Giving your home a new looks and value with a new addition

Have you ever dreamt of adding on to your home and fantasized about the beauty that it could be? Do you ever wonder what it would take to make a change to yourJacksonvillehome, but are afraid of what it would take to do it? Does a home improvement project sound like a great thing to have done, but the process seems frightening? If you have ever wanted a new bathroom, kitchen, or perhaps an addition like a year round sunroom than the Fidus Group can help make a reality out of that dream.

 

We are one of the number one contractors in remodeling inJacksonvilleand we have taken simple homes all acrossNortheast Floridaand transformed them by adding additional space, brought new life to preexisting rooms, and have profoundly transformed the curb appeal that homeowners all across theFirstCoastregion. It doesn’t matter if you are looking to do something small like changing the way your home looks with replacement windows and doors, or it is going as far as a whole house remodel, the certified professionals at the Fidus Group know how to help you make the right decision for you, your family and your home.

 

For more information about the possibilities that are awaiting you click HERE, or you can call (904) 758-6000 to schedule a free no obligation consultation.

Getting your dream home means having a builder who will listen to what you want

Imagine for a moment that you go out to a restaurant and order a pizza, something that you had been craving to have your entire day. You really wanted pepperoni and when the waiter brings out your order you are disappointed to find that instead of what you ordered it had nothing but mushrooms on it. You ask the waiter why the order was wrong and he explains that it wasn’t wrong, and that the restaurant felt that you would be better off with that kind of pizza. We would never accept this yet in home improvement we often do.

When it comes to building a home there are many custom Jacksonville home builders that will not work with you to ensure that your ideas are fully realized in the design. The certified professionals at the Fidus Group not only encourage your input and design ideas, they will listen carefully to what it is that you are desiring and then build from there. In addition to building, if you are remodeling Jacksonville homes the Fidus Group is the right experts to help you through the project.

One of the most important things that you can have when you are hiring a builder is trust, and you need someone that can help guide you through the project that will help you understand what is happening and is open to what you have to say. To learn more about the custom Jacksonville home building that the Fidus Group does click HERE, or call today at 904-758-6000 to schedule a FREE in-home consultation and estimate for your next home improvement project. Keep up with our Blog for all the latest in Home Improvement! (Facebook, Twitter, RSS)

Three steps to choosing the right project


When it comes to home improvement projects there are three rules that you should use to guide your decision as to which project you should choose so that you can get the most out of your money. Often times we think of going for things such as kitchen remodels and larger projects of this nature but before tackling these the certified professionals at the Fidus Group want you to know that there may be a few important projects that will have a good impact on your life and the value of your home before taking on something like a remodel.

The first rule is to invest in the actual structure of your home. This would include things like repairing or replacing your Jacksonville roofing, or to install new easy to manage and energy efficient siding. Secondly you will want to work on something that will add to the overall curb appeal of your home. This will have an effect on the resale value of your home, as well as your overall happiness.

Finally it is also important that you work to make things easier for you to maintain your home. This would include having siding that is easy to clean, and replacement windows and doors that are energy efficient. These are all projects that will add to the overall appeal of your home, and give you happiness and a higher quality of life. This is not to say that doing a remodeling project is a bad idea, but before tackling these kinds of items it is a good idea to ensure that comfort, efficiency, and appearance are all areas that have been addressed first.

For more information about the work that the Fidus Group does click HERE, or you can call (904) 758-6000 to schedule a no obligation consultation.

Replacing your windows and doors can lead to a reduction in monthly expense

Have you ever turned up the cooler on a hot summer day only to have it seem to be completely ineffective? Possibly it is a cold winter night and no matter how much you adjust the thermostat it just doesn’t seem to change anything. It seems like even though you are throwing loads of money at your heating and cooling, it just isn’t paying off. One of the most challenging things for Jacksonville area home owners right now is the economy. When you are already struggling it can be a real challenge to think about doing any kind of home improvement project or remodeling. The Fidus Group Roofing and Construction understand that things are difficult for many families right now and when it is as challenging as it is right now every cent can add up to make a difference.

This is why the certified experts at the Fidus Group know that there are some changes that are important to make which can actually make a difference for you. Although energy efficiency is a lot about having comfort in your Jacksonville home and a quality living experience, it is also about saving money. Many experts now agree that you can lose as much as 40 percent of the energy that you purchase and use through improperly installed, poorly designed, and inadequately insulated windows, doors, and even roofs. This is a tremendous amount of energy to just be, quite literally, throwing right out the window.

