Reinvest In Your Home With A New Roof

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Scott Merle Builders

Any home improvement job brings on an instant headache and questions of “is it really worth all the time, stress and money?”

Depending on the project the answer could range but if you’re looking into a new roof then the answer is most likely a “yes”.

If your current roof is in rough shape the amount of potential damage from a leak is insurmountable. Leaks can lead to water damage, mold and mildew. The cost to repair and replace attic support beams, ceilings and drywall could easily become more expensive than if you had replaced the roof in the first place.

Value

Reportedly, a new roof can add between 15 and 40 percent to the value of your home which means a $100,000.00 home can easily become a $140,000.00 with a new and modern style roof. Depending on the style you chose for your new roof, from traditional to tin to solar, the more you will pay initially but the payout can be worth it in the long run.

Resale

When selling your home the roof situation can be a deal breaker if it is in need of repair or replacement especially if the buyer is looking to use a government-backed loans such as FHA and VA loans. Curb appeal is another advantage but advertising the energy efficient feature a new roof brings and you’ve got a winner.

At Merle Builders, located in Syracuse, NY, we use only top-quality roofing materials. Contact us today to learn about how we can help you accomplish giving you the roof you desire.

Hire A Professional For Your Home’s Renovations

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Scott Merle Builders

There are a lot of “Do It Yourselfers” out there who are up for taking on most projects with a do or die attitude, and then there are those of us who need some outside help when it comes to home renovation projects; big or small.

Unless you designed your home, there is always something about your house that you would like to change or add. Your project list could be endless, from replacing the tile in the bathroom to a complete kitchen overhaul. Before jumping in head first on a home renovation project, there are plenty of things to think about and plan for – from your budget to the level of difficulty.

Why Hire A Professional

Unless you are a contractor, there is a good chance you will need some professional advice at some point, plus there are a lot of questions you need to ask yourself if you plan to do any of the work on your own.

Motivation

How motivated are you to see the entire project through from start to finish without giving up?

Plenty of people start a project and then months, even years, later there is still some unfinished business. Are you going to look back later and think to yourself, if you just hired a professional this renovation would all the done and over with? Probably…

Budget

Labor costs are always a concern. We think that not only can we find a better deal on supplies and fixtures, but sometimes we watch a YouTube video and instantly think “Oh I can do that!” While that is the feeling at the start of the renovation process, there are plenty of times when you create more work and spend more money on unseen variables, putting your project cost up there with the amount you would have spent on a pro.

At Merle Builders, we treat your projects like our project with respect and dedication.

Contact us today and we will gladly answer any questions you may have and we will guide you through the process of designing a space that fits your lifestyle, choosing the materials and making sure the project stays on time and on budget.

The Resale Importance Of Remodeling Your Backyard Deck

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Scott Merle Builders

The term “stay-cation” became popular in the early 2000’s, each year more and more families were choosing to use their vacation money to stay home, update and remodel.

New television stations, like the DIY Network and HGTV, started cranking out reality shows starring homeowners and designers. These home designing stars would then be working together with the homeowner to create more out of their “home spaces.”

One of the most popular renovations includes outdoor spaces.

What better way to spend a cool Syracuse summer nights, then grilling dinner on your newly designed and renovated deck?

A wooden deck addition/renovation places fifth on a list of the most popular remodeling projects that keep value in 2015 remodels and better yet can produce an 80% return on your investment when selling your home.

One of the most sought after features for a home buyer today is a deck, many have it on their “must have” lists. But like any remodel unless you work in construction, the first question is “Where do I begin?”

This is where Merle Builders is able to assist from ideas and blueprints, obtaining building permits and even providing onsite management.

At Merle Builders, we treat your project like our project with respect and dedication.

If you live in Syracuse, NY or the surrounding areas, contact us today and we will gladly answer any questions you may have and we will guide you through the process of designing a space that fits your lifestyle, choosing the materials and making sure the project stays on time and on budget.

Rebuilding Your Garage For Additional Bedroom Space

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Scott Merle Builders

A garage is an integral part of a house. Not only does a garage serve as a spot to park a vehicle, a garage also provides ample storage space. For some, a car garage is an ideal project for turning an outdoor space into a livable indoor place.

Garages that are not used for the intended purpose or for those that are an unsafe space, why not transform it into a functional part of your home. By converting your garage, you are adding usable square footage and value to the home.

Transforming a garage is a large project, especially if your current garage is not attached to your home. However, the first decision you should be making is what you plan to use the converted garage space for. Some people choose to rebuild a garage and build the space on top of the garage for living purposes.

