Tag: screened in porches

Updating your Curb Appeal When Selling your Home

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to home improvements nothing is more important than your homes curb appeal. This is particularly true when you have decided that you want to sell your home. No matter how the house looks on the inside if the outside is a total mess from the curb, buyers aren’t going to add it to their must see list of houses.

The good news for us is that exterior home improvements are those that get the biggest return on your investment. Bigger returns on investment often lead to greater home values. Unfortunately, not all home renovations are treated equally. Below you will find the top exterior home renovations to give you the biggest bang for your buck!

The Installation of a New Front Door

Having your front door replaced sounds simple and it is however, replacing an old, low-quality door with an ornamental steel door really has an impact on your homes overall value. This single exterior home improvement can net you over 80% on your ROI while really changing the overall curb appeal.

A professional exterior home improvement expert can take your renovation a step further by adding a pediment and changing up the moldings around the doors frame. These updates not only help to enhance the door itself, they add an overall intensity to the appeal of the front door.

Upgrading Your Homes Front Porch

The front porch of your home is where you welcome your guests and where future buyers will see themselves inviting family and friends inside their new home. Front porches bring images of sunshine, sweet tea, and overall relaxation. A front porch addition also works to increase the usable outdoor space of the home. People always consider the addition of a deck however, a new porch can offer up to a 70% return on investment. Additional seating on a porch is always a great idea but to chance up the overall look consider adding faux stone to enhance the siding and other architectural front porch features.

New Fiber Cement Siding

No matter how many upgrades you do to the exterior of your home if your siding is peeling, cracked, warped, or rotting it can really decrease the appeal of the exterior. New fiber cement siding is a popular option for the exterior of your home as it doesn’t warp, peel, chip, or rot. Its increased longevity is a real value to buyers. Another selling point of fiber cement siding is its resistance to fire and insects. Homeowners that have fiber cement siding installed can be confident that this is a purchase that will stand the test of time.

Add Lighting Around the House and Landscaping

Lighting is an important aspect both inside and outside of your home. For optimal curb appeal add lighting elements beside doors, especially the front door, and accent lighting around the exterior of the home. Additionally, landscape lighting should be added to accentuate key features around the yard. Play off of your usable space with additional lighting to emphasize the size of your lawn. Even the smallest of yards will seem bigger and more usable when lighting is added to the space.

Replacing Your Homes Roof

Without a doubt your roof is one of the most important exterior elements of your home. Not only does it protect the structure from the daily climate changes, it also plays a large role in the efficiency of energy throughout your home. Older roofs often have a number of issues from small leaks to missing shingles. It is important to have your homes roof inspected yearly. A roofing contractor is an expert is finding damage we may miss before it becomes something more major than just replacing your homes roof.

The great news if you do need to replace your roof is that there are an abundance of new materials available in roofing. Long past are the days when your only option were flat, three-tab shingles. Now-a-days homeowners have endless options in roofing materials including architectural shingles that reflect solar rays! Long gone are the days where our air conditioners have run all day fighting the heat that is being transferred throughout our homes from the attic that has retained the heat of the sun. We all know what efficiency adds up to in the long run, additional money in our pockets!

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including:roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services. More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

Kearns Brothers

front porch, porch, porch contractors, porch installation, screened in porches

Creating the Perfect Porch

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Creative Programs and Systems

For many homes, the porch is one of the most overlooked of all spaces. One of the main reasons for this is because most people don’t really take the time to spend outside on the porch. Unless you are lucky to have one that is already fully finished, chances are you probably have not spent much time enjoying yours. However, it does not have to stay that way and depending on your situation this could be a great time to begin considering porch improvements that allow you to enjoy it.

In this article we will give you some ideas and suggestions on creating a porch that you want to make time to enjoy. As always remember to do your research when you are considering a residential contractor especially when it comes to exterior home improvements that affect the curb appeal of your home.

10 Unique ideas for transforming your porch

Create an area of transition –

Remember the porch is part of the entry of your home and therefore you should consider the porch as a transition from the outside to the inside of your home. The spaces should flow and offer a natural transition between the interior and exterior.

Use it to let the light in –

Be sure to add extra large windows to allow more light to shine into your home from the porch. Having temporary sun blocking helps for the times that you are sitting out however letting the natural sunlight in to the home when the porch is not in use is important as well.

