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3 Bids Presents: Roofing components and products

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:24:42 -0600

Roof system components

Here is a great article written by the NCRA showing roof system components and products.

All steep-slope roof systems (i.e., roofs with slopes of 25 percent or more) have five basic components:

Roof covering: shingles, tile, slate or metal and underlayment that protect the sheathing from weather.

Sheathing: boards or sheet material that are fastened to roof rafters to cover a house or building.

Roof structure: rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing.

Flashing: sheet metal or other material installed into a roof system's various joints and valleys to prevent water seepage.

Drainage: a roof system's design features, such as shape, slope and layout that affect its ability to shed water.

Choosing a roof system

There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system for your home or building is one that balances these five considerations. The following roofing products commonly are used for steep-slope structures.

Asphalt shingles possess an overwhelming share of the U.S. steep-slope roofing market and can be reinforced with organic or fiberglass materials. Although asphalt shingles reinforced with organic felts have been around much longer, fiberglass-reinforced products now dominate the market.

Organic shingles consist of a cellulose-fiber (i.e., wood) base that is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules.

Fiberglass shingles consist of a fiberglass mat, top-and-bottom layers of asphalt, and mineral granules.

Asphalt shingles' fire resistances, like most other roofing materials, are categorized by Class A, B or C. Class A signifies the most fire-resistant; Classes B and C denote less fire resistance. Generally, most fiberglass shingles have Class A fire ratings, and most organic shingles have Class C ratings.

A shingle's reinforcement has little effect on its appearance. Organic and fiberglass products are available in laminated (architectural) grades that offer a textured appearance. Zinc or copper-coated ceramic granules also can be applied to organic or fiberglass products to protect against algae attack, a common problem in warm, humid parts of the United States. Both types of shingles also are available in a variety of colors.

Regardless of their reinforcing type and appearance, asphalt shingles' physical characteristics vary significantly. When installing asphalt shingles, NRCA recommends use of shingles that comply with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards-ASTM D 225 for organic shingles and ASTM D 3462 for fiberglass shingles. These standards govern the composition and physical properties of asphalt shingles; not all asphalt shingles on the market comply with these standards. If a shingle product complies with one of these standards, it is typically noted in the manufacturer's product literature and on the package wrapper.

Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar, redwood, southern pine and other woods; their natural look is popular in California, the Northwest and parts of the Midwest. Wood shingles are machinesawn; shakes are handmade and rougher looking. A point to consider: Some local building codes limit the use of wood shingles and shakes because of concerns about fire resistance. Many wood shingles and shakes only have Class C fire ratings or no ratings at all. However, Class A fire ratings are available for certain wood shingle products that incorporate a factory-applied, fire-resistant treatment.

Tile—clay or concrete—is a durable roofing material. Mission and Spanish-style round-topped tiles are used widely in the Southwest and Florida, and flat styles also are available to create French and English looks. Tile is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Tile is heavy. If you are replacing another type of roof system with tile, you will need to verify that the structure can support the load.

Slate is quarried in the United States in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. It is available in different colors and grades, depending on its origin. Considered virtually indestructible, it is, however, more expensive than other roofing materials. In addition, its application requires special skill and experience. Many old homes, especially in the Northeast, still are protected by this long-lasting roofing material.

Metal, primarily thought of as a low-slope roofing material, has been found to be a roofing alternative for home and building owners with steep-slope roofs. There are two types of metal roofing products: panels and shingles. Numerous metal panel shapes and configurations exist. Metal shingles typically are intended to simulate traditional roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles and tile. Apart from metal roofing's longevity, metal shingles are relatively lightweight, have a greater resistance to adverse weather and can be aesthetically pleasing. Some have Class A fire ratings.

Synthetic roofing products simulate various traditional roof coverings, such as slate and wood shingles and shakes. However, they do not necessarily have the same properties.

Before making a buying decision, NRCA recommends that you look at full-size samples of a proposed product, as well as manufacturers' brochures. It also is a good idea to visit a building that is roofed with a particular product.

