Are you short on covered and secure storage for your toys?  A boat an RV?  Maybe that classic collector car or hot rod.  For many Ohio homeowners adding a custom built garage or shop onto their property whether attached to the home, or a separate building entirely is the answer to more storage space.  If your zoning allows you can even build a rental or in-law suite above the garage.

We know you want to know what it’s going to cost to build your garage but it’s impossible for us to tell you exactly what your garage is going to cost to build with an article on a website.  What we can do though is give you a clearer mental picture of what’s actually involved along with some rough estimates on costs that will give you a ballpark.

The cost to build your garage is generally calculated by the square footage of the finished building assuming that there isn’t a great deal of site excavation required prior to construction, which can obviously raise the cost of the final build.  From the square footage of the garage we can then calculate final material costs (there will be several options) and get accurate quotes from any sub-trades that might be involved.

A good rough ballpark would be between $30-$100 per square foot of new garage construction.  We understand that’s a pretty wide spread but at this point we still don’t really know what you’ll be doing with the garage.  Are you using it for storage?  Do you collect hot rods and want a fully decked out shop?  Do you need plumbing?  Will you need 220V power and it’s own meter?  There is a lot we don’t know at this point!

So for example, let’s say you’d like to build a 900 square foot garage on your property.  This would be a good sized two car garage with plenty of room around the edges for shelving and storage.  If we calculate out a rough finished cost of say $40 per square foot to construct the building you are looking at roughly $36,000 to build your very basic, bare bones garage with a concrete floor.  This is not absolute, this is just one possible scenario and it wouldn’t include additional items such as a live-in suite or special furnishings and concrete or floor finishes that are often used in shops and garages.

If you wanted a suite above your new garage then the cost of construction might rise significantly and be more like $80 – $120 per square foot of finished space as you’ll have more electrical, more plumbing and more building codes that need to be followed.

What Is Involved With Building Your Garage?

Foundation or Slab:  Before you can even begin to frame the new garage you’ll need a solid foundation to build it on.  The ground will need to be excavated and prepared and the concrete foundation professionally framed, poured and finished.    Typically an excavator will need to be hired to prepare the ground for the foundation.  This contributes to the cost of your project and in some cases depending on access, might not be possible.

Building Materials:  Once you have the basic dimensions of your garage then you can begin calculating material costs.  What type of walls would you like?  How high are the ceilings going to be?  Will you have an automotive hoist?  Do you want a specific concrete floor finish?  What type of electrical system and lighting?  Will there be heat?  Working with a licensed general contractor will make this whole process quite a bit easier as they’ll be able to present you with a detailed list of materials that you need for each option you want to add into your new garage.

Labor and Building Costs:  A big chunk of the cost of building your garage (likely the biggest chunk) will be the direct labor that is involved.  This is very tough to calculate without actually viewing your project beforehand and taking some measurements but you can generally expect the labor to cost somewhere between 1.5 to 3 times the overall cost of your materials.  This again, depends on your situation and specific property.  Don’t forget you’ll likely have a few different sub-trades working on the project such as a plumber, an electrician, a concrete finisher, gutter contractor, roofer and possibly more.

Why Choose The Ohio Home Doctor For Your New Garage Construction Project?

When you choose the Ohio Home Doctor team to build your new shop or garage you are partnering with a small team of craftsman, all with the common goal of making your home a better place.  Every employee strives to be the best home remodeler he or she can be and will treat your home as if they were working on their own.

We keep a clean, safe work area and we’ll bend over backwards to accommodate you during the construction of your new garage as we know it can be inconvenient at times.  In the end we promise you’ll be happy with the results and how we’ve improved your home.

If you’d like to receive an estimate to build a new garage on your property please give us a call 937-605-6882 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.

The post How Much Will It Cost To Build A Garage in Dayton Ohio? appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

Does your roof look tired?  Are there some obvious signs of wear or damage? Replacing the roof on your Dayton, OH home usually isn’t high on most homeowners priority lists and it’s usually a decision that is generally forced upon the homeowner at a very inconvenient time.  Usually it’s a roof failure that spurs a customer into contacting us.

So what if you’re one of those conscientious homeowners who diligently likes to care for and maintain their home? How do you even know when your roof is telling you it’s time for a roof replacement or at least a thorough inspection from a pro?

“How Do I Know If I Need A New Roof” can be a problematic question for many Ohio homeowners especially if they aren’t the family who originally constructed the home. As a home changes hands usually so does any knowledge of what products have been installed on or inside the home, who was the actual installer and when.

If you’re the 4th or 5th owner of a home and you don’t have any information on the roofing material used, what brand or shingle type or when it was last replaced then you already know exactly what we’re talking about!

Thankfully, the team at Ohio Home Doctor can provide you with a few tips so you can at least easily make the determination if you need to call a professional roofer or not.

Most of the residential roofing systems we encounter throughout Dayton, Springboro and Centerville are Asphalt Shingle or Laminated Shingle roofing systems from a wide variety of manufacturers. Depending on the quality of the shingle and the quality of the installation you can expect to get 5 – 50 years out of your roofing material, yes, that’s a very wide range of roofing lifespan!

There are certainly some roofing materials that are much better than others (metal for example) and offer much more protection and durability, but even the finest shingle can be compromised if it’s installed by an inexperienced or “rushed” roofing crew who doesn’t take the time to do things right!

Here Are Several Signs Your Roof Might Need Replacement

#1. Storm Damage To Shingles or Roof Decking

If your roof has recently been damaged due to a storm or you suspect it might have been damaged due to tree branches or hail impacts then it’s important to have the roof inspected as soon as possible, don’t wait! If the damage is going to be covered by your insurance company they will want you to act sooner than later. If you’re missing shingles or you can see there is visible damage to the roof then don’t wait, call us now – 937-605-6882.

