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A roofing system repair or replacement is an essential and costly investment. The roof contributes to the aesthetic appeal of your home, increasing your property’s value, not to mention protecting your home from external elements. 
However, when a roofing repair or replacement project is not handled appropriately, your home will sustain extensive exterior and interior damage, and you could incur significant expenses in correcting the mistake. For this reason, you should leave all your roofing projects to a professional contractor instead of going DIY. An expert can ensure the job is done well. 
Determining whether you are hiring the best roofer before signing the contract can be challenging. Read on for nine questions to ask a roofing contractor before hiring them for roof repair and replacement.

1. What kind of work do you do?

Your roofing system is the primary defense against external elements, including mold, mildew, and moisture. For this reason, you want to entrust repair and replacement to someone who specializes in roofing, not a general contractor. An expert in roofing has extensive knowledge and skills in repairing or installing new roofs, so you are guaranteed a quality job. 
Be sure to avoid contractors with general knowledge about outdoor home improvements. Instead, opt for a company such as Landmark Roofing with an extended track record of repairing and installing new roofs, job after job.

2. Are you licensed?

Most states require contractors to have a license before handling any projects, so you should establish that the potential roofer is licensed before hiring. A permit shows the roofing system contractor has undergone the required training and performed well in the competency tests, so they qualify to take on any roofing project.
Be sure to request potential contractors to provide verification of their licensing requirements to enable you to stay clear of roofers who may be cutting corners. Hiring a contractor not eligible for a legal license could leave you with unsatisfactory results and make you vulnerable to legal suits for not complying with your local building codes.

3. Are you insured?

Roofing system repair and replacement are among the most dangerous home improvement projects. The contractors and their employees are susceptible to slips and falls and sustain severe injuries when handling your project. If the contractor does not have insurance coverage, you will likely assume the liability for medical expenses. 
The contractor could also damage your property when handling the roofing system project. If they do not have insurance to cover the damage, you will have to fund the repairs or spend a lot of time and money on a fruitless lawsuit. For this reason, demand that potential roofing contractors provide proof of their liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage.

4. Will you be handling the project?

Some roofing contractors maximize their profits through subcontracting. Subcontracting involves winning a contract and selling it to another roofing company at a discounted rate. This way, the roofer still gets proceeds from your project while handling another job. Be sure to ask a potential contractor whether they intend to pass your job to someone else before hiring. This will ensure the roofer you hire will be the one that shows up for the project.

5. Is your business local?

If you search for a roofing contractor online, you will likely get leads to professionals from across the globe. However, you should ensure you only hire a local contractor. This is because a roofing contractor within your region is familiar with your local building codes. This means they will handle the project in the confines of local rules and regulations, protecting you from legal implications. The local authority is also less likely to demand that you halt or demolish the roofing system project if you comply with your region’s building codes.

6. How long have you been in business?

You will likely establish how long a specific roofing contractor has been in business from their website. However, if you cannot determine this information by browsing through their site, do not hesitate to ask them during the interview. It is best to work with a contractor who has been in the industry for an extended period as they are more experienced. 
However, it is worth noting that some contractors open their businesses, handle a few projects and stop operating for a couple of years because they cannot sustain the business or due to lawsuits. Hiring such a roofing contractor could mean you will have no recourse should you discover faulty installation or your roof leaks. For this reason, partner with an established company with a proven track record to ensure upfront quality and continued support.

7. Can you provide some references and reviews?

An effective way to establish you are working with a credible roofing contractor is by checking reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Reviews and testimonials show customers’ experiences working with a specific contractor, enabling you to make an informed decision. You can find online reviews on Better Business Bureau or Google. 
Consider asking a potential roofer for references if you prefer a physical roof inspection. A physical inspection can help you decide whether or not a specific contractor’s quality of work suits your needs.  Be wary of contractors who do not provide references.

8. How will you protect my property?

Apart from establishing your contractor has liability insurance coverage, you should determine other measures they intend to take to protect your property. Before signing the contract, ensure you understand how the contractor will protect your landscape and driveway from roofing refuse and vehicles, shield gutters from ladders, and clean up nails and material waste. You should ensure you will not have to worry about more property damage at the end of the roofing system project.

