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/
Friday, April 23, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
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/
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/
Friday, March 26, 2010
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/
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/
Friday, March 19, 2010
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/
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/
Friday, March 12, 2010
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/
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/
Monday, March 1, 2010
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/
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/
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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/
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/
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