Category: Blog

Roofing is one of the most important aspects of a home. Not only is it important for aesthetic reasons but for functional purposes too. A roof is responsible for keeping a home dry and protecting it from external elements. Because of this, choosing a roofing material is a decision that should not be made hastily. If you’re looking to upgrade your roof, consider one of the popular roofing options discussed in this article.

Metal: Metal roofing is durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. After a hurricane, tornado, or ice storm rips through an area, some of the only roofs left standing have metal roofing.  Metal roofs also come in a variety of materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and copper, all of which are recyclable and thus a great environmentally friendly option. Not only can it be utilized to harvest rainwater, but with its high solar reflectance it can keep heating and cooling energy use low. In fact, choosing a metal roof can help homeowners save as much as 25% off of their annual energy expenses. Furthermore, metal roofing requires very little maintenance.

Asphalt: Asphalt is one of the most common residential and commercial roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective choice and are relatively easy to install. Additionally, asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of colors and styles. This makes it a common choice due to the fact that it can match well with many architectural styles. Because of their durability and water-shedding capabilities, asphalt shingles are suitable for a wide range of climates.

Flat Roofing: Low slope or flat roofing can be a great option for many homes. Homes that have porches or other additions may have a flat roof system. There are many different material options for flat roofs, which makes it easy to match with the rest of the structure. However, if you’re designing or re-doing a project with a flat roof, it’s important to let a professional handle the job. Because of the low slope feature, if the roofing is not done properly, it can lead to water draining issues. Working with a professional will allow homeowners to rest assured their new flat roof not only looks good but functions properly too.

It’s important to remember that every roofing material has its advantages and disadvantages. Because of this, it’s important to trust your local roofer to help choose the right roof for you.

Everyone wants to have a safe, functional, beautiful home. We spend so much time and money making sure the inside of our homes are incredible. We paint everything to match our version of the perfect aesthetic. We put in functional furniture and shelving to make our lives a breeze, and we even install home security systems to protect ourselves and our families 24 hours a day.

Something that many homeowners overlook is putting those same style, function, and safety features on the outside of the home as well. What is the perfect way to do that, you ask? Fencing. A 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey revealed that pergolas, decks, and fences were projected to be the top three most popular outdoor structures of the year. And putting up fencing in your yard has incredible benefits. Here are just a few, given to us by Zillow. 

Privacy
This one is pretty obvious, but fences offer amazing privacy. Imagine you are enjoying a nice picnic dinner with your family in your backyard, and all you can see and hear are your neighbor’s rowdy kids splashing and screaming in the pool next door. Putting up a fence will give you the privacy you need to relax and enjoy the summer days and nights outside with your loved ones.

Safety
Your children and pets will be safe and sound playing in a fenced-in yard. They have the ability to roam without the danger of going outside the limits of your property. Fences also prevent strange animals or people from wandering into your yard while your kids or pets are outside. Fencing also provides a safety net for your neighbors’ children so they cannot stumble into your yard and fall into your swimming pool, for example.

Noise Reduction
This one goes hand and hand with privacy. If you live on a busy street and/or you have neighbors that are very close by, having a fence up can reduce the noise from your surroundings. According to Zillow, “an 8-foot-high solid fence can knock 6 to 10 decibels off traffic and other ambient noise. Fences can reduce noise levels by 60 percent to 85 percent, depending on fence height, elevations, and noise frequencies.”

Design
Last but not least, you can add a lot of aesthetic appeal to your home by adding in fencing. There are many different styles to choose from, so you can pick the one that is just right for you. Having a fence in your yard can both define your property boundary and attract the eye through thoughtful landscaping, according to Zillow.

Remember these awesome advantages to having fencing in your yard the next time you think about home improvement. It’s not just the inside that counts, it’s the outside too.

A portable garage unit can be the perfect addition to any home. Not only does it greatly increase the amount of storage space that homeowners have at their disposal, but it also helps house vehicles in enclosed, secure spaces. There are many benefits that come with adding a garage or shed unit to your property, but there are some essential things that property owners need to know about garage security.