9. How much will my roofing system project cost?

Before signing the contract, you should establish your project’s cost. Roofing contractors differ in price ranges, so you need to partner with a professional that fits your budget. Be sure to ask for a free estimate of your project, then compare and contrast pricing to settle for an affordable roofer.

Endnote

Hiring the right contractor is the first step to investing in a high-quality roof for your home. Before hiring, conduct in-depth research on the roofing companies within your state and ask the above questions when interviewing potential contractors to get the right level of service.

Over the summer I spent many hours scouring the internet for new bedding. Most of the time my searches were of linen bedding because once you try linen bedding you are hooked, believe me. (Linen has magic powers of being cool in summer and warm in winter, in case you didn’t know). Nothing was ever quite the right colour. My bedroom walls are Farrow & Ball’s Mouse’s Back – an odd grey brown that can can look a little more green or yellow depending on the lighting, and seems tough to match with. I never ended up finding anything until one day Jo and I received an email from an angel sent from heaven. Her name is Ieva Šidlauskė and her shop, April Notes, is something you’re going to want to bookmark. She offered to send me duvet cover and bedding sets and kindly helped me choose colours. The photo above is what I ended up going with – a linen duvet cover set in moss green and linen bedding set in beige.

Each set was sent in a white linen bag. Love that and will reuse them.

I was also stoked that Ieva sent some linen fabric samples. Somehow she has managed to select the most perfect shades of earthy tones to work with. That almond on top left and sunset rose bottom right are sooooo yummy. I love that all of the colours work beautifully together and if you’re into mix and match colours of bedding you could do that so easily with each shade she carries.

I could not be happier with the colours, the quality and the absolute beauty this bedding brings to my bedroom. I was incredibly excited to get these on the bed and once I started the photo shoot I could barely contain my excitement. I know I sound a little nuts but I was so desperate for some new cozy bedding to get me through these next several months and these could not have come at a better time. April Notes to the rescue! (Side note: Mimin my elderly cat spent the first 2 days after the bedding was setup sleeping on the pillows. My husband slept in the first 3 days. We’re all in absolute heaven with these new additions to our bedroom)

There’s something about linen wrinkles that I just adore. And that’s the beauty of linen – you can iron or smooth out the wrinkles or go with the crumpled look. And a bed made with linen bedding often looks better unmade. I actually did the first part of this shoot with everything in its place and then I threw back the covers and displaced the pillows a bit for that unmade, natural look. Which is frankly how my bed looks always 🙂

Thank you so much Ieva!!! XOXO
Some points of note about April Notes…

Design Philosophy: Our ethos is rooted in harmony: Harmony with oneself, nature, and with others. We strongly believe that by introducing harmony into our daily surroundings we can shape our lives towards a more sustainable and bright future. We achieve this goal by prioritizing function and style over fleeting trends to create versatile products that will stand the test of time. Our approach to sourcing earth-friendly materials minimizes the environmental impact, while the on-demand model eliminates textile waste. From the smallest button to the plant-based packaging, April Notes pushes the envelope on sustainability so you can manifest a more mindful home.

Shipping: Most of our items are handmade, thus all orders are prepared and nicely packed within 3-5 business days after the order has been placed. Shipping time can vary from 2 to 5 business days depending on the destination. Orders are shipped from Europe — Lithuania. We offer free shipping* for orders over $100 value. A shipping fee of $12 will be added at checkout for orders below $100.  *There might be an exception for shipping to remote areas. Currently we ship to the following countries: USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, all countries of the European Union, Mexico, Norway, Switzerland, Gibraltar. We are hoping to expand to other regions and countries in the future.

