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5 Reasons to have an Outdoor Kitchen
June 4, 2024
Ufema Contracting hopes everyone got to soak up some sun and that you all had a great Memorial Day. Memorial Day and July 4th are hands down the biggest summer holidays that unite everyone. These two holidays are perfect for cooking outside. When people think of cooking outside in summer, their brains automatically go to grilling. Whether you have a grill or griddle, that’s not the only way to cook outside. Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Here are 5 reasons you should have an outdoor kitchen, and Ufema Contracting can build it.
1. Versatility
One of the biggest reasons homeowners have an outdoor kitchen installed is its versatility. These kitchens aren’t the usual grill setups you’re thinking of either. Outdoor kitchens come equipped with countertops, sinks, cabinets, and sometimes even a dishwasher. What’s not to love about this? All of these items make the kitchen more practical. You’ll have a surface area to prep your food, a dishwasher for dirty plates/utensils, cabinets for storage, and a sink for even more cleaning. This could be a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Outdoor kitchens also use grill and griddle surfaces, meaning your food choice isn’t limited to your cooking surface.
2. Convenience
Convenience is high on the list of reasons you should have an outdoor kitchen because of how much time you save. Just think about it, if your kitchen is outside, you won’t need to go back and forth from home to grill. You’ll also save time by not having to transport any dirty plates or utensils. Merely pop them into the dishwasher outside and they're clean. Since we live in New England, I recommend covering your outdoor kitchen area and installing a fireplace or space heater. Besides cooking the whole meal, you’ll also save time by entertaining your guests in one place.
3. Entertainment
Entertainment is a big reason why outdoor kitchens are created. Crafting them is an art and should be treated as such. Having a general contractor build your outdoor kitchen will ensure it meets building codes. You don’t want to DIY a kitchen just to get fined by the town and have it not look appealing, do you? Entertaining outside in one place is ideal for your favorite sports event, and having an outdoor TV is a perfect way to do this. Entertain guests while everyone enjoys the summer weather.
4. Increased Home Value
It’s no secret that adding an addition or renovating your home will increase the value of it. The same methodology goes for the exterior of your home. Usually, when people fully renovate their homes, they forget to upgrade the exterior too. Think of this as the same process as when you trim shrubs or plant flowers. Research suggests having an outdoor kitchen will provide a 100-200% ROI(Return On Investment). This means you’ll get more bang for your buck with an outdoor kitchen than with an entire kitchen renovation.
5. Save on Energy
Needless to say, cooking outside will surely save on energy consumption. Outdoor lights will make your kitchen look even better but natural sunlight is the best kind of light for you and won't hurt your wallet. Propane for grilling is cheap but you can also use charcoal. Cooking inside most certainly uses more energy because of the electricity. Food cooked outside not only tastes better due to the smokiness but also decreases your energy bill.
Entertaining outside doesn’t have to be a hassle that drains you at the end of the day. Sometimes convenience is worth the price tag, that’s why we buy tools to make our lives easier. The convenience and value of an outdoor kitchen is why it's worth it. There are lots of ways to increase your home value. If you dream of an outdoor kitchen, a new garage, or a simple renovation, Ufema Contracting can help. Each dream renovation should be discussed and thought out by a professional, so be sure to give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs and be sure to head to https://www.ufemacontractinginc.com/ to request an estimate for your next project.
