Add Pet-Friendly Nooks to Your Home

A popular spin-off of room additions is creating specially designated spaces for your pet companions. It's the step up from everything else we provide for our dogs and cats, from the travel gear they get for road trips, to extra snuggly carriers and accessories they get for accompanying us on errands and cuddling with us at home. In the hands of a Nashville general contractor, you can create creative built-in shelving for cats to recline upon, or a tucked away resting nook that your pup will adore.

Here are some ideas from Clayton Construction on how to turn your home into a more pet-friendly oasis:

• Mud room and adjoining wash area: Nevermind a season room for your own relaxation as part of the residential construction plans, but a mud room for active pups is a great way to contain dirty paws. Putting in an area where you can also conveniently clean them up makes their bouncy energy easy on everyone.

• Outdoor shower: As an alternative to the interior bathing room, consider an outside shower nook for a building addition. This may make it more comfortable for dogs to shake off excess water or soak up sun to dry.

• Catwalks: Here's where your imagination can go wild as you add funky touches to the walls, along stairs, and wherever else you think your cats may appreciate. Linear tunnels, diagonal stepping squares, and mazes that resemble cinema scenes make remodeling fun.

• Platform feeding stations: Eliminate messy floors, and store large bags of food in an adjacent drawer.

• Sleeping niche: Take advantage of odd corners and watch Nashville home improvement ideas turn recessed areas into walls or closets that your pets can call their own.

Share your thoughts with Clayton Construction, and contact us to give your pets the special spots they deserve!

Is A Room Addition Right for You?

Changing times have meant that generations are staying together under one roof, and the home office is becoming more and more common. Rooms are designated exclusively for guests, and even just for pets. Many desire an entertainment rooms or the proverbial “man or woman cave,” where you can retreat and indulge into personal space. Here are some things to consider about room additions:

Aesthetic Appeal: Although you may fall in love with a online or print remodeling idea, make sure that it really does work for you. Aesthetics are just as important as the financial and size aspects of adding a space, so you should be confident that the design is really how you want your house to look. This can also be a deciding factor in Nashville curb appeal, should you decide to rent out or sell.

Practical Purpose and Longevity: Coinciding with the aesthetic appeal is the long term practicality of having such an addition. Is it part of a multi-unit construction project to increase living space and how will it affect rent? Is it something like a basement apartment that can be utilized as something else if the person leaves, or will it become dead space? Will the construction work be within an already existing framework, or affect roofing or walls? Discuss with your Nashville general contractor if it's part of storm damage repair, how you're spending a financial windfall, something that's been planned for a long time, or the solution to a sudden change in circumstances.

Affect on Neighbors: If it's an outside addition, will the neighbors be affected? Will it change the scenic views, or dim or obstruct natural lighting?

Clayton Construction has over 60 years of experience with home improvements, repairs, and renovations. Contact us today to see what the best plan is for adding on to your home!

Eco-Friendly Options for Insulation

As part of new residential construction or tackling that to-do list that needs to be finished, readying a home for the cold season is one of the most important things you can do financially and personally. You and yours will feel more comfortable when inside and not in direct contact with the lower temperatures, and you'll save money every month from not running up high heating bills. Our last blog post talked about getting started on Nashville home insulation, so here are some things you should know about different types of materials:

Cellulose: Made from fluffed up clumps of recycled paper, this is perfect for filling in gaps that are too small or difficult to remedy with other substances. When addressing insurance repairs, this is an option for making sure no spot is left bare.

Cotton/Denim: Recycled jeans to the rescue! Denim and cotton fibers are a great eco-friendly option that are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and also provide a nice degree of noise reduction. Talk to your Nashville general contractor about using this in original or remodeling designs.

Structural Insulated Panels: Another sustainable option, this is good when insulating present walls or new room additions. SIPS are a worthy investment if the best route is large boards that will form tight seals, especially in areas commonly afflicted by drafts, such as attics and basements.

Soy Spray Foam: This is an insulator that expands to neatly fill all of the spots it's applied to. They're also free of VOCS and resist mold.

