Roof Replacement Costs

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Tim Carter

Roof Replacement Costs 2021 (Installation, Replacement, Pricing)

A study by the National Association of Realtors Research Group recently found that U.S. homeowners spend approximately $300 billion a year on home repairs and home renovations. That same study found that replacing a roof — whether it’s because the roof was leaking, very old, or simply aesthetically unappealing — was one of the very few home renovation projects that actually improved a home’s real estate value. But roof replacement costs can skyrocket without proper planning and education.

If you’re looking for accurate cost information related to roof replacement, you’re in the right spot. In this homeowner’s guide to roof replacement costs, you will learn:

The average cost to replace a roof
The nine most popular roofing materials and their average costs
The average cost to replace different architectural styles (e.g. flat roof versus butterfly roof)
The roof replacement process
When to replace your roof versus when to repair your roof
Additional roof replacement costs and fees to budget for
How to save money on the total cost

What Is The Average Cost To Replace A Roof?

Your roof can make up as much as a third or more of a home's exterior square footage, so it should be no surprise that replacing a roof can cost a sizable sum. According to the National Association of Realtors, replacing a roof costs an average of $7,500.

Specific factors, such as the materials you choose to use and the cost of labor in your specific state or city, can dramatically affect your roof replacement budget.

For example, real estate market data compiled by the Farnsworth Group found that replacing a 3,000-square-foot rectangular hip roof with standing seam metal roofing cost an estimated $10,000 less in states like Iowa and Kansas compared to California and other West Coast states.

Even the time of year matters, warns the University of Alabama: Start your roofing project in the early summer when construction projects are at their peak and labor shortages are at their highest, and you can expect your renovation costs to increase accordingly.

To help you better budget your roof replacement project, let’s discuss some of those individual factors, starting with the specific roofing materials you can choose from.

What Is The Average Cost Of Materials For Roof Replacement?

Each type of roofing material has its own distinct pros and cons.

Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles

Cost: $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot
Pros: New shingles are very budget-friendly and easier to install if you want to do it yourself
Cons: Tab shingles may have a shorter lifespan depending on your climate

Metal

Cost: $3 to $18 per square foot roof
Pros: A metal roof has exceptional durability
Cons: Some homeowners find it very loud when it’s raining, hailing, etc.

Tile

Cost: $8 to $18 per square foot
Pros: Very attractive, durable, and fire-resistant
Cons: A tile roof can be very heavy and it may require extra structural reinforcement

Slate

Cost: $3.50 to $6 per square foot
Pros: A slate roof is attractive, and it can last hundreds of years with the right maintenance
Cons: Very heavy and it may require extra structural reinforcement

Wood Or Cedar Shake

Cost: $4.80 per square foot
Pros: Environmentally friendly and has a rustic charm to it
Cons: Requires a lot of maintenance to prevent leaks, cracks, etc.

Rubber

Cost: $7.50 to $9 per square foot
Pros: Easy to install and very durable
Cons: Some homeowners may not like the aesthetics of rubber roofing

Solar

Cost: $22 per square foot
Pros: High-end technology that looks like regular roofing, but generates solar power for your home
Cons: Very expensive

Copper

Cost: $11 to $15 per square foot
Pros: Signature, classy appearance that's very durable if well-maintained
Cons: Expensive, and requires specialized skills to install

Stone-Coated Steel

Cost: $4 to $5.59 per square foot
Pros: Low-maintenance, durable, and aesthetically versatile
Cons: May be noisy during bad weather

The above estimates are quotes by the sq. ft. However, when you solicit a quote from a roofer, the average roof estimate will typically feature the term "roofing square." This is a 100-sq. ft measurement.

What Is The Average Cost For Each Type Of Roof Replacement?

The roofing materials you choose (e.g. asphalt shingle roof versus architectural shingles) are one of two major costs in your roof replacement project.

The second major factor in the cost of a new roof is the actual roof structure itself. Different roof styles have different construction costs when installing them. Below, you’ll find a quick summary of the six most common roof types, and the average replacement costs for a standard 1,500-square-foot home.

Flat Roof

A flat roof (which isn't actually flat, but usually has a slight pitch for drainage) is common in classic architecture and tropical climates. Installing a flat roof can range in price from $6,000 to $15,000, plus the cost of the roofing materials.

A-Frame Roof

The A-frame roof began to grow in popularity in the mid-1900s, and is especially popular on the West Coast. Because of their simple structure, replacing an A-frame is gentler on the budget and rings in between $5,000 and $8,000.

Gable Roof

The gable roof is your quintessential roof style and has numerous spinoffs inspired by this classic look. You can expect to pay $12,000 to $18,000 to replace your existing roof with a gable roof, plus the cost of roofing materials.

Hipped Roof

The hip roof is very durable in windy climates because the high slope helps funnel wind away from the home's structure. Because of the more complex structure, hip roofs are pricier than other styles and tend to average around $20,000 or more.

Butterfly Roof

The butterfly roof is commonly seen in more modern homes. Average prices are $9,000 to $15,000.

Mansard Roof

This roof style is inspired by French architecture. The multi-pitch slopes and your typical built-in dormers and windows drive up the price, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 for this roof style.

The Roof Installation Process: How Do You Install A New Roof?

Once you’ve signed off on the budget and terms for your roof replacement project, your contractor will start the work of removing your existing roof and installing a new roof.

First, the old roofing material is removed and either disposed of or recycled. An estimated 11 million pounds of asphalt shingles end up in landfills every year. Once the old roofing is gone, your contractor can inspect the underlying bare wood sheathing.

This sheathing gets evaluated and inspected, with your roofer looking for soft spots, moisture, and other signs of structural problems. Repairs are done if necessary because the underlying sheathing provides the support necessary for a healthy, long-lasting roof.

If everything passes inspection, an ice-barrier membrane and a synthetic underlayment get installed. This keeps moisture at bay and is an integral part of your roofing system (which refers to flashing, accessories, vapor barriers, etc.).

Finally, the new roofing material is installed.

Check out the video below for installing asphalt shingle roofing:

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement: When Should You Replace Your Roof Or Repair It?

All roofs will need to be replaced at some point, but exactly when a re-roof is needed will vary. If you do a roof replacement too soon, you might be wasting your time and money. But if you put it off for too long, you may cause secondary damage, like water damage in your ceilings and mold growth in your walls.

It all comes down to the structural integrity of your roof. At a certain point, a roof’s health and structural integrity become so compromised that it’s no longer safe.

When trying to determine your course of action, ask yourself a few key questions:

What’s the age of the roof? Many roofs start needing to be replaced around the 20-year mark.
What are your personal plans for living in the house? If the roof is in mostly good shape and you plan to sell in a few years, small repairs may make more sense than a complete roof replacement.
What are the specific problems? If it's just a broken or torn shingle here or there, a repair is quicker and cheaper. But if you have widespread problems with leaks and moisture, a replacement may be needed.

Keep in mind that it’s not always an all-or-nothing, zero-sum game either. In some cases, a partial roof replacement may make more sense than a total roof replacement. It all comes down to inspecting the entire roof and determining the extent of the damage.

What Are The Labor Costs Of Roof Repair and Replacing A Roof?

Besides the cost of materials, you’re also paying for your roofer's expertise and labor (e.g. removing old roofing material, disposing of the material, cutting and sizing new material, etc.). The labor costs for replacing a roof can vary depending on:

Your roof style: A simple flat roof is much easier to work with than a complex hipped roof or butterfly roof, so labor costs will ebb and flow accordingly.
Your roof material: Some materials, like a metal roof, need to be custom sized and cut by your contractor. Others, such as clay tile, may require the roofer to install extra support to hold up the clay tiles' weight.
The time of year: Labor costs rise during cold, winter months and during the busy summer months.

You can expect approximately 50% to 60% of your roofing budget to go towards labor and overhead costs, with labor itself usually costing an average of $1.50 to $3 per square foot.

Roof Installation Budget: What Are Additional Costs If You Need To Replace Your Roof?

Once your contractor starts the work, it’s not unusual for you to sign off on additional costs that arise as the roofing team tears off the existing material and begins the installation process.