#2. Obvious Roofing Leaks

If you’ve spotted some obvious roof leaks or water damaged areas on the inside of your home then it’s really important to trace and find the leak as soon as possible, don’t wait! The biggest problem with roofing leaks is that water can travel a long ways once it gets inside your home and it can take some very puzzling paths sometimes! One thing is for certain, water coming into your home via a problem with your roof is not good! It could be as simple as some roof flashing that needs to be replaced or installed properly or as complicated as a whole roof replacement if it’s wearing down and the materials are failing.

#3. Missing or Poorly Installed Roof Flashing Around Vents, Chimneys and Dormers

It’s amazing how many roofing problems we see in the field that lead right back to poorly installed or even completely missing roof flashing. These tiny roofing details are what help to direct water away from the joints and seams that surround protrusions in your roof like a chimney or roof vent and they also usually follow along your roofing seams between stories, along dormers and any other wall to roof seam on your home where two surfaces meet along your roof. Proper roof flashing is critical to your roofs performance and keeping the water OUT!

Roof flashing is usually made out of metal or in some cases plastic (around vents and pipes) and the metal flashing is often custom fit on-site for the home and the particular place it’s being installed. A $10.00 piece of flashing can literally cause $1000’s of dollars in damage to your home if it’s missing or poorly installed.

The problem with flashing usually get’s much worse when it’s not discovered for a long period of time. This will lead to water damage within your home, which leads to mold and it’s going to be expensive to fix!  Visually inspect the flashing around your chimney or other roofing protrusions if you suspect a leak. Is the flashing missing? Is it out of place or damaged?

#4. Sagging, Damaged or Rotten Roof Decking

There is an attic in most homes and through the attic you’ll be able to see the underside of your roof decking. This is a very easy thing to do if you are mobile and have access to your attic and a flashlight. By looking at the underside of your roof, especially the areas around a roof-to-wall seam (if you suspect flashing causing a leak) you’ll be able to see any water soaked or water stained areas and can better pinpoint the location of a leak.

If the problem has gone unnoticed for a long time it’s likely that the roof decking could be rotting and this is when it begins to sag. If it’s really gone on for a long time it can actually lead to structural rot of the trusses and framing in your home, ruined insulation and more.

#5. Excess Shingle Granule Loss

If you’ve ever looked closely at your roofing material (if you have an asphalt or laminated shingle) you’ll notice what appears to be grains of rough sand embedded into the surface of the shingle.

These small grains of sand or aggregate are your shingle granules. If you’ve ever cleaned out your gutters and found handfuls of what appeared to be “sand” in the gutter then you’ve experienced shingle granule loss. It’s normal for a roofing system to shed some of these granules over time but if you’re scooping out handfuls of this material from your gutters every few months it’s time to call a professional to take a look at your roof and if it’s in need of replacement or will still be good for a few years yet.

What About The Moss and Algae All Over My Roof?

There are a lot of roofers who’d love to sell you a new roof but don’t assume because your roof is really dirty or that because there is moss growing on it that it’s in need of replacement! Do we recommend you continue with your dirty roof? No… Not at all. If your roof is covered in moss and algae it’s not shedding water like it’s supposed too. There are local services that provide a service called “roof soft washing” and they will be able to safely and efficiently clean your asphalt shingle roofing without damaging the shingles or causing excess shingle granule loss.

If your roof has been covered in moss and algae for years then it’s a good candidate for a thorough roofing inspection but without checking all areas of the roof you won’t be able to know for sure if the roof needs replacement or just a thorough cleaning.

Replacing Your Roof To Improve Curb Appeal

Some homeowners choose to replace their roof because it’s simply dated or doesn’t fit in with their decorating style. With the shingle options available today you can find a style, pattern and composition of shingle that meets both your budget and your designer tastes!

If you want to replace your roof to improve curb appeal then it’s time to consider an upgrade to a premium architectural shingle or even the king of roofing materials, a standing seam metal roof!

Why Choose The Ohio Home Doctor For Your Roof Replacement Project?

When you choose the Ohio Home Doctor team to replace your roof you are partnering with a small team of craftsman, all with the common goal of making your home a better place.  Every employee strives to be the best home remodeler he or she can be and will treat your home as if they were working on their own.

We keep a clean, safe work area and we’ll bend over backwards to accommodate you during the replacement of your roof as we know it can be inconvenient at times.  In the end we promise you’ll be happy with the results and how we’ve improved your home.

If you’d like to receive an estimate to replace or install a new roof on your home please give us a call 937-605-6882 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.

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The post 5 Signs Your Dayton OH Roof Might Need Replacement appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

Are you in the planning phases of a home addition project on your Ohio property?  Home additions are usually the only way to add more liveable space to your property. If you aren’t fortunate to have a large unfinished basement that you can remodel for the extra space then building on a home addition is going to be your only option.

There are several different types of additions that can be added onto an Ohio home. Your addition could be as simple as increasing the size of a specific room, like a master bedroom or a childs bedroom for example.  Or your home addition could be as complex as building out an additional 2000 sq ft or more of new space such as a shop with living space above.  In some cases it’s even possible to add another story to your home if you don’t have the room to build “out”, you can always go up!

Home additions are generally one of the more expensive home improvement projects because of all the additional work involved but they do offer a great return in the increased property value and the additional space and use you’ll get out of your home.

In the case of a rental addition or sutie, it’s possible for the addition to pay for itself in a few short years if you can find a steady tennant.  Many homeowners are going this route with what is often referred to as a “mortgage helper” suite.