Contact us at Clayton Construction today, so we can discuss what kind of insulation is best for your house's needs and your budget. Our extensive experience includes building additions, fire damage repairs, framing, and roofing, and we're readily available Monday through Friday to get your Nashville home set up for the Winter!

It's Time to Check Your Home's Insulation

Cooler temperatures are here, so it's time for flavored warm beverages, sweaters, and cozy blankets. If you have a dog, you may start using a jacket or booties for him or her. For your home, though, it's just that time when heating bills increase, right?

Higher electric and gas bills don't have to be your house's way of dealing with colder months. Whether as part of a Nashville repair project, or something to tackle in a new move, insulating a house makes quite a difference in comfortability as well as in utility bills. If you own a rental unit, doing this as tenant improvements will also add to the property's value and appeal.

You can start to get a sense about where insulation is needed by checking for cracks or gaps in floorboards, walls, windows, and doors. Although kitchens and baths are great for giving off heat during cooking and hot showers, don't be fooled that they may not have areas where damage repair or remodeling are needed. If you're familiar with double or triple glazed windows from hotel travels, you'll recognize that as one solution (plus it'll help reduce loud outside noise that may be distracting!)

An infrared thermometer will help point out where insulation is needed, and is a handy guide when purchasing a multi-family unit and estimating how much you'll need the services of a Nashville general contractor. Having a professional handle repairs and modifications will mean that everything is set and you can focus more on the cozier aspects of Winter weather. In our next blog post, we'll talk more about types of insulation.

With over sixty years of diverse experience, Clayton Construction is Nashville's top source for handling all kinds of residential and commercial services. Call us at 615-969-9758, to make sure your home is ready!

Choose Clayton Construction for Your Roofing Needs

Roofs take the brunt of weather and whatever else the outside elements bring. It's a building's component that should never be delayed when something needs to be addressed. Although it may seem like a daunting re-modeling project, in the hands of experienced contractors, a makeover or a roofing repair can be done in a time and cost efficient manner.  Some of the most common roof types are:

Dimensional Asphalt Shingle: Asphalt is valuable for its durability and waterproofing, and for staying in good shape for several decades. Since dimensional roof shingles have more than one layer, they're even stronger, and as the name implies, adds a multi-dimensional appearance. There's a variety of shapes and colors to choose from, so if you're interested in the aesthetic appeal as well, this is a good choice.

Raised Panel Metal: Stylish, incredibly long lasting, and ecologically friendly, this option can also lower heating costs and help you stay cooler.

Single-Ply Flat: Available in a variety of materials, flat roofs include options such as green and solar. Green roofs combine the pleasing look of a garden, with the benefits of reducing air pollutants and energy costs. Depending on how strong your roof is and how much sunlight it's affected by, solar panels may be a viable solution.

Clayton Construction has 50+ years of experience with all aspects of general contracting, including roofing, and with serving the needs of Nashville Metro customers. We work with residential and commercial clients, and on every kind of structure, from ones being built from scratch, to ones that need a little maintenance, to older buildings that require renovations. Whether you're interested in one of the options above, or prefer something else, let us know, and we'll get on it. Available Monday through Friday, from 7:30a.m – 5:00p.m., call us at 615-969-9758 to schedule an appointment for your new roof!

Built-In Storage Maximizes Space and Comfort

No matter how much you try to downsize, there's surely still to be stuff that requires considerable space and easy access. One of the easiest and most cost and space effective solutions is built-in storage, which works for all kinds of homes, from multi-family units to single family dwellings. Here are some ways a licensed general contractor can help you with creative and practical ideas for storing and displaying items:

Shelving: The possibilities are endless! Whether room additions for books, toys, and knick-knacks, better organization in closets, making sure that laundry or gardening supplies stay in one convenient place, garage or workroom space for tools, holiday wraps and decorations, or art or craft supplies, whatever you need it for, recessed shelving is the way to go.

Cabinets: Cabinet/shelf combos in the foyer are a great way for everyone to have their own space for outerwear, footwear, and accessories such as hats, gloves, scarves, backpacks, purses, umbrellas, and other miscellaneous items commonly needed when going out.

