Take it from Missouri's best roofing company, the easiest way to keep your roof in it's best shape so that it can last for years and years with little or no incident is to perform regular maintenance on it. It may not be the easiest place to get to, but the maintenance tasks are fairly simple. Midwest Renovation has a list of things that you can do to keep your roof in great shape.


Inspect It
First of all, you need to have someone get up there and take a good look at your roof at least once a year. You may be able to see the big things, like missing shingles or holes, but it takes a trained eye to catch the smaller problems that may turn into large ones if not taken care of. All it takes is one call to Midwest Renovation to schedule a FREE roof inspection. Our experts will take a close look at everything and let you know about any problems we find, plus give you an estimate and plan for getting them fixed when you're ready. 

Sweep It Off
Lots of things can end up on your roof, usually due to weather. Sticks, leaves, and other debris can do damage to shingles, and if they remain up there wet, can cause algae to begin growing on the roof. All of that stuff will eventually make its way into the gutters, too, which can clog them and cause leaks. Sweep or blow off this debris, and in the winter, consider investing in a snow rake. After a heavy snow, it's good to get it off the roof to avoid leaks or damage.

Trim Overhanging Branches
There will be a lot less debris on your roof if you trim back trees that are hanging over it. You especially want to make sure no large branches are directly over your roof. If a heavy one breaks and falls, it could put a big hole in your house.  

Replace Worn Caulk
Water can begin making its way under your roof when seals deteriorate. If you notice an cracks in the caulk around the flashing, joints, chimneys, or other areas, it will need to be removed, scrubbed, and resealed. If you aren't exactly sure how to take care of that, our mid-Missouri renovation company can easily do it for you. 

Remove Rust
During your inspection, if you see rust on any metal parts on your roof, it will need to be removed with a wire brush, primed, and painted. Cleaning it up is a lot easier and less expensive than having to replace it if you ignore the problem. 


Our Missouri construction company has a highly qualified and well-trained staff full of roofing experts that know what to look for during an inspection, and they also know the best ways to fix any problems so that the repairs last. When you are ready for your yearly roof inspection, don't hesitate to give Midwest Renovation a call at 1-866-230-5415. We will come out at no cost to you, and you won't owe us anything unless you choose to have work done. Keep that roof in good shape with regular maintenance and you will save yourself lots of worry, hassle, and money down the road. 

Autumn will be here in just a couple of weeks, and with it, a new set of seasonal weather. Midwest Renovation has a few fall maintenance tips for you so that your home stays in great shape through all of it. Many you can take care of yourself, but a few you might want to hand off to the professionals at our Missouri renovation company. 


Clean Out Gutters
Unfortunately, due to all the leaves that fall this time of year, you may have to do this task more than once before the season is over. Clogged gutters can cause water to flow down on your home rather than away from it, and in the winter the clogs may form ice dams that do the same and can damage the gutters. These water leaks can cause issues with the walls, foundation, and more over time. Gutter guards may be an option for you to help with this. 

Check Outside Water Spigots
Water needs to be drained out of all pipes on the outside of your house so that it doesn't freeze on cold nights and cause cracks, which cause water leaks. This could mean a flood in your home once spring rolls around and you turn the faucets back on. Also, drain and disconnect hoses and put them away for the season so they'll be ready to use again next year. 

Have Your Roof Inspected
You can climb up there and take a look, but this is one task that is best left to the experts. Sometimes roof damage is small enough to be overlooked by the untrained eye, but these small problems lead to big ones down the road. One obvious problem that can usually be spotted more easily is shingles that are curling, cracking, or buckling. If your roof isn't in its best shape, rain will make its way into the house and cause a variety of huge problems. Calling our mid-Missouri roofing experts will get you a FREE inspection and quote for any work we feel needs to be done, and we will never suggest anything that isn't necessary. 


Inspect Your Fireplace
Dampers that aren't working properly don't do the job they are there for, and anything blocking the air flow will need to be removed. If you notice any cracks in the chimney or it appears to be leaning, then it's time to ask for expert help. 

