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How Much Do Common Home Repairs Cost in New Jersey?

One of the greatest parts of being a homeowner is having the freedom to create a space that’s truly your own. However, this also comes with the logistical challenge of budgeting for renovations. Whether your home has suffered damage that needs repairs or you’re simply pricing out a fixer-upper, figuring out the true cost of common home repairs isn’t always straightforward.

To help you plan for your next home improvement project, we’ve compiled a list of common home repairs — and how much they’ll actually cost you.

Roofing

The cost of roofing repairs will depend largely on how much of the roof needs to be removed and replaced, as well as the price of materials. Removing an existing roof typically costs about $1 to $5 per square foot of removal, averaging $1,000 to $1,500 total for a full roof. Installing a full asphalt shingle roof typically costs between $5,000 to $12,000, with an average cost of $8,500.

Siding

The cost of siding repairs will vary significantly based on materials, ranging from $2 per square foot going all the way up to $50 per square foot. For vinyl siding, one of the most commonly used and least expensive materials, you’ll typically pay between $1 to $8 per square foot. A full vinyl siding job on an average-sized home will cost anywhere between $12,000 to $14,000.

Removing carpet and installing/refinishing hardwood flooring

Carpet removal costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot; with included fees for labor and disposal, expect to pay up to $500 for the process. Depending on the type of wood you select, the cost of hardwood floor materials can range between $6 to $12 per square foot; the total price of installation averages to $4,500. Refinishing an existing hardwood floor will understandably require less funding, typically ranging between $1,000 to $2,000 for an average-sized home.

Removing and reinstalling bathroom tile

Removing and replacing bathroom floor and tub wall tiling costs around $3,000 to $4,000 per room. (50% of labor costs goes toward removal, while the other half goes toward installation.) Both chosen materials and specific designs will impact the overall price of a bathroom renovation. For example, herringbone patterns and other intricate designs may come with additional labor costs.

Basement remediation

Since basements are more susceptible to water damage than other rooms in the home, mold in the basement is a common issue. The average cost of basement mold remediation is between $500 to $3,000, though prices will increase if growth is behind finished walls. Installing dehumidifiers and ensuring adequate air circulation can help dry out a wet basement and prevent future issues from occurring.

HVAC repairs and installation

The cost of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) repairs and installation will depend largely on the existing systems within the home. Replacing like-for-like is significantly cheaper and less labor-intensive than installing a new system, especially if your home does not already have ducts and vents.

For example, converting baseboard heating to forced air heating can run up to $20,000 if your home does not have a pre-existing system. (Conversely, purchasing a new furnace or boiler costs approximately $5,000.) Installing central air conditioning can range between $8,000 to $10,000 depending on the home’s existing system.

Factors that impact pricing

The actual expense of any home repair will depend on the size of the house or room, existing conditions of the home, and your geographic location. The cost of specific materials, both at baseline and with respect to supply and demand, will also impact the overall pricing.

To get more detailed pricing information on your home improvement project, it is recommended to get an estimate from a home improvement contractor. They can help you price out your options, based on both your specific home and the current market.


Looking to make repairs to your New Jersey home? Fallon Contracting offers a range of home improvement services, including siding, windows, bathrooms, basements, decks, and repairs. Contact us to schedule a no-cost, personalized estimate at your home.

newly renovated kitchen with white cabinets

Top 5 Home Renovation Trends of 2021

As people continue to spend more of their time working and entertaining from home, it’s no surprise that more and more homeowners are looking to tackle their renovation projects this year. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your home improvement project, here are the top five trends we’ve seen in 2021.

1. Upgrading frequently-used rooms

With work and school taking place largely at home, coupled with limited travel and in-person socialization, homeowners are looking to make the most of their frequently-used spaces. We’ve recently had many requests for full bathroom and kitchen remodels, which not only give the opportunity for an aesthetic or functional upgrade, but can also save money with more efficient plumbing and fixtures.

2. Remote learning nooks and home offices

While open-concept rooms have been popular in the past, they can pose challenges for families trying to juggle working from home and facilitating virtual learning. As a result, homeowners are increasingly looking to section off areas for home offices and remote learning nooks, which allow parents to stay close by while also maintaining privacy and reducing sound carryover. For clients with limited space, finishing the basement and setting up offices there can be an ideal solution.

