What is a Bonus Room Attic Conversion?

These days remodeling your attic space to a bonus room can be one of your best investments.

Your immediate environment improves when you convert unused space to a bonus room – home theater room – office – or playroom!

Your new space also adds value to your home and can be paid for with a number of financing options.
Included here are a few pictures of an attic remodeling job. The new room includes hardwood floors, skylights and custom storage solutions.

This bonus room is used for artist space and an area to relax with great natural light.

The average cost of adding a bonus room or cost of attic remodeling is around $20,000 to $40,000 depending on the features chosen such as plumbing, appliances, and cabinetry.

Looking for a Remodeling Company with an informative website?

Updates to the Chuck Shomo Renovation and Repair Corp. website are live!

There is now even more information on the services offered, ranging from bathroom remodeling to siding repairs.

The top navigation now features pages dedicated to “water damage” “real estate services” and “commercial” property needs.

A link to this blog was added to the banner, so we hope that this will serve to inform our clients of the frequently updated information that you can find here on the contractors blog.

Website screenshot

Just a reminder that we can also be found on twitter where we update jobs in progress like welding, lighting, bathroom remodels and more happening around the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill Triangle.

Thank you note recieved 9-1-09

Hello Chuck,

First of all, your two employees have done an excellent job for me. I told them the same in person before they left. Now I say thank you to you.

********** ordered the wrong size panels. The center one is ok. They will come back most likely next week. At first I thought that you folks have to come too. They later explained to me that the glass will be put from inside (the house). You folks have done everything they need to do. Please ignore my message to your phone.

- K

Below is a recommendation from a North Raleigh Realtor.

Hello Chuck!

As you know, for several years, you are the only person we have chosen to refer to our valued clients for servicing their various needs regarding any home issues relating to maintenance/repairs. The liability for a bad referral can be huge, so we are VERY careful who we refer. From the first time we met with you to perform work on my personal house (you came to us as a referral from someone else), we were very impressed, both with your professional demeanor and the quality of your work. As such, we feel very confident in referring you to all of our clients. When I give your name to my clients, the first thing I tell them is that with each referral, the clients are so impressed with you that they continue to use your services long after the initial work, and, to refer you to their friends. The quality of your work is very professional, you are quick to follow up with the referral, and you stand behind what you do. A recent, specific issue comes to mind……a seller and his agent were refusing to fix disputed items on a home inspection. Due to your professional style, knowledge and presentation of the problems, the seller immediately sensed you knew what you were doing and not only agreed to fix the issues, but to employ you to do so. I think the fact that the people we refer to you continue to use and refer you for other services says it all……..I’m just afraid to continue to give out your name due to all the calls you are getting for repeat business……….we’re going to be standing in line!!!!!!

- Raleigh Realtor Ruby Henderson

On twitter @ChuckShomo

Just an update that Chuck Shomo Renovation and Repair is now on Twitter.

You can check in on the types of projects that are going on with the company by visiting Twitter.com/ChuckShomo

Twitter Page

While your reading check out this post on siding repair.

New Coupon for Raleigh Siding Repair

Siding repair in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC just got a little cheaper. Raleigh contractor Chuck Shomo Renovation and Repair Corporation just published a new coupon for siding repair.

The offer is for a free upgrade to siding materials that wont rot. MiraTEC and HardiPlank are exterior materials that are used in many new construction projects, but not common in older homes.

If your older home siding is rotting upgrading to no rot materials is the best fix. Often Chimneys and Southern Exposed Walls see the worst of the rotten wood, so upgrading in these areas is very beneficial.

Below is a picture of the coupon for Raleigh Siding Repair.

Siding repair coupon

New Pictures of Foundation Sealing, Welding, and Kitchen Remodeling

Foundation Leaks are a common problem that can result in damage to crawlspace insulation, mold, water damage, stains on drywall, and eventual corrosion of structural supports. Often a leaking foundation is caused by improper drainage at the leaking area. If your Home Inspection turns up a leaking foundation you should first examine the guttering, downspouts, and slope of the ground surrounding the area. Sealing a foundation and installing a vapor barrier is not complicated but is is labor intensive work. The project begins with trenching the areas you will be sealing. In Raleigh and surrounding cities there is usually 2-4 feet of soil between the brick line and the foundation footing. You will need to remove the soil roughly 1 1/2 feet away from the foundations edge to properly seal and drain the area. After the sealing is done, 6mil plastic is installed, and drainage pipe has been laid, the holes are filled, and additional top soil is brought in to increase the pitch of the yard away from the sealed foundation.

Sealing a leaking foundation

Trenching and sealing a leaking foundation. The drain was also lowered and vapor barrier was installed.

Below is a picture of the mobile welding crew in action at a North Raleigh Apartment Community. The crew arrives with welding and cutting equipment that is suitable for most area repair projects. A generator is also brought to supply power to the equipment.

