HomeFix Homeowner's Review | Official Blog of Homefix Corporation

Fall Maintenance

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 15:15:00 +0000

Fall will be here before you know it! This article from The Weather Channel will help you prepare:

Fall Maintenance

1. Check your heating system including filters, pilot lights and burners. Have the system serviced by a qualified professional. Cleaning and servicing now can save you money later. Learn steps to boost your furnace's efficiency and how to replace your furnace filter.

2. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns. Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants and can increase incidences of cold-weather illnesses. Consider hiring a pro to clean hard-to-reach ductwork.

Read the full article here

Can I Replace My Own Windows?

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Fri, 16 May 2014 15:39:00 +0000

By Lee Wallender
www. About.com

Question:

Can I save money by replacing my own windows?

Answer:

It's tempting. You get a high quote from a window company for installing replacement windows and think you can shave costs by doing it yourself. Or you've seen one of these companies in action on a neighbor's house and noted how simple it is to put in a window.
All true. While it takes a certain amount of practice to get it right, window installation is not rocket science. A few things to consider:

Off-The-Rack Windows Won't Work

You can't just go down to your local home improvement store at midnight and buy replacement windows off the rack. You can buy new construction windows off the rack, which you probably don't want unless you are prepared to do a substantial structural rebuild around the window, as shown in this image.

Read the full article here

28 Easy Summer Weekend Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Fri, 02 May 2014 13:17:00 +0000

By Karen Ziga

This Old House online

What's the use of balmy weather and long summer days if you can't hang out in your yard and have some fun? But if there's nowhere good to sit and nothing fun to do at your house, don't fret. These 28 projects, culled from the TOH archives of great weekend upgrades, will enhance your yard, beautify your exterior, and give everyone in the family something exciting to do. Pick and choose the ones that are right for your home, and soon you'll have the most attractive and entertaining yard on the block.

Read the full article here

Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement: Which do I need?

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 19:13:00 +0000

www.roofingtalk.com
September, 2013

At what point should you consider replacing your roof, as opposed to fixing it? Variables in roofing materials and your particular situation will ultimately help decide, but we’ve put together some helpful questions to help you make that decision.

What is the age of your roof compared with its expected lifespan?

Here is a quick guide for popular roofing materials.

• Asphalt Shingles: This is the most common of residential roofing material and they generally last around 20 years. This could be less if you live in a hot, sunny climate.

• Natural Slate: Found frequently on historical buildings and churches. These can easily reach 100 years or more.

• Synthetic Slate: A relatively new material that gives the appearance of natural slate. It is a mixture of plastic and rubber than should last 50 plus years.

• Cedar Shingles or Shakes: Expensive but beautiful, these have a limited lifespan of perhaps 25 years. Cedar Shingles can add significant value to the right home.

• Synthetic Cedar Shingles: Creates a faux look of its natural sibling but with a longer lifespan. 50 years or more can be expected.

• Metal: Gaining in popularity, today’s modern metal roofs can be expected to last at least 50 years.

Read the full article here

At what point should you consider replacing your roof, as opposed to fixing it? Variables in roofing materials and your particular situation will ultimately help decide, but we’ve put together some helpful questions to help you make that decision.
What is the age of your roof compared with its expected lifespan?
Here is a quick guide for popular roofing materials.
• Asphalt Shingles: This is the most common of residential roofing material and they generally last around 20 years. This could be less if you live in a hot, sunny climate.
• Natural Slate: Found frequently on historical buildings and churches. These can easily reach 100 years or more.
• Synthetic Slate: A relatively new material that gives the appearance of natural slate. It is a mixture of plastic and rubber than should last 50 plus years.
• Cedar Shingles or Shakes: Expensive but beautiful, these have a limited lifespan of perhaps 25 years. Cedar Shingles can add significant value to the right home.
• Synthetic Cedar Shingles: Creates a faux look of its natural sibling but with a longer lifespan. 50 years or more can be expected.
• Metal: Gaining in popularity, today’s modern metal roofs can be expected to last at least 50 years.
- See more at: http://www.roofingtalk.com/blogs/roof-repair-vs-roof-replacement-which-do-i-need#sthash.fi8JUt4O.dpuf

To Do It Yourself or Hire a Contractor?

