Blog

Can We Really Trust Older Windows?

Posted on by

Can We Really Trust Older Windows?Calling all older-home owners!

If you live in an older home in the area, it might be time to start thinking about making a few renovations and updates. One update that many older New York homes need is new windows, and while it may seem like a waste to replace windows that are in good working order, it might actually save you some money in the long run.

If your windows are 15 years old or older, it is time to start thinking about new windows. Some signs that it may be time to replace your old windows are if the windows stick when you open or close them, if you find moisture on the inside of your windows, and if your windows have single-pane glass, which is what most windows in older homes are.

Single-pane glass is serviceable, but does not do much to cancel outside noise. If you notice that your home is very noisy, if you can hear a lot of what’s happening outside, you may have single-pane glass in your windows.

Another benefit of newer windows is efficiency: whether you’re heating your home in the winter, or cooling your home in the summer, newer windows will lock in the hot or cold air, and allow you to run your heater or air conditioner less. This will undoubtedly save you money on your electric bill.

If you have an older home, and notice that your windows are drafty and outdated, it might be time to consider replacing your home’s windows.

At Merle Builders, we feel not only will you enjoy the benefits of greater outside noise cancellation, newer windows are made to be energy efficient, so you will see a reduction in your energy costs.

Contact us if you’d like to talk to an expert contractor about potentially replacing the windows on your older New York home.

Adding A New Deck To Your Home

Posted on by

If you’re renovating your home’s exterior, consider adding a new deck to your home. It’s almost Summer and what’s better than entertaining friends with a barbeque and some lemonade out on the magnificently built deck?

With a new deck, you’ll increase your home’s living area, being able to entertain and enjoy time with your friends and family outdoors in the nicer months. Plus, it’s an easy way to increase the value of your home if you’re thinking about selling or refinancing in the future.Adding A New Deck To Your Home

Adding a deck to your home may seem like a big job, but if you plan out exactly what you want, a professional will be able to complete your project in just a few short weeks.

Some things to consider when building a new deck on your home or property; budget, timeline, and wish list. You can consider adding common things like fire pits, seating but additionally an amenity like an area for grilling.

If you like to entertain, consider adding extra dimensions to sit and talk with guests. If you grill often, you might want to think about adding a built-in grilling area for making those delicious feasts. Another great deck addition is a fire pit, especially if you have kids who like to roast marshmallows or if you like to sit out under the stairs, staying warm with your company.

All of these things come with a price tag, so make sure you consider your overall budget when you’re making your plan.

Remember, adding a new deck to your home can increase the value of your home and will give you a new living space to spend time with your friends and family. At Merle Builders, we have the professionalism, experience and attention to detail to make sure that your new deck is a beautiful addition to your home. If you live in the Central New York area, contact us for a quote today and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Top 5 Renovation Projects

Posted on by

Top 5 Renovation ProjectsRenovating a house is an exciting time. Transforming a space into something new and refreshing is like starting over with your personal style. With a renovation, you’re able to make your home look more attractive, current, and comfortable.

Knowing which room to renovate first, how to do so, and who to hire for help are just a few of the decisions you will need to make. Add on top the colors, patterns, fabrics, fixtures, furniture, etc., and you have a lot to think about.

Renovating a home can include a complete re-do right down to the studs or simply be a change of color and decor. Regardless of the outcome, there are certain areas of the home that Americans are more apt to fixing up over others.

According to angieslist.com, the top five home renovation projects that provide the most return on your money are as follows:

Kitchen: As long as your kitchen renovation budget doesn’t go over 20% of the value of your home, you can receive an 85% investment return.

Bathroom: it’s a fact; outdated bathrooms are an eye sore. Even though this room is the one least spent in, a bathroom renovation can provide an 80% investment return. A complete bathroom re-do can cost an average of $10,000.

Deck: as an ideal outdoor space and when the right materials are used (durable and weather-resistant), a deck can provide you an 80% investment return.

Siding: as the most attractive feature of the exterior of your home, the siding plays a crucial role in the aesthetic appearance and offers up an 80% investment return. You will likely spend an upward of $10,000, but the money spent is worth it.

Window replacement: as one of your home’s most important sources for energy efficiency, and add in the fact that they complete the outside appearance, replacing windows is a solid investment with a 70% return.

Since 1962, expanding families, new homeowners and many others across greater Central New York have trusted in Merle Builders to construct their perfect home or property. We specialize in elegance, customization and perfection. Our goal is to build each and every home according to your exact needs and preferences.

From single-story patio homes to sprawling two-story townhouses, we construct and design each property according to your lifestyle. For more information, contact us today!