Here are the basic tenets of garage security that every property owner should be aware of:

Design And Structure Impact Security

The structure of your garage is the primary cornerstone of your garage security. This is why it is crucial that property owners take the time to choose the right company to provide their custom portable garage. Neglecting to do so is a truly costly misstep that will affect your security in the long run.

Ideally, your garage unit should be built with sturdy materials that signal longevity and security. Even if you employ the use of extensive physical security measures, there will be an inherent vulnerability that can always be exploited. As you make the decision to have a portable garage unit installed, pay close attention to the way it is constructed, and learn more about how it will hold up over time.

Locks Are A Crucial Part Of Garage Security

Most property owners do not give their garage structures the same security that is afforded to their homes. A garage unit is often used to store valuable items that range from cars to tools and equipment, so it goes without saying that it also deserves the appropriate security. Regardless of what is being stored in a garage, property owners need to understand that locks are an integral part of garage security.

It is a grave mistake to neglect the use of locks or to rely solely on one lock to get the job done. Most burglars can easily circumvent a basic lock if they are given enough time, and the last thing you want is a burglar making their way through your garage. Ideally, homeowners should invest in some of the best shed locks, which can be used to secure the main egress and ingress points of your garage.

Taking this a step further would involve pairing your garage door locks with other physical security deterrents that also elevate security. Common examples of these deterrents include surveillance cameras and monitored alarm systems. These measures can be used alongside secure locks to really give property owners more versatile garage security.

Alternate Entrances Have To Be Secured

It would be fairly easy for most property owners to think that if they invest in a garage from a reputable building company or install some high-security shed locks that their garage security will be complete. However, security measures that rely heavily on one thing are often bound to fail. This is why property owners have to actively ensure that all alternate entrances are sealed off to prevent unauthorized access.

The first step to accomplishing this involves identifying all the possible points of entry that could be used to exploit your garage security. Once all these possible access points have been identified, you merely have to take measures to keep them secure. For instance, a common access point that burglars exploit is windows. If you identify this threat, install window locks that serve to keep your garage secure. Another great deterrent might be to use privacy fencing that helps keep your garage closed off to unauthorized individuals.

Final Thoughts

As far as home additions and home improvement projects go, the inclusion of a garage is one of the most rewarding things, so do not let the lack of garage security negatively impact you. The information above should help give you insight into the way property owners should view garage security. I hope this information helps you choose the best portable garage unit, and that it also helps you keep said unit secured.

Ralph Goodman is a security expert and lead writer for the Lock Blog, the #1 locksmith blog on the Internet. The Lock Blog is a great resource to learn about locks, safety, and security. They offer tips, advice and how-to’s for consumers, homeowners, locksmiths, and security professionals. Ralph has been featured widely throughout the web on sites such as Business Insider, Zillow, Bluetooth, Apartments.com, CIO, and Safewise.

According to the 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey, the three most popular outdoor structures for this year are expected to be: decks, fencing, and pergolas. However, porch additions and garages are also expected to be in demand. Space is a commodity that many homeowners want, which is why a home addition is a great way to get this space without spending money on a new home.

Not only that, but adding extra room or outdoor entertainment space to your home can increase the value of your property. When making a home improvement, it is important to think about how it will impact your home’s value as well as your quality of life. Porch additions, for example, make a great sun room for relaxation and a location to store your belongings. There are other benefits to home additions as well.

Add New Life To Your Space
If you’ve lived in your home for at least a decade, chances are it might feel like it needs an update. Both interior remodeling or a home addition can add new life to your living space. That could mean increasing the storage space, adding energy efficient features, or just giving the deck an expansion. Whatever route that you choose, you’ll feel like your home is a little bit newer and more exciting than it was before. If your family has been growing over the past few years, then it’s time that your house did, too.