During the project, your roofer may discover additional problems or factors that may add additional expenses to your roof replacement, such as:

Leaking chimney flashing
Leaking skylight flashing
Fascia and soffit damage
Gutter damage
Difficulty removing the old roofing due to poor installation from the previous homeowner

When your contractor is creating a quote, be sure to ask about the average costs of these potential problems. A reputable roofing company always includes these in their estimates, and it varies from region to region.

For instance, flashing replacement can cost as little as $200 per skylight, or as much as $500 per skylight. Gutter replacement costs can also vary widely depending on the extent of the damage, the height of your home (e.g. two-story versus single-story), the roof size, etc.

How To Save Money On Roof Replacement Costs?

Below you can find some additional tips on how to reduce your roof replacement costs and save money on your roofing budget.

1. Hire a Professional Roofer

While you may be tempted to do it yourself, a roof replacement is a very sizable project. Cutting corners on the planning and construction phase can cause costly problems down the road that more than negate the “savings” you might have experienced going it alone.

When you hire a professional, you can catch problems (e.g. damaged timbers) before they cause bigger issues. You ensure protective elements, like ice proofing, is properly installed. And you can rest assured that the roofing materials used are appropriate for your local climate, your home’s design, your local building codes, and the slope of your roof.

2. Get Multiple Quotes and Plan Ahead

A last-minute roof replacement, requested at the peak of construction season (late spring to early summer), will always cost more. Plan ahead so you aren’t paying premium pricing simply due to the time of year. Doing a roof replacement during the off-season can save you hundreds of dollars.

Additionally, don’t be shy about soliciting multiple quotes from different roofing contractors. Compare those quotes with online reviews. The lowest bid isn’t always the “cheapest” in the long run, because they may not use quality roof materials or stick with their promised schedule.

3. Consider an Overlay

An overlay is when new roofing materials are installed over your current ones. This can dramatically cut back on labor costs since the old roof doesn’t need to be stripped off and disposed of.

However, this approach isn’t always appropriate. Your contractor can give you guidance based on your roofing material, the manufacturer’s warranty on materials, etc.

4. Make It a Partial DIY Project

If you have the knowledge and skills, doing some of the work yourself can save on labor hours. For example, you could remove your old roofing material yourself before your contractor arrives on the job site.

5. Consult Your Homeowners Insurance

Some damage that requires re-roofing may be due to situations covered by your homeowners insurance policy, such as wind damage to old shingles. Contact them to see what's covered in your specific policy. This can help save you a lot on home improvement installation costs.

Foundation Repair

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Tim Carter

Foundation Repair: How Much Does It Cost? (2021 Pricing Estimates)

Your foundation is the footing of your entire home. It's the 24/7 soldier that keeps your floor, walls, windows, doors, and possessions safe and secure. So, what happens when it starts to fail? You may notice a door that doesn't shut quite right, a section of the floor that seems to be sagging, or even a few cracks in the walls of your foundation.

Don't panic! You have options. Whether your foundation is cracking, crumbling, shifting, or leaking, there are a variety of repair options at your fingertips.

The cost of foundation repair depends on the amount of labor, materials, and the type of damage. But here's a big secret: it costs upwards of $50,000 to replace a house's foundation completely. Fortunately, most repair options don't involve ripping out your foundation and starting from square one. In fact, repairing your foundation may cost less than you think.

So, let's break it down.

In this guide, you'll learn:

The average cost of foundation repair
The cost to repair a variety of foundation issues
The costs associated with specific foundation repair techniques
How foundations are repaired
Why you should definitely repair that troublesome foundation
And some helpful info on homeowners insurance and the overall cost-effectiveness of foundation repair

How Much Does it Cost To Fix Your Foundation Problem?

Foundations are impacted by a variety of issues affecting their original position, including crumbling, bowing, cracking, sinking, shifting, and leakage. Each of these issues requires specific equipment, tools, and labor. So, the price of a foundation repair varies significantly. You could spend as little as $200 for a quick epoxy fill on a minor crack or as much as $25,000 on a complete gutter replacement, reinforcement, helical piers, and sealant.

What is the Average Foundation Repair Cost?

We find the average cost to repair a foundation to be $4,000. However, this price is averaged across a wide range of prices. The truth is, the majority of concrete foundation repairs are simple epoxy fills. In more complex situations, foundation repair costs upwards of $25,000 or more. So, there are plenty of nuances when it comes to foundation repair.

To help, let's break down the costs involved with different types of foundation issues.

Horizontal Foundation Crack Repair Cost

Seeing vertical or diagonal cracks in your foundation can be a terrifying experience. But those types of cracks rarely indicate a serious structural problem, and most repairs involve filling in the cracks with epoxy or polyurethane injections. However, horizontal cracks are a different story.

Many horizontal cracks threaten the integrity of your foundation's structure, and failing to fix these cracks can lead to catastrophic events like total building collapse. Unfortunately, large horizontal cracks may require a total reinforcement of the wall — which can drive the repair costs up.

Cracks that run horizontally against your foundation can be caused by:

Frost heave
Soil pressure
Physical damage
Stairs, porches, or other anchored objects
Landslides or other catastrophic events

Luckily, cracks are one of the more budget-friendly foundation repairs. The average cost of fixing a small horizontal crack is around $300. For larger cracks, expect to pay $800 or more depending on their severity, size, and location.

Foundation Erosion Repair Cost

When water slowly eats away at the soil underneath your foundation sometimes as a result of poor drainage, it can cause erosion — which leaves your foundation without a foundation of its own. Over time, this lack of foundation support can lead to cracking, sinking, shifting, and bowing. Depending on the severity of the erosion, you may need to have the area filled with concrete or structurally reinforced.

Soil erosion is almost always caused by poor draining. Properly installed gutters and downspouts should keep the majority of rainwater away from your foundation soil. There are various minor improvements you can make, such as effective gardening and soil hardening to mitigate some erosion damage, but faulty drainage will almost always outpace any fringe lawn improvements you create.

Depending on the severity of the erosion, you may need to fill in the area with concrete, reinforce the walls, or completely redo your drainage system. The pricing for these repairs ranges from around $1,000 for simple reinforcement up to $11,000 for reinforcement and total gutter repair.

Foundation Leak Repair Cost

Leaky foundations can quickly spiral out-of-control, resulting in cracks, bowing, or sinking. Again, the result of poor drainage can really impact your foundation. Typically, homeowners notice leaks when they find water or water damage on or around their foundation. Another tell-tale sign is efflorescence — a powdery white substance left over after water evaporates — around foundation walls.

The easiest way to deal with a leak is to find the source and fix it. If the leak is coming from a single crack, this process is relatively easy, and it should only cost around $300 to $1,000. However, most leaks come from multiple sources and happen when soil shifts beneath the foundation. When this happens, you may need to seal and waterproof your foundation, which can cost between $2,500 and $10,000, depending on the size and scope of the foundation. Additionally, significant leakage may require sump pump installation, which can add an extra $500 to $1,000 to the cost.

Sinking Foundation Repair Cost

Are your doors difficult to shut? Do you notice the floor in a room of your house sinking in a little? If so, you may have a sinking foundation. Depending on the severity of the issue, as well as the soil around your home, sinking foundations are fixed in a few different ways.

Mudjacking — which involves drilling small holes into the foundation, pumping a cement slurry into the holes to make the foundation level, and then filling in the holes and correcting any cracks — is one common method of fixing a sinking foundation. The total cost for mudjacking ranges from $350 to $1,100. Alternatively, you may need to install hydraulic piers beneath the foundation. This process is often reserved for significant sinking, and pricing can range from $1,200 to $2,000 per pier.

Foundation Shifting Repair Cost

Most foundations shift a little when you apply pressure against them, but any significant shifting is an immediate cause for concern. Like other foundation issues, shifting or foundation settlement can lead to cracks, damage, or total collapse. Often times, homeowners notice shifting foundations on the exterior of their home. Doors and windows may seem misaligned, and there may be gaps between the garage door and the walls.