No matter which option you decide to go with for your home addition there is going to be the entire collection of trades working on your home. Framing, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, roofing and siding are all services you’re going to require at some point during the project.

This is where many homeowners would agree that working with a local professional contractor who specializes in home additions is their best option.

Building Home Additions in Dayton Ohio

Building a Room “Bump Out” Addition  – This is just a very small addition to a single room in your home. Maybe you’d like to have a small walk-in closet off your master bedroom, or a little more space in a bathroom. This is where a bump out room addition could be an option for you. Adding anywhere from 50 – 150 additional square feet to a section of your home. If you only need a tiny bit of extra space, then a bump out is a good option but don’t mistake of thinking because it’s small it’s going to be cheap!  There is still a lot of work involved.

Expanding a Single Room – Not quite as small as a bump out, not quite as big as a full blown multi-room home addition, a room addition will simply add-a-room or expand the space in an existing one. Often the addition will be for a living room, kitchen or an additional bedroom or even a home office. Plumbing may or may not be required, electrical work most certainly will, as well as all your exterior trades such as roofing and siding.

If you have the available property then a room addition might be a good option for you. This is not always possible with a smaller city lot though so you’ll have to consult with a local builder to get the specifics on your project.

Whole Home Addition – Whole home additions are much larger in scale than your room addition. An entire home addition is essentially that, building a “mini home” onto your existing one. Often whole home additions will include a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and are often designed as a self-contained separate living space. These projects are much larger in scope and scale and will require the services of a competent building contractor who can manage and organize all of the sub-trades through to completion. Your whole home addition might require foundation work to be done, will require plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, HVAC, roofing and siding. If you have the need for more space adding an additional 1200+ sq ft to your home is a possibility.

Adding A 2nd Story To Your Home – Often the only option for homeowners with a cramped city lot is to “build up”. And with the services of a competent building contractor it’s definitely a possibility. Your local bylaws and building codes will ultimately determine the feasibility of this project. But don’t get discouraged; contractors work through the red-tape all the time and can help you make sense of the situation.

Adding a level to your home requires major structural changes to your home and must be signed off by an engineer. This type of addition can literally double your living space if you want it to, or you could just have a single upstairs room added… It’s up to you.

Adding a 2nd story to your home is not a project for the faint of heart. You want to choose a contractor with a rock solid reputation and who is capable of such projects because some contractors won’t even attempt it.

Converting Your Garage Into Living Space – If you have a garage you’re not really using (it’s just full of junk) then you also have the possibility of converting this into new living space. Often wiring is already in place and plumbing not that far off. There is already a roof and at least 3 walls so for addition potential, the garage has a lot going for it.

There are downsides however… Where you will park your car? or any toys you might have like a boat or a motorcycle? If you have an alternate safe storage facility then it’s not a problem. Another point to keep in mind is that converted garages are usually not the most popular option for home buyers (they usually want the garage), so if you plan to sell you might want to avoid this.

What Will It Cost To Build an Addition On My Ohio Home?

This is probably the most important question any homeowner has about their upcoming home addition. “What’s it going to cost!”. That’s a really hard figure to give out over the Internet. To give you a very rough idea on construction costs you could expect to pay anywhere from $125-$225 per square foot of “finished” space.

That’s a big spread on price but it’s going to depend on what you’re actually doing and what materials you’re using and other complications or special circumstances your project may require. It’s best to ask a professional building contractor to provide you with a formal written estimate after thorough inspection of your project.

For examples sake, let’s say you’d like a larger master bedroom and you want to add 100 square feet of new space.  If we assume you’re choosing mid-range priced materials we can safely say a rough cost of approximately $150 per square foot finished.  So 100 x $150.00 is $15,000.  You’re new 100 square feet of new space could cost $15,000 to add onto your home.  This is just a rough ballpark to prepare you for the actual cost of a home addition.  Your situation will likely be different.

Why Choose The Ohio Home Doctor For Your Home Addition Project?

When you choose the Ohio Home Doctor team to build an addition onto your home you are partnering with a small team of craftsman, all with the common goal of making your home a better place.  Every employee strives to be the best he or she can be and will treat your home as if they were working on their own.

We keep a clean, safe work area and we’ll bend over backwards to accommodate you during the remodeling of your home as we know it can be inconvenient at times.  In the end we promise you’ll be happy with the results and how we’ve improved your home.

If you’d like to receive an estimate to build an addition onto your home please give us a call 937-605-6882 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.

The post Home Addition Options For Your Ohio Home appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

Remodeling your home is an exciting experience for any Ohio family that will transform the home you have, into the home that your family wants or needs. Don’t be so hasty though, remodeling isn’t really that straight forward and easy!

You’ve probably heard some of the remodeling horror stories from friends, family and co-workers but it’s also never easy to learn the truth in these situations and what events really led up to the negative experience. What you can do as a homeowner though, is learn what not to do when you’re remodeling your own home because mistakes with construction can be very costly, either immediately or much further down the road when an unexpected repair is needed.

Here are 6 different home remodeling mistakes that we really don’t want to see you make if you’re remodeling your Ohio home.

#1. Setting an Unrealistic Remodeling Budget

As a contractor this is something we experience all the time.  Many homeowners are not really aware of the costs for projects like these unless they’ve done it before.  To a first time home buyer who’s never remodeled a home before the price of what they want to do can be a sticker shock. If the scope of work you want to complete is outside your immediate budget range, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to build large projects in “phases” over a longer period of time. Maybe you start with a specific room like a bathroom, move to the kitchen, then tackle that large basement space further down the road.

Your entire project doesn’t need to be completed at once. Talk to your contractor about “phasing” your project and how they would recommend you do it to maximize your return.  On the other side of the coin it’s important to remember that “phased” projects often don’t ever get finished, not at the fault of the contractor but the homeowners circumstances might change and the projects is no longer feasible.  Just something to think about.

