Jake Borjas's (cobin756) Blog

Top 10 Strategies to Save Big on Home Remodeling

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:57:50 -0700

My customers are always asking the questions "how can I save on my remodeling project?". Based on my experience as a General Contractor, I have put together 10 suggestions that will help you get the best deal . Many homeowners find that once they have been in their home for a while, they are ready for a change. With the way the economy is today, it can be difficult to do any home remodeling. With a few simple tips, you will find that you are well on your way to shaping your home into the home you want it to be. Below is a list of the top 10 strategies to help you save big on home remodeling.1. Always plan ahead. Many people make the mistake of just trying to do things as they come up but you will see that if you plan ahead, you will be better able to handle things as they come up. This is a good way for you to save up for certain projects as you are taking the time to plan ahead. You will know approximately what you need to complete the project and you will have time to get everything together to make it happen. 2. Get more than one estimate for work to be done. It is a good rule of thumb to always get at least 3 bids for a project. Each contractor will charge a different price so you want to get a few bids.3. Do not be set in your ways as you may find that there is a better and cheaper way to do things if you keep an open mind. 4. Have a blueprint. Making a drawing of what you want to do will help you to see the big picture. It will help you to see what you need to do and what you want to change. 5. Keep in mind that you may want to upgrade things in a few years so go with products that are easily interchangeable. This will make upgrades a breeze. 6. Do not rush through the project. You need to allow enough time to complete the job the right way. If you skimp on the amount of time you have to do the job, it may not get done properly. 7. Take time to choose the right general contractor. Just because a man says he will do a good job doesn't mean that he will. Check references and credentials to be sure that you are working with a legitimate company. 8. Shop around for supplies. Check prices at a few stores so you can be sure to get the best price for materials. 9. Ask if the contractor will meet or beat their competitor's price. Most often, people will drop their price to meet their competitor's price but you won't know this unless you ask. 10. Try to use what you have. You may be surprised to find out that it will cost much less to sand down those cabinets and refinish them, and then it would to buy new and replace them. You can give your home a face-lift without having to spend a fortune if you just use what you have already. A little paint and elbow grease will go a long way. If you are interested on addtional uselful remodeling articles, visit http://www.jamarhouses.com/Articles/Articles.html

Top 10 Home Improvements that Pay Off Big In Any Economy

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:46:01 -0700

Regardless of your goals to sell a home or to just, increase the value of it, home improvement projects can pay off big time. Just a few years ago, when people wanted something different in their home, they looked for a new home. It has gotten harder to do that. More so, selling in this market means making only wise investment decisions in these projects. Yet, there are ways to improve your home and see a dramatic increase in your home's value because of it. Not all projects in home improvement will do this, though. Here are the top ten! #1: Add a wood deck addition to your home. Call your residential contractor and start working on the plans for this one. This is the biggest benefit you will see. 82 percent of the cost of implementing a wood deck onto your home will be recouped at the time of your home's sale. Why is it so valuable? Most people see this is additional living space. It is multifunctional, easily used and gives individuals a motive to spend time outdoors. #2: Vinyl siding replacement is nearly as valuable. A well maintained vinyl siding will last for a very long time. If your siding has problems and it is not replaced, it could cost you a number of potential buyers. Talk to your contractor about your current siding. Does it look good? Is it dented or disfigured? Most importantly, replacing the vinyl siding will also benefit you with reduced energy costs. An estimated 81 percent of the cost recouped. #3: Smaller kitchen remodels are also important. Instead of ripping out the kitchen and redoing it, find ways to freshen the condition. Talk to your contractor about repairing and painting cabinets, updating hardware or changing outdated appliances. With the kitchen being the heart of the home, it definitely needs to be part of your home improvement. You will likely see about 80 percent of the cost back at sale time, if not more. #4: Window replacement is important especially if the windows are older than ten years, broken or obviously ugly. Replacing the windows is helpful to the tune of about 78 percent of recouped value. People want new windows because they know this will help keep energy costs down. In addition, windows are often a big hassle to put in. Buyers do not want big projects on their plate right away. #5: Larger kitchen remodeling may be beneficial. You have to be careful here because investing too much can hurt you. About 76 percent of your costs will recoup. If you update it successfully, though, it definitely could help you to turn your house around on the market faster. #6: Bathroom remodels are another great investment. Why should you focus on remodeling the bathroom? There are several benefits. The largest draw for the homebuyer is the cleanliness factor. Ideas here may be new fixtures, new cabinetry and new paint. Your contractor may be able to install new tiling in the shower too. This is a big benefit. For your bathroom remodel, the average value payback is 74 percent. #7: Add a bedroom in the attic. By doing this carefully it will pay off. Ultimately, it depends on the location and the easy of getting into the attic, but if you do turn it into a bedroom, it will pay off at about 74 percent of the value. Adding bedrooms to homes is a great way to make the home more readily available to larger families, increasing the number of people who potentially are interested in it. #8: Composite deck additions are a good investment too, at about 74 percent recouped value. Composite is costly, which is why you may not get more back. However, the look of it is definitely beneficial. Its long lifespan of not needing to be repaired, painted or stained adds to the benefit. #9: Basement remodeling is also high on the charts at 73 percent. Cleaning up the basement and organizing is essential. Larger remodeling projects can be too, such as installing a basement wall system, improving water conditions and making the space more usable. #10: Two story additions definitely will make your home a larger draw because of its larger space. You will see about a 71 percent recouped value here. Again, the added living space can help you sell your home faster, though. Talk to your contractor about these or other home improvement projects that could add value to your home.

