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The Benefits of Building Your Own Luxury Home

Have you been imagining your dream home for years? Now might be the best time to start building your own luxury home in New York. While buying older homes or remodeling can be fun too, building from scratch can help you finally have the home of your dreams. In fact, while it can be overwhelming at the start, building your own dream home comes with a variety of benefits:

1. Customization 

One of the best parts about building your own luxury home is that YOU get to be in charge. From the tiles on your kitchen floor to the type of windows in your living room and the color of your front door, you get to customize your home the way you want. 

2. Avoid Going Through Housing Market 

Another benefit of building your home is avoiding having to go through a realtor to look at homes, as well as going through bidding wars to try and buy a home you like. With building, there’s no competition — the house is already yours.

3. New Appliances, Technology, and Electrical

Having your dream home built is also great because then you have the most up-to-date electrical wiring, as well as the newest appliances and technology too. This way you don’t have to worry about old wiring or faulty circuits.

4. Current on Codes

Building and housing codes can change all the time, sometimes forcing older homes to renovate in order to adapt to new codes. When you have experienced professionals like us build your new home, you can trust that codes will be followed.

Luxury Home Builders in Hudson Valley, NY

Here at Peak Construction, we have been helping people build their dream homes since the early 1990s. We’re a team of experienced luxury home builders that will work to ensure that you get the home you’ve always wanted. To see how we can help you build a luxury home, contact us here.

The post The Benefits of Building Your Own Luxury Home appeared first on Peak Construction.

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3 Ideas for Home Additions

Like most people, you have probably thought about adding onto your home at some point. But what is stopping you from actually doing it? There are so many good things that can come from an addition on your home, from extra space to that perfect kitchen you’ve always wanted. If you’re looking to add onto your home, here are 4 great ideas for your new space:

1. Add a Second Story

For many older homes that are one story, there is a lack of space for families. If you have been wanting to remodel your home, adding a second story is a great way to give you the space you’ve always wanted, while still being able to stay in your family home.

2. Build a Luxury Bedroom

Many homeowners dream of a big, luxury bedroom. So, why not incorporate it in your home’s remodeling? Adding extra space onto your bedroom or creating a wall of windows or even adding a gorgeous bathroom are all ways to update your bedroom and make it feel like the one of your dreams.

3. Add a Guest Room/House

Many people love having company over but don’t have the space for everyone to fit comfortably. Adding on a guest room or even a guest house to your home can make having friends and family stay over much easier. And, they’ll be able to have their own private space. 

Remodeling Your Home With Professionals

If you’re looking to remodel and add on to your home, now is the perfect time. Whether you want to build the bedroom of your dreams or you want a guest house so your in-laws can stay and have their own space, our team here at Peak Construction can create luxury additions for you. For more information on our services, contact us here.

You can also visit our portfolio!

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FHA Minimum Property Requirements and Standards

If you are looking to buy or sell a home that involves an FHA mortgage, the lending guidelines will require an appraisal from an approved FHA appraiser. This appraisal of the home will accomplish two things: first, to find out how much the home is worth in comparison to other similar homes in the nearby […]

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New Guidance on the Vaccination Mandate for Federal Contractors

In our last post, we detailed President Biden’s Executive Order 14042 regarding vaccination requirements for government contractors. The order made clear that a new clause requiring vaccinations would be included in new contracts in the near future, but questions remained about which employees would ultimately be subject to the requirements. On September 24, 2021, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (Task Force) issued guidance that answered many of those questions.

Which Contracts Are Subject to the New Requirements?

The guidance states that the new clause must be included in all new contracts beginning on November 14, 2021. In addition, beginning on October 15, 2021, the new clause must be included in any existing contract where an option is exercised or an extension is made. The original order included an exception for new contracts awarded between October 15 and November 15 if the solicitation was issued before October 8, 2021, but the status of that exception is unclear. In fact, the guidance specifically encourages agencies to include the new clause in contracts awarded prior to November 14, 2021.

If a Contract is Subject to the New Rules, Which Employees Are Covered?

