Greenwashing
When a product is purposefully misleading about its level of environmental friendliness, it’s called greenwashing. Often, the products are at least partially green, but the labeling exaggerates just how much, which equates to false advertising. This isn’t a new development, either. It’s been around for at least 20 years, but since demand has gone up for green products and services, it’s become very prevalent over recent years. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways that you can spot it before you buy the product.

How to Spot It
Reading labels and researching brands may seem time consuming at first, but eventually, it becomes habit. To start, keep these warnings in mind as you shop:

• Vague claims about its recycled content and concentration on the fact it’s recyclable
• Industry-standard manufacturer processes being called green
• Long ingredient list filled with chemicals whose names can’t be pronounced
• Builders only using one or two green practices instead of a holistic approach

The biggest red flag is if there are many vague claims that can’t be verified by a third party.

Legitimately Green
Fortunately, there are environmentally conscious home improvement contractors and products which are fully committed to being as green as possible. The best way to spot them is to look for certification from LEED, FSC, GREENGUARD and Minnesota’s GreenStar program. The company should be willing to provide you evidence of their certification upon request.

Energy Star labeling always helps identify the appliances and windows with the best energy efficiency, but you can only make the least environmental influence during your remodel when green building practices are used.

At Quarve Contracting we believe that green remodeling is about what’s better for Minnesota and it’s citizens.  We’re committed to working with green building practices and offering eco-friendly home improvement solutions, because in the long run we all benefit when protecting our environment matters.

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While it isn’t always possible to pinpoint the cause easily, here are some of the most common culprits.

• Roof leaks.  A home inspector will use a meter to detect moisture levels.  That helps to determine whether it’s an old or new leak.  A new leak could be one that has just developed, or it could be from a source that continues to add moisture every time it rains.  These are these easiest stains to track down the source of.  And often the location of the stain will be the clue to the source.  For instance, leaking around chimney and other flashing usually results in a stain right below the flashing area.  Old stains are a little more difficult to track back.  They may be a result of a problem that’s since been corrected.  If you’re buying a home, ask the sellers about the stain and whether there were roof repairs made.
• Bathroom exhaust fans.  This stain is one of the most common in Minnesota homes and is a result of condensation of bathroom moisture.  If ducts for bathroom exhausts aren’t insulated, or the duct isn’t passing through an air-tight cap in the roof, that moist air will form condensation in the attic around the duct, which eventually makes its way to the bathroom ceiling and causes stains around the fan.
• Ice dam moisture.  If your ceiling stains are at the outside edges and corners, that’s usually a telltale indication that an ice dam has resulted in water leakage.  The usual cause is inadequate attic insulation as well as improper ventilation.  You’ll need to have the situation corrected before next winter, or you’re likely to have it reoccur.
• Attic condensation.  Random stains on your ceiling with no evidence of roof leakage usually mean that you’ve got a condensation problem in your attic.  If enough of it forms and settles on the attic floor, it will eventually migrate down to your ceiling.  One good way to check if this is going on is to inspect the nail heads in your attic.  If they’re rusty, you’ve got an attic condensation problem.  Air leakage is usually the culprit, but excessive indoor humidity levels can contribute to the problem.
• Plumbing fixtures.  These are generally the easiest to pinpoint; a leaky radiator, pipe or faucet produces an actively wet leak which should register on the moisture meter your inspector uses.

Of course, a number of other issues might cause ceiling stains, but these are the major ones found in Minneapolis area homes.  Ceiling stains should never be ignored, because they could be an indication of a problem that’s slowly getting worse and could lead to a major expensive repair.  If you’ve got stains on your ceiling, arrange for a roof inspection before the next big rain storm.  Since roof leaks are a major source of these stains, it’s a good place to start.

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Perks of Installing a Metal Roof
Although the average cost of a metal roof is in the neighborhood of $38,022, that price tag buys you some of the longest warranty available, many of them lasting for 50 years. Odds are, you’ll never need to replace your metal roof again, but if you do, the warranty will cover it.

In addition to its durability and long life, metal roofing is available in a wide range of colors, from evergreen, grey and blue to tan. If you like the look of traditional metal roofing, it also comes in a variety of finishes. However, metal roofing can also look exactly like tile or shale instead. This versatility provides every homeowner with a broad range of looks to pick from.

