Your Own Backyard Relaxation Station

The kids are beginning to drift back to school, but summer’s not over yet! Not with all the preseason games and parties just around the corner… not to mention your famous labor Day cookout. Wouldn’t it be great to get the backyard ship-shape in time for Labor Day cookout. Wouldn’t it be great to get the backyard ship-shape in time  to send the summer/fall party season out with a blast?

Who wouldn’t! The real question is a little harder: where to begin? Have you already been doing some daydreaming? How about building that deck into an outdoor kitchen complete with a breezy pergola to provide structure and shade while still allowing you to soak up the last of the summer rays?  Maybe you’ve been a lifelong gardener, and would love to take expand your deck, and take it to the next level by adding an inspiring collection of raised beds to surround you while you relax outdoors? Maybe even a sweet little potting shed to boot, with plenty of room for the lawn tractor, soil aerator, and all the rest of your lawn and garden tools. Sure would be nice to have that space back in the garage again!

And how about a new sunroom just off the kitchen, adjoining the deck, where Grandma can sit when she comes to visit and watch the kids without having to deal with that scorching hot sun? And maybe, at the edge the edge of the sunroom, you extend the deck to encase a brand new jacuzzi for you to enjoy with the family and friends? Oh, and of course Grandma will love that too.

Sound intriguing? Once you’ve committed to the vision, the Fred Oakley Construction Company can bring that vision to life! As a licensed draftsman and home improvements and remodeling construction expert, founder Fred Oakley has personally worked in the field since 1979. A Tennessee state licensed contractor with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, the Fred Oakley Construction Company is proud of their reputation for quality serving Middle Tennessee homeowners. You can trust the Fred Oakley Construction Company to get the job done right! Call today at 615-975-8916. We look forward to helping you build the backyard relaxation station you’ve been dreaming of!

Be sure to visit us HERE  
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Top 5 Style Trends for Remodeling Your Bathroom

Remodeling your bathroom is one of the best and smartest ways to update your home. But what are some of the best style choices that will make it feel current without quickly aging the room? There are so many options it can sometimes seem overwhelming. So just where do you begin?

The Fred Oakley Construction Company loves helping you create beautiful spaces that reflect your unique personal style, and meet all of your needs for day-to-day functionality. As a special help to you, we’ve created a list of our favorite bathroom design feature trends for 2015. Start with what you know you love, and what you know you need. Then, give us a call!

1) Natural beauty

The use of natural materials adds instant appeal to any bathroom space. From earthy materials like natural stone or wood-look tiles, natural elements add style and grace with a beauty ranging from classic simplicity to naturally elegant. Some of our favorites include walnut plank feature walls, marble floors, and stone shower stall bases.

2) Give it life

Bringing the outdoors in is a perfect way to warm a typically very hard room with a calming vibe. Green plants also impart a freshness to the atmosphere. Want a bathing area that’s welcoming and serene? Try adding some lovely living greenery.

3)Sustainable style

Recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials and products used in are everywhere! Today’s bathroom design is no different. What’s wonderful is that we are also seeing more and more sustainable products that look just as good as their traditional counterparts. An added plus? Over time, price points have become increasingly competitive as well.

4) Geometric tiles

Another major design trend for the bathroom is geometric tiles. A great design solution for those who wish to add depth and visual interest to a plain, neutral space, the addition of geometric tiles can totally transform a bathroom with the wide variety of striking styles, colors and patterns available today.

5) Sleek greys

Greys have been a popular choice in bathroom fashions for the last several years, and it’s a trend that is enduring. Appealing to both masculine and feminine tastes, Adding grey to your bathroom is a sure way to give it an updated, contemporary look. Play around with shades, like soothing doves to soften, and rich charcoals for bold impact.

Penny for your thoughts: which are your style favorites? The Fred Oakley Construction Company does beautiful bathroom and kitchen remodels, as well as multi-room and single room additions, burnouts, decks, complete home renovations, room conversions, custom homes, basement build outs, garage conversions, attic conversions and custom designed porches. As a Tennessee state licensed contractor with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, the Fred Oakley Construction Company is proud of their reputation for quality. Not only do they do all kinds of residential construction and remodels, but their attention to detail helps them to perfectly collaborate with you in designing and creating the project of your dreams!

