Top 10 destinations for 4th of July!

Here we are on the eve of the summer's best holiday weekend.

Streets are deserted and co-workers are slipping out for beach vacations, fireworks on the lake, family reunions. I am watching fireworks at the lake with my daughters and going to neighborhood cook-out.

Some of my closest friends will spend the entire weekend on the deck and by the pool. One grill, two coolers, Charlie the lab, two kids and six neighbors. Laughter, music, food, and swimming- Good times! 

Here at SouthEnd Home Improvement we have completed a number of deck/porch projects that customers are planning to use this 4th of July. Projects from the simple 12 X 20 design to the wrap around deck with cedar pergola (see photo).

We are a full service company that specializes in a number of projects that will make your home a destination for a wonderful  summer weekend!

Kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, James Hardie siding, sunrooms, basements, additions, decks/porches, roofing. Turnkey projects for Charlotte's residents from your trusted contractor, SouthEnd Home Improvement.

http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/  

 

Don't always pick the lowest bidder!

OK. Deep breath.

You've got a home renovation that is out of the realm of "diy" projects, so where do you go?

My sister always calls me to see if I can swing by the house and look at this water spot on her kitchen ceiling or fix the bathroom floor. 

Or, mom will ask if she needs to replace or repair her deck out back. Then, my neighbor will ask me to climb on his roof and see if he has hail damage.

In a perfect world, we can handle all of these chores for mom or sis. But, let's be honest, this world ain't perfect and I am not capable of performing some of these projects. Some big and some small. I am not qualified or experienced to handle some of these remodeling chores.

So, where do you go?

Many of my friends will start looking for reliable sources on google's search engine. It is a habit. They do the same for pizza, hotel deals at the beach and lyrics to a song by OK GO.

Some of my friends go on Facebook and ask one of their 321 friends if they know of a "good" plumber or home remodeler that can help with a kitchen rennovation or build a pergola. Surely, one of our high school classmates or sorority sisters will know someone! Surely, right?

Nope. Not always.

So, where do you go? 

Your home is one of the biggest assets you will own in this lifetime, so you need to do a little research.  

Well, you ask your neighbors, your co-workers, your buddy from college and sometimes, we'll ask the preacher if he can recommend a general contractor.

I have seen people chase contractors out in the parking lot of the local Lowe's or Home Depot. We  know nothing about these men with 12 tools and wheelbarrow in the back of their pickup trucks, but we need someone.

Always check references, always as for photos of similar jobs, visit BBB's website and gather information for local contractors. And, ask someone. Always ask.

Regardless of the scope of work or size of project, you must be reluctant to go with the lowest bid. Never a good decision, even when we are trying to save money initially. It will cost you in the long run.

Quality products and experienced, licensed crews. You choose a contractor for their experience and their skills.   

Peace of mind comes with hiring a professional for home renovations to handle the project start to finish.  

In this world, you get what you pay for.

http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/

Where will you spend over 200 hours this summer?

Now that we are in the middle of May, life begins to slow down to a summer's pace.

Kids have less than three weeks of school before the break and families look at ways to enjoy this summer both at home and the traditional week at the beach/mountains vacation for many of us here in the Carolinas.

What are your plans? Did you know that the average family will spend nearly 200 hours on their decks, enjoying their outdoor living area this summer?

As my 15-year daugther puts it, "Grilling and Chilling" in the backyard!

Grill masters get ready! Mom dust off the blender! Kids grab your bathing suits!

Homeowners are looking at ideas to enjoy their outdoor living area. We are building decks, patios, outdoor fireplaces and screened-in porches. SouthEnd has ten projects for homeowners creating the ultimate "backyard" for their families.

Folks are coming to us with ideas and looking for suggestions to maximize their backyards. I met with a couple in south Charlotte that had an existing deck that was 18 years old and boards were rotting. The husband wanted to look at replacing the existing deck with a new one with stronger railing and bench seats from end to end.

The wife asked if we could screen-in half of the deck. Or, maybe build a covered area for part of the deck.