Seal Doors and Windows
A good quality caulk can fix any cracks in door and window seals. This will help to keep your energy bill lower by preventing heat from escaping. If you see cracks anywhere else, like around the doors and windows beyond the seals, or cracks in the walls, you will want to let Midwest Renovation take a look. 

Inspect Concrete
Concrete surfaces around and on your home, such as driveways and foundations, should be free of cracks. If these are not sealed before snow falls, they will only get bigger and harder to fix. 

Check the Attic
Colder weather causes pests to seek warmth, often inside your home. They will be found in areas that you generally aren't in as much, like the attic, and they may also get into the vents. Making sure there are no holes for them to come in can help to avoid this. Also check that you have proper insulation in place while you are up there. This is another great way to keep your energy bills low. 


Now is the time to take a look around the outside of your house and find any possible problems that need to be taken care of before the weather gets too cold to want to do it. It's also a wonderful time to give our construction company servicing all of Missouri a call at 866-230-5415 and schedule your FREE inspection. 

Yearly inspections are the best way to make sure everything in your home is working the way it should, allowing it to last for a long, long time. Midwest Renovation is staffed with highly trained, certified inspectors that know exactly what to look for, and how to take care of any problems that may be found. Trust us to keep your home in tip-top shape, all year long.   

Rain gutters may not appear to be that important, but they actually play a big part in keep your home safe from flooding, damage, and premature wear-and-tear. They need regular upkeep, and if they are damaged or have pulled away from the house, you'll want to call the best home renovation company in Missouri to fix the problem right away. 


Gutters are there to funnel rain off of the roof and away from your home, which protects the house from damage. If you don't take care of problems before rainy weather hits, the following things could happen that may cause costly repairs for you in the future.

Water Staining
Stone and brick masonry will stain if they have extended contact with water. Without a good gutter system in place, this is sure to happen. Having siding isn't any better, because the water will get underneath it. 

Roof Leaks
When gutters are not in good shape, they can cause water to run under the shingles on your roof rather than redirecting it away from the house. This will eventually lead to leaks in the roof. It's not just rain, but snow too that can cause problems, because as it melts, that water will need to be funneled away from your home. 

Cracking
It can be impossible to prevent cracking of sidewalks, patios, and driveways from happening over time, but it will happen much quicker than it needs to if your gutters are letting water rush over, and in some cases underneath, them. Damage can also happen to doors and windows when water isn't redirected away from them.  

Damaged Foundation
If the gutters are not directing water away from the house, it will fall straight down and run against the building's foundation. Over time, this can cause cracks in the foundation to begin forming. 

Erosion
That water that is falling directly next to the home will also displace the soil and any landscaping nearby. You end up with a moat instead of the flowers and shrubs you planted there. 

Flooding
That moat will eventually begin making its way into your basement, causing leaks and possible flooding. This is extremely possible if there are any cracks in your foundation, which is another symptom of not having gutters that work properly. 


Midwest Renovation can take a look at your gutter system to make sure that it is working properly, and we can install one if your home doesn't have one yet. This small detail can make a huge difference when it comes to preserving the length of a house's life. Our mid-Missouri roofing company knows what to look for and how to fix any problems that may arise when we inspect your roof. Let us take a look so that you can rest assured that your home is in the best shape it can possibly be. 

Roofs are a tough part of your home or office building to keep a close eye on. Small damage can go unnoticed, allowing it to grow and become a huge problem, often with no warning. Our storm damage restoration experts in Missouri know the little signs to look for so a problem can be caught early, before it causes too much trouble. Today, Midwest Renovation has a few warning signs that you can keep an eye out for. 


Damage Around the Building
After a storm that produced hail, look at the areas surrounding your building. Damage to trees around your home or office means that there is a good chance some damage may have happened to the roof. That same weather that nature took on happened to your building too. Severe damage to the area around your home is a sure sign that you should have the roof looked at.   