Ventilation and insulation are key

One of the most critical factors in roof system durability is proper ventilation. Without it, heat and moisture build up in an attic area and combine to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, shingles to buckle, and insulation to lose its effectiveness.

Therefore, it is important never to block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents or soffit vents, even in winter. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture, increase roofing material life, reduce energy consumption and enhance the comfort level of the rooms below the attic.

In addition to the free flow of air, insulation plays a key role in proper attic ventilation. An ideal attic has:

A gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor to protect the house below from heat gain or loss.

A vapor retarder under the insulation and next to the ceiling to stop moisture from rising into the attic.

Enough open, vented spaces to allow air to pass in and out freely.

A minimum of 1 inch between the insulation and roof sheathing.

The requirements for proper attic ventilation may vary greatly, depending on the part of the United States in which a home or building is located, as well as the structure's conditions, such as exposure to the sun, shade and atmospheric humidity. Nevertheless, the general ventilation formula is based on the length and width of the attic. NRCA recommends a minimum of 1 square foot of free vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor—with vents placed proportionately at the eaves (e.g., soffits) and at or near the ridge.

Even roofs have enemies

A roof system's performance is affected by numerous factors. Knowing about the following will help you make informed roof system buying decisions:

Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south.

Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.

Wind: High winds can lift shingles' edges (or other roofing materials) and force water and debris underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.

Snow and ice: Melting snow often refreezes at a roof's overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Water backs up under the shingles (or other roofing materials) and seeps into the interior. During the early melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or even torn off a house or building.

Condensation: Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying a roof structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate problems because the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature.

Moss and algae: Moss can grow on moist wood shingles and shakes. Once it grows, moss holds even more moisture to a roof system's surface, causing rot. In addition, moss roots also can work their way into a wood deck and structure. Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating a black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from homes and buildings to eliminate damp, shaded areas, and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage.

Trees and leaves: Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system's surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters block drainage.

Missing or torn shingles: The key to a roof system's effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread-nearby shingles also are ripped easily or blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.

Shingle deterioration: When shingles are old and worn out, they curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. Weakened shingles easily are blown off, torn or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time-it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions, water can enter a home or building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a biannual roof inspection and gutter cleaning.

Choosing a contractor

Buying a new roof system is an important investment. Before you spend your money, spend time learning how to evaluate roofing contractors. You should insist on working with a professional roofing contractor. NRCA wants to assist you in getting the kind of results you expect—a quality roof system at a fair price. All roofing contractors are not alike, and NRCA recommends that you prequalify roofing contractors to get the job done right the first time. The following guidelines will help you select a professional:

Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax identification number and, where applicable, a business license.

Don't hesitate to ask a roofing contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing copies of his liability coverage and workers' compensation certificates. (U.S. workers' compensation laws vary by state. Consult your state's laws to determine workers' compensation insurance requirements.) Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job. Many building and home owners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors. Also, if a contractor is not properly insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

Check to see if the roofing contractor is properly licensed or bonded. Some states have specific licensing requirements, and others do not. Your state's Department of Professional Regulation or Licensing Board will have this information.

Make sure the contractor is financially stable. A professional roofing contractor can provide current financial information about his company.

Look for a company with a proven track record that offers client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out whether they were satisfied.

Insist on a detailed, written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures.

Have the contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm is a licensed or approved applicator. Most roof systems require special application expertise to achieve lasting quality.

Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality-control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge of your project, how many workers will be required and estimated completion time.

Check to see if the contractor is a member of any regional or national industry associations, such as NRCA. Being a member of industry associations demonstrates a commitment to professionalism.

Call your local Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation to check for possible complaints filed against the contractor.

Carefully read and understand any roofing warranties offered, and watch for provisions that would void it.

Choose a company committed to worker safety and education. Ask the contractor what type of safety training he provides for his workers and what industry education programs they have attended. The best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers who install the roof system.

Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many fly-by-night contractors' below-cost bids seem attractive, but these contractors often are uninsured and perform substandard work. Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism, experience and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily in your decision.

Commonly asked questions

Q: How can a home owner recognize when a roof system has problems?

A: All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections often can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.

Q: What are my options if I decide to reroof?

A: You have two basic options: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of your existing roof system, or re-cover the existing roof system, involving only the installation of a new roof system. If you've already had one re-cover installed on your original roof system, check with a professional roofing contractor. In many instances, building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete replacement is necessary.

Q: My roof leaks. Do I need to have it replaced completely?

A: Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.

Q: Can I do the work myself?

A: Most work should not be done yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace roof systems. You can damage your roof system by using improper roofing techniques and severely injure yourself by falling off or through the roof.

Maintenance performed by home and building owners should be confined to inspecting roof systems during the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles and cleaning gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must inspect your roof system yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof system), if possible.

Q: How long can I expect my roof system to last?

A: Most new roof systems are designed to provide useful service for about 20 years. Some roof system types, such as slate, clay tile and certain metal (e.g., copper) systems, can last longer.

Actual roof system life span is determined by a number of factors, including local climatic and environmental conditions, proper building and roof system design, material quality and suitability, proper application and adequate roof maintenance.

Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities and financial obligations manufacturers will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lives.

Q: What will a new roof system cost?

A: The price of a new roof system varies widely, depending on such things as the materials selected, contractor doing the work, home or building, location of the home or building, local labor rates and time of year. To get a good idea of price for your roof system, get three or four proposals from reputable contractors in your area. Keep in mind that price is only one factor, and it must be balanced with the quality of the materials and workmanship.

For each roofing material, there are different grades and corresponding prices. There also are a variety of styles and shapes. You need to look at the full product range and make a choice based on your budget and needs.

Within the roofing profession, there are different levels of expertise and craftsmanship. Insist on a contractor who is committed to quality work.

Q: How can I determine my annual roofing cost?

A: When considering your roofing options, the following formula may help:

Total Cost (Materials and Labor) ÷ Life Expectancy of Roof System (in years) = Annual Roofing Cost

Terms you should know

Deck/sheathing: The surface, usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), to which roofing materials are applied.

Dormer: A small structure projecting from a sloped roof, usually with a window.

Drip edge: An L-shaped strip (usually metal) installed along roof edges to allow water run off to drip clear of the deck, eaves and siding.

Eave: The horizontal lower edge of a sloped roof.

Fascia: A flat board, band or face located at a cornice's outer edge.

Felt/underlayment: A sheet of asphalt-saturated material (often called tar paper) used as a secondary layer of protection for the roof deck.

Fire rating: System for classifying the fire resistances of various materials. Roofing materials are rated Class A, B or C, with Class A materials having the highest resistance to fire originating outside the structure.

Flashing: Pieces of metal used to prevent the seepage of water around any intersection or projection in a roof system, such as vent pipes, chimneys, valleys and joints at vertical walls.

Louvers: Slatted devices installed in a gable or soffit (the underside of eaves) to ventilate the space below a roof deck and equalize air temperature and moisture.

Oriented strand board (OSB): Roof deck panels (4 by 8 feet) made of narrow bits of wood, installed lengthwise and crosswise in layers, and held together with a resin glue. OSB often is used as a substitute for plywood sheets.

Penetrations: Vents, pipes, stacks, chimneys-anything that penetrates a roof deck.

Rafters: The supporting framing to which a roof deck is attached.

Rake: The inclined edge of a roof over a wall.

Ridge: The top edge of two intersecting sloping roof surfaces.

Sheathing: The boards or sheet materials that are fastened to rafters to cover a house or building.

Slope: Measured by rise in inches for each 12 inches of horizontal run: A roof with a 4-in-12 slope rises 4 inches for every foot of horizontal distance.

Square: The common measurement for roof area. One square is 100 square feet (10 by 10 feet).

