CRUCIAL SIGNS THAT YOU NEED TO REPLACE YOUR GUTTER SYSTEM

Your gutter system plays a key role in maintaining the quality of your home. Old or new, these systems make it easier to keep your home protected from prolonged exposure to water. According to Hunker, “Most gutter systems, including galvanized steel and aluminum gutters, have an expected lifespan of 20 years.” Even though they can last for a while, it’s important you take notice when they begin to decay. Be on the lookout for these signs you need to replace your gutter system.

Visible Erosion or Damage

Just like any other part of our home, gutters become more brittle with time. This makes them more susceptible to damage in harsh conditions. Holes and rust spots can form on your gutters, which will weaken them and prevent them from doing an effective job. You should keep an eye out for these signs of damage, as they could keep your gutters from properly protecting your home.

Gutter Separation

You don’t need to be on a ladder to notice this issue. Broken gutters won’t sustain the weight of snow in the winter months and will then sag or pull away from the house. Once the snow melts, these signs are evident in the way they look and channel water. The gutter panels could also separate from the rest of the channel. This will prevent them from serving their purpose, as they won’t even hold rainwater.

Water Damage to the Home

Malfunctioning gutter systems are also evident in the condition of the home itself. If the gutters do not funnel water away from the home properly, that water will run down the siding. Over time, this can result in the growth of mold as well as cause wood to rot. Additionally, the exterior paint will also show signs of peeling and bubbling as the water will separate the paint from the siding.

Soil Erosion and Foundation Problems

When water isn’t directed away from your home, standing pools can form near your foundation and lead to a collection of additional problems. Before this damage happens, be sure to watch out for pockets of soil erosion. This means the water spills out from the gutters and pushes the soil away. If you already have some foundation damage, you’ll notice mildew forming in areas of your basement. The mildew will weaken the foundation further and make your home susceptible to flooding.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs on your property, you don’t need to dread getting your gutters replaced. Bear Mountain Custom Painting’s gutter installation services in Cumming have the professionals you need to get the job done right.

SECURITY AND STYLE: THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF HOME DOORS

Quality doors are an essential part to any home. Whether you abide by an open-door policy with your neighbors or prefer to stick to yourself, a sturdy defense between you and the outside world is crucial. Strong exterior doors will keep you and your family safe from outdoor dangers, while interior doors are required for privacy and personal space amongst the home’s residents. Learn about the different kinds of home doors to find the ones that appeal to your home, neighborhood, and lifestyle.

Interior Doors

Interior doors come in a series of shapes, sizes, and designs to fit with any home’s style. Even so, navigating their models can be overwhelming. These are the basic types of interior doors:

Accordion Doors

Accordion doors consist of a set of panels that fold in on themselves and rest against one side of the door frame. Since they don’t take up much space when folded, these doors are ideal for closets and entryways. This is also the reason why they’re generally used in smaller homes and apartments.

Bi-Fold Doors

This model of door consists of four-door panels attached by hinges. The tops of these panels are attached to a track in the doorframe which allows for a smooth and easy motion. There are two ways to open bi-fold doors depending on where the hinges are located: from the far side, like accordion doors, or from the middle. Some common areas where these doors are used are closets, laundry rooms, pantries, storage rooms, and other smaller rooms in a home.

Sliding Doors

Consisting of two, overlapping panels attached to doorframe rails, sliding doors are another popular option for those who don’t have the space for hinged doors. An additional perk to these doors is that they could double as full-length mirrors for those who wish to conserve a bit of floor space. It’s important, however, to remember that even though the full set takes up the space of double doors, only one side can open at a given time.

Hinged Single Doors

Hinged single doors are the most common type found in a home. The model consists of a single panel attached to one side of the doorframe by a set of hinges. In order to use these doors effectively, though, you need to ensure that there’s enough space around the door for it to swing open unobstructed.

Pocket Doors

This model door is more commonly found in older homes but has returned to popularity in recent years. This is another option for those who want to save a bit of space, as this model allows for the doors to disappear into your walls. Be aware, however, that this door requires that the surrounding walls not have any wiring in them so the door can slide without issue.