#2. Use Caution Hiring The First Available Contractor You Find

Many homeowners make the mistake of wanting to get their home remodeled in a hurry and remodeling + hurry  = WORRY! This is almost always a recipe for disaster. When it comes to construction and remodeling “fast” usually means cheaply built and less care will be taken and inferior materials are going to be used.

A good contractor will almost always be booked up well in advance, sometimes 4-8 weeks or even more. This is a good sign, because it means their work is good enough to be in demand. While it might take several weeks to get to your project, your contractor can usually get started on your estimate right away and can help you work within your budget on material choices and if you decide to move forward, can book you into their schedule.

#3. Don’t Expect Returns on Hidden Upgrades When You Sell

There are certain aspects of a home remodel that buyers love to see and feel such as new granite countertops, new hardwood flooring or even new siding or a beautiful new architectural shingle roof. Then there are the remodeling upgrades that they can’t see such as upgraded plumbing and wiring. The latter is not something you can expect a buyer to want to pay more for and they probably won’t because it’s not visual, and they usually don’t care.

Most home buyers are only interested in the visual improvements they can see contributing to a higher value of the home and won’t want to pay more for upgrades they consider “essential” for any home such as proper plumbing, wiring or insulation for example.  Wouldn’t you?

#4. Making Your Remodeling Changes Too Personal

If you’re going to live out the rest of your days in your home, then it might not matter so much but if you intend to sell your home within months or years after your remodel it’s important to make sure whatever changes/improvements you make to the home will also be appealing to others.

While you might think that an 80’s decorating scheme is the way to go, someone looking to buy a nice, modern home in your neighborhood might not. If resale value of your home is important to you then try and choose home improvements that will be more appealing to a general crowd and stay on with current remodeling trends.

#5. Failing To Get Proper Permits

There are many contractors willing to do work on your home without a permit. Don’t do it! They probably don’t have insurance or a license either!  We can probably all agree that filing all the proper paperwork and cutting the red tape can be a pain in the rear but it’s absolutely necessary if doing things the right way is important to you.

When a permit is pulled for a home remodeling project a city inspector is charged with inspecting the work during the rough-in phase and usually once again after everything is finished. These visits ensure that everything has been done to code and is safe for your family.

If your remodeling project is being completed without any proper permits unless you know a lot about construction you won’t have any idea what is being done to your home. Getting caught doing large scale remodeling to your home without proper permits in place can lead to a stoppage of work and also very steep fines for you and your contractor. It’s just not worth it.

Ohio Home Doctor Remodeling is a Home Remodeling Contractor Based Out Of Springboro, Ohio

Ohio Home Doctor is a full service general contractor based out of Springboro, OH and serving all of the Miami Valley. We specialize in all aspects of home construction and remodeling from building a new shop or garage on your property to remodeling your kitchen or building out that home addition, we can even install a new roof if that’s what you’re looking for.

Like many of the great contractors in our area we’re always booked in advance for our projects so if you’d like to receive an estimate for your upcoming home remodeling project please give us a call 937-605-6882 or fill out our contact form and someone will be getting right back to you.

The post 6 Home Remodeling Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

 Getting Started-

There are many reasons our clients decide to build room additions, whether it’s personal attachment to a property, or the addition of a new family member. Often times the most logical approach to attaining the living space your family needs is building a room addition to your Dayton, Ohio home. Additional square footage can morph your home’s functionality to accommodate your changing needs.

Get the Right Team Working For You-

After deciding that a build is in your near future the next step is to find the right design and build team to tackle your project. The process of getting started will differ from contractor to contractor. Some companies utilize part time in house design staff while others like Ohio Home Doctor have developed working relationships with some of Dayton’s finest architects and designers. Nothing can substitute for experience, and that is what we bring to the table.

Getting the Right Plan Together-

After our initial meeting we can asses your goals, and budget and make an architect recommendation based on your personal needs. We believe this provides you with the best possible fit and saves you both valuable time and money while finding the right designer/architect to formulate the actual building plans for your build. Having worked with these design teams over the years we are able to provide priceless real time feedback to our clients while they play around with possibilities during the design phase. This allows you to adjust the plan and entertain different ideas in a quantifiable manner while you work to meet your needs and budget.

Selecting The Right Contractor-
Upon completion of the plans the chosen architect will submit copies to both the client and potential contractors. You the potential client pay for these blue prints and thus own the final design. This allows you to shop for contractors in as close to an apples to apples manner as possible. Often times by the time you finalize the building plans the clients have selected their builder of choice since the design phase offers a great opportunity for the client to spend time interviewing the potential contractors with pertinent questions regarding your specific project.

We are here for You-

If you hire the right design/build team the entire experience can be both fun and rewarding. Ohio Home Doctor’s owner Matt Geddis enjoys meeting with clients on a daily basis to assist them no matter what stage of construction they are entering.

Do yourself a favor and hire a qualified team of professionals like Ohio Home Doctor for your next whole home remodel or room addition build in Dayton, Ohio.

Check out this featured Room Addition build completed recently by Ohio Home Doctor.

The Myers family approached us looking to expand their recently purchased home to make space for Grandma to move in with the family. We met with Mr. Myers several times to discuss the possibilities. He decided to hire our company after interviewing several other established local companies and recognizing what made us different in the way of a streamlined process, transparent pricing, and a concentration on outstanding craftsmanship.

We recommended local architect David Flannery to the Myers family and work began. Scott Myers and David Flannery worked  together for a few weeks hashing out various design options while I (Matt Geddis) was able to provide real time costing to the situation allowing Scott to maintain a firm grasp on the overall final budget.

