Re-siding with Vinyl Siding

This is the time of year when homeowners are preparing for exterior maintenance. Many of you have started taking a look at your budgets, calling around for estimates, and getting a feel for what’s available. When it comes to siding, you have many great options! Let’s take a few minutes to look at one in particular that is statistically the most common choice in the United States: Vinyl.

You may hear vinyl and have your mind instantly travel back to the 1950’s. Don’t let history deceive you, today’s vinyl is far removed from when it first entered the market several decades ago. In fact, the past five years have provided advances in manufacturing that make the vinyl of today a durable, comprehensive choice for homeowners. Let’s look at some of the benefits.

Economic: One of the major advantages of vinyl siding is that it is an economic choice for homeowners working on a budget. A decent vinyl can provide significant savings when compared with more traditional sidings such as cedar. Like most construction elements, you have options when choosing a vinyl. It should be noted that premium vinyl siding can cost as much as high grade cedar and redwood, but vinyl also offers a wider variety to work within your budget. Many homeowners find a siding that works well with their home and still saves them room in their budget.

Maintenance: Because vinyl is a plastic product, maintenance is much simpler than with many more traditional siding choices. One of the biggest advantages is that vinyl siding does not need to be painted. For those who like to change the color of their home every five years, that might not be great news. But for the homeowner who wants a look that will last without the chipping, scraping and repainting involved in wooden and aluminum sidings, this is a huge bonus! Vinyl can be cleaned with soap or water, and will not succumb to the problems wood and metal face, such as rotting and rusting.

Longevity: A good vinyl siding will offer durability and longevity. Manufacturing processes have perfected vinyl to make it heat, wind, and water resistant. In fact, many companies are so confident in this that they offer lifetime warranties with their vinyl siding. If you decide to choose a siding for your home, choose one that will be warrantied for a lifetime.

Design: Vinyl offers a lot of options when it comes to design choice. In fact, many vinyl sidings are designed to look like natural elements such as wood and stone. Although it is a plastic product, your home won’t look like a plastic dollhouse. Architecture today is taking advantage of the diversity vinyl offers. In fact, many historical renovations today make use of vinyl siding. As a homeowner, you won’t have to sacrifice beauty for a durable, economic choice.

While vinyl may not be the one and only, and may not be right for everyone, it is increasing in popularity due to its economic advantages. If your old siding is damaged and you’re ready for a fresh exterior, or you’re looking into building a new home, you can add vinyl to your list of siding opportunities. When you’re ready to re-side your home, whether you go with vinyl or another option, make sure to find a contractor you can trust, and who will guarantee his work. To find a professional you can count on, visit us online atresponsiblecontractors.com!

Spotlight on: Garages Etc.

by responsiblecontractors

As your family grows, so does the clutter. Many are familiar with the growing pains that come with an expanding family. Maybe it’s time to trade out your sedan or motorcycle for a mini-van. Maybe your teenager just got his license and needs a car of his own. Each family has a unique situation, and each comes with unique growing pains. As your family undergoes these exciting changes, you may find the need to expand your space. There are several great ways to achieve this, and today we will be looking at outdoor expansions: Garages, workshops, and barns.

For over 25 years, Garages Etc. has dedicated themselves to the highest quality in custom garages throughout the greater Seattle & Tacoma areas. The quality, service, and craftsmanship that goes into each custom design sets them apart in their industry. “If you can dream it, we can build it” has motivated and satisfied countless customers over the better part of the last three decades.

While their specialty is in top quality in garages, their skill and experience extend far beyond it. Barns, storage, studios, workshops, even 2 story detached buildings all make an appearance in their portfolio. In fact, as custom builders, they can tackle a wide range of unique projects that fit your specific needs. Do you need a barn that doubles as a recreation room for those barn parties you’ve always wanted to host? They’ve got you covered! Working from home and need a studio space that couples as an extra parking spot? They’ll make it happen! In fact, they are a one-stop contractor for custom needs. From the design and permitting, to the site preparation and excavation, even demolition, foundation, concrete, electrical and plumbing, they will be with you every step of the way.

Garages Etc. is committed to providing a custom solution for your family, without sacrificing quality or leaving you to figure out the specifics. One customer attested to this in his remark: “From the very first phone call to the final inspection . . . all was handled in a very timely and professional manner. I especially appreciate being kept informed of what was going on through the whole process.”

When you find yourself expanding and your family growing, there are many routes you can take. For some families, a home expansion or a move is a good option. For others, and outdoor expansion is a creative and cost-effective solution. If you’re looking at your options, don’t discount it! At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. To read more about Garages Etc., and see more contractors we recommend, visit us online at responsiblecontractors.com. 

Got a Pollen Problem?

by responsiblecontractors

Let’s face it. The spring blossoms are beautiful, but the pollen they produce? Not so much. If you’re one of the approximately 36 million seasonal allergy sufferers in the United States, the pollen floating around can spoil a beautiful Spring day. There is good news, though! There are steps you can take to guard your home and yard against pollen, and create a more breathable atmosphere.

Outside, a little yard work can go a long way. True, you may never be able to completely eradicate it, but you can reduce it! Start by mowing low. If your allergies are particularly stubborn, you may ask a friend or relative to mow for the first time. Keeping a short yard and mowing frequently can help prevent flowers and weeds from popping up. In addition to this, you may consider fertilizing the lawn. Thicker grass will leave little space for allergenic weeds. If you’re an allergy sufferer, choose a day that’s not as windy; ideally after a good rain which will help pollen settle.

When you’re spending time outside, whether doing yard work or braving the family barbecue, a little personal protection equipment goes a long way. Don’t worry, you don’t need to waltz around in a hazmat suit. Long sleeves and pants can help prevent pollen from settling on your skin. Sunglasses will be your best friend! Foreign entities often enter through the eyes, and pollen is no exception. Protecting your eyes will provide an extra line of defense. And of course, make sure you quickly discard clothes that have been worn outside. Pollen that settles on your clothes will end up floating through the house if you wear them indoors.

Inside, you can take steps to keep the pollen from coming into the home. Start with the basics: Keep the windows and doors closed, dry your clothes in the dryer rather than letting them hang dry, and be especially mindful of pets. Fur can attract plenty of pollen, and when your little friend is running through the house, he will be bringing the pollen along with him. On warm, sunny days, avoid ceiling fans, and instead opt for air conditioning. Ceiling fans will spread pollen, but air conditioning will help filter it out while keeping your home cool.

If you’re one who suffers from more severe allergies, these steps, while helpful, will not be enough. You can track the daily pollen count in your local forecast, and will need to be picky about which days you spend outdoors. In addition, over the counter medications may help, but that’s a conversation to have with your doctor.

We will never eradicate pollen, and why would we want to? After all, in spite of the allergies, it keeps the grass green and the blossoms beautiful. When Spring hits, though, take a few steps to keep your air a little more clean. You might yet be able to enjoy a little sun! For yards that are particularly allergenic, or a landscape you can’t get under control, a professional can help. At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. If you need help with your yard, air conditioning, windows or more, visit us online at responsiblecontractors.com to find someone you can count on.