Ufema Contracting hopes everyone got to soak up the sun during the great summer we had. As fall starts approaching us, renovations are still an important subject to discuss. Certain remodels, like indoor ones such as bathrooms and kitchens, can be completed year-round. By far, these types of remodels are the most common ones today. These renovations yield some of the highest ROI’s (Return On Investment). The features discussed in this article can help narrow down those luxury shower aspects that will bring your bathroom to the next level. Custom Shower Bench Shower benches have been popular for many years now. Gone are the days when shower benches were only in bathrooms that required extra mobility concern. If a custom shower is on your to-do list, then a custom bench is a must. These built-in benches can be tiled just like your shower or made from a separate stone to add contrast. Solid stone benches can also be made depending on the homeowner’s needs. Custom shower benches are perfect for those who may need to sit sometimes when bathing and can increase buyer potential when it’s time to sell your home. Shower Jets Living in luxury with water-pressured jets doesn’t have to be only for those with a jacuzzi. Nowadays, shower jets are a popular way to upscale a custom shower. These jets provide a pulsating spray of pressurized water to recreate a massage-like feel. Shower jets can be controlled from an adjustable panel within the shower. Just like your typical shower head, shower jets have different spray patterns for various effects. The available shower jet finishes can match the most common bathroom fixture colors, for those who are worried about matching colors. Sleek Glass Door Custom glass doors can really make a shower stand out from the rest. Custom doors are cut to size and installed on-site and come in a variety of styles. The most popular glass door choices today are framed, semi-framed, and frameless. Traditional framed doors have metal frames around all exterior edges to protect the glass. On the other hand, semi-framed doors still have metal framing but not on every outer edge, creating a modern look with ease. Of course, frameless glass doors have no metal frame at all and instead are made from tempered glass for the most modern choice. Having a custom shower is essential for any bathroom remodel. All of the custom shower features mentioned in this article will help improve the ROI of your bathroom renovation and make you more comfortable in your home. Whether you’re renovating just your bathroom or your whole house, Ufema Contracting can help. Our team of professionals strives to ensure every client is happy with their remodel. Each renovation should be discussed with a professional who can ensure the proper design and building codes are met for your needs. Feel free to give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs and be sure to head to https://www.ufemacontractinginc.com/ to request an estimate for your next project.
Many Americans remodel their basement to expand their home's living space. A refinished basement is a great alternative to building an addition to your home. Basement remodels can vary depending on the homeowner's needs. Some choose to turn the basement into an in-law suite while others want another living room, bedroom, and bathroom combo. As with any remodel, this kind is no exception to building regulations. If you’re planning on converting your basement into a living area, there are some things to consider to make the most out of your basement remodel. Waterproofing Since basements are known to be damp areas, waterproofing is a must for any contractor to do. This ensures that the newly refinished basement will not be easily susceptible to water damage and mold growth. Waterproofing the walls is a common way of doing this and it starts with a special waterproof coating that’s painted onto the porous concrete. Because of the porousness, the goal is to fill every hole so the concrete cannot absorb any water. With the basement now sealed, construction can begin. Measurements are taken and joints get sealed as well. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems will be installed to provide all the amenities needed for a livable basement. With all this in place, walls are framed and built, and flooring gets installed to complete the basement remodel. Of course, the bathroom and bedrooms are constructed and completed from start to finish. Space Saving If you’re remodeling your basement, your home likely needs more space. Dividing space and using handy space-saving techniques are essential in any home remodel. Dividing the space into separate rooms will make the basement feel more finished. Deviating from an open floor plan can be great for cases like this. To save space, having built-in bookcases or shelves helps tremendously. Lighting Other than waterproofing, lighting is the major takeaway from this article. The light fixtures you choose will drastically change the look of your basement. Brighter white lights and paint colors will make the rooms feel much more open and the ceiling higher than it actually is. Lighting coincides with color to make the perfect pair. If your home is in the position where you can install bigger-than-normal basement windows, this will work wonders. Utilizing natural light with its artificial counterparts is amazing when creating a welcoming home. Making the most of your basement remodel is how you turn the unfinished concrete into something magical. Homeowners all over the country have their basements remodeled every day. This solution to building an addition or buying a new home is perfect for every family out there. Ufema Contracting is experienced in remodels of all kinds, especially basements. Our team of professionals strives to ensure every client is happy with their remodel. Each renovation should be discussed with a professional who can ensure the proper design and building codes are met for your needs. Feel free to give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs and be sure to head to https://www.ufemacontractinginc.com/ to request an estimate for your next project.
