Summer is a great time to get outside and spruce up your yard and the outside of your home. You'll probably be spending a lot of time outdoors, so improving your curb appeal will make that a more pleasant experience. It's also a wonderful way to increase the value of a house and make a good impression on potential buyers. Midwest Renovation has a few ideas on how you can get the outside of your home looking it's best this time of year. 


Pressure Wash
We recently wrote about the benefits of pressure washing. It's a quick and cost effective way that our mid-Missouri renovation company can clean up your siding, driveway, and deck to make your house look like new. Removing the layers of dirt and grime that naturally build up over the year will greatly improve the look of any home. 

Paint the Exterior
If you have any type of painted wood on the outside of your home, like wooden siding, trim, or shutters, once it's been cleaned it may need a fresh coat of paint. Just like painting a room inside the house makes it feel fresh and new, the same goes for a paint update on the outside. For an added pop of color, you could even paint your front door a fun shade. If you come across any rotted pieces of wood, let our construction company in mid-Missouri take a look at it to see if it's an indication of bigger problems.   

Stain the Deck
This doesn't have to be done every year, but the protective stain on your house's deck will wear out over time. Depending on the type of stain used last, you should re-stain it every 2-4 years.  

Trim Trees & Brush
Get rid of any broken or dead limbs that are leftover from those spring storms, and trim up the bushes around your home to tame overgrown patches. Make sure the area around your AC unit is free of any plants or weeds. Take a good look at your yard and spot any areas that look bare. Now is a good time to put some fresh flowers in the ground or plant a new tree.  

Replace Exterior Lighting
A well-lit front porch and walkway are an important safety feature for any home. Updating old fixtures can greatly improve the curb appeal of the house and give it a stylish new look.  


Taking care of summer home maintenance inside and around your home keeps it in great shape for many years to come. Sprucing up the curb appeal outside not only gives you a wonderful place to hang out all season, but it also increases the value of the house. Some of these tasks can be handled by the homeowner, but if you'll be making repairs or updates that require a professional, give Midwest Renovation a call. We'll come out, take a look, and give you a quote at no cost to you.  

Summer is finally here! Early in the season, before it gets too terribly hot, is a great time to take care of those home maintenance tasks you didn't get to in the spring. Our Missouri residential and commercial renovation company has put together a list of things you should check to make sure your home is in its best condition for the season. 


Preventative Care
The following things may not need any attention at all, but they need to be checked at least once a year, just to make sure. Catching problems early is the easiest way to save yourself from bigger, costly fixes later on. 

• Have your roof inspected. 
  This is a good time to get on top of that roof and check for any damage that occurred over the winter or during any of those spring storms. Even the smallest deterioration could let in water or other elements that can cause damage to the house. If you aren't exactly sure what to look for, or you just don't want to climb up there, give us a call. We offer free roof inspections in Missouri by trained professionals.  
• Check pipes & hoses for leaks.
  Outdoor faucets and spigots definitely need to be looked at because they will be getting a lot of use over the summer, and if they are damaged, water could seep back into the house. Indoor pipes should be inspected for leaks too, as well as the hoses going to your washer, ice maker, toilets, dishwasher, etc...  
• Inspect attics, basements, & crawl spaces.
  All kinds of things can happen in the areas of your home that you don't spend a lot of time in, and in places like crawl spaces that you probably never see. Take the time to look around for signs of water leaks, like mold and mildew. Small "critters," like bugs or rodents, may have tried to move in at some point, and you want to get rid of them right away. In the attic, turn off the lights and look for signs of light making its way in. This could signal cracks that need to be sealed up.  
• Check for cracks.
  Other areas in your home can develop cracks from normal deterioration over time. Areas to keep an eye on are the foundation, walls around doorways and windows, exterior walls, and concrete flooring.  

General Maintenance
Making sure everything in and around your house is in good, working condition is the best way to make sure that it all lasts for a long time. Summer is a good time to take care of these general home maintenance tasks.

