Southern Charm Construction & Improvements

March 29, 2009

  Spring

  Now that spring has arrived it is a good time to look around you home and look for any damage from the past winter or damage from the high winds we had about three weeks ago.  While on my way to look at work requested by home owners for estimates over the past few weeks I have noticed a lot of damage from those high winds we had.  Most of what I have seen is siding and aluminum fascia loose or missing. These winds must have been coming from an unusual angle or it may have been the high gust. 

Also while on your search keep an eye out for openings that birds can fit in to build a nest, as now that is their main activity.  If you do notice any, it is a good idea to place something over it to prevent access until a repair can be made.  This could be a piece of screening, thin metal, etc.  If denied access they will move on looking for another place in which to build their nest. 

Gutters - The snow we had a couple of weeks ago or if the leaves were not cleaned out from last fall.  Look for a space between the fascia and the back of the gutter or if it is sagging a little.  The gutters should be tightened up.  This can be done by taking a hammer with you up to the gutter and driving the gutter spike in so that the gutter is tight to the fascia.  While you are up there go a head and clean any debris out.  Make sure you check the down spout to make sure it is clear.

Screens - Check your screens for holes or rips that may have been caused by a wind whipped branch or the like from a near by tree.  Soon it will be warm enough to open up those windows and let the clean fresh air through your house.

The main thing here is to get out and check the outside of your house, I'm sure you've seen enough of the inside over the winter.  A quick 10 to 20 minutes should be about all of the time it takes.

TIP:  For those high areas you can use binoculars to safely get a closer look.  While your at it stand back and look at your roof - any shingles missing?

Be sure to check back soon for more advice and tips.  Is there something you would like more information on? 

  If you do find that repairs are needed or with questions, be sure to Contact Us! 

May 09, 2009

Evergrain decking is a product we have been using since 2000.  It is a composite decking that is maintenance free and looks great for many years.  The decks and porches that I installed back in 2000 and since still look great and the home owners love it.  The decks in the pictures in this web site were decked using Evergrain.  By clicking on the title above will take you to the Evergrain web site.  There you can view the color choices as well as some pictures.     

August 6, 2009
  Hello Home Owners.......With the current situation out there I ask you to be careful.  I have had seven people contact me after they have ended up hiring the WRONG contractor or someone posing as a contractor this year.  Please be careful when selecting a contractor for your projects and repairs.  MAKE SURE THEY ARE LICENSED, (MHIC) .  Sure that unlicensed bid is lower, they do not have the overhead expenses that we do.  Doing business with an unlicensed person is against the law and you generally don't have any recourse.  ASK TO SEE THEIR LICENSE.  If I visit your home and just before I hand you one of my business cards I hand my license to you.  Check to make sure their license is current and in good standing (No Complaints).  Call the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC).  The BBB.  If you see an ad in the Penny saver, internet or where ever and no MHIC #, don't call them.  Why is the number not there when it is the law.   Also you can look at the license number, most contractors that have been in business for a while have a five digit number.   FYI -  Any work done on your home or to your home, the person is required to be licensed.  This is for your protection.  If someone is going to be working on a ladder, make sure they are licensed.  If they fall or something and not licensed and by such insured, guess who is responsible.

  These days everyone is trying to save money.  That is a good thing but you get what you pay for.  A lot of home owners are getting five or more bids for their projects and repairs and then selecting the lowest bid.  This is not a good thing to do.  Lowest bid does not mean the best value for your hard earned money.  I have gone in after these jokers and unfortunately sometimes it has ended up costing the client more than twice the original cost because it had to completely re-done, not to mention the mental anguish and stress.   One of the things I have been seeing is that some if not a lot of contractors advertising are offering something for free.  Come on, are you REALLY getting something for free?  Is this guy really taking a cut on the price or is it more likely being marked up and only then being reduced.  I personally do not offer things for free.  I do not feel that this is truthful 

TRUST -  Trust your instincts.  Trust is a big part of contracting.  So you feel comfortable with this person?

Let me know your opinion.  Was this helpful?    Send me an email and let me know!