The team at Ufema hopes everyone is having a great month so far! Every year has its trends, some stay, and others go. Some are timeless, such as marble, or outdated, like bright pink bathroom tiles. Trends are great because they allow the homeowner to determine what they like and dislike. Trends also extend to almost everything in the home. Between the paint colors, countertop stones, and bathrooms, it can be hard to keep up with the latest designs. Today, we’ll be discussing popular shower trends in 2024. Framed Showers During a bathroom remodel, there’s always one aspect of the room that becomes the statement piece. This is usually between the shower and the vanity. This article's statement piece is the framed shower. These showers are fitted with metal frames that hold pieces of glass in place, like a wall for the shower. In 2024, showers without doors are becoming increasingly favored. This creates the design of framed showers that allow you to walk in without needing a door or worrying about water spilling outside. Smart Technology Smart technology is one thing that will never go away. Tomorrow's next technological advance is always better and more amazing than the last. In every part of life, smart technology is taking over. If a smart thermostat can decide the appropriate temperature of your home, who’s to say a shower system can’t? Smart shower technology allows you to control the temperature, shower head spray settings, and shower length, and it can even be voice/app controlled. Patterned Tile Pattern tile gives every shower a luxurious feel. Marble, quartz, and ceramic can all be cut and laid in beautiful design patterns. These materials are just the start because many more options exist. Popular patterns include herringbone, straight-laid, brick lay, and crosshatch. I think it’s safe to say that as long as you pick a good tile and gorgeous pattern, your shower will never be out of style. Waterfall Effect Waterfall shower heads have become popular in the last few years and are still on trend for 2024. These shower heads are larger than normal and are typically installed in a position so that the water provides a rain-like effect. Waterfall shower heads are popular in matte black and square shapes. However, circle ones exist and can be found in other color finishes. Minimalism Over the years, minimalism has become something that many people seek. Minimalism isn’t just downsizing your wardrobe and other personal belongings, it’s creating a crisp and clean home at every corner. This means not having anything unessential in the shower. No tension pole storage or hanging storage. Built-in wall shelves allow for the storage of shampoo, conditioner, and everything else needed. It may seem hard to keep up with all the ongoing trends out there, but this article can serve you as a basis for your next shower remodel. Trends don’t have to be ugly or uninviting, they can be warm and welcoming. Trends can also stay in style for a long time. Marble is a perfect example of this, it’s been around for hundreds of years and will continue to be around for more. Ufema Contracting is experienced in bathroom renovations and knows what design works well with your home. Remember that each renovation should be discussed with a professional who can ensure the proper design and building codes are met for your needs. Feel free to give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs and be sure to head to https://www.ufemacontractinginc.com/ to request an estimate for your next project.
In Massachusetts, in-law apartments have been around for years. In other areas of the country, you’ll hear them commonly called granny flats or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). These units can be either attached to the home’s design like the one above or created by converting a basement into a fully functional living space. Both ways of constructing an in-law apartment are common and work perfectly fine. Others include adding a dwelling in the space above a garage or using a completely separate addition as an apartment. Besides multi-generational living, homeowners choose to have an in-law apartment for various reasons. Reasoning As previously said, homeowners decide to have these apartments for different reasons. First, they allow multi-generational living, that way you can care and watch over your older loved ones. This is where the name “in-law apartment” comes from. Traditionally, these apartments were made so your in-laws wouldn’t need to be cared for in a nursing home. Another reason these are becoming more popular is that they can provide additional income through renting. Homeowners can become landlords and rent out the provided space at a higher price for supplemental income. Design Sometimes designing an in-law apartment can be tricky but our team at Ufema Contracting has designed and constructed many. Pictured above is the design of an in-law apartment addition we completed. This design is great for those with mobility concerns, meaning stairs would be used for basement conversions. An in-law addition allows your loved one to live comfortably while doing everyday tasks. The reason these designs can be tricky is because everything has to fit in a specific space. In-law apartments must adhere to local building codes, known as rules and regulations. These apartments can’t be over certain square footage and must have required amenities such as a kitchen and full bathroom. In-law apartments are usually less than 900 sq. feet, but of course, this depends on the design and space allowed. Creation After the design is complete, the construction process can finally begin! Like any addition, a frame and foundation must be installed to provide the support needed for the building. Walls are made and electricity is installed, followed by drywall and insulation. In-law apartments are known to have a separate thermostat from the main house for heating and cooling. Compared to a full-size kitchen and bath, the spaces created are small. Though this is true, the kitchen in an in-law apartment still has a stove, sink, and refrigerator. Bathrooms in these units are also considered “full” since they have a toilet, standing shower or tub, and sink. Due to the size of in-law apartments, some are considered studios while others have room to create a one-bedroom apartment. Most of the time, these apartments also have their own entry that’s separate from the main home. Not every home has an in-law apartment for their loved ones, but every home can. In-law apartments can be constructed as an addition to the house or as a converted basement. Ufema Contracting has created many of these apartments and is experienced in building home additions. Remember to discuss each renovation/project with a professional who can ensure the proper design and building codes are met for your needs. Feel free to give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs and be sure to head to https://www.ufemacontractinginc.com/ to request an estimate for your next project.