There are a variety of ways to fix a shifting foundation. It may need to be mudjacked, with pricing anywhere from $350 to $1,000. Alternatively, you may need piers installed (i.e., underpinning), which costs around $1,200 to $2,000 per pier. In rare cases, your walls may also need to be reinforced — especially if your issues are caused by certain types of soil or extreme weather events due to your location. Reinforcing can cost between $1,100 and $5,000, depending on the size of your home and type of foundation.

Bowing Foundation Wall Repair Cost

Bowing (i.e., walls that bend forward like a bow) is caused by a variety of factors, like water, pressure, or soil issues. Most often, you'll notice cracks along with the bowing, since the bowing process puts significant strain on your foundation. This is a critical issue. You should contact a structural engineer as soon as possible when you notice your foundation bowing. It costs far less to fix the issue when it's still relatively benign than it does to completely redo a crumbled foundation.

Depending on the cause and severity of the bowing, you may need piers installed, walls reinforced, or even wall anchors and straps installed. Expect to spend between $1,000 and $20,000 to fix bowing issues.

Crumbling Foundation Repair Costs

When it comes to severity, a crumbling foundation is near the top of the list. Most often, crumbling is the end result of bowing, water damage, or other issues that went unnoticed. Typically, crumbling requires complete wall reinforcements and possibly new drainage systems. This can cost between $1,000 and $11,000. However, slight crumbling caused by impact-based events may only require an epoxy fill, which costs around $300 to $1,000.

Check out the video below for the first of a three-part video on fixing your crumbling foundation:

Foundation Sealing and Waterproofing Cost

A significant chunk of foundation issues are caused by water. Often, the problem lies with drainage inefficiencies (poor drainage). But in some cases, water is a natural byproduct of the environment. For example, those who live in a flood-prone area may receive water damage regardless of their drainage systems. To remediate this issue, you should get your foundation sealed and waterproofed. Depending on the size and complexity of your foundation, this process costs between $2,500 and $10,000.

Foundation Damage Repair Methods?

Have you ever wondered how they repair your foundation? What goes into all of these costs? Are foundation repair companies really spending time, energy, and materials on my project? Here are a few foundation repair methods and what they entail.

Reinforce Foundation Cost

There are many ways to reinforce an unstable foundation. A reinforced retaining wall can be poured directly against existing foundation material, concrete strips can be placed in crucial weak zones, and carbon-fiber strips can be leveraged to give your wall extra support. Due to the variability of these methods, reinforcing foundations costs between $2,000 and $15,000. That's a wide range. But the level of damage, type of foundation, and method of reinforcement can vary significantly.

House Leveling Cost

To level a house, which is often performed on shifting foundations, contractors may use slabjacking or mudjacking. Slabjacking uses a polyurethane injection along with slabs to lift your foundation. Since polyurethane foam is a lightweight and nearly permanent solution, this process is often more effective than mudjacking in the long-term, but it also costs more. The average cost for slabjacking is $2,000 to $10,000.

Mudjacking uses a concrete slurry to lift your foundation. This is the "classic" way to fix a sinking foundation, and it costs between $350 to $1,100. Both methods will fix your issue, but one requires more specialized equipment and expertise from foundation repair contractors.

Foundation Underpinning Cost

Underpinning is a process that involves extending a foundation to help it rest on supportive soil. This process often starts by digging out a crawlspace underneath the foundation. Then, various methods (e.g., mass pour, beam and base, mini piled, etc.) will be used to extend the foundation further down into the soil. In a sense, you're adding more foundation. This process may involve piering, concrete slabs, or grout mixtures. The typical cost for underpinning ranges from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the methods, number of piers, and size of the foundation.

Foundation Stabilization Cost

When most homeowners think of foundation stabilization, they think of reinforcement. But every method discussed above is considered part of stabilizing the foundation. These include:

Epoxy filling
Reinforcement
Underpinning
Mudjacking
Slabjacking
Waterproofing
Leak sealing
etc.

The average cost of foundation stabilization is $4,000, but prices can reach as high as $30,000.

What Happens If You Don't Repair Your Foundation Problems?

Home repairs are pesky expenses. Let's be honest: fixing a foundation isn't the flashiest way to spend your cash. So, many homeowners put off foundation repairs until "later" (which often never comes). Unfortunately, foundation repairs are the last thing you want to avoid. Problems start to compound. Let's say you have a few cracks that would cost around $300 to fix. If you avoid them, they may cause major structural problems like bowing, which could cost between $1,000 and $20,000 to fix.

In the worst-case scenario, you will be forced to replace the entire foundation due to unresolved issues. This costs between $35,000 and $55,000. It's less expensive and less headache-inducing to fix those foundation issues before they become catastrophic situations.

Is the Cost of Foundation Repair Covered by Insurance?

Technically, your foundation is covered by homeowners' insurance. It's part of your home. However, many homeowners insurance policies exclude specific scenarios like floods, sinking foundations, and soil pressure. You should contact your insurance provider to discuss the details.

Is It Worth It To Repair Your Foundation Damage?

The costs associated with foundation repairs are significantly less expensive than a total foundation replacement. Not only does repairing your foundation save you money, but it prevents foundation failure from injuring you, your property, or your loved ones. Additionally, repairing a foundation can significantly boost your home's resale value. In other words, repairing that sinking foundation should be at the top of your to-do list. It may not seem like the most flashy home improvement project, but it keeps your house in tip-top shape.

Have a hole in your foundation?

Ben from Cedar Rapids has a large hole in his foundation. CLICK HERE to read Tim's advise on repairing his concrete foundation.

Chimney Repair Costs

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Tim Carter

Chimney Repair Costs 2021 (Replacing, Removal, Maintenance)

A fireplace is a beautiful and cozy addition to your home, but it is important to keep your chimney in good repair and up to code in order to prevent leaks, carbon monoxide and smoke intrusion, and chimney fires. Chimney damage can be caused by a number of issues, from inclement weather and earthquakes to simple weathering over time. When it's time to complete your chimney repairs, finding the right chimney repair service at the right price may seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, if you are looking for accurate cost estimates related to chimney repair, you are in the right place!

In this guide, you will learn:

Average chimney repair costs, by component and material
Additional costs for chimney repairs and modifications
Costs for chimney removal and sealing
Whether homeowner insurance covers your chimney repairs
Ways to save money on your chimney repairs

What Is The Average Cost To Repair A Chimney?

The cost of repairing your chimney will depend greatly on the type of chimney, the components that must be repaired, their location, and the amount of damage to be repaired. Below is a short summary of the average cost per repair.

Chimney Crown Repair Cost

Chimney crowns are the first part of your chimney to be exposed to the elements, and unchecked damage can result in increasingly expensive damage to the rest of your chimney. The crown of your chimney is a slab of concrete that protects your chimney's flue, brick, and mortar from rain, pest intrusion, and keeping your roof safe from flying sparks.

The crown of your chimney can be damaged in a number of ways. Cracks can collect moisture, which can eat away at the cement, mortar, brick, or metal of your crown. It is therefore important to have your chimney crown repaired as soon as you detect a problem. Depending on the extent of the damage, your crown repair can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000. More extensive damage can increase your repair costs.

Cap Repair Cost

Your chimney cap is the metal cap perched at the top of the flue that prevents water leaks that can damage the interior of your chimney. Caps can become damaged due to extended exposure to moisture, high winds, hail, ice, and other inclement weather conditions. Fortunately, chimney cap replacement is relatively inexpensive, ranging from $60 to $250, depending on the cap material and whether you have it installed or DIY. As with any chimney component, it is critical to complete your cap replacement as soon as possible, as moisture leakage into your chimney can cause more expensive problems over time.

Chimney Flue Repair Cost

Your chimney flue is the clay, ceramic, or metal passage between your fireplace and the outdoors. Its purpose is to direct heat and fumes out of your home without causing damage to the surrounding area. Over time, your flue can be damaged by leaking water due to exterior deterioration, structural damage from an impact or earthquake, or extended exposure to high temperatures and smoke from chimney use. If your flue is unlined, the cost to repair damage to flue tiles or resurface a cracked flue interior can range from $65 to $100 per foot. If you need to install or replace a chimney liner or flue liner, expect to pay between $2,500 and $7,000, depending on the liner material, insulation requirements, flue length, and diameter.