"We spend so much time out here with the kids and neighbors in the summer. We will cook three to four meals a week on the grill. We move from the living room to the deck each year at this time. And, we stay out here until the end of September." noted homeowner, Maria M.

After spending an hour with the family, we came up with the perfect solution, a well-constructed deck with a pergola.

Both were happy with the design and concept and we hope to begin the project next week!

This summer families will truly bond and spend the most quality time of the year with love ones on their decks and porches.

And, SouthEnd wants to help you create that outdoor living area. 

http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
     

Anyone Have Problems with Hardboard Masonite Siding?

When looking at homes this past summer, I realized that a lot of houses in my price range (160-260K) that were built in the 1990's had hardboard masonite siding.

But, I have since seen some more expensive homes that have the same kind of siding. I have heard bad things about this type of siding and how it could require additional maintenance, especially if it was installed improperly by the builder.

Over the past year, SouthEnd has answered a number of questions from our clients regarding their homes and the type of siding.

What year was your house built?

What type of siding do you have on your house?

If it is masonite, please give me a call and we'll provide a free in-home consultation.
Masonite siding is still used on exterior of homes and businesses, but it has been through growing pains and has lost popularity in recent years as fiber cement and vinyl siding have become more common.
If a person is purchasing an older home that needs exterior refurbishing, or if he is remodeling the outside of his present home and doesn't want to use vinyl, it is possible he is working with masonite. Before doing so, he should be sure to learn about the problems that masonite siding can have so he can make an informed decision about using it, and so he can care for it properly.


Is this type of siding still used by home builders in the Charlotte area? Not as many new homes are being constructed with masonite, but there are so many houses that were built in the 80's and 90's that have masonite.
Has anyone here had any good/bad experience with it? The biggest concern with masonite is bowing and water damage.
James Hardie has a fiber cement product that is popular and highly rated. Residing with fiber cement gives a 31% better return than adding a bathroom and cost thousands less to complete. A minor kitchen remodel give you a 10% less return on investment than re-siding with fiber cement.

Homeowners take note, if you have a house built in the 80's and 90's, you are in the market to replace your siding. If you do, we recommend fiber cement.

One of the biggest investments of your life is your home. Whether it is a renovation, replacement siding or windows, SouthEnd Home Improvement will offer our advice and experience as well as give every homeowner an opportunity for a free home consultation.

Please give us a call here at SouthEnd Home Improvement and we will answer any questions regarding your house. Call us at (704) 527-8553.

http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/  
    

Where is the love?

Wow, what a weekend!
Beautiful weather, neighbors cooking out, little bit of yard work with chores around the house, and .......... a whole lot of watching the Masters.
Even if you don't like Tiger or Phil, the course at Augusta National is breathtaking. Azaleas, well manicured fairways, tall pines, picturesque water features and Amen corner. Majestic!
CBS creates this incredible visual package for the Masters that makes the other golf tournaments look secondary. There is nothing more eloquent than the sights and sounds of Augusta National on Master's weekend. Nothing.
So now what? We hid easter eggs for the little kids, the older ones slipped away for spring break, Mom cooked the big meal (ham, green beans, potato salad and deviled eggs) and we were able to see golf's most magnificent wonder, The Masters.
Where do we go from here?
Well, if you are like me, you spend the next two months working in the yard (God, if I could get my lawn to look like the greens at Augusta, right?)
And, we look at the home repairs and improvements that we know that need to be addressed. Roof is fading, maybe a small leak around the chimmney flashing. The siding needs to be painted or replaced and we always put this project on hold.
Not a priority, not yet.
It can wait. But, can it.
If our home is the biggest investment that we will ever make (unless you have six kids going to Duke or Stanford) then why do we prolong these projects that not only protect our investment, but show a strong return on our investment? Where is the love?
Can you imagine if every homeowner took one project that is on their list to do this spring?
It could be the deck that you have been wanting to build in the backyard. The kitchen needs a makeover or the replacing your windows is a must.
First, we could check it off the list, Mom will be happy and our neighbors will be motivated to fix up their property.
A win-win for everyone and before you know it............there goes the neighborhood!   
So, where is the love?
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
               