Ufema Contracting hopes everyone is having a wonderful summer and staying cool in this heat wave. Even though New England is known for having painfully cold winters, our summers can get pretty hot too. Part of living here means that you must adapt to the rapid change in weather at a moment's notice. When temperatures reach 90 degrees or more, learning how to stay cool in the scorching heat is necessary. If you don’t have a pool, what better way to cool offer than taking a nice, cold shower? Outdoor showers are a fabulous option for those humid summer days. I understand that you may be thinking “Why have an outdoor shower when it’s just going to freeze in the winter?”, and trust me, there are ways to insulate and protect the shower from being damaged by the harsh winter months. Easy Access for Pets and Kids If you have pets and kids, you know they can get dirty. Tracking mud and grime onto your freshly cleaned floors doesn’t have to be a worry when you have an outdoor shower installed. Since the shower is outside and easily accessible, it makes cleaning a breeze. Kids and adults can clean off from working in the garden or playing in the dirt. Even if no one in your house gets dirty outside, having an outdoor shower is a great solution if your home only has one shower inside. Resort Feel at Home What’s a better way to relax at home without breaking the bank of a beach getaway? Installing a beautiful outdoor shower can make you feel like you’re in another place. Learn to relax on a nice summer day by showering outside and sitting by the pool. You can even shower outside to start your day with some vitamin D from the sun. Change of Scenery Now and then, everyone needs a fresh change of scenery. Are you tired of seeing your old tiled shower and bathroom vanity? Instead of renovating your bathroom, having an outdoor shower built is a great option to restore your senses. Outdoor showers can expose you to the wonderful sounds of birds and wildlife in your area. Plus, who wouldn’t want to end their day looking at a golden cotton candy-colored sunset? You could also start the day by looking at fluffy clouds, creating a soothing sensation before tackling a busy day. Increases Home Value Of course, making any renovation to your home is known to increase the property value of it. The increase and ROI (Return On Investment) can vary depending on what renovations you have done. The most common renovations that increase home value are kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, and having an addition built. Now, this doesn’t mean that other renovations aren’t worth the money. Any updates to your home are well spent and rest assured, do help when it’s time to sell. If increasing your home value isn’t a concern, adding a personalized touch to your home is something everyone yearns to do. Easy Way to Cool Down Out of all the reasons to own an outdoor shower, the simplest is the need to cool off. Sometimes, on a hot day with the sun beating down on you, it feels euphoric and calming to take a nice cold shower outside. Feeling your day melt away and go down the drain. Soak up the sun and cool down after a hard day of working. Maybe your home doesn’t have air conditioning, in that case, a cold shower and ceiling fan are your best friend. Like any renovation, every homeowner chooses to renovate for their own reason. Having an outdoor shower is a great addition to any home. Whether you want to cool off or add value to your home, Ufema Contracting can help. There are many designs for outdoor showers and a custom one can even be constructed for you. Remember to discuss each project with a professional who can ensure the work is up to professional standards for your home. Feel free to call us at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs and be sure to head to https://www.ufemacontractinginc.com/ to request an estimate for your next renovation
Ufema Contracting hopes everyone had a great June and that you're all able to stay cool in the hot summer months ahead. Besides having people outside on your patio, inside is a great place for entertaining. The topic of today’s discussion is sunrooms, what they are, and how they can help you host parties. I know not everyone has a sunroom so it may need an introduction. A sunroom is a room that's attached to your house and has multiple windows to let sunlight in. This room is also known as a Florida room and differs slightly from a four-season room. For starters, sunrooms aren't typically insulated since they're not meant to provide comfort in the colder seasons. The reason for a four-season room is to provide comfort year-round instead of simply in warmer seasons as sunrooms do. Of course, the natural sunlight can make the room hot but there are ways around that. Having a sunroom has its benefits so let’s take a look. Property value First and foremost, adding another room to our home will surely increase its value. Like any other room in your home, sunrooms are constructed using various materials. These materials could be wood, vinyl, or aluminum. Each material has its own purpose as well, this could be for supports, insulation, or the roof. Even though the rooms can get hot, insulation can still be installed to provide comfort year-round. Each renovation done to your home can increase its property value and, if you choose a sunroom addition, you can expect an ROI between 50%-70%. Entertaining Sometimes when it’s too hot outside entertaining your guests in the scorching heat can seem like a chore (unless you have a pool!). Crafted with expertise, sunrooms allow for a perfect spot for entertaining. Natural light and bug-free, sunrooms are a great place for hosting dinner or game nights. Besides providing the windows providing a beautiful view, this room can be customized to your desire. Don’t have guests? Use your sunroom as a home office or a summer play area for kids. Even better, create a reading room/nook to curl up and read while watching the