Leak Repair Cost

Water leaks are the cause of most problems experienced by chimney owners. The cost of fixing a leak depends greatly on the location of the leak, the extent of the damage, and the type of material that must be repaired or replaced. A leaky chimney can be caused by cracks, rust or deterioration in the crown, cap, flue, liner, flashing, or masonry of your chimney. Your chimney sweep will often be able to detect a leak by noting the presence of creosote, or mineral buildup, on the brickwork of your chimney. To fix a leak, it is important not only to repair the source but to trace and repair any damage that has occurred as soon as possible.

Remember that every part of your chimney is constructed to direct harmful smoke, gases, and sparks out of your home. A damaged flue may not direct heat or smoke correctly, increasing the potential for smoke and heat to escape into your home. Similarly, a damaged damper, firebox, or smoke chamber can reduce the efficiency of your fireplace and allow smoke and fumes to blow back down the chimney and into your home. Cracked or deteriorated exterior components that have been eroded by moisture can allow excess heat and sparks to escape, significantly increasing the risk of fire. Left unchecked, a water leak can cause spalling and structural damage to your chimney that makes it very expensive to repair or replace, so time is of the essence.

Water damage from a leak is cumulative, so be sure to check your entire chimney for water damage. Due to the wide range of issues, repair costs for leaks vary widely, from under $100 to replace a cap to over $7,000 for a full flue replacement. If your damper has rusted due to a water leak, you can expect to pay between $200 and $300 for cleaning and rust removal. However, the costs will be higher if it is necessary to remove or replace chimney components.

Flashing Repair Cost

The flashing of your chimney is a protective layer of sealant material installed around the chimney where it meets your roof. The primary purpose of flashing is to act as a waterproofing sealer that prevents moisture from leaking around your chimney and roofline into your roofing, insulation, and interior. It is critical to repair chimney flashing as soon as a leak is detected, as water intrusion can cause rot, mold, microbial growth, and structural damage.

The cost of repairing or replacing your chimney flashing depends largely on the type of chimney and the amount of damage to be repaired. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 to replace the flashing, but repair costs will likely be higher if there is damage to surrounding areas.

Leaning Repair Cost

If your chimney is leaning, it is a sign of a serious problem that should be repaired as quickly as possible. Not only does a leaning chimney create gaps in your roof where pests and water can intrude, but there is also a risk of falling bricks and masonry from the top of the chimney. A leaning chimney is typically caused by a structural or foundation issue, which generally requires that the chimney foundation be repaired or replaced. Depending on the size and design of the chimney and the extent of the damage, repairs for a leaning chimney fall between $1,200 and $3,000.

What Is The Average Cost To Repair A Chimney By Material?

Chimney repair costs are largely dependent on the type of material that your chimney is made of. The two most common chimney materials are brick and stucco.

Brick Chimney

Repairing your brick and mortar chimney may be as simple as replacing and re-mortaring a few bricks, which can cost as little as $200 for small cracks and up to $2,000 for extensive repairs. For widespread water damage or foundation issues, costs can be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.

Stucco Chimney

When caught early, cracks or damage to stucco can often be repaired at a cost between $8 and $50 per square foot. If there is more extensive damage to the stucco or the substrate that requires removal or replacement, the cost can increase by thousands of dollars.

Check out the video below for a comprehensive chimney repair checklist:

What Are Additional Costs For Repairing A Chimney?

In addition to component and structural repairs, masonry chimneys often require additional attention, including chimney repointing and re-mortaring.

Chimney Repoint Cost

Chimney repointing, also known as tuckpoint, is the process of re-applying mortar to the mortar joints on the exterior of your chimney to prevent cracks and leaks. Contractors will add new mortar, filling in the gaps and holes where the previous mortar has been worn away. In addition, they may add caulk to provide additional waterproofing. On average, you can expect to pay $10 per square foot for chimney repointing.

Chimney Re-Mortar Cost

Chimney re-mortaring is synonymous with chimney repointing and tuckpointing. As with repointing, it involves the reapplication of mortar to damaged and worn mortar in a brick and mortar chimney.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Chimney?

Whether your chimney is beyond repair due to age, earthquakes, weather, or other events, chimney removal can be expensive. Full chimney removal involves taking out the entire chimney, including the portion inside your house, so you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 or more. Should you choose to remove your chimney in full, be sure to consult with an engineer to ensure that the structural integrity of your home is not compromised, and determine whether a new chimney should be installed.

How Much Does It Cost To Seal A Chimney?

Rather than removing your chimney altogether, you can opt for partial removal, which involves removing only the visible outer stack and sealing the opening. This procedure is less expensive than full removal, with a cost between $400 and $1,000. Sealing your chimney can also help improve your overall energy efficiency by reducing unwanted airflow into and out of the home.

Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Chimney Repair?

Homeowners insurance will sometimes cover your chimney repair, but it depends on the terms of your policy and the nature of the damage. If, for example, your chimney requires repairs due to flooding or other water damage, your homeowner's insurance may not cover repairs, though your flood insurance might. When obtaining estimates for your chimney repairs, be sure to contact your homeowners insurance to see whether they will cover the damage, what the coverage parameters are, and whether they have a preferred contractor.

How To Save Money Repairing A Chimney

Repairing a chimney can be an expensive endeavor, but there are a number of ways for you to save money repairing your chimney. First, be sure to contact your homeowners insurance carrier. Even if your policy does not cover damage to chimneys, insurance companies often partner with select companies to offer discounted rates.

Although the least expensive way to finance your chimney repair is to pay cash, there are also financing options available. If your contractor offers financing, be sure to read the contract thoroughly so that you are not subject to high fees and interest rates. Take the time to look into other financing options in order to find the best deal, and check with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to see if you are eligible for assistance such as FHA Title I Property Improvement Loans, which may offer better interest rates than private financing.

How to Hire a Chimney Repair Company

In addition to financing, you can save yourself money by thoroughly vetting your potential chimney repair companies. Many chimney repair companies offer free chimney inspections in order to assess the damage and provide you with an estimate. When selecting a company, be sure to get multiple bids that are apples-to-apples, with the same services, hourly estimates, materials, and warranties. Keep in mind that a very low estimate may be too good to be true, and check to ensure that there are no additional fees or add-ons that may bloat your repair costs after the work begins.

Chimney Maintenance and Timely Repair is Critical

To keep your chimney repair costs low, constant vigilance and regular chimney maintenance are key. If you believe your chimney requires attention, be sure to take care it as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to repair damage, the more costly repairs will become.

Heat Pump Replacement Costs

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Tim Carter

Heat Pump Replacement Costs 2021 (Installation, Replacement, Pricing)

Does your thermostat scream in pain during the winter months? Are you looking for a way to save money on your energy bills? Heat pumps are a fantastic way to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter without breaking the bank every month to pay your energy bills. Unlike traditional furnaces and air conditioning units, heat pumps don't hog electricity and gas, or propane. Instead, they rely on alternative heating and cooling sources (e.g., refrigerant, the sun, the ground, etc.)

But what are heat pump prices? What are heat pump operating costs? And how much does it cost to install heat pumps?

Don't worry. We've got your back. In this in-depth guide to heat pump costs, you'll learn:

The average cost of heat pumps
The different types of heat pumps and their costs
What heat pumps are and how their energy-efficiency is measured
The labor costs to replace heat pumps
Some of the hidden costs associated with heat pump installation you may be missing
And how to save some cash during the heat pump installation process

What Is The Average Cost Of Heat Pump Replacement?

The cost of installing a heat pump varies based on a number of factors. The size of your home, type of heat pump, brand, efficiency, labor costs, and contractor rates all play a role in your overall cost. The average cost for replacement ranges from $3,700 to $7,900, but some pumps may cost as much as $25,000 or as little as $2,000 to install.

Of course, more expensive heat pumps often offer better energy-efficiency ratings, which can end up saving you significant money over the course of the pump's life. So, choosing a pump isn't always a straightforward decision.

What Are The Different Types Of Heat Pumps And Their Cost?