In short, effectively all of them. The guidance states that where the new clause is included in a contractor’s contract (or subcontract), the vaccination requirements will apply to all “covered contractor employees.” The definition of “covered contract employee” includes both contract and location-based references, and will mean that most (if not all) of a contractor’s employees will be subject to the requirements.

With regard to a particular contract, a “covered contract employee” is “any full-time or part-time employee of a covered contractor working on or in connection with a covered contract…” That language will be read as broadly as possible and will cover all employees working on or in support of a covered contract regardless of where they work, including employees who work remotely. This includes support roles like human resources, billing, and legal review.

The location-based definition of “covered contractor employee” is even broader, encompassing any employee “working at a covered contractor workplace,” which is any workplace where an employee “working on or in connection with a covered contract is likely to be present during the period of performance for a covered contract.” This includes outdoor worksites, subcontractor workplaces, and campus-style workplaces.

When read in tandem, the contract and location-based portions of the definition of “covered contractor employee” extends the vaccine mandate to any employee working on or in connection with a covered contract (including human resources, billing, etc.); and any employee working at a location where another employee is working in connection with a covered contract. In other words, once a contractor or subcontractor obtains a contract that includes the new clause, the vaccine mandate will apply to any employee working on or in connection with the contract in any capacity, as well as any employee working at a location where another employee is doing any contract-related work. For many contractors, that will effectively mean that all employees will be subject to the mandate.

The deadline to be fully vaccinated is December 8, 2021, or the first day of performance of a covered contract, whichever comes later.

The only exceptions to the vaccination mandate are those that are required by law, such as for disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For employees who meet those exceptions, contractors must provide a reasonable accommodation, and it is up to the contractor to determine that accommodation.

How Does a Contractor Demonstrate Compliance?

Prior to the issuance of this guidance, most agencies merely required that employees attest that they were vaccinated. However, the guidance now places a heavier burden on employers, requiring that they inspect each employee’s proof of vaccination. In addition to the vaccination requirement, contractors must ensure that all individuals, including vaccinated employees and visitors, follow CDC guidance for masking and physical distancing. Contractors must check the community transmission levels on the CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker County View website weekly for each covered contractor workplace and follow the CDC’s guidance for the corresponding level (low, medium, substantial, or high).

Are Contractors Entitled to Additional Compensation?

For new contracts, probably not. Contractors should be aware that the requirements will apply to new contracts, and price their proposals accordingly. However, if the new clause is incorporated into an existing contract through a modification, or when an option is exercised or an extension is made, contractors should be entitled to compensation. Under those circumstances, the new clause would not have been part of the original solicitation, so the inclusion of the new clause should represent a compensable change.

We will continue to update this guidance for contractors as the Task Force issues additional specifics. Our Government Contracting Group is available to assist you with questions on these new requirements and any other government contracting matters.

New Guidance on the Vaccination Mandate for Federal Contractors syndicated from https://riverfrontresidences.wordpress.com/

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Pros and Cons of a Homeowner’s Association

Dive into some of the advantages and disadvantages of a homeowner association and give you information to help you make a good decision for your next home purchase.

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Bilateral Modifications: Read, Re-Read, and Read Again Before You Sign

The Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals’ (ASBCA) recent decision in Odyssey International, Inc. provides contractors with yet another cautionary tale when executing modifications with the government: make sure you fully understand the consequences of what you are gaining (and possibly losing).

In Odyssey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the government) contracted for the construction of a building at an Army depot in Pennsylvania. A micropile system, which involves drilling small-diameter holes into bedrock and inserting grout into any voids before inserting a metal pole and casing, was to be used in the building’s foundation. Although potential offerors were to assume the need for 60 micropiles, the solicitation also noted that the contractor bore responsibility for the micropile foundation system’s design. After a series of discussions on the topic, the government informed Odyssey to submit its micropile design independent of the bidding criteria. As a result, Odyssey’s design, which the government approved, proposed using 80 micropiles instead of 60.

The government requested Odyssey submit a proposal for additional time and costs associated with 20 micropiles (i.e., the difference between Odyssey’s design and the micropile quantity called out in the bid criteria). However, the government later canceled that request and informed Odyssey that the solicitation actually required 72 micropiles. As a result, the government requested Odyssey provide a change proposal for just eight micropiles. Following negotiations, the parties executed a bilateral modification for the eight micropiles, which contained a release that is sometimes referred to as a “closing statement.”

