Don Jason Remodeling
440-365-0303

How often should I inspect the work during my remodeling project?

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Question:  How often should I inspect the work during my remodeling project?

Answer:  This is up to each individual.  Some people inspect every day and others less frequently.  This probably depends on how curious you are or how well you trust your contractor.  We appreciate people inspecting often and enjoy the feedback we receive.  We use this feedback to help us improve our service.  We try to communicate with our clients what to expect and explain to them as much as we can as we are in progress.  This way we can be sure we are meeting our client’s expectations and desires.

Don Jason

If you have any questions you would like to ask, send them to me via email at [email protected].

How do we repair a small area of damaged vinyl siding?

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Question:  We have a small area of damaged vinyl siding which we would like to repair.  The new piece matches per size but the color is just a little different.   What can we do so this doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb?

Answer:  Sometimes you can take a piece of the original siding off in a location that is less noticeable.  Like behind shrubs or a tree and use this to repair with and use the new piece where it is not as noticeable.  If this doesn’t work, you can take some pieces off at the top of a gable and use the new pieces all in the top of gable which appears as if you wanted a color change for accent purposes.  You can also try to get a paint color match and paint the new piece.

Don Jason

Why is it beneficial for remodelers to be members of their home builders associations?

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Question:  Why is it beneficial for remodelers to be members of their home builders associations?

Answer:   There are many benefits of being a member of your local home builders association.  The association provides many educational and networking opportunities.  The association requires certain professional and business requirements which help to assure that a company has their proper insurance and licensing credentials.  The association provides the latest information on building codes and any other issues that contractors are facing.  The members interact with building officials and code officials so as to be aware of all the new products and code ramifications.  Members of an association must take advantage of the benefits that are offered in order to be more informed and educated builders and remodelers.  Personally I have taken many of the educational courses and attended the national shows.  I learn not only from the classes but also from the other attendees.  I have a network of friends all across America that I can contact when I have questions or need solutions to problems.

Don Jason

If you have any questions you would like to ask, send them to me via email at [email protected].

What is the skim coat in a crawl space foundation?

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Question:  What is the skim coat in a crawl space foundation?

Answer:  This is the three inch thick concrete which is poured as the covering of the soil in the crawl space.  The crawl space is graded with limestone and then six mil visqueen is laid as a moisture barrier.  The concrete is poured over the visqueen thus holding the foundation walls from moving inward and holding the moisture out.

Don Jason

If you have any questions you would like to ask, send them to me via email at [email protected].

Question: How late in the year can we start a remodeling project?

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Question:  How late in the year can we start a remodeling project?  We are worried about the cold weather approaching and what effects it will have on the foundation for our addition.

Answer:  We do remodeling projects all year.  There are certain precautions which must be taken but work can proceed.  Some days may be too cold to pour concrete but with proper planning and watching the weather forecast things will get finished.  Thanks to portable heat, tarps, straw and other precautions winter work can be accomplished.

Don Jason

If you have any questions you would like to ask, send them to me via email at [email protected].

What makes a home universal design?

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Question:  What makes a home universal design?

Answer:  This answer is from my friends at Blue Ridge Home Improvement Inc, as per their fall 2013 newsletter.  It’s simple.  Everyone can live there and enjoy it!  It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, short or tall, healthy or ill.  You might have a disability.  Or you may be a top athlete.  Because of universal design, people who are very different can enjoy the same home.  One specific example is 36 inch wide doors which allows standard wheelchairs to pass as well as makes it easier to move furniture, luggage, and laundry throughout the house.  Another example is an adjustable height shower head that allows everyone to have a safe and enjoyable shower.

Don Jason

If you have any questions you would like to ask, send them to me via email at [email protected].

There is a green stain on my vinyl siding. How can I remove this stain?

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Question:  There is a green stain on my vinyl siding.  How can I remove this stain?

Answer:  Without seeing the stain I can only guess that it is a mildew stain.  This usually occurs on the north side of the house where the siding doesn’t get an opportunity to dry because of a lack of exposure to the sun.  Usually just spray the siding with a detergent mix and brush with a soft bristle brush.  If this doesn’t work then add some bleach.  Start from the top and work your way down.  Be sure to protect your eyes and rinse the siding thoroughly.  It’s also a good idea to cover your landscaping.

Don Jason

If you have any questions you would like to ask, send them to me via email at [email protected].

What should I consider when buying a replacement door for my front door?

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Question:  What should I consider when buying a replacement door for my front door?

Answer:  It is usually best just to remove the door and the frame and buy a complete new prehung door.  I would order a fiberglass door so you don’t need to worry about it rusting or decaying.  I would order the door with a jamb and exterior brick mold that will not rot.  Make sure you measure your exact wall thickness so you order the jamb to fit your wall thickness.  Have your door prepped with a lock and deadbolt that are predrilled.  Look at the different grades of doors that are available and be sure to order a better grade door.  Your supplier can explain the advantages of the better grade doors.

Don Jason

If you have any questions you would like to ask, send them to me via email at [email protected].

I want to do my own remodeling and would like to know what inspections are required by the building department.

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Question:  I want to do my own remodeling and would like to know what inspections are required by the building department.

Answer:  Each building department has its own set of inspections so I will list some that are usually required.  First, there is a footer inspection to see that the excavation is deep enough and the proper size. Then, they inspect the crawlspace or slab before it can be poured.  There is a framing inspection, rough electric, rough plumbing, and rough HVAC inspections.  They inspect the insulation.  Then, they inspect the finish plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.  This will finish with a final occupancy inspection.  The building departments will provide you with a list of the required inspections and they will help you with any questions you may have.

Don Jason

If you have any questions you would like to ask, send them to me via email at [email protected].

What is meant by the pitch of a roof rafter?

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Question:  What is meant by the pitch of a roof rafter?

Answer:  The pitch of a truss is usually expressed by a number like 5/12.  The first number refers to how many inches the rafter rises per every twelve inches of run.  Thus a five twelve pitch roof rafter rises five inches in height for every twelve inches of width.  Knowing this number makes it easy for the carpenter to mark his rafters by using his framing square and a pencil.  When my dad taught me to mark rafters almost all roofs were a 5/12 or a 4/12.  This was for a ranch or standard two stories.  The higher the pitch roof the more expensive a home is to build.

Don Jason

If you have any questions you would like to ask, send them to me via email at [email protected].

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Don Jason Remodeling
725 Sugar Lane Elyria, OH 44035

Call Us for a Free Consultation at 440-365-0303