An licensed draftsman as well as home improvements and remodeling construction expert, founder Fred Oakley has personally worked in the field since 1979. You can trust the Fred Oakley Construction Company to get the job done right! Call today at 615-975-89166.

Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and savings!

Sudden Roof Leaks?

They say you can’t have a little rainbow without a little rain. Lately it seems that saying has been truer than ever! The good news about the rainy season is that it gives you the opportunity to discover roof damage that may otherwise go unnoticed. Yes, we promise, that’s really good news. When it comes to repairing roof damage or deterioration, later is always much more expensive than sooner. The bad news? Noone is ever prepared to deal with a sudden, unexpected roof leak in your home or office. Now what do you do?

You probably have enough sense to find a bucket or an empty wastebasket to catch the leaking water. Next, you will want to ensure that the water is not coming from a running water source or plumbing in the house that may be turned off. You will also need to survey the area for any places the water may come into direct contact with an electrical source, and either block its access to it or safely shut off the power at the source.

After that, call Fred Oakley. You should always contact an experienced professional for all your roof repair needs, or you may find yourself in an even costlier situation. Waiting too long may necessitate a roof replacement that could otherwise have been avoided. Roof leaks are not something that just any handyman can fix, especially if it’s an emergency.

Fred Oakley Construction Company can handle any of your roofing needs ranging from Middle Tennessee roofing repairs and restoration to all kinds of residential construction and remodels. As a Tennessee state licensed contractor with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, the Fred Oakley Construction Company is proud of their reputation for quality. So for all your Middle Tennessee emergency roof repair issues, call  at 615-975-8916. We look forward to helping you!

Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and savings!

Summertime: The Perfect Season to Remodel Your Kitchen

Is your kitchen in desperate need of major repairs or remodeling? Well, take heart, because now is the perfect time to plan and schedule your kitchen remodeling project with Fred Oakley Construction! A kitchen remodel will not only enhance your enjoyment of your home, but also add to its resale value. Never thought about summer as being ideal for kitchen remodeling? Summer just happens to be a super time to tackle a kitchen renovation project. Here are our top 3 reasons why:

1. Summer schedules are more convenient.

You do more cooking and entertaining outside in the summer, and warm weather activities lead to more dining away from home. You can cook over a grill and open windows and doors to ventilate any dust stirred up from the team busy in your kitchen. The interruption from the work is easier to deal with in the summer! Also, it's common for family members to head off for camp, sports events, the pool or the golf course, so there is even less opportunity for disruption. The inconvenience is simply easier to handle during summer. In other seasons little things like a van parked in the driveway or the noise of power tools can create a major disruption. Another added perk: most people are also likely to have more free time during summer to watch the work going on and to make any decisions or changes on the spot.

2. The best crews and materials tend to be most available in summer.

Many contractors who do not specialize in kitchen work want to schedule your remodel for the spring or fall, which is the traditional time for interior work when they’re not busy with larger outdoor framing and construction jobs. But spring and fall may not be the time when they have the best people available, or when they can always get what they need in supplies and materials. Of course, Fred Oakley Construction will always have the best staff available at your service all year round.

3.  Strong natural light is better for making product selections.

In summer you clearly see how everything looks in the brightest conditions, and you can cover the windows to see it exactly as it will appear in later months. You can view cabinet, door, and countertop samples in the natural light of your own kitchen, not in the artificial light of a home center showroom. Samples can be brought to your home and examined right in your current kitchen, but the muted light of a winter day may lead you to choose something that looks quite different when bright sunlight is streaming through the window.

The Fred Oakley Construction Company is your Middle Tennessee kitchen remodel pros! Located in Hendersonville, TN, we provide all types of residential construction services to the entire middle Tennessee area. Fred Oakley specializes in Kitchen and Bath Remodels, Multi Room and Single Room Additions, Burnouts, Decks, Complete Home Renovations, Room Conversions, Custom Homes, Basement Build Outs, Garage Conversions, Attic Conversions and Custom Designed Porches. As a Tennessee state licensed contractor with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, the Fred Oakley Construction Company is proud of their reputation for quality. Not only do they do all kinds of residential construction and remodels, but their attention to detail helps them to perfectly design and create the project of your dreams!

An licensed draftsman as well as home improvements and remodeling construction expert, founder Fred Oakley has personally worked in the field since 1979. You can trust the Fred Oakley Construction Company to get the job done right! Call today at 615-975-8916.

Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and savings!

Middle Tennessee Backyard Deck Experts

Spring is winding it’s way into summer, and that means more and more reasons to celebrate outdoors on beautiful sunny days with friends, neighbors, and family. But do you face the same problems so many deck owners do? Over the years, wind and rain, sleet and snow, kids and pets take their toll on a backyard deck. How great would it be to take care of those repairs, and bring it back to life? Even better, what about finally transforming it into the outdoor entertainment oasis you’ve always dreamed of?

Now you’re talking! But just what does that look like? Well, at the Fred Oakley Construction Company, we recommend taking your family’s lifestyle into consideration. What kinds of activities do you love - and love to share together? Maybe you are thinking of a basic deck build out; something that looks nice, expands your home’s functionality, and boosts your property value. Or maybe you’re thinking of something more specific. Does your family love sports and tailgating? How about designing a backyard deck with a built-in outdoor kitchen, and wall-mounted large screen television so you can all enjoy your favorite games without leaving the comfort of your own backyard? Or maybe you enjoy gardening? Built-in planters and raised beds can be a unique thing of beauty. Say you live on a hill, and love looking out over the scenic vista together, watching the activities of the squirrels, the birds, and the bees as the seasons wind their way from one to another? An observation deck would be a stunning addition to your home - and your family’s enjoyment of it!

The Fred Oakley Construction Company is your Middle Tennessee backyard deck experts! Located in Hendersonville, TN, we provide all types of residential construction services to the entire middle Tennessee area. Fred Oakley specializes in Multi Room and Single Room Additions, Burnouts, Decks, Complete Home Renovations, Room Conversions, Custom Homes, Basement Build Outs, Kitchen and Bath Remodels, Garage Conversions, Attic Conversions and Custom Designed Porches. As a Tennessee state licensed contractor with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, the Fred Oakley Construction Company is proud of their reputation for quality. Not only do they do all kinds of residential construction and remodels, but their attention to detail helps them to perfectly design and create the project of your dreams!

An licensed draftsman as well as home improvements and remodeling construction expert, founder Fred Oakley has personally worked in the field since 1979. You can trust the Fred Oakley Construction Company to get the job done right! Call today at (615) 975-8916.

Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and savings!

Roof Leaking?

Do you think you have a roof leak? The source of most roof leaks is quite hard to find because it originates away from where the leak shows up. In order to find the source of a leak, follow a roofer’s advice and “think like water.”

Water typically comes in through worn, broken, or missing shingles; where nails have worked loose; or through corroded or poorly sealed roof flashing around vents, skylights, or chimneys or along the intersections of roof planes.

Do you see water stains that extend across your ceilings or run down walls? If so, the cause is probably a roof leak. Fred Oakley Construction has experience in roof leaks and can help find the culprit in your house!

It is important to remember minor leaks can cause major damage!

If you have a roof leak, you need to fix it or have it fix ASAP! No matter if it's "bothering" you or not, it needs to be fixed! Even over a short time, small leaks can lead to big problems, such as mold, rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed insulation and damaged ceilings. Are you thinking, "Oh no big deal. I'm planning on getting a new roof next year?"... don't! Get it fixed now!

When you’re trying to track down a leak, start by looking at the roof uphill from the stains. The first thing to look for are roof penetrations. Items that penetrate the roof are the most common source of leaks. In fact, it’s rare for leaks to develop in open areas of uninterrupted shingles, even on older roofs. Penetrations can include plumbing and roof vents, chimneys, dormers or anything else that projects through the roof. They can be several feet above the leak or to the right or left of it.

If you have attic access, the easiest way to track down a leak is to go up there with a flashlight and look for the evidence. There will be water stains, black marks or mold. But if access is a problem or you have a vaulted ceiling, you’ll have to go up onto the roof and examine the problem.

If the problem still isn’t obvious, we suggest you hire a professional like Fred Oakley Construction to inspect the problem for you! Going up on the roof alone is dangerous and never recommended.

Fred Oakley received a drafting degree in 1979 and has been involved in construction and Home Improvements ever since. You can trust him and his team to get the job done right! Give him a call today at 615-975-8916.

Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and savings!

Home Improvement Projects

After a long, dark winter, spring's bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. What's not so great? The long list of projects you probably have! Now is the best time to work on those home improvement plans you’ve been talking about for the past couple of months.