The plan on the right is the final first floor design which included; two stories, a new master in law suite, a steam shower, walk in closet, 4th bedroom, hallway, vaulted ceilings, Pella windows, a kitchenette, and an elevator.

The basement level included; a study/library room, a mechanical room housing a new furnace, hot water circulation system, walk out office, and game room for the children. The basement level also included a secondary mechanical room for the elevator control equipment/motor. Using homasote soundproofing board we were able to smartly conceal the inherent noise making the elevator function smooth and quite.

Among the first steps of construction was preparing the existing home to receive the new addition. This included excavating a large amount of existing earth around the area, and cutting much of the existing foundation out to make way for the new amenities.

In the picture on the left you can see the perforated pipes we used as temporary gutter drains during construction to force any rain water we received away from the work area to prevent delays due to weather. Once we get started on an addition we work as fast a possible to ensure that each stage is finished in a timely manner as to not allow weather to effect our schedule.

To ensure our cuts were precise we utilized hydraulic powered wet saws mounted to guide tracks. This guarantees a straight cut, which is deep enough to get through the in this case 9 inch thick concrete walls. Prior to beginning the sawing we framed temporary support walls on the interior to carry the load of the existing house. This in conjunction with the sawing technique shown on the right allowed us to safely and efficiently tackle one of the most involved portions of this addition build.

Removing the shown portion of existing foundation wall allowed us to seamlessly integrate the existing and new spaces. Without doing so there would have been limited access into the new office and study. The easy way out would have been to simply remove a portion of the non load bearing side and installing a 36 inch man door. Instead of meeting code and making it easy the architect, Ohio Home Doctor, and Scott (client) opted to maximize the flow and functionality of the new addition. While designing these spaces we keep the clients best interest always in mind. It is imperative that the new areas are functional and assimilate flawlessly into the rest of your home.

Once the home was supported and the existing foundation was removed, we went straight to work on the foundation for the new room addition. We used aluminum wall forms as shown in the first picture above. The second picture shows the completed form waiting for concrete. For this project we brought in a concrete pump truck since access around the entire project was tight due to existing forestry which we didn’t want to disturb. Once the walls were poured we removed the forms and installed the perimeter and under slab drainage systems. Prior to back filling we installed a two step foundation waterproofing membrane. First the cured concrete was sprayed with tar waterproofing. This is all that is required by Ohio Building Code. Good enough for code just doesn’t cut it with us. Therefor we then installed a monolithic dimple board waterproofing membrane shown in the pictures above. This provides an additional barrier and effectively manages ground and rain water for the life of the home. A small additional cost with a huge benefit to this client.

Now that the footing, foundation wall, and foundation waterproofing were in place we started framing. This   addition feature 2×6 exterior walls, engineered structural beams, 3/4 CDX plywood decking, 1/2 plywood sheathing throughout, and an engineered truss system.

Our company, Ohio Home Doctor was able to dry in the entire 1800 square foot addition in 3 weeks while protecting the structure from ever getting wet. Dry in refers to the completion of framing, installation of roofing and windows, and the application of exterior rain screens such as TyVek. This may sound simple but anyone who has ever seen what rain can do to interior framing during a new construction build will appreciate this.

The finished product turned out wonderfully. We were able to match the brick almost exactly even 15 years after the homes original build. It most definitely does not look like a room addition which is one of the signs of victory to us. Nothing worse than driving down the road and saying, “wow, look at that room addition!”

  The finished product added balance to the original home’s design. What was once an L shaped home is now balanced; the garage on the left and the new addition on the right. This balance created a courtyard like entrance way leading to the home’s front door. Driving by this home it just looks like the really nice big house on the left, not the one with the addition on it.

The steam shower turned out really well boasting floor to ceiling European style glass doors, granite curbs, rubbed bronzed Moen hardware, a secondary rain head, a teak bench, custom porcelain tile work with granite accents, and a state of the art ThermaSol Pro 240 steam generator.

The bathroom vanity was built custom for this client using stock cabinetry from one of our local suppliers. Approaching the project this way allowed us to provide our client a very high end look at an amazingly affordable rate.

Ready to schedule a time to meet with Matt and discuss your project? Just fill out the form below and we will get back with you as soon as possible to schedule a time to meet at your home to discuss the possibilities. This client has also offered to allow us to bring potential future clients like yourself for a first hand tour of their home so that you can see for your self what makes hiring Ohio Home Doctor for your room addition build your best choice. We have many addition builds all over the area. Our experience allows us to effectively manage your project no matter how simple or involved it may be. Don’t allow someone to practice on your home because they said they can do it; hire the best the first time and rest assured you will be in good hands!

Check out the kind words this client posted for us on our Google Page.

The new home addition included tying into our existing home and following architectural plans that would make the outward appearance of the home look as if the addition was there from the first day the home was built.  NOT an easy job.  I was more than pleasantly surprised when I found Matt Geddis of Ohio Home Doctors.  The skill and efficiency of Matt and his team was superb. This home addition includes 2×6 brick exterior construction, walk out office with specialized wiring, elevator, large mother-in-law suite with custom kitchenette and cabinets, custom bathroom with European style glass wall shower with steam room generator, study, guest bedroom, built in surround-sound, completely wired for Cat5 and security, and storage/HVAC room.  This list goes on.

Every aspect of the job was handled with great attention to detail.  There was no “just making code”; it was built well beyond code requirements.  Learned quickly that I did not have to follow behind Matt and his team to make sure they were working to a high level of quality.  Matt kept in constant communication with me throughout the job and I did not have to chase him.  If you’ve ever worked with contractors, you know how important not having to “chase” you contractor is.

