How does Remodeling Pays OFF?

                  
                       
Remodeling is a fun way to get the dream house you have always wanted. This is especially rewarding when you are able to make a long-term investment in your home and possibly recoup some of your investment. Below is a summary of the return you may get on your remodeling project. 
                  

Type of Remodel	Recoup
Minor Kitchen Remodel	85%
Bathroom Addition	80%
Major Kitchen Remodel	75%
Master Suite	75%
Two-story Addition	75%
Attic Bedroom	75%
Family Room Addition	75%
Bathroom Remodel	65%
Deck Addition	65%

The percentages above are averages. Many variables determine the payback on remodeling projects such as location, neighborhood, age of home, economy, value of home compared to others in area, other upgrades that have been done in the community and future development plans. At Xpromac we offer remodeling packages that fit any budget.Book a FREE ESTIMATE
                       

Leaking Roof: Issues!

For many, The easiest thing to do when they have a leaky roof is put out a bucket, ignore the leak and use the water in the bucket to water their plants.  However, this lack of attention to finding roof leaks can cost you big bucks if you do not hire a professional to find and fix the causes of roof leaks. At www.xpromac.com we provide expert repairs and replacement for any type of roof! Let us help you and avoid what we describe below.

Problems a Leaky Roof Causes and Results if the Leak is Not Fixed:

• Mold: One of the more serious results of a leaky roof, mold can lead to weakening of a home’s structure, serious health conditions and/or allergic reactions. A big concern with mold that results from a leaky roof is that the spores can spread through a home via the HVAC unit, where it can infest the carpet, furniture, clothes, wooden floors, a home’s framing, ceiling tiles, wall coverings and toys.
• Structural Deterioration: A leaking roof will eventually lead to damage of the ceiling joists, wall framing, rafters, exterior trim and fascia boards. When wood collects enough water over time, the wood will weaken and deteriorate. Additionally, a leaky roof can lead to peeling paint, damaged ceiling materials and buckled wall coverings. Eventually, a leaky roof can pose a great danger to those inside the building.
• Energy Loss: Utility bills can reflect the problems of your leaky roof. Roof insulation materials take a long time to dry when they are wet, and insulation is only effective when it is dry. As a result, even a minor leak that is fixed quickly can still cause your home to lose precious heat or cool air. A continuous roof leak will deteriorate insulation and cause its R-value—its resistance to temperature change—to lower. Consequently, it will take more energy to cool or heat a home and keep it at the temperature you want.

How to Prevent Roof Leaks

• Replace or repair damaged shingles.
• Make sure the shingles in the valleys of a roof are cut correctly.
• Install flashing so it extends at least three inches over the shingles. The flashing for brick or masonry should bend and extend into a mortar joint at least one inch.
• Fix or replace rusted elements, holes or cracked rubber in flashing.
• Ensure that the flashing and counter flashing around a chimney and furnace are installed correctly. These areas are the source of many leaks.
• Prevent ice dams by having proper, dry insulation in your roof, making sure an attic is well ventilated and repairing any air leaks in an attic.

Ask us how: book a FREE CONSULTATION and ESTIMATE! book now!

Winter Energy Saving Tips for Home Owners

Winter Tips

 

1. Turn down the thermostat: You can save 2-3%  in energy costs for every degree you lower your thermostat around the clock. Lowering the heat from 72º to 65º for eight hours per day can save you as much as 10% on annual heating costs. Try lowering the heat as everyone leaves for the day and just before going to bed. Or use a programmable thermostat; it will automatically turn the heat down and then have the house warm for you when you need it.
2. Drafty windows?
   If you have functional windows, it makes more financial sense to improve them than to replace them with energy-efficient windows. Caulk any gaps and cracks around window frames. Be sure that windows are fully shut. Put up interior window plastic, available in kits at hardware stores. If you don't have storm windows, have them made. Also, for drafty doors, use weather-stripping and door sweeps.
3. Keep your furnace or boiler in shape.
   Oil-fired systems need annual maintenance. Gas systems and heat pumps typically need a checkup every two years. Spending a little on a new filter will go a long way toward maintaining the efficiency of your furnace and decreasing your energy bills.Close dampers when you're not using the fireplace.
4. An open fireplace damper pulls warm air (air you've paid to heat) from the house, even when there is no fire. Close dampers after ashes have gone cold.
5. Let the heat reach you.
   Dust or vacuum radiators, baseboard heaters, and furnace duct openings often and keep them free of obstructions like furniture, carpets, and drapes.
6. Keep the cold out and warmth in.
   A typical house has many places where air can move between living spaces and the attic, and between the basement and outdoors. The result is colder rooms and higher heating bills. The solution is to seal gaps and then put in sufficient, well-installed insulation. The most effective, energy-saving solution is to have: A well-sealed and insulated home!
   Tips:
   

   • Air Sealing

   Sealing and insulating the "envelope" or "shell" of your home, meaning, its outer walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and floors, is often the most cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort in your home.
   

   • Adding Insulation

   Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are several common types of insulation: fiberglass (in both batt and blown forms), cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam.
   When correctly installed with air sealing, each type of insulation can deliver comfort and lower energy bills during the hottest and coldest times of the year. Many Virginia homes have the potential to reduce air leakage by 30% or more.
   
7. Save electricity.
   Replace your incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR^® compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy. Also, be aware that many kinds of home electronics and office equipment use power even when off. You can control this ongoing energy waste by plugging devices into a power strip and just turning it off when you're not using the equipment. Or ask at your hardware store about a new, advanced power strip that automatically shuts off power to any idle equipment you want.
8. Look for the ENERGY STAR label.
   Whether you're planning to purchase a new heating system, appliances, or home electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR label to find the most energy-efficient models on the market.
   
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