Visible Damage on the Building
There are many higher parts of your home that can be seen from the ground, at the correct point of view. Look out for signs of damage on areas that you can see, which will indicate the possibility of damage higher up on the roof. Some of these could be: 

• Dents in siding
• Bent, sagging, or damaged gutters
• Dented vents
• Water leaks from any part of your ceiling

Damage Clues on the Roof
If you see any of the things listed above, having a professional take a look at the roof of your building is a wise idea. Obvious damage, like large dents or cracks in shingles, aren't always what you will find. Hail actually needs to be larger than golf-ball-sized to break through roofing material. 

It's the harder-to-spot damage that causes the surprise problems down the road. They also age your roof prematurely, not allowing it to last as long as it was built to last. Rather than a big hole, hail is more likely to leave a soft spot, or bruise, on your roof. While not an immediate problem, these bruises can cause cracks that spread and eventually allow water to leak through and enter your home or office.

Another small difference that isn't always easy to notice is loosened or missing granules in the roofing material. Over time, the loss of these granules can expose the asphalt coating of the roof to more bad weather and shorten the roof's lifespan tremendously.  


Catch Hidden Damage Early 
It's always better to be safe than sorry, and when you give the best roofing company in mid-Missouri a call, it doesn't cost you anything to have your roof checked out! All of our inspections are always completed at no cost to you, and you only have to hire us afterwards if you choose to. Our storm damage experts are highly trained and are required to pass a rigorous certification process before heading out into the field.  

Not only do we know what to look for and how to fix it when it comes to storm damage to a commercial or residential building, but we understand the complexities of insurance claims too. We work with any insurance company, and you can even begin filing your claim directly from the Midwest Renovation website. As an added bonus, we can also finance any portion of your deductible for up to 12 months with 0% interest. If you are even slightly worried that your roof could have hail or other storm damage, or if it has been over a year since your last inspection, let us take a look. You'll rest easier once you do. 

If you are looking for a commercial and residential contractor in Missouri that you can trust, there are a few things that you can do to make sure you find just the right one. With lots of choices out there, it may seem overwhelming to try to narrow it down. Midwest Renovation has a few steps for you to take to set your mind at ease. 


Look Locally
Searching for a construction company that is located far away from you may mean extra travel expenses, plus they won't be familiar with other businesses in the area they may need to work with. You should be able to find a contractor that is close to where you are. If they have been there for a while, it will be easy to find out how they conduct business through past customers. 

Hiring a local company means that you are supporting your community. Rates can be more competitive when you work with a local company too. They will also be nearby if needed for an emergency. Midwest Renovation has offices and agents throughout the state of Missouri, with the home office based out of Jefferson City. That puts us right in the middle, but with members of our team located all over the state. 

Research the Company
A great way to find out how a company operates is to check reviews. Past customers are generally very honest about their experience, especially if they were unhappy. While you are at it, make sure that the company you are considering is fully insured and licensed for the services they are offering.  

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) should have records on the company that you can check out. They have a strict rating system set into place to let consumers know the reputation of a business. Our mid-Missouri renovation company is very proud to boast an A+ rating from the BBB. 


Call & Ask Questions
Once you have some candidates in mind, give them a call and ask questions about your project and how that particular company would handle it. If you like the sound of what you hear, set up an in-person meeting to get to know them better. A simple conversation can tell you a lot about whether or not this is a company you can imagine yourself working with. When you meet, ask to see some examples of past work that they have completed. 

Talk About Cost
You will want to know what you are financially getting into before you get into it. Make sure that you believe the contractor you are working with will give you the best price for what you are asking. Midwest Renovation offers a free consultation and quote before we take on any job. We also can provide an itemized estimate so that you fully understand where your money is being used. 

If you are needing to repair damage, we also work easily with any insurance company, and you can conveniently file a claim directly from our website. 0% financing is available through our Missouri construction company for up to 12 months if you need assistance covering your insurance deductible. 


Ask About Materials
Not only do you want to make sure that the contractor you hire is the right one for the job, it will ease your mind to know that they will be using high-quality materials to complete the project. We pride ourselves in only using trusted brands that we know will stand the test of time. Some you may know already, but if not, we are always happy to explain them to you.