Consider adding a fireplace –

Living in an area that gets cooler at times, you may want to consider having a fireplace put in on the porch to add a little extra comfort. There are a number of different fireplace options to choose from, you are likely to fire something that fits.

Establish a plan before getting started –

Before a professional contractor gets started with any changes or serious remodeling be sure that all of your plans are put down on paper so that there is a visual of what the outcome will look like.

A back porch extends your living space –

As the front porch welcomes you into a home, a back porch is seen as an extension of interior and you should treat it as such when considering your remodeling plans. A screened in back porch is even better as it helps prevent insect attacks.

Be sure that your porch idea fits in with the exterior of your house –

When planning the porch take into consideration the rest of the exterior of the house as not to change it too much. Porch spaces should be a natural extension of the interior of your home.

Go a little crazy with a back porch –

Depending on the location of your home, you might consider how a back porch would fit with the outside of the back of your home. Consider adding extra lighting, color, and seating. Make the space comfortable, cozy, and inviting for friends to enjoy.

Front porches should be welcoming –

Since the porch is at the front of your home and is where your front entry door is, your porch should be designed in a way that is welcoming to everyone who arrives. Curb appeal is everything when it comes to home ownership!

Use the space wisely –

Unless you are considering a major remodel and adding extra square footage to the porch space, you want to be sure that you consider the space limitation with all of your plans.

The devil is in the details –

When finishing up the decor of your porch, be sure that you pay close attention to the details. Adding in small finishing touches can add a big punch in the overall design.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

Kearns Brothers

front porch, front porch renovation, porch, porch contractors, porch installation, screened in porches

Exterior Home Improvement Contractors Share Unique Porch Concepts

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Creative Programs and Systems

A perfectly executed exterior home improvement project will not only increase the value of your home, but you might also find yourself chasing off prying neighbors who want to take pictures of your home because it makes for a stunning backdrop. The average return on investment (ROI) of a professionally installed porch, deck, or patio construction is about 73% and average even higher for high-quality wooden decks.

According to exterior home improvement contractors a porch addition, such a masonry blocks are not only the most popular thing to add during a home improvement, they also come in different wall heights that you can either use as retaining walls, tree rings, fire pits, or even stack them up to create eye-catching layers of raised planting beds. Renovating a dated porch and front yard requires more than a lick of paint or a little weeding. You can transform your homes curb appeal by using uniquely designed pavers to create a stunning walkway or entrance to your renovated front porch.

Other creative ways to liven up your home’s exterior and improve the look of your front porch without breaking the bank include painting, replacing the front door, and adding masonry enhancements. Your front door is the first thing that catches your eye and using a bold color or replacing it with a decorative door is an easy and affordable way to instantly add some character and provide a more welcoming entryway into your house.

Changing dated items on your porch such as light fixtures, locks, handles, or house numbers can help you call attention to certain features you want people to notice. According to exterior home improvement contractors, if you’re happy with the look of your door, you can spend money on upgrading the front porch color and light fixtures. Soft porch lights can enhance your home’s overall look and make it appear more inviting. Most importantly, exterior lighting such as solar lights don’t use any electricity from the house, and they improve security by reducing dark spots around your home.

If you have a seating area, even the smallest space on your porch, contractors can help you create a warm and welcoming entry. As well as the installation a few low-maintenance flowers, porch furniture and outdoor artwork to create an attractive focal point. Get creative with your flower containers as well as outdoor rugs to bring life and color to the front of your home.

Kearns Brothers

front porch, front porch renovation, porch, porch contractors, porch installation, screened in porches

Smart Exterior Home Improvements

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Creative Programs and Systems

All homeowners should be aware of the importance of curb appeal, especially when looking to sell their home. The interior looks of the home will never come into play unless you get buyers inside the door, thus the importance of the homes exterior appeal. Let’s face it, if the house looks like a hot mess on the outside what are people to assume the inside looks like. Exterior home improvements often allow you to get the biggest return on your investment, increasing the sale price of your home. In order to maximize your efforts where it counts we have established a list of exterior aspects to focus on during the renovation process.

Front Door

Replacing your homes front door is a solid place to start when looking into exterior upgrades. Replacing the contractor grade front doors that are installed on most newer homes with a high quality, decorative front door can have a major impact. Take the addition of a new front door to the next level with the addition features to dress up the door such as a pediment and molding which offers a more substantial feel.

