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The Pros and Cons of Home Additions: Is It Worth the Cost?

A home addition can be a great way to increase the living space in your home and add value to your property. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before you make a decision. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the key benefits and drawbacks of home additions. We'll also provide some tips for deciding if a home addition is right for you.

The Pros of Home Additions

One of the biggest advantages of home addition is that it can increase the value of your home. If you're planning on selling your home in the future, an addition can be a great way to boost its resale value. Additionally, a home addition can give you the extra space you need for a growing family or to accommodate guests. If you love your home and don't want to move, an addition can be a great way to stay in your current home and still get the extra space you need.

The Cons of Home Additions

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to consider before adding on to your home. One of the biggest disadvantages is that home additions can be expensive. The cost of materials and labor can add up quickly, so it's important to get accurate estimates before you begin a project. Additionally, home additions can be disruptive to your daily life. If you're planning a major addition, you may need to move out of your home during construction. This can be inconvenient and expensive, so it's something to keep in mind before starting a project.

Tips for Deciding if a Home Addition is Right for You

If you're considering a home addition, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the cost of the project and whether or not it is feasible for your budget. It's also important to think about how the addition will impact your day-to-day life. Consider the added value to your home. Certain spaces are more valuable than others. Adding extra closet space isn't likely to add much value to your home, but an additional bedroom or bathroom, or much larger kitchen can make a world of difference.

If you're planning a major addition, you may need to make arrangements to live elsewhere during construction. Additionally, it's important to get accurate estimates for the cost of materials and labor before you begin a project. Once you've considered all of these factors, you'll be able to decide if a home addition is right for you.

If you're thinking about adding on to your home, weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Consider the cost of the project and how it will impact your daily life. With careful planning, a home addition can be a great way to increase the value of your home and provide extra space for your family.

For a quote on your home addition, contact us today at 1 (833) 247-3369

1(833)-2GREEN9

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How to Plan the Perfect Porch: Size, Style, and More

When you are planning your porch, there are a few things to consider. The most important factor is the size of your porch. You need to make sure that it is big enough to accommodate the activities that you will be using it for. Another thing to consider is the style of your porch. Make sure it matches the style of your house! Finally, think about what features you would like on your porch. Awnings? Benches? Railings?

When deciding on the size of your porch, the most important factor to consider is how you plan to use it. If you want to use it for entertaining guests, then you’ll need a porch that is large enough to comfortably accommodate your guests. Similarly, if you plan on using your porch for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors, then you’ll need a porch that is large enough for you to comfortably relax in. Are you looking to house two rocking chairs or an entire sitting area? Once you’ve decided on the size of your porch, the next step is to decide on the style of your porch.

The style of your porch should match the style of your house. If you have a traditional-looking house, then a traditional-looking porch would be the best choice. However, if you have a more modern-looking house, then a more modern-looking porch would be the better choice. If you need help identifying the current style of your house, use this awesome infographic from PartSelect. (You can zoom in.)

There are many different styles of porches to choose from, so take your time in choosing the right one for your home. Once you’ve decided on the style of your porch, the next step is to decide on the features that you would like to include on your porch. Awnings, benches, and railings are all popular choices for porches. However, there are many other options available as well.

Awnings are a great way to keep the sun off of your porch during the hotter months. Benches are a great way to add additional seating to your porch. Railings are a great way to add safety and security to your porch. (They can also be used as decoration!) Railings may be important for future home-sale as well, as there are rules surrounding handrails and balusters specifically for buyers using FHA loans.

If you're not sure what features you want on your porch, check out some of the other people's porches in your neighborhood. It can be attractive to adopt a cohesive look with your neighbors, or you may want to set a bar that you'd like to surpass, for improved curb appeal compared to your neighbors. The internet is also a fantastic source of inspiration, from Instagram hashtags to Pinterest boards, to Houzz idea books.

When choosing the features for your porch, it is important to consider both function and form. Awnings, benches, and railings are all functional choices for your porch. However, they can also be used to add aesthetic appeal to your porch. Choose the features that you feel will best suit your needs and the needs of your family.

Once you've noted your preferred size, style, and feature for your needs, schedule a meeting with an experienced contractor. Our team at Green Restoration & Reconstruction has extensive remodeling experience, and we can help guide you to the best solutions for your needs and budget, without sacrificing style.