Give Midwest Renovation A Call
As we always say, "One call does it all!" Contact our Missouri renovation company by calling 1-866-230-5415. We'll be happy to answer any and all questions that you have and set up a time for an in-person meeting for your free consultation and estimate. Customer satisfaction is a huge priority to us at Midwest Renovation, and we always work diligently to provide services that you can be 100% satisfied with. We would love to work with you soon! 

Our mid-Missouri renovation company has been in business for many years, so we know that every remodel has its own set of obstacles. One that every remodel job seems to have in common is the stress it can put the homeowners under, worrying about how long it's taking, what it will look like in the end, what material they should pick, etc... It can all seem overwhelming. If you're thinking about taking on a remodeling project for your home, Midwest Renovation has a few tips to help you get through the process with a little less stress.  


Convey your wishes clearly.
Speak openly and honestly with your contractor so that we know exactly what you are wanting the final product to look like. The highly qualified team members at Midwest Renovation will sit down with you and discuss every aspect of your remodel before work ever begins. We will talk over cost estimates, construction details, and clean-up plans. During this time we will also do our very best to thoroughly understand your wishes and make them a reality.   

Remember, everyday life goes on.
If you are having an entire room taken apart and remodeled, life as you know it in that part of your house will come to a stop, or at least slow down tremendously. Your life, on the other, will keep going on as usual. Make arrangements before construction begins to keep from having to slow yourself down too much. 

For example, if it's a kitchen remodel, you may want to move a some food to an easier to access area, and maybe even relocate the microwave for the time being. If it's a bathroom remodel, make sure everyone in the house makes time to share the remaining bathrooms that are still in use. It may be cramped for a while, but the end result will be worth it.  

Have an away plan.
Some projects are too big to live around comfortably. In this case, you may want to move out for a little while to stay with family, or even a couple of days in a hotel. If you're not in a hurry to get it all done at once, arrangements can be made so that this isn't necessary, but if the renovation work gets on your nerves too much, getting away from the situation for a little while can take a lot of stress off of you.  

Protect your belongings.
Remember that during a remodel, your home is a construction zone. There's a good chance that everything will be covered in construction dust at the end of each day. Make sure important items and furniture are covered up, and anything that you don't want to risk damaging is moved to another area of the home. We always treat our customers' homes with respect and care, but it's always better to be safe and put things away than to be sorry later because an accident happened that could have been avoided. 


Prioritize.
Decide which projects are the most important to you, and have those taken care of first. It doesn't all have to happen at once. If you want to avoid disrupting your family's life as much as possible, it's okay to do one project at a time, containing the bulk of the construction to only one area at a time. 

Be flexible.
Keep in mind that things don't always go exactly as planned, and that even though life goes on, things will be in your way trying to slow it down. Having prepared for this is a big help, but reminding yourself to "go with the flow" instead of losing your temper can be a sanity saver. Take a second, breathe, then calmly adjust. If there is any way that we can help when this happens, let us know. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. 

Savor the small steps. 
Work probably won't happen as quickly as you'd like it to. This doesn't mean we will work slowly, but we will take the time to guarantee that the job is done right the first time. Taking progress photos every few days can help you to see that more has been done than you may realize. Take joy in the work as it happens.

Think about the final product. 
Imagining what your newly renovated home will look like when the job is over can help to cheer you up when you get frustrated. It may seem messy getting there, but once it's all over, your house's brand new look will be worth all the time and energy it took to get you there.  

Trust the professionals. 
The easiest thing that you can do to take the pressure off of yourself is to hire someone you know that you can trust. Our construction company in Missouri hires only the very best, and together our team has over 100 years of combined construction industry experience. 

Once you let us know exactly what you want done, you can trust that we have the experience, knowledge, and professionalism to make it happen, all while keeping project costs to a minimum. Following the tips above will go a long way in helping you survive any large home project, and hiring Midwest Renovation to do the job means you can relax knowing that everything is well taken care of. 

There are lots of things that can cause damage to a roof over time; extreme temperatures, excessive rain, and severe storms to name a few. Midwest Renovation has seen (and fixed) it all, and we know what to look for so that possible damage can be taken care of before it's a huge problem. In this blog, our mid-Missouri roofing company explains why the summer heat we will be experiencing this season can be bad for your roof. 

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.