Air Source

Are you looking for a quiet, environmentally-friendly, and energy-efficient HVAC system that can provide a 1.5 to 3x energy ratio? Air source heat pumps use refrigerants and a heat exchanger coil to cool or heat the air during winter or summer months. During the winter, air-source heat pumps pull in cold air from the outside, uses cold refrigerant to attract heat from the air, and pulls that hotter air through a compressor for further heating before sending it through your air ducts. In an essence, air-source heat pumps are refrigerant-based air condensers. During summer months, the air-source pump works in reverse, pulling hot air out of your home and channeling it outside, which helps it act as an air conditioning solution.

The costs associated with installing an air source heat pump include:

The size of the system
The complexity of the installation
The brand name of the system
The energy-efficiency of the system
The type of system (e.g., ductless, central ducted, etc.)

The average cost to install an air source heat pump is $2,000 to $10,000, but small, ductless pumps can cost as little as $800.

Here are some price ranges associated with common heat pump brands:

$1,000 - $1,999: DuctlessAire, York, Daikin, Coleman
$2,000 - $2,999: Panasonic, Amana, Bryant, Rheem, Goodman
$3,000 - $6,000: Trane, Lennox, Carrier, American Standard

In addition to these brand costs, the labor and material costs of your contractor play a significant role in your total bill. The pricing often varies by location and cost-of-living, with high-cost areas like California costing significantly more than low-cost areas like Oklahoma.

Geothermal

When it comes to complexity, scale, and energy-savings, geothermal heat pumps take the cake. These intricate systems use the natural temperature of the earth to keep your home heated or cooled. Believe it or not, the temperature 20 to 30 feet below ground remains at a constant ~60 degrees Fahrenheit. Geothermal systems involve underground pipes that carry this underground air to a heating pump that uses refrigerant. Alternatively, hot air is pumped from inside your home to underground during the summer months.

Here's the crazy part: geothermal systems supply 4 units of heat energy for every 1 unit of energy supplied to the system. That's a whopping 400% efficiency rating. Some of the top-line units are over 500% efficient! Better yet, geothermal heat pumps last around 50 years, making them a long-term HVAC investment.

However, due to the size and complexity of these systems (as well as the digging and piping involved), geothermal heat pumps can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 to install. Again, the end price will depend on the square footage of your home, the brand of the pump, and your overall system setup.

Ductless Mini-Split

The most popular type of air-source heat pump for homeowners is the ductless mini-split system pump. This pump requires no central A/C or ducts to operate efficiently, and it derives all of its air from an outdoor unit. So, this is a fully-efficient, stand-alone HVAC system. Like other air-source heat pumps, ductless mini-splits use refrigerant to attract the heat from colder air using an evaporator and then warm it using a compressor before pumping it indoors. The average cost for a ductless mini-split heat pump is $2,000 to $12,000, depending on the model.

Solar

Did you know you can heat your home using the biggest source of heat in the solar system? Solar-assisted heat pumps combine solar panels, and traditional heat pumps to drive hefty HVAC energy-savings. There are two major costs associated with installing solar-assisted heat pumps:

Solar panels: The average cost to install solar panels is $15,000 to $25,000.
The heat pump system: The average cost of a heat pump system is $2,000 to $8,000.

Note: There are tax credits for purchasing solar panels that may apply to your solar-assisted heat pump installation. Currently, there is a 22% rebate for solar systems installed before 12/31/2021.

Dual Fuel Hybrid

For homes that already have a furnace and ductwork installed, dual fuel hybrids represent an easy and affordable way to cut energy costs during the winter months. Dual fuel hybrid systems utilize both a furnace and a heat pump, giving you the best of both worlds. Dual fuel hybrids aren't as energy-efficient as geothermal systems or solar-assisted systems, but they're cost-effective, easy-to-install, and perfect for cold climates where air-source heat pumps may have a harder time heating a home.

The average cost for a dual fuel hybrid system ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 for just the pump, to $6,000 to $12,000 for a furnace and a pump.

Gas System

What if you live in an area where electricity is expensive, but you don't have the cash to invest in a complete solar setup? Gas systems let you run your heat pump completely on natural gas. These systems are ideal for a remote location. Believe it or not, gas systems (gas heat pump and/or gas furnace) are more environmentally-friendly than electrically-powered air source pumps, but they lose out to geothermal and solar systems both in terms of lifetime costs and environmental waste.

The average cost for a gas system is $3,500 to $10,000, depending on the size, brand, and efficiency rating.

What Are High-Efficiency Heat Pump Costs?

Heat pump efficiency is measured by two standards:

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER rating)

HSPF is used for heating, and SEER is used for cooling standards.

In both cases, the higher the rating, the more efficient the heat pump. The Department of Energy places minimum standards on SEER ratings for residents of various states. Currently, the lowest acceptable standard in the United States is 13 SEER. Some of the most energy-efficient systems can reach over 19 SEER — which is incredibly efficient.

Similarly, the lowest minimum standard of HSPF is 7, with some of the higher-end brands reaching +10 HSPF.

The typical costs for each of these ratings are as follows:

13-14 SEER / 7-8 HSPF

7 - 8 HSPF heat pumps cost around $1,000 to $2,000 on average. The pricing for installation is between $3,000 and $6,000. Remember, these are the lowest acceptable minimum. It's important to understand that buying a system with 13 SEER and 7 HSPF may leave you in a tight spot during one of the seasons. The Department of Energy recommends a 14 SEER minimum for the South and Midwest and an 8 HSPF minimum for the Northern states.

15-16 SEER / 8-9 HSPF

Mid-tier heat pumps with 8 - 9 HSPF cost $1,500 to $2,500 on average. The installation price is between $5,000 and $6,500.

17-18 SEER / 9-10 HSFP

In the 9 - 10 HSPF range, we enter some of the more expensive and renowned brands. The average cost for one of these units is around $2,000 to $4,000, and the installation costs are between $6,000 and $7,500.

19+ SEER / 10+ HSFP

Finally, when you reach the upper-crust of heat pumps, you can expect to pay a pretty penny. 10+ HSFP heat pumps cost between $3,000 and $4,500, and the installation costs are around $7,000 to $10,000.

What Are The Labor Costs For Heat Pump Replacement?

Whether you purchase a new heat pump or a used unit, you will almost certainly have to pay one flat cost: labor. Heat pump units are heavy, complicated, and incredibly labor-intensive to install. So, the vast majority of homeowners hire an HVAC contractor to install their system. Heat pump installation costs vary by area, but you can expect to pay between $70 to $150 per hour.

The type of system you purchase will dictate how long the installation process takes. A geothermal, which uses ground-source energy, may take +40 hours to install. A ductless system may only take 5 - 10 hours. So, the pricing of your installation will vary based on your duct system, existing equipment, square footage, brand, unit type, and unit size.

Are There Additional Costs For Replacing A Heat Pump?

The pricing on heat pumps isn't always flat. Despite the static upfront cost of the heat pump unit, the costs of labor and materials vary significantly. One of the biggest hidden costs is recycling. If you have an old central air conditioner/cooling system or heating system, your installer may need to haul it away. Additionally, you can purchase warranties, service contracts, and other additional services for extra money.

The average cost for a warranty and service contract is around $1,000 over the course of 10 years. Remember, heat pump repair costs can range from $150 and $500, so this warranty may be worth the price, especially on more expensive or complex systems.

How Long Does A Replaced Heat Pump Last?

Heat pumps don't last forever. Any air handler unit will eventually receive enough wear and tear to break down. Fortunately, the average heat pump lasts a whopping 12 to 30 years, so they aren't short-lived systems. However, the brand and construction quality of your unit (as well as servicing frequency) play a role in the longevity of your system.

How To Save Money On Heat Pump Replacement?

As a homeowner, finding ways to save money is always front-of-mind. In fact, you probably chose a heat pump because it helps cut down on your energy bills. New systems may have the bells-and-whistles, but used heat pumps can help save you some serious upfront money. There are drawbacks to used units. They may die out sooner, and they may be less energy-efficient which won't help your utility bills. So, you need to weigh your options carefully.

There are plenty of unique ways to save money on heat pumps, but each has its downfalls. Used units may die out sooner. Rebates are only available for more expensive solar systems. And cheaper contractors may perform a less diligent service.