For a quote on your porch redesign or new porch addition, contact us today at 1 (833) 247-3369

1(833)-2GREEN9

Planning A BR Remodel

Planning A Bathroom Remodel

The two best parts of a kitchen remodel are the planning stage, and the completion. If you plan well, the middle stage won't be so bad either. Use this guide to help you finalize your vision for your kitchen with a qualified contractor who can bring your vision to life.

Planning A Kitchen Remodel

Preparing for Mold Remediation

The two best parts of a kitchen remodel are the planning stage, and the completion. If you plan well, the middle stage won't be so bad either. Use this guide to help you finalize your vision for your kitchen with a qualified contractor who can bring your vision to life.

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What to Do After a House Fire

This article is written for those who have just experienced a fire and therefore assumes you have already safely evacuated the building. It's important now that you stay out of the building and do not re-enter until firefighters give the OK.

Check for signs of structural damage before entering the building. After verifying that there is no immediate danger of collapse, use a flashlight when inspecting damage in your home at night because smoking remains are often not visible after dark even if they are smoldering.

If possible, turn off electrical power and gas service to the building until an inspection can be made by utility company personnel.

The water used to put out the fire is very often more damaging to your home than the fire itself.  Before cleaning, check any wet items for evidence of fire-related damage such as soot, charring, or cracked glass on a light switch or plug that was near water. If you discover any of these signs then it is recommended that the item should not be used until a certified restoration service has evaluated it.

It is best to leave the wet items untouched in the house until professional help arrives. Not doing so can cause further damage to your home that may not be covered by fire insurance.

While you are waiting for restoration professionals, make a list of all damaged items in your home and create an inventory with photographs if possible. This list will be very helpful when filing a claim with your insurance. Ideally, you've done a video walkthrough of your valuables prior to a house fire. (Tell your family and friends to walk through their homes, rotate valuable items to show brand markings and serial numbers, etc, wherever possible to simplify future claims processes.)

After even a minor fire, it is important to have a remediation company out to the house to handle the water, smoke, and fire damage in your home. The sooner you address this, the more you will be able to save. Like any water or mold disaster, don't move items from room to room. You could potentially spread mold into additional areas of the home.

We work closely with some of the best remediation companies around. Call us for a referral. Once your items have been remediated - it's time to rebuild.

What Kind of Damage Can You Expect From a Burned House?

The damage caused by a house fire is determined by what surfaces come in contact with the hot gases and flames. Damage to some materials can be repaired while others must be discarded. Water and Smoke Damage can extend far beyond the site of the initial fire.

Damage from a house fire will vary depending on:

The type of material involved, how long it was exposed to the heat and flames, where objects are located in a room or building, the presence of burning material such as mattresses which may melt certain furniture finishes, and equipment that have been known to contribute to fires such as electrical appliances, smoking materials, and high-intensity light bulbs.

Restoration may be as simple as drywall replacement or extend to your flooring, walls, structural features, etc.

Rebuilding After a Fire:

Our team here at Green Restoration & Reconstruction is able to quickly provide you with a detailed professional estimate. We are extremely well-versed in working with insurance companies to secure sufficient funds for the project at hand. Rapid turnaround is a core tenant of our business model. It is our purpose to get your family back to pre-fire and pre-loss conditions both as safely and as efficiently as possible.

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What to Do When a Tree Falls On Your House

When a tree first falls on your house, it can be a pretty scary experience. With luck, no one in your family is harmed. But the emotional pain of seeing your home damaged by a tree can be great. What follows can be just as stressful. That's why the team at Green Restoration & Reconstruction would like to prepare you for what to expect, and if necessary, work with you and your insurance company to restore your property back to pre-loss conditions.

First, immediately evacuate the house.

If you're near the house when it falls, be careful. There could still be live electric lines or structural damage nearby that can injure or kill you if not handled carefully. Do not let children or anyone approach the area before professionals give you the green light. Gas lines may also have been damaged in the fall, which could result in fire or explosion and structural damage may cause additional parts of the house to cave in.

Nothing is more important than getting your family safely out of the house. Once everyone is out of the house and safe, you want to contact your insurance company.  You may want to hire a public adjuster to assess the damage as well, as they are financially motivated to be more detail-oriented in their assessment of the situation.