Seating: Up the cosy factor in your home with window seats that offer private nooks for reading, working, studying, or just taking a much needed break to relax or catch a power nap. Add cabinets for extra blankets, candles, seldom used kitchenware (perhaps the fancy plates that only come out at the occasional special occasion?), and whatever else could benefit from hidden display. Window seats are also neat lounge spots for cats and dogs!

Almost any space can be transformed during remodeling, such as below or alongside the stairs, within a kitchen island, nooks by the bathroom sink, or that awkward empty niche in the wall that you know can be filled with something. Clayton Construction has extensive experience with new residential construction, as well as restoration and repairs. Contact us today, to enhance your Nashville Metro home!

Adding Green Features to Your Home

The benefits of adding green features to your home are numerous. In addition to obviously helping the environment, eco-friendly materials also decrease utility expenses, and reduce if not eliminate potential health problems. They also add value to your house, whether or not you sell it, rent it out, or keep it within your family. Here are a few of the main elements in your home to consider, from Clayton Construction:

Windows: First, don't forget about the possibilities and the benefits of extra shading. Awnings, shutters, external blinds, and even trees can reduce how the temperatures filter through your existing windows. If you do still decide or need to replace windows, go for double panes, insulated frames, and/or low emissivity glass.

Roof: How about a green roof, literally? A layer of moisture and root resistant material is placed upon a section of the roof, and plants grow. It results in heating and cooling effects for your home, a reduction in pollutants in the air, and a unique aesthetic characteristic.

Flooring: In lieu of carpeting, try recycled glass, bamboo, sustainably sourced wood, or even cork. If you decide to still have carpeted floors, find companies that use natural fibers for the backing as well as the top layers.

Insulation: A safe alternative to common fiberglass is cellulose, which comes from recycled paper, particularly newspapers. Another option is cotton, which is made from recycled denim.

Paint & Stains: Choose paints that have little to zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Milk based paints are a favorite, and for staining, choose products that are based in water, not oil.

It's important to work with general contractors who are familiar with green materials. Call us at 615-969-9758, to discuss how we can help improve your Nashville Metropolitan home with the environmentally friendly features that you want!

We Have the Best Contractors for Your Multi-Family Property Renovations

Whether you're an individual or a group new to multi-family property investments, or have been in the game for a long time, at some point the question of renovations comes up. It could be simple things like fresh paint or other cosmetic makeovers, or substantial upgrades necessary for safety, upkeep, and insurance. No matter what the situation, Clayton Construction is here to work with you and make it happen!    

We have decades of experience with the residential and commercial sectors, and the many needs that come with tenant improvements. First and foremost, if you're planning to do anything after you already have renters living in the property, you'll need to arrange for work to be done with the least amount of disruption to schedules. It's important to make sure that the tenants, including their children and pets, as well as any onsite staff, are comfortably accommodated. This may even mean renovations or additions are done on several dates rather than one block of time, depending on what's involved. You may also have to figure out if the work will affect tenants to the extent that a slight discount for that period's rent is appropriate.

Kitchens and baths are common improvements that we're very familiar with. From installing new kitchen cabinetry to attending to electrical and plumbing issues, these are the two most important rooms that need utmost attention. Often, they're also the rooms that carry a lot of weight as to whether or not prospective renters take a place.

Another area we do a lot of work with is roofing, especially with storm damage or 

water damage repairs. These are emergencies that require immediate attention, and ones that you can be assured that Clayton Construction will handle with professional and personal expertise.

When you're ready to fix up your Nashville Metro rental property, call us at 615-969-9758!

Let Us Help Build the Kitchen of Your Dreams!

It's quite common to just accept the kitchen as is, when you buy a home. Whether you don't give it much thought at the time, or think that you'll get to it eventually, before you know it, you're looking at the room and disliking it – a lot. 

That's where we at Clayton Construction come in. We're expert kitchen remodelers, specializing in Nashville Metro residential and commercial properties. Taking on a makeover like this can be overwhelming for some clients, so here are some things to consider, to simplify the process:

Purpose: Are you renovating for yourself, or as an upgrade to sell or rent out?

