Jan 11, 2018
Do you have any information you can send me delineating home improvements that will add appraisal value to my home, and possibly quantify those values?

Camilo Uribe answered:

Mar 22, 2018

You might want to look into AB2299 for the state of California. Add additional living area and raise the value 160k-400K to all R1 Properties. We build these for a living and are seeing a 2% return rate on your investment.

Oct 13, 2016
What trade put mortar between bricks on houses. What the price to install a metal roof.

Ryan Gregory answered:

Oct 13, 2016

Masons would install mortar on bricks.

Metal roof pricing ranges on what the structure details are (steepness, valleys, penetrations, wall flashings, chimneys, etc.) and what gauge, profile, ventilation and snow retention (if any) is needed or requested.

Sep 6, 2016
We don't want any grass in the backyard of our new townhome. Need recommendation for brick masons skilled in laying patio pavers to replace sod.

Amanda Terry answered:

Sep 12, 2016

Donald, 

Where is your townhome located? We are located in the Charleston, South Carolina area and would be happy to refer you to high quality masons. Since masonry contractors vary by location, we would also recommend using GuildQuality to search for a reputable Brick Mason in your area.

Best of luck with your outdoor living project!

Apr 20, 2016
I am trying to decide between 2 hardie plank siding installers. One is 3000 less and has a 2 year workmanship warrant, the other has a 10 year workmanship warra

Tim Brown JR of RGS Exteriors PRO answered:

May 18, 2016

I would also reccomend that you look at James Hardie webstie and look at their specs. In our market I have yet to see another contractor follow the specs (frankly not even close). By not following this the price can be quite a bit cheaper. That said it will void any waranty from James Hardie. 

Also I would make sure it is a pur Hardie job. Again in our market many substitute James Hardie trim with a much cheaper(frankly much easier to install) miratek trim. They will still call it a Hardie job but it is not. They also will replace actul Haride siding with a chepaer version called Cemplank. 

Just a few thoughts. 

Tim Brown

RGS Exteriors and Construciton

www.utahgutter.com

Apr 20, 2016
I am trying to decide between 2 hardie plank siding installers. One is 3000 less and has a 2 year workmanship warrant, the other has a 10 year workmanship warra
Apr 21, 2016

I strongly suggest go to James Hardie wedsite, download their installation instruction and get familiar with the process. We witness so many fiber cement siding that was done wrong. It may be wised to have a clause in the contract that the work will be done according to James Hardie's installation instruction.

Problem may not arise in few years and contractor's warranty on paper is a joke if he has no intension to honor it.

I totally agreed Mr. Jim Myers' suggestion to check on the contractor throughly.

The key is doing the job right the first time will save you a lot of headach down the road.

Good luck with your project.

Apr 20, 2016
I am trying to decide between 2 hardie plank siding installers. One is 3000 less and has a 2 year workmanship warrant, the other has a 10 year workmanship warra
Apr 20, 2016

If you are unsure check with the BBB. your state licensing board, and go look at several references where they have done instalations. Talk to the owners if you can and see how they were treated. These three things should tell you a lot about who you are dealing with. also have them give you the name of the brand of cement board and have them describe exactly what they propose to do. also look to see if one is prefinished and one is not. Prefinished are more expensive Good Luck.

Jan 18, 2017
I am looking for a gutter/downspout person to install a large "fish-mouth" drainage collection for a valley gutter.

Tara Woods of Crown Builders PRO answered:

Feb 14, 2017

Yes, you need to contact a roofing company to check it out.  Possibly need a rain diviter installed.  Possibly need a gutter installation company to swap out current gutters for larger commercial size gutters.

Devon Smart asked:

Oct 28, 2015
Does any one know a vendor that can add stone work to our gas fireplace in Bothell WA
Nov 10, 2015

No, but have you thought about contacting a manufacturer and asking for a local referral. Sometimes it is an unknown fact but home remodeling product manufacturers have authorized dealers and installation crews listed on their site! This guarantees the best match. We always explain to homeowners having a certified installer is more important than price! Residential Renovations works very hard to make sure all installers from roofing, siding and windows to decking, sunrooms and beyond is installed by professional crew members who are trained as the manufacturer warranties. Good luck with your project! You can visit our website at www.ResidentialRenovations.com to learn more about Residential Renovations - serving Ohio and Michigan homeowners!

Jun 7, 2015
We live in a condo and cannot attach anything to the outside of the building. We would like a patio cover or retractable awning. Is there anyway to do this?
Jul 7, 2015

Unfortunately we do not do any type of awnings. What i would do is call the HOA and ask them what they allow back there. 

Dec 14, 2017
How can I protect my homes interior from the icy cold.
Jan 9, 2018

1. to make sure all crawl space vents are close .

2. you can check all exterior doors and windows do not have air leak .

3. check attick insulation should be minimum 10'' or you can add more insulation .

4.  you can cover large exterior window's glass with clear 3mil plastic .

5. you may check your heater system , and air filter need to repace every month .

Devon Smart asked:

Oct 28, 2015
Does any one know a vendor that can add stone work to our gas fireplace in Bothell WA
Nov 16, 2015

http://www.ncsg.org/  The National Chimney Sweep Quild is a great source for licenced and certified professionals in your area. If they don't do the work, they will know someone in your area who does.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley Ca

James Sanyi asked:

Jan 1, 2015
I live in a hurricane prone area. Is there a product that can make placing plywood over the windows easier?

Another option, which I have not used myself, is used a lot in Houston.  https://www.plylox.com/  This company sells a clip that is attached to 1/2"plywood, and you can typically get them at your local Home Depot. 

From their website: 

PLYLOX™ window clips are patented h-shaped carbon steel clips engineered to fit 1/2" plywood without nails, screws or adhesives. There is no longer any need to drill holes in brick in order to protect your windows from storm damage.

Just an FYI...  Good luck.

Ryan Crone asked:

Sep 11, 2014
Messy Mortar

Lori Boyter of RockAway Co. PRO answered:

Dec 23, 2014

The wash the brick mason is talking about is an acid wash. That should take care of the white stains. As far as the vertical brick looking a different color, the acid wash should take care of that too. However just like fabric and woodgrain anytime youbturn a material from horizontal to verticalbit will appear to be a different color because the grain pattern in the material is running differently and reflects light differently.  

The acid wash should help with the motor color. As it ages it will naturally darken and blend.

Oct 10, 2014
The fireplace in our home has hairline cracks running through it. I have not used it in three years now. When our home was built we did not have gas logs
Oct 17, 2014

For a great number of years, I was a mason and chimney sweep before rolling out to full bathroom and ktichen remodeling.  It still is my first love.  Please have a certified, licenced chimney sweep out to look at the chimney.  /http://www.ncsg.org/ can put you in contact with a certified chimney professional in your area. Please do not use it until it is checked. 

Philip Anderson

Berkeley Ca

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