Exterior Doors

Whether you’re learning how to flip a home or a home owner partaking in renovations, a stable front door is a crucial part of any renovation project. Though exterior doors aren’t as diverse as interior ones, they’re made to be solid and sturdy, as well as stylish. These quality doors will surely keep you, your loved ones, and your possessions safe in the event of an emergency.

Wooden Doors

Not only are wooden doors known for their sturdiness, but they’re also a beautiful complement to the manicured landscape of your yard. This makes this type of door among the most sought after by home owners. Wooden doors are not without their drawbacks, though. Doors made with real wood tend to be more expensive than those made of alternative materials. Wood will also warp over time, as it’ll be exposed to a variety of weather conditions. You need to keep up with repainting and staining to protect it.

Fiberglass Doors

Entryway doors made with fiberglass have become more popular in recent years. They’re extremely durable and energy efficient, which makes the price worth it in the long-run. These doors also come in a variety of finishes to ensure that you can find one with a look that suits the rest of your home. These doors also don’t warp like wood does and are also resistant to dents and scratches.

Steel Doors

If you need maximum security, steel doors are the way to go. A step up from fiberglass, these doors offer all the energy efficiency of previously mentioned models with the doubled security and stability of solid steel. If you aren’t a fan of the cool gray finish, don’t worry, steel doors come in a series of looks—including wood grain finishes.

Sliding Patio Doors

The most common style of patio door, sliding glass doors are available in a plethora of materials. From aluminum and wood to vinyl and heavier metals, these doors are made for a series of climates and tastes. It’s important, however, to remember that these doors, according to Energy.gov, “lose much more heat than other types of doors because glass is a very poor insulator.”

French Patio Doors

If you want the versatility of patio doors but with an added touch of elegance, you may want to consider getting a set of French doors to complement the property. These are sturdier than traditional patio doors and can open inward or outward.

Types of Designs and Finishes

The different kinds of home doors come a variety of designs and finishes for a homeowner to choose from. These styles offer multiple options that complement the overall look of any home.

Slab

This pattern consists of several square or rectangular patterns etched into the door. This is typically the most common design seen in homes, as the pattern itself is neutral. You can customize these doors with rounded slabs rather than rectangular ones as well.

Barn

Characterized by several overlapping bars, this design is loved for the authentically rustic vibe it can give to a home. They can come in two basic styles: an “X” shape, which is considered the classic barn look, and a subtler “Z” shape.

French

This design is highly decorative and usually comes in a set of double doors. Each door features frames around several, small window panels, which give adjacent rooms plenty of light. These doors are typically used as entryways to large, entertainment rooms or outdoor areas.

Dutch

Dutch-style doors are known for their split design. With the ability to open the top and bottom sections separately, these doors are commonly seen in kitchens or serving areas. They also function as baby or pet gates to block off areas that are unsafe.

Flush

These doors have no decoration, though they’re easy to customize. They can be painted, stained, or coated in wallpaper to give a stylish flair to your home.

If you require professionals to install one of these products, Bear Mountain Custom Painting has the people you need. Our trained professionals know how to use more than just a paintbrush; we also offer door insulation and repair services in Cumming GA to those living in the Atlanta area.

HOW HOUSE PAINTERS CAN HELP YOU FLIP YOUR HOUSE

We have at least one house-flipping show we can’t help but watch, however, the experience is much different when you’re the one doing the flipping. No matter what state or market you’re trying to flip a house in, the process can be expensive and time consuming, so it’s crucial that a flipper does their research and gathers as much professional house-flipping advice as possible before investing in a project.

Georgia, in particular, is a state with a lucrative return rate. In fact, the rest of the nation has been trying to keep up. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “The national average for flipping’s share is the same now as Atlanta’s: 6.7 percent.” This rate has many buyers in the Atlanta area taking advantage of the opportunity, and they’re hiring different services or house painters to help them with the repairs. Learn how these professionals can help you successfully flip your house with the following house-flipping advice.