Truss: Engineered components that supplement rafters in many newer homes and buildings. Trusses are designed for specific applications and cannot be cut or altered.

Valley: The angle formed at the intersection of two sloping roof surfaces.

Vapor retarder: A material designed to restrict the passage of water vapor through a roof system or wall.

For more info click here:

Alzheimer's Foundation Fundraiser In Honor of J.T. Maher

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:22:21 -0500

3Bids attending Alzheimer's Foundation Fundraiser

Please join us in honoring J.T. Maher and help us raise money for the Alzheimer's Foundation.There will be an Open House from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a Silent Auction from 4:00 -8:00 pmTickets are $10.00 which includes Food, Music, and Silent Auction.There will be a Cash Bar available

Solar Rewards Program “Spent” for 2011!

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:20:48 -0500

Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards program is tapped out for 2011 projects! The winds keep shifting in Minnesota’s solar incentives, however $3 Million of the Made in Minnesota Rebate and a Federal Rebate remains available. Xcel officials told a group of local solar installers on Monday that the utility’s main incentive program, its Solar Rewards rebate, had depleted its $4.6 million allocation and would not be available to subsidize additional home or business installations this year. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get bids on solar projects – rather, to best capitalize on all the incentives you’ll just have to utilize made in Minnesota products such as tenKsolar and Silicon Energy. We’ll be here for you at 3Bids!

Roof Repair: Replacing Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:47:39 -0500

Roofing Contractors Are Not Always Needed!

Here is a great video that shows how any homeowner can fix or repair their own roofing problems. All you need is extra shingles, hammer, and nails. Click Here to watch the video

5 Useful Roofing Material Facts

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:17:05 -0500

Protecting your home or business from the top down is the name of the game for roofs. Roofing is recognized as a construction material that can make a significant difference in a home or building’s energy efficiency and longevity. Here are five insightful roofing material facts:

‘Cool Roofs’ – roofing products that are lighter in color and reflect a minimum Federal Energy Star standard – can help reduce peak cooling demand by up to 15% and have been proven to last over 10% longer.

Asphalt used in modern asphalt shingles is harder than highway asphalt. Amazingly, petroleum makes up only 30% of the total material content – the majority is fiberglass, aggregate and cellulose.

Clay tile and Slate roofs can last for hundreds of years. Typically, it’s the underlayment – the material that’s beneath the roof - that wears out long before the tiles or slates wear out.

Metal roofs, made from steel or aluminum, can last over 50 years and can be 100% recycled at the end of its lifetime. They can reflect us to 35% of the heat from the sun and have tripled in the market share within the single family home sector since 2004.

Wood roofs are made from renewable resources, can last for over 50 years if maintained properly and are 100% biodegradable when removed. Wood roofs naturally have a higher insulating value (R- value) than most roofing surfaces.

Hope this helps provide a few useful facts when considering your roofing material choice. As always, remember to get multiple estimates on the installation!

9 Signs It's Time For a New Roof

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:07:12 -0500

Not sure you are in need of a new roof? Let us help! There are multiple signs that can be seen from the ground without having to climb up on your roof. You can also have a roofing professional to come out to inspect your roof usually for free! Take a look below and see if any of these symptoms are likely on your roof.

-Algae Growth (Discoloring of shingles)

-Damaged Flashing (Around Chimney or against house)

-Curling (Shingles curl up and don't lay flat)

-Blistering

-Buckling (Wrinkle in your roof)

-Ceiling Spots (Interior)

-Rotting

-Missing Granules

-Missing Shingles

If any of these symptoms are found on your home, you may be in need of a new roof. Give 3Bids a call for a free consultation and estimate.

Hiring a contractor? 7 Bad Contractor Warning signs.

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:09:31 -0500

Consumer’s Guide to Hiring a Residential Building Contractor is a great resource offered by the Department of Labor and Industry. Bottom line - it urges you to take the time to screen any contractor you may use and always get more than one estimate.