  

Lunch and an idea, "10,000 Neighbors Program"

Well, just had lunch with one of the top executives from James Hardie at a local BBQ joint here in the SouthEnd. I always like taking visitors to the local bars and eateries. Give them a taste of the neighbor flavor, sights and sounds.
But this was not your ordinary lunch on Friday afternoon. No, far from your blue plate special.
It is not every day that you have the top executive from a billion dollar corporation at your lunch table at Mac's Speed Shop. And, I was going to make sure I made the most out of this opportunity. This is a chance that most people wait 10-15 years for and I had 45 minutes, uninterrupted, with the decision maker at one of world's top brands.
We were brought together because we share a vision. A glimpse into the Charlotte housing market,
specifically the remodeling and renovation industry and the current condition of the average home in our region.
It is always exciting when you can "be on the same page" with today's decision makers. With someone who can make a difference and is willing to take the initiative to create and launch a marketing program that could change our industry. Good stuff.
So, what is our vision. It is simple. Reach 10,000 homeowners in the Charlotte market. Literally, contact ten thousand homeowners with an important message from James Hardie and our friends here at SouthEnd.
Now is time to replace the siding on your house. 
A grassroots campaign targeting 30-50 neighborhoods in the greater Charlotte area.
There are so many homes between Lake Norman and Rock Hill that need residing. So many houses that need to replace the exterior siding. Houses built from the 80's through the earlier part of this decade.
James Hardie has the name and the top brand in residential siding. SouthEnd has 12 crews that have completed over 1,200 siding projects here in Charlotte over the past year and has a great reputation in our community. A great marriage that we want to finalize soon!
Our goal is to bring the best siding product to 10,000 homeowners and let them see the benefits to residing.
The fact reamins that only re-siding your home with fiber cement gives you the best return on your investment, 5 years in a row.* Go with James Hardie.
Good lunch with a great man representing a wonderful brand. Doesn't get any better than that, does it?
*Quality Remodeler
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/

Catching up with Micah

I was in the warehouse this morning looking for a 4" X 4" post to replace my mailbox. Someone clipped my mailbox a couple of nights ago and broke the post in half. I keep looking for neighbors who have recent car damage, but no suspects yet.
While looking through our lumber, I ran into Micah Tolles, Project Manager here at SouthEnd. Although we work together, I have not seen him over the past three days. He and his wife have twin boys that are four years old, so I know his life can be hectic.
"Hey buddy, what is going on," I yelled across the warehouse. "Man, I have been everywhere this week, Everywhere," replied Micah.
So, I ask the obvious, where is everywhere?
Turns out Micah has been traveling between Lake Norman to Rock Hill, SC looking at a number of projects that homeowners are considering for spring renovations to their homes.
"I see so many homeowners that have decided to invest in a home remodeling project, people are staying put," noted the construction management gradute from WCU. "Folks are building decks, knocking out walls, residing their houses, building outdoor living areas and sunrooms. Families want to renovate their homes and recreate a new home with these projects."
He reminded me that most homeowners are ready to make the investment as activity has picked up over the past two weeks.
For the first time in over a year, customers have two or three projects that they are considering for their homes. Even some homeowners that are looking at projects for homes that are much newer, less than 5-6 years old, are calling.     
Spring, eternal spring.    
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/           

75 million homes

As a remodeling contractor here in the Charlotte, NC market, we closely follow the highly anticipated Home Star program that has been proposed to stimulate the ecomony as well as promote energy-efficiency upgrades to American homes.

This program is designed to provide homeowners incentives for retrofitting their homes.

There are hundreds of contractors from Seattle to Charlotte that are anxious to get this program pushed through the Senate and get approval here in 2010.

Folks, I do not see this happening within the next 9 months and that is shame. Part of the snag is there are so many contractors that need to be trained in EPA's lead paint rule.

And, let's face it, the Senate will not move quickly on approval. Not going to happen. 

