I just can’t say this enough, a good remodel takes time. Also, good Remodelers are usually pretty busy. You may have been thinking about overhauling that kitchen for months or even years. When you decide to take the plunge, it won’t happen overnight. I am bringing this up because lately it seems like everyone wants their projects done yesterday. And no one wants to hear that it will be a few months before we can fit it into our schedule.

This is where patience and planning come in. These are two necessities when venturing into a remodeling project. As you get to a point where the renovation dream starts to look like reality, or even necessity, it is time to get in contact with a contractor. Or even a few contractors. Meet with them to discuss your project, and get an idea of the time frame it can be completed in. It is important to work with your contractor in advance of when you want to have your project done. A successful remodel is one that is planned well before the first hammer is ever swung.

Posted by Taylordhome

I just can’t say this enough, a good remodel takes time. Also, good Remodelers are usually pretty busy. You may have been thinking about overhauling that kitchen for months or even years. When you decide to take the plunge, it won’t happen overnight. I am bringing this up because lately it seems like everyone wants their projects done yesterday. And no one wants to hear that it will be a few months before we can fit it into our schedule.

This is where patience and planning come in. These are two necessities when venturing into a remodeling project. As you get to a point where the renovation dream starts to look like reality, or even necessity, it is time to get in contact with a contractor. Or even a few contractors. Meet with them to discuss your project, and get an idea of the time frame it can be completed in. It is important to work with your contractor in advance of when you want to have your project done. A successful remodel is one that is planned well before the first hammer is ever swung.

By Alan Trauger

The exterior wall surface of a building form the skin of the building. These surfaces or building components are commonly referred to as cladding. The purpose of the wall cladding coverings is to provide the building with a weather resistant exterior envelope. The exterior building envelope should be designed and constructed to prevent the accumulation of water within the wall assemblies and cavities. There are many different types, styles, and material choices for exterior wall coverings. The wall cladding also provides aesthetic and architectural appeal to the building’s exterior.

Exterior wall claddings include the following:

1. Wood products including hardboard, panels, shingles and shakes, plywood, plank siding, OSB, clapboard siding

2. Masonry products such as brick, stone, simulated stone, poured concrete, concrete panels, and concrete blocks

3. Vinyl siding

4. Fiber-cement siding

5. Metal products, such as steel or aluminum siding

6. Stucco over wood framing or concrete block

7. Synthetic Stucco (EIFS or Exterior Insulation Finish Systems)

8. Asphalt shingles

9. Slate or clay tiles

Every type of exterior wall cladding has various characteristics associated with the installation, durability, appearance, and cost differentials. Factors to be considered:

1. Weather-tight – the ability to resist water, snow, and wind

2. Strength – resistance to mechanical damage

3. Structural Properties – capabilities of carrying loads

4. Insulating Value

5. Maintenance requirements

6. Common Failure Modes

The best wall claddings are highly resistant to wind, water, vermin entry, and mechanical damage. ideal exterior wall claddings are inexpensive, easy to install which reduces labor costs, provides excellent security and cosmetic appeal, long economic life, and provide good insulation qualities. Most sidings and claddings do not provide all the aforementioned qualities. It is important to plan your project to meet all considerations.

It is very common that various types of exterior wall claddings are more dominate and popular in certain geographic regions. The type of exterior wall cladding may be related to the availability of materials and labor, in that specific locale coupled with characteristics of the various wall surfaces. Moisture intrusion through the exterior cladding and into the building envelope will greatly impact the durability of the structure and the health of its occupants.

Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. an expert witness, trainer, and educator. To view past newsletters on construction and buildings http://newsletters.alantrauger.com/ To review authors bio, qualifications, and interest in receiving future email newsletters http://www.alantrauger.com Consultant with multi-facet experience in construction, asset management, and building evaluations; coupled with intuitive forensic skills, infrared surveys, cost estimating and plan review. Ability to identify problems and defect recognition to effectively deliver objective analysis and resolution of clients issues and concerns.