Statement: What kind of style and statement are you going for? Classic? Bold? Whimsical?

Eclectic? Inspired by family or culture?

Cabinets and Counters: As the main components, the cabinets and counters form the frame of the kitchen. Styles and durability vary, so choose what reflects your needs and

preferences.

Refrigerator and Stove Placement: Although it may be best to work with the current layout as far as wiring goes, decide if you'd still rather have these appliance hookups elsewhere.

Sink: Do you want one or a double sink? Or would you prefer two sinks that are in separate parts of the kitchen?

Lighting: Under cabinetry, spotlight, track, or pendant above key features, what do you fancy for practicality as well as décor?

Island/Breakfast Bar: Would you like a kitchen island that's just for prep, that includes inserts for cooking or the sinks, or also doubles as an eating space? How much shelving or storage do you want included?

Built in nooks: Will there be any built-in fruit, vegetable, or bread drawers, window seating, or shelving?

Budget: Last but definitely not least, what is your budget?

Give Clayton Construction a call at 615-969-9758, so we can discuss your kitchen makeover ideas!

The Perfect Summer Pergola

You’ve admired them in home improvement and decor magazines, and have seen a few beautiful specimens here and there at the occasional friend or neighbor’s homes: the perfect summer pergola to help you make the most of these beautiful summer days! Maybe you’ve even nurtured the dream of building one yourself some day. Of course, some day seems to always get bumped by the busy-ness of today.

Summer is about to hit prime time party season. Are you ready? Maybe it’s time to let a talented builder like Clayton Construction Services bring your dream of bringing that beautiful pergola to life, and transform your backyard into a summer oasis?

We love pergolas. As a free-standing structure, sometimes designed to be similar to an arbor or gazebo, possibly with beautiful swirling clematis or even your climbing vegetable garden woven throughout the wood. Other times a pergola is designed to serve more as a cabana type of structure. They are typically independently standing, but may sometimes be an extension of a home or building or serve as protection for an open terrace.

It’s a great way to add functionality to your home. You can use it as a deck or deck extension,  poolside, or even an enchanting little spot to highlight special occasion celebrations, like a wedding or anniversary vow renewal. You can save money on the site fee while adding to your property value! And of course, there’s the personal enjoyment value that a pergola will bring to your family as well.  

Now the only question is what style do you have in mind… do you want your backyard pergola to provide shelter from the sun, or do you prefer loose rafters that allow trailing vines and the sun to dart through? As far as materials go, do you like a traditional wooden design, or do you prefer something more creative, possibly incorporating stone masonry, scrolled metal flourishes, or sweeping canvas curtains?

Whatever your preference, our experienced crew at Clayton Construction can make your dream come to life! We specialize in home and commercial construction for any remodeling or repair that you may need. Whether you’ve been thinking of a custom designed pergola for your backyard, expanding your courtyard, patio, or more, Clayton Construction has exactly the expertise that you need! Give us a call today at (615) 969-9758. We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information about special offers and updates from  Clayton Construction, click here: http://www.claytonconstructionservicestn.com/

Backyard Deck Transformations

It’s that time again! Fire up the grill, turn on the music, and enjoy: backyard entertaining season is in full swing! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of kicking back after a long week with friends, family and neighbors in the comfort of our own backyard deck. That means it’s time to take care of any repair issues that have been mounting, and fast! Over the years, wind and rain, sleet and snow, kids and pets take their toll on a backyard deck. As you consider those repairs, do you find yourself dreaming about finally transforming your deck into the outdoor entertainment oasis you’ve always longed for?

At Clayton Construction, we think you deserve the best! But just what does that look like? Taking your family’s lifestyle into consideration is always the best place to start. What kinds of activities do you love - and love to share together?

