We know it feels cold and that this has already been a LONG winter. But spring will be here before you know it - don't wait until the snow melts to start thinking about upcoming projects you want to tackle. In fact, for exterior remodeling projects, the sooner you request a Free in Home Consultation, the sooner we can get started planning your siding or roofing project! That way your project will start as soon as the temperature rises - or sooner!

We shared a few things via social media this month to give you some ideas:

5 Ticking Timebombs in Your Home

"There are some maintenance and repair issues that homeowners just hate to deal with—either because they take time, or cost money, or just don’t seem, well, urgent. But some of these problems can become ticking time bombs, poised to explode if they’re not defused early, when they are more like firecrackers than bombs," according to bobvila.com. Here are the things you need to keep an eye on in and around your home:
  1. Foundation
  2. Roof
  3. Septic System
  4. Old Electrical Systems
  5. Crawl Space
​For more information on what to look for, when and why, read the full article.

Top 10 Home Improvement Projects

According to realtor.com, homeowners considering improvements in 2014 should consult the "2013 Cost vs. Value Report, an annual collaboration between Remodeling magazine and REALTOR® Magazine, which breaks out the estimated cost of various projects and the estimated return on investment. In general, this year's report shows that exterior replacement projects are the most cost-effective. If you plan to sell your home later this year, remember that the first impression your home makes on buyers is their first glimpse of the outside."

The Erdmann Exterior Designs Ltd team could not agree more, particularly with the following recommended projects:

1. Replace Your Front Door 5. Replace Your Windows 9. Replace Your Siding

For the complete "Top Ten", click through to the article on Huffington Post.

Projects that Cost More Than They're Worth

Conversely to the above, there are some projects that aren't worth the investment. "There's nothing wrong with a deep cleaning, sprucing up, or renovation project here or there to boost the value of your home (or just make it more pleasant to live in). However, some of those projects may be scams, or completely unnecessary. Some home improvement projects may be a huge benefit to you or your family, but they can actually be huge money sinks. In other cases, companies that offer specialized services and repairs make a mint off of gullible homeowners," according to Alan Henry at lifehacker.com. 

The short list includes regular duct cleaning, chimney inspections and gutter repairs, driveway sealing, appliance upgrades and permanent "personal" changes. The article goes on to explain when and why these items are not worth it. Often it is dependent on the contractor providing the service or your goal for the project. For the entire article, click here.

The bottom line is that before undertaking any home improvement project, you should speak with a qualified contractor. Most reputable companies will provide a Free in Home Consultation and / or consultation with no obligation to proceed with their services. If you are not sure where to begin, review sites like Angie's List and Houzz are excellent resources. (And did you know Erdmann Exterior Designs Ltd recently won service awards from both?)