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:05:00 +0000

Home Improvement Projects: Do It Yourself? Or Not... Take this quiz to find out!

Should you save money by doing the job yourself? Do-it-yourself (DIY) jobs are a popular trend in the home improvement industry, however, before you grab a hammer and start swinging, you should know that this is a trend with a few potential problems. Before you decide to do-it-yourself, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recommends taking this DIY quiz:

Read the full article here

Should you save money by doing the job yourself?

Should you save money by doing the job yourself?v

Should you save money by doing the job yourself?

Should you save money by doing the job yourself?v

Should you save money by doing the job yourself?

What you should know before you replace your windows

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 19:22:00 +0000

Replacement — or repaired — windows could save you in energy costs and increase your home's value. Here are tips for taking on a window project.

By Pat Mertz Esswein of Kiplinger

If your windows no longer enhance the façade of your home, shield it from the elements or filter noise, there is no better time to update them. Retailers whose business withered as homeowners stopped spending on big home-improvement projects are ready to deal and eager to keep their installation crews working.

Many dealers have cut markups to the quick, says Susan Selman, who is with Schmidt Windows in suburban Chicago. Plus, the $1,500 tax credit for installing energy-efficient windows in your home, which will help defray some costs, expires at year-end.

Read the full article here

10 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:18:00 +0000

A certified home inspector shares 10 home-maintenance tips for spring.

By Dwight Barnett, Scripps Howard News Service

After a long, dark winter, spring's bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year's flower beds. Dwight Barnett, a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors, shared this checklist to help you target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine.

Read the full article here

Repairing a Leaky Outdoor Faucet or Hose Bib

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:38:00 +0000

By Gina Sanders on February 9, 2014

A task you may have to tackle from time to time is a leaky faucet. Not only do the ones inside your home leak once in a while, but the ones outside your home do as well. It is the exterior faucet hose bib we will take a look at herein.

A leaking faucet amounts to quite a significant amount of water waste, even if the leak is slow. In addition to adding expense to your water bill, should you live in an area where water is metered, all that excess water can make quite a mess of your yard. Even if the drip seems infrequent, accumulation is still possible over time. This means a nasty, muddy mess around the faucet area that can lead to unsightly erosion if not repaired.

Read the full article here

For Those Sad Souls in a Cold, Cold Home

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 19:33:00 +0000

By Austin Duck on January 10, 2014

My house is cold, y’all. Like, really cold. In fact, it’s so cold that my wife and I had to build a makeshift tent over our bed just to let our sleep-breathing warm us. I’m not even joking. And, from what I’ve noticed, that’s a major problem in the DC area. Any home from the early 1900’s (that hasn’t been dramatically remodeled) can have this problem because, around the turn of the century, you could open your windows, open your front door, and let the wind and sun and nature do all the work. Nowadays, however, that’s basically impossible.

Between the rise in home invasions, the shifting climate, and the fact that, well, we may have gone a little soft from all those years of central heat and air, it’s no longer viable to think that our home will heat or cool itself. Obviously, then, it’s a huge problem that many of our homes were designed with that in mind. My house, for example, has literally no insulation in the roof; further, during renovation, the attic was transformed into a master suite, so what once was a laborer’s one-bedroom house with attic buffer from the elements has become, through the miracle of modern renovation, a two-bedroom icebox (or convection oven, depending on the season).

Read the full article here

Keeping Cool With a New Roofing System

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:07:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

If you live in or around the Maryland area, you likely experienced temperatures in or around 90 degrees over the weekend. If you are anything like me, this early taste of summer may have prompted you to close the windows and turn on the air conditioning system.

If you noticed that your air conditioner was running almost constantly, especially if the indoor air temperature never reached the selected setting, you probably have an energy efficiency problem. This could be caused by cracks or gaps in the building structure, inefficient windows, or inefficient roofing.

A good way to test for inefficient windows in warm weather is to simply feel the window panes. If the glass or surrounding air is noticeably warmer than the rest of the room, then you will benefit greatly from replacement windows.

