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Finding the right replacement contractor for your home can be a daunting task. You want to make sure that they are effective and reputable, and install a high-quality product correctly. Read this blog for some tips on how to find the right contractor.

Choosing the right <a href="http://www.snapconstruction.com/category/residential/roofing/" title="bloomington local contractor" target="_blank">local contractor</a> is always important. You can speak to past customers and know that the company is nearby if anything ever arises. Start by asking neighbors or friends for suggestions. Next, check local advertisements for contractors in print or online.

Be sure that the contractor is licensed and specializes in the type of work you are looking to have done. Call a few contractors for a meeting and to see some of their previous work samples. They should be able to provide you with references that you can call. It is important to choose a contractor that has materials that appeal to you, a time frame that works, and a cost that fits your budget.

Always ask questions! The contractor should be able to answer any concern you bring up in regard to your project. They should cover all costs involved, information about the material, permits required, and an approximate timeline of the project.

If the contractor acts suspicious, asks that you pull permits, or makes excuses, this is a red flag. Be sure to write down questions you have along the way so that all questions are answered and you can feel confident with your decision.

Fall is officially here! Not sure what projects to tackle before the temperatures drop? Consider a few of these fall maintenance projects to keep your home in top condition throughout the winter.

1) Clean the gutters. Wait to do this until after the leaves have fallen.

2) Caulk around windows and door frames where necessary to prevent heat from escaping in the winter. A professional can perform a blower door test to calculate how much energy loss is occurring and seal the leaks.

3) When was the last time you had your roof inspected? If it’s been a while, call your local roofing contractor and have them inspect it. They’ll inspect for missing or loose shingles, curling, and other signs of wear and tear. The changing seasons in the Midwest can significantly impact your roof. A roof is the first defense in protecting your home. Take care of roof repairs this fall so that you don’t have to discover a leaky roof during a snowstorm.

4) Ready your fireplace! Make sure that your home’s heating system is working efficiently.

5) Clean and cover your air conditioner. Vacuum internal parts and remove units from windows. Wrapping the outside of a window unit with a box is also okay. If you leave your air conditioner out and exposed to the winter elements, expect rust down the road.

6) Does your driveway have cracks? Clean your driveway and seal it. Sealing it helps extend the life of the asphalt especially during the chilly months.

7) Clean your yard equipment. Prepare everything for storage. When doing this, be sure to check that your snow equipment is working correctly. Place items you use in the winter in an area that is easy to access.

8) Prepare your outdoor living space for the cold months. Cover and store outdoor furniture in a protected space.

9) Rake the leaves on your yard as they begin to pile up. It is important to clear them from your lawn to avoid insect problems and suffocating the grass. Consider using the raked leaves in a compost pile or as mulch.

There are many projects to prepare your home for the approaching seasons. If you feel that you are not able to do something, call your local contractor and they will happily help. How will you prepare your home for the winter?

Adding or replacing insulation in your Minnesota provides numerous benefits. It helps keep your home warm in the winter and cooler in the summer, eliminates drafts, plus increases the value of your home! By adding insulation and sealing air leaks, you could cut as much as 40% from your energy bill according to CenterPoint Energy. As your home ages, the need for more insulation or a full replacement becomes more and more likely. If you are thinking that your home may need an insulation update, read about some areas that a home benefits from adding or replacing insulation.

When hearing the word “insulation”, many people immediately think of the attic space. This area is one of the most important areas to insulate in a home. Because heat rises, attic insulation acts as a barrier by not allowing the air to go straight to the outside. Proper attic insulation also helps bring ceiling temperature close to room temperature. This allows a more even temperature distribution throughout your home.

Basements and crawlspaces are another area that is important for insulation. In older homes, these areas were not insulated because it was not seen as something that would help home energy efficiency. However, properly insulating these spaces prevents cold air, moisture, or dirt from coming up through floorboards. If you suspect that they may not be insulated, give a professional like Snap Construction a call for a free inspection.

Wall insulation is important to help prevent the outside temperatures from entering your home. It helps keep your home cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. Insulated walls also help lower the passage of noise in between each room.

Start with these areas to improve your energy efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint. For a home energy efficiency inspection, call Snap Construction. We can take a look at insulation and what your home needs to be better insulated for the seasons to come. It is important to have a proper installation of insulation. Snap Construction is BPI Certified and can bring your home back to the best energy efficiency possible.

Snap Construction can also provide a free Bloomington roofing inspection; provide services like roofing, siding, windows, doors, decking, storm damage, and more!

Snap Construction is now on Twitter! Be sure to give us a follow for the latest updates, photos, remodeling and construction ideas, plus more! @snap_mn