Exterior Makeover - JimHicks.com Yorktown, Virginia

Cost vs. Value: Porches, Patios, and Decks

Exterior Makeover / By Jim Hicks / December 15, 2023 / 2 minutes of reading

This is the last in a 4-part series that will examine the cost of remodeling or upgrades vs. the potential value or enjoyment of your home.

In this series, we have discussed your home’s exterior, kitchen, and bathroom. Let’s talk about ways to increase your enjoyment of the great outdoors in your own yard. Creating comfortable outdoor living spaces can add both functionality and enjoyment to your home.

Porches

A welcoming front porch increases your curb appeal and offers shelter from the weather as you unlock your front door. It’s a great place to “sit a spell” with a good book and a cup of coffee or glass of wine. When giving your porch a facelift, paint is your best friend. Try a bold new color on your front door for an updated look.

A screened porch will offer more protection for the weather, and a refuge from insects. You can even take it one step further by adding windows to make it a 3-season room.

PS: If you don’t have a porch, we can build one for you!

Patios

Traditional concrete patios are functional, but they’re a bit boring. Give it a good scrub and try staining or stenciling the concrete to add some pizzaz! Adding a retractable awning or pergola roof will give much-needed shade in the warmer months.

Decks

Whether it’s a simple deck with space for a few chairs and a grill, or a multi-level outdoor entertaining space, a deck adds usable square footage and will bring you enjoyment for many years. We’re still seeing a trend towards composite and PVC materials instead of wood. These products are available in a variety of colors and are built to last, with a little annual maintenance.

PRO TIP: Make a great first impression when you’re selling your home. Beautiful, functional outdoor living spaces will give you an advantage over your competition.

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Cost vs. Value: Exteriors

Exterior Makeover / By Jim Hicks / September 14, 2023 / 2 minutes of reading

This is the first in a 4-part series that will examine the cost of remodeling or upgrades vs. the potential value or enjoyment of your home.

The exterior of your home is about much more than curb appeal. Let’s look at the four key items you should be monitoring.

Roofing

Your roof is your first defense against the elements. If your roof is over 20 years old, or if you see signs of wear and tear, it may be time to replace it. Shingles, pipe collars, vents, flashing, and skylights wear out over time and can lead to leaks.
Today’s roofing materials are better than ever. They last longer and offer better defense against the elements. If you see cracked or broken shingles, cracked pipe collars, or rusted flashing you could have a potential problem. Replacing your roof gives you peace of mind and protects your biggest investment – your home.

Windows

Drafty old windows that don’t open or close properly are costing you money every month. New energy efficient windows will pay for themselves with lowered heating and cooling bills. Most replacement windows now offer tilt in styles that make spring and fall cleaning so much easier and safer than standing on a ladder.

Siding

Do you have aluminum siding that’s dented or oxidized? Old or cracked vinyl siding? Are you looking to upgrade to Hardie Plank siding? Or are you just tired of the color and looking to update? All of these are great times to contact us. When we replace your siding, we will also look at the plywood sheathing to check for any damage, and we’ll install new house wrap which will help insulate your home and lower your energy costs. Plus, your house will look brand new!

Gutters

Many homeowners choose to forego gutters on their home but, if you have drainage issues, they can be a big help. Gutters and downspouts allow you to direct rainwater away from your home. This can prevent ponding around the foundation of your home, which could cause damage.

PRO TIP: Fill out our online contact form if you’re interested in learning more about these exterior updates that will increase the value and life or your home. We’re here to help!

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Spring is in the Air!

Exterior Makeover / By Jim Hicks / March 30, 2022 / 2 minutes of reading

Each spring, my grandmama would quote this old poem, attributed to Ogden Nash:
“The spring is sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the birdies is. Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, come out yourself and see how ‘tiz!”

When you “come out yourself” after a long winter, you may notice that the exterior of your home needs a little TLC. Here are four ways you can spruce up the outside of your home this spring:

Clean it!

Siding, windows, porches, and decks will benefit from an annual cleaning to remove spider webs, dirt, and debris. Sparkling windows bring in the daylight, and enhance your view, while cleaning the siding and trim can make it look brand new again. Cleaning your deck and porch will help you identify any areas that might need repair.

While many homeowners may choose to do this work themselves, a licensed painter or pressure wash company can tackle the job for you and give you more time to relax and enjoy the outdoors again.

Paint it!

A fresh coat of paint on your front door will do wonders for your curb appeal. Today’s trends are for softer shades of blue and tan on the siding, with a pop of bold color like teal or yellow for the door. The do-it-yourselfer should lightly sand the door and surrounding trim, apply a coat of quality primer, and finish with two coats of your new color.

If you notice wood rot or damage to your door, call on a professional contractor to evaluate and possibly replace the door.

Plant it!

Seasonal plants and flowers are an inexpensive way to enhance your home’s exterior. If you don’t want the hassle of dealing with flower beds, consider adding hanging baskets and large flowerpots to your porch or entry. They’re easy to maintain and can be changed out each season.