However, many people do not realize that an energy efficient roof can help cut energy costs, and maintain the proper temperature. In the same way that replacement windows resist heat gain (or loss, in the wintertime), replacement roofing resists solar heat gain in the summertime. This helps to maintain the indoor air temperature, which reduces the amount of work that your cooling system needs to perform, along with your energy expenses.

If you have any questions about energy efficient home improvements, such as roofing, replacement windows, or siding, visit HomefixCorporation.com!

How to Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:02:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

No one wants to fall victim to a home improvement scam, and, unfortunately, criminals often target people in their time of need. After severe weather events or disasters, contractors will inevitably offer to help repair and replace any damage to your home. So how do you know which contractors are legitimate?

10 Tips for Avoiding a Home Improvement Scam

Use reliable review sites. Sites like Angie's List, where members subscribe and share reviews of service companies, are a great place to find reliable information. Check out customer reviews of home improvement companies before meeting with a sales representative, or find your contractor by using a service such as Angie's List, which will recommend service providers in your area.
Check their licenses. Verify that your contractor has the applicable licenses to work in your area.
Go with your gut. A good sales representative will make you feel comfortable with signing a contract with them. If something feels "off", trust your instincts. The representative should take the time to answer all of your questions, and should be polite!
Look at previous projects. Ask to see a photos of previous jobs. Good contractors rely on references, and will be happy to show their work. Sites like GuildQuality even have a map of reviews, so that you can see what your neighbors have said about your chosen contractor.
Ask your friends and family. If your friend, neighbor, or family member has recently had a home improvement project completed, ask them who they hired, and what they liked about the contractor. Homefix Corporation makes it easy to know when we are in the area, by posting a sign in the front yard of a new project.
Check their associations. Builders and remodelers may belong to certain associations, like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the Better Business Bureau. Check with well known, reputable organizations to see if a company is affiliated.
Ask for contact information. It's pretty simple: don't sign a contract or leave a deposit without knowing how to get in touch with your contractor. Not only is this a good way to avoid a scam, it also indicates that the company will provide good customer service. At Homefix Corporation, we give our customers the office phone numbers, along with the cell phone numbers of the appropriate people, and website and email addresses.
Ask for written warranty documentation. Protect your investment by having proof of warranty coverage and guarantees.
Don't pay upfront. A legitimate contractor may ask for a deposit, but not for the full payment before work is completed.
Check the accepted payment methods. A contractor that doesn't accept checks or credit cards is a warning sign. Be sure to have receipts, and document all transactions.

Are all contractors out to scam homeowners? Of course not. It is just important to be a wise consumer, and keeping these ten tips in mind will help you choose the best home improvement contractor for your next home project.

Homefix Corporation serves Maryland, Virginia, DC, and the surrounding areas. Request a free estimate today!

New Reviews Site Launched for Homefix Corporation

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:14:00 +0000

You may already be familiar with the Homefix reviews found on sites like Angie's List and GuildQuality. We have recently launched our new profile on Customer Lobby. Check out these new reviews of Homefix Corporation on a verified customer review site.

Homefix Roofing Before & After

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:19:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

Take a look at these recent before and after pictures of roofing installations completed by Homefix Corporation of Virginia.

For more photos of Homefix Corporation's recent installations, visit HomefixReviews.com.

Leave Your Review of Homefix Corporation

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:24:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

Feedback from our customers helps us to ensure that we maintain high levels of customer satisfaction. That's why we rely on feedback from Angie's List, Guild Quality, and sites like Homefix Reviews.

Feel free to browse all of our web presences, and leave your own feedback and comments. If you browse HomefixReviews.com, you will also be able to watch video testimonials, and view before and after photos in the Homefix gallery.

Introducing, Homefix Live!

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:56:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

Homefix Corporation canvassers speak with Homefix customers and are involved in the day to day sales and marketing efforts of the home improvement company. Now, Steven, one of our Homefix canvassers, will be sharing his thoughts and pictures from his day to day experience with Homefix, including photos of installations and remodeling projects. Check out Steven's blog at Homefix Live.