The following projects are perfect for a Spring home makeover and can also add resale value to your house.

• Kitchen Cabinets: Homeowners’ magazines this year are talking about sprucing up the kitchen cabinets as a spring home improvement project. Replace the knobs on the doors of the cabinets and add molding to give your cabinets a new look at a low cost. If you are ready for a full kitchen makeover, Fred Oakley Construction specializes in kitchen renovations! 

• Update your rain gutters: Without rain gutters, our homes are defenseless against the raging rain storms. The water from rain could erode the soil around the foundation of your home, splash dirt onto the siding of the house and leak into the basement causing internal damage to the house. None of this sounds good! If you aren't quite ready to update your gutters, at the very minimum, make sure they are free and clear of debris! 

• Update your siding: Not a task for the faint of heart! While you were inside all winter cozied up by the fire, your house was left to deal with all of the weather elements! Have your siding inspected and if needed, consider replacement! There are so many great looking, high performance, energy efficient vinyl siding options available! The possibilities are literally endless. It's best to call a professional like Fred Oakley Construction for an undertaking like this! 

• Build a Deck: Why not? Decks allow you to fully enjoy the sun and serve as a great place for socializing and dining. Decks come in all sizes and can be built in a short time! They're also great for adding value to your home! 

• Install an Enclosed Porch: Porch additions are wonderful additions to any home; sunrooms add so much light and character to a home! Create a three or four season living space with energy efficient windows that make full use of the sun. 

• Repair your roof: One of the most important things you can do! Check this off your "To Do" list ASAP! Make sure there are no missing shingles, curling shingles, etc. Damage to your roof is not only costly, it's dangerous! It's preferred that you hire an expert to look at your roof!

• Have Your Air Conditioner Inspected: What follows Spring? Summer. Nobody wants to be left in the heat in July! It’s a smart idea to have your AC system inspected before it starts to get too hot. 

To get started on your Spring renovation projects, call Fred Oakley Construction today at 615-975-8916. Fred has been in the business for over 30 years so he has the expertise you and your home deserve! 

Benefits of A House Addition

Home additions are a great way to transform your home and give your family the necessary amenities and space you've always dreamed of. While some people are just looking to remodel, others are looking for the benefits that a home addition can provide such as added space, potential rental income, etc.  There are many other advantages to investing in a home addition.

1. Home additions give you more space. This one's kind of obvious,  huh? One of the first things all homeowners bring up when they are updating their home is more space. A home addition can greatly add to your usable square footage, whether it be in the form of a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or family room. Sometimes, even a very small addition can yield big results.

2. House extra family members. This is actually not a benefit to me, but maybe if you like your in-laws? A recent study showed that almost 40% of young adults live at home with their parents. If you have the space, home additions can include an entire bedroom. In fact, if the plumbing allows for it, you can even add a small bathroom or extra guest bathroom. The extra bedroom and bathroom would be perfect for out of town guests as well.

3. Additional income? If you choose to add on and that includes a full bedroom and bathroom, you could also rent out the additional space.

4. Add value to your home. Now, you need to do your research before fully committing to a home addition. Fred Oakley has the experience you need to help make the decision on whether an addition will yield a profit or not.

5. Add natural sunlight! This one is a huge plus for me. Who doesn't want a sunroom to lounge in on a gorgeous Saturday morning? When property owners think of home additions, oftentimes, they think of a sunroom. They cost less than full-scale room additions and they give you just as much square footage. Sunrooms can also add some natural sunlight to the surrounding rooms.

If you're thinking of tackling the task of a home addition, call Fred Oakley Construction! For an estimate, call today at 615-975-8916!

Be sure to visit us HERE for special offers! Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Thinking Tile?

Are you thinking about remodeling your home? People generally tend to start with their kitchen and/or bathrooms first. Fred Oakley, owner of Fred Oakley Construction, has been in the business for over 40 years! He knows his stuff!

Thinking about using tile in your bathroom? Great! We have a few tips for you!

Using a large-format tile is great for barrier-free design and aging in place. If you’re looking for a large tile, look for one with a good slip-resistance rating.

