your front door, has a rich history in ancient and classical architecture. Porticos have their roots in Greece, where they served as the entrance to temples, and have been featured in some of the most memorable landmarks in the world – from the Greek Parthenon to the Roman Pantheon and the United States Capitol! These days, porticos grace the front doors of homes in suburbs everywhere, in styles ranging from rustic to modern, short to towering, narrow to sprawling the full length of a porch. If the last time you thought of your…

The days grow darker, the winds bite harder, and all the leaves are brown. There comes a point, no matter how hard we try, when the shift from fall to winter can no longer be ignored. Just like your wardrobe and your car, your home must be prepared to weather the coming storms. Checking the following five points in and around your home will give you peace of mind in the coming winter months. #1: Gutters If you noticed a lot of icicles last year, it may have been a sign that your gutters needed clearing or replacing. Before the…

Remember how you felt in April? Spring had just begun and summer days stretched before you, promising family, fun, time spent outdoors… and those home improvement projects waiting on your list, collecting dust. Now fall is fast approaching. Where did the time go? What’s worse is that somehow, yet again, those projects didn’t get done. But don’t worry that they’ll have to wait another year or beat yourself up for letting the spring and summer slip by. We’ve got some good news for you, because the best time to install vinyl siding, and replace roofing, windows and doors is right…

When the sun shines and the trees bloom, that’s when it’s time to give your home a good exterior checkup. After a long, cold, icy wet winter, there’s plenty that can start to fall apart so now is the time to consider those improvements and repairs that you may have put off before. And now that you’re outdoors more, I bet you notice those imperfections even more. Here’s the short list of things to look for so you know where to start with your home improvements. Check Your Gutters If you don’t have leaf protection, your gutters could be a…