Welding hand rails and posts

A North Raleigh community was in need of a quick welding repair to the handrails in one of the breezeways.

Kitchen cabinet refacing and painting

The homeowner called today to say that the home had sold!!! She gave credit to the updated kitchen appliances, new counter tops and cabinets that were restored with new doors and painting. Additional work on this property included lifting the foundation and repairing the resulting door alignments and cracked drywall. New subflooring was installed at the back door. The crawlspace was insulated, dryer vent replaced, and hinges were removed and replaces at the crawl space door.

Home Inspection Punch List

Home inspection punchlist repairs are an important part of buying and selling a home. Often times a home inspector turns up a list of repairs that range from leaking faucets, to rotten siding and trim, mechanical problems, faulty electrical systems and much, much more…

Bringing in a general contractor that can address all of the issues from plumbing to siding to electrical work reduces the hassle of contacting separate service providers for each need.

Cary home inspection punchlist

The home pictured here is in Cary, NC a suburb of Raleigh. The inspection report was a total of 34 pages long and included more that a dozen detailed recommendations for repairs to the property. One notable problem was the slope of the front porch that had fallen toward the foundation and was creating a situation where water was draining directly towards the home.

A few other items were:

Rotten sink base cabinets which are a common problem where there is a small sustained leak from sink drains or supply lines.

Improperly wired electrical outlets.

Rotten siding and trim on the home exterior.

Clogged gutters and downspouts.

Nail pops (nails that have popped out of the drywall in the ceiling or walls)

Historic Restoration

Siding Repairs to the Democratic Party Headquarters in Raleigh, NC

We have just completed a historic restoration project that included siding repair and trim work for the Democratic Party Raleigh Headquarters. I will post more pictures soon.

Custom Trim work on the North Carolina Democratic Party Offices

Hand Made dental moulding was needed to match the custom pieces above the main entry. Repairs were also made to the large fluted columns, custom crown, and column bases.

If you are in downtown drive by 220 Hillsboro to see the project.

I have been to busy to post for a few weeks. Projects of late include Realestate Inspection Punchlists, and community improvement projects for multifamily properties operated by property management companies in Raleigh, NC.

Water Damage on Ceilings, Walls, and Floors

Water damage restoration is a combination of rapid response, thoughtful estimation and patient execution. For Raleigh customers seeking information on water damage restoration we have compiled five steps to paint a picture of the restoration process. Included below is a sample of the content on water damage from the website. For the complete list and more information visit the water damage page at ChuckShomoRenovation.com

1. Rapid Response and Dispatch

A call comes in and immediately a qualified drying technician is dispatched to the location of the water leak. Our rapid response crews arrive in new vehicles with the latest drying and testing equipment ready to address the source of the problem. The initial response includes a thoughtful evaluation of the water damage to the ceiling, walls and floors as needed.

2. Assess the Damage

We immediately determine what type of services, equipment, and materials will be needed to fully restore the affected areas. Moisture meters are used to gauge the moisture level of materials that are below the surface. To ensure that all aspects of the project are considered, we work in unison with the homeowner and insurance company to create a comprehensive estimate of the restoration needed.

3. Water Extraction, Drying and Dehumidification

mold after water damage

The EPA advises that Water Damage restoration begin within 24-48 hours to prevent the growth of mold. We use high-powered Water Extractors, Air Movers and Dehumidifiers to quickly and thoroughly dry carpets, hardwoods, subfloors, and even the contents of the flooded area. Mitigating the potential of increased damage and health risks due to mold growth is a crucial first step in the water damage restoration process.

Summer Siding Repair, Tax Credits, Media Rooms, and More…

Summer is the time to repair your home siding and trim!

Replacing damaged siding and rotten wood around your home is the first step to restoring the original beauty that has faded with the years of sunshine and rain. Today there are many weather resistant materials that will not only match the existing surfaces, but will stand up to the elements better than wood and fiber based products…

Rotten wood to be replaced with miratec

MiraTEC, PVC and HardiPlank are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to match most any home facade in the Triangle Area. These materials are engineered to withstand high moisture levels without rotting, and will add lasting value to your siding repair project!

Our Summer special on No-Rot Products means you can upgrade to MiraTEC, PVC, and HardiBaord at no additional cost! So, for the price of wood and fiberboard you can have the peace of mind that comes from utilising the best product available for the application. To take advantage of this offer just schedule a free estimate before July 4th and our experienced staff will complete the install at a time that is convenient for you!

Basements, Attics, and Media Rooms are possibly the best way to utilize the existing square footage in your home… So you have a walk in attic space, or an old dusty basement, or even a great bonus room that is hardly used today. These spaces are potentially new bedrooms with attached bathrooms, or media rooms that will add value to your property and qualify for tax credits.

home theater conversions and media rooms

We have updated the website!!! Vist us online now for more information on our services and to see pictures of some of our recent projects around town at ChuckShomoRenovation.com