Keep these factors in mind when choosing a new heat pump and make sure to weigh all your options.

Basement Foam Board Installation

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Tim Carter

Basement Foam Board Installation - Inside or Outside

QUESTION: I’m 23-years old and just got out of college. I bought my first small house and am about to remodel my basement. The previous owners of the house glued 2-inch-thick foam insulation to the poured concrete walls. It’s got an aluminum foil face on it. Then they covered that with an open-cell foam board that’s 3/4-inch thick. It seems the smart thing to do is tear all this off and I started to do just that but thought to ask you before I go any further. The foam board seems to be in the way of installing the electric wires that I know are supposed to be behind the insulation. What’s the best way to deal with this situation and is the foam board even any good? Matthew W., Grand Rapids, MI

You’ve got to applaud Matthew for having the smarts to do some research before making a mistake. He was about to make a costly one. His question is also a great example of not having enough life experience to be able to apply critical-thinking skills to a dilemma. I have an old saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know.”

How Old Were You, Tim, When You Bought Your First Home?

I loved Matthew’s question because it flooded me with memories of my own first home. I was also 23-years-old when I purchased a quaint three-bedroom Craftsman home in the popular Hyde Park neighborhood of Cincinnati, OH. It was an FHA repossessed home I won at an auction for just $8,500.00. It turns out I was the only bidder and I guess the gaping hole in the roof of the master bedroom was a turn off to other bidders.

Is it Hard to Get a Bank Loan for Flipping Houses?

No bank would finance the opportunity and fortunately, my father-in-law’s hobby was real estate investing so he became the lender. I needed an additional $8,000 to fix up the house. My new wife and I moved in for just nine months and we sold it for $35,000.00. That was a tremendous return on investment, and it’s possible Matthew is on the same path to leap-frogging homes. It’s best to do this when you’re young!

How Much Did You Know About Building at Age 23?

What’s amazing looking back is how much I didn’t know at the time. This project became an incubator for me and I made a few mistakes that I never made again. None were critical to the overall long-term health of the house.

CLICK or TAP HERE to get FREE BIDS from local foam insulation contractors.

Should I Tear-Off Foam Insulation From the Wall?

Let’s now jump into Matthew’s conundrum. Holy tomato, for Pete’s sake don’t tear any of that insulation off the walls! The previous owners were wise and made a fantastic investment by putting all that foam on the frigid poured concrete walls. What’s more, the use of foil-faced foam is even smarter. It’s a radiant barrier and bounces heat back to its source. The only mistake I feel they made was adding the extra layer of open-cell foam over the foil-faced insulation. This will reduce the ability, to a degree, of the foil to bounce the heat of the basement back into the basement.

What Size Studs Should be Used to Frame Basement Walls?

If I were in Matthew’s basement right now, I’d start to frame the walls using either 2x3s or 2x4s. I’d create an air gap of about 3/4-inch between the back of the wall studs and the foam insulation.

Look at how the foam insulation is built into the actual poured concrete pre-cast walls! This is an excellent example of a precast concrete foundation wall system. This one is by Superior Walls. Note how the corners are mitered, the closed-cell insulation and interior wall studs. Copyright 2021 Tim Carter

What Does the Air Gap Do?

This air gap serves two purposes. First, it allows you to create plumb walls should the poured concrete be out of plumb. Second, the air space allows a place for any rogue condensation to evaporate.

Did You Use Foam on Your Basement Walls?

When I finished the basement of my last home in Cincinnati, I simply did what I said above, but there was no foam glued to my poured concrete foundation. I used regular fiberglass batts in the wall-stud cavities to insulate the room. Before adding drywall, I covered the walls with a 4-mil vapor barrier. The 3/4-inch air gap between the back of the studs and the concrete created the air break to help prevent mold and mildew growth should a tiny amount of moist room air make it behind the insulation.

Will Condensation Be an Issue?

Matthew should never have condensation problems because his foil-faced foam is a fantastic vapor barrier. As long as the seams between each sheet were sealed with aluminum tape and the gap at the floor caulked, no moist room air can get to the cold concrete.

How Do You Install Electric Cables and Wires in Studs?

He also doesn’t quite understand how to install electric cables and wires. I’d never want mine to be touching the poured concrete walls. He can simply drill holes in the center of the wood studs and pull the cables between boxes just as you would in any normal interior or exterior wall of a home. My advice to Matthew is to try to locate any videos made by the authors of the National Electrical Code and soak up all that delicious information.

Is Foam Board a Good Insulator?

Matthew wants to know if the foam board is good. Closed-cell foam is a fantastic product and I used it to insulate the floor of my outdoor shed. I installed this foam in such a way that it’s flush with the top of the floor joists.

Should the Foam Touch the Warm Side of the Wall Surface?

You want the insulation to be in direct contact with the surface that is on the warm side of the room. This is why you put fiberglass batts in direct contact with radiant-heating pipes and heat transfer plates that are attached to the underside of a floor. Never ever create an air space between the radiant tubing and the insulation.

If you’re young like Matthew with much more to discover about home improvement, or you’re any age, it would behoove you to become part of my free newsletter family where each week I share lots of wonderful tidbits about how you can have the best home on your street!

Column 1389

Mail Chime Review

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Tim Carter

Mail Chime Review | You can see the Mail Chime receiver sitting on the window sill. The bright red light means I've got mail! The red arrow points to my mailbox at the top of the driveway. The receiver also generates four high-pitched BEEPS in addition to turning on the red light. Once you walk back inside with your mail, just quickly press the reset button and the Mail Chime is on guard once again for your friendly mail carrier! PRO TIP: Once in a while leave a tiny nice prize in the mailbox with a note for your carrier. It will pay off in spades in the future - trust me. CLICK or TAP HERE or the photo to have a Mail Chime delivered to your mailbox in days!

Mail Chime Mailbox Alert - Simple, Elegant, and Affordable

I installed a new Mail Chime mailbox alert system yesterday in just minutes.

It was easy, the components are well-made, and the instructions were crystal clear. It's rare you get all of these things with one product. If you want an example of horrible and confusing installation instructions, look at my First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detector review.

CLICK or TAP HERE to have a Mail Chime delivered to your mailbox in just days!

Look at all the photos of the Mail Chime below.

How Far Away Can my Mailbox Be?

The manufacturer recommends that the receiver in your home be no more than 300 feet away from the mailbox.

Does the Mail Chime Receiver Have a Volume Control?

Yes, there's a rotating volume-control knob to adjust the sound output. You can turn off the sound completely and just rely on the red light.

How Does the Mailbox Sensor Attach to the Mailbox?

The Mail Chime sensor comes with double-sided tape. Be sure you clean the surface of the mailbox lid before you attach it.

Will the Mail Chime Sensor work on Different Mailboxes?

Yes, It will work on wall-mounted mailboxes and mail slots cut into doors. The sensor activates when any lid is moved a certain distance.

Can an Average Person Install the Mail Chime?

Yes, the installation process is simple. You just have to use a small #0 Phillips screwdriver to remove four small screws on the sensor. This allows you to install the tiny battery that powers the radio transmitter. Reassemble the sensor cover, take off the cover to the double-sided tape, and put the sensor on the mailbox lid. All you have to do next is plug in the transformer to a wall outlet and then plug in the tiny DC jack into the back of the Mail Chime receiver. It's so very simple!

These are the components you have to install. A caveman could do it so I know you can too! CLICK or TAP HERE or the photo to have a Mail Chime in your mailbox in days!

This is the inside of the Mail Chime sensor. You install the tip of the small battery towards the red wires. The beige patch is the double-sided tape. I've not yet removed the silicone paper exposing it. I did that just seconds after cleaning the lid of the mailbox lid of all dirt and dust. CLICK or TAP HERE or the photo to order your Mail Chime.

This is the sensor control. It's pre-set at the factory. READ the instructions before you start messing with this. CLICK or TAP HERE to order the Mail Chime now.

This is the back of the Mail Chime. On the left is the volume control. The small hole is where the DC adapter jack plugs in. CLICK or TAP HERE to order the Mail Chime now.

