Metal roofs, or asphalt shingles? This is a question I am asked on a rather regular basis. There are lots of advantages to installing a metal roof on your residential project. If you chose the correct system it will easily last your lifetime…Thats YOUR lifetime not just the life of the home. It is fireproof (which is great if you live an area prone to wildfires). They are very wind resistant, water proof, and virtually little to no maintenance is required to keep the roof looking good as new.

This home (in Virginia Idaho) is a beautiful example of what a properly installed metal roof can (and should look like). This home was remodeled in 1995 and the red metal roof details the clean lines and classic architecture of the home.

This home also happens to be on the market so if you are interested in finding out more, just follow the link below! (MLS #536359)

Jayshomes.com

Spring is just around the corner and this is the time when most people start to contemplate adding on to their house, building that cabin in the mountains, or pursuing their dream home. A few things to keep in mind; most city municipalities will be getting busier so the time it takes to get your permit will be lengthened.

Also take the time to explore the contractors and sub-contractors that you will be using on your project. We of course have a number of excellent contractors that we can provide for any project, BUT if you are using your own, make sure he (or) she is credible. Take the time to go and look at some of their work. Ask past clients what they think of the person you are contemplating using. And don’t be afraid to get multiple bids on your project. Even if you are set on using a particular contractor it never hurts to see how they stand up to another bid.

Be careful when you do get your bids…..cheaper does not always mean better. I have a good contractor friend who recently was out-bid by nearly $15,000 on a project. When researching the reasons as to why my friend was so much higher it turns out that he had done a cost plus bid and his competitor had turned in a flat fee bid. This is like comparing apples to oranges (you just can’t compare). My friend turned in a cost plus bid (meaning he factored in his price, which the owners pay for up front….but everything beyond that is subject to what the owners want and what the project may surprises them with) any money left over in the end goes back to the homeowner.  He had tried to put enough into his bid to handle any and all surprises on the 1920’s remodel job. His competitors bid was a flat fee bid (which means you pay a flat fee weather the contractor spends that much or not there is no ‘money back’ at the end). Also with flat fee bids, if you make any changes the contractor will charge you for it…and if he finds any surprises in construction…he will charge you for it.

Both bid styles have their good and bad points, but remember you need to compare apples to apples. If you are getting cost plus bids, they all need to be cost plus…and vise-a-versa with flat fee bids.

We have been working with a client who is doing some remodel work. They are converting their garage into living space, so there are no structural changes. The plans are going through Salt Lake County, and we found out (the hard way) Salt Lake County has changed their requirements on both setbacks and height restrictions.

Even if you aren’t adding on to an existing home you now have to meet the new requirements for any permit. This will make things more challenging for some of our clients who want to remodel!

As the New Year progresses and we see January quickly coming to a close, I am happy to say that we are already seeing new clients come through the door. We are finishing up a nice little remodel, and have another one starting today. We also have a new client meeting this afternoon.

Still working on the systems upgrade….keep your fingers crossed!!