It is important that you take active steps to ensure that you are properly taken care of, and unfortunately it may have some cost upfront, but the overall picture is one that has the potential to save you money and add a tremendous amount of comfort to your daily living experience. You would like to be able to turn up the heat during the winter and just have your home get harm, rather than it take a while before you turn it up some more. The same goes for the summer, and the more you have to adjust your heating and cooling the more monthly expense it will be. In addition to this, having these kinds of ways for the elements to affect the inside of your home is something that can lead to potential danger as well. Moisture buildup can cause mold and mildew, which can in turn will put both you and your family at risk.

The Jacksonville home builders at the Fidus Group have professionals who want to help you make the best decision about how to help you save money and have a more enjoyable experience at home. They can help show you ways that will reduce costs and areas that improvement could help achieve this. For more information about the services that the Fidus Group offer click HERE, or call (904) 758-6000 to schedule a free no obligation consultation.

Home improvement specialists with a desire to serve

It’s getting to be that time of year again when you start looking at what improvements you might want to make to your home. If you have ever fantasized about having more space, an improved kitchen or perhaps a bigger or better bathroom than the Fidus Group has certified experts who can help make that dream a reality. When it comes to being at the top, the Fidus Group is the very best in remodeling. Whether you need a Ponte Verda Beach roofer or simply a sunroom added to your Jacksonville home they have a professional team of builders who can give you the very best experience and results.

For many people adding to your home with a remodel project or some good home improvement is a great way to not only add value to your home, but also to your life. Many people do not realize that there are many changes that can be made to dramatically improve on the energy efficiency of your home. Experts indicate that there can be a substantial loss of heating or cooling with windows, doors , roofing and even insulation that is poorly installed.

The Fidus Group takes pride in the fact that they will help guide you to the right kind of project for your home so that you can achieve the optimal level of efficiency, giving you potential savings each month. In addition to this they also have strength in ensuring that the project is enjoyable and relaxing for you.

Right from the very beginning they will work with you to make sure you know exactly what is taking place every step of the way and you know precisely what to expect.  They will provide to you a written out and complete estimate along with a production schedule so that you know what to plan for as the work is being done.

It is also important to them that they are there when they are scheduled to be, and that they work as discretely and efficiently as possible so as to not disrupt your day. Then they will do what is necessary to make sure they have everything back in order and clean so that you have the best experience possible.

No project is too big or too small. Whether you need additional storage in your home, a brand new extra bathroom, or a complete redesign and construction of a dream kitchen, the Fidus Group is the Jacksonville contractor who has the biggest selection of home improvement abilities and services. To learn more about what the Fidus Group offers in regards to remodeling and additions click HERE, or call them at (904) 758-6000 to schedule a free no obligation, in home consultation and estimate for your upcoming home improvement project.

How to tell if you need a new roof

When you really think about it, when was the last time you took a good look at your house? If you are like most people you are moving from one point to another, never quite keeping up with the obligations that you have, and if there was a spare second left, it wouldn’t likely be going to looking at the top of your house. For many people a roof inspection typically consists of a possible glance up as you are backing up and pulling out of your driveway. If there isn’t a problem facing us or catching our attention, our focus goes to other things. The trouble is, once you notice there is a problem when it comes toJacksonvilleroofs, it is often too late.

This doesn’t mean that it is too late to do absolutely anything, but it does mean that you have a good chance that your roof is going to need costly repairs, or the damage has crept into other areas that will also take time, effort, and money.

With this in mind it is critical that you take the time to inspect your roof and ensure that you do not have any serious problems or issues that could potentially affect you and your family down the road. In order to do this there are a few things that you may want to do and look for.

To begin with start from the top and work your way down. When it comes to your roof, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) you should be checking it at the very least twice a year. When you are doing this, you should start by going up into your attic if you can.

The first thing that you should be looking for in this area is a sagging section of the roof. Then you will look for any signs of water damage or any kind of leak. If there are dark sections or trails that are leaking you may have a serious problem, and if you can see any kind of outside light coming through any section of the roof then you need to get help as quickly as you can. The issue is that once you have a pathway to the outside any kind of wind, ice, snow, and ultimately water will find its way into your home and destroy what is in your ceiling, in your walls, and ultimately devour other important property. Moisture can also lead to mildew and mold, which can in turn create a health hazard to both you and your family.

From the outside of your home you will want to look for any area of your roof that may be missing any kind of shingles or roofing materials. One thing that people fail to look for is roofing shingle granules, which are similar to sand, and can indicate that there has been damage to your roof.

Although you may think of your Jacksonville home as being safe and not in danger of problems, the truth is there are many ways that damage can quietly occur and without actively seeking it out you may not see it until it is too late. If you have any concerns about your roof call the certified experts at the Fidus Group today at 904-758-6000 to schedule for your next roofing or home improvement project.