Odyssey later submitted a request for equitable adjustment (REA) for additional costs and time in connection with the construction and installation of 20 micropiles, all of which had been completed at the time. Failing to reach an agreement on this REA, the government issued a unilateral modification granting some time and money for the micropile foundation system.

Nearly a year following the unilateral modification, the parties entered into another bilateral modification that largely addressed issues unrelated to the micropiles. However, this modification converted the micropile unilateral modification into a bilateral one and included a closing statement and release language. When Odyssey subsequently submitted another REA regarding the micropiles, the government denied it on the basis that Odyssey had previously released its micropile claim in the earlier bilateral modification. Odyssey disagreed and stated that the purpose of the bilateral modification was not to address the micropile work and challenged any purported release. Because the government maintained that Odyssey had released the micropile claim, Odyssey appealed the matter to the ASBCA.

In denying Odyssey’s appeal, the ASBCA found that the government’s unilateral modification addressed Odyssey’s micropile REA, the later bilateral modification converted the unilateral modification into a bilateral one, and the release in the later bilateral modification applied to Odyssey’s micropile REA. Thus, in executing the later bilateral modification, Odyssey released its micropile claims. Furthermore, the ASBCA held that because the release language in the modification was unambiguous in releasing Odyssey’s micropile claims, the ASBCA did not need to look beyond the modification’s language to interpret the parties’ intent in executing it.

As Odyssey reflects, you must read any bilateral modification’s scope carefully to understand exactly what the government may be giving you and, conversely, what you may be giving up. Be wary that even if you misunderstand a modification’s reach, a court generally will not consider anything beyond the modification’s express language (unless the language is ambiguous). Accordingly, it is always a good idea to have your attorney review any language in a modification labeled as a “closing statement,” “release,” or any language suggesting that you may be waiving your rights. Our Government Contracting Group is available to assist you with questions surrounding contract modifications and any other government contracting matters.

Bilateral Modifications: Read, Re-Read, and Read Again Before You Sign syndicated from https://riverfrontresidences.wordpress.com/

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New COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Government Contractors

Government contractors and subcontractors will need to learn—quickly–how to navigate new COVID-19 requirements. On September 9, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order (the order) imposing COVID-19 vaccine and testing requirements on government contractors and subcontractors. The new requirements will start appearing in contracts in a matter of weeks. Below are the key points that federal contractors need to know.

How will the vaccine requirement be implemented?

The order directs all executive departments and agencies to begin including a new and yet unwritten clause in solicitations, contracts, and contract-like instruments. The clause must state that the contractor will comply with all guidance issued by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (Task Force) that pertains to a contractor or subcontractor’s workplace locations.

What does the Task Force guidance say?

The order directs the Task Force to define relevant terms and explain the required protocols by September 24, 2021. Until that guidance is issued, the actual requirements remain a mystery.

However, the Task Force issued vaccine and testing requirements for contractors working at federal facilities earlier this year that may provide some insight. For example, vaccinated contractor employees were required to wear masks indoors only in localities with high rates of COVID-19 transmission. In contrast, unvaccinated contractor employees were subject to a litany of restrictions, including bi-weekly COVID-19 tests, masking, social distancing, and travel restrictions. That said, on September 9, 2021, President Biden issued a separate executive order directing the Task Force to issue new guidance requiring all federal employees to be vaccinated, with no testing alternative, and subject only to limited religious and medical exceptions as required by law. The Task Force’s requirements could ultimately follow either of those examples.

When will we start seeing vaccination requirements?

Very soon. The new clause must be included in any contract or contract-like instruments that are executed, renewed, or extended on or after October 15, 2021. It must also be included in any option exercised on or after that date. There is an exception for new contracts awarded between October 15 and November 15 if the solicitation was issued before October 8, 2021.

Will it apply to subcontractors?

Yes, prime contractors must ensure that the clause flows down to subcontractors at every tier.

Who is going to pay for all of this?