This is the mail chime sensor installed on the inside of my mailbox lid. Pay attention to the directions of the arrows. They must point UP to the sky when the lid is closed. CLICK or TAP HERE to get your own Mail Chime. You can't have mine!

Check out my Cresent Lufkin Chalk Reel review. I did it just before this one.

Exterior Painting Costs 2021

Posted on January 19, 2021 by Tim Carter

Exterior Painting Costs 2021 | This house needs a paint job. The peeling paint is a chronic issue because there's no vapor barrier covering the soil under this building. Water from the soil soaks into the backside of the wood siding and steams off the paint on hot summer days. (C) Copyright 2021 Tim Carter

Exterior Painting Costs 2021 - Use Urethane Paint & Oxygen Bleach

Exterior painting costs are going up with inflation. To save money long-term, you want to purchase the best paint and clean your house well so it's many years before you paint again.

What is the Best Exterior House Paint?

The best exterior paint hands down is a urethane house paint. You want one that is made with a urethane resin. The resin is the glue component of paint. Paint is simply colored glue. If you look at the chemical formula for a vinyl-acetate resin paint, you'd discover quickly it's almost identical to the formula for a high-quality yellow glue.

This is a urethane house paint. Look at the label. CLICK or TAP HERE to order it now.

What are Exterior Paint Costs?

Right now, in 2021, you're going to see the cost of a gallon of high-quality paint range from $45 to $65 per gallon. Each gallon only covers about 350 square feet, so you can easily spend $1,000 on paint for a house that has lots of siding to paint.

What Do Painters Charge?

Painters can charge anywhere from $35 to $60 per hour. In some dense urban areas, it's possible a great painter might get $70 dollars per hour or more. Keep in mind that a painting contractor has to match the withholding tax and Medicare taxes that each employee has to pay. In addition, the painting contractor has to pay Workman's Compensation fees,

CLICK or TAP HERE to get FREE BIDS from local painting contractors.

Unemployment taxes, and general liability insurance premiums. Workman's Compensation fees for painters could be as high as 15% of the hourly rate, maybe more. These rates are determined by how dangerous the work is. Painters are on ladders all day, need I say more?

What is the Best Way To Clean a House?

The best way to clean a house is to wash it just as you might wash your car.

You may be tempted to use a pressure washer to clean the surface of what you’ll be painting. I maintain that these infernal machines don’t get things as clean as you might want. In all my tests, there’s always a very thin film of dirt left behind after aiming the high-pressure stream at a surface.

Should I Use Oxygen Bleach?

I prefer to wash my surfaces using a solution of oxygen bleach mixed with some liquid dish soap. Oxygen bleach deep cleans the surfaces, it removes algae, mold, and mildew. STAIN SOLVER is a made-in-the USA certified organic oxygen bleach.

Stain Solver black background yellow scoop

Stain Solver is MADE in the USA with USA ingredients that are food-grade quality.

I use a soft brush used to clean RVs to apply the cleaning solution. The rubbing with the brush and rinsing with clear water removes all traces of dirt.

What is the Best Weather to Paint?

Overcast weather with temperatures in the 60-70 F range with no wind is the best weather to do exterior painting.

You may be tempted to paint in full sunlight on a breezy day. Paint chemists I’ve interviewed in the past have told me that overcast days with no wind are the best as the paint tends to dry a little slower. Pay close attention to all the instructions on the finish paint can label and follow them to the letter.

Do I Have to Prime Bare Wood?

If you have to prime bare wood or metal, look once again to the label on the finish paint can. Some paints prefer a particular primer. To get the best results, apply the finish paint as soon as the primer can be recoated. This allows for the best mechanical and chemical bond between the two different paints.

How Long Can a Paint Job Last?

A great paint job can last fifteen and even twenty years! I know because the last paint job on my Cincinnati, OH house lasted that long. My current house in NH has urethane paint on it that's now 10 years old and it's in perfect condition. The house was painted in the summer of 2010.

Column 1306B

Dry Well Installation

Posted on January 19, 2021 by Tim Carter

Dry Well Installation - They Rarely Work

Do you think a dry well installation job is going to solve your drainage problem? You've come to the right place. I'm a college-trained geologist with a focus in hydrogeology - the study of groundwater.

Why Don't Dry Wells Work?

Dry wells don't work in most cases because the subsoil in the pit is often a medium or dense clay. The reason potters use clay to make pots and bowls is that water can't travel through it. Your dry well simply becomes a tiny swimming pool or pond in your yard.

Look at the dense hard clay that is just below the topsoil in the above photo:

The problem gets worse though. It's all a matter of capacity.

CLICK or TAP HERE to get FREE BIDS from local contractors who can solve drainage issues.

How Much Water is in a Dry Well?

There's little space for water in most dry wells because the hole is filled with gravel and stones! Let's do the math on the above dry well the homeowner dug.

I estimate the diameter of the hole is 24 inches based on the trench entering the left of the dry well. That trench is probably 5 or 6 inches wide. The dry well is probably 30 inches deep. It's hard to dig a hole much deeper with such a narrow throat.

Assuming the dimensions above are correct, the homeowner removed 7.85 cubic feet of earth digging the dry well.

There are 7.48 gallons of water in a cubic foot. This means the dry well with nothing in it could only hold 58.74 gallons of water.

How Much Space Does the Gravel Take Up?

The gravel in a dry well consumes a vast amount of the space. It reduces the capacity of the water the well can hold. Look at this next photo sent to me by the homeowner. I think you might agree the gravel takes up at the very least 80% of the space in the dry well.

If the gravel does take up 80% of the space, then the dry well in these photos can only hold 11.74 gallons of water!

If you're using a dry well to capture the water from your roof, you'll need lots of wells! One inch of rain on an average roof can produce about 2,000 gallons of water!

Where Does the Water in a Dry Well Go?

The water in a dry well will slowly move through soil that has air spaces in it. Topsoil usually has lots of air space, but in many locations topsoil is thin, often less than 3 inches thick.

I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and the soil profile for much of the region is a very thin topsoil usually about 2-3 inches thick. You immediately then encounter a dense brown or gray clay that doesn't drain at all.

This is the soil profile at my last house in Cincinnati, OH. Look how thin the topsoil is - it's barely 4 inches just below the grass in the upper left corner of the photo. You can see the two distinct dense-clay glacial soils above the footing on the far wall. The medium-brown soil was deposited by the Wisconsin Continental Glacier that left the area about 12,000 years ago. The dark-brown soil beneath it was from the Illinoisian Continental Glacier that left the area about 600,000 years ago. (C) Copyright 2021 Tim Carter ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - DO NOT COPY this photo without permission.

I moved to central New Hampshire in 2008 and the soil here is completely different. It's amazing sandy well-drained soil. The rich topsoil is also just a few inches deep in most locations but the subsoil under it has a tremendous amount of sand in it and water flows readily through it to the bedrock below. There are many clear-running springs throughout the area created by these soil conditions. The Breck-Plankley spring in Bristol, NH is but one example.

What's Better Than a Dry Well?

You should deal with water exactly as Mother Nature does. She allows water to flow overland or soak into the soil.

Roof water should be piped to the lowest spot on your lot as far away from your house as is practical. Installing downspout drain lines is easy in shallow trenches.

Subsurface water moving through the topsoil or in sandy subsoil can be captured and diverted around your home using a trench drain or linear french drain.

Cross-section of a Trench Drain or Linear French Drain including the all-important perforated french drain pipe. I can CALL YOU ON THE PHONE to help you solve your drainage problem. Copyright 2021 Tim Carter ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - Do NOT COPY this graphic.

I've helped thousands of homeowners solve wet basements and crawlspaces with these trench drains by talking to them on the phone. The typical phone call lasts 30 minutes or less.

Column

January 17, 2021 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Tim Carter

Nice try. You were trying to slither past me, weren’t you? We need to have a little talk about that. I get it. You’re a new subscriber, this is your first issue, and you might be a little shy. Don’t fret! This is a welcoming place and every week right here at the top, I greet each new subscriber like you!

But this newsletter may have been showing up for so long in your inbox that you recall when I was a judge on that amazing reality TV show. Remember?

What, you’ve already forgotten? You mean my acting was that poor? Oh my. Click the link above and read the fascinating story about that experience.