rain. Keeping Cool As I said earlier, just because sunrooms can get hot doesn’t mean they have to. Nowadays, there are multiple ways to cool off your house. This could be a mini-split installed in your sunroom or even a ceiling fan to provide adequate airflow throughout the room. If mini-splits aren’t in your budget and your sunroom has single or double-hung windows, installing a window AC is a great option. To bring your sunroom back to simplicity, blinds are also great at blocking light and decreasing the temperature of a room. Hosting summer get-togethers doesn’t have to be done outside in the hot summer air. Sunrooms are wonderful to relax in and read a book, or host a dinner party with friends. Not every house in New England has a sunroom, so if yours doesn’t then know there’s always the option of adding one as an addition. Ufema Contracting can help with your home addition needs or renovations. Remember to discuss each renovation with a professional who can ensure the proper design for your home. Feel free to give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs and be sure to head to https://www.ufemacontractinginc.com/ to request an estimate for your next project.
Ufema Contracting hopes everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed the nice weather outside before it started raining. Everyone has one summer memory that will never fade away and one thing they think about when the word “summer” is mentioned. Some think of grilling, being at the beach, roasting marshmallows, or driving with the windows down and listening to their favorite song. In this case, we’re after those who think about roasting marshmallows. Now, I know not everyone has the space for an outside firepit, and some don’t know where to put it. Luckily, Ufema Contracting has experience with masonry and can do it for you. Planning The first step in building an outdoor firepit is planning. This means planning what materials to use, the firepit location, size, and design of the firepit itself. Our team of professionals can help determine the proper location for your firepit while walking you through the places it shouldn't be. Now, I’m saying that your firepit can be anywhere, that’s just not true. An outdoor firepit should be a minimum of 10 feet from all nearby structures to prevent your home, property, or neighbor’s fence from catching fire. The firepit size should also be considered in preventing a fire too big to control. Apart from the design itself, building materials are the most effective way to ensure your firepit is and stays beautiful for years in advance. Materials There are a few different materials out there to use for constructing your firepit. The most popular materials include brick, concrete, and stone. Each material comes with its advantages and disadvantages as well. Besides the main building structure of your firepit, the contractor may also purchase a steel firepit insert and construction adhesive. A steel insert is optional but will add a professional and well-balanced look to the overall image. Construction Once the materials are acquired, the next step is the construction of the firepit. Your professional contractor will mark the location and size of the firepit to construct, then dig to create a small trench for the stones to sit in. This trench will be leveled so the firepit stones sit at a universal height. Gravel will be placed on the bottom of this trench, and the first layer of stones will be laid. After laying the initial stones and leveling each layer, the wall of the firepit is created. Each layer of stone on this wall will be fitted with the construction adhesive to bond each layer together, creating a secure structure. Finally, with the whole structure in place, your contractor will install the steel firepit insert. Gravel can also be thrown in the center to create a surface where no dirt is seen. Finishing touches With the firepit completed, your Ufema contractor will walk off the project to verify that it’s created to the professional standard we strive to achieve. Your contractor may clean up the area around the firepit or if you have another project, complete that. A perfect project that goes hand-in-hand with an outdoor firepit is an outdoor seating area or gazebo. Ufema can easily create either one and what’s better than a flawless looking outdoor relaxation station? If you opt for a seating area to be created it’s advised to use the same gravel to create a universal look. Outdoor firepits, patios, or kitchens are perfect for hosting summer get-togethers. Invite family or friends to showcase your new beautiful outdoor living area that will stay perfect for years to come. Whether it be an addition, a deck, or a new roof, Ufema Contracting can help. Each dream renovation should be discussed and thought out by one of our professionals, so be sure to give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs and head to https://www.ufemacontractinginc.com/ to request an estimate for your next outdoor project
Ufema Contracting hopes everyone got to soak up some sun and that you all had a great Memorial Day. Memorial Day and July 4th are hands down the biggest summer holidays that unite everyone. These two holidays are perfect for cooking outside. When people think of cooking outside in summer, their brains automatically go to grilling. Whether you have a grill or griddle, that’s not the only way to cook outside. Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Here are 5 reasons you should have an outdoor kitchen, and Ufema Contracting can build it. 1. Versatility One of the biggest reasons homeowners have an outdoor kitchen installed is its versatility. These kitchens aren’t the usual grill setups you’re thinking of either. Outdoor kitchens come equipped with countertops, sinks, cabinets, and sometimes even a dishwasher. What’s not to love about this? All of these items make the kitchen more practical. You’ll have a surface area to prep your food, a dishwasher for dirty plates/utensils, cabinets for storage, and a sink for even more cleaning. This could be a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Outdoor kitchens also use grill and griddle surfaces, meaning your food choice isn’t limited to your cooking surface. 