There are a few things to take into consideration when choosing between an air conditioner repair or replacement. These factors include the unit’s age, its efficiency and functionality, and the cost of any necessary repairs, among others.
If your air conditioner goes down on the hottest days of the year, keeping these aspects in mind will make creating a less frantic plan of action easier. An older machine may function properly for a few more years with just a little repair and routine maintenance.
A new, high-quality air conditioner requires a significant investment. It usually makes more sense to have it fixed unless your old unit is underperforming and you can’t fix it without incurring substantial expenses. When determining whether to fix or replace your current air conditioner, some factors to consider are:

1. The Ductwork’s Condition

Even with the most energy-efficient equipment, you would not feel sufficiently cool on hot days. This is because the central air system’s mechanical components are just one component. Your technician should perform a duct-leakage test by closing the vents and calculating how much air leaves the system before determining whether to replace or repair your blower and condenser units.
If the ducts are ineffective, he can find and fill the gaps for, generally, $25 to $35 per vent (or, in business lingo, per “run”) or, for about $100 per run, completely replace the ducting with new, insulated tubing. Your specialist could recommend replacing the mechanicals in addition to making duct modifications, or they might advise fixing just one or the other.

2. The Efficiency of Your Current Unit

Your energy costs will be a pain when your air conditioner is outdated or in poor condition. While professional maintenance and cleaning can be helpful, some indicators of aging, such as efficiency, cannot be remedied without a complete replacement.
A Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER Rating, is a term used to describe how effective an air conditioner is. It involves figuring out how much heat is evacuated in relation to how much energy the system uses.
Consider it similar to a car’s miles per gallon. The mileage improves with increased efficiency.
SEER ratings begin at 8 and increase from there. The most effective whole-home air conditioners typically operate in the 20 to 25 SEER range, although there is no limit.
This implies that in comparison to a new cooling system, your present system is more likely to be inefficient the older it is. Your utility costs and electricity use will be directly impacted by this. It’s important to note that efficiency consists of more than SEER. Your system’s efficiency is also influenced by the right amount of refrigerant, the regularity of expert maintenance, and the state of the electrical components.

3. The AC Unit’s Age

Your air conditioner’s age should be the first factor you take into account when considering whether to replace it or repair it. In general, older AC units should be replaced with more recent, more efficient versions. Older units sometimes operate less effectively than newer versions and may have lower Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER). Your air conditioner could be costing you more money if it was made in 2006 or earlier and does not meet basic government standards.

4. The Cost of AC Repairs

The cost of the required repair is one of the main factors when selecting between an AC repair and an AC replacement. There’s no reason to discard the entire item if the remedy is quick, easy, and reasonably priced. Over the course of your unit’s life, minor repairs may be required occasionally. On the other hand, a costly repair can force you to spend the amount of a new system without receiving the benefits. In these circumstances, it is crucial to consult a professional on the projected long-term costs for your unit.
A costlier repair could be justified if your equipment comes from a trustworthy brand and might add another five years to its lifespan. However, even minor service visits might start to pile up if your unit is expected to have several repairs over the course of the next five years. When estimating replacement and repair prices, it is useful to think about your potential financing options, coupons, and rebates.

5. The Length of Time You Intend to Stay at Your House

Your choice to fix or replace your HVAC system may be influenced by how long you intend to remain at your home:

• You intend to sell your house: If you intend to sell your house soon, the decision between repair and replacement becomes a little more challenging. A modern HVAC system has the potential to increase the market appeal and retail value of your house. You may also consider using PACE financing, which would have the appearance of being brand-new and include the cost of your system in your property taxes.
  These payments would be sent to the next homeowner if you sold your house. Instead of spending money on a complete HVAC replacement, you can decide to make a little repair to get by instead, if you want to sell your house as-is for a lower price.
• You intend to remain at your residence for a long time: If you possess an older unit and want to live in your house for a long time, the question becomes when you will replace it rather than if you will need to replace it. Your HVAC specialist can evaluate your system and assist you in determining if a replacement or repair is the best option for you, even though it’s still a crucial decision.

6. The Extent of Damage to Your Air Conditioning Unit

It’s crucial to first have a professional assess the severity of the problem before determining whether you should have your AC unit fixed or replaced. Repairing structural deterioration, such as rust and corrosion, and permanent harm to key system components might not be worth the cost. Similar to an engine replacement, these significant fixes would still end up leaving you with a piece of outdated equipment that may develop new issues in the future.

Endnote

When your air conditioner is more than eight years old, repairs are usually not worth the money unless there is a straightforward issue, such as a fan belt that is worn out or debris obstructing the condenser unit.
Ask your contractor to evaluate not just the state of your current equipment but, additionally, the ducts that distribute cold air and the general condition of the insulation within your home in order to best balance your option to repair or replace. The system’s efficacy may be increased by enhancing those factors just as much, or even more, than by adding additional equipment.