House Painting

Every house-flipper knows that the key to reselling a home for profit is to partake in projects that increase the home’s value. A fresh coat of paint, inside and out, is a great step in this process. Adding the touch of a professional painter to the updates of a home can create a smooth and seamless atmosphere with color choice, finish type, and skilled brush strokes.

Siding Repairs and Replacement

Certain house painters also deal with siding projects. Siding must stand up against constant exposure to the elements, so many professionals will suggest repairs before anything else. Not only does this project increase the home’s overall value, but it also increases the home’s defenses against the outside world.

Carpentry Services

Companies will also generally offer services for upkeep and maintenance throughout the home. Whether it’s the home’s baseboards or repairing shutters or rotted wood, if you want to flip your house successfully, you’ll need to ensure that you take care of even the smallest details, because they make a big difference.

Door and Window Replacement

To further protect a home, it’s important that it has sturdy and efficient doors and windows. Not only will this create a strong seal to protect the property but installing these replacements can help with the owner’s energy bills. Quality doors and windows insulate the home, and the owner doesn’t need to use as much energy to keep the house cool or warm in certain seasons.

Gutter Installation

Since these professionals offer several carpentry services, it’s important to note that some may also help with the gutters. A flipped home will need an updated and functioning gutter system to reduce the risk of flooding and, by extension, increase the home’s value.

If you’re looking for a company to help you flip your house in the greater Atlanta area, Bear Mountain Custom Painting has the professionals you’re looking for. Their trained painters in Alpharetta, GA know the ins and outs of all these necessary repairs and can help you get the results you’re after.

Home Renovations That Add Value to Your Home in Georgia

We spend more on home improvements every passing year. The 2018 Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity, LIRA, projected that homeowners would spend nearly $340 billion on home improvements and repairs. This is a 7.5% increase from the estimate for 2017. This steady increase in dollars spent is a crucial clue for what it takes to sell a home in the current market.

The housing market is competitive, and homeowners across the country want to get the most out of their property when it comes time to sell. To do this, they make improvements, repairs, and even additions to their homes in the hopes they can sell it for a higher list price down the line. If you’re looking to do the same, then read on to discover some home renovations that add value to your home.

Refine Landscaping and Curb Appeal

One of the first things that potential homebuyers look at is the overall curb appeal of a property. If you want to raise the value of your home, make sure your home’s exterior looks fresh, clean, and just as attractive as the rest of the houses in your neighborhood. Homebuyers typically don’t want to invest in a home that requires extensive remodeling after they purchase it. It’s for this reason that first impressions are everything.

If you don’t know where to start with the exterior of your home, a new coat of paint never hurts. A fresh new look is the perfect way to make your home stand out and protect it from the elements. You may need to do some research on what paint finishes work best based on the area you live and how much sunlight your siding is exposed to.

Replacing your windows and front door in Cumming, GA can also be a worthwhile investment. Not only will the replacements give the home a new look, but it will also better protect the interior of the home from the elements.

As you pursue these projects, also be sure to keep up with the landscaping. A neat, well-groomed lawn is a great way to complement the beauty of your property and the rest of the neighborhood.

Update Select Areas of Your Home

Crucial areas that buyers look at include the bathroom and the kitchen. These two spaces generally have the biggest need for renovation, as the technologies and designs for these rooms constantly evolve. Adding the most up-to-date amenities can greatly increase the appeal of the home, and, by extension, increase the overall value.

Another home renovation that adds value to your home is turning your unfinished basement into a more welcome and inviting space. While unfinished basements can be used for storage, the value of a home increases when the buyers are given options on how to use a space. By finishing your basement, you create the possibility for new individuals to use that space how they see fit. The key with this renovation is to make the space as open and usable as possible.

If you plan to pursue these renovations, however, there are a few things you should consider before you start. Renovations like these can be expensive, so it’s crucial to weigh the price you’re going to pay for the work against the overall value that will be added to your home. You may not get all your money back from these repairs, and you need to adjust your renovation plans to fit with what you can afford.