Front Porch

Along with a new front door, the porch area in itself is a large attention grabber. Some porch renovations include new lighting, fresh decking, the addition of a natural element such as manufactured stone, greenery, and seating can take a space from barely noticeable to a visual masterpiece. When thinking about a front porch most people contour up images of porch swings, rocking chairs, and wicker. It is an image of simplicity, relaxation, and family.

New Roof

When it comes to exterior elements, your homes roof is one of the most important. Not only does your homes roof play an incredibly important role in protecting your home and family from natures harshest elements it adds to the energy efficiency of the home. If you have an older roof with leaks and general overall disrepair it is time to consider a new roof. Installing a new roof with the help of a professional roofing contractor can help to ensure that new roofing technology is utilized, and energy efficiency is maximized.

Increased Lighting

Not only is lighting important to the interior of your home, it can also have a huge impact on the exterior. Exterior lighting be included by each entrance of the home as well as used strategically to enhance architectural features of the home and landscape. Increased lighting not only improves the overall look of the home, it increases the perception of safety. Exterior elements that will be in use throughout the year should have access to lighting. From backyard fireplaces to snowy driveways it is important to be able to have a visual of the area.

Kearns Brothers

front porch, front porch renovation, porch, porch contractors, porch installation, screened in porches

The Importance of Your Homes Exterior Appearance

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Creative Programs and Systems

There are many ways to add aesthetic value to your home; the trick though is to get a return on your investment along with it. Most homeowners think about the interior of the home when considering upgrades however, renovations on the exterior of the home are just as important. Exterior home improvements that boost your homes curb appeal can go a long way in increasing the value of your home. First impressions often make or break how buyers look at a home. The exterior appeal of your home can literally change the way your home is perceived to future buyers.

Of course, most homeowners don’t move forward with renovations to our homes because we will one day will sell the home. We make upgrades to improve the quality of our experiences in the home. It is important homeowners consider both their personal enjoyment and added value. Here are five exterior projects that we believe will add value now and later.

Add a Deck and/or Porch

Sitting in a comfortable chair enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine on your porch or deck is a feeling better than any amount of money. Even the smallest of homes with a yard of any size can enjoy the benefits of a space outdoor that is able to be used as a livable space. It is important that the area be in proportion with the landscape. The addition of the deck or porch should only consist of 1/5^th of the overall space. Even a small patio space, set aside, can make a world of difference. The perception, and hopefully the reality, is that it is a space that used to relax and contemplate the beginning or end of the day.

Replace the Front Door

The first thing you see when you come upon your home is the front door. An older style door can really date your home. The front door of a home not only adds to the appeal of your home it is a big part of the home’s safety. Consider replacing an older front door with a new steel or fiberglass front door with a little bit of artistry to add to the overall look of the home and entry way.

New Window Installation

New windows for a home can be quite expensive; most homeowners don’t consider replacing windows until they absolutely need to. That however, can be a huge mistake. Your homes windows are crucial in providing light, ventilation, and insulation. New windows are a great way to improve the energy efficiency within the home while increasing the appeal to the exterior. Windows are one of the first renovations to consider in older homes as advancements in windows with both durability and energy efficiency far surpasses that of older window technologies.

Maintenance: Roof, Gutters, Siding, and Landscape

Twice a year it is important to take time to do complete a thorough cleaning of the exterior of your home. This is above and beyond the normal weekly maintenance. A homes roof should be inspected and maintained at the beginning of spring and the end of fall. This will ensure that any cracks in the caulking are filled, missing shingles replaced, and leaks are caught before causing damage to the structure of the home.

Gutters should be cleaned as well during this time to ensure that leaves and extra debris are removed, and the gutters are allowing water to properly flow away from the home. There are many problems that come from improperly functioning gutters including ice dams that lead to roof and structural damage.

It is important to keep up on your homes exterior such as siding and masonry. Power washing and touch ups should be performed as needed to prevent any major build ups of mold, algae, or fungus. This will keep the siding in tip top shape both structurally and aesthetically.

Your homes landscaping is another element that cannot be ignored. It is a huge part of the exterior view of your home. Homeowners are wise to complete weekly maintenance such as mowing, weeding, and watering on-top of the chores that need to be completed at least twice a season such as tree trimming, edging, fresh mulch, separating over grown plants, and grass care.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan’s interior and exterior construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.