You may also be interested in:
Homefix at Home
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Pros & Cons of Different Types of Siding

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:23:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

As an exterior home remodeler, Homefix Corporation regularly replaces the siding on homes with beautiful, durable, and energy efficient options. If you are considering different types of replacement siding, you might be wondering what the benefits and disadvantages are to certain materials and types of siding. Keep reading to see the pros and cons of several common types of siding materials.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is an affordable option for many homeowners, but it does come at a price. The siding itself will need to be repainted every few years, and is prone to dents. Aluminum siding is not the most energy efficient option either, meaning that it can result in higher electricity usage than other types of siding. However, the need for repainting means that the look can be changed every few years, if your tastes change.

Wood Siding

Wood siding can create a customized, appealing look for the exterior of your home. However, it is important to note the risks and maintenance requirements that come along with the appearance of wood siding. Wood siding requires sealants to protect against moisture, along with new paint approximately every two years. Plus, the look that wood siding gives a home is reflected in the price, which can add up quickly.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a low cost option, when compared to wood and some aluminum sidings. As vinyl siding has evolved, there are many options for energy efficiency, such as vinyl siding with insulation built in. While vinyl cannot be repainted like wood or aluminum, it is also durable, and, when properly installed, can maintain the original color and appearance for many years without much maintenance.

Homefix Corporation's Xtreme Siding is an insulated vinyl siding, which can be customized in a variety of colors and textures. You can even choose to have vinyl siding that looks like wooden shakes! Give us a call, or request a free estimate on HomefixCorporation.com today.

New Home, New Windows?

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:28:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

A new home purchase is a big decision, and the last thing that any new home buyer wants to discover is that the quality of construction is not up to snuff. Whether your home is new, or "new to you", there is plenty of good reason to look into the energy saving features of your humble abode.

While many home builders advertise energy efficient windows or other similar features, you may want to look into the specific windows being used. Builders want to maximize their profits, so don't be fooled into thinking that just because a home was recently constructed, that the highest quality options are automatically included. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and investigate yourself!

There are a few ways to tell if the new windows are energy efficient. First, if you feel a draft or breeze coming from a closed window, there is obviously a problem. Significant temperature variations within the room, including cold spots near the window (if it is cold outside) are another indication that your home's energy efficiency is not to up to par.

On a sunny day, if there is sunlight streaming through the window, stand in the sunshine. If the space feels significantly warmer in the sunlight, this is an indication that the windows are inefficient; energy efficient replacement windows are made to allow sunlight to enter the home, but resist solar heat gain.

The final test is to touch the window pane itself. If the pane is noticeably colder or warmer than rest of the room, depending on the outdoor temperature, then your windows are not as effective at conserving energy as they could be.

You may also be interested in:
Builder Grade vs. Professional Grade Windows
Benefits, Besides Energy Efficiency, of Homefix Replacement Windows

How to Help Your Wooden Floors Stand the Test of Time

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:57:00 +0000

By Brittany Moodie, Guest Contributor*

Wooden floors make a beautiful addition to any home but for great quality over time you must put in the leg work to maintain, clean and repair this particular type of flooring. Like any home addition, wooden floors get damaged and worn as the years go by but with regular upkeep you can ensure that any scratches and scuffs are buffed away to leave your wooden floor looking as perfect as the day it was installed! Check out our 7 tips for easy wood floor maintenance...

freedigitalphotos.net

1. Keep it Clean

Dirt is the main culprit of floor damage; dirt and other materials are brought into the home on a daily basis and work into wooden floors like sandpaper causing scratches and marks. Use door mats and rugs to trap dirt and stop it from coming into your home. Make sure you also regularly mop and vacuum your floor to catch deposits that may have made it past the mat or runner. Steam cleaners are an excellent and gentle way to deep clean a floor, leaving it sparkling clean and dirt-free without the need for harsh chemicals.

2. Prevention is Better Than Cure

Preventing damage is another route to beautiful wooden floors. Place furniture pads underneath the legs of sofas, chairs and tables to stop it marking your floor. Also, add rugs and runners to areas that are used most so that unavoidable wear and tear is kept to a minimum.