Here are a few warning signs of contractors you may want to avoid:

- shows up in unmarked vehicle

- doesn’t have ID or business cards

- gives very low estimate

- requires full payment up front

- doesn’t provide written estimate

- doesn’t have a contractor’s license

- has challenges communicating with you

It’s a good market out there to get great prices on improvement projects, but be aware that there are many unreliable and less than average contractors out there. Most contractors are trustworthy, otherwise they would not be in business, but make sure you do your homework. Look at this way, when it comes to hiring someone to work on the biggest investment of your lifetime - don’t take chances and call Department of Labor and Industry or the BBB.

Twin Cities Roofing Costs: 3 Useful Items to Ballpark Costs

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0500

To get a ballpark on Twin Cities roofing costs homeowners should consider these three key elements: Roof Pitch, Roof Difficulty, and Roofing Product.

Roof Pitch: If you haven’t been on a roof in awhile, and typically it’s not a common hobby; it’s hard and dangerous to maneuver. The roof pitch - from flat (4/12) to nearly vertical (14/12) is a multiplier in the cost for installation. Simply put, the steeper the roof the harder it is for the roofers and more it will cost. As a baseline price of $120 per square (100 square feet or a 10’ by 10’ area) at a 4/12 pitch – add 20% in cost for each 4” of pitch change. HERE is an excellent source for understanding roof pitches.

Roof Difficulty: A simple garage will be far cheaper as compared to a 3 story structure with numerous gables, roof vents, bathroom vents, chimneys, roof valleys and multiple ridges - all these elements add up in cost of extra products and installation difficulty. There is not a rule of thumb on this one, but next time you’re having a cocktail in the back yard, look up – if you scratch your head at the way the edges of the roof come together, chances are that it will cost a bit more (10-20% more than a baseline $250 per square product and install).

Roofing Product: Twin Cities roofing products are quite diverse: asphalt, steel, slate, cedar shake and even tile all will work if properly installed. As a whole – you get what you pay for in roofing products. Many products that 3Bids works with offer up to a 50 year warranty, however the minimum warranty in Minnesota for shingles is a 30 year product. Roofing Product Costs – including ice and water and all miscellaneous materials varies, but typically runs between $1.30 and $2.50 per square foot (so, if your roof is 10 square it will cost $1,000 and $2,500 for the roofing products)

Hope this has been a useful resource for all fellow Twin Citians to cut through the hassle of roofing costs – and don’t forget to always get 3BIDS for your project.

Rent or Own? Minneapolis Ranked By Forbes Magazine

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:13:33 -0500

Top amongst healthy cities, a leader in parks and greenway development and a vibrant social scene to boot, it’s no surprise that Minneapolis is sought after as a great place to live. As rental rates go, Minneapolis’ are quite high as compared to the rest of the Twin Cities. In Fact, Forbes magazine recently noted that it is only $60 cheaper per month to rent than own a home in Minneapolis. Potential buyers - now is a great time to buy and home improvements are an excellent investment. Take a look at this article by the TCB.

Questionable Contractors Out and About After Tornado Disaster

Tue, 31 May 2011 15:02:36 -0500

After the tragedy has struck North Minneapolis, it's disheartening to see people in need not getting a fair shake on contractors for their improvement needs. Last week, several watchdog agencies warned homeowners to be careful and do their homework before hiring contractors to repair their storm-damaged houses. Whistle-blowers looked into a few local contractors who left business cards with a North Side homeowner. Read the Full Story Here, and again - always look to get multiple bids by reputable contractors for your work.

Map of Hail Sizes after Storm on 05.11.2011

Wed, 11 May 2011 09:16:37 -0500

We've mapped the reported hail sizes by local weather spotters. The BBB warns against storm chasers! Get in contact with local contractors to repair your hail and storm damage. There has been an interesting phenomenon that follows the hail, companies that are called "storm chasers." Storm Chasers are out of town, start up companies that chase storms all over the United States. When a repair needs to be done to the work completed, chances are that they won't be in town anymore to make those repairs and you will be stuck paying for them out of your own pocket. KEEP IT LOCAL and help support the local economy by hiring local contractors. Contact 3Bids for answers to questions on repairs for your roofing, siding, and window damage, we'll get you great estimates from local trustworthy contractors..