3. Brighter kitchens

Though colors are largely a matter of personal preference, we’ve seen an uptick in lighter colors being used to make rooms feel brighter and larger. White kitchen cabinets have become an especially popular option, especially for the millennial generation. Some homeowners also opt for pops of color in painted cabinets or fun backsplash.

Bright white cabinets with splashes of color and/or unique backsplashes are popular among younger homeowners right now.

4. Accessible bathrooms

Many seniors want to age in place and remain in their homes as long as possible. As such, older homeowners are looking to the future and renovating their bathrooms with accessibility in mind. For instance, people with two full baths often convert one of their tubs to a walk-in shower, typically featuring grab bars or seating space.

5. Outdoor entertaining spaces

As the weather gets warmer, many are looking to expand or refurbish their porches, patios and decks for outdoor entertaining. This has become an especially popular option for homeowners looking to entertain while minimizing the risk of coronavirus spread.

Considerations before starting a home renovation project

Before starting your 2021 home improvement project, it’s important to consider your timeline and budget. Many suppliers have faced shutdowns or limited operations over the past year, so orders may take longer to come in or may simply not be available. Production and distribution challenges have especially affected the decking industry. (We’ve had great experiences with Wolf Home Products, even during this challenging time.)

Additionally, high demand has driven up prices for materials and production, particularly for lumber — prices have doubled within the past year! — so be sure to factor this into your budget as well. Getting an estimate from a home improvement contractor can give you a better sense of costs and time, as well as help you understand your options.

Fallon Contracting offers numerous home improvement services to New Jersey residents, including siding, windows, bathrooms, basements, decks, repairs and more. Contact us to schedule a free, personalized estimate at your home.

light streaming in through attic window

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Attic

Most people don’t spend a lot of time in their attic. After all, it’s generally used as a storage solution, rather than a livable space. 

However, taking care of your attic is one of the best lines of defense for your home. A well-maintained attic improves your house’s overall energy efficiency, while also protecting from pests and water damage.

Want to learn more about this valuable part of your home, and how to keep it in top condition? Read on for five things you may not have known about your attic.

1. When it comes to insulation, more isn’t always better.

If you don’t have insulation (or just don’t have enough of it) in your attic, heat from your heating system or cold air from your air conditioner will escape. This is an obvious issue, as your home will require more energy to maintain proper temperature control. However, this doesn’t mean that more insulation is necessarily better.

While it may be tempting to pack your attic to the rafters (literally!) to more effectively heat and cool your home, your efforts may be met with diminishing returns. Packing your insulation too tightly lowers its R-value, a calculation that quantifies the resistance to heat flow. A higher R-value indicates more resistance to heat transfer. This means that your insulation won’t be as effective in keeping heat out during the warmer months, and holding in heat during the cooler ones.

So how do you determine the proper amount of insulation for your attic? It depends on your geographical location. The Department of Energy’s climate map indicates the recommended insulation by climate zone, including recommendations for wall insulation, as well as uninsulated vs. previously-insulated attics.

2. Attics require proper ventilation.

Ventilation is paramount to the health of your attic insulation, especially during the winter months. If your humidifiers are set too high or you simply have excess moisture in your home, that moisture will collect in your attic and dampen the insulation, making it less effective. Another common culprit is improper bathroom fan ventilation. Make sure your bathroom fans are ventilated to the exterior of the house, rather than inside your attic. Not only does this put additional moisture in your attic, but it could also rot the plywood from the inside out.

To most efficiently ventilate your home, you’ll need two vents: a ridge vent and a soffit intake vent. The ridge vent allows damp, warm air to escape the attic; the soffit intake vent allows fresh outside air into the attic. To reap the benefits of this vent system, make sure you install baffles to hold down your insulation. Otherwise, your insulation might block the air intake from the soffit vent.

3. Some materials shouldn’t be stored in the attic.

Attic temperatures can fluctuate depending on the season, so be mindful of the materials you’re storing up there. Anything that is sensitive to heat, cold or moisture — such as wood furniture, electronics, important papers, and delicate fabrics — should ideally be kept elsewhere. 

If you can’t avoid storing these items in the attic, invest in the right storage containers. Cardboard boxes can break down and can even attract cockroaches; garbage bags can also deteriorate after a few years. Using sturdy plastic boxes and heavy duty storage bags can protect your belongings from the extreme temperatures.