10 Odd-Ball Cleaning Tips

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Wed, 13 May 2009 06:47:07 -0700

My house cleaning crew has collected the following odd-ball tips to help you keep your home clean. Enjoy.. THE following are a number of cleaning tips have been helpful to many homemakers. Of course, circumstances differ in each home, so that what may be a time-saver to one may not help another. However, perhaps you can benefit from these practical suggestions. 1. Remove food buildup from stoves. The most effective way to remove food buildup on the flat topped stoves is to simply use an inexpensive glass scrapper. Use a fresh blade to remove the residue around the heat rings.2. Squeeze on Sponges. Sponges are a bacteria's paradise. They are moist and have tiny traces of food embedded in it. Your sponge will no longer be a bacteria colony when you put it in the dishwasher before you wash a load. Germs do not take kind to the heat.3. Wet Work Cleaning Tips. A damp microfiber cloth can clean 90 percent of most surfaces quickly and safely. Use a damp cloth by itself or with diluted dish detergent. 4. Use Mats to keep dirt out; Start at the entrance. Eighty percent of the dirt that comes into your home comes in the bottom of shoes. Placing mats and wiping the shoes before entering will remove 80 percent of the dirt. 5. Cleaning Apron - Buy or make an apron with large pockets (or use a clothespin apron) to carry some of your rags, sponges, etc., or to use for stray items you pick up as you clean.6. Protect the floor when moving heavy furniture - Slip an old sock or mitten over each of the legs (you may have to use string or a rubber band to hold them up) so that the legs will not damage the floor and the piece will be easier to move.7. Energy saver - Alternate hard tasks with easy ones. Start with something strenuous, such as mopping and waxing the kitchen floor, and then do an easier job, such as sorting dirty clothes or mending. If you have been on your feet ironing, try to make the next job one you can do while sitting down.8. Venetian blind "gloves" - To wash venetian blinds at the window, wear a cotton glove or an old sock dipped in a pail of thick suds. Squeeze out the excess moisture. 9. Stain Removal 101. Clean spills immediately. The longer the stain sets, the more stubborn it becomes. Use a white clean rag to remove the stain. When working with fabrics, always blot - never rub. Rubbing breaks down the fibers and weakens the material.10. Clean popcorn textures ceilings. Slip three lint roller replacement tubes over the metal base of a paint roller. Attach the roller to your extension handle and roll the ceiling to remove cobwebs without smearing the cobwebs or scattering the popcorn compound everywhere. Cleanliness Does Make a DifferencePleasant surroundings have a cheering effect. The favorable comments of others about our tidy home can likewise be stimulating. For additional cleaning tips visit http://www.jamarhouses.com/Articles/Articles.html

Easy Ways To Fix A Stubborn Roof Leak

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Mon, 04 May 2009 03:48:11 -0700

Learn the tips used by Professional Roofing Contractors The telephone rang at 02:00 in the morning. When the telephone rings at this time, it usually mean trouble, this time, it was exception. The frantic voice at the other end was claiming that his home ceiling was falling - literally. All the rain that had fallen for the last two days had turned a small roof leak into a water fall. The customer was requesting emergency roof services, at 02:00 AM, to stop in the middle of a rainy morning. He was not happy when I explained that it would not be safe to tackle the roof in the darkness. The lesson in here is "do not wait for rain to fix your roof leak!" Common Places Leaks Occur in Roofing This article will give the necessary knowledge to locate a roof leak. It will also tell you the best way to get your roof repaired. Portions of the roof vulnerable to leakage are the joints between the roof and the roof mounted structures, such as the chimney. The joint between the roof and a vertical wall; and the joint between two slopping sections - valleys. While roof leaks are common in many homes, the basic locations are the skylights, ice dams, wall step flashings, missing shingles, plumbing vent flashing, chimneys, fields of shingles, and furnace or B-vent flashings. As common areas, many homeowners struggle to find the exact location when it comes to roof repairs. Leaks can occur anywhere on the roof and for any number of reasons. Severe weather which brings rain, snow, wind and hail are hard on the roofs. Some roofs leak because they are plain worn out. Tips to find the source of the roof leak People usually notice the roof leak after the water begins to drip through the ceiling. However, the source of the leak is rarely directly above the water stain. These tips will help you locate the sources of a roof leak:In the attic, start above the ceiling leak and follow the water stains on the deck to the potential source. Watch for a ray of sunlight to indicate a nail hole. Have a friend hose down the roof while you watch the leak from the inside of the attic. If you find a hole, mark the location by using a wire hanger through the hole. Make sure your friend is able to locate the wire hanger on the top of the roof. When you look for leak on asphalt shingles, start by looking for worn out shingles with dark patches in them. This indicates loss of surface granules. Look also for curled and damaged shingles. Look also for broken or missing shingles. On a roof with a valley, clean out all debris accumulated in the valley. Search for broken or missing flashing material. How to identify leak stains and Their Locations An identifiable stain is the mold or moisture around the vents, chimneys, and skylights. These are the intersections in which water connects. After finding the leaking locations, it's important to move perishable items such as electronics, furniture, and other home appliances as well as catching the leak in a bucket. We have seen the movies in which buckets are located every other foot in the home; do not let this happen to your roof. Identifying the stains and locations are the first steps to saving your home from damaged goods by simple leaks. Your roofing contractor will explain the necessary requirements to ensure your possessions are safe while checking the condition of the ceiling before repair. Simple Emergency Repairs to Reduce Leakage Taking preventive measures will save you money in expensive roofing repairs. Consider checking and fixing simple issues if your roofing contractor notices leakage from your shingles, cracks in your chimney, or degraded flashings. Fix roof leaks right away. It is not recommended that you do the roof repair yourself due to its complexity and the required knowledge of its repairs - besides, it is dangerous. Call a certified and insured roofing contractor who will provide the best insight of taking care of your roof as well as explain the procedures that are used to remove leaks and secure your investment. Implementing Temporary Protection: If you are not afraid of heights and are handy with tools, you can do some temporary roof repairs. A little bit of tar, few roofing nails, and some flashing can get rid of small annoying leaks. Some cases such as the one mentioned below is a simple, easy-to-do repair you can complete to remove stubborn leaks. Water flowing inside the flat surface of the deck - Simple Roof Repairs: Take a small pry bar to remove the shingle in question then layer a thick hint of tar across the area. Nail the shingle back down then cover the entire shingle in tar. If you cannot use the same nail holes, place tar within and on top of the holes to prevent leakage through the deck. Before you are done, place another thin layer of tar on the underside of the shingles just for safe-keeping. You should see a change in the area and the leak should end after the tar is applied properly. Simple Ways to Limit the Damage Roofing repairs can be an expensive investment for any homeowner. You can limit the damage to your home by taking action early. If you feel that your home is in need of an assessment from a roofing professional, take the time to consult someone who understands the ordeals. A simple phone call to your local roofing contractors can land you in the right position to pinpoint future problems. Home improvements including replaced shingles, flashings, and decks can complicate the process. If you are not a roofing professional, do not try to attempt complex projects on your own. Be safe. Let a professional take a look, provide an estimate, and get the job done right with quality materials. Consider this investment a long-term agreement for a happy home. For additional information handling roofing leaks visit http://www.jamarhouses.com/Remodeling/Roofing/RoofingEstimates.html