Save Money Compared To Moving
As stated at the start, moving is expensive. A home addition can be a less costly and less stressful way of “up-scaling” than moving to a new home. It’s a convenient solution that will allow you to get the space you need in a much cheaper way. A bigger garage for more vehicles and work space is always going to be cheaper than moving into a new home that already has a workshop. 

Improve Aesthetic Appeal
You, and homeowners like you, want your home to look good. Adding porch additions to a home can increase its overall aesthetic appeal, and it will give it a fuller and more expansive look. Exterior renovation projects tend to be much less invasive than interior renovations, but if you like to spend a lot of time outside, then its impact on your quality of life can be equally positive.

If you’re considering projects to improve the value of your home while also giving new life to it, consider an addition. Adding a structure like a porch or a deck can be a great investment that won’t completely drain your bank account. And if you’re looking for easy to install screened in porches here in Panama City, Florida, give us a shout to discuss the design and building plans today.

Home additions can transform the look and feel of your home. They also represent one of the most expensive home improvement projects a homeowner can engage in. This is why you should always take the time to plan this type of renovation well, making sure to cover every detail of the project. However, there are common home addition mistakes that can derail a project and end up inflating the budget.

That’s why you need to be careful to avoid the following common home improvement missteps:

Hiring The Wrong Contractor
When you’re working with large-scale home improvement projects, you want to make sure you hire the right contractors for the job. Hiring the wrong team could mean the difference between a quality job and a total disaster. You should meet with several recommended general contractors. Compare their presentations, communication skills, and their prices before signing any contracts, and always check their online profile to find past reviews. In addition, make sure that they have had past experience with the home additions that interest you, like garages, decks, porch additions, or similar projects.

Not Keeping The Big Picture In Mind
According to HomeAdvisor’s 2017 True Cost Survey, spending on home improvement projects has increased by 60% in the last year as housing supply has dwindled. No matter the reason for your project, you need to make sure that you have a plan that keeps the budget in mind at all times. Talk to an architect or designer about your targeted budget before starting to design anything. This eliminates misunderstandings that could lead to a budgeting disaster.

If you’re planning smaller scale projects, then you can often work with companies that provide custom garages, porches, and storage buildings. These structures are easy to install onto your property but don’t require a massive financial investment.

Getting Building Permits Too Early or Too Late
You should wait to apply for building permits until the final design is in place. The permit application occurs once all the designing aspects have been completed and a general contractor has been hired. The reasoning behind this is that changes to the design could lead to you having to change the building permit, which costs more money. In addition to this, you might have to pay more for the contractor to work with the new design. Avoid having to pay more, and just wait for the design to be completed. Likewise, remember that applying for the necessary permits too late can cause unnecessary delays and expenses.

Whether it be garages, decks, porches, or other home improvement projects, you should avoid the above mistakes. Walking into the home improvement process unprepared will cost you more money in the long run, and you don’t need the added expense.

When you’re performing your home maintenance during the spring and summer, one of the most common places that you look is the roof. You want to know if you have to do roof repair or contact a roofing company for a new installation. It’s only natural that this is where your priorities lie. After all, a roof should be inspected at least once or twice a year depending on climate and the materials used.

But while you’re checking the asphalt shingles on the roof of your home, you should also make sure that you check on top of your storage or garden sheds, too.

Many homeowners have storage sheds on the property where they keep their lawn care equipment or their tools. And these sheds, like your home, can suffer wear and tear throughout the seasons. They need to be properly taken care of in order to be in the best condition. If you want to keep your garden shed standing and sturdy for years to come, here are some things you should keep in mind.

Check The Roof
Naturally, there are several ways that you can perform maintenance on a garden shed. The first is to check the roof, making sure that the shingles (assuming that shingles were used in its construction) are in good shape. If your shed has a metal roof, you’ll want to check for any loose screws or components, corrosion, as well as dents from fallen limbs, etc. Regardless of your shed’s roof type, you want to be sure there is no tree debris built up on it. This can cause roof leaks by not allowing rain to escape the roof fast enough, backing up under the roof material laps. Check the inside ceiling for any signs of leaks, as water intrusion can lead to major damage if not stopped.

