Over the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about home remodeling trends for the new year and specifically ones related to kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling. While those are the remodeling projects most homeowners are leaning towards in 2022, we wanted to discuss a space that while may not be an area you might typically consider, if renovated could really add to your family’s enjoyment and your property value!

Happy New Year! We hope this blog post finds you in good health and with high hopes for 2022. We certainly would like to see a return to “normal” but as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the Greater Birmingham metro area, it does appear that 2022 has not veered from last year’s course too much- at least not yet. In other words, we’re still spending more time at home than not. Rather than lament about circumstances we can’t change, we’re here to turn lemons into lemonade. Since you’re limiting time away from home, why not spend this year making some improvements that make you want to stay put. Let’s start with the kitchen.

72% of homeowners surveyed by real estate and rental marketplace giant, Zillow, will consider at least one home improvement project in 2022. Of that group, more than half leaned towards a bathroom remodel. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at bathroom trends expected this year.

Whether you’ve recently purchased a fixer upper or want to make improvements/updates to the home you already own, there’s one question that you’ll need to answer and that is should you do-it-yourself or hire a home improvement company? In an attempt to help you decide for yourself which route to go, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both options. 

While hanging decorations on siding can make your home fun and festive, if not done properly, it can also leave it looking a bit sad once the new year arrives. If you want to show the world (or maybe just your neighborhood) your Christmas spirit this year but don’t want to damage your siding, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’ve lived in Alabama for any length of time there’s a good chance you’ve heard about Masonite siding and more specifically, the issues with it. In addition to swelling and buckling, rotting is a very common issue with this type of siding. If your home is covered in Masonite siding and you’re wondering why it isn’t holding up too well, we have the answer. In a word, moisture.

While replacing your home’s siding can boost your curb appeal, it’s not just about the aesthetics. Properly maintained siding is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. While it can last several years, eventually siding will wear out and need to be replaced. That’s especially true here in Alabama where stormy weather and the hot sun take its toll. But how do you know when that time has arrived? Here are four signs it’s time to replace your siding.

Sure, we’ve had a few chilly mornings in the last couple of weeks but days are still great for fishing on Lake Mitchell and the weekend’s weather hasn’t stopped fans from tailgating before the games. Simply put, fall has arrived in Greater Birmingham and Central Alabama and it is wonderful. It won’t be long though before the first frost occurs and we lose an hour of daylight. Which means now is the ideal time to tackle those home maintenance items that should be done in advance of the upcoming season. With that in mind, here are a few to-dos we think are must-dos this fall.

Masonite siding was the original hardboard siding patented in 1924 by friend and protégé of Thomas Edison, William H. Mason. Made from wood chips that were formed into boards by a process that involved steam, pressure, and heat, Masonite siding became very popular because it looked like real hard wood (ideal for those who did not like vinyl or aluminum) and was thought to require less maintenance than wood. In Alabama, Masonite siding was very popular and often used on homes in the 80s and early 90s.

Energy efficiency has become a popular buzzword in recent years and especially for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. While it’s good for the environment, making your home an energy efficient one has additional benefits, such as keeping the temperature of your home comfortable no matter what’s happening outside and a reduction in energy bills. One of the most common ways to achieve an energy efficient home is by swapping out old windows with replacement windows that are made with low-e glass.