What Spring Cleaning "IS" & What "IS NOT"

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:23:58 -0700

"Do you now the origins of the spring cleaning activities?" We have all heard the phrase Spring Cleaning but chances are that most of us know little about how it all came about. It is said that you can trace spring cleaning all the way back to the Persian New Year. This is actually the first day of spring and the Iranians would follow khooneh tekouni before the New Year started. Knooneh tekouni actually means to shake the house. This is where they would thoroughly clean the entire home and everything nit before their new year started, hence the name- spring cleaning. In North America, spring cleaning has become a regular thing for most all families. Spring time is still the time of year that this ritual is done because March has proved to be the best month weather wise for this large cleaning project. Weather in March is not so hot that cleaning would be unbearable and you can open the windows to help ventilate when you kick up the dormant dust that has been hiding in your home. The strong winds in the spring time help to carry the dust away and the air is just right so you are not attacked by insects. The actual time of year that spring cleaning is done can vary from one country to another based on the weather that they have. When you set out to do your spring cleaning, you should consider all the things that need to be taken care of such as putting the winter clothes and supplies away for the next year and get the house cleaned very well from being closed up from the cold winter weather. Many people like to go with a list so that they are sure to get everything done. You can go with a room by room guide that details all that needs to be done in each individual room such as the bedroom: stripping the bed and putting fresh linens on, flipping the mattress, wiping the walls down, cleaning the curtains and/or blinds, cleaning the ceiling fan and switching the blades for the warm months as well as the usually dusting and vacuuming. You will also want to wash the little things that normally just get dusted like the little knick-knacks. There are many people that use spring cleaning for the wrong reasons. They use it as an excuse to not do things the rest of the year as they say they will get to it when they do their spring cleaning. This is not what spring cleaning is about. You should not use it as a way to avoid cleaning your house the rest of the year. There are certain things that need to be done on a regular basis so that you can maintain a clean and healthy home for you and your family. It is important to dust and vacuum regularly so that you do not have a buildup of dust mites as that can make you sick and can really be harmful to those that have allergies to dust mites. Spring Cleaning Activities: It is good for you to get yourself a list together when the spring season rolls around. There are plenty of websites that offer free to do lists for spring cleaning. It is best to go with a room-by-room guide so that you will be sure to get everything. The lists will help you to stay on track and keep you organized so that the spring cleaning will go much faster. You do not want this once a year task to take up too much of your time. By keeping a to-do list, you will be ahead of the cleaning when the time comes. It can be helpful to collect storage bins or containers so that you will be able to store away your winter items with ease. You will also want to stock up on the cleaning supplies so you will be ready to attack the once a year cleaning tasks with no trouble at all. Many people also find that this is a good time to go through their clothes and get rid of the things that the kids have outgrown or things that they do not wear any longer. If it has sat in your closet for longer than 12 months and you have not wore it then you can say it is safe to donate it or sell it in a yard sale. If spring is upon you then you will want to get your list together and get ready to get your home in order.

High Performance Painting Tips By A Professional Painter

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:26:36 -0700

IN THESE days of rising costs, many people are looking for ways to economize. It is not genuine economy to neglect upkeep and let your property get run down. You might save money by doing some of the work yourself For example, have you thought about doing some of your own house painting? It is not hard. Furthermore, there is real satisfaction in doing things with your own hands, especially when the results are good. These painting tips will help you get it right the first time. Keep reading to unlock the secrets of a practically perfect paint job. The secret of successful decorating is good preparation! Have you noticed how long professional painters take to prepare surfaces for painting, in comparison with the time it actually takes to do the job? If you are doing it yourself, do not skimp on time and effort when getting ready. Enjoy these powerful painting Tips: Good Prep Makes the Job Easier. Giving dingy walls a fresh coat of paint spruces up your living space. But if you paint over dust, grime, and other dirt you will not like the result. If you do a thorough job prepping to paint, the project will go quickly and smoothly. The most important prep steps are: Wash and wipe down the surfaces Make small repairs as needed Tape off baseboards Protect floors and furniture Tape off doors and window frames Take Time to Tape. Taking the time to tape might seem like unnecessary delay, but it is essential. Use blue painter's tape around anything you want to protect from paint - baseboards, ceilings, window and door frames, remove electrical outlet covers. Cut the corners, doors, windows and ceiling line. Beginning at a corner, cut and paint a 2 to 3 inch trim brush. Cut in only as much area as you will be able to roll. Brush on paint at the line where the wall and ceiling meet. You can tape off the ceiling or you can carefully brush on paint at the ceiling line, if you have a steady hand. Use Primer. Primer seals stains and gives you a clean surface on which to paint. Remember if your walls are stained or if you are painting a lighter color, primer is a must. Use the Best Tools You Can Afford. House painting is easier when you use quality brushes and rollers. You do not have to be concerned about bristles sticking to the wall. Sometimes a bad paint job has nothing to do with the painter but everything to do with bad quality tools. Take Care of Your Brush. Your brush will be a pleasure to use as long as you pay attention to proper loading, cleaning, and storing recommendations: Shaping and Storing your brush. Wash the brush with soap and water, shape the bristles, and let them dry. Then wrap the brush in the cardboard cover it was sold. The bristles should be held in shape but no squeezed. Loading the brush. Dip the brush into the paint only one third the length of the bristles. If you go deeper, you will waste paint and make a mess. Control the moisture: Most of the paint problems are the results of moisture attacking from underneath the paint. The solution is adequate ventilation. Handling Interruptions: If your work gets interrupted for an hour or less, leave the brush in the paint. Position the brush so that the paint covers the tip of the bristles only. For longer interruptions, wrap the brush in a brush in a foil or plastic. Keep a rag around: carry a clean, damp rag in your back pocket. The moment you brush beyond the area that should receive paint, wipe the excess paint off with the rag. When you have finished painting for the day, what will you do? It is wise to remove all paint spots before they dry too hard. Also, clean the roller and brush. As you do your work, exercise care. If you are not in too much of a hurry, you should be able to do a presentable job. And not only will you save on expenses but, more importantly, you will have the satisfaction of accomplishment, having something beautiful and enduring to show for your efforts