The order is silent on the costs associated with the additional vaccine and testing requirements. The costs should be built into price proposals moving forward, but that is not the case for existing contracts or price proposals that have already been submitted. To the extent that these new requirements give rise to unforeseeable costs on existing contracts or pending awards, contractors should be entitled to additional compensation and time.

What should contractors do for now?

We recommend that contractors notify impacted employees and key subcontractors about the potential for new vaccine and testing requirements, with additional details to follow once the specific requirements are issued.

What else should I know?

The executive orders referenced above were issued within a framework of other vaccine and testing requirements, including new requirements that apply to all private employers with over 100 employees (discussed by our Labor & Employment Group here).

We will update this guidance for contractors as additional specifics are issued by the Task Force. Our Government Contracting Group is available to assist you with questions on these new requirements and any other government contracting matters.

New COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Government Contractors syndicated from https://riverfrontresidences.wordpress.com/

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Recent Federal Circuit Decision Highlights the Limitations of Discussions

In a typical bid protest, the protester argues that its proposal should have been evaluated more favorably or that its competitors should have received a less favorable evaluation. However, in a recent bid protest, the protester turned those arguments on their head, instead arguing that its proposal was so poor that the Government owed the protester an opportunity to remedy its shortcomings.

The solicitation called for awards to be made on the basis of a best-value tradeoff. With regard to price, the solicitation called for consideration of both price realism (whether a price is too low) and price reasonableness (whether a price is too high). After proposals were submitted, the army conducted multiple rounds of discussions with offerors to provide them an opportunity to clarify and improve the proposals. During those discussions, the army issued more than 100 evaluation notices (EN) to the protester, DynCorp, noting issues with its proposal, including 39 related to price. Ultimately, DynCorp was not awarded a contract because its proposal received lower technical ratings than its competitors and its prices were the highest of all offerors.

While a summary of the various protests filed by DynCorp could fill a book (rather than a blog post), the crux of DynCorp’s arguments focused on the nuances of “discussions” in the context of a negotiated procurement. After receiving proposals, an agency may opt to conduct discussions with offerors to allow them to clarify and strengthen their proposals. To satisfy the requirement that discussions be “meaningful,” the agency must advise each offeror of significant weaknesses and deficiencies that need correcting to give them a reasonable chance of award. However, the agency is under no obligation to address each and every weakness that could be improved upon. In the context of price, an agency has no obligation to notify an offeror that its price is higher than others unless the agency believes the price is unreasonable, thereby rendering the offeror ineligible for award.

DynCorp argued that the army should have deemed DynCorp’s price unreasonable because it was higher than the other prices, and had the army found DynCorp’s price to be unreasonable, DynCorp would have been entitled to revise its price and would have been more competitive. In other words, DynCorp argued that its price was so unreasonable that the army was obligated to permit DynCorp to revise its proposal.

The U.S. Court of Federal Claims rejected those arguments, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit) affirmed that decision. The Federal Circuit summarized its decision by stating, “DynCorp’s proposed price was high. But it was not unreasonably high for the technical approach it proposed.” The Federal Circuit’s decision should remind contractors of the limits of discussions in a negotiated procurement. The government is required to raise fatal flaws in a proposal that will prevent an offeror from receiving an award (“significant weaknesses” or “deficiencies”), but that does not mean that the government must identify each and every minor issue in a proposal (mere “weaknesses”).

While the Federal Circuit’s decision highlights the limits of the discussions process, protesters frequently succeed in challenging an agency’s failure to provide meaningful discussions. The key to a successful protest is understanding what exactly must be raised by the government during the discussions process. Our Government Contracting Group is available to assist you with questions regarding discussions and any other government contracting matters.

Recent Federal Circuit Decision Highlights the Limitations of Discussions syndicated from https://riverfrontresidences.wordpress.com/

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What FAR Council Updates to Small Business Contracting Requirements Mean for Large and Small Business Contractors

The SBA made numerous changes to its regulations in the past year, but the FAR Council has largely failed to keep pace. Then, earlier this month, the FAR Council published three final rules to implement long-awaited changes to the FAR’s small business contracting requirements. While the changes concern small business contracting requirements, they will impact business contractors of all sizes. For example, one of the rules makes noteworthy changes to the FAR’s Limitations on Subcontracting, resulting in a more friendly regulatory landscape for small business prime contractors. Another of the rules provides clarity for large business contractors who seek to demonstrate “good faith efforts” to comply with a small business subcontracting plan. The new changes bring the FAR’s small business contracting requirements in line with the SBA’s regulations and will be incorporated into new contracts beginning on September 10, 2021.