Finding a Metal Roof Contractor
Installing a metal roof takes very specialized skills to get it right, so you’ll want a competent professional to install yours. The best way to know whether you’ve found the right contractor is to see what their history is like. When you’re looking for a reputable roofing contractor, keep in mind that they should have a great deal of experience in installing metal roofs. They should also have proof of certification, positive customer feedback and a gallery of their past work available for you to take a look at before signing anything.

Once you find the right contractor, pick out the perfect roof and have it installed, you’ll be able to enjoy the extra security a metal roof offers and a boost in your home’s equity.  Quarve Contracting is proud to be the exclusive Twin Cities area contractor for Kassel & Irons steel roofing.  Visit our home page for a video message from the Kassel & Irons company president.  

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Courtesy “Remodeler Magazine”

We don’t like to toot our own horn, but sometimes the news is so encouraging that we just have to share it.  Recently Remodeling Magazine named Quarve Contracting to its “Big 50″ top contractors for 2013. Each year Remodeler Magzine recognizes contractors for “fresh ideas and best practices,” and we’re proud to be among their top 50 for 2013.

Our commitment to customer care and our 30-year track record of providing exceptional service and top-quality workmanship has consistently resulted in one satisfied customer after another.  Hundreds of Minnesotans have told us how much they’ve appreciated the work we’ve done on their homes.  While we certainly are happy to have received this award from Remodeler Magazine, it’s the accolades of our clients that please us more.   After all, you’re the ones who keep coming back when you have home improvement needs, and many of you have been passing our name on to your friends and neighbors.  We took a look at our records, and over half of our business is either from prior clients or referrals.

That’s a statistic we’d like to keep, so don’t expect us to rest on our laurels with this award.  We know we won it by consistently delivering on what we promise, and by following through from start to finish to make sure each project is completed to the satisfaction of the owner.  We recognize that with each job our reputation is on the line, and we have to continue to earn your trust project after project.  And that’s what we intend to do.  It’s how we’ve done business for 30 years, and while this award is nice, it’s not going to change our approach.

To all our customers – thank you for your confidence in us and for placing your trust in Quarve Contracting to help you protect and improve your biggest and most important investment, your home.

- Pat and Julie Quarve

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• Verify the information you’re given.   You shouldn’t plan on signing anything at your initial meeting.  This is your chance to find out a little about the contractor and share information on your project.  Ask for insurance information – get an agent’s name or written proof of insurance.  You can verify a contractor’s residential builder’s license through the State of Minnesota.  Follow up on references, trade memberships, and manufacturer certifications.
• Stay focused on your overall design.  There will be a lot of decisions to be made as you’re planning your project with the contractor.  Having your plan handy will help you keep from getting sidetracked or including things you hadn’t intended on.  Do you use Pinterest?  It might be good to pin your favorite items there so you can easily reference them.  And once you agree with your contractor on specific materials, brands, etc., make sure the contract references those items specifically.
• Choose your materials and specify your options.  If you’re going to stay on budget and get what you want, the point to pick things out is before the contract is written; then those items will be included in the contract and the price will reflect what you’ve chosen.  A contract which simply specifies “asphalt shingles” means your contractor could choose anything.  If you’re planning on 40-year asphalt roofing from a particular manufacturer, specify it for the contract.
• Carefully review the contract.  Once you and the contractor have agreed to do business, you’ll get a written contract for your review and signature.  Go through it carefully and make sure you understand everything.  Certain industries use specific terminology, so don’t be afraid to ask for an explanation of anything you’re unclear on.  And remember, your contract only covers what’s written in it.  Don’t rely on verbal assurances; get it in writing.  Pay close attention to time frames, payment schedules, material specifications, and the scope of the work.  Any changes to your original contract should also be in writing.
• A communication plan is essential.  Lack of communication between a homeowner and a contractor is one of the main causes of problems with remodeling projects.  Make sure you both know how to get a hold of one another and which is the easiest (and preferred) way to communicate.   While the project is in progress, plan on being available, at least by phone, when questions come up.  If your remodeler can’t get a hold of you at a crucial point, that means your job will be put on hold or workers will be standing around, wracking up extra costs.  Make sure you’re both clear at every point what each expects of the other.  If you’d like periodic progress updates, let your contractor know that up front.  A good plan of communication between you and your remodeler is important, from start to finish.

While we can’t guarantee that absolutely nothing will go wrong with your next project if you follow these tips, it’s likely that both you and your contractor will be well prepared and that you both know what to anticipate, which goes a long way in ensuring a successful outcome.