Rentals – How To Rent Your Investment Property In Record Time

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:27:27 -0700

I have been able to rent all my properties in a very short time. Some of the methods I used to keep them occupied are described in the following post. ==================== Rental properties can pay for themselves if the property owner knows how to get the property rented quickly. The property will cost money if it is left sitting vacant for long time. While it is important to get the property rented so you will begin to get an income, this does not mean you should rent without first checking references and credit. Unfortunately, there are renters who will not pay you on time or at all so do not let the thought of a quick rent of the home allow you to go against your better judgment. The following ideas should help you to be on the way to renting your property in record time. Appearance of the Rental Property First things first - make sure your rental property is clean and free of debris. The inside of the home as well as the outside should be attractive. Take a look at your rental property from the street. If you were looking for a rental would you be interested in seeing this property? Is the paint peeling? Are there any broken windows? Does the lawn look inviting or does it need mowing? If the home does not look like a home you would like to see more of, then chances are no one else will either. Make repairs and paint if needed to make sure the rental property is as attractive as possible. Where Should You List Your Property? One of the best places you will find to list rentals is Craig's List. Place an ad here and your phone will be ringing off the hook. Thousands of people per day peruse Craig's List looking for rentals. The contact can be email if you prefer so that you may call them back at your leisure instead of spending the whole day answering the telephone. Because rest assured, if you list a phone number you will be getting calls for days. This is definitely one of the most effective methods you will have when it comes to placing advertisements for rentals. Newspaper advertisements are another place that will get your rental property maximum exposure. The newspaper has long been one of the most popular places to advertise rentals. Naturally this is one of the first places people look when searching for a home to rent. Placing an ad here will get results most likely on the first day your advertisement appears. Your local housing authority is another option if the property you have is Section 8 qualified. Listing here is almost guaranteed to have your property occupied in a very short time. There is a waiting list for this type of property. An advantage to this is also the applicants are screened carefully and must abide by certain rules to keep their Section 8 status. The worries about receiving your rent monies are not as prevalent as with other renters. Posting Flyers is another Option The local bulletin boards at your grocery store, convenience store and laundromats are another option. This has become a way of finding rentals for many people. They peruse the bulletin boards and look for something in their neighborhood. Church bulletin boards are also a good place for flyers. When making a flyer, try to get the pertinent information as much as possible onto the flyer. This will eliminate calls from people that are looking for something smaller or larger, cheaper, in another area and who may have pets, if you are not accepting them. The price should definitely be included as well as the security deposit. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms, if there is a garage or yard and general location of the property you are renting should be part of the information. Networking - Better Known as Word of Mouth There is no better advertisement for anything than word of mouth. This is true of basically any type of advertisement. When it comes to getting the word out about rental property tell your friends, acquaintances, family and co-workers. They will undoubtedly know someone who is looking for a rental. This can produce many leads when you want to rent your property quickly. Just remember when renting your property, take precautions to keep from becoming entangled in one of the huge renter's nightmares of which everyone has heard or been involved. Unfortunately, there are people who will seem like the best tenants you could ever want and they will destroy your property and not pay rent. So taking the right steps to protect your investment will be the first order of business in having a productive rental property and keep you from losing money. For additional information on property investing and home improvement visit: http://www.jamarhouses.com/Articles/Articles.html Hope this was useful thanks

Shingles – Comparison of 3 Tab Shingles vs. Architectural shingles

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:49:44 -0800

This year, I replaced several roofs that were damaged by several hail storms that went through North Carolina. One of the questions that I get asked by my customer is "what type of roof shingles should I use?.". The following will help you make that decision: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ These days, people are using state-of-the-art roofing shingles and the skills of roofing contractors to protect their biggest investments, which are their homes. People would prefer to spend a little more money on more advanced roofing shingles to get a better product; and this is a win-win situation for them and for the roofing contractors who do the work. At one time, the only real choice in shingles was merely what is known as the three-tab shingle. Bland, it lacked all character. But with today's "architectural" shingle, you have something more exciting, more creative, and with more character. And, if you go to sell your home, this will certainly bring you more money. Yet, quite often people don't realize that they have all these choices nowadays. Roofing contractors can distinguish themselves by pro-actively showing them the array of choices they have in shingles for their homes' roofs today, and this is great for the homeowner and great for the contractor's business. • What are the price differences? Architectural shingles are priced anywhere from 20% to 40% higher than the 3-tab shingles. Since this kind of work is usually done on the roofs of larger homes, this could mean spending $1000 to $1500 more for the architectural shingles than if you just went with the 3-tabs. • What is the advantage of the architectural shingles over the 3-tab shingles? There are plenty of them. These shingles, which are also known as dimensional or laminated shingles, give the roof a flatter, more even appearance, and as mentioned above they give a roof much more in the way of creativity and character. They can appear shimmering and multi-colored, might take on the appearance of slate or wood grains or ceramic, and definitely make a home more beautiful. You have more choices than you do with 3-tab shingles, meaning you can give your home more of a customized look that fits your personality and distinguishes the house. They have a heavier, sturdier construction, so that they don't need any additional support under the roof--which means that, ultimately, they are lighter than the tabbed shingles. This heavier construction also makes them more able to withstand extreme weather conditions, as they are resistant even to things like hail storms that can cause serious roof damage, and certain ones are designed to withstand winds of up to 120 mph. A mat base made from fiberglass or organic materials plus some asphalt and a specialized coating, and a granulated covering on the top side, are what make these shingles so strong as well as more pleasing to the eye. • Some of the top brands in architectural shingles include: GAF; CertainTeed; Tamko; Elk; and Owens Corning. • What are the warranties? The warranties on these shingles vary, depending on the type and the heaviness of construction, as some are a little heavier than others. Generally speaking, these shingles are designed to last for 40 years, and warranties will range anywhere from 20 to even 50 years. However, some roofing contractors warn that these warranties might be more of a marketing technique than a realistic reflection of just how much wind and weathering even these top quality shingles can really take if put to some extreme tests, and there have been homeowners who have complained that it's too difficult to qualify for warranty protection. Sometimes these warranties are offered to give a stronger impression that the shingles comply with stricter, more modern building codes, too. But, there are manufacturers who have their shingles tested by the independent Underwriters Laboratory and base their warranties on the lab's seal of approval. Shingles that are labeled as complying with ASTM D-3462 or ASTM D-225 are the ones you should get. So, whether you're a roofing contractor or a homeowner, I hope you're now more knowledgeable about the shingles available for your roofing jobs. If you would like an easy table to see the differences, please visit us at: http://www.jamarhouses.com/Remodeling/Roofing/ShinglesArticle.html