4. Regular inspection is key.

Inspect your attic at least annually for signs of water penetration and pest openings. You may want to do so more frequently if you’re experiencing storms in your region. 

Rotted, damp or stained wood around chimneys or vent pipes could indicate a leak. Cracks or openings to the outside could allow the escape of cool air or heat (and the entry of pests). If you notice any structural damage or suspect a leak, consult with a professional contractor.

5. Be safe.

An attic can be a great storage solution for your home — but before you start using it, you need to take the necessary safety precautions:

  • If you’re using your attic for storage, make sure you have secure flooring. If you store items or walk on open rafters, you’re putting yourself and your belongings at risk of falling through.
  • When adding insulation, wear a protective respirator mask and eye goggles to protect yourself from dirt and dust.
  • Test the structural integrity of your attic stairs before use.
  • Be aware of the extreme temperatures and dress accordingly. Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.

Notice signs of damage to your attic or roof? Fallon Contracting will safely assess your project’s needs and offer a no-cost, no-obligation estimate. Contact us to get started today.

spring home maintenance | front of house with mulch

Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

With the weather getting warmer and the days growing longer, spring is in full swing here in New Jersey. We’re spending more time outside, enjoying the sunshine and thinking ahead to the summer. And with the state’s stay-at-home order extended indefinitely, we’re also spending a lot more time around the house.

If you’re staying in and have some extra time on your hands, now is the perfect time to tackle your spring home maintenance checklist. Here are some tasks you can do today to prepare your home for warmer days.

Inspect your roof for signs of damage.

The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends checking your roof at least twice a year, specifically in the mild temperatures of the fall and spring. Making any necessary repairs now will ensure your roof can handle more extreme weather when it comes.

Check your roof’s chimney and vent pipe flashings as well as shingles. Look for water spots inside the house, as well as shingles that have blown away after a windy day; these are common signs that there are issues with your flashing. Have a contractor assess whether your flashings need to be sealed – we recommend having your flashings sealed at least once a year to prevent damage.

Check for broken window seals.

If you have insulated glass unit (IGU) windows – also known as double-pane, multipane or thermopane windows – check them for broken seals. If the seals between panes are broken, your windows will be less efficient in keeping out air and humidity. Look for visible condensation or distortion of the glass, which are two of the most common signs of a broken seal.

Windows that receive a lot of sunshine are also more susceptible to broken seals, as the glass expands and contracts regularly with the heat. However, anything that damages the window’s sealant material can also cause the seal to fail. If you suspect your window seals are broken, call a contractor to replace the IGU.

Do an outdoor check.

Your rain gutters and leaders protect your home from water damage, so be sure they are clear and in good repair. You can clean them out yourself if you feel comfortable doing so, but you can always call in a professional to help.

Then, make sure any mulch or soil is graded away from the house. This will prevent water pooling in any low spots around the house. You can add mulch or soil to build up the grade, and then slope it away from the house.

Don’t forget the inside!

While you’re checking the outside of your house, don’t forget to take care of the inside! Use this time to change your furnace filters, as well as drain and refill your hot water heater (we recommend doing this once a year).

You should also look under sinks and vanities for leaky pipes and traps – even a small leak can lead to major water damage when left unchecked. In some cases, you can tighten a loose trap yourself. However, it’s best to call a plumber if you’re facing a pipe or shutoff valve issue.

Important considerations During COVID-19

Whether you’re tackling these maintenance tasks or planning a major home improvement project, you’ll need to consider the impact of COVID-19 on your process.

For projects that require prior approval and inspections (e.g., finished basements, decks, and additions/renovations), allot extra time for communicating with building departments. Since physical buildings are closed, interactions are limited to mail or email, which can take longer than originally anticipated.

Local home improvement stores have also limited their hours, as well as the number of customers allowed in-store at a time. If you’re shopping for home maintenance or smaller DIY projects, it’s best to shop during off-peak hours (usually earlier in the day) and allow extra time. Making a detailed list can also help you get everything you need in one trip. If you’re ordering parts online, be mindful that online ordering and shipping are delayed across industries.

Need help with your spring home improvement project? Fallon Contracting will safely assess your project’s needs and offer a no-cost, no-obligation estimate. Contact us to get started today.