The elevator that was put into the addition for my Mother-In-Law was Matt’s first elevator install.  While an elevator company handles the hardware install, there is a lot of detail that goes into the elevator shaft and door system so that everything lines up perfectly; it was one of the more complex parts of the addition.  Matt handled this as if he’d done a dozen before.  The elevator supplier was anything but easy to work with, but even though they were difficult, Matt kept after them and made sure they got the job done right in the end. The finished project is marvelous.

From the custom bathroom with plenty of granite and glass, the mother-in-law suite with its  to my new office with its exotic wood floors and 5’ wide glass French doors.  I couldn’t be happier with it. Matt Geddis and Ohio Home Doctors is the best contractor you’ll ever work with, bar none.  Whether you’re just doing a small basement job to a large addition (or even an entire custom home), you’ll not find a better construction contractor in the Southwest Ohio Area.  Matt and his company are the best of the best that I have ever worked with.

We are truly humbled by Feedback like this! Thanks Scott!

The post Room Additions Dayton Ohio appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

Why Us?

Our Experience- We have effectively completed numerous projects just like yours. When considering which company to hire for your renovations you must consider not only their attention to detail while working in your home but also their ability to manage all the paper work which accompanies these types of projects. For the inexperienced contractor/homeowner team this can be a daunting and miserable experience. Our knowledge of the process cuts out an immeasurable amount of headache and back and forth emails while preparing for closing. Let’s face it, you have a lot going on right now while planning to move into your new and soon to be improved home. Let us streamline the process and make life easier!

We Are Certified- Ohio Home Doctor is pre-approved by Wells Fargo and Prime Lending. This cuts out the approval process and allows us to get to work in your corner right away. Getting approved the first time is no small task. We have undergone a credit check, background check, and thorough investigation by the banks to ensure that we are a trustworthy option for your project. Don’t be fooled by someone who says they can get approved quickly, it just doesn’t happen that way. Hiring a contractor who isn’t approved will add countless pages of paper work to the project, and delay closing for as much as 3 weeks. Often in that time your offer may expire and your dream home sells to someone else because you embarked on the journey with the wrong company.

We Are Equipped to handle your project no matter how involved its specifications may be. We are a full service home remodeling and home improvement company and have the man power and portfolio to tackle any and all jobs which are being either required or requested for your project. Having an organization equipped to manage all aspects of your project streamlines the process and allows for a single contract to be submitted to the bank, reducing overall turnaround time.

The Process

Step 1- Find your dream home! While planning to purchase keep an open mind and try to concentrate on potential more so than actual conditions. We can fix almost anything wrong with a home so find one with the right amount of size in the right neighborhood and we can re-design it into your dream home.

Step 2- Call Us! Once you have found your potential new home we can schedule a time with your realtor to meet at the home and discuss your plans. Have your must haves and want to haves lists available so we can cover all the bases when we meet. Our experience allows us to quickly and accurately assess the home’s condition and make recommendations regarding the best usage of your budget.

Step 3- We will draft a proposal for your project. This will be the “actual contract” which is the actual agreement for the work to be performed on your home.

Step 4- Once approved we will then draft a contract which meets the banks guidelines to get the loan approved. There needs to be 2 contracts since the bank wants specific language excluded from the contract often times making them vague. It is important for us that we are 100% on the same page as far as what we are going to do for you and for how much, thus the need for two contracts.

Step 5- Closing! We will begin construction within 30 days of your closing as required by most banks. It is important that you have made all your construction related decisions like material selection and design options as soon as possible after closing.

Step 6- Construction. During construction we will follow through on exactly what we planned to do. We will need access to the home during business hours Monday through Friday. It is always best if you can avoid moving into the home until construction is complete but if this is not possible then plan to live around construction until it is complete. Also keep in mind that personal items and or boxes should not be stored in areas of the home under construction. Lastly, make arrangements for any pets you may have since worksites aren’t the safest place for them.

Step 7- Enjoy your new home! After we are done the real fun begins and you can truly move into your new home and enjoy the features which made you decide to buy it in the first place.

The post 203K Loan Contractor| Home Path Renovations| Ohio Home Doctor appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

Getting Started With Your Basement Bathroom!

Being a basement finishing contractor we get tons of questions from our clients and potential clients each week. A large portion of the basement questions concern installing a bathroom in the basement of a home. While the task may seem daunting to the untrained eye, getting a fully functional half or full bath into your basement design plan is an attainable goal.

The Plumbing:

First the existing conditions must be assessed. In most homes built after 1990 during original construction the builder will “rough in” the drains to accept a future bathroom. If this is your situation than Congratulations, adding the bath will be a simple and affordable task.

 Even if the “roughed” layout isn’t just perfect for your plan we can remove the surrounding concrete, and modify the drains to comply with your desired floor plan. The average cost for adding a bathroom to a basement finish which has all the roughs in place is $ 4-5,000 dollars.  We have a comprehensive description of what’s included at this price point here.

Now if during your initial exploration of the unfinished space does not yield existing plumbing hook ups the next step will be to determine if an ejector pump will be needed or not. This can be determined by discovering the height at which the drains leave your home. If you can see the large 4 inch drain line leaving the exterior wall mid way up from the floor, then a pit will be needed. If you see existing floor drains or a drain stack which dives straight into the basement floor then the drain height is such that a bathroom may be added without needing an ejector pump.

An ejector pump will cost $ 500-1500 dollars depending on the model and output necessities. Installation is typically 2-3X the purchase price including, concrete removal, digging, plumbing, and inspections. From the picture you can see that the ejector pump is essential a waste catch basin and a pump. Once the collected waste reaches a pre determined level the pump pumps it up following the newly installed drain lines to the closest approved drain location. As a rule of thumb the farther the away the closest drain is the more powerful of a pump will be required and the higher up the price scale you will be footing the bill for.