Painting Contractors - How Do You Choose The Best Contractors?

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:48:10 -0800

Real Estate Agents and Investors need to hire all types of home improvement contractors. What is the best way to select you contractors?. The following article shares some of the best tips. =============================================================== Painting Contractors - How Do You Choose The Best Contractors? Many people choose to hire a painting contractor instead of doing the work themselves. Painting your own home is not something everyone can do. Most people simply do not have the ability or time to do the job right. This leads to choosing a painting contractor. It is important to choose a good painting contractor so that you can ensure the job will be done professionally. Key Points of a Good Painting Contractor Painting contractors are not all the same. You have to understand that painting a house is a complex job that not every painter can undertake. You want your home to look good when the job is finished and that means you need to learn the key things to look for in painting contractors. Key points to consider: attention to detail ability to handle different types of jobs sticks to schedule friendly and easy to work with A good painting contractor will show great attention to detail. When painting a house details are important. You want someone who will cut in areas cleanly, handle trim with delicacy, and respect the surrounding areas enough to keep them clean and avoid getting painting all over. Someone who has experience with different types of painting jobs will have well rounded skills, which translate into the type of skills you need in a painting contractor. Experience is the key to a good paint job. Painting is time consuming, but that does not mean it should drag on and on. You want a painter who can stick to a schedule and stay on task. Since the paint job will take a while to complete you will be around the contractor a lot. It is important that you feel you can develop a good working relationship with your contractor so that there is no stress or tension between you. Now that you know what to look for in painting contractor, it is now time to learn how to find the right contractor for your job. Start your Search with Reliable Resources There are many ways you can get names of painting contractors, but the best places are sources you can trust. You want to find a good contractor and a trusted source will help you do that easily and fast. Better Business Bureau: The BBB keeps records about each company, which include consumer complaints. You can easily spot a contractor who may not be right from the information you get from the BBB. Referrals: You can ask friends and family if they know of a good painting contractor. Be proactive: If you spot a recently painted house and like the work then simply stop and inquire about who did the work. You can find some great contractors through this method because you know firsthand about the quality of their work. Local paint store: Many painting contractors will buy supplies from the local paint store. Online: You can search the term ‘painting contractor' and find a nice selection of contractors. You may even find reviews of different contractors written by customers, which can be really helpful in determining if the contractor is right for you. Once you have some contractors in mind it is time to meet with them and start getting bids. Meet with the Painting Contractors You should aim to get 3 bids. This will give you options without overwhelming you. During the meeting, you should cover some important topics: Ask for documentation for training certificates, degrees, licenses, and insurance coverage. You should try to get copies so you can check them out later. Get a portfolio of their work. Look over the portfolio with the contractor. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Look at everything about the jobs they have done. Check for houses similar to yours and be sure to check out the workspace for cleanliness. Get references. Do not be afraid to ask for references. A good contractor will not hesitate to provide you with references who can attest to their work performance. If you have been pleased with the contractor, you can go through the project. Make sure you have all the details to provide them. You should explain the job, the size of the house, any special details and talk about the colors you would like. Get a written bid and warranty, if offered. Thank the contractor for their time and let them know when to expect to hear from you. After meeting with all your chosen contractors, you can review the bids and make your decision. Compare the offers and go over all the information. Choose the contractor that suits your needs the best. Once you make your choice you will meet with the contractor again to finalize the contract and get started on the project. If you followed all the advice then you should end up with a great contractor who does a superb job.

Do You Know The Benefits Of Green Cleaning?