3. Act Fast

The spilling of food and drink is a rite of passage in any family home but it is important to act fast to prevent these from soaking into your floor and causing stubborn stains. Clean up all spillages immediately with a clean cloth.

4. Remove Dents and Scuffs

Gentle sanding can be used to remove scuff marks and scratches caused by shoes and pets. Use sandpaper or an extra-fine grade steel wool pad and rub gently into the wooden flooring and watch damage disappear. Please note - steel wool should not be used on oak floors as this will cause staining.

5. Floor Refinishing

Refinishing can be carried out to revive dull and damaged wood floors. You can call in a professional to complete the process or give it a go yourself. Refinishing conditions wood floors and removes surface damage, however, if there is extensive damage, floors must be sanded before treatment.

6. Mind the Gap

Wood expands naturally and with temperature change creating gaps between boards that weren't there when it was fitted. Humidifiers are a useful piece of equipment to place in rooms with wooden floors, especially during the winter months. Winter air tends to be dry and removes moisture from hard wood floors causing them to shrink and form gaps, a humidifier works to restore that moisture.

7. Solve Squeaks

Squeaky floors are very annoying but with regular maintenance creaks and squeaks can be a thing of the past. Securing boards to the subfloor with screws is a long-term way of solving squeaky floors but you can also use talcum powder for a quick fix that doesn’t cost the earth. Simply sprinkle the powder onto affected boards to keep them quiet.

*This article was written by Brittany Moodie on behalf of Localtraders, a directory that aims to connect householders with tradespeople for reliable, affordable home improvements.

You may also be interested in:

Builder Grade vs. Professional Grade Windows

Spring Cleaning: Benefits of Vacuuming

10 Earth Facts for Earth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:18:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

Happy Earth Day from all of us at Homefix Corporation! To help you with your Earth Day celebrations, here are 10 facts about today, and the earth in general, to help you get into the Earth Day spirit.

1. The first official Earth Day was April 22, 1970.
20 million Americans participated in related activities on the first Earth Day. In 1990, the event expanded from an American holiday, to a global observance.

2. The earth's circumference is 24, 901 miles!
This measurement is taken at the equator, which brings us to our next fact:

3. The earth is not perfectly spherical.
The rotation of the earth, and the gravitational pull of the sun and moon, cause the earth to be flatter at the poles. There are changes and bumps along the surface that occur as gravity shifts, and the mass becomes redistributed.

4. The earth moves around the suns at 67,000 miles per hour.
It's a good thing that we don't notice it, especially since the earth is also spinning on its axis.

5. Water, water everywhere (but mostly in Antarctica).
The continent of Antarctica contains about 70 percent of earth's fresh water, so the idea of using water wisely is no joke!

6. Early life on earth may not have been so green.
According to this article, early life on earth may have had a purple hue, instead of the lush green foliage we see today.

7. The oceans are filled with gold.
It's diluted, and buried in rocks under the sea, but it's there!

8. Recycling is a big deal.
If every newspaper in the world was recycled, it would save 250 million trees!

9. The average American household has a carbon footprint of 48 tons per year.
It would take 40 acres of the US forests to offset that amount of CO2. Green practices, like recycling, and being mindful of electricity and fuel usage can help reduce this footprint. Renewable energy, like solar power, makes a big impact, and energy efficient home improvements can also help reduce energy usage and waste.

10. Workplaces are shifting to greener practices.
Because many people have taken notice of their impact on the environment, companies know that green practices attract quality workers. Many companies include telecommuting as an option, and promote recycling, carpooling, and other environmentally friendly actions.

How will you be observing Earth Day? Let us know in the comments!

Adding Character with Stone Veneer

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:27:00 +0000

By Chase Fecko, Sales & Hardscape Specialist, The Stone Store

More user-friendly, versatile and flexible… it’s no surprise to see stone veneer at the top of the list when discussing outdoor and indoor home remodeling projects. From do-it-yourself (DIY) customers to professionals, stone veneer continues to increase in popularity.

