When deciding where to put your money in home improvements, it is always wise to know where you will get the most return on their investment. Knowing what buyers look for and the things that turn them off will help homeowners get the most resale value. There are some home renovations which will help homeowners to recoup most, if not all, of their money.

Most people assume that a new kitchen or bathroom will add the most resale value. Let's face it, a new kitchen with granite counters and new appliances can be a drawing factor in any home on the market. Renovated bathrooms are number one on the list for prospective buyers. These remodels can be counted on to add over 80 to 90 percent return on investment, according to The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). These are the most expensive areas of home renovation because they are the areas where people spend most of their time.

First You Have To Get The Buyer In the Door
Realtors will tell you that in every home sale, you first have to get the buyers in the door. Very often buyers are already planning for interior renovations when they purchase a home. Primarily, buyers want to know that the home's existing structure has been maintained. They want to know that the plumbing and air conditioning are in good working order because maintenance issues can cost a bundle in the long run. A remodeled kitchen will not make up for a leaky roof or siding which needs replaced.

New Roof Value
According to homeadvisor.com, a new roof adds an average of $12,000 value to your home while improving its curb appeal. With the choice of colors and materials available today, it is possible to duplicate a rustic slate roof with asphalt shingles. Warranties on asphalt shingles used to be 15-20 years. However, premium-quality asphalt shingles may offer warranties as long as 50 years. Today's asphalt shingles can even help reduce cooling costs due to their ability to reflect solar heat. A new roof will also avoid building inspection issues at the time of sale.

Curb Appeal Sells Homes
A well-maintained home has a welcoming appeal.
This is why vinyl siding and vinyl replacement windows are also updates that are worth consideration. According to ISoldMyHouse.com, vinyl siding can add $8,000 to the asking price of a home with an 89 percent return on investment. Vinyl windows can improve a home's energy efficiency while bumping up the asking price of a home about $8,500 with an 85 percent return on investment.

Adding More Space
Adding more space can be an alternative to buying a bigger home in your current neighborhood. The National Association of Realtors says that for every 1,000 square feet added to a home increases its value 30 percent. Bathrooms have an 86 percent return on investment while adding bedrooms, sunrooms, and family rooms have a 70 to 80 percent return on investment.

Home Theaters
Home theaters are also high on the list for potential buyers. According to hgtv.com, "What you'll get back on your investment depends on the value of your house, the value of houses in your immediate neighborhood, the housing market where you live, how soon you sell after making improvements, and the quality of the project itself. " However, remember that you don't want to price yourself out of the neighborhood. Keep your additions so your house value is at the higher end of the neighborhood.

Home Maintenance And Personal Enjoyment
Finally, when deciding where to put your money in home renovations, keep in mind two things; home maintenance and personal enjoyment. Keeping your home's structure sound should be your first priority. If you're not planning on moving in the immediate future, put your money in the areas where you will enjoy it most.

Harper Roofing offers a free roof inspection. We have built a solid reputation with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Check out our customer reviews and our 5 star rating on Houzz.

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 A leaky roof is serious business because, if left unattended, it can cause major damage to your home. In addition, the sooner a leak is attended to, the less chance of more expensive repairs down the road. According to fixr.com, minor leaks can lead to damage such as mold, rotted framing and sheathing, damaged insulation and ceilings. Some of the most common causes of a leaky roof are broken shingles, cracked vent booting or flashing, gutters that are clogged, condensation in the attic or a cracked chimney. Some leaks can be difficult to find. Hiring a professional to do a thorough roof inspection is important, especially after a severe weather event.

A roofing contractor usually charges around $3 per square foot for leak repair or $45 to $75 per hour. The labor hours range between 8 - 16, making the repair cost range from $360 to $1200. If your roof is steeper than average, repair costs can increase by 20% or more. This is also true if your roof has many architectural details to work around. You also may need to buy a permit from your county or homeowners association, without which you could be heavily fined. Permit fees average around $75.

REPAIR VS. REPLACEMENT?
Replacing shingles can be a relatively easy and inexpensive job. However, even if you saved some spare shingles from a previous roof replacement, this patch job will probably not match the rest of the roof. This may be a relatively small consideration if your roof is not very old and will extend its life for ten or fifteen years unless you plan to sell your home. A prominent patch can be a negative selling point.

If the damage is confined to one side of the roof, a partial re-roofing can cost thousands of dollars less than an entire replacement. This can make the color differences less noticeable. Partial re-roofing can be more expensive on a cost per square than a total replacement and all layers will need to be removed. This can add to the cost and result in a lopsided effect due to the old roof being a couple of inches higher than the new side.

According to Angieslist.com, the determining factors on whether to fix or replace your roof are the following:

• ROOF AGE - Most roofs will last between 20 and 25 years, depending on whether you have one or more layers of shingles and the ventilation.
• SHINGLES CURLING /BUCKLING - Curling shingles that are losing granules indicate they need to be replaced. It could also mean the roof is defective.
• ROOF VALLEYS - Missing or damaged shingles in the roof valleys is a sign a roof replacement is needed.
• MISSING SHINGLES/ SHINGLE GRANULES IN THE GUTTERS - These are signs your roof is failing. Lost granules indicate shingles are at the end of their life cycle. Darker color on parts of the roof is also a sign granules are wearing away.
• ROOF BOARDS SHOWING DAYLIGHT - Daylight showing through the roof boards, a spongy feel when walking on the roof, or moisture in the insulation are all indications a new roof is needed.

Even if only part of your roof is showing damage or wear, it may be smart to consider roof replacement. The roofing contractor and crew will already be on-site with scaffolding, ladders, and other equipment. Replacing the entire roof with most likely be less expensive than doing one side now and the other in a few years.

According to bobvila.com, if you do decide to replace your roof, choosing to tear off the old roof or install the new roof over the existing one is another decision you will have to make. Installing the new roof over the existing one will save you a little money now but runs the risk of greater expenses in the future. The International Residential Code (R907.3) states that a new roof cannot be installed over two or more applications of any type of roof covering. Much of this has to do with the weight on the structure of your home. Covering a roof with 1,500 square feet of shingles is almost equal to the weight of a two-ton SUV. Removing the old shingles will allow you to inspect the roof deck and sheathing for damage, plus the shingles adhere better if fastened directly to the roof deck. This will also allow you to check for wood rot and the presence of inadequate sheathing fasteners. Additionally, starting with an undamaged roof deck allows you the option of adding an ice-and-water shield membrane along the eaves.

Having your roof inspected every one to two years is a good way to protect your roof from potential problems. Having your roof inspected after any severe weather event will also catch any damage before it becomes even more extensive.

Harper Roofing offers a free, no obligation roof inspection in the Charleston area. We will show up on time and give an honest assessment on the condition of your roof.

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We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to, Harper Roofing Charleston as the author and a link to our website http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-leaky-roof. Email us with any questions.

Hurricane Irma is now classified as a Category 5 Hurricane. Its 180 mph winds are well above the 157 mph threshold set for hurricanes classified as Category 5. It is heading west and could hit the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Wednesday. Depending upon where Irma tracks, the storm could hit Florida, Georgia and/or the Carolinas early next week.

According to the National Hurricane Center, "when a Category 5 hurricane hits land, a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed." with power lost in some areas possibly for weeks or even months.

As we watch the path of this catastrophic storm, there are things you can do to prepare your home and specifically the roof for the hurricane season.

We hope that you have found this information helpful. Share with your friends and neighbors by clicking "Like" and "Share" below.

Resources:
markkaufmanroofing.com
floridaroofing.com 
onesourcecps.com