Visit your local garden center for advice on plants that will thrive in your area.

Light it up!

Now that you have a clean exterior, a new front door, and lots of beautiful plants, it’s time to put them all in the spotlight. Solar lights are a great option if you don’t want to deal with wiring. They can be placed in your planter to light up the foliage, along your driveway or sidewalk, and in your flower beds.

For a more permanent lighting solution, contact a licensed electrician.

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New Master Suite in Norfolk

Bathrooms, Design: Interior, Exterior Makeover, Master Bathroom, Master Suite, Norfolk, Paint, Remodel, Roofing, Siding, Stonework, Tile Shower, Vanities / By Jim Hicks / January 26, 2021 / 3 minutes of reading

A few months ago, we talked a little about buying a “used house.” This was the case for a couple in Norfolk recently. The previous owner had been a do-it-yourselfer, and his skills left a bit to be desired. His addition off the master bedroom at the back of the house had some serious issues, the worst being a persistent roof leak. The ceiling was also lower here than in the other rooms, which made it cramped and dark.

Our first goal was to address the leak. Because the addition had a flat roof that had been tied in improperly, and because the tiled roof was showing its age, we knew a total replacement was in order. By dealing with the roof first, we were able to reframe the roof of the addition and create a cathedral ceiling in what would become the new master bathroom.

We installed CertainTeed Landmark Architectural shingles in Moire Black. These shingles carry a limited lifetime warranty, and are rated for wind speeds up to 110 mph. The gable ends of the new roof were finished with tan siding and trim that complemented the brick.

After a few conversations about what the homeowners envisioned for the interior, we got to work inside, creating a new master suite.

The bedroom received fresh paint and new Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring. Between the bedroom and the new master bath, we installed a barn door with obscured glass. This door style is great for rooms where there isn’t enough space for a traditional door to swing open. The obscured glass still allowed the light to shine through, while giving privacy to the adjoining bathroom.

The bathroom is a true showplace that represents the homeowner’s style. Starting at the top, the new cathedral ceiling makes the room feel much larger. Windows, along with specialty and accent lighting reflected in the double mirrors, keep the space bright. The homeowner found a vanity and two vessel sinks she loved. We added a Fantasy Brown granite countertop, and the same material was used for the bench and threshold in the shower.

We love the new shower! Several sizes and styles of tile were used to create a unique look. A niche was built for shampoo and soaps, and the space was finished with a custom glass enclosure.

A lighter shade of LVP was installed on the bathroom floor, in the new water closet, and in the walk-in clothes closet. Pale blue walls and bright white trim completed the makeover.

Our clients said, “The master suite is still as gorgeous as the day it was finished. It has become the topic of conversation with all visitors.”

We hope this space will continue to be a relaxing retreat for many years!

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Exterior Makeover in Newport News, VA

Exterior Makeover, Newport News, Paint, Remodel, Roofing, Siding, Siding Upgrade, Stonework / By Jim Hicks / December 1, 2020 / 2 minutes of reading

Remember how excited you were when you first bought your new house? Everything was all shiny and new. Best of all – it was yours! Ready and waiting to fill with family and memories.

Fast forward 10, 15, even 20 years. You love your neighborhood and (most of) your neighbors. You’ve put down roots in your community: church, your kids’ schools, volunteering in your community. Life is good, but the house… well, it’s not so shiny and new anymore.

This was the case for Rik and Michele. They loved their home, but they felt it really needed a makeover, starting with the roof. There were no leaks, but the roof was nearing the end of its life. We replaced the old roof with CertainTeed Landmark Architectural shingles in Driftwood. These shingles carry a lifetime limited warranty and are rated for winds up to 110 mph.

Next, we turned our attention to the siding. The existing two-tone beige was okay, but the homeowners were ready for a bold new color and style. They selected Mastic Ovations Dutch lap siding in Wedgewood. The fronts of the living room “bump out” and dormers were accented with Mastic Cedar Shake siding in the same Wedgewood. White gutters and downspouts, trim wrap, and corners completed the look.

Doors, doors, doors! We replaced the front door with a new ThermaTru model featuring 4 windows at the top and a 5-panel site lite. Michele painted the door a beautiful yellow shade that looks great with the new siding and trim. We reframed the garage doors to eliminate the clipped corners and installed new white roll-up doors that complement the style of the new front door. Around back, we replaced the old sliding patio door with a new energy-efficient one.

The real stunner is the entry! Michele told us she’d always wanted a stone entry and our team was able to make that dream a reality. Stacked ledgestone was hand-applied one at a time around the door and on the wall. We also used a rain chain here in place of the traditional gutter downspout.

We received this note from Rik and Michele a few weeks after the job was completed:

“We are thrilled with (the makeover) and find ourselves sitting outside almost daily just to take it all in!”

We’re so glad they love their home’s new look!

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