• Clean windows and screens.
  Now that the weather is so nice, it's the perfect time to make sure the outside of the windows are as clean as the inside. While you are taking care of that, take a close look to make sure no damage has happened since you last checked. Give your window screens a good washing too, and repair or replace any that are torn. If you're at the point of needing new windows, Midwest Renovation carries and installs quality windows that are energy efficient and available in custom sizes and shapes. 
• Make sure AC is ready for the summer.
  The easiest way to keep your heating and cooling systems doing their job is to replace filters regularly. Once a year you really should have a professional inspect it to make sure it will keep you cool all season long. The drain line needs to clean and kept clear to prevent clogging, which can cause water to back up into the house. 
• Reverse your ceiling fans.
  Another way to keep your home cool is to switch your ceiling fans to spin counter-clockwise. This causes them to push the cold air down, creating a nice, cool breeze. While you're up there flipping the switch, give them a good dusting too. 
• Drain the water heater. 
  Sediment can build up inside your water heater, especially if you have hard water, which will raise your energy bills, could cause the water heater to stop working, and possibly cause water backups and leaks. A yearly check can keep this under control.  

Pressure washing the surface of a building is not only a quick way to get it clean, but it also greatly improves the way it looks and can even raise the value of your home. In case this is a new concept to you, Midwest Renovation has explained more about this treatment for you below. 


What is pressure washing? 
Your home, or any building for that matter, is constantly exposed to the harsh elements of the outdoors. Pressure washing is a convenient way to clean a surface using a high-pressure water spray. This isn't simply a glorified garden hose, but rather a motorized washer that puts out an extremely strong stream of water able to remove loose things from a surface without the need for scrubbing. This is a whole lot faster and easier than trying to clean the entire outside by hand! 

Pressure washing isn't only for houses. It is also a great way to clean off driveways, sheds, garage floors, decks, and more. In addition to looking clean, there are some other excellent benefits to having our Missouri renovation company pressure wash for you.   
   
Cost Effective Curb Appeal
If the outside of your home is looking dingy, old, and in need of some new siding, a good pressure washing may be all that is necessary to restore it back to its original beauty. Just like the way a new paint job in a room can make it look brand new, pressure washing the outside of your home can make it look like new again too. 

This is a lot less expensive than replacing the siding (but if it really needs it, Midwest Renovation can do that too!) The incredible curb appeal that it adds to the look of your home is wonderful for increasing its value if you are trying to sell. 

Extend the Life of Building Materials
This treatment can also extend the life of a structure's materials. As with anything, proper upkeep can make it last much longer. For example, pressure washing a deck can eliminate the need to re-stain it for another year. It is suggested that you pressure wash your home at least once a year to maintain it.      

A Healthier Environment
This high pressure stream of water can remove all of the dirt and grime that builds up over time on the outside of every building. It's a much healthier environment to live or work in when all of the stuff clinging to the outside surfaces is gone.  

Pressure washing can remove dirt, stains left from falling leaves and branches, mold, and mildew. It can also take off rubber tire marks and oil stains from driveways and garage floors. Getting rid of these nasty elements provide a cleaner place for your family to live.   


Leave it to the experts.
Pressure washers can be rented if you want to do this yourself, but please be aware that handling one of these machines can be extremely dangerous. They can do more harm than good if not used properly. 

The water coming out of the nozzle is traveling at an extreme speed, strong enough to break a window, rip siding, and in some cases, even tear skin! If you don't know exactly where it's okay to spray, you could end up with water underneath wooden door and window frames, causing problems that will need to be fixed by a professional. These machines can also blast away the mortar between bricks of an older home. 

In the long run, it's much better to be safe than sorry. Hiring Midwest Renovation to take care of pressure washing for you takes the "pressure" off of you and puts the task in the hands of professionals that know exactly how it should be done. Our construction company covering all of Missouri is here for all of your home repair and renovation needs. If there is anything at all you think we can be of help with, don't hesitate to give us a call.  

Many people look for "fixer-uppers" when they buy a new house hoping that they can save some money on the buying price, as well as have the chance to turn that house into a home that has elements they want. Our mid-Missouri renovation company is well-versed in turning an older home into something new and wonderful. In today's blog, Midwest Renovation has included a few things to keep in mind when you buy a home to renovate, as well as some tips on where to get started.  


Know the home's build date.
The date that a house was originally built can clue you in to a few problems to look for. Homes built before 1978 run the risk of containing lead in the paint and maybe even the pipes. Asbestos was used to insulate many buildings until the mid-1970's, and is definitely something that should not be present in a home. Ask details about any and all renovations done to the structure since it was built. Hopefully, some of those problems have already been taken care of.