At Quarve Contracting we believe in listening to our customers, each step of the way. 

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For three decades we’ve been helping Minneapolis area homeowners take care of the exterior of their homes, and happy customers are our most popular service.  Whether you choose Quarve or another contractor to handle your next project, we’d like you to be happy, so here are some things you can do to help insure that happens.   And these tips will work whether you’re replacing your roof or rewiring your media room.

• Do your homework – research into what you’re planning will pay off.  A good place to start is to investigate property values in your area.  When home improvements add value to a home, you want to make sure what you do keeps your home’s value in line with similar projects in your area.  You’ll also get a general idea of what things could cost, which will help you plan your budget.  Doing some research into material choices can give you options to discuss with a contractor.
• Think long-term.  Although many home improvement projects are done to make a home more attractive and/or functional now, plan for down the road.  If you’re planning to stay on your home for a long time, are the upgrades you’re contemplating now still going to be workable once your children are grown or you’ve retired?  For older homeowners, consider upgrades that will help you enjoy your retirement years.  For instance, low-maintenance roofing, siding, and windows mean less upkeep and more free time.
• Set your budget, but be realistic.  After you’ve done some research into what an average project should cost, you can set a budget.  Include some extra padding for contingencies, unexpected problems, etc.  Be sure to share your numbers with your contractor so that together you can figure out options and materials that will work within that number.  Once you’ve got your budget established, stick to it and resist the temptation to keep adding on little extras as you go – it’s those little add-ons that add up and bust your budget.
• Research contractor.  There are plenty of resources to help you do this.  Follow up on references, get referrals from friends and neighbors, check trade organizations, etc.  Unless it’s a contractor you’re familiar with, you’ll be trusting a complete stranger with your home, so give yourself some peace of mind up front and find out what you can.
• Ask questions.  A reputable contractor won’t be insulted if you ask about training, certifications, etc.  Find out how they handle unexpected problems and change orders.  Here’s a good question:  Tell me about how you resolved the last complaint you had on a project.

At this point you’re probably ready to decide on a contractor to handle your project.  The next step is to set up an initial meeting to discuss your plans, find out whether your proposed contractor is available to handle things in your time frame, and make your determination.  The second half of our list relates to what happens from this point on.  We’ll handle that in our next post.

Quarve Contracting provides full-service exterior home remodeling services such as roofing, siding, and window and door replacement in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area. 

The post How to Have a Successful Home Improvement Project – Part 1 appeared first on Quarve Contracting, Inc..

Hail storms occur periodically in the Twin Cities.  Hail and wind damage account for the largest percentage of homeowner insurance claims.  One insurance company estimated it paid out nearly $4 billion in claims due to wind and hail in 2012 alone.  While Minnesota isn’t among the top 10 states for hail damage, the storms we have historically gotten often inflict  substantial damage on homes, especially siding and roofs, which catch most of the impact.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety recently conducted a test of various roofing and siding products against hail damage.  Researchers developed an indoor facility to mimic hailstorm conditions, including stones of various sizes and wind, and then evaluated how some siding, roofing, and window products stood up to the impact.  You can watch a short VIDEO clip of the demonstration as hail falls on the test home.  Pay special attention to the blue side of the roof, which is metal.  (The dark gray roofing has asphalt shingles.)

When it comes to hail, no roofing material withstands the impact better than metal.  Unlike asphalt, metal roofing can’t be penetrated by hail.  Most metal roofing products qualify for a U/L rating that indicates they resist damage from the impact of a 2″ steel ball.  Translated into an equivalent hailstone, that’s probably more impact than your Minnesota home will ever face.   And because of this exceptional weather resistance, especially to hail, many homeowners’ insurance companies, including State Farm, offer discounts for metal roofing.  Check with your homeowner’s insurance agent to see if your company provides a similar discount.  You may find out that the insurance savings, coupled with all the other benefits of metal roofing, make it a good choice in protecting your home from Mother Nature.

If hail is in the forecast, make sure you stow things such as cars, lawn furniture, bikes, etc. under cover before the storm hits.  Protection from direct impact can help reduce damage to items such as these.  Since you can’t move your house to safety, the next best thing is to make sure it’s well protected.  Quarve Contracting is proud to be a recommended contractor for Kassel & Irons, manufacturers of beautiful and durable steel roofing.

