General Questions About Remodeling
Financing home remodeling projects may take years of saving, or it might require a loan application, but knowing which route to take usually requires taking a look at the overall cost of the project and the financial options available.
There is no standard, one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to projects that require home remodeling contractors. However, conducting a little research can help you figure out whether you’re on the right track as far as choosing a home remodeler or deciding on a do-it-yourself approach.
Home remodeling projects can range from short, tidy, and affordable to large, luxurious, and expensive, but the hidden costs of home remodeling can put a fair dent in your wallet if you don’t do your due diligence and research.
Yes! Gettum Remodeling carries the appropriate General Liability and Worker’s Compensation insurance. We are also registered and listed with local building departments as necessary, which allows us to obtain the proper building permits for your project.
Yes! We offer a 5 year warranty for all labor and materials, unlike most contractors that offer a standard one year warranty. In many cases, a manufacturer’s materials warranty can provide additional coverage after our initial five year warranty period in the event there is a defect or failure.
We stand behind what we build and want you to be a client for life. Most of our clients end up doing 5, 6, 7 or more remodeling projects with us over the course of their lives. This is a direct testament to the fact that we won’t nickel and dime you if something goes wrong. We strive to be 100% perfect on every project but if we do make a mistake or you are not happy with something, please let us know and we will be out to your house within 24-48 hours.
Located in Greenwood, Indiana, Gettum Remodeling performs work all around the greater Indianapolis area, including Carmel, Noblesville, Plainfield and Bloomington. In general, we try and stay within an hour radius of our Greenwood, Indiana offices.
Room Addition Questions
The answer depends on a lot of factors. First, if you like your neighborhood, neighbors and schools then it certainly makes sense to research adding an addition. Second, if you have some built-up equity and if you intend on staying in the home long term, then you should explore adding an addition. However, sometimes it makes sense to move into a bigger home. We recommend looking out on the market for homes similar to what you are looking for and compare that to the value of your existing home, available equity and how much an addition or other improvements will cost.
You can expect honest and sound advice. We are professionals that are here to help you make the best decision you can.
We do not offer financing. However, we can point you in the direction of a few different lenders depending on your needs. Financing can be a great way to leverage the current low interest rates!
Kitchen Remodeling Questions
Yes! A kitchen remodel is a good return on your investment as it can help maintain the value of your home and a newer kitchen is more appealing to potential buyers if you are looking to sell your home.
That depends. Are you familiar with completing the proper paperwork to obtain building permits, if they are required? Are you good with your hands, understand how to operate the necessary tools, have experience with plumbing, electrical and ventilation? Do you have the time and patience to complete your project, and does that fit in with your lifestyle and family commitments? And, are you willing to take the chance on how the project will look when you’re done?
Like most things in remodeling, the answer is it depends. In some cases, wall removal is no big deal. In other cases, walls can contain hidden wiring, plumbing or HVAC ductwork. There are ways to re-route concealed mechanicals in some cases. A careful analysis can usually help determine the likelihood of these conditions.
Bathroom Remodeling Questions
We have done this in the past, and honestly it’s terrible, for you… When you provide your own fixtures, you lose your warranty for the installation and the product. We are partners with suppliers that will stand behind your products.
Decks & Porch Additions and Remodeling Questions
If you can afford the higher upfront expense, yes! Composite decking will last longer with less maintenance saving you a lot of elbow grease in cleaning and sealing.
If your deck is over 30” above the ground it will require railings per building code.
In some cases, yes. You would want to verify that the existing concrete footings meet code requirements and are adequate to support the added weight of the screen porch. In most cases, the local building department and inspectors will require verification.
Eze-Breeze Porch Window Questions
Eze Breeze windows are a unique product that can help a room double as a screen porch and a 3-season room.
Eze Breeze windows can be openings to provide the feel of a screened porch or closed to provide shelter from a breeze or rain.
Eze Breeze window and door units are relatively affordable in comparison with normal windows.
Eze Breeze windows are custom made to fit your existing openings, though there are certain limitations.
Sunrooms Addition and Remodeling Questions
A sunroom offers a retreat with plenty of light to relax and enjoy and a good book and a cup of coffee.
A sunroom is generally part of the overall living space of the home. As well, a sunroom is heated and cooled allowing use in any season no matter the weather outside.
No. Gettum Remodeling will custom design your sunroom to match the existing style of your home and we will use materials that blend in with your existing home to make it look as though it was “always there.”
Roofing Replacement Questions
We believe that being in business for over 30 years provides you, our client, peace of mind knowing that we will be around to provide service after the sale should any issues arise. As well, we provide a standard 5 year warranty on all roofs we install.
Of course! We have a dedicated exteriors specialist on staff who will work with you and your insurance company to settle your claim.
We have access to all major brands of roofing shingles. However, we prefer to use Certainteed brand shingles
Siding Replacement Questions
We install all types of siding such as vinyl siding, engineered wood siding and fiber cement siding. We would be happy to discuss your options and help you determine the best product for your home.
Yes, for sure! Engineered and fiber cement siding generally last longer than wood siding as they both resist rot and decay better than most wood siding. As well, we find they accept paint better than wood siding.
The biggest and most well-known brand of engineered siding is LP Smartside. For fiber cement, James Hardie is the brand leader without question. Both are great options when you are thinking of replacing your siding. We would be happy to speak with you to explain the pros and cons of each.
Skylights Installation Questions
Gettum Associates installs Velux brand skylights. They have a “no leak” guarantee. In fact, it is the ONLY skylight brand we will install.
Velux Skylights have many options available. Skylights can be fixed or can open. Venting skylights can even be motorized and controlled by a remote! You can also consider adding blinds to your skylights to filter out the right amount of light for the room.
Gettum Remodeling offers a 5 year warranty on all labor and materials. Velux offers a warranty on their products as well. Contact the company that installed your skylight and request service.
Storm Damage Repair Questions
In general, if the rest of the roof is fairly new and in good shape a simple repair can be accomplished, especially if it just requires the replacement of a few shingles. Please note that due to age and dye lot differences, new shingles even of the same type and color can stand out from the existing shingles and you may notice the difference.
In most cases, yes. However, much like shingles, age/weathering and color differences may be apparent with a patch.
The answer is it depends. It depends on your policy, the age of the product and how much of the existing materials have been affected. In some cases, insurance may only cover the cost of repairs. However, if large sections such as whole sides of the house or the majority of the roof is damaged a complete replacement may be approved. It is always best to call your insurance company and also request a visual inspection by a trusted contractor (like us).