A basic deck build out

• looks good
• expands your home’s functionality
• boosts your property value

A backyard deck with a built-in outdoor kitchen and wall-mounted large screen television

• great for families that love sports and tailgating
• enjoy your favorite games without leaving the comfort of your own backyard

Built-in planters and raised beds

• for the family that enjoys gardening

An observation deck

• a stunning addition for birdwatchers and nature lovers

Clayton Construction has the equipment, knowledge and experience to help you completely transform your Middle Tennessee backyard with expert workmanship! In addition to remodels and additions, Clayton Construction also provides disaster restoration services including fire and water damage restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning and odor control. We specialize in commercial, residential, and multi-family construction to the entire middle Tennessee area.  For a free consultation, call our office at (615) 334-0889, or click HERE for information about special offers and updates.  

Clayton Construction: Serving Greater Nashville for 40 years!

6 Benefits of Using an Insurance Restoration Specialist

There are many compelling reasons it is advantageous to contract an experienced Insurance Restoration Specialist like Clayton Construction to handle your restoration project - from the quality of your inspection to the communication with your insurance provider, the experience, process and technology are working for you and your home.

1. Free, No Obligation Inspections & Damage Assessment - Property owners sometimes fail to file insurance claims because they do not recognize the signs of damage. This is often the case when wind or hail damages a roof.  Over time, the damage continues to deteriorate your roof system causing increased problems in the future.   An insurance restoration specialist will conduct a free, no-obligation inspection and identify such damage.

2. We Meet With Your Adjuster On Your Behalf - When you file a claim, your insurance company assigns an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the cost of the repairs. While the majority of adjusters are very competent and skilled, their experience with your particular type of damage (roofing, for example) and knowledge of the repair or reconstruction process varies widely. Most contractors wait for your adjuster to assess the damage and, subsequently, provide you with a quote for the repairs. That quote may be more costly than your insurance adjuster’s estimation. Unlike the typical retail contractor, an insurance restoration specialist will meet with your adjuster and review the damage. The determination of replacements or repairs is solely the adjuster’s decision. However, the insurance restoration specialist is present to answer his or her questions regarding the reconstruction process.

3. We Ensure That Your Insurance Company Reimburses You for Code Upgrades - Particularly following a major catastrophe, insurance companies are pressured to assess widespread damage as immediately as possible. Adjusters might be assigned to areas of the country with which they are not familiar. An insurance restoration specialist is familiar with the building code requirements in your municipality. On occasion, an adjuster will omit the cost of building code upgrades or items that should be replaced or installed to ensure that your home meets your local building code requirements. In these instances, the insurance restoration specialist will notify the adjuster and review the necessary codes, ensuring that you are reimbursed for these costs.

4. Detailed, Line-Itemized Estimate Using Leading Estimation Software Programs - Often, adjusters will request an estimate directly from the contractor. Many contractors will simply provide a bottom-line dollar figure with no detail regarding the work to be done. An insurance restoration specialist provides a line-itemized estimate using estimating software that is widely accepted in the insurance industry. This estimate describes each step in the repair or reconstruction process and provides the specific cost associated with each step. Because the prices are maintained and updated monthly by a third party, the software provides a fair market value estimation of the cost of the work. Many adjusters appreciate the opportunity to review the estimate. Often, as a result, the processing of your claim is expedited so that repairs can begin without delay.

5. Established Relationships With Major Insurance Carriers - The typical retail contractor does not have any involvement with your insurance company. An insurance restoration specialist has experienced and specialized personnel to focus on assisting you through each step of the process. A well established insurance restoration specialist has been in business for many years and has established themselves as a preferred provider for many large insurance companies.

6. Prevent Further Damage to Your Home - In some cases, such as a failed roofing system, further damage to your property is prevented because the insurance restoration specialist assisted in identifying damage and expediting your insurance claim.

In the event that you experience a disaster, rest assured. Clayton Construction is here to help! With over 12 years of experience in the insurance restoration industry, our professionals will be there for you every step of the way. Contact Clayton Construction today at (615) 334-0889, or click HERE for information about special offers and updates.  

Clayton Construction: Serving Greater Nashville for 40 years!