A professional arborist should be employed to remove the tree. Be sure the tree service has good reviews, is comfortable working with insurance companies, and has sufficient insurance themselves. Beware of ghost insurance policies that don't cover all of the tree company's employees.

Once the tree has been removed, it's important to restore your home to pre-loss conditions as quickly as possible. A common mistake homeowners make is to hire their favorite non-emergency contractor. Some contractors are absolutely excellent at what they do but don't necessarily have the experience working with insurance restoration claims to work efficiently with the insurance companies throughout the process, and often have other large work scheduled that pulls their attention away.

With Green Restoration & Reconstruction, quickly responding to emergency reconstruction calls is our specialty. It is our mission to get your family safely back into your home.

Here are some examples of what can happen when a tree falls on your house:

The weight of the tree can push siding or shingles off, exposing insulation or framing that's not meant to be visible. Materials like this must be replaced with matching materials in order for an insurance claim to payout. If the tree falls on your roof or gutters, they will be destroyed, necessitating either repair or replacement by an insurance claim.

Windows or doors near the fall site may be damaged and require replacement. In some cases, wiring or piping may need replacing near the damage site. Chimneys and vents may be damaged and in need of replacement or repair. In extreme cases, an entire section of the house may need to be rebuilt, and the foundation may even be affected.

Our team at Green Restoration and Reconstruction can assist you in the restoration process, no matter how minor or extensive the damage is.

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How to Tell if There is Structural Damage from a Storm

When storms strike, they can do a lot of damage to your property. Storms have been known to cause significant structural damage from flooding and wind damage. Storms may also lead to fire from lightning strikes and electrical malfunctions, which can cause further problems for your home and family. If you notice signs of structural damage after a storm has passed, it is crucial that you take the problem seriously and call the team at Green Restoration & Reconstruction as soon as possible. Storms can break your home, but they do not have to destroy it.

The first thing to know about storm damage repairs is how to tell if there really is a problem at all. There are a few ways that storms can cause major issues for your home. Storm damage can cause flooding, whether it is from torrential rain or broken pipes, which may lead to water damage and mold if not dealt with quickly. Storms can also wreak havoc on your roofing system, leading to leaks and holes that could pose a hazard for your home. Storms can even cause electrical problems, such as short circuits and malfunctions that can lead to a fire. Storm damage may be a bit more obvious if there is a huge hole in your roof or a lightning bolt through your living room, but the earlier these problems are addressed, the better for everyone involved. Storms don't always show their face as obviously as tornadoes and hurricanes do, so it can be more difficult to detect storm damage on your property.

Signs of Structural Damage

The signs of storm damage are important to know. If you are unsure about whether or not your home has storm damage, there are a few things to look for that could indicate structural damage. Storm damage can cause cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors if it causes shifting of the foundation. Storms can also bring high winds that lead to siding damage on your exterior walls or shingles.

Signs your foundation has been compromised include:

  • Cracks in the floors and walls around doorframes, windows, or staircases.
  • Cracks in your foundation (horizontal cracks are the most dangerous)
  • Holes or cracks in walls or floors.
  • Your home is shifting from its originMissing shingles

Signs your roof has been compromised include:

  • Missing shingles
  • Blistering, softening, or other signs of rotting wood.
  • A shift in the pitch of your roof.
  • Water leakage inside your home near the chimney and vents.

Signs your Drainage System has been compromised include:

  • Water coming up through your basement floor
  • Water coming in through the walls
  • Leaks inside your home.

The good news about storm damage is that it can be fixed. Storm damage may have caused structural issues, but it does not have to affect the integrity of your home. Storms are just one of the things that Green Restoration & Reconstruction excel at handling. We understand how important your family is to you, and we know that any kind of damage to your home can cause a lot of extra stress. Storm damage may not always be obvious, but the earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to fix.

If you notice any signs of storm damage on your property, contact Green Restoration & Reconstruction as soon as possible. Storms don't have to destroy your home if they're caught early enough. If left unaddressed, storm damage can cause even more problems for you and your family. Storms may bring rain, but we'll bring the sunshine back to your home.