Thinking about glass or mosaic tile? A little-known fact is that if you're using glass tile or any sheet mosaic tile, it is up to the manufacturer or retailer to inform you if the tile is acceptable for submersion or pool use. Your shower floor should be built like it will be submerged. It is also the responsibility of the manufacturer of glass tile to specify the type of setting materials you need.

Use smaller tiles on curves: Depending on your shower bench design, you may need smaller tiles to handle the curves. Smaller tiles handle curves much better.

Think about how it will feel: A slab feels better to sit on versus a smaller tile.

Be careful when selecting mosaic tile: Pick out a mosaic tile that offers at least 95% contact from the tile to the backer board.

Small colored glass is easier to work with than large clear glass: Glass is hard to work with in general. Some clear glass tiles can show when moisture is trapped behind them, which make your Pinterest-worthy shower look awful after just a few uses.  Choosing smaller colored glass tile is much better for the long run.

Consider universal design: Pick a large-format tile and a one-way slope for easy access to the shower if you plan to keep your home. Also, if you use one tile throughout can also make your room look much bigger.

Keep cleaning in mind: Perhaps the most important factor! If you hate cleaning your shower, like 99% of us, use larger slabs or glass panels, since they making cleaning much easier than small mosaic-type tiles.

No matter if you're looking for a highly experienced contractor to redo your bathroom or kitchen tile, install cabinets, or do a complete renovation, Fred Oakley can do it all! He services all of Middle Tennessee. Call 615-975-8916. Be sure to visit HERE and sign up for a free estimate!

Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Thinking about redoing your kitchen cabinets? Look no further than Fred Oakley Construction! He is one of the best contractors in the Middle Tennessee area, with over 30 years experience.

White (or off-white) Shaker-style doors create a light and clean look in a kitchen. Cabinets in shades of white are enduring and versatile, appearing in cottage, traditional, and even modern kitchens.

Twenty some years ago, kitchen cabinets were considered top of the line if they included a lazy Susan and a built-in spice rack. Now storage options are plentiful, including pullout trays, bread boxes, and narrow spaces that would otherwise have false cabinet fronts utilized as customized spots for pans such as cookie sheets and muffin tins.

Unique Islands instead of a standard rectangular island! Try a stand-alone table to create a cozy feel. Chairs can be pulled up for a casual meal or pushed to the side for meal prep and serving.

For all you OCD homeowners, this is heaven! Customized drawers! Where you'd expect to find swinging doors that open to reveal storage inserts, there are pullout doors attached to shelves for pots and pans, holders for recycling and garbage bins, and racks for canned and dry goods. Drawer inserts can be set up to hold dishes, silverware, or cutlery. Inserts are often customizable and help to maintain a clutter-free kitchen. 

One of my personal favorite cabinet ideas are glass cabinets! Glass-front cabinet doors give the eye a break from wall-to-wall cabinetry and create display space for collectibles, pretty dishes, and glassware. Add just a few glass doors to your current kitchen design to create a light and fresh look.

Built in appliances is also another favorite! Appliances might be more intelligent, efficient, and feature-packed than ever, but that doesn't mean they need to be the focus in your kitchen! You can conceal your fridge in your cabinets.  

Whether you're looking to remodel your kitchen cabinets are completely renovate your kitchen, Fred Oakley Construction has the experience and know-how to make your kitchen dreams come true! Call him today at 615-975-8916. 

Kitchen Counter Remodeling Ideas

Thinking of getting ready to redo your kitchen countertops? Fred Oakley Construction specializes in kitchen renovations! There are so many options for countertops that are available to you when updating your space! Actually, it can be overwhelming to determine what style is the best fit for your families’ needs.

There are classic countertop looks that will last a lifetime and there are trends that come and go. When you're creating your dream kitchen, you want to consider a look that will last the course of its time.

Poured Concrete Countertops offer strength, style and a natural, organic look. These counters need to be sealed more than once to prevent staining. Poured concrete can be tinted to be any color you wish. When sealed properly, it's stain resistant and can be cast and poured into any shape you desire. Unlike it's competitors, Its appearance actually improves with age. While concrete is heat resistant the sealer is not and hot pots and pans should not be placed directly on top of the concrete. Likewise, cutting boards should be used as well as chopping directly on to the concrete could damage the sealant. Concrete countertops don't require a lot maintenance and is a very desirable option at a very desirable price.