Stone is commonly used to veneer the outside of homes, commercial buildings, retaining walls, seating walls, columns, pillars, mailboxes, interior walls, bars, house foundations, fireplaces and the list goes on. One thing to remember, while there are some applications that are DIY friendly, many veneer projects are best left to an experienced professional contractor.

Photo Credit: Phil Besche

Veneer stone can be either manufactured stone or natural stone. Much progress has been made in natural stone veneer manufacturing to create thinner pieces, known as thin veneer, which can be appealing but for the purposes of this article we will focus on the more homeowner friendly manufactured stone veneer.

Manufactured veneer stone is concrete cast in molds made to look like real stones found in nature. It is a lightweight, cost effective alternative to natural stone. This lightweight quality allows the veneer to be applied to walls without additional support, such as footers. Typically packaged in boxes, many allotments are all individual pieces but in some instances the veneer comes in small panels for easier installation. Veneer has a flat back, with corners packaged as 90° wrap around pieces – all of these are ready for installation right out of the box. Manufacturers of this stone also have stone accessories like hearth stones, mantles, and sills available. Quality brands of manufactured stone veneer can be found at hardscape and stone suppliers where catalogues and display board examples will help in selecting a color and style.

Have you decided you have the skills and talent to try this yourself? Maybe you want to add character to that old, brick, indoor fireplace? Of course, always refer to the manufacturers’ installation guidelines before starting, but here is a general overview of the process.

1. Purchase Materials. Start by measuring the area to be covered; calculate the square footage of the flat surface and measure the linear feet of any outside corners. These numbers will assist in purchasing the correct amount of materials like the stone, mortar and wire lath.

2. Apply the Wire Lath. Wire lath is adhered to the wall or brick using a layer of mortar called a scratch coat. The scratch coat needs to dry before moving forward which usually takes at least 24 hours.

3. Time for the Stone. When putting up the stone work out of multiple boxes to get the best variation. It is not a bad idea to lay the stones on the ground, creating a plan as to the best way to arrange each piece. Stone is adhered by applying mortar to the back of the veneer stone piece and putting it onto the scratch coat. Some pieces will have to be cut, chipped, and shaped to fit in a space.

4. What about the Joints. Some styles of stone will require putting mortar in the joints between the stones while other styles are fit in tight and do not require that extra step.

While this is a very basic generalization of the steps in the process, research is the key to deciding if you feel comfortable taking on a stone veneer project.

The Stone Store is a stocking dealer of several complete lines of both natural and manufactured stone veneer. Products and materials featured in this article can be seen on display at The Stone Store located at 7535 Railroad Avenue in Hanover, Maryland. In addition, The Stone Store will host DIY Day on June 15 with homeowner friendly demonstrations on patios, walls and additional popular hardscape projects for your backyard. For additional information please visit thestonestore.com or call 1-888-766-4242.

Half Off at Homefix!

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:45:00 +0000

Right now, if you visit Homefix Corporation on Yelp, you can grab a coupon for half off of $200 at Homefix!

Visit us, call to schedule your free estimate, and don't forget to review your experience with us on Yelp after the job is completed!

Homefix Corporation is an exterior home remodeler serving Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, and southern Pennsylvania. Services include replacement windows, doors, siding, insulation, and roofing, and Homefix is the exclusive provider of the Xtreme Window and Xtreme Wall System. Visit our website at www.homefixcorporation.com.

Home Improvement & Solar Power

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:46:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

We were recently mentioned in a blog post on SolarReviews.com about green industries and technologies that partner with solar power companies in order to increase the benefits of both products or services. For those of you who do not know, our partner company, Solar Energy World, designs and installs solar power systems for residential and commercial customers.

As stated in the previously mentioned article, Homefix Corporation's home improvement services complement the solar products offered by Solar Energy World, because energy efficiency plus renewable energy both work to reduce a household's carbon footprint, and energy bill. Additionally, a rooftop solar power system must be attached to a roof that is in good condition, so, if your roof is in need of repair or replacement, Homefix Corporation can work with you and your solar installer to select and install an energy efficient roof that will support your solar panels for years to come.

To read the article mentioned above, please visit the SolarReviews blog.