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• Proof of Insurance:  Your contractor should be able and willing to provide evidence of their worker’s compensation and indemnity insurance policies.
• Permits:  Since each county requires some sort of permit, the contractor should be knowledgeable about which ones are needed for the job. The related costs of the permits should also be included with the bid.
• Warranties:  They must be able to provide warranties both for workmanship and materials used.
• Local:  A reputable contractor will have a permanent, physical address in your area.
• Written Estimates:  They should provide you with written estimates which include clean up, disposal of old material, warranties, labor, material and permits.
• References:  It’s best to hire a contractor with experience, so always ask for references to contact before signing anything.
• Knowledge:  Everyone has unique questions and needs, so your contractor should be knowledgeable enough to answer provide answers and options for your situation.
• Qualifications:  All contractor companies, Minneapolis-based or not, should be willing to provide you with evidence of roofing certification.
  
• Trade Organization Membership:  The most reputable contractors are part of trade organizations which reinforce strict codes, rules and ethics. A good standing with the BBB only adds to their credibility.
• Clean-Up:  One thing that may get missed in the bid is the cost of clean-up and removal of excess material. Make sure that part is included before making any final decisions.

Once you find the right roofing contractor for the job, you can rest easy in known that your new roof will serve you for years to come.

Quarve Contracting has been providing roofing services for Minneapolis and St. Paul area homeowners for three decades. 

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• Roof Inspection:  Now that the snow is gone but big spring storms haven’t hit yet, it’s a good idea to check your roof for damage it suffered over the winter months. Fixing cracked tiles or missing shingles now will save you money on more expensive repairs later.
• Clean Gutters:  Since the gutters are responsible for steering water away from your home, it’s best to clean them out now, before clogs cause water to back up.
• HVAC Filters:  These filters should be changed more than once a year, but spring cleaning is a good time to change them before summer hits. Dirty filters force motor to work harder which translates into higher monthly bills and more part replacement later on.
• Washing Machine Fill Hose:  A leaking washing machine hose can cause costly water damage and mold growth, so checking it for cracks now can save you money and frustration later.
• Clean Outdoor Surfaces:  As you’re cleaning your deck, fence and driveway, look out for damage. If you don’t already have a pressure washer for this job, borrow or rent one. They make the job much easier.
• Cracks in Cement:  Small cracks are easy to repair, but if left unattended will only get bigger as the year wears on.
• Cracked or Peeling Paint:  Paint provides a protective barrier against the elements, and looks good. Touch-ups are easy and inexpensive ways to stop bigger maintenance troubles from developing.  If the paint deterioration is substantial, you may want to consider installing new l0w-maintenance siding instead.
• Vacuum Refrigerator Coils:  The coils behind or at the bottom of your refrigerator remove heat from the appliance, so when they’re dirty, the fridge has to work harder. Vacuuming dirt out of them helps the fridge work well and lowers your electricity bill.

Adding these tasks to your spring cleaning checklist will keep your home looking great and save you money in the process.

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Lightweight
Although it may seem strange at first, steel roofs are actually lighter than most other options. It weighs between 50 and 150 lbs per square, where if you went with concrete, you could be looking at up to 900 lbs per square.  In fact, some systems can be installed over existing roofs with minimal additional strain put on the house.

Versatile
Although the popular mental image of steel roofs is less than flattering, modern varieties can be designed to look like any material, including ceramic in some cases.  It comes in all sorts of colors, textures, styles and designs, so there is a look available for everyone.

Long Lasting
Even though the up front cost may be greater than other types of material, once you install a steel roof, you won’t need to do so again for over 50 years. This is due to the fact that it won’t rot, burn, break or have any sort of algae grow on it. Plus, pests are less likely to nest in it.

Because it’s so tough, it stands up to all kinds of weather, including tornadoes like the one that hit north Minneapolis a couple of years ago.

Long Term Savings
In addition to not needing to be reinstalled for a very long time, steel roofs are extremely low maintenance, so you wouldn’t need to worry about the expense of regular care.

Your energy bills will be lower, too, since it reflects the sun’s heat. This generally translates into a 40% savings per year.

Recyclable
Steel is also highly recyclable. When an old steel roof is pulled off, it can just be melted down and made into something else. For that matter, your new steel roof could be made out of recycled material, which already benefits the environment.

These facts all make installing a new steel roof a smart move on any home owner’s part.  As a full-service exterior home improvement contractor committed to green remodeling, Quarve is proud to install metal roofs from such companies as Kassel & Irons.  Visit our home page to watch a VIDEO from their company president.

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