Limitations on Subcontracting – Helpful Changes for Small Business Prime Contractors

Under the existing requirements in FAR 19.505 and FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, small business contractors are required to self-perform a specific percentage of the work, as measured by the cost of the work. The percentage of work that the small business prime contractor must self-perform depends upon the nature of the work: 1) general construction – 15%; 2) construction by specialty trade contractors – 25%; 3) services or supplies – 50%. The FAR Council made two important changes to those regulations that it hopes will reduce the burden on small business contractors and enable those businesses to compete for larger contracts.

First, small business prime contractors are now permitted to satisfy the percentage work requirements through self-performance or by subcontracting directly to a “similarly situated entity.” For example, a HUBZone prime contractor engaged in general construction must demonstrate that 15% of the work is either performed by the prime or subcontracted directly to another HUBZone entity (only first-tier subcontracting is counted). To qualify as a “similarly situated entity,” the subcontractor must have the same small business status that qualified the prime for the award and, additionally, must be small under the subcontract’s assigned NAICS code.

The revised rules also call for all percentage calculations to be based on the total amount paid by the government to the prime rather than the cost of the work. As a result, the revised text of FAR 19.505 now requires that “for a contract or order assigned a NAICS code for general construction, the [small business prime contractor] will not pay more than 85 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities.”

While most of the changes serve to align the FAR requirements with those set forth in the SBA’s regulations, there is still a significant difference with regard to enforcement and penalties. While the SBA’s regulations call for fines of $500,000 or the amount improperly spent on subcontracting (whichever is higher), the FAR Council opted to omit these penalties from the new FAR provisions. Absent those penalties or any specific enforcement mechanism, the impact of these changes is an open question.

Small Business Contracting Plan – Clarity Regarding Good Faith Effort to Comply

Pursuant to FAR 52.219-9, large business prime contractors are required to submit a small business subcontracting plan that includes goals for subcontracting with various categories of small businesses. Should a contractor fail to make a “good faith effort” to comply with its small business contracting plan during performance, FAR 19.705-7 and FAR 52.219-16 call for penalties in the amount the contractor failed to achieve each subcontracting goal. However, there has long been uncertainty about how a contractor may demonstrate that it made a “good faith effort” to comply. The new rules provide an extensive list of “indicators of good faith” and “indicators of a failure to make a good faith effort” that should help resolve that uncertainty.

“Indicators of a good faith effort” include:

Conducting market research to identify potential small business subcontractors

Soliciting small business participation as early as practicable in the acquisition process

Negotiating in good faith with interested small businesses

Directing small businesses that need additional assistance to the SBA

Assisting small businesses in obtaining bonding, insurance, equipment,

Participating in the mentor-protégé program

Exceeding the goal in one socioeconomic category in an amount greater than the failure in another

In contrast, “indicators of a failure to make a good faith effort” include:

Failure to designate an employee to administer the plan and monitor compliance

Failure to maintain records or otherwise demonstrate procedures adopted to comply with the plan

Failure to implement company policies that support the plan Failure to pay small business subcontractors in accordance with the subcontract

Failure to notify the contracting officer in writing when the prime fails to acquire performance from the small business concerns named in the prime’s proposal or whose pricing was used in preparing the proposal.

Contracting officers are to consider the totality of the circumstances when assessing compliance.

While any change to the FAR creates some confusion and uncertainty, these changes appear likely to create a more contractor-friendly procurement process in the long run. Our Government Contracting Group is available to assist you with questions on these new regulations and any other government contracting matters.

What FAR Council Updates to Small Business Contracting Requirements Mean for Large and Small Business Contractors syndicated from https://riverfrontresidences.wordpress.com/

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14 Repairs That Frequently Appear on Home Inspection Reports

Common issues that appear on home inspection reports and what they can mean in terms of either repairing the problem or choosing to look for a different home.

