Fill 'er up, check the oil and oh yeah, add a new roof

 

      Welcome back to NW Michigan this spring, we've lived in this house for 23 years and have had very few problems.  Of course, there have been the occasional broken pipes, etc.  Over the years we have always accepted that as a part of winterizing a home when we travel south for winter.  We have added a very large country style porch, red shutters, and wood flooring throughout the downstairs dining room and living room.  The year after, area rugs.  

      We also remodeled the fireplace hearth with travertine.  This work was done by our best friend's company, Zepplations from Waupaca, WI.  

      A couple of years back we even updated the barn roof with steel.  

      This is something we probably should have done years ago, but the roof was new when we bought the house and there really wasn't a need.  Last year our insurance company sent us a notice saying that in light of recent year's storms their insurance adjusters visited our home and with aid of their drone discovered some areas that may need replaced.  My novice inspection did not reveal anything, but their position is that we need to either have a certified roofer guarantee the roof will last at least 10 more years or replace it.  Their alternative to this is not to renew our homeowner's policy in 2023.  WOW, we decided to invest in the improvements.  Prior to our departure last fall we got several estimates.  The prices are a bit of a surprise with costs running the gamut from $12K all the way up to $55K.  We knew going into this that we wanted a metal roof this time.  The preferred medium this far north with the snowpack we get each year.  

      I talked to several friends and the consensus was to go with KELCO Construction, a local company.  A very good estimate in place and with a signed contract and deposit we awaited this spring.  I contacted them in early April before our arrival and they told me they had been planning our job and wanted to verify the color, brick red.  They will have the metal cut to size and delivered.  In fact, construction began in late May.   

Titanium underlayment

Finished front

Finished rear, crazy bad angles due to a wide-angle lens

      We are very happy with the finished product.  It really matches the aesthetic theme of our entire farm and certainly adds to the resale value.  We can also recommend KEL CO Construction on this project from start to finish.  An incredible effort on their part considering the foreman's own home burned down 2 days into the project.  A great product from craftsmen. 

Adios before it falls down

            Additionally, we contracted out to have someone come in and demolish the old 'Carraige House' building and haul it away.  Our insurance company feels if it is on your property, it will be insured.  It was a matter of the insurance company not renewing our policy without either restoring or demolishing it, so Adios. 

    

"Spend some time this weekend on home improvement; improve your attitude towards your family"

Robert Foster Bennett

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