Posted by Jason Gettum on Sun, Feb 24, 2013 @ 08:23 AM
Home office expansion and modification
For a Carmel, Indiana home owner, additional office space was more important than an exterior balcony. The orginal house was built with an upper level, walk-out balcony porch that attached to what is now a second floor home office. The door to the balcony was centred in forty-five degree angle exterior wall.
Essentially, this angled wall with a door out to the balcony encroached the room by four feet. And unfortunately, the exterior balcony was constructed in a way that relied on a rubber membrane to protect the outer floor system from the weather, as well as keep the finished first floor space below dry!
Existing pictures:
In this case, the change that was about to become was a good thing, as the rubber membrane balcony porch floor was beginning to leak. The plan was to remove the 45 degree angle wall and sqare off the corners. As the floor system was already in place, construction involved extending new sub floor and new exterior wall system. New windows, siding and trim were installed to blend the new into the existing. In place of a rarely-used tiny space, the homeowners regained more wall area and more volume and did not sacrifice much light.
The pay-off for this family was useable all space, about eight additional feet in all. As well, there is now a peace of mind knowing that no further damage would occur in the first floor below from a leak in the balcony floor above. To blend in the new expansion with the existing roomf, the interior walls, ceilings, baseboards and crown moulding were extended. The new space looks as though it was constructed that way originally, which is most always the goal with an addition or expansion of any kind. Check out the finished pictures below.
New expanded office space pictures:
While not always apparent, there are many creative ways to add more family living space, more bedroom space and, in this case, a larger home office. An experienced Indianapolis area design and remodel contractor can help assess your needs and come up with a solution to accomplish your goals. Choosing the right contractor for your next project will ensure your overall happiness by working with you to not only meet your needs, but build it in a way that makes it look like it was always that way! For more information about reconfiguring your existing space, click below.
Posted by Jason Gettum on Fri, Jan 25, 2013 @ 07:30 AM
Ice dams, roof leaks and water damage
For those of us living in central Indiana, we know that our weather changes often, sometimes daily and even hourly! So far this winter, we have seen a few unseasonably warm days, some rainy days, a bit of snow and lately, very cold temperatures!
As an Indianapolis area contractor, we receive a variety of service calls during all seasons. In the spring and summer months, most calls concerning damage to homes is due to storms, mainly wind and hail damage. However, in the winter months, it usually from snow and ice. One of the biggest culprits of damage to our homes in the winter is snow dams.
A snow dam is a mass of ice that usually forms at the bottom of a roof, most particularly the intersection of the bottom of the roof and the gutter. To learn more about ice dams, check out the University of Minnesota's Housing Technology extension article on Ice Dams. (Photo, right- University of Minnesota Housing Technology Extension)
In a nutshell, the ice dam forms and restricts the flow of melting snow above it. This blockage forces the water back up underneath shingles and roof felt and enters the nearest penetration. Usually, this is our roof sheathing. Once melting water enters our homes, it travels across our ceillings and presents itself as a wet spot.
Unfortunately, most do not notice the initial water spotting. During colder temperatures, the water is slow to thaw and water spots begin gradually. Usually, by the time you notice the spot, it's fairly large!
Sometimes, ice dams just happen due to the conditions. Other times, ice dams can be a sign of inadequate air flow and insulation in our attics which lead to different temperatures on the underside of the roof. If you find ice dams regularly on your home, give your favorite contractor a call and request an inspection of your roof and your attic.
Another important note is the presence of ice and water shield. Ice and Water shield is a rubberized roof membrane that adheres to the roof decking. Is a great defense against water leaks on roofs. It seals penetrations and even seals around nail heads. Thankfully, most new roofs use ice and water shield to help prevent against ice dams. If your home is getting close to needing new shingles, be sure that ice and water shield is installed in all roof valleys, up roof and wall intersections and along the bottoms of the roof. The extra cost is minimal and worth having peace of mind that your home will stay dry.
If you have questions about your roof, or need a roof inspection in the Indianapolis area, give Gettum Home Exteriors a call, or click below:
Posted by Jason Gettum on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 @ 11:30 AM
A patio roof covering offers shade without sacrificing view
For homeowners looking to create the backyard of their dreams, a porch or patio usually is a big part of the overall plan and design. There are many options to choose from. Many begin with a simple deck and upgrade to a pergola. Some may choose a porch. For those with a porch in mind, there are a few variations.
A screen porch is certainly one popular option. These structures are ideal for extending the indoors outward. They can be equipped with lighting and electronics, such as Tv and stereos. They offer the advantage of shade, as well as a bug-free experience. However, a simple covered porch or patio is desirable as well. In many cases, a covered porch is like a screen porch, without the walls and screening.
Similar in many ways, a covered porch can have many of the amenities a screen porch does. It can be wired and equipped with audio and visual equipment, as well as lighting in the ceiling. However, given the lack of walls and screening, a covered porch offers an uninhibited outdoor experience. As is the case with many additions completed by a professional remodeler, the ideal porch should blend into the existing structure as if it was always there. Avoiding the added on look is key! The design details should be a direct reflection of the overall style of your home, right down to the trim and column details, if applicable.
So, when planning your dream backyard be sure to choose the structure that meets your family's needs. And remember, a coverd porch or pation can, in most cases, be converted to a screen porch or 3-season room in the future.
If your in the Indianapolis area and are interested in learning about the benefits of a design/build remodel contractor for your next porch, click below to schedule your no cost, no obligation remodel consultation:
About the author:
Gettum Associates, Inc is an award-winning design and remodel contractor located in central Indiana that has been serving the Indianapolis metro area since 1987. Specializing in full- service remodeling, Gettum Associates completed projects of all sizes. From screen porches, patios, sunroom and room additions to simple bathroom and kitchen makeovers. Whatever your needs, Gettum Associates has the experience and know-how to get the job done right. For more information, visit their website at www.Gettum.com