Why having a certified contractor is important for your Jacksonville home improvement project

When it comes to the joy of the home improvement project, no matter what kind it is, there are those who will find greater pleasure in a job well done, then struggling through a job until it is done. There are many studies that show that although we enjoy to do the work ourselves, having the assistance of a contractor is incredibly rewarding, particularly when it is completed how we wanted in the first place.

When choosing which one of endless options available for a contractor, it is staggering trying to determine who is the right one for you and your Jacksonville home. Although there are many who do not know, it is important to understand that you need to have someone who is certified doing your work for you, particularly if something goes wrong. Many people fail to understand the significance of this until it is way too late.

All to often a fly-by-night contractor will claim to be able to do a job, whether it is a newSt. Augustinewindow and door replacement, orJacksonvilleroofing repair. They may in fact be able to underbid other businesses, but if they are not certified to do the job they are being paid to do, you may run into some serious problems down the road.

Let’s say that your roof was not installed properly, or a window or door had an unseen defect. When you attempt to utilize a manufacturers warranty and the company learns that it was not properly installed by a certified installer they will often not honor your warranty. The professional certified experts at The Fidus Group utilize the methods, materials, and products that are necessary to ensure that your installation is properly done. By being trained through the manufacturer themselves, the Fidus Group’s staff of licensed crew are always up to date with the most current installation methods. This ensures that they are always fully trained and as such remain warrantee compliant with Seal-o-Flex, GAF, and Gulf Coast Metal Roofs. Because of these important steps that the Fidus Group takes they have become one of just a few of the available roofing contractors that offer all of these certifications. This is something that can be a huge benefit to the home owners ofSt. AugustineandJacksonville.

In addition to this, in installing these highly durable, and energy efficient materials, the Fidus Group has become one of the only roofers in St. Augustineand Jacksonvillethat can provide such a wide range of options. Although there are times when it may be tempting to go with someone you don’t know who is offering an unbelievable deal, the fact is you are taking a serious risk that you may pay dearly for later. Trust in the experts who have a track record of excellence already established. For a free in home consultation and estimate call the Fidus Group today at 904-758-6000 to schedule for your next roofing or home improvement project.

 

The Lifecycle Cost of Your Florida Roof – Why it Matters When Choosing a Jacksonville Roofing Contractor.

One of the most difficult decisions to make when installing a new roof on your home is choosing the material. Different materials have different lifespans and a wide range of costs. It is important to understand what roofing material is affordable now while maintaining the quality to last.

A reliable Florida roofing contractor can educate you and steer you in the right direction. A roofing contractor is an expert and can help you understand different roofing materials, their lifespans and installation costs. Every three years, the Fidus Group recommends a thorough roof inspection to make sure your roofing material is standing up to the elements.  Options of roof materials seen in Florida include:

  • composite shingles
  • clay
  • terracotta
  • concrete tile
  • slate
  • metal

Composite shingles – Composite shingles made of asphalt, fiberglass or other materials, are the most common roofing material in America. This roofing material offers durability with an affordable price tag. You can find composite shingles in a variety of brands, colors, and sizes and are installed easily. They require low maintenance and provide Class A fire protection. Shingles warranties range from 15-40 years depending on the type and thickness. On the negative side, composite shingles can blow off easily in high winds and can in some cases scar with heat.

Clay, terracotta, and concrete roofing tile – Very common in Florida, tile roofing offers a great architectural look and a lifespan around 50 years. Tiles, although a more expensive choice, wont rot or burn, cannot be damaged by insects, and require little maintenance. Tiles come in many colors, types and styles to give your house a unique look. The biggest negative of roofing tiles is their weight. Roofing tiles can be very heavy, sometimes much to heavy for a roof to bear requiring the need for extra support. Also, tiles can break when walked on making maintenance difficult.

Slate – slate roofs are made up of shingle-like slivers of rock. Slate is one of the most expensive roofing choices but offers an upscale look with a lifespan of 45-60 years. Benefits are similar to those of roofing tile. Slate offers great fire protection, low maintenance and invulnerability to rot and insects. Downsides, also similar to roofing tile, slate shingles are very heavy requiring extra support and is also breakable when walked on.

Metal roofing – Standing-seam steel metal roofing is the most popular residential metal roofing used today. The term standing-seam refers to the upturned edge where the metal sheets meet but metal roofing is also seen in the form of shingles or tiles. Metal roofs are durable, fire retardant, and almost maintenance free and can last from 75-100 years. They also are very energy efficient as they reflect heat and block the transfer of heat into the attic. Research by the Florida Solar Energy Center has shown that metal roofing absorbs 34% less heat than asphalt shingles and can save a household up to 20% in energy costs. Metal roofing can also carry a very high price tag, especially premium metals such as copper. Also, the installation process can be very intricate increasing the initial cost of the roof.