Drains are always the primary concern when laying out a potential basement bathroom but it’s most definitely not the only consideration. Water lines must be run to feed the new fixtures. Most frequently there are plenty of acceptable lines to attach to for this in your existing basement. You must be careful however not to attach to a line which will not provide the proper amount of flow for the new fixtures. Best case approach is always tying onto a ¾ or 1 inch run to assure that both you will have enough pressure in the new fixture but also to guarantee that existing upstairs fixtures and or appliance aren’t being robbed by the new addition. It’s always best to have a licensed plumber run your new lines. Not only is it the law in most state including Ohio but it is generally just a good idea to have a professional tackle such an important task.

The Framing:

After the rough in plumbing is complete the next step is the get the wall framing started. Be sure to always use pressure treated material any time a framing member i.e. stud touches the cement wall or floor. It’s also a good idea when framing basement bathrooms to install proper blocking for; the shower wall board, any towel/t.p. bars, and vanity/pedestal sink installation. Taking an hour to install blocking before the drywall goes on will save countless hassle and work in the future. Anyone who has attempted to hang something without blocking can testify to how frustrating it can be.

Also be sure to comply with modern fire blocking codes when installing your framing. Failure to do so can result in numerous re-inspection fees and construction delays.

The Ventilation:

Not only is including a ventilation fan which vents to the exterior required by code but it is imperative to the proper function and longevity of your project. A fan must be installed and be pipe vented to the exterior. In a basement this typically means running a vent pipe in the joist cavity and exiting it through the exterior rim joist. It is a good idea to run the vent to the rear of the home as to not affect curb appeal in any way. When considering what fan to install consider whether a fan light combo makes sense for your situation. Fans are measured in two factors; how many cfms the fans pulls, and the quietness of the fan motor. The more you spend the better each of these values will be.

The Drywall:

It is a good idea to use moisture resistant drywall in all wet areas however it is especially important in a basement bathroom. For years moisture resistant drywall was green, now most of it is purple in color. Regardless of the color make sure your board complies with these standards. There are also products such as Denshield which has a fiberglass face instead of the traditional paper facing which can work well in these situations.  

The Shower:

Shower options for basement bathroom mirror those for every other area of the home. Be sure that proper waterproofing techniques are utilized while construction your shower. Failure to do so will result in premature failure and considerable loss in investment.

The Paint:

When selecting paint for your bathroom, consider sheen more so than any other factor. A higher sheen paint such as eggshell, satin, or even semi-gloss is ideal since these higher sheen paints better guard against moisture intrusion into the wall board substrate. Some companies such as Sherwin Williams even have special paint especially formulated for the unique demands of a bathroom. A few extra dollars up front can save a lot of money down the road.

When preparing to install a basement bathroom these are all important and helpful considerations. If you have a question not covered here please let us know bellow. We always enjoy hearing from potential clients, DIYers, and other contractors alike. Hopefully this article gets you started off in the right direction to maximizing the impact your newly finished basement bathroom will have on you and your family. Thanks for reading!

Want more info on basement finishing? Check this out!

The post How To Build A Basement Bathroom Properly in Ohio appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

This 5 bedroom 4.5 bathroom home built in Dayton, Ohio showed some minor water staining on an interior window. Surely being that they had a professional home inspection recently before their purchase of this home the damage must be minor.

The home owners called us to inspect the damage.

Upon a closer inspection I noticed evidence of water damaging the siding from the inside out. After removing a few boards by hand the issue was apparent. No Tyvek or flashing anywhere.

The builder relyed on osb lap siding with no back up plan to protect the home owners largest personal investment.

The result is major structural damage which leaves us no other option than to:

•Replace most of the Pella windows. •Repair and replace critical framing members.
•Re-sheet large portions of the home. •Install a proper rain screen.
•Flash the new windows.
•Install composite roof sleepers.
• Properly installed Hardie Siding.
•Paint the entire home.

The issue of water piercing your homes envelope has been approached with modern building techniques in the last decade. Much the same idea as modern showers new methods concede that water will indeed, as proven through centuries of wood home construction, infiltrate your homes siding. The new idea is to ofcourse prevent this as much as possible but also to manage this water directing it behind the siding, around the windows/doors, and out away from your homes foudantion prevent any structural damage and ensuring a siding installation that will last decades beyond its predecessors.

As the job progresses we will update this post, and outline both the effects of poor building, how this could have been prevented for less than .1% off the homes value, and our solution for this family.

By Matt Geddis

The post Where is the Tyvek? Wood, osb lap, and Fiber cement siding installed with NO Tyvek appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

This page is dedicated to a basement remodeling project completed by Ohio Home Doctor in Dayton, Ohio during the winter of 2013.

This project began with local homeowners Mr. and Mrs. Carter needing more space for their growing family. The answer was for the Carter family to expand downward making use of previously untapped space in their basement. Their wish list inlcuded a study, a library, a media/entertainment hub, and lots of open space for the childeren. We also included a highly functional pantry for those over flow kitchen items.

This project posed a few challanging circumstances for our talented carpenters. First the builder positioned a main drain stack two foot in front one of the few basement windows. This quandry left two local contractors without a solution and the Carter family wondering if finishing their basement  was even feasible. The drain in question contained a hub of main fittings which carried ALL of the waste for the first floor. moving this would mean re-plumbing most of the home and adding needless thousands to a already tight budget.

