When do I need to replace my roof?

Oklahoma weather is hard on roofs. The extreme temperature shifts from summer to winter, along with strong winds, can cause shingles to crack and split. If these cracks are not repaired, ice and snow during the winter can cause the crack to expand and eventually cause the roof to leak. Strong winds in particular are challenging on Oklahoma roofs. Wind can lift the edges of poorly installed or worn shingles and peel the layers of shingles, causing leaks and damage. In most cases, you can expect a well-installed asphalt shingle roof to last anywhere from 15-30 years, depending on the quality … Continue reading...

Downsides of carpet allowance in lieu of new carpet

Sellers often ask if they can just provide a carpet allowance on a listing in lieu of installing new carpet. In their mind, this is a benefit to the buyer since it allows the buyer to choose their own color and style of carpet. The benefit to the seller is they don't have to deal with the inconvenience of a carpet installation. In my experience a seller is much better off to install new carpet themselves BEFORE listing the home - if new carpet is needed of course. Why? Fresh new carpet makes the home show much better. Buyers often have a hard time picturing new carpet in a home. All they see … Continue reading...

Dewalt app for home improvement enthusiasts

We use this Dewalt app all the time on construction projects around our home in Edmond. It is handy for simple area or length conversions, calculative volume for concrete, dirt or fill sand, and a variety of other tasks.

Do you like to work around your home on various home improvement projects? Maybe pour a concrete patio, or build a deck on your patio, or lay tile in your master bathroom? After living at the same home for well over 20 years, we have done a variety of improvements to our own home here in Edmond. In doing so, we ran across a helpful free app from Dewalt that makes any home improvement project easier. Download Dewalt App for iPhone In early 2017 we poured a concrete slab for our shop. I was able to calculate how much fill dirt and sand was needed, and then calculate how much concrete to … Continue reading...

Maintain your home and earn an extra $20,000

Would you throw away $20,000? You are if you’re letting your home age faster than it should. Here’s a simple maintenance strategy to keep your home young. An out-of-shape house is older than its years and could lose 10% of its appraised value. That’s a $15,000-$20,000 adjustment for the average home in the Oklahoma City metro area. But good maintenance can even add value. A study out of the University of Connecticut and Syracuse University finds that regular maintenance increases the value of a home by about 1% each year. So if you've been deferring maintenance, or just need a good strategy … Continue reading...

How to Assess the Real Cost of a Fixer-Upper House

When you buy a fixer-upper house, you can save a ton of money, or get yourself in a financial fix.  I have seen a lot of young couples get excited about buying a fixer upper, only to discover later that they don't have the skills or financial resources necessary to repair a run down home.  On the other hand, home buyers that are experienced at working around a home and who have the financial ability can build equity quick with a good fixer-upper. Here are a few tips: 1. Decide what you can do yourself TV remodeling shows make home improvement work look like a snap. In the real world, … Continue reading...