BBB Warns against "Storm Chasers" Get 3Bids

Wed, 04 May 2011 09:11:13 -0500

BBB warns against "storm chasers"It's always hard to believe that someone would take advantage of those who are victimized, but it sadly happens. The Better Business Bureau has recently released an article warning of storm chasers. The BBB says that with spring storms rolling through, consumers should be careful of those who might be considered "storm chasers" of a different variety. These "chasers" will sometimes come to your door claiming to represent home contractors, or charities.

3Bids offers NEW Timberline Cool Series Energy Saving Roofing Shingles in the Twin Cities area.

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:07:23 -0500

GAF Timberline developed a new roofing shingle that provides home energy savings that is energy star rated and is tax credit eligible. The Cool Series shingles provide a highly reflective granule within the shingle to reflect light to help reduce the temperature in your attic so that your home can stay cooler in the summer and help reduce on air conditioning costs, therefore making your home more energy efficient. Take advantage of this product now and save on your cooling costs this summer. Take a look at the link below for more information on this great new roofing product. We proudly serve the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Twin Cities area.

Top 3 Positive Deal-Changers in Residential Real Estate Improvements

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:53:16 -0500

So, where are the deals in real estate improvement and how can you take advantage of them? More than ever, we’re seeking the best deals in every situation. A great story of this deal seeking mentality is the creation of Groupon, a website that offers daily deals of up to 90% off. Groupon went from start up in 2009, to today, receiving over 40 million website visits a month simply because of great deals! We still want to live our lives, have fun, go to dinner, live in a nice house and do all the things we enjoyed before the economy turned; it’s just that we are a bit more conscious about what we are willing to pay for things like real estate improvement. Let’s work with the real estate opportunities - below are three positive deal-changers to consider when looking at home or real estate that needs improvement:

1. Homes in livable condition and in need of immediate repair are now eligible for incredible financing.

As a result of this deal-seeking mentality there are many homes with, well to put it nicely, in need of some TLC (tender loving care). As a result - roofs may be on their last legs, the windows are drafty at best, the siding may be tattered and the interior hasn’t been updated since Friends was a hit show. If you want to make the improvement - you can – with the right game plan you can situate yourself to take advantage of this market right now.

2. My home After Repair Value (ARV) will be will be up to or above neighborhood home value.

The reason many homes have continued dropped in price is because buyers and owners have not fixed them up - there is less demand for these homes and an overwhelming supply in the Twin Cities. The right improvements are going to add value, make your life more comfortable and set your home apart from the rest when it’s time to sell.

3. Paying for the home improvements has never been easier.

This last item, paying for the improvement, is where the true opportunity lies for a deal. Besides all sorts of grants and loans available in certain areas to help homeowners make the necessary repairs - there is a unique loan program out there called the FHA 203(k) Rehab Loan. This federally backed loan allows buyers to hire a contractor and add up to an additional $35,000 on top of their mortgage to make improvements.

You’ll be surprised where $35,000 can take a home if you hire the right people and get competitive bids. This program, when working with professionals, will allow you to position yourself to take advantage of the current market. Why not take a look into these programs? Make a deal on your residential improvement today!

Please search www.iMetroProperty.com to get additional real estate information and knowledge about deal-changing in residential properties.

Why do you get multiple estimates on improvement projects? Here’s a few to consider.

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:31:09 -0500

Few business transactions are more important than those negotiated with a building contractor. Having quality craftsmanship and a long lasting improvement - as well as protecting your financial investment - all rely on the successful completion of a job.

To ensure positive improvement outcomes, it is important to establish a baseline understanding of workmanship to avoid hiring under-qualified contractors and protect against sloppy or subpar construction. Here are a few highlighted reasons why you should get a few bids on your project:

Competitive Pricing – Having a multiple bids will allow for a good “ballpark” price of your project. The lowest bid may not necessarily be the best bid – compare the prices carefully and make sure all removal, permit and change order pricing is detailed in writing.