2. Convenience Convenience is high on the list of reasons you should have an outdoor kitchen because of how much time you save. Just think about it, if your kitchen is outside, you won’t need to go back and forth from home to grill. You’ll also save time by not having to transport any dirty plates or utensils. Merely pop them into the dishwasher outside and they're clean. Since we live in New England, I recommend covering your outdoor kitchen area and installing a fireplace or space heater. Besides cooking the whole meal, you’ll also save time by entertaining your guests in one place. 3. Entertainment Entertainment is a big reason why outdoor kitchens are created. Crafting them is an art and should be treated as such. Having a general contractor build your outdoor kitchen will ensure it meets building codes. You don’t want to DIY a kitchen just to get fined by the town and have it not look appealing, do you? Entertaining outside in one place is ideal for your favorite sports event, and having an outdoor TV is a perfect way to do this. Entertain guests while everyone enjoys the summer weather. 4. Increased Home Value It’s no secret that adding an addition or renovating your home will increase the value of it. The same methodology goes for the exterior of your home. Usually, when people fully renovate their homes, they forget to upgrade the exterior too. Think of this as the same process as when you trim shrubs or plant flowers. Research suggests having an outdoor kitchen will provide a 100-200% ROI(Return On Investment). This means you’ll get more bang for your buck with an outdoor kitchen than with an entire kitchen renovation. 5. Save on Energy Needless to say, cooking outside will surely save on energy consumption. Outdoor lights will make your kitchen look even better but natural sunlight is the best kind of light for you and won't hurt your wallet. Propane for grilling is cheap but you can also use charcoal. Cooking inside most certainly uses more energy because of the electricity. Food cooked outside not only tastes better due to the smokiness but also decreases your energy bill. Entertaining outside doesn’t have to be a hassle that drains you at the end of the day. Sometimes convenience is worth the price tag, that’s why we buy tools to make our lives easier. The convenience and value of an outdoor kitchen is why it's worth it. There are lots of ways to increase your home value. If you dream of an outdoor kitchen, a new garage, or a simple renovation, Ufema Contracting can help. Each dream renovation should be discussed and thought out by a professional, so be sure to give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs and be sure to head to https://www.ufemacontractinginc.com/ to request an estimate for your next project.
The Ufema Contracting team hopes everyone had a great Mother's Day and that all the moms out there got to relax and spend time with their children. Nice weather is just around the corner, meaning everyone will soon turn their ACs on. Part of the reason your home stays at the temperature you set it is because of the insulation installed. Today, there are many types of insulation to choose for your home. Spray foam is one common insulation material but the most common form of insulation is fiberglass. When most people think of home insulation, they picture the pink rolls that line the walls of a home. That’s fiberglass, but did you know natural resources can insulate your home? One of these natural resources is wool. Sheep's wool to be more precise. But what are the benefits of having sheep's wool as insulation, and why should I use it? Benefits Every year, sheep need their wool trimmed, and this wool is what keeps them warm in the harsh winters. Sheep’s wool is a sustainable and natural resource that we can use for our homes. Everyone knows that plastic and other chemicals are a growing environmental risk. Wool doesn’t use any of these chemicals and the outside layer is naturally water and flame-resistant. Without enough oxygen, the wool will merely burn up and not combust, nor will it produce toxic chemicals when burned. This material is also a natural suppressant of mold and mildew due to the keratin inside it. Furthermore, this insulation material is easy to install and known to absorb sound. Drawbacks Wool insulation, like everything, has its drawbacks. Everything in the world has its own pros and cons. One of the downsides of using sheep’s wool is that it is not very thermally efficient. This means wool isn't the best insulator when you compare it to other forms of insulation like foam. Insects, particularly moths, also see wool as a tasty snack, but using chemicals to treat the wool can prevent this. Some companies use chemicals to make wool insect repellant, though the wool wouldn’t be considered all-natural after this treatment. Even though sheep’s wool is a renewable and sustainable resource, it’s not cheap. If you compare wool to other insulation materials like fiberglass, wool is more expensive, though it’s not as expensive as foam. Eco-friendly materials are a great way to help the environment, they’re renewable and sustainable. The best part about wool insulation is that wool will continue to be produced because sheep always need to be trimmed. Even though it can be more expensive and has its drawbacks, everything else in life does too. The picture above is from a wool insulation that Ufema Contracting completed in New Hampshire. The insulation put in your home should be discussed with a professional, so be sure to give us a call at (978)-771-7936 to discuss your home needs, and be sure to head to ufemacontractinginc.com to request an estimate for your next home repair or renovation.
