Frequently asked questions to a contractor

Right communication with your contractor is vital to the success of the project.

When a house needs a remo, a good contractor is vital in the overall process. As a homeowner (and maybe a future client) you’ll want to find a contractor with a strong reputation and standards to do the work, who won’t go over the estimated costs so that you don’t get in trouble with the remaining bill.

FAQ’s by clients to our Universal Group Contractors

These are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) that our clients have made for us over the years here at Universal Group. We’ve decided to answer them publicly and help you have an idea of what working with a contractor for a home remodeling would be like.

Q: Do I need a permit?

A: The ‘rule of thumb’ for this is that a permit will be required whenever structural alterations are necessary or if the general living area of the home is to be changed. This is true for bathroom design, a kitchen makeover or other remodeling services.

Q: Can I perform a part of the remodeling by myself?

A: In a way, you may choose to take on some aspects of the project yourself. These responsibilities will be outlined in a contract document. As the homeowner, you can (but is not always recommended) be involved in the demolition, and do any painting or staining that is required.

Q: What do I need to do as a customer?

A: As our client, you will be responsible for removing all of your items from the area to be remodeled. We recommend you to remove pictures from walls adjacent to the work area and to keep a clear and safe walkway for the workers to access the project.

Q: Will my family need to move out of our home during construction?

A: If you plan to have the whole house remodeled, then yes, you will most likely need to find other living arrangements during the construction period for practical matters (and your comfort). In just about every other type of home remo project, do not worry, you should be able to still live in your house.

Q: How long will my home renovation project take?

A: Every home improvement is unique, so this question isn't as simple as you might think. The duration of your project depends on multiple aspects; some of them are the size of the renovation project, scope of work and materials/finishes used. Here at Universal Group, we create a construction schedule for each remodeling project based on our full understanding of the scope. We also work together with the homeowner to guarantee that it can be completed within the estimated time frame.

Q: Will the remo be noisy?

A: Yes, construction is inherently noisy. There will be noise at varying levels throughout the home project. We will give you notice during the noisiest phases, such as concrete cutting, tile cutting, floor sanding, etc., so that you can plan your days to be less disturbed by this.

Q: Will it be dusty and dirty?

A: Not always, the dust and dirt will be present just t in the demolition phase. Once we've got things stripped down to the frame, things will be fairly clean. Stages like drywall installation and sanding will create a coat of very fine dust for a few days over the house surfaces. It's a good idea to put on a plastic sheet over nearby delicate items like electronics or furniture during this phase.

Q: Will I be without power/water/gas during the remodel?

A: It depends on the scope of your home remo project, there will likely be some brief interruption to utilities but they do not last for long. During the demolition phase, and when we bring in the rough trades (electrical or plumbing, for example), electrical, water and gas may need to be shut off anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. If we are connecting new gas pipes to your pre-existing pipes, we will need to deactivate your gas appliances and test the whole system looking for leaks. This could take a whole day. On the other hand, moving an electrical panel or upgrading an electrical panel will probably also take a whole day. In any case, we will give you advance warning so that you can plan accordingly.

Were all your questions answered? When it comes to contractors and home remodeling projects, here at Universal Group INC, we pride ourselves on working with professionalism and effectiveness. Put your home in our hands, and don’t forget to follow us on our social networks to learn more about what we can do to improve your home! Don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions, suggestions and future contracting opportunities to make your home or business use energy in the most efficient way possible.

Contractors play a vital role in a housing project, so we have to understand their language to make ourselves understood.

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Tipos de aires acondicionados

Algunos aires acondicionados son prácticos para espacios pequeños, otros son capaces de refrigerar grandes áreas. Es importante escoger el equipo necesario para el espacio requerido.

Vamos a lo básico, podemos definir como aire acondicionado al sistema o mecanismo de refrigeración del aire que se utiliza de modo doméstico o industrial para combatir el calor y generar confort. Es un dispositivo que se instala en casas, establecimientos y otros espacios cerrados con el fin de proveer aire fresco que se renueva de forma constante y cíclica.

La elección del sistema de aire acondicionado implica nociones como el tamaño del área a refrigerar, la temperatura real en el interior del recinto cerrado, etc. Nuestros profesionales en Universal Group INC consideran todos los parámetros relacionados a la hora de proponer el sistema más adecuado para tu espacio.

Tipos de aire acondicionado acorde al espacio de uso

En Universal Group INC nos aseguramos de que siempre tomes las mejores decisiones a la hora de hacer de tu hogar un lugar más confortable, es por ello que te presentamos una lista mencionando las distintas modalidades de aires acondicionados que existen en el mercado.

Doméstico: se considera doméstico a los aparatos que climatizan hasta