Recent Reviews of Homefix Corporation

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:09:00 +0000

by Homefix Corporation

We love feedback from Homefix Corporation, homeowners! Here are some of our most recent reviews:

"My overall experience with HomeFix Corporation was very pleasant, we did not have any major issues regarding the timing and communication of the project. I think that overall the company did a great job." - 5 star review via Guild Quality

"I was satisfied with the workers who came out . They were prompt, worked hard, and cleaned up after themselves." - 5 star review via Guild Quality

"Everyone was exceptional. Will was great. He did an excellent job. When he called to find out if we wanted him to send the paperwork in for financing, I explained that the gutters hadn't been done yet. He got right on the ball and got them out there the next day." - Recognition via Guild Quality

Thank you to all of our customers for choosing Homefix, and for sharing your great feedback with us, your friends, and family!

Find Homefix Corporation:
Homefix Facebook
Homefix on Twitter

Builder Grade vs. Professional Grade Windows

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:55:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

Not all windows are created equal, and neither are all installations. Both the quality of the window materials and the installation will greatly affect the performance of your windows, so it is important to know exactly what you are looking for when considering replacement windows.

Homefix Corporation Replacement Window Installation

Builder Grade Windows

"Builder grade" or "contractor grade" windows are typically the original windows that were installed when the home was built. They can be bought in bulk by home builders for a low price point, and they serve their purpose of functioning as basic windows. They have minimal features, and typically lower energy efficiency that professional or custom windows. These are the types of windows that you will find at large chain home improvement stores, where they may come in certain sizes, and you select the one that is the closest fit.

Professional Grade Windows

Professional or custom windows are typically more energy efficient, and boast more features than the builder grade variety. Custom windows are used by home improvement companies, like Homefix Corporation, to specifically meet the customers' needs, and to fit each specific home. This is more personalized than the "one size fits all" approach of builder grade windows. Plus, professional grade windows eliminate drafts and cold spots, and have features such as tilt-in panes for easy cleaning, and security functions.

At Homefix Corporation, we use professional grade windows, and we would be happy to discuss your needs and determine which windows will be perfect for your home. Visit us at Homefixcorporation.com, and schedule your free estimate today!

You may also be interested in:
What are the Benefits, Besides Energy Efficiency, of Homefix Replacement Windows?
DIY or Call the Contractor?

Benefits of a Green Work Environment

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha HF) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:30:00 +0000

By Homefix Corporation

In preparation for Earth Day, our sister company Solar Energy World released a list of ten ways to go green in the workplace. There is a lot of talk about going green, but maybe not as much talk about the benefits. The great news is that green practices not only impact the environment in a positive way, they tend to have positive benefits that reach beyond the direct environmental impact.

"!0 Tips for a Greener Workplace"

Source: solareworld.com viaSolar Energy World on Pinterest

1. Green practices reduce environmental impact.
Let's start off with the obvious benefit. Efforts to go green and implement sustainable operations reduce the carbon footprint of a business. Efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle cut back the amount of waste a company produces, and the amount of fuel used for business related functions, such as heating, cooling, lighting, and transportation.

2. Green practices slash costs.
Going green reduces operating costs, by cutting back on the amount of energy consumed. Telecommuting cuts back on fuel and parking costs, and can reduce the need for maintaining the temperature of an office building, because the office will not be fully occupied at all times. The need for less office space can also cut back on costs.

Implementing energy efficiency measures, and maintaining the building and appliances also cuts back on costs due to energy usage. Regular maintenance also helps prevent major hazards, like mold and mildew growth from leaking pipes, or fire caused by poorly maintained electronics or appliances.

3. Green practices lead to happier and more productive employees.
Happy and healthy employees are productive employees, and green practices can help boost morale. Measures to maintain the integrity of a building, and to improve indoor air quality can help prevent employee health problems, and studies have found that employees with flexible work schedules and the opportunity to work remotely are more productive.

If these benefits are enough to convince you to go green at work, click to read Solar Energy World's article about tips to green in the office.

10 Ways to Go #Green at the Office, via @solareworld bit.ly/10KNc18
— Solar Energy World (@solareworld) March 26, 2013