Sometimes there is a room or window that is problematic and we can start there. In most instances, after seeing the positive results of a new window with all of its new features and efficiency, the rest of the windows are not far behind in being replaced.
Replacement windows have no nailing fin or flange and install inside the existing window opening. New construction style windows have this nailing flange and can be installed into existing openings, as long as there is a way to get the flange tight to the existing sheathing. This method of installation is more time-consuming and can require more skill but is often preferred in regards to waterproofing and flashing details that can be offered.
South Jersey homeowners would be wise to stick with a double-paned vinyl window with a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating designed for moderate or high solar gain, which traps more heat indoors during the cooler months.
Vinyl posts and rails have become the go-to for many wood railing/posts applications. Not all vinyl products are considered equal depending on the application. There are structural posts, railing baluster options, as well as different types of vinyl or other composite materials to consider.
UV rays are always working against the exterior of your home. Combined with acid rain and other elements, it is inevitable that there will be some fade to the products installed on the exterior of the home. The additives used in today’s products resemble that of your car’s dashboard; many of the vinyl siding & trim products have a much greater tolerance for today’s conditions and show beautifully for years to come.
The exterior trim collectively is all the finishing touches applied to the outside of your home — moldings around doors and windows, roofing, siding, gutters, shutters, vents, and so on. Exterior trim enhances curb appeal while protecting your home’s inner structure from the elements.
EZE-Breeze panels can be easily tilted in and removed for cleaning using a solution of warm water and Woolite or Murphy Oil Soap. We also sell the PGT Preservative/Cleaner, which is the recommended method of maintaining and cleaning the vinyl. For a complete guide to maintenance, view these care instructions.
Yes, each panel is made custom to the specific opening. There are 4 different frame color options as well as vinyl glazing options with different shades of tint and clear vinyl.
Feel free to call contact us for questions about the best uses for this product and how it may benefit your home.
Eze-Breeze panels are vinyl panels that offer protection from wind and rain. The panels are not designed to be the equivalent of glass and have little to no R-Value. Although clients often install portable heaters as well as A/C units to extend the seasons, Eze-Breeze panels do have the insulative properties of glass. One added benefit is that these panels do not change the tax assessment at the same rate an addition would and do not require the same finishing details. It is considered a ‘porch’ and this a completely different set of building requirements, which can save considerable amounts of money.
Yes, anytime a structure is being built or modified, a building inspection is required to make sure that it meets all local and state codes. Ayars coordinates the submission, scheduling, and every aspect of the inspection process.
In many instances, we review an existing structure only to find that there are several failure points:
When any or all of the points of concern are identified, it is almost always recommended that we rebuild the entire structure.
Of course! For steeper grades, Ayars can construct a beautiful raised deck; for gradual slopes, you might invest in a multi-level deck that follows the lay of your land. Check our blog post on deck design for a fuller picture of what’s possible.
Pressure-treated wood decks are typically less expensive by $10-15 per square foot. The look of the deck is not as refined as composite decks with vinyl or metal railings, but if utility is your primary concern, this is still a viable option.
Our preferred method of framing for basements is always steel studs. We believe minimizing the presence of wood can be beneficial in the event there are ever any water issues, as well as to limit the attraction of insects.
Drywall is installed in basements all the time. Ensuring the basement is dry and taking precautions to make sure it stays that way is key. The ceilings can also be drywalled as long as there are no mechanical access issues. It is no different than having wiring, plumbing, and HVAC on the first or second floors. The only components to take into consideration are clean-outs, shut-offs, or other important access points since they are typically located in the basement.
In most cases, basements are used for additional living space or recreational areas. Sometimes this may include a dry bar/wet bar, which can be custom-designed to fit your needs. Finished basements are often more attractive than additions due to the benefit of not expanding the home’s footprint and are usually less expensive per square foot.
That depends on a few factors. First, you must ensure your basement does not have issues with water. Secondly, the foundation walls should be checked to ensure that there are not any structural issues. All mechanicals including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing need to be inspected to ensure that provisions can be made for access to key areas where necessary. Newly adopted New Jersey code requires an additional point of egress in addition to the stairway leading to the basement, and any bedroom in a basement requires a separate exitway. This is typically accomplished by installing an egress window with a window well.
Most kitchen remodels that do not involve moving the plumbing locations can be completed in 4 to 5 weeks. More involved kitchen renovations that include gutting the kitchen completely, possibly moving sink and appliance locations, and/or implementing more elaborate cabinetry and finish trim details can push the timeframe out several more weeks. All of this is discussed in the planning phases and a complete schedule will be finalized prior to the project start. Setting clear and honest expectations is a priority of the Ayars team and a hallmark of our reputation for exceptional service.
The kitchen triangle is the distance between the sink, stove, and refrigerator — the three most important workstations when preparing a meal. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that each leg of the triangle be no shorter than 10 feet and no greater than 25 feet and remain free of clutter and obstruction. By planning with the kitchen triangle in mind and positioning appliances appropriately, your kitchen remodeling contractor can greatly improve the functionality of your new kitchen.
It really depends on the complexity of the project — but the average-sized addition requires 5 to 8 weeks for construction. Certain projects can be more invasive than others and during the planning phases, we can highlight the necessary accommodations needed to complete your project. Contact us and we can have a brief chat to try and give you an estimated timeframe.