How to Find the Right Remodeling Contractor

Undertaking a new remodeling construction project can be a massive ordeal. Problems will always come up. How those problems are handled, and how well the initial vision and agreement is executed, are key. mistakes can be costly - as can missed deadlines. That’s why finding the right remodeling contractor can make all the difference in the battle to keep your sanity. But how do you find the contractor that will the best fit for your project? A Remodeling Contractor has specific skills and experience in building improvement projects. Selecting a contractor that specializes in remodeling is the first step to a success.

Project Basics

Once you’ve clearly decided exactly what you need in your remodel, budget and scheduling will probably be your top two considerations. Find out how long the project will take. Ask, "do you usually complete a project on schedule?" What time will you begin and end each day? Will you have a crew to work every day? If you have a grand opening scheduled, be sure your Remodeling Contractor is committed to making that deadline. Additionally, ask about the cost per-square-foot. Look at the detailed breakdown, not just the bottom line. Much of a project’s success comes from the owner’s ability to work side-by-side with the Contractor during the conceptual phase of building. Through early involvement and value engineering a good Remodeling Contractor is able to save the owner time and money. By having a better understanding of the general goal of the project, costly change orders down the road are kept to a minimum.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Personal

Never be afraid to ask the contractor about himself or herself. Ask how long the company has been in business. Find out about the company hierarchy. Is there a project supervisor? Who works on site, employees or subcontractors? How many projects does the company have going at one time? How many remodels have they done in the past year? Do they have any specific certifications or trade association memberships? Ask for proof of workers compensation and liability insurance. A good Remodeling Contractor will want you to feel comfortable and assured regarding the quality and consistency of their work.

Confirmation  

Do your homework by checking the answers you were given. Call the insurance agency on the certificate to verify that the policy is current. Ask for references and other business referrals. Don't be timid about asking to see some of their recent work. Satisfied customers, especially in the commercial real estate industry, are eager to show off their new facilities. Touch base with the referrals cited to confirm basic questions about the Contractor’s record in meeting deadlines and budgets.

Once you have gathered all of this information, it is much easier to feel confident with your choice in a Remodeling Contractor. At Clayton Construction, we excel in partnering with clients to determine how best to meet their needs and get the absolute most available for their budget. With more than 65 combined years in professional construction, we will be happy to answer all of your questions and set your mind at ease.

Why not call Clayton Construction today at (615) 969-9758 to learn how we can help you?

Keep Your Foundation Solid

The foundation is the bedrock on which every home stands.  Most home foundations are made of concrete and consist of a concrete footing, the foundation wall, and a concrete floor slab, along with steel reinforcing bars to give the concrete some flexibility with the shifting of soil beneath a home's surface..  The purpose of a foundation is to transfer the weight of the house down into the ground.

While a home’s foundation is perhaps the most important component of a sturdy, long lasting house, many homeowners neglect foundation repairs until it is too late to fix.  That’s why the expert staff at Clayton Construction of Goodlettsville, TN. compiled this list of common signs that your home’s foundation might need some work.

1.     Spaces between molding and ceiling.

2.     Drywall cracking.  Cracks in your home’s drywall or exterior cracks are a dead giveaway that your home foundation needs work.

3.     Doors and windows that slide open and won’t stay shut, or that seal and stay closed.

4.     Sunken Floors.  If the floors on your main level, basement, or upper levels begin to sink, there’s a good chance it has to do with the home’s foundation, and not the floor itself.

5.     Gaps between your home and an exterior deck.

6.     Nail protrusions.  If nails begin to poke out from floorboards or drywalls, it is generally an early sign that the foundation may be shifting and in need of repair.

7.     Uneven floors.  Although subtle at times, if the floor of your home has become uneven, not necessarily sunken, this may be evidence of foundation damage.

In addition to Nashvillefoundation repair, Clayton Construction specializes in  Nashville remodeling, Nashville general contracting, Nashville commercial construction, Nashville multi-familyresidential construction, Nashville building additions,  Nashville kitchens and baths, Nashville insurance repairs, Nashville water mitigation, Nashville structural drying, Nashville fire damage repair, Nashville water damage repair, Nashville storm damage repair, Nashville construction clean up, Nashville excavation, Nashville newcommercial construction and a number of other services.

If you're in need of home foundation repair, contact us today.