Inspect Walls And Floors
You’re also going to want to check the walls and the flooring. A crack in the wrong spot can lead to rodents getting inside, or an issue with structural integrity. Both of these situations are not the things you want to be dealing with when you’re preparing for the coming seasons.

Don’t Use Dirt
You should also avoid using dirt to fill in the spaces under or around the shed. This is especially important if you’re considering dirt as a filler in direct contact with the shed’s structure. A lot of individuals will use dirt to fill in “air space” that forms over time, and this can harm wooden structures by making them damp and allowing water inside when it has run-off against the siding.

This only really happens when there’s too much dirt piled up, but you can never be too careful.

You invested money in building your garden shed, don’t waste that investment by letting it fall into disrepair. When you’re performing your annual home maintenance and repairs, make sure you remember to check the shed too.

There’s no better feeling than knowing you invested in a quality home improvement project. Something like building a fence, installing a new garage, or even having a roof repair done can be a fantastic contributor to your home’s overall value. But these things can be expensive, and though something like metal roofing can last 50 years or more and save 25% on your annual energy bill, the initial investment isn’t worth it to some.

But that’s where gazebos can break the mold.

Gazebos, aside from being less expensive to build, can add an elegant feeling to a home or backyard. They also require less initial investment and can be used as part of a landscaping project, effectively increasing your lawn’s curb appeal.

But there are more benefits to a gazebo than just increasing your home’s value. To help you get a feeling for what those could be, we’ve outlined a few of the more common benefits for you to consider:

Design Variety
A gazebo is flexible in terms of its design options. You can just as easily place it in a hidden spot as you can smack in the middle of your front lawn. Not only that, but you can use it as protection from sun, rain, and all manner of other elements that might rain on your parade. In addition, you’ll have numerous options for walls that include full, partial, or even screened barriers.

Diverse Uses
Because it can be either open or have walls, your gazebo can serve a great many purposes. It can be used as a wedding venue, an intimate space for quiet conversations, an outdoor kitchen, or even as a shelter for your hot tub or grill. This means you can enjoy any activity without much concern for the weather.

Cost Effective
Compared to most other outdoor structures, you can purchase or build a gazebo yourself for a relatively low price. If you have knowledge of what materials you need and access to appropriate blueprints, it can be pretty easy to create. And the materials are not too expensive. If you’d rather purchase your newest lawn addition, there are numerous outdoor companies, including ours, that can help you find the perfect piece for your lawn.

If you have questions concerning gazebos or other outdoor structures, let this short guide be your answer. There’s no need to debate whether or not a gazebo is for you when there are so many options available. What are you waiting for?

Sheds are the eighth most popular outdoor structure, according to a 2017 Residential Landscape survey. Storage sheds are a great project for the do it yourself enthusiasts, and for those in need of storage buildings for their properties.

There is a lot that goes into building on of these, however, much like constructing decks or porches. Shed builders need to account for a lot of factors, especially if they want it to last for years to come.

The Right Spot
You need to pick the right spot when you’re building your shed, and that’s even more important than keeping it accessible. It needs to be in a place that allows it to hold up against weather and other conditions. It needs to be level and with good drainage.

And, depending on the materials, you need to make sure it gets good sunlight daily. This is more geared towards sheds made of wood, as moisture will cause it to rot and warp.

Top Quality Materials
You don’t want to skimp on the materials for your shed, that will cost you in the long run. For instance, choice of metal siding and roofing is important especially near the coastline where saltwater corrosion could be a factor over the long term. A metal siding shed can cost less than a wood or fiber cement siding shed to construct, but there may be additional advantages in having a hard surface exterior. These factors all depend on your location and intended use of the shed.

If you’re using a paintable wood or fiber cement siding product, you want to use all-weather paint, and to prime the wood before painting so that it has a good base to adhere to. The point is that spending a little more on your storage buildings can save a lot in terms of future costs.