The post 14 Repairs That Frequently Appear on Home Inspection Reports appeared first on MadisonMortgageGuys.

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The Top 4 Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

Planning to begin a kitchen remodeling project is a big deal. After all, it’s both a costly and time-consuming process. It might be difficult to determine if a kitchen remodel is really necessary, for you and your home.

The kitchen is an especially integral part of many people’s homes. So, naturally, you’re going to want the area to suit your needs, wherever possible.

What are the top reasons that someone may decide to remodel their kitchen?

Why Someone Might Decide to Remodel Their Kitchen

1. To Redesign an Awkward Layout

Functionality is an important aspect of any kitchen. If a layout is awkward or difficult to move around, then this can often become a serious problem. It’s far more difficult to enjoy time spent in the kitchen, whenever it’s a chore to navigate.

2. To Update and Replace Degrading Materials

 Is the linoleum beginning to curl away from your kitchen’s floorboards? Then this could be a sign that it’s time to remodel your kitchen. Over time, even the strongest surfaces can become scratched or damaged.

3. To Better Fit Your Design Style

As we mentioned, the kitchen is an integral space in the house, for many individuals and families. If you’re spending a lot of time there, then it’s understandable that you’d want to feel as comfortable and welcomed as possible. If the current design style doesn’t fit your tastes, then it’s understandable to opt for a remodel.

4. To Improve Your Home’s Resale Value

It’s no secret that a newly remodeled kitchen can boost the resale value of someone’s home. After all, this is a highly desirable feature, in the eyes of many potential homebuyers. If you’re hoping to invest some money to help elevate the resale value of your home, then a remodeled kitchen could be the way to go.

Are you remodeling your kitchen in Hudson Valley? Don’t take on a project this big alone. Instead, bring in the remodeling experts at Peak Construction. Ready to get your project started? Contact us today.

The post The Top 4 Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen appeared first on Peak Construction.

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Contractor’s Guide to Biden’s Buy American Act Change: Buy More (and More and More) American

Elected officials in Washington, DC appear to have identified one topic that both parties can agree on—strengthening domestic content requirements on federal projects. In February 2021, we alerted contractors not only to Buy American Act changes previously implemented by the Trump administration but also to the potential changes addressed in a Biden administration executive order. Holding true to its word, the Biden administration recently issued a proposed rule that would make additional changes to an already complicated legal framework. Below are the key takeaways for contractors.

Takeaway #1

The proposed rule calls for increases to domestic content requirements (known as the component test). The Trump administration increased the requirement from 50% to 55%, and Biden’s proposed changes would eventually increase the requirement to as high as 75%. The increases would be imposed on a phased basis, raising immediately to 60%, then to 65% in 2024, and to 75% in 2029.

Takeaway #2

President Biden’s draft rule calls for a temporary waiver of the increased requirements when compliant materials are either unavailable or unacceptably expensive. Thus, until 2030, if materials meeting the increased domestic content requirements (whether 60%, 65%, or 75%) are unavailable or too expensive, a contractor will be permitted to use products that meet the current 55% threshold.

Takeaway #3

The proposed rule calls for higher price preferences for materials deemed to be critical or made up of critical components. However, the list of critical materials and the price preferences that apply to each material will be determined at a future date through a separate rule. Contractors should also note that under new FAR clauses (currently identified as 52.225-XX and 52.225-YY), awardees will be required to report the exact domestic content of critical materials and materials that contain critical components.

Takeaway #4

Finally, contractors should take note of what remains the same. Most notably, the proposed rule does not call for changes to the treatment of products that are the subject of trade agreements. Products from Canada, Japan, Germany, and other foreign countries will still be compliant in many cases. In addition, there is no change in the treatment of products that consist wholly of iron or steel, which will still be subject to a requirement that less than 5% of the cost of components come from foreign iron or steel.

While these changes are still merely proposed rules, there is likely to be confusion in the days ahead as contractors navigate an ever-changing set of requirements. Our Government Contracting Group is available to assist you with questions on these new regulations and any other government contracting matters.