Quality Craftsmanship – Consider the type of project and make sure that the solicited contractors have completed work of this nature; specialized or experienced workers tend to have the skill and craft to get the job done right!

Warranties and Licensing – Many products have fine print details that require contractors to have specific qualifications. Make sure you ask detailed questions if the contractor has the credentials for the job.

Timing and Scheduling – Having local contractors can be a plus to rest assured that the project will be completed in a timely manner. Make sure that dates and times are detailed so your project doesn’t last the whole summer!

State of Minnesota Contractor Recovery Funds – In the unfortunate cases where licensed contractor’s work results in financial loss; the State of Minnesota has a fund available to reimburse property owners though the Department of Labor and & industry

What do you look for in your contractor estimates? If you don’t get multiple bids – why don’t you?

Removing and Replacing Vinyl Siding

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:30:23 -0500

Great "how to" video on removing and replacing vinyl siding.

This video shows how anyone can remove and replace vinyl siding on their own without having to hire a professional. If you are unable to do it on your own call or email 3Bids and we can come and take a look at the task on hand for you!

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Energy, Interior Departments Announce New Location for Solar Decathlon 2011

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:29:23 -0500

The Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 will be held at the National Mall's West Potomac Park, on the banks of the Potomac River along the path between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Specifically, the event will be held on the peninsula just south of the new Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial—scheduled to open in August of this year—between the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Potomac River. The Decathlon will begin in late September as originally scheduled.

"Improvement Advocacy' Pioneers Announce Competitive Bidding Service for Twin Cities Home and Business Owners

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:50:03 -0500

Minneapolis - Minneapolis, Minnesota, March 24, 2010 – 3BIDS, LLC (www.3-Bids.com) has announced a new competitive bidding service for home and business improvement projects that will save time and money. Twin Cities’ property owners can now work with one company to receive a minimum of three individual estimates from local competing contractors on roofing, siding, windows and energy efficiency projects. 3Bids is pioneering the “Improvement Advocacy” industry by connecting clients with local grants, loans, quality products and pre-screened contractors.

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Energy Star on the Rise - Twin Cities #

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:28:18 -0500

Twin Cities now ranks 13th in nation for ENERGY STAR Certified Building. This has resulted in $40 Million in energy savings. In total, the EPA estimates the growth in Energy Star-certified commercial buildings last year has resulted in saving some $1.9 billion in energy costs. Buildings can earn an Energy Star label if they can prove that perform better than 75% of similar-type buildings nationwide, based on various energy and indoor-air quality standards.

The Energy Star label has been around since 1992, when the EPA first certified energy-saving appliances and products like personal computers, refrigerators and dishwashers. Homes got their own Energy Star labels starting 1995, and the first commercial building label became available 1999. More than 13,000 commercial buildings have been certified since.

The housing certification program has seen growth in recent years, however some 99 percent of the nation's housing stock is "sick" - damp, drafty, expensive to heat and cool - and could be made more energy efficient with tried-and-true, cost-effective improvements. Please ask 3Bids about energy star certification products and certification!

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Not So Big House? We'll Help Fix it up for Spring

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:03:38 -0500

The not so big house may be right size for your family; we're here to remind you that small homes need love too! Ice dams, the north wind, and snow drifts may have compramised the integrity of your shingles, siding and windows. Even in a small home - if not insulated or setup with a modernized heating system - energy bills can soar. 3Bids is here to help increase your energy efficiency or just fix up your cute little home this spring. While we doing that, take a look at the Not So Big House, by Sarah Susanka’s - this is a nice little online read, bulging with images and ideas to fix up your home. Americans’ love affair with the McMansion may be slowing - smaller, highly detailed, long-lasting dwellings are detailed in this book and website. 3Bids is here to assist Twin Cities residents looking to build or remodel their homes with resource conservation and financial considerations in mind.