This idea allows you to still park in the garage while creating a bedroom loft above. You can also choose to build more than one room with a bath or just a hangout space when you or your family.

The foundation and framework are already in place as well as electrical, so they process of building up should be a straightforward job, as long as the structure is sound. A professional homebuilder can take your vision of creating bedroom space and build a multi-purposeful place for both you and your vehicle to rest.

Aside from building a new structure, some of what you can expect from a garage conversion includes:

Insulating the walls and ceiling
Either tie into the home’s heating and cooling system or installing a brand new HVAC unit
Upgrade and add electrical to accommodate the new living space
Open the wall between the house and the garage, if attached, to allow for an open floor plan
Add new windows and doors

With a converted garage, your garage space no longer looks like a separate part of your home, it will be one cohesive look. Merle Builders is capable of converting your garage into usable bedroom space. We can help you devise and execute your design vision. Contact us today!

Finishing Your Basement For Added Rooms

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Scott Merle Builders

Your home is a large investment, that’s why it’s important that it is perfect and everything you want. Finishing your basement can open up many doors for your home, literally. Remodeling your basement is the least expensive way to add square footage to your home, increasing the value.

When you finish your basement you will enjoy dry storage space and lose the musty, moldy odor, but the benefits don’t stop there.

Here are several options that you’ll have when you finish the basement:

Get work done in your own home office. A home office will offer a quiet place for you to be productive and get some work done.

Additional guest room for family and friends. Need more room for guests? Add a spare room for guests to have a private room to stay. Consider adding an additional bathroom or even a basement apartment.

Your favorite movies right at home. Enjoy movies in your own home movie theater. You won’t have to worry about crowds and sharing an armrest with strangers.

Basement Bar. You won’t need to go to a local bar to watch your favorite sports team. Turn your TV to a sports channel and add a pool table and dart board for your own bar.

At Merle Builders we treat your home like our own and make you a priority throughout the entire process. From blueprints to building permits, we will help you build your ideal home. If you would like more information or you’d like to discuss a renovation project for your home, please contact us today.

Invest in Your Home – Renovate!

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Scott Merle Builders

Renovating any part of your home can seem like an immense project to take on, especially if it is going to be expensive. However, patchwork for the most part has a time limit and letting something continue to deteriorate can lead to more issue with your home.

The truth is renovations will not only save you from a headache later on, but it will actually end up paying you back in a big way.

Don’t Delay, Fix It Today!

Putting in a new garage door is a great way to add curb appeal to your home and the normal price for it very reasonable. Fixing your exterior siding is another great renovation as it will make your home a new, fresh look. It’s such an awesome move as it will return about 87 percent back on the total project costs.

When it comes to the kitchen, you don’t need to fix everything in it. Simple upgrades to counters, cabinets and appliances will give a lot back to you in terms of return on the investment. One over looked renovation is new windows for your home. Installing these will help lower your heating and cooling bills, which will in the end save you quite a bit of money.

Speaking of the weather, a backup generator is also a great addition to any home as its benefits will outweigh the money you spend to obtain it.

Merle Builders believes in investing in your home and will take on any renovation you decide you want for your home. We treat each project as if we were working on our own home to make sure you get the best product possible. For more on our services or to discuss a renovation project, contact us today!

Modernize Your Bathroom

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Scott Merle Builders

For many people, their bathroom might not be high up on their list of rooms in their house they are looking to renovate. However, it is always important to reinvest in your home so no room can be neglected in the renovation process.

It is also a great idea if you are planning on selling it at some point to give your bathroom a little facelift. When you do it is important you install parts that will not only benefit the house, but make it appealing as well.

Make Your Bathroom Stand Out

A rainfall shower is a very popular new shower head being installed in most bathrooms today. It not only looks cool but is very unique as the water comes down like an actual rain is coming down in your shower. This is perfect for anyone who enjoys a lower pressure when bathing.

Another great idea is to fix the bathroom counter-tops with an aesthetically pleasing and strong material like marble. Along with that a new toilet as well as some new lighting would go a long way.

This would raise the resale value of your home as well as prevent any potential future issues for you and your family.

Merle Builders can help you turn your vision of a perfect home in to a reality with our renovation services. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure whatever we build is a perfect fit for your home. For more information on our services, please contact us today!

Can We Really Trust Older Windows?

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Scott Merle Builders

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 May 18, 2015 by Scott Merle Builders

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 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 May 5, 2015 by Scott Merle Builders

Renovating 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!