Contractor’s Guide to Biden’s Buy American Act Change: Buy More (and More and More) American syndicated from https://riverfrontresidences.wordpress.com/

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How Can a Metal Roof Cool Down Your Home

There’s a bit of a misconception behind metal roofs. Many people mistakenly think that metal roofing will actually heat up the inside of their homes. Although this belief is untrue, it is still an understandable one. After all, under direct sunlight, the metal quickly becomes hot to the touch.

In reality, compared to traditional roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing is the superior cooling option. If you are looking to save money on cooling bills, then it could be time to consider having a new metal roof installed.

How Metal Roofing Keeps Heat Out of Your Home

It’s certainly true that the surface of metal becomes hot under sunlight. However, this heat isn’t a result of the material absorbing sunlight. Rather, the surface is so hot because metal roofing actually reflects heat, rather than bringing it into your home.

With asphalt shingles, for instance, the material will absorb the sun’s heat, throughout a hot summer day. Not only will this result in that heat transferring into your home, but additionally, it will take far longer for your roof to cool down. Even hours after the sun has set, it’s possible that your asphalt roof is still bringing sun-related heat into your home. Metal roofing, on the other hand, will cool down almost immediately.

Metal Roofing Can Save You Money on Cooling Bills

If you’re looking to bring down your air conditioning bills during the summer, metal roofing can be a useful asset. Because your roof is no longer bringing additional heat into your home, your air conditioning system will be able to run with improved efficiency. Thus, your bills will begin to go down.

While it’s true that metal roofing is a large investment, it is often one that pays off. Not only will it save you money on cooling bills, but metal is also far longer-lasting than traditional roofing materials — it’s also more durable, meaning you won’t have to pay frequent repair costs.

Interested in having a metal roof installed over your Hudson Valley home? It’s time to get in touch with the experienced roofers at Peak Construction. Contact us today, for more information or to get started.

The post How Can a Metal Roof Cool Down Your Home appeared first on Peak Construction.

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Making the Ordinary Extraordinary; An Interview with Will Bruder

BUILD sits down with Master Architect, Will Bruder, to discuss pragmatism, the poetics of design, and learning to love the building code. Making the Ordinary Extraordinary; An Interview with Will Bruder syndicated from https://riverfrontresidences.wordpress.com/

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test test scheduler 5 syndicated from https://riverfrontresidences.wordpress.com/

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Homebuyer’s Guide to Debt-To-Income (DTI) Ratio: How To Calculate

Take the time to understand how the debt-to-income ratio works and what you can do to bolster your chances of getting approved for a mortgage.

The post Homebuyer’s Guide to Debt-To-Income (DTI) Ratio: How To Calculate appeared first on MadisonMortgageGuys.

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Why Choose Vinyl Siding

Re-siding is one of the best ways to transform your home’s curb appeal while significantly cutting back on heating and cooling expenses. While there are numerous siding materials out there, many homeowners choose vinyl—and for a good reason. While the vinyl siding used on your grandmother’s home might have been tacky and prone to sag, the materials and processes used to make vinyl have come a long way in the last 50 years. Here are just a few benefits to choosing modern vinyl: 

Low Maintenance

While wood siding needs to be repainted every few years to preserve the wood and maintain a good appearance, vinyl requires no upkeep to stay looking nice. To keep vinyl siding looking tip-top, all you need to do is give it a quick spray-down in the spring. 

Pest Resistance

Certain siding types are highly susceptible to pests. For example, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, termites, and other pests can cause serious damage to wood siding, while extermination fees and DIY pest removal chemicals cost a fortune. None of these pests eat or bore into vinyl, making it a pest-resistant option. 

Eco-Friendliness

Many homeowners are concerned about making their homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Vinyl siding is perhaps the most eco-friendly siding option out there because it is both incredibly long-lasting and recyclable. Vinyl siding is also a slow conductor, which helps control temperatures and reduces your heating and cooling bills. 

Vinyl Looks Great

Modern vinyl has come a long way in terms of curb appeal. Made with higher quality materials than previous versions, modern vinyl does not sag, is wind, water, and weather-resistant, and comes in various beautiful colors and textures. 

Luxury Home Builder in Rhinebeck, NY

If you are considering starting work on a luxury home in Rhinebeck, contact Peak Construction today to discuss your project goals. 

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