It is estimated that over 230,000 remodelers must be trained to ensure compliance with the rule. Only 14,000 have been certified to date. Our class is in two weeks, but you can see that it will be nearly impossible to certify nearly a quarter of a million contractors before the April 22 deadline.

Roughly 79 million homes constructed before 1978 are subject to Lead Renovation, Repair and Repainting rule. That's right, nearly one-third of our homes need to be retrofitted by certified EPA remodelers.

79 million. That is a staggering number of houses that need renovation and improvements to become energy-efficient. Staggering number.

Once Americans become more aware of this program, you can anticipate homeowners will rush to call contractors to perform these efficiency upgrades.

Please make sure you contact a properly trained and qualified contractor.

Most of this information was provided by NAHB Remodelers.

http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/   

SouthEnd on display at the 50th anniversary of Charlotte's Southern Spring Show

SouthEnd Home Improvement has designed and built a special display for the Southern Spring Show which opens this Wednesday, March 3 at The Park in Charlotte, NC.

Over 40,000 visitors are expecetd for the annual event from Wednesday through Sunday, March 7th.     

"We are excited about this year's show," stated SouthEnd's President, Jamie Oliver. "Our booth will feature some products that will appeal to homeowners looking for ideas on home remodleing projects and we can showcase our talent as one of Charlotte's top-rated contractors."    
  
SouthEnd Home Improvement provides quality workmanship and expertise to help homeowners add value to their homes through remodeling, renovations and additions. We specialize in roofing, windows, siding, gutters, decks, porches, sunrooms and more!
This year's Southern Spring Show will be the largest show expected for this region. Visitors can talk with professionals from more than 400 companies showcasing: the latest and greatest in kitchen and bath, building and home improvement, outdoor living, green living, the green market, decorative arts and crafts, and wineries. Taste, travel and shop the marketplace at your own pace and with your own unique spring plans in mind.

But, best of all, meet the professionals who can help you with information and advice to create your own dream spaces inside and outside your home.
 
Drop by the SouthEnd Home Improvement booth #1133 and say hello. Also, don't forget to register for a free in-home consultation and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/

It's tough to put a price on the happiness

While a good return on your investment is important in every remodeling project, experts say that the most important factor in your decision should still be whether the project improves the way you live in your home now.

When looking into any kind of home improvement, a home-owner needs to plan in advance exactly what they hope to achieve by making improvements.

SouthEnd has developed a program that shows homeowners the cost versus value for each remodeling project. We will show homeowners which project they should consider for repairs, improvements or replacement. And, which project has the highest priority with the quickest return on investment.  
"The fact of remodeling is that you never get your money back instantly," says Finley Perry of F.H. Perry Builder in Hopkinton, Mass. "If you're undertaking a project because you're going to stay in your home awhile, and it will enhance your lifestyle, then great -- do it. It's tough to put a price on the happiness many young families get from fixing up their house and truly enjoying it for the next 20 years."

Overall, home owners recouped an average of 63.8 percent of their investment in 33 different home improvement projects, according to REALTORS® who responded to the survey.
 
Since the peakremodeling year of 2005, exterior replacement projects have gone to the top of the chart. Front entry doors rank the highest in the return on investment along with siding and window replacement. Why? Because these types of improvements not only increase the curb appeal of the home but can also make your home more energy efficient while improving the decor inside the house.
 
On average in 2008, households whose homes had appreciated by at least 100 percent over the previous decade spent over 2.5 times more on improvements than those whose home values increased less than 50 percent.
 
At the end of the day, be happy that you have the best quality that you can afford. Cheap fittings and finishes certainly do not have the same durability as guaranteed good quality ones, and cutting price by opting for low quality doesn't always pay, as the work will deteriorate and lose value quicker than had the work been performed with better quality materials.
 
What you are trying to achieve is getting the best value for money that you can, and often the cheapest option isn't the best.
 
It's tough to put a price on the happiness, but you can consult an expert to discuss your options. 
 
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
 
 

Why not now?

