Wood Siding vs. James Hardie Siding

 Both wood siding and fiber cement siding are popular materials to use on the exterior of your home. Although both are popular, they are both quite different.

When it comes to weather protection fiber cement siding such as James Hardie siding wins. Wood siding is great for insulation but as it gets older it will split, crack and splinter. This makes the material a bit more vulnerable to the elements. Hardie siding is built to withstand the outdoor elements including freezing temperatures, blizzards, hail storms, heat, humidity, rain and wind.

Hardie siding is moisture resistant due to the material that it is constructed out of. Hardie siding is a blend of sand, cement, water and cellulose fibers and will not swell, crack or warp from moisture. Wood siding will contract and expand when exposed to moisture. This is what causes it to crack and split which leads to deterioration. Mold, mildew and algae growth is also harbored in the damp wood.

To make a fire outdoors, you usually need wood, so with that being said, wood siding is not fire resistant. There are flame retardants that can be used on wood siding but have to be reapplied in order to be effective. Hardie siding is made from fireproof materials and is fire-resistant to a point. If exposed to a direct flame, it will not ignite or combust.

Wood will also attract a wide variety of pests. Natural wood is loved by termites, woodpeckers, squirrels and many other little critters. Hardie siding however is not a desirable material for any pests. It cannot be eaten or burrowed in.

Natural wood is beautiful and a timeless material to use for the outside of a home, but it does come with a lot of upkeep. It has to be painted or stained and well-maintained. Hardie siding comes with the look of natural wood with ColorPlus Technology. This means the fiber cement has the color baked on and factory-applied so it is resistant to cracking, chipping and fading.

Hardie siding is a perfect choice because it looks like natural wood with all of the benefits of the fiber cement. With Hardie siding you will have a timeless look for all types of designed homes.

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Winter Weatherproofing For Your Home

 As a homeowner, you want to keep your home well-maintained and this is especially important during the harsher winter months. Not only can weatherproofing your home protect it from the elements but can also add curb appeal and increase the value of your home.

EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish System which is a synthetic stucco. The material will protect your home from moisture intrusion and keep your home well insulated. A well-insulated home will not only lower your utility bills but it will also add an extra layer of insulation. This can also help enhance your curb appeal as well.

Your windows and doors can also let in the warm air in the summer and the cool air in the winter. A good way to make sure that the warm air stays in and the cool air stays out during the winter is to weatherproof your windows and doors. Replacing your windows and doors with energy-efficient ones can reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency. Plus a new window will boost your home’s curb appeal and add value to your home.

Another thing that should be well-maintained is the roof and the foundation. A roof is very important to your home’s protection from the elements. An energy-efficient roof will lower energy consumption and utility bills. All homes whether they have a basement or not, have a foundation that needs to be safeguarded from moisture. Water damage in a basement can not only damage the home’s structural integrity but can also cause an unhealthy indoor environment.

Weatherproofing your home is a great way to keep the outdoor elements out. You will not only help with making your home energy efficient but will also add value to your home. For more information on ways to finance one of these projects look into a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

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Plans to Renovate Abita Springs Town Hall

 The Abita Springs Town Hall is a historical building that dates back one hundred years. The building is also the home to the Abita Springs Opry and is slated to be renovated. The plans for the renovation have been shared at a community meeting.

The plans for the design include a new foyer that will connect the original town hall to the town hall annex. The annex also has a history as it was once a fire station to the community. The annex serves as the office space for several departments including planning and zoning, finance and events.

The chosen architect, Ron Blitch of Blitch Knevel Architects also shared the other upgrades that will happen. The faces of the building will get a new exterior along with a larger porch and covered side gallery. Also, there will be a larger stage added for performances and space for concessions. For weddings, there will be a bride’s room now and a courtyard that will be added that will make a perfect spot for a reception garden.

This will be a great benefit for Abita Springs, and now the timeline and budget just need to be agreed upon. The rain runoff which has also been an issue, will also be remedied.

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New Construction Demand Is on the Rise

 Existing housing has become a Debbie downer for buyers in the market. The market for existing homes is still on the short end with higher home costs than in recent years. This coupled with the spiking interest rates has detoured buyers. In fact, the industry reports that homes haven’t been this unaffordable since 1984.

According to reports, the US mortgage rates have slowed a little, stopping the five-week straight of gains. There is no relief in the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage as it remains high around 7.18%. This time last year the 30-year fixed rate was only 5.66%.

Those buyers in the market are going for the new construction, making home builder stocks more desirable. The market is frustrated with the huge buyer competition and so few existing home listings which has caused massive bidding wars. This has been avoided with buyers focusing now on new construction. Home builder stocks are jumping, Pultegroup has jumped 80%, Toll Brothers 64% DR Horton up 34% and Lennar up 32%.

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September Reported A Jump in Homebuilding

 According to CNN, US homebuilding is on the rebound. This comes after the drop seen in August of what was reported the lowest levels since 2020. This can be blamed mostly on the climbing mortgage rates. 