Butcher Block Countertops offer a look that is elegant yet casual and environmentally friendly. The soft surfaces of these counters mean that some maintenance is required, but nothing that will take up a significant amount of time. Just because it looks like a cutting board, doesn't mean you should actually cut on it! If you choose a butcher block surface, it should be sealed and oiled monthly. Cleanup is easy, requiring simply mild dish detergent and a light cloth or sponge. The only potential negative is that the surface, if not well maintained can dry or crack and excess water should always be wiped off.

Reclaimed wood countertops are using wood that has been salvaged from older homes and barns. Reclaimed wood is a smart and attractive option that offers a look and feel that the newer butcher blocks simply can’t. Reclaimed wood that was used from older trees is much sturdier than the newer counterparts made from younger trees. If you're environment-conscious, using reclaimed wood for your kitchen is a wonderful way to make your kitchen "green".

Cork Countertops are one of my personal favorites! Probably because I love wine so much. Cork is dense, sturdy and lightweight. It's also a sustainable product which is another good choice for those who want environmentally friendly kitchens. Cork is resistant to water and heat and has anti-bacterial properties.

Stainless steel countertops have an elegant, classy, sophisticated feel to it. These countertops are definitely an up to date, modern, trend-setting material. They are resilient to water, heat and germs. the downside is that they are susceptible to dings and scratches, and like your stainless steel fridge, they show every little finger print. With regular polish and wash, these tops require very little maintenance.

Soapstone is a natural stone that’s quarried much like granite. It’s a softer surface composed mainly from mineral talc, but the varieties used for kitchen counter tops are generally speaking sturdier as they contain more quartz which makes soapstone a wonderful option for your kitchen surface. The color is naturally gray which darkens with age. Similar to stainless steel, this material is not immune to dents and scratches. Soapstone offers a smooth, matte feel. Any scratches incurred can be sanded or oiled away.

Recycled Glass counters are another option for the environmentally friendly individuals. These counters are not only beautiful with a variety of colors and options available, but they also have a life expectancy of 50 years! They are easy to maintain but may require to be re-sealed every few years.

Slate countertops are a natural, fine-grained rock which is softer than granite but harder than marble. Slate has a naturally uneven surface that many find aesthetically appealing. This uneven surface makes these counters particularly appealing since the natural occurring dents make it hard to detect nicks and scratches. Slate has a dull matte finish and would not be the material of choice for those who prefer more of a high gloss look. Maintenance is easy – a simple wash with soap and water. To prevent staining and discoloration, it's best to use trivets/pot holders under hot pans and coasters under anything containing liquid.

Quartz countertops are one of the most scratch resistant minerals available. It's a plentiful and natural occurring mineral. Wiping stains from Quartz is even easier than granite which makes it a very desirable choice for your kitchen! Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, has a long lifetime and is available in a wide variety of colors. For those wanting a natural mineral counter top in your kitchen, but wanting to stay away from granite, Quartz is a perfect choice!

Whether you're trying to decide which countertop is right for you or you're looking for a complete remodel, Fred Oakley Construction in Hendersonville is the way to go! He has been in the business for over 40 years! You can't get more experienced than that! Fred services all of Middle Tennessee and Clarksville as well! Be sure to visit him HERE to sign up for special savings!

Identifying Roof Problems

Did you know that roof problems are among one of the biggest issues in construction? Fred Oakley has experience in all areas and can help identify any problems you may have.

Roof damage is not uncommon in Tennessee, however it can be a big problem if left unrepaired. You might not even be aware you have a problem! Minor leaks can cause an enormous amount of damage to the interior of your home, which can ruin ceilings, insulation and wallboard.