Catch Up on Necessary Repairs

When it comes to home improvement, sometimes the details are where you’ll see the most impact. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a broken air conditioner, even the smallest problems can collectively make up the bigger picture of your home. Fixing these small issues will not only prevent larger ones down the line, but will also increase the property’s value, as the new owners won’t have to do any of the work themselves.

Some potential repair projects include the following:

  • Reroofing
  • Updating siding protection
  • Fixing electrical issues
  • Repairing water damage
  • Removing damaged or rusted pipes
  • Removing mold
  • Fixing damage from pests
  • Repairing the foundation

Be prepared to correct these issues, and others not listed, as they occur so you can avoid more severe damage. While these repairs can be expensive as well, it’s crucial that your home is in pique condition if you want to preserve its value.

Consider Additions

While the most expensive renovation, one of the ways to dramatically increase a home’s value is to add useable floor space to the property with an addition. This could be in the form of a spare bedroom or even a new study. Adding bathrooms to a home tends to increase the value more because homes with multiple bathrooms are typically in high demand.

Deck and patio additions are also extremely sought after. Remember, you’re taking up some of the yard space with these additions, so it’s important to plan them out carefully. Large yards are also popular among homebuyers, especially young couples who wish to start a family, so weigh the pros and cons of the addition carefully.

When evaluating home renovations that add value to your home, remember that they also need to coincide with neighborhood regulations. You may need to make a request with your town hall to start the work. Depending on the town you live in, you may also have specific codes to meet. The town hall will have to agree to the work and give you a permit to build the addition if this is the case. Generally, this isn’t a problem; however, if the town wants all its homes to remain uniform in appearance, you may not be able to make the changes you want. If you live in a gated community, for example, one of the main appeals is that the homes mirror each other, so your options may be limited in what you can pursue.

If you’re looking for a painter in Cumming Georgia to help with your renovation process, Bear Mountain Custom Painting has just the professionals you need. We can take away some of your renovation stress and leave your home with beautiful, lasting results.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAINT AND COLOR FOR YOUR HOME

According to HPAA, “Color affects your behavior, moods, and thoughts,” thus demonstrating the importance of picking the right color scheme for your home; color psychology is essential to take into account. However, staring down a wall of paint color cards can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of what you want. With colors and types all over the spectrum, many homeowners find choosing paint to be one of the most difficult parts of home renovations. Even after deciding on one, many still can’t help but wonder if they made the appropriate choice. But that’s what learning how to choose paint colors for your home interior is all about: trial and error and learning as you go. Going into the process with an open mind might even show you that choosing the right paint is easier than you thought it would be.

However, it never hurts to use paint color advice from professionals, either. Read up on the following tips to gain the knowledge and confidence you need to make the right paint color choices.

Think About the Look and Finish

Before you even start thinking of a color, it’s important to plan out what kind of look you’re going for—specifically, what sheen you want the walls to have. Whether it’s vibrant, elegant, or subtle and soothing, determining the look and atmosphere you want to achieve will ultimately help you narrow down your color options. Furthermore, knowing what sheen you want the walls to have will help you enhance that look and protect your walls from damage. Be sure to research your paint finish options thoroughly to figure out which one will work best for you.

Get Ideas from Décor

If choosing an atmosphere doesn’t help, try taking some paint color advice from the color schemes you already have in your home. It makes the process easier and less costly if you create a color scheme from preexisting colors instead of needing to buy new furniture and décor to match the walls. Experiment with different colors to pair with the ones you already have or have your local hardware store custom mix a unique color just for you.

Test Colors

When you have it narrowed down to a few options, you should test them before you begin the project. After acquiring a few samples, paint a few strokes onto the wall to see how it will look once it dries. You can also paint a piece of poster board and compare it to the color of your furniture if you’re looking for a specific match. Keep in mind that the colors of your walls and furniture don’t have to match exactly, but you do want them to complement each other.