Full roof replacement can be an expensive and stressful process. It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of all the different roofing materials. Although some materials have higher price tags, their lifespan can last for up to a century.

The state of Florida requires a licensed Florida contractor to do all residential and commercial roofing work. For this reason it is important to consult with a roofing expert such as Jacksonville Roofer, the Fidus Group, a GAF certified roofing contractor, when making this big decision.

Keeping Up With Roof Maintenance…Before It’s Too Late!

Florida’s weather can be volatile and extreme. That is why it is important to make sure your roof is up to par and doing its job of protecting your home and family. Florida is known for its extreme weather ranging from severe hurricanes, to afternoon thunder and lightning storms, even tornadoes.

These events can cause great damage to your roof and therefore your home leading to costly and time consuming roof replacement and repair. Hiring a professional Florida roofing contractor for annual or semi annual roof maintenance can prevent damage and prolong the durability and life span of your roof.

By using a local roofing contractor who knows Florida’s conditions, roofing materials that work best, and common roofing issues that occur, you can have an effective roof maintenance program. A maintenance program helps avoid the following types of damages that plague homes all over Florida.

Loss of support – Florida’s heavy rains, winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes can cause serious damage to your roof’s structure and cause a serious safety concern for your family and home. Enough damage from the extreme weather can lead to the loss of support and eventually complete roof collapse.

Flashing Damage – Flashing is the metal part of your roof that covers the gaps where your roofing material meets with your home, chimney, pipes etc. to deflect water from seams and joints. When your flashing fails, water is able to leak into your home causing major issues such as mold and water damage.

Extreme Weather Damage- your roof is designed to withstand severe weather related events but roofing materials have different levels of durability and life times.  In Florida however we often see severe hurricanes that can cause serious damage or even demolish our roofs despite their durability. It is important to get them checked by a professional after any type of severe weather incident to make sure they are still protecting our home.

After choosing the right material and installing a roof, it is important that you are proactive and keep up with its maintenance. A roof can last over 30 years but if you ignore its maintenance, it can quickly fail.  A roofing maintenance program with a professional Florida roofing contractor can ensure that your roof is in top shape and that your home and family are being protected.

The Secrets to Identifying a Leaky Roof for the Savvy Homeowner

Finding roof leaks can be a challenge. Here are some tips from Fidus Group Roofing & Construction of Jacksonville, Florida that will help you find the leak and figure out how it can be repaired once it’s found.

A leaky roof can cause a huge amount of damage in a small amount of time. The important job of protecting your family and home from Florida’s Atlantic coast climate with wind, rain, sun, and hail falls on your roof. If left unrepaired a leak can allow water to seep into your home and damage your insulation, making it considerably less affective. Water that comes in through a roof leak can also damage your belongings, and worst of all, can cause mold to start growing, which can be very dangerous as mold is a huge health hazard.

A roof leak can be hard to find and once found, can be hard to repair. Here are some tips from the Fidus Group that will help you find the leak and will let you know what type of roofing repairs need to be made.

Popular Spots for Leaks
One problem with locating a leak is that it often starts at a different spot than where you see the water on the interior of your house. The way water flows along your roof will help you find the source of the water that has breached the roof materials. When water gets through a crack or gap in the roof material, it won’t generally drip into the home at the spot it entered. If there are cracks or gaps in existing shingles or places where shingles are missing, water can seep in through the roof materials at these locations. Also, if there are bad or damaged seals on the roof, water can also seep in there. Once water gets in through the gaps or cracks, it usually flows along the underside of the roof or along the rafters in the attic before it comes into the living space.

Finding the Leak
The only time you should look for a leak in your roof is during daylight hours. You need to be able to see the details of the roof and the roof materials. The best place to begin is in the attic. Look for signs that water has flowed into the space either along the ceiling or along the rafters. You may be able to see marks where the water flowed onto the wood or along the rafters or ceiling. Once you locate water marks they should lead you to the point in the ceiling or roof where the water was able to leak in. Just follow the water mark back up to the highest point where the water marks are visible.

Roof Leak Repairs
Sometimes roof leak repairs can be as simple as replacing a missing or damaged shingle. However, it can often be of great benefit to consult a roofing contractor for repairing any roofing repairs or roof maintenance. A roofing contractor can also check the rest of the roof and the shingles for damage. If you’re able to locate one area where damage created a leak, it’s likely there are other areas that also need attention or repair. Florida’s weather is a challenge for any roof. The Fidus Group best understands the danger that Florida’s heavy rain and winds can bring and addresses the entire roofing system when pinpointing problems and constructs roofs to withstand the toughest weather conditions.

Call The Fidus Group today at 904-758-6000 to schedule a FREE in-home consultation and estimate for your next home improvement project. We’re the smart choice in roofing contractors Jacksonville FL.