1. UV Rays - The sun’s UV rays can cause your roof to deteriorate over time, especially asphalt shingles. They can dry, crack and blister, coming loose from the surface or actually falling off the roof. Once this happens, there is little to protect the sheathing underneath and the roof is exposed to further damage from the elements.
2. Snow and ice  - Weather elements can definitely take its toll on your roof. As the ice and snow melts, it can make its way under the shingles and flashing and then as the water refreezes it can lift the shingles and flashing, making way for even more water to enter. 
3. Wind – Wind is a serious problem for a roof. It’s not always a storm that causes problems since even strong gusts on a sunny day can be enough to lift shingles or tear them off completely. 
4. Tree Limbs - Overhanging tree limbs can rub on a roof, abrading the surface of the shingles and wearing away the protective top layer. Branches can also fall on the roof creating even more serious damage. Tree limbs should be trimmed back away from the roof as much as possible and if a tree is close enough to pose a threat to your home, it should be removed.
5. Wildlife - Birds and other small forms of wildlife can do a lot of damage to a roof. Woodpeckers will make holes along the eaves looking for insects. Some of these holes can get quite large and leave the wood exposed to moisture that can lead to rot. Raccoons will pull up shingles and flashing looking for a way into the attic. Find ways to discourage the animals and repair any damage as soon as you notice it.
6. Insects  - Bugs aren’t just a problem for the foundation of a home but they can find their way up to the roof as well. Termites, carpenter ants and other gnawing insects will chew away and tunnel through the eaves and fascia boards around a roof. Insects are also what often attract animals in their search for food. Get rid of the insects and you may also solve the wildlife problem as well.
7. The flashing along the edge of a roof and around vents are areas where water can get in and cause damage. The caulking around vent flashing can dry out and shrink and edge flashing is prone to damage when homeowners attempt to remove ice dams or snow buildup in winter. 
8. Clogged or broken gutters/downspouts – Clogged gutters defeat the purpose of having them! Water can back up and seep into the eaves, eventually causing rot. Check gutters for broken brackets or seams and clean out debris every fall. Add screens to the top of the gutters to keep leaves and twigs out and make your job a lot easier.
9. Attic space - A poorly ventilated attic can shorten the life of a roof. If your attic is too warm in the summer, the shingles will bake from the underside and become dry and brittle.
10. Lack of roof maintenance – This is probably a roof’s worst enemy. Many problems start out as minor, such as the need to remove overhanging tree limbs or cleaning backed up gutters. When these problems are not corrected, they can create serious damage. 

Routine inspection and maintenance can extend the life of your roof which will save you a lot of money! If you feel you may have a problem with your roof or any other construction concerns in the Middle Tennessee area, call Fred Oakley Construction at 615-975-8916.

Top Home Improvements

If you're thinking of remodeling your home this year, the amount of money you're likely to recoup on home improvements is on the rise! Fred Oakley Construction based out of Hendersonville has been in the construction field since the 1970's. He can help with any of your remodel jobs; no job is too big or small!

The top 10 home improvement jobs of 2014:

• Front door replacement. For example, a midrange steel door (one with a glass panel), costs approximately $1,162 and adds $1,122 to your home's value; 96.6% of the cost.
• A wooden deck addition. Deck prices vary based on size, material, etc. 
• Siding replacement. Replacing your old wood or vinyl siding with fiber-cement siding will vastly improve your homes' worth. Also, factory-primed and painted fiber-cement siding should last 25 years with little maintenance. 
• Converting your attic into a bedroom. That's not something you think of everyday, is it? The survey showed renovating unused attic space into an additional bedroom brought the value of a home up significantly. 
• Garage door replacement. Like an entry door, replacing a garage door can greatly increase your home’s attractiveness
• Minor kitchen remodeling. A minor kitchen remodel typically includes items such as new cabinet faces and hardware as well as new counter tops, flooring and appliances. 
• Window replacement. Consider new windows if yours are drafty, warped, won’t open or won’t stay open. Changing your windows will save you money on your energy bill, but not enough to constitute replacing your windows solely for gaining energy efficiency. 
• Finishing your basement. Like converting an attic space into a bedroom, finishing a basement has the advantage of utilizing a space that is already part of your home’s footprint, so you eliminate structural costs while adding value.
• Partial bathroom remodeling. A mid-range remodeling project adds items such as new vanities and countertops, mirrors, a medicine chest and maybe replacing the toilet and doing a new tub surround. 
• Adding a second story. Okay so this one isn't for the faint of heart! Adding a second floor is definitely a hefty home renovation, but for homeowners who are attached to their location, property or home itself, it’s a viable option to add more square feet to your home! Fred Oakley Construction can help you create the perfect additional space!

Fred Oakley Construction Co. specializes in all types of construction: Additions, remodels, room conversions, build outs, kitchens, baths, burned and flood home restoration, garage and basement conversions, window replacements, and much more! He services all of Middle Tennessee including Clarksville, Hendersonville and Nashville. Call Fred Oakley today at 615-975-8916.