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.