Mr. Carter was searching online and found one of our videos depicting a similar situation. He followed the link to our website and filled out on of the simple to use contact forms. With in one week of the intial meeting we had a final design, budget, the project permits issued, and work under way. Our solution to the design stumping misplaced drain was to incorporate it into a closet wall which flanked the bathroom proving both much needed storage and natural light and fresh air. This project took just under 5 weeks started to finish and I think their youngs kids enjoy the space most since they are able to run around safely playing without obstruction.

Not only did the Carter family get the extra space they needed but having a finished basement allowed them to re-purpose a good portion of the main living level making their entire home more functional for their busy family. This entire project was completed for under $20,000 including, 2×4 walls, 1/2 moisture resistent drywall, flush mount and can lighting, painting, a new bathroom, and frize high quality MoHawk carpet.

UPDATE! The Carters had us back to remodel their two other bathrooms. We will post progress and finished pics of this project soon so please follow us!

The post Carter Basement Finishing Project appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

Vanities: Installing a new vanity cabinet during a bathroom remodel always provides that visual impact you are looking for. There are thousands of choices and finding the one which is perfect for you will increase both the storage space and usability of your newly re constructed Bathroom retreat. Ohio Home Doctor can save you money on J&K vanities as well as custom built units. Whether it is a 6 ft. double sink unit or just a custom 24 inch cabinet to fit a small unique space we are happy to help you find the perfect piece for the perfect space.

Pedestal Sinks: For Small Bathrooms and bathrooms with pre existing attached or detached storage pedestal sinks are a great option. Their sleek clean design pleases many different decors. Wall mounted sinks can be installed to meet ADA code compliance where applicable. Feel free to shop Carr supply who has a large stock of in stock models. A good tip is to find a toilet and pedestal from the same company so that the finishes match. Let us know and we can schedule a time for you to check out the showroom. We are happy to pass on our savings to you!

Showers: New showers come in many forms. From custom tiled styles to 5 ft standard Kohler Sterling Units the options are almost limitless. Read More About Showers Here.

Custom Tile Work: Often times the difference between a good bathroom remodel and a Great bathroom remodel is the quality of the tile work. While searching for your bathroom remodeling contractor be sure to check to make sure they have the attention to detail and experience to complete the demands of your job. Read More about Custom Tile Installations Here.

Whirlpool Tubs: Like most other bathroom fixtures whirlpool tubs have become more high tech than ever. Most units are between 5 and 6 feet in width and between 3 and 4 foot in depth. These tubs can be purchased from box stores or online. They can also be ordered using our account at Carr Supply. Make sure that the pump and motor are included in the purchase when buying them. Also make sure that the proper electrical is supplied for your selected unit. In most cases this includes running a new 12 amp dedicated circuit.

Steam Generators: There are several steam generator delivery systems available today. There is a huge divide when gauging quality of these units. The cheaper ones make a massive amount of noise and are often times large and cumbersome. We prefer to install the ThermaSol Pro 240. This unit is in the middle of the road as far as cost and provides a great deal of steam with very little vibration and noise. Installing steam generators requires a unique skill set and is not something a rookie or diy project should involve. Building a steam shower usually includes running a new dedicated 40-60 amp circuit.

Mirrors: Bathroom Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes. From wall hung units to free standing furniture style displays. Often times the mirror is matched to the vanity but this is not a rule. Custom sized and shaped mirrors can also be installed and purchased through a glass company. We are happy to refer someone to you if a custom mirror is within the scope of your upcoming project.

Medicine Cabinets: Medicine cabinets usually double as an above sink mirror and additional storage. They can be match to the vanity or matched to the color and finish of the hardware and fixtures. It is popular to install medicine cabinets in small bathrooms and spaces with limited or no organic storage.

Closet Organizers: In bathrooms which contain closets it is a good idea to have an organization system installed. These can be as simple as wire racks and clothes hangers to automated concealed cabinets. In most cases it is best to have a closet company come in and handle the installation of these items. They buy these materials in bulk and can beat even the big box pricing. We are happy to include this in our estimate or connect you directly to a company which fits your needs.

Lighting: Concealed and fixture mounted LED lighting is becoming the go to choice for designers and architects while they do lighting plans for new bathroom remodels. Often a combination of traditional recessed can, sconces/vanity lights, and accent LED fixtures are used to create a lighting scheme which is flexible and dynamic. Morning lighting requirements and mid day visual enhancement lighting are very different and both need to be considered when laying out the new spaces.

Quite Exhaust Fans: It is standard national code to include a fan vented directly to the exterior either through an adjacent wall or the roof in any renovated bathroom. These fans come in various shapes and sizes. Fans are rated in sones, which gauges the amount of noise created and CFM’s which gauges the amount of air expelled per minute. The right fan is selected by calculating potential moisture and cubic feet of the closed space. It is best to lay out fans next to showers then toilets but often times the fan location is determined by access to a vent chase. Fans are one of those items in life where you really get what you pay for. Opt for a quality fan, you will be glad you did!

Heated Floors: In floor heating can be obtained through two different methods using any one of two basic techniques. Both work on the same basic principle but one uses pre fabricated mats, and the other uses individual wires strung together onsite. Both are comparable in price. The nicer ones are the pre fab mats because the installation is quicker thus making the cost to you cheaper. It is a good idea to install a back up second thermastat wire in case something ever happens to the original. These can be purchased from the supplier and are a life saver in the future if you ever need it. It’s cheap insurance.

Double Shower Heads: Adding additional sources of water supply in the shower has become more and more popular. This is achieved using what is called a transfer valve. Transfer valves provide the option to use one of two or both available outputs at the same time. The second “shower head” can be in the form of 4 body sprayers, an adjustable bar mounted hand held unit (which is popular for shaving assistance), or a rain head. Adding a transfer valve adds about $750 to the cost of a shower build but adds a high end feel and function.

The post Bathroom Remodeling Ideas and Options appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.