Welcome to Dalco Home Remodeling's Blog Page.

We're hoping this becomes your page. We encourage you to ask questions about Dalco and the services we offer. We will also attempt to answer questions in general about remodeling and on occasion offer advice. We hope you visit often.

So please check the blog often for tips and what's new at Dalco or feel free to view our web page at http://www.dalcohomeremodeling.com/


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Windows; Why is Vinyl a Better Choice? by guest author Dan

Why are vinyl windows a better choice than windows made from wood or aluminum?
Your choice of framing material goes a long way toward determining the longevity and energy-efficiency of the total window system. Wood windows possess excellent thermal qualities but are prone to weather deterioration and require maintenance (painting) at regular intervals. Aluminum windows are very durable, yet offer little insulating value because they conduct energy rapidly.

Vinyl windows are your best choice because they offer thermal characteristics similar to wood, are extremely durable and provide a finish that is virtually maintenance-free. Also, keep in mind that the best performing vinyl window systems have multi-chambered frames with welded corners.

This is a first in a series of articles by guest author, Dan

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

By The Time You See It, It's Too Late.....

We've posted here and on our website's 'News & Notes' page advice and our approach to the tub/shower liner business.

If you look back thru this site you will find one of our blogs about liners with a few photos of jobs that originally thought they could just do a liner.  In many cases, like these, the damage is so obvious that a liner can be discounted as an alternative.

But, we had a case recently where we were convinced a liner was not a good way to go, because to our eyes it looked like there would be trouble behind the walls.  The homeowner though wasn't completely convinced, but went with our judgement anyway.

Well, we did the remodel a couple of weeks ago and when we took out the tile and wall board......let's just say there was no room for doubt anymore.  It turned out the original valve had a very slow leak and had been soaking the wall board and 2 x 4's for quite some time.  The smell, not very pleasant!  We called in the clean up crew and a few days later we were able to get back in, install the new valve, moisture board and surround. 

I had a chance to visit with our client shortly after we were completed and she confessed, she hadn't been completely convinced about the need to do a complete take out; but, was now very thankfull she had it done. 

She went on to say something I think will stick with me for quite awhile...."by the time you see it, it's too late", refering to what to her was minor damage, but to us indicated something more serious requiring a repair more than a liner could give. 

Think about it for a minute...how many people get up one morning and decide to simply change the look of their bath alcove?  Most of the time it's done because there is some visible problem. Our client is very right.....'by the time you see it'; it's usually going to be too late to simply cover it up.

You can clean the surface as thoroughly as you want, but if the problem is subsurface, all the cleaning in the world and then a liner won't make the problem go away. You'll just be able to hide it for a while.

At Dalco, "We fix problems, we don't just cover them up"!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Why Choose Dalco for Your New Roof...

 

A neighbor of mine recently asked three very well known St. Louis based roofing companies to give him a bid for a new roof and expected he would have a meeting with someone from each to go over his needs, give him ideas and explain his options.

WELL…………..
After making his calls; he waited patiently for these companies to call.  To his amazement, NOT ONE ever set an appointment.  He eventually received a proposal from each in the mail, he didn't even know any of them had been to his home!
He called me because he also had an appointment set with Dalco and wondered if it was standard practice in the roofing industry not to have a face-to-face with the customer to explain the bid, scope of work and roofing products that would be used.
Not being directly associated with our roofing department; I couldn’t tell him what the competitions normal practices were; but assured him our associate would visit with him and discuss his proposal in detail and go over any questions or concerns he may have.
But, now I was curious; just what was normal?  So, I called a few folks we had done roofs for, and asked about their experiences with other roofers bidding.  SURPRISE ME……it seems that IT IS normal practice in the industry to just mail bids with no face-to-face contact.  They seem to expect a customer will sign a multi thousand dollar bid without contact of any sort....I WAS AMAZED!!!

So I got back to my friend and asked to see the proposals he had received.  Even I couldn’t tell exactly what he would have gotten from any of the other companies.  I guess I just don’t understand this part of the industry, but I can sure tell you that if it were my roof I would want more a whole lot more detail before parting with my hard earned cash!
SO……
Why choose Dalco for your new roof?
1.      You WILL have a face-to-face meeting with an experienced associate who will explain in detail what each line item of your proposal means.
2.      If you have ventilation issues, these will be discussed with you and an appropriate product selected to correct the situation.
3.      Your installation will be performed by experienced, well train roofing installers.
4.      Your property will be thoroughly cleaned of job related debris and hauled away.
5.      Dalco is fully insured for your protection.
6.      All protrusions, valleys, flashing will be handled according to strict manufacturers requirements and specifications.
7.      You will receive a written non-prorated labor warranty.
8.      Dalco is a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association.
9.      Dalco is a Platinum Preferred contractor with Owens Corning.
10.   We have experience working with most homeowners insurance.
11.   We will even provide a list of installed projects for your drive by inspection AND with Dalco, your in home estimate is FREE.
So, before you sign a roofing contract….KNOW WHAT YOU'RE PAYING FOR!