In these trying times, many folks are asking themselves one strong question,
"Is my money safe?"
We need to know that when we pay for something it has value. We want to invest where it matters.
Your house is your prize possession. Right?
It is the largest investment you'll make in your lifetime.
Then, why gamble? Why take chances?
With a majority of homeowners planning to stay in their homes instead of moving in 2010, they'll look to preserve or increase their home's worth by spending an average of nearly 5 percent of its value on making improvements.
This is not a trend. We are staying put. We need to protect our investment, our prize possesssion.
And, every American homeowner will have a home improvement project over the next six to eight months that they are considering. All of us need to make the necessary repairs to our homes.
A project that can see a quick return on their investment and energy savings that could range from a 8-30% per household.
Why not now?
Call your contractor, schedule a home consultation. If you are like me, you want to trust your contractor. You want to know the facts before you begin your remodeling projects.
Hire a professional.
Invest where it matters, invest in your home.
So, why not now?    
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/



 

Home Star Program - Cash for Caulkers.

Over the past weekend, my neighbor caught me in the yard and walked over to ask me what remodeling projects were we working on this month. I mentioned that most of our work has been roof replacements, siding projects, installing windows and a few bigger projects such as a detached garage.

As I described each project, my neighbor nodded that he too, would need to replace his roof within the next four months or that his wife wanted to take advantage of the Tax Credit for replacing windows before the deadline in November of this year. He seemed overwhelmed by the thought of each project, but agreed that these "home repair projects" were a necessity.

My neighbor is not alone.

More and more families are facing the same situation. We are living in homes that need to be "remodeled" or retrofitted. Regardless of the builder and no matter which decade your home was built, every house will age through stress, weather and the changing environment.

And, my discussion with my neighbor reminded me of a phone call that I received about a month ago from a past president of the NARI. He invited me to join him on a conference call to discuss a program that could be the most impactful intiative for us as American homeowners.

I am hoping that this is not the only time we will hear of the Home Star program. My wish for every homeowner is to have the opportunity to protect their biggest investment of their life, their home.     
     
Last November, a program was proposed to the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB) stimulus program similar to Cash for Clunkers program. This program would create more jobs in the construction indsutry as well as nd Retrofitting or remodeling homes require less energy to operate.



A $23 billion program to weatherize thousands of American homes. It is still too early to know if the program will be enacted, but it is currently gaining momentum at the highest levels of government.
 
As a struggling homeowner, I need this to be pushed through. I know that I am not alone.  
 
"Home Star" (in a nod to the Energy Star program), the program would consist of $18 billion in homeowner incentives, $2 billion for quality assurance audits on energy efficiency projects, and $3 billion in retailer incentives as well as funds to create awareness for the program.

The question is, how quickly will we see this stimulus program gain momentum and can we get this pushed through Congress and the Senate?

Will the politicians delay such an important program for us to protect our homes and make the much needed repairs that are on the "to-do list" for every American? 

Mark Whitlock
SouthEnd
mark@sehomeimprovement.com
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
 

Windows Top-10

Why replacement windows?
• You can save money on your heating and cooling bills each month. Save 20-45% in the first year!
• Act today and qualify for $1,500 Tax credit from Government.
• Today's windows are constructed of energy efficient glass that insulates almost four times more effectively than windows 20 years ago.
• According to a study by Realtor Magazine, installing replacement windows is one of the top four remodeling projects with the highest monetary returns.
• They reduce noise and energy use while increasing your property value and enhancing the appearance of your home.
• You can buy new replacement windows made today that will match existing windows in almost all cases.
• Replacing your old windows will improve the perception of value in your home.
• New windows block harmful l UV rays and reduces fading of carpets and furniture
• Most manufacturers say windows should be replaced after about 20 years. Signs of a failing window include being sealed or painted shut, draftiness, and panes that collect condensation, ice, and frost.
• Appearance- If you are unhappy with the appearance of your windows or they show signs of deterioration, they should be replaced.
Let the experts handle the installation. SouthEnd has years of experience.
Visit us at www.sehomeimprovement.com