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:31:54 -0800

Learn How Green Cleaning Will Help Improve The Health Of Your Family And The Environment Any family can benefit from green cleaning. When you clean green, you do not use any harmful chemicals or abrasive products in the cleaning process. Imagine the benefits of having bleach quality clean floors without having to have the harmful toxins contained in bleach in your home. Of course, when you consider green cleaning supplies, you also need to consider the benefits to the overall environment. These supplies are non-toxic, but they are also environmentally safe. The family will benefit from green cleaning products in a number of ways. Here are some of those ways to keep in mind. Allergies Reduced Many families find that their children are suffering from allergies, even though their family history does not necessary say that there are no allergies. In some situations, chemicals found within cleaning products contain allergens. Bleaches, toxic cleaning sprays and other chemicals used to clean the home commonly contain a variety of ingredients specifically able to cause or trigger allergies in people. Children and the elderly are most likely to suffer from them, since they have weaker immune systems, but anyone can suffer from them. Most people do not make the correlation between the allergies and the chemicals, though. Less Toxic Risk Many chemicals contain toxins, including poisonous elements, cancer causing irritants, skin irritants, and harmful products for your respiratory system. Each of these is likely in your cabinet right now. They are there at the risk of a child drinking them. They can also be a risk of inhaling these products when they are sprayed into the air or applied to surfaces. There are many instances where you can easily ingest products that are unhealthy for you that contain chemicals on them. Even trace amounts of some chemicals can and do build up in your system, with the potential to lead to heart and lung conditions, including cancers. More Risks Examined There are many other risks associated with traditional cleaning products. These are some of the reasons you should consider green cleaning. Even if you do not do the cleaning yourself, but hire a professional cleaning service, the key is to look for the "green" factor. Chemicals applied to counter tops or sponges will rinse down the drain into the water sources for your home. If there are a large amount of chemicals being used, the fumes from those chemicals can be dangerous coming up from the drain. Inhaling them can have immediate effects. Some chemicals have extraordinary risks associated with them when individuals are exposed to them. A chemical called alkyl phenol ethoxylate is commonly used in many types of surface cleaners. You may use it to clean your tabletops or the cabinets in your home. In some lab studies, there is evidence that these products wind up in water sources where they cause reproductive effects in wildlife. You may be asking, then, why should you buy green products? The answers are everywhere. No matter if you are to buy green cleaning products or you hire a professional company using green cleaning products, the key is to have them in your home instead of having other, more potentially dangerous chemicals in your home. When you clean green, you avoid exposing your family to the harmful toxins in many of these products. You reduce the environmental impact of your home and family on the environment around you. You are using non-hazardous products, those that provide your family with safety even when you do turn your back for a second and your toddler climbs into the cabinet. Buying products that are green cleaning products is also much less likely to use as much packaging and these products are often biodegradable. Sometimes, you can reduce your costs by not having to purchase costly products. Clean green one way or the other. Call on your local service company to provide you with the green cleaning you need. Be sure to purchase only products that have been tested to be safe to use within the home. You will be happy you did when your family's health improves from the lack of chemicals in the home. For Additional information, visit: http://www.jamarhouses.com/Remodeling/Cleaning/GreenCleaningServices.html

Anatomy of a Successful Webpage

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 04:36:05 -0800

Anatomy Of A Successful Web Page The steps that you take to create a successful webpage are the same every time. The mind map titled " Anatomy of a Successful Webpage" helps me to stay on track: The following are two examples of web pages that I created two weeks ago. As you can see, they are already ranking for the keywords that I targeted: Webpage Google Yahoo MSN Residential Roofing 9 12 8 http://www.jamarhouses.com/Remodeling/Roofing/RoofingEstimates.html House Cleaning Prices 5 2 1 http://www.jamarhouses.com/Remodeling/Cleaning/HouseCleaningRates.html The following notes are a brief explanation of some the points highlighted in the mind map: 1- New Page Objectives: Determine your primary objective of the new page. Are you going to be using it to generate leads or to sell a product. This step is important to stay on target building the new page. 2- Create a Page Outline This step will serve as the check list to create the meat of your product. Create a rough outline of your ultimate page. 3- Identify Your Customers In this step, you are required to create a customer profile. Use the following bullets to brainstorm; Approximate age Male or female Education Approximate income Work Habits 4- Select Target Keywords In this step, you will discover the words that your customer are using to find your products. To help you with this task, the are my favorite several free keyword tools: SEO Tools: http://tools.seobook.com/keyword-tools/seobook/ This site has many useful links to other keyword sites. Try them until you find the tool that will fit your needs. Word Tracker: http://freekeywords.wordtracker.com/ KwMap: http://www.kwmap.net/house-cleaning.html This is an excellent tool that will show you a map of the keyword you requested. For best results, create your page around two keywords. 5 - Attention Grabbing Title The best suggestion for a great title is to include your keywords. You will get better results if you include them early or at the beginning of the tile. If you have any suggestions or tips on how to improve the mind map, email your comments and I will update it as needed. Thanks and Enjoy Jake

Tips From A professional Cleaner To Reduce Your Household Dust And Help Your Allergies

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:51:19 -0700

I am a real estate investor and a general contractor, I prepared the attached notes and I thought that the Active Rain users might benefit from this information:House dust is found in the cleanest of homes. In a city, the average six-room house or apartment collects 40 to 50 pounds of dust every year. High levels of dust can result in allergic reactions ranging from nasal congestion to asthma. Though no amount of house cleaning can completely solve the problem, there are many "dust measures" that can help. Cut down the source of dust in you home by taking the following actions: • Replace you're A/C filter per the manufacturers recommendations. The filter in your air conditioner traps particles and dirt before they go back into your home. Replace worn out filters with an efficient electrostatic filter. Most electrostatic filters carry a charge that attracts and holds dust. High quality filters are made from pleated fabric or paper.• Clean the dirt out of your ducts. If your home A/C system duct's are dirty, your ventilation system is carrying dust, dirt and other stuff into your household air. Have your ducts cleaned by a professional every two to three years. Removing the dust from the ducts becomes more important if you smoke, have pets, or have a family member with asthma.• Keep your mattress clean by using a washable protective cover. Regularly vacuum both mattress and base to remove fluff and dust, and mop up any stains and spills quickly with a mild soap and cool water. To kill the dust mites from your bedding, place the item in a garbage bag. Leave the bag in the freezer for an hours or so.• Your carpet should at all times be free of dirt, dust, lint, and stains. The biggest pro secret is to vacuum all carpets and mats regularly. Do not wait until you can see the dirt. Proper timing of vacuuming can extend the life of your carpet and reduce the need to shampooing up to 50 percent.• Vacuum all the carpets and draperies frequently to remove the surface dust. Mop or vacuum hard floors rather than sweeping. Use a vacuum with a high efficiency filter. Please notice that dust mites also live in the carpets. Vacuuming does not remove the dust mites. It is a good idea to have your carpet deep cleaned every two years.• Vacuum furniture, base boards and moldings with a soft brush attachment. Use care to avoid scratching the delicate surfaces. Dust with a damp cloth. Rinse it out occasionally in clear water. Toss dirt dusting cloths in the washer.It is commonly believed that allergies are caused by an immune problems that recognizes something as a threat in some people and not in others. When the immune system detects what it believes to be a threat to the body, it take steps to combat the perceived intruder. Most symptoms of allergies will disappear when the item is removed from our surroundings. That is why is so important to remove the dust from our household.Frequent cleaning can help reduce the allergens and irritants that cause allergic reactions. While regular house cleaning is recommended for allergy sufferers, the act of cleaning itself can aggravate the symptoms. It is important to avoid your house cleaning tasks in the presence of someone with allergies.Clean air is a necessity for healthy living, especially since the majority of the time is spent indoors. Clean habits have a part to play in the matter of staying healthy. If you take the preventive measures detailed on this article, the dust in your home will be significantly reduced in your home.