Pair Bold Colors with Neutrals

It’s important to remember that no matter which color you pick you should also consider incorporating a neutral to balance it out. Bold colors in particular, while creating a strong atmosphere, can easily overwhelm a room that already has a lot of patterns and textures. If the color you’ve decided on is bright and bold, you might want to consider pairing it with a neutral color to keep that brightness from becoming the focal point of the room. Color schemes such as these will help create contrast within a room while also taking the edge off a particularly bright section of it.

Keep it Consistent

While you don’t have to paint your entire house the same color, it’s important to keep some level of consistency as you maneuver between different rooms. Avoid using colors that are in sharp contrast as they can evoke an atmosphere of chaos rather than the one you’re going for. Depending on the room, you may want to go a few shades darker or lighter of your preferred color; don’t pick hues on opposite ends of the color wheel.

If you need help choosing the right finish and color for your home, Bear Mountain Custom Painting has the interior painting experts in Atlanta that you need. Also, feel free to check out our friends at Redfin for some more great paint color advice!

How To Stain Cedar Siding Like a Professional

Adorning the exterior of a home with stained cedar siding is great for achieving a natural and rustic look. However, to maintain the look, you must know how to stain cedar siding.

Staining will not only preserve the value of the home but also prevent the siding from becoming unsightly with signs of visible damage such as splintering, flaking, and fading. As these occur, the fresh wood underneath will be exposed to the outside conditions, and it can begin to decay as well. Luckily, Bear Mountain Custom Painting is here to help you prevent this from happening by providing professional tips on how to stain cedar siding.

If you are looking for house painters in Alpharetta, painting services in Roswell, or help elsewhere in North GA, please get in touch.

How Often Should You Paint or Stain Cedar Siding?

You should paint your wood siding every 3-7 years, or stain it every 4 years or so. How often you’ll need to restain or repaint will depend on your region’s weather conditions as well as how often your home suffers damage. Cedar wood itself deteriorates slowly over time due to its concentration of protective natural oils. However, that protection begins to decay as soon as the wood is exposed to the elements.

Splintering, flaking, and a light gray color on the surface of the siding are all visible signs of damage. As these occur, the fresh wood underneath will be exposed to the outside conditions, and it’ll begin to decay as well.

How To Clean Cedar Siding Prior to Painting It

Before painting or staining cedar siding, it’s essential to clean and prepare it to ensure optimal adhesion and a long-lasting finish. Start by inspecting the siding for any damage, rot, or loose nails. Make repairs as needed. Next, clean the surface to remove dirt, mold, mildew, and old paint or stain. Use a mixture of warm water and a mild detergent, or opt for a specialized wood cleaner. For stubborn stains or mildew, a diluted bleach solution can be effective. Apply the cleaning solution with a soft brush, working in sections and rinsing thoroughly with clean water to avoid residue buildup. Allow the cedar to dry completely, which may take a couple of days depending on the weather conditions. Once dry, lightly sand the surface using a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough spots and promote better paint or stain adherence. Ensure you remove all the sanding dust. Now, your cedar siding is prepped and ready for a fresh coat of paint or stain!

How To Apply New Stain or Paint on Your Wood Siding

Choose Good Weather For Your Paint Job

Before you even pick up a paint brush, you should consider the local weather, as it could affect how well the stain will stick to the siding. Once you decide on the perfect day to do the job, think about the effects you want the treatment to have. When you’re treating cedar, in particular, you’ll want to know how much of the real wood you’d like to cover up and how much stain you’ll have to use to achieve the desired color.

Time is of the Essence – Cedar Can Become Discolored

If you’re staining your cedar siding for the first time, keep in mind that cedar will start to discolor about two weeks after it’s installed. To prevent this discoloration, you’ll want to stain or paint the wood as soon as possible. If your main goal is to protect the cedar, the best option is to paint over it, as the solids in paint ward off light and can postpone the deterioration process.

Learning how to stain cedar siding can be intimidating, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Bear Mountain Custom Painting will work with you to help with any of your home painting needs in the Atlanta area. We have the finest painting contractors in Woodstock, Cumming, and elsewhere.

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