Tag Archives: Falls Church

Converting your Screen Porch into a Sunroom

A sunroom addition can be an inviting, warm, and useful addition to your home. Converting an already existing screen porch into a sunroom which you can utilize year round is one of the easiest and quickest ways to create more livable space in your home while increasing your home’s value.  Professional Remodeling Group in Fairfax, Virginia is an expert in this process and has been doing it for many years.

Keep in mind that although construction on your home is a daunting idea, a covered porch is already partially on its way to being a full-fledged sunroom. The first consideration to make, is that any type of construction may need a permit from your city’s building department. Depending on the design of your sunroom including lighting, plumbing, and ventilation.  Professional Remodeling Group will have to check with your city’s building department to find out what type of permits are needed to create your sunroom, and will complete all the necessary inspections.

Once permits are in place, it is crucial to thoroughly check the already existing Screened Porch for any insect, weather, or rotting damage. This is especially important for raised porches, as the foundation of your porch must be strong in order to build on top of it and create a livable space. If damage is found, don’t worry. Simply ensure that this damage is repaired before any construction can begin on top of the already existing structure.

The next consideration to make is regarding the design of your sunroom. Depending on the outside finish of your home, you may need to consider removing the exterior and replacing it with drywall, or leaving it expose if the vision of your sunroom allows for this. For example, vinyl siding on a house will have to be removed and replaced with drywall, while brick or stone can be left exposed to add character to the inside of the new sunroom.

Finally, depending on the design you have chosen a budget must be put in place. One of the greatest costs of a sunroom are the windows chosen since a sunroom is composed mainly of windows. It is important to consider energy efficiency if you would like the sunroom to be useable for four seasons, although this may incur a greater cost initially. Energy efficient windows are also important because it is often difficult to extend ventilation from the interior of the home into a sunroom which means the room may be dependant on retaining heat during the cold months and keeping heat out during the warmer months.

You may also want to choose a door between the rest of the house and the sunroom. Some options include French doors, sliding doors, or an insulated metal door. Remember that it is easier to install this door during the conversion of your porch into a sunroom rather than later on.

Professional Remodeling Group is a Class -A Sunroom Contractors Northern Virginia. Our Home Improvement contractors are specialized in Energy Efficient Windows, Sunroom Additions, Screened Porch Building.

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How To Choose a Good Roofing Contractor

Your roof is the most important part of your home. It literally is the roof over your head, and so choosing a good roofing contractor to work on this area is crucial. Choosing a good roofing contractor includes many important elements states Professional Remodeling Group a local contractor located in Fairfax, Northern Virginia area. Some of these elements include ensuring that your roofing contractor knows how to deal with problem spots, has knowledge about a variety of roof covering products, knows good roofing practices, and is competent to give sound advice on products and procedures.

One of the best way to find credible companies for roofing jobs, is through a referral. This way you can get the names of companies from family and friends who you know have done a good job in the past. Be aware that the contractor you choose should be a member of the Better Business Bureau, and this is also a great resource for getting names of credible contractors.  The Better Business Bureau can also verify the roofing contractors current status and compliant history.

An initial interview is extremely important in order to discuss the project and the qualifications or experience of the roofing contractor. Pay attention to the company representative who should be able to answer your questions and be confident that they can help you with your roofing problems. Also ensure that you get crucial information from the contractor including their past experience, licensing/bonding, business license numbers, and references. Insurance is also an important aspect which is often overlooked when choosing a roofing contractor. You must be sure that the roofing contractor is validly insured so that there is assurance in case something does go wrong.

Once you are confident that you have a roofing contractor who is knowledgeable and experienced, the next step is to start negotiating a contract. Prior to negotiating with a roofing contractor, they should provide you with an estimate or proposal on the work to be done. A proposal is a more detailed offer which lists products, prices, services, designs, and a few different estimates depending on the level of materials and designs chosen. An estimate will usually only involve one number.

Roofing contractors are usually chosen in a rush because roofing problems are often emergencies and require immediate action. However, make sure to take the time to get a few estimates and start researching the middle numbers. Cheapest is not always better. Remember that you get what you pay for, and although a roofing contractor may offer you a cheaper number in the beginning, this may end up costing you extra money in the long run. Therefore, the middle estimates are usually the best way to go.

Ensure that everything discussed with your roofing contract is put in writing. Professional Remodeling Group a Northern Virginia roofing company warns that it is foolish to depend on verbal assurances made by your roofing contractor. Therefore, the contract should contain every detail from which buildings permits are necessary, a schedule of dates for start to completion, which materials will be used, warranties, to site procedures, liens and the names of any other subcontractors who may be present at the job. It is important to get a warranty which is written into the contract. Also in compliance with the warranty, if something does need further repair the repairs should be done immediately as a matter of contract so you are not waiting with a faulty roof in case of a problem.

Follow these steps to choosing a good roofing contractor who will handle the most important part of your home with pride and confidence.

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