I have a few more luxurious condominium residences in Miami to share with you today. Luxury is definitively the key word here with these developments. Exquisitely designed and if easy-living in an elegant condo is something you are after then you are going to love this. Especially if ocean views is something that tugs at your heartstrings. Which it absolutely does for me.

First up is 57 Ocean Miami Condos. It is spectacular!

This development is a new addition to the properties on Collins Avenue, specifically in the land stretch known as Millionaire’s Row, and is by Brazilian billionaire Jose Isaac Peres. 57 Ocean in Miami Beach is 18 stories of elite units with views that are unbeatable and interiors that are as modern and elegant as you can expect from a location like this.

The interiors are of course Brazilian inspired with private elevator entries, 10-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, streamlined Poliform kitchens and bathrooms, and 12-foot wood-lined terraces with those views I cannot stop talking about 🙂 As for amenities there are two cabana-lined oceanfront infinity swimming pools, including poolside bar and social lounge plus pool-and-beachside concession services, a wellness pavilion spa and much more. Everything you would find at a 5-star resort.

The next property is Muse condo in Sunny Isles. Another absolutely jaw dropping high-end luxury development of 68 residences (only 2 per floor).

WOW! Those views from the living room…. it truly is remarkable especially with those glass terrace railings giving you an unobstructed ocean sightline. The Muse Miami condos are 2 or 3 bedroom units and include 12’ ceilings, Italian marble or wood floors, complete terraces with summer kitchens, private elevators and Smart Tech 2.0 state-of-the-art technologies. The architectural design was created by Carlos Ott and Sieger Suarez with interiors designed by ANTROBUS + RAMIREZ.

Each of the Muse Miami condos is fully finished, with 8′ Italian entry doors, exquisite marble and wood flooring, chef’s kitchens, custom Italian cabinetry, drop dead gorgeous walk-in closets, and personalized art from Helidon Xhixha. Amenities include an exclusive beach club, infinity pool and spa, high-tech gym, sky garden penthouse and breakfast room.

Last but not least I would like to share the Regalia Condo Miami Beach. This development is a unique, ultra-luxury complex located along a private, one-acre stretch in Sunny Isles Beach.

This is yet another incredibly elegant, high-end luxury residence where there are 46 floors consisting of 39 residences – one unit per floor, providing the ultimate in privacy (37 units are single-floor residences, one is a two-level beach house and one is a three-level penthouse). The structure is a masterpiece and Regalia condos Miami has been awarded Best Residential High-Rise Development in the U.S.A. by the International Property Awards in London.

The entire perimeter of each residence is framed by approximately 10 ft. high, floor to ceiling glass windows and sliders, allowing for 360 degrees of unobstructed views of the ocean (are you kidding me?!?!?!), beach, and city including the residential area of Golden Beach and the Intracoastal Waterways. The kitchens are chef-quality and include a butler’s pantry, warming drawer, built-in wine storage system (and more!), and the condos are finished with the finest stone, wood, glass, and wall coverings imported exclusively for Regalia from all over the world. The list of amenities is exceptional – infinity-edge swimming pool set amidst lush gardens and fountains, an exclusive spa with pools, and tranquility area with aromatherapy and chromotherapy, a media room, theater, billiards room with cigar lounge and wine bar, a children’s activity room, private beach with poolside service and much more. This is indeed resort living – without the resort!

(This feature is a collaboration with Million And Up.  57 Ocean Miami Beach images by Multiplan Real Estate Asset; Muse Residences Sunny Isles Beach images by Property Markets Group and S2 Development, LLC; Regalia Sunny Isles Beach images by Regalia Beach Developers LLC)

Transformer Table creates modern contemporary design furniture pieces that transform your home with their innovation in the functionality & adaptation. The minimalistic shapes and their four finish choices, it will create attention as you walk in a room.  This innovative furniture is made in 100% solid wood; what makes them stand out is their modular nature that allows families to make their space more versatile as they adjust the size of their purpose use. Whether it is big or small, Transformer Table adapts to your space.