Another benefit to knowing how long ago the house was built is knowing whether or not some building codes were around back then. Anything built before a requirement became standard may be missing that important feature. In some cases, materials that were used are no longer available. Instead of matching what is already there, you will have to completely redo it.  

Recognize the signs of damage. 
Time takes its toll on everything, even the most well-built structures. Damage is bound to be present in any house you buy, and knowing how to recognize certain types of damage can help you to know what type of repairs you are in store for. Damaged wood that crumbles easily, bubbling or peeling paint, floors that buckle or sag, and wood that sounds hollow are all signs of possible termite damage. 

Mold and mildew, unpleasant or stale odors, stains on the walls and ceiling, peeling paint, and sagging walls and ceilings could mean that water is leaking into the house somewhere. If doors and windows are jammed or there are hairline fractures present in walls, these could be indications that there are foundation problems. Knowing what type of damage you will be needing to fix tells you how much extra money the renovation may cost. 

Start with practical fixes.
If you aren't willing or able to sink a lot of money into your new purchase all at once, it's okay to take it slow and tackle one renovation at a time. As tempting as it may be to make the inside of the house look pretty first, it's wise to start with practical, structural fixes that will prevent additional damage to the house in the future.  

A solid roof over your head is very important. This will make sure that water and other elements stay out of your structure and don't cause additional damage that will mean more repairs later. The foundation needs to be sound to hold everything up. New doors and windows will also help to keep the entire building watertight and energy efficient. 

Think about resale value.
Once you get the house safe and sound in all areas, that's when you can turn your attention toward the more fun updates, like a kitchen or bathroom remodel, or adding an extra room or two. Even if you plan to live out the rest of your life in this home, you never know what the future will bring. Renovate rooms that will add value to your home if you do end up selling it at some point in the future. Even if you don't, you'll still benefit from getting to live amidst those awesome updates. 


Call Midwest Renovation
Now that you know a few things to look for and keep in mind when you buy a house to fix up, you should know that our renovation company servicing all of Missouri staffs the people you can trust to make those home renovations for you. We have over 100 years of combined construction industry experience under our belts, and we always oversee all of our projects with prompt professionalism, keeping overall project costs as low as possible. 

Midwest Renovation offers free, no obligation inspections, so we can find all of the possible problems with a house and let you know what it will take to fix it. Every job begins with a detailed cost breakdown or itemized estimate and ends with a final walk-through inspection prior to final payment. All of that is backed by a 5-year installation warranty. Our customers are important to us, and we do everything in our power to make sure your home is safe and secure for your entire family for many years to come.  

If you have never worked with a company personally or known someone that has, it can be difficult to decide whether or not you can trust that company to do the work needed. Reviews from past clients are one helpful tool to use, and another is the opinion of the Better Business Bureau (BBB.) They have a strict rating system set into place to let consumers know the reputation of a business, and Midwest Renovation is proud to say that they have given us a rating of A+.  



Our trusted Missouri renovation company has held on to our A+ rating with the BBB for many years now. In addition to quality construction work, customer service is a huge priority to Midwest Renovation. Between the many knowledgeable people that work for us, we have over 100 years of combined construction industry experience. We always strive to provide services that you will be completely satisfied with, and we're confident enough in our skills and ability that all of our work is backed by a 5-year installation warranty for both commercial and residential customers. 

BBB Rating Criteria
With all of that in mind, here is the criteria that the BBB looks for when they assign company ratings. It is all based on information in the BBB files with respect to the following factors:

• Complaint History with BBBThey look at the number of complaints made, and also at the way the business handled them, if it was in a timely manner, and how those complaints were resolved. 
• Type of Business
  Businesses must not, in BBB's opinion, raise marketplace concerns or operate in violation of the law.
• Time in Business
• Transparent Business Practices
  Ratings are lowered if a business doesn't provide complete information to customers about products and services offered, the ownership of the business, and if the address is false or cannot be determined.
• Failure to Honor Commitments to BBB
  Businesses must honor all commitments made, including mediation settlements or arbitration awards. 
• Licensing and Government Actions Known to BBB
  Businesses are required to have a competency licensing, and there must be no suspicion that the company is conducting business in a way that is not ethical or reliable. 
• Advertising Issues Known to BBB
  There must be no misuse of the BBB name or its ratings for the company, and there can be no questions about the truthfulness, accuracy, or substantiation of advertising claims or compliance with the BBB Code of Advertising.