Have a Solid Foundation
An unsteady ground can lead to the entire structure being unstable, no matter how sturdy your shed may be. You should use either adequate concrete blocks, wood post piers or even a solid concrete slab to lay a solid base when you start building, all depending on your site and ground conditions, as well as your intended use. A proper foundation means that you won’t have to worry about your shed shifting apart in the future.

Taking a bit of extra time and money to build your shed can give you the best possible results. You want to have the best materials and the best structural integrity. This is supposed to last a lifetime, after all.

If you have any questions about shed building, or what materials you should build your shed with, please contact us. We’re experts in the field.

According to the 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey, storage sheds ranked number eight in the most popular outdoor structures list of 2017. The humble shed has been a staple of American backyards for centuries, and there are many reasons to have a storage shed in your yard: to protect equipment and tools from the elements, store gardening supplies, and free up more room in your home.

However, in recent years, homeowners have started demanding more from their backyard storage sheds, and these structures are evolving with the times. That means you can hire custom shed builders to raise a structure that exactly suits your needs.

And if you’re looking for a custom backyard shed, here are some unexpected features to consider:

1. 1. Raised Floors: Here in Panama City, Florida, homeowners always have to build with floodwaters in mind. For this reason, custom sheds built with raised floors are particularly popular. However, you don’t need to live in a coastal region to benefit from raised floors, which can help keep away pests as well as water.

 

1. 1. Insulation and Ventilation: Whether you want a “man cave,” “she-shed,” or think those are silly names altogether, many homeowners now look to garden sheds as places to spend time alone. If you enjoy gardening, crafting, woodworking, or just puttering around in the backyard, then an insulated and ventilated shed is a great investment. Remember: a shed doesn’t have to be as hot as your attic; it can be a comforting place to spend time.

 

1. 1. A Covered Carport: When you don’t want to build a full garage but still want a carport, then custom shed builders can help you add a covered carport to the side of your new storage shed. This is a great way to protect your car from the sun and rain without making a major addition to your home.

 

1. Windows: If you don’t plan on insulating or ventilating your new storage shed, then consider adding windows instead. Not only do these add aesthetic value to your new garden shed, but they allow a breeze to flow through while you’re hard at work.

There are many benefits to getting storage buildings for your home, and these are just a handful of the modern features for you to choose from. If you’re looking to add storage or recreation space to your home, then contact a local custom shed builder to see about getting one for your home today.

Being a first-time homeowner is an exciting time! You probably have so much on your plate right now but before you get started, you should at least keep in mind that you’ll need to consider every aspect of your property. Far too many homeowners only focus on interior design, landscaping, or the layout of their homes and ignore other important property features. Here are a few important aspects of your new land that you should consider taking care of to avoid costly repairs.

Your roof

Work with roofers to ensure a protected home and strong roof. Homeowners expect a great looking roof but seldom put the money and effort into actually obtaining one. The roof is perhaps the most important aspect of the entire home’s structure because it provides immediate protection from the outside world and gives you and your family shelter. Your roof should be inspected, at the very least, once or twice a year by professional roofers, but you should probably plan for a few more inspections to ensure safety.

Your garage

Homeowners often forget about garages and spend too much time worrying about other aspects of their property. You don’t want to have a poor quality garage, however, because that can result in some serious structural damage to both your home and your vehicles. If your garage’s roof, for instance, isn’t as secure as your actual home’s roof, it could potentially break down even more and eventually crash onto your vehicles or harm someone. Avoid these costly repairs and get your garage inspected every few months.

Your fences

Obviously the fences on your property aren’t as important as the roof directly above your head, but it should still be noted that they shouldn’t be completely forgotten. If only for the aesthetic purposes, fences can make or break a property in the visually appealing department. If you ever wish to sell your property, whether it’s in a few years or a few decades from now, even if your home is absolutely astonishing, if you have a broken, rickety fence, the value is going to significantly decrease.

If you want to learn more about what parts of your home need your attention, or to speak with experienced roofers, contact Tool Time Building and Roofing today!