This newsletter is filled to the brim with lots of information. Let’s jump in feet first. But before we do, you need to make sure you’re not surrounded by tohubohu.

What? You don’t know what tohubohu is? For Pete’s sake, you better find out FAST before something very bad happens to you!

Too Much Stuff

Do you have too much stuff? Your garage, basement, or attic looks like a stuffed sausage, doesn’t it? Or, maybe you’re paying nearly $100 a month, or more, to rent an offsite storage facility. UGH!

Why not build a shed of your own and add value to your property? All your stuff will then be just feet away when you need it and you can keep that storage-fee money in your pocket. That’s a win-win.

Look at this photo of the shed I built at my last home in Cincinnati, OH.

CLICK or TAP HERE to see the finished photo. It’s going to BLOW YOUR MIND when you see what it ended up looking like.

Guess what? You can get the same results with a little help from me! Yes, I can help you build your shed!

Hardwood Flooring Cost

Please peer at this photo of the hardwood floor in the family room of my last house in Cincinnati:

When the phrase hardwood flooring cost pops into your mind, does your heart skip a beat? What are the different species of hardwood and how will each one hit you in your pocketbook?

That’s a funny word, isn’t it - pocketbook? Do you still use one? My grade school friend Charlie Deters had something similar to one. He didn’t like loose change rattling around in his pants pocket. He used an oval rubber change holder that had a slit in one face. You’d squeeze it open to put in or take out the coins.

How much longer do you think the word pocketbook will survive in our language? The popularity of words waxes and wanes over time. Please CLICK or TAP HERE to get a feel for current hardwood flooring costs and how they’ll affect your pocketbook.

When Will Wallpaper Come Back?

Decorating trends change for a host of reasons. I place all the blame on the decorating products industrial complex. The companies that make products you use in your home are tasked with coming up with new products.

They introduce these trends using influencers who employ Jedi mind tricks. This powerful psychology can cleverly pry money from you as you change the look of your home to be part of the in-crowd.

Here’s how my basement bathroom in my Cincinnati house was decorated. What do you think of the three different wallpapers? I don't know about you, but each time I used this bathroom, I felt like there was sand between my toes. I could smell the kerosene from the burning tiki torches! I'd swear there was a salt-air breeze, but it turned out it was the exhaust fan.

Decorative wallpaper can produce these strong feelings and emotions. You should really take some time to look at a few wallpaper books.

I installed everything you see in this photo. Check out that bamboo wall trim - REAL bamboo I cut in half using my table saw - and the bamboo Moen faucet! And what do you think of that sink? It was just a copper pan and I punched a hole in the center to accommodate the faucet drain. WOWZA!

Wallpaper was sizzling back in the early 1900s then cooled off. The decorating merry-go-round brought it back into favor in the 1970s and 1980s. Is it time for wallpaper to be the belle of the ball again? If so, you’d better CLICK or TAP HERE so you’re up to speed.

Drain Lines and Septic Tanks

Have you ever seen the inside of a full septic tank before it’s pumped? Probably not if you’re a city dweller. Check this out:

Riddle me this: Do you know the BEST WAY to care for the plumbing drain lines in your home whether your waste goes to a city sewer or a septic tank?

Come on man, be honest! I’ll bet you don’t do what I do at my house. CLICK or TAP HERE to get a full grasp of how to care for drain lines and septic tanks.

Larry’s Concern

Last week I shared a video of a revolutionary plastic vent pipe I used at my daughter’s new home. You should really watch that video - especially if you want to have context for what Larry shared with me after he watched it. Here’s what he sent:

“Tim, your video on the polypropylene pipe is very interesting. My concern is most equipment manufacturers have not accepted this as a design pipe for their product which could lead to warranty problems. I think I would look very closely at the installation instructions of my selected device. Also, if a problem occurred your insurance might be an issue.”

Larry was SPOT ON with his analysis! Congratulations, Larry! He pointed out that you need to read the installation instructions.

You must follow the instructions and only use approved products that connect to the appliance so you don’t void the warranty.

If the instructions are not clear, then you need to STOP and reach out to the manufacturer, or their field representative to resolve the issue.

You know what this means, don't you? It means you should READ THE INSTRUCTIONS WEEKS BEFORE you intend to install the product, not after you've uncrated the appliance.

That’s plenty for a Sunday, right?

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

Thanks for supporting me by remaining a subscriber. Soon I’ll have a huge favor to ask of you. Johnson Hardware is the biggest sponsor of this newsletter. Without their annual support, there would be NO newsletter.

I simply wouldn’t have the time to devote to producing it for your reading enjoyment.

Johnson Hardware compensates me for investing the hundreds of hours each year I devote to sharing money and time-saving tips in this newsletter.

This is why, in a few weeks, I’ll ask you to do one simple thing that will only take a few minutes.

“Tim, what’s in it for me? Why should I do the one simple thing?”

Simple. You’re guaranteed to get a taste of delicious eye candy and decorating inspiration by just looking at the photos I share with you. Thank you in advance for taking the time to do this.

You might think of the few minutes you spend looking at the photos as supporting a favorite magazine you look forward to reading each week.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
FAST Delivery - www.StainSolver.com
Cool Waves - www.W3ATB.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

P.S. How in the holy heck can you install a flat-screen TV on glass? (hand waving frantically in the air.) “Me Me Me - pick ME! Sister Mary Holywater, I know the answer.” CLICK or TAP HERE to discover a magic way to make it happen. Class dismissed.

Soundproof Condo Ceiling

Posted on January 16, 2021 by Tim Carter

Soundproof Condo Ceiling | Soundproofing insulating batts like this added during construction can help soundproof a condo ceiling. CLICK THE IMAGE NOW TO DISCOVER OTHER GREAT SOUNDPROOFING PRODUCTS YOU CAN ADD AFTER CONSTRUCTION IS FINISHED.

Soundproof Condo Ceiling - Not Easy After Construction

QUESTION #2: Tim, I live in a condo and wonder what might be done to lessen the noise I hear coming from some of my neighbors. Are there any easy fixes that I might be able to tackle? Linda S., Chicago, IL

Soundproofing spaces is a science. Do a small amount of research online to discover how radio broadcasting booths are soundproof. Most are immune from the noise that’s trying to get inside the room and then into the live microphones!

CLICK or TAP HERE to get FREE BIDS from local contractors who can soundproof condo ceilings.

How Does Sound Travel?

Sound travels through the air. The easiest thing to do is to try to seal any air leaks between your condo and the ones around you. Imagine if your condo started to fill with water, where would it leak out? These are places the air is leaking into your condo.

Soundproofing rooms begins with stopping all air movement between rooms. Remove the cover plates from electrical outlets and caulk the gap between the drywall and the side of the electrical box. I’d then install a foam gasket behind the outlet cover to try to stop other air leakage.

Can Sound Leak Into a Condo Under Baseboards?

Yes, the sound could be leaking under the baseboards of your condo unit. If you have toe stripping, you may want to remove it and caulk any gaps between the floor and the baseboard trim. Recessed ceiling lights are the toughest thing to seal because some need air space to ensure the fixture doesn’t overheat.

What Can Stop Sound Coming Through the Condo Entry Door?

Weatherstripping the entry door will stop sound from passing into the condo. Hallway noise infiltration can be minimized or eliminated by installing weatherstripping around the door. Seal your door as if you were battling bitter cold air out in the hallway.

What Soundproofing Should Happen During Construction?

Here are some great ways to soundproof a condo during construction:

walls between condo units should be solid masonry
floors between vertical condo units should be poured concrete
all air passageways between condo units should be plugged

There are many things that can be done during construction to make condos soundproof. Trying to retrofit a condo can be prohibitively expensive. As a last resort, consider a subtle white-noise generator in your unit to combat unwanted noise. I’ve heard they work well.

Can Cork Soundproof a Condo Ceiling?

Cork is an amazing natural soundproofing material. It can work wonders. You can get cork tiles that glue onto a ceiling.

These cork flooring tiles were used to cover the steps as well as the entire recreation room that’s at the bottom of the staircase. But you can use them to cover a condo ceiling too! PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

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