Storm damage is a stressful experience, and we understand that it can bring up a lot of questions about your home. If you notice storm damage or have already been informed by your insurance company that there may be storm damage, reach out to Green Restoration & Reconstruction as soon as possible. Our team will work with your insurance company to get the repairs you need and to restore your home to pre-loss conditions.

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How to Prepare for Mold Remediation

Here at Green Restoration, we come in after the remediation crew has cleared out the problem and work with your insurance company to make your space look new. We can put you in touch with the best remediation crews in the area. But before facing a mold remediation project, consider the following.

How Does Mold Remediation Work?

Contrary to what the internet might have you believe, mold removal is very rarely a DIY project. Mold can be hidden behind sheetrock, under flooring, inside walls, and in crawl spaces. It is usually hidden until it makes itself known as a visible spot (or spots) on the wall or ceiling. Mold removal should always be left to the pros.
Most professionals who do mold remediation carry commercial-grade air movers and air scrubbers and use HEPA vacuums.  They will strategically place fans to move around the air in your space as well as fogging machines (foggers look like a water hose with a machine attached) that emit antimicrobial agents into the problem area.

The goal is to get the mold spores active and airborne so that they can be removed by the machines. Depending on how bad the problem is, mold remediation may include the removal of sheetrock, flooring, ceiling tiles, or even cabinetry.

How to Prepare for Mold Remediation

  1. Do not touch it!
    As is the case with most types of remediation, the first order of business is to leave everything alone. Anything you've touched may have to be discarded so wear gloves and don't forget your respirator mask. Unless instructed otherwise by the remediation crew, do not enter the area until after they have completed the project. Moving items out of the area could spread the mold further.
  2. Don't turn on fans.
    It may seem logical to use a fan to air out a moldy space, to dry the water causing the problem. However, fans - when not used by qualified remediation specialists, are more likely to spread the mold spores throughout the house. (I've seen one situation where a mattress had gotten wet in one room causing mold in that space. The homeowner used a fan to air out the room and spread the mold throughout the entire house in just two days.)
  3. Wait for the green light.
    Remediation is a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. So let them do their work and give the area at least 24 hours before you return to assess the damage and clean up any residual mold or mildew.
  4. Call Green Restoration & Reconstruction to Rebuild Your Space.
    Time For Restoration & Reconstruction

The goal of restoration construction is to clean and restore your home to its pre-loss condition. Green Restoration & Reconstruction will work with your insurance adjuster to determine what items can be saved, restored, and/or replaced. The first step in any loss recovery process is mitigation which includes extraction, removal of damaged materials, and drying the structure as quickly as possible. Our team has recovered from hundreds of losses so we have seen it all when it comes to dealing with flooded homes and businesses.

We have the experience needed to handle everything from full-scale commercial properties down to smaller residential jobs.

Our team specializes in restorative construction, especially following water, fire, or storm-related disaster. We know how to prevent additional problems. We work with your insurance company every step of the way, filling out all required paperwork in a timely manner, and we move quickly to get your life back to normal.

Our assistance helps you to expedite the claims process and get the restoration results you need as fast as possible.

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Deck Addition or Remodel to Home

The home you buy may already have a deck, oftentimes it doesn’t.  With Green Reconstruction and Remodeling, either way, you can get the deck that you have dreamed about.  If you have a view and are unable to enjoy it, a deck can remedy that as it can sit at the top level of the home. Or you may have a deck too small for your needs, we can fix that.  Or a home may be sold with renovations left undone.  If you bought a house with a second-story door to nowhere, this might be an idea to create a mini-deck and resolve the door problem. Creating both a private getaway and solving a safety issue at the same time. The variations that can be done with a deck remodel are endless.

A deck adds to the resale value of your home, it has the highest resale value of nearly all home renovations.

Advantages to a deck:

  • A deck can be built on any type of land, even if it is uneven.
  • There are many composite materials that afford a longer deck life span.  A wooden deck can last for years if properly maintained.
  • The deck will add useable space to your home and property.

With additional space from a deck, the possibilities for hosting parties and enjoying all the seasons increases. There are so many stains and colors available you are sure to find one that complements your home space.

Here at Green Reconstruction and Remodeling, we can advise you on the best materials to provide lasting wear; as well as length and width for your deck to fit the family’s needs.  We will work with you and your budget to produce the best deck for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.