How to stop a flash flood inside the walls of your home

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:39:13 -0800

Measures to minimize the damageWater started flowing out of the ceiling lamps, the heating vents and the floor moldings in the first floor and the basement. Water started to covering the first floor and the basement. My wife and I started running looking for an open faucet or an obvious leak. We checked all the logical places: bathrooms, toilets without finding a reason for the flood. On the second floor, your could hear a river flowing inside the walls of my home. Obviously, a pipe had burst inside the walls in the second floor. At this point my kids were in the basement standing on top of the pool table.To prevent further water damage to the house, it was imperative to stop the water flow from the local utility. I dashed out of the house looking for the main valve coming from the city water. To make matters worse the outside temperature was 25 F and I could not see very well in the dark. You learn very quickly how hard it is to turn a valve buried in the mud when your fingers are freezing and it is the middle of the night. It took me 15 minutes to shut off the flow of water to the house.Water had flowed for about 30 minutes inside the walls causing damage to the ceiling and the walls. We spent the next 4 hours drying out the floors and throwing out items that had been damaged by the water. We realize how lucky we were that we at home when the pipe ruptured. I do not even want to think what the water damage would have been if this incident had happened during our vacation.The next day after cutting a couple of big holes in the ceiling , the plumber quickly located and repaired the broken pipe. Obviously, the plumber was just the first expense to repair our house. I called a water damage restoration company to help evaluate the damage to my house.I started thinking what lessons could I learned from this experience. How can I help other people to minimize the damage caused by water leaks. I came up with the following lessons:To stop the flow of water as soon as possible, you will need to know the location of the master valve inside your home. If you do not know where it is, call the builder or ask a local plumber. If I had know this fact, the water damage to my house would been significantly minimized.In case you have problems shutting off the water from the main water valve in your home, you will need to learn how to shut off the water coming from the city. Make sure that you have a working flashlight at home. It will make things a lot simpler during any emergencies..Add your plumber to the list of emergency numbersAdd your insurance agents to the list of important numbers Obviously there is no way to prevent a pipe from rupturing. However, if the water flow is stopped within minutes, the damage to your home will be greatly reduced.

How to succeed in Property Investing

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 03:51:35 -0800

Is there really a 100% safe way to invest in real estate? No, there is NO plan that will guarantee your success. No one can guarantee that you will make a profit. However, if you follow these guidelines, you will have a greater chance of being successful. Instead of potentially making costly mistakes, you will be able to generate a steady stream of extra income and you will be building your equity.The following topics will be covered in this series of articles:Setting clear investment objectivesHow to find profitable investment propertiesHow to mine properties for profitHow to make the initial offerNavigating the financial mazeClosing the SaleHow to select a remodeling contractorRenters, Renters, RentersTax Time - Pay uncle SamMiscellaneous real estate investment factorsLet's start on the road to discovery:Setting Clear Investment ObjectivesStart with a set of clear objectives for any property you intend to buy. You might be asking what is the relationship between real estate investing and objectives. The investment objectives will give you the track to run on. There is a direct relationship between the level of clarity about what you want and virtually everything you accomplish in life. Successful men and women invest the time necessary to develop absolute clarity about they really want. It is like designing a detailed blue print for building a custom home before they begin construction. Like a blueprint for a building, your investment goals must be written down on paper. Do NOT skip this step or you will be helping some else accomplish their objectives.Start by writing your investment goals or strategies on paper. Which money making strategy is best for you depends on your tolerance for risk. You might be happy making only 15% on a quick sale, or you may need $100,000 a year to maintain your current living style. You might want to build your current net worth over time, getting continuous appreciation on your properties, and generate some extra income or enough rental cash to become financially independent. Keeping a clear picture of your investment objectives will increase the likelihood of finding the right properties.Your investment objectives will also need to include some of the following items: What kind of home should it be, Single family vs. multifamily, condo or detached, how many rooms will the property have, a good or medium neighborhood, age of the property, who will maintain your properties, high priced or low priced. You will need to determine how long, you want to hold the investment property. Are you planning to flip your investment in 5 years or less? In this case, you might want maximize your monthly return by obtaining a low variable rate for 5 years. If this is your objective, it might be necessary to take some precautions in order to avoid getting burned in the fifth year. For instance, start looking to refinance the mortgage loan in the middle of the fourth year.If your aim is to hold the investment property for 20 or 30 years, then the approach needs to be different. You can still choose to pay off the property in a short period of time. In this instance, you might want to get a 15 year mortgage. Another important factor that needs to be taken into account is the age of the investment property. It is a good idea to select properties that are under 10 years old in order to avoid that high maintenance fees that come with an older home. Please remember that the secret to long term real estate investing is renting the property for less or close to your yearly expenses.Do not forget to make your objectives SMART:1. Specific - Your objectives need to specify what you want to achieve in detail. 2. Measurable - You should be able to measure whether you are meeting the objectives or not. 3. Achievable - Are the objectives you set, achievable and attainable?4. Realistic - Can you realistically achieve the objectives with the resources you have?5. Time - When do you want to achieve the set objectives?Jamar Properties Inc has a free property investment template you can download to help you set your investment objectives. This is the URL: http://www.jamarhouses.com/Articles/Downloads.html

Custom Homes – One Story over a Two Story Home?