September saw a 7% jump in new home construction housing starts. The housing starts measure new home construction and rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.358 million. The Census Bureau predicted a rate of 1.38 million, higher than data proved.

The number of units was also lower than a year ago by 7.2% as well as the building permits at the same 7.2%. Building permits declined 4.4% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.473 million.

“September numbers were a mixed bag, with starts up and permits down, but both remain low by historical standards, suppressed by high mortgage rates,” said Robert Frick, corporate economist with Navy Federal Credit Union.

“Builders continue constructing smaller homes using less land, and offering incentives, but to build our way out of the housing shortage we’ll need mortgage rates well below current levels,” he said.

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What A Home Inspection Covers

 Once you find your dream home, you now need to do your due diligence before closing. Part of your due diligence is the home inspection. A home inspection is a professional evaluation of the property. There are many important parts of a home inspection, so it is important to know what is covered during a home inspection.

Foundation, Basement, and Structural Components

The foundation of your home is one of the biggest aspects that must be up to standards. A firm, sound foundation ensures a safe and long life for a home. An inspector wants to make sure your home’s foundation is in tip-top condition. In order to do this, they will look for problems with the foundation, including signs of cracking, shifting, or settling. If you have a basement, they will look for correctly installed insulation and ventilation and signs of structural damage, decay or water intrusion. Structural components in your home such as beams, posts and all load-bearing structures also need to be inspected.

Interior Plumbing and Electrical System

Your home will not run if these systems aren’t in check. When a home inspector checks these systems they will test all faucets and showers for pressure and drainage. They will also make sure there are no damaged pipes or leaking pipes. For electrical, they will make sure the electrical panel has proper labeling, ground and capacity. They will also make sure that all of the outlets, switches, and fixtures are working.

Roof and Rain Gutters

If your roof is not in working order, then you and your home is not protected from the outside elements. A roof inspection will make sure there is no damaged, missing or curling shingles. Water also needs to be directed away from your home. An inspector will make sure your flashing around your chimney and vents is installed correctly along with examining your gutters and downspouts. They will make sure there is proper drainage and no blockages.

Attic and Visible Insulation

The inspector will make sure the heating system is in working order. They will test the system and check for gas leaks or blockages in the flues.

Central Air Conditioning System

If the weather permits, the central air conditioning system will be inspected. An inspector will make sure it cools, the filters and vents are in order and there are no blockages or damage.

Windows and Doors

Another part of your home that can keep the outdoor elements outside and not in. An inspector will make sure they are insulated properly and open and close properly. They will test the windows and doors for safety. Another thing they will look for is rotted or damaged frames as well as broken locks.

Walls, Ceilings, and Floors

The inspector will check the walls for cracks, holes, or any other damaged spots. They will make sure there is no mold, mildew, or water damage along the ceiling or walls. They will make sure that the floors are level and stable with no cracks, creaking or structural issues.

Remember that having a home inspection is a must when you purchase a home. Understanding what is included in a home inspection will help you along wiht your due diligence.

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How To Create an All-Tile Bathroom

 Tile can last throughout time in bathroom designs and really never goes out of style. Tile can make it easy to clean your space. “The appeal of an all-tile bathroom is multifaceted. The look conveys luxury and is on trend right now,” says designer Morgan Farrow of Morgan Farrow Interiors. Here are several tips when creating an all-tile bathroom. 

Pick your look.

“I first consider how the space is being used. A Jack-and-Jill bathroom shared by siblings should be treated differently than a primary bathroom shared by siblings should be treated differently than a primary bathroom used by adults, both in terms of materials and colors,” explains Tess Twiehaus of Tess Interiors.

If you are focusing on a kid’s space, start with using ceramic or porcelain tiles which are the least expensive. They are easy to clean and kid-tolerable. For a master bathroom, going with a higher-end tile like marble or travertine is a plus. They do require more maintenance so be picky about where you install. Tile shops around offer tons of materials from natural stone to ceramic to porcelain. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Mix it up.

“We love mixing tiles, and often use two or three in a single space,” says Farrow. You do not have to worry about the colors and textures clashing but you just have to make sure the color tone in tiles that will be adjacent meshes.

“The benefit is that mixing allows you to get layers of color and pattern,”says Farrow. You can mix and match high-end pieces with budget-friendly pieces to help with the cost.

An accent tile can add intrigue but isn’t required.

When adding an accent tile, it can brighten the space and elevate the room. This is just a bonus but you do not have to add accents to have a great-looking space. Remember that there’s no need to check every box on some imaginary design checklist. “If the room feels special with it, then go for it. But if the addition feels random, take it out,” adds Farrow.

Don’t underestimate your order.

This can be a little tricky because you do not want to order too much tile or not have enough. A rule that Twiehaus offers is to order 20% more than you think you will need. “I wouldn’t stress about it being too much. You will absolutely need extra tile in case you have a discoloration or a few pieces break,” she says. You want to confirm with your designer about any specifications before you order.

Following these tips can be a great way to get your bathroom up -to-date in a great style that is easier to maintain and clean.

 

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