As April has ended and we're now in May, the Ufema team hopes everyone is having a great spring so far. And with the weather this week, it looks like we could have an early summer too. We live in New England after all, so nothing is certain. With the warm air coming, you might notice some parts of your home needing to be repaired or replaced. There may be cracks on your trim or rot towards the bottom due to water damage. Some homeowners don’t realize that the trim around their windows and doors may not be wood. Polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC, is a widely used material for trim instead of wood or MDF. PVC trim is normally found on the outside of windows due to being very durable. Not being informed causes some homeowners and contractors to question which trim to use. Each material has its pros and cons and each is better in its own way. Chances are you're not going to put white PVC trim on a log cabin, that wouldn't make sense (and people would think you're crazy). We have two options here that can help inform you next time you call Ufema Contracting. PVC Trim PVC trim is a synthetic material that's cut to size for your home. This material is made up of a foamed mixture that resembles a honeycomb-like structure. Due to being synthetic PVC trim is very durable and can last for decades. PVC is typically white but can be painted to fit your home. Due to its durability, PVC requires little to no maintenance. Routine cleaning is all that's needed to ensure its longevity. Since wood is naturally porous and plastic is not, PVC is completely waterproof. Thus, it will not rot, swell, or distort like wood trim does. Instead of producing wood dust when cut, cutting PVC emits plastic dust that, if not cleaned up properly, will affect the environment. Wood is natural and breaks down more easily while plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose, and that’s if it breaks down at all. Pros of PVC Trim ● Affordable ● Low-maintenance ● Durable ● Fire Resistant ● Termite Resistant ● Water and Mold Resistant Cons of PVC Trim ● Impacts the environment ● More difficult to install ● Requires pre-drilled nail holes Wood Trim Found both inside and outside your home, wood trim is sought after by many homeowners. Since wood is a natural resource, it's flexible and forgiving when installed. Wood trim can be stained or painted, but both are equally popular. This trim material is typically stained oak or oak that’s painted white. Unlike PVC, wood trim can be reused and recycled. Once removed, the wood can be re-cut and reused. Wood is also biodegradable, meaning it will break down and not affect the environment like plastic does. Wood trim will always be classic and timeless, making it admired by many. Pros of Wood Trim ● Flexible ● Environmentally friendly ● Doesn’t require special paint since all paint adheres to wood Cons of Wood Trim ● Combustible ● Prone to pest damage ● Will eventually deteriorate ● Porous, not waterproof ● Expensive ● Requires routine maintenance Every contractor and homeowner will choose PVC or Wood trim for their own reasons. Some may want the classic look of wood while others want the durability of PVC. PVC can last many, many years with little maintenance. Wood needs to be routinely maintained and watched in case of pest or water damage. The question of which trim material is better really depends on the home and the homeowner's needs. A great example of this is the beautiful home above that we worked on, PVC or wood, the homeowner was happy with the results and they won’t have to worry for years to come. As I stated earlier, putting PVC trim on a log cabin makes no sense, but wood trim can fit the style of any home. Whatever trim material you decide, Ufema Contracting Inc. can help you. The trim material in your home should be discussed with a professional, so be sure to give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs, and be sure to head to ufemacontractinginc.com to request an estimate for your next home repair or renovation
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