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:46:38 -0800

Can you tell me the advantages of a one story over a two story home? I have been asked this question several time in the past two months. I always respond with "it depends"....It is a personal decision. I have put together some guidelines to help the future home owner make this decision....You have done it!. You have decide to take the plunge and build your dream custom home. There are many advantages to building a custom home over buying a home that is already built before you see it. However, there are countless decisions to make and questions to answer before your vision can become a reality. After choosing the location, one of the hardest decisions will be whether to build one story or a two story custom home.This is something that only you can decide. It mostly depends on your needs at the time you make the decision. For instance, a single person will have completely different needs from a family with children. Items to consider building a one story home - "ranch style"Ranch style homes appeal to families with young children. Keeping the younger ones off the stairs is big on the priority list.A one story home is easier to clean. In the event of a fire, ranch style homes are easier to escape because there are no second floor windows.Achieving the right temperature in a one story home is easier than in a two story home.A ranch home requires more land than a two story home.For older adults a ranch style home might accommodate better to their needs. Climbing stairs becomes more difficult as we get older.Ranch homes allow the home builder to vary the ceiling heights, making it more attractive.Items to consider building a two story home A two story home is build on a smaller foot printFor a custom home builder, two story homes are easier and cheaper to build.For families with older children, the stairs might become an advantage. They offer greater separation of living areas.Even the inconvenience of going up or down the stairs can be turned into a positive by exercise enthusiasts. They consider the trek a form of daily exercise.A vacuum cleaner feels a lot heavier when you have to drag it to different floors.Achieving the right temperature in second floor can be a challenge. If the thermostat is located in the first floor, the second floor will always be too hot or too cold.Two story residents feel safer from the threat of a burglar I am sure there are many much more items to review if you are facing this decision. This list is intended to bring out points of discussion for your selection. Deciding to build a custom home is not for the faint hearted. A Ranch or two Story home? Only you can decide.

Do not let your home become a dust collector during a remodeling project

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 08:06:48 -0800

Nearly all of us have experienced allergies at one time or another. The runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing. If you are contemplating a remodeling project in the near future, your Allergy Symptoms will become a lot worse unless you take the necessary precautions. I am a real estate investor and a general contractor, I prepared the attached notes and I thought that the Active Rain users might benefit from this information:Discover how to get allergy relief pre-planning your next construction project. If you suffer from allergies, the probability of suffering an allergy attack is significantly increased when you are exposed to dust. Guess what happens when you start a remodeling project and you do not take the necessary measures to limit the amount of dust produced.Nearly all of us have experienced allergies at one time or another. The runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing. Symptoms of allergies can strike anytime or anyplace, depending on what the allergy trigger is for an individual. If it is dust and dust mites, take all the necessary precautions.The moment you start construction, dust will "flow" everywhere. Your home will attract more dust and it will become a dust collector. You will not be able to clean up. Trying to clean the dust during a house remodeling project is like shoveling snow during a snow storm. It is losing battle.That is why allergy proofing during any house remodeling project is extremely important.Some of the most effective measures to take are:• Plan you project in detail. Ask your licensed general contractor which measures he is going to take to limit the dust. Do NOT forget to inform your residential contractor if you have any allergies or asthma.• Keep children away from the remodeled areas• If possible consider living somewhere else close to your home. In this way, you will be able to stay away from the dust and stay abreast of the remodeling progress.• The remodeled area needs to be enclosed and sealed. Your contractor should be hang plastic sheeting and use barriers to contain the dust to the work areas. In addition, the HVAC ducts will need to be closed to prevent the dust from going to the rest of the house. After the remodeling project is done, it might be a good idea to have your air ducts cleaned.• Have the appropriate ventilation. If possible set up a fan blowing out of a window away from the work area.• Clean up the work area every day before wrapping up the day.• Use a dust mask in the construction area.• Change Air filters after the remodeling is complete.• Covering your furniture with plastic material will limit the dust on your furniture.If you are allergy sufferer and are about to start your home improvement project, it will be to your advantage to pre-plan with your residential contractor how to dust proof the working area.

Real Estate Investors: beware of home owner associations

Jake Borjas (Jamar Properties Inc - NC Custom Homes) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 02:19:28 -0800

How do you turn a $130 home owner association fee into $541 fee? This was a painful lesson that I wished I could have avoided. Reviewing the events since I bought this property in 2004, I can not tell if I would have been able to foresee the Home Owner Association, HOA, issues.Let me give you the answer to the question - How do you turn a $130 home owner association fee into $541 fee?First, do not inform the real estate investor that there is a home owner association at the property closing. I am not sure this is legal. The contractor was still building some homes in this development.After the closing, the property was rented with out any issues.Second, outsource the management of the HOA. When the builder completed his project, it outsourced the management of the Home Owner Association to a management company. This probably happened approximately 2 years after I closed on my property.Third, place a lien on the property controlled by the Home Owner Association. After my last tenant moved out of this property in August, we decided to remodel it. On one of our visits, we found a letter from a lawyer in the mailbox. The letter stated that the HOA had put a lien on the property. In order to clear the lien, I would need to pay the lawyers fee and the HOA fees of $541.The breakdown of the fees are as follows$310 in association fees. $130 unpaid association fee and $200.00 in late fees. According to their records, they have charged $20.00 late fee for a period of 10 months.$225 lawyers fee$6 filing feeThe key ingredient for turning $130 into $541 is NOT to inform the owner of the property of what is going on.When I confronted the Home Owner Association Management, they stated that a monthly invoice had been sent to the rental property. Is this statement true? I do not know. The tenant never informed me a HOA letter. However, I can say with assurance that for last three months, there were no letters from the association. What do you do if you are faced with situation? Do you pay the fees or you fight the association in court? In this case, I chose to pay the fees. The second option was tempting. However, the lawyer fees and court fees would greatly exceed the penalty fee from the association. I would have won the battle but lost the war.Home Owner Associations do provide a number of important benefits, for instance, landscaping and maintenance of the common areas, some provide access to a pool, and their rules help enhance the property values.. However, it is the horror stories that give them a bad name. I hope that by sharing this story other real estate investors will benefit from it.