11 Ways To Simplify The One-Of-A-Kind Home Building Process

Posted on by

11 Ways To Simplify The One-Of-A-Kind Home Building ProcessIt’s your house; have your home built around your needs and your vision. If you are looking for a home for your growing family, a new home to retire to or you want to make your first home one that you can treasure forever, there is no better time than now to have your dreams realized.

  1. Customize. Have every detail that you want your house to have planned out. By planning the customization in advance, you will eliminate the chance of ay mix ups or misunderstanding when the time comes to build you home.
  2. Find a good home building company. Do your research. Make sure the business that you choose is one with good reviews, and it is one that others have had good experience with. The home building company should be taking into great consideration what your personal preferences are and what your own vision is.
  3. Make sure the workers have had experience. Companies like Merle Builders will have employees who are experienced in the home building process.
  4. Skilled Craftsmen. The builders building your home should be skilled craftsmen who pay great attention to detail.
  5. Ask questions. If something is unclear, or you’re unsure if it’s going to come out the way you imagined, speak up. If you don’t this could lead to a permanent mistake in your home that you will have to live with
  6. Look at pictures of homes the company has built before. If possible, see if you can see one in person. It is important to know the type of work whatever company you choose does, and if you think they will be able to build what you are envisioning.
  7. Read the contract carefully. When you get your contract for building your house, make sure you take the time to read it carefully to make sure you are getting everything you wanted, and paid for.11 Ways To Simplify The One-Of-A-Kind Home Building Process
  8. Make the company aware of your budget. It’s very important that the company building your house knows how much money you are willing to spend. This way, they won’t use or suggest to use equipment that is not within your spending budget.
  9. Ask for other people’s opinions. Though you may have envisioned what you think is the perfect home, you never know who might give you some ideas that you hadn’t thought of. Other people may give you a different perspective on the ideas you have.
  10. Be patient. Building your own house is not a short process. It may take several years. Just keep in mind that the end product will be everything you’ve ever wanted and will be a new and exciting place to make memories in.
  11. Be as involved as possible. Make sure you and the builders are on the same page during the same process. This will ensure that everything that is going on is what you wanted and how you wanted it done.

Merle Builders was founded more than 50 years ago on a foundation of integrity, expert craftsmanship, dedication and customer service. If you would like to ask any questions of new construction homebuilders in Liverpool, NY, then please contact us today.

5 Steps To Plan For Adding An Addition To Your Home

Posted on by

5 Steps To Plan For Adding An Addition To Your HomeFor most families or property owners, the purchase of a home is the largest investment they will make in their lives, possibly lasting generations. With that idea it’s extremely important that the owners look to re-invest in their property through renovation or remodeling projects that will ensure that in the future their home keeps or potentially increases its re-sale value.

That’s why if you live in a home that you are very attached to, that you don’t want to outgrow, constructing an addition will help you and your family cement your stay.

Here are 5 steps to building and addition on your home or property:

  • Step 1-Decide on square footage and size of the room.

When planning to build an addition to your home, it is important to decide on the square footage you will be adding to your home. Knowing the size of your planned addition will help calculate the expenses that coincide with room size, such as wiring and plumbing. This leads us directly to our next step.

  • Step 2– Figure out what fixtures you plan to add to the room.

Decide what fixtures you plan to add to the room addition. For example, If you are planning on making a bathroom addition, knowing what appliances or fixtures you will want will give you a more accurate estimated cost for the room addition. Remember, mechanical stuff such as your furnace, water heater and electrical panel all must be revisited when doing additions as well.

  • Step 3-Calculate costs in advance.

Decide on the other construction needs you’ll need to purchase to build the room addition. This will include lumber, paint, flooring and any other structural elements of the room. Determine how much of each material you will definitely need to complete the project, and add those costs to your appliance costs to get a rough estimate for your total materials costs. Every cost associated with the home addition should be calculated before hand to make sure you can afford the addition.

  • Step 4– Choose your addition style

A good addition to your home should blend with the original structure. Don’t head into a home addition without knowing what style your going with. If you have space restraints, consider building up or out so you don’t add to your homes footprint. Bumping out is a popular way of making an addition, where you hang the new room off the side of the home. Choose an addition style that maximizes your homes potential.

  • Step 5– Make sure you are building your homes value.5 Steps To Plan For Adding An Addition To Your Home

A home addition can lead to additional taxes. When you make a home addition successfully, your homes value should increase. If the value your home will build because of your addition is less than the cost of the addition, re-evaluate whether it is wise to make the addition.

Since 1962 new homeowners, expanding families, retirees and many others across Central New York have trusted Merle Builders to construct their perfect home. At Merle, we specialize in customization, elegance and perfection. We build each and every home according to your exact needs.

From sprawling two-story townhomes to single-story patio homes and much more, we construct and design each property according to your lifestyle, not the other way around. For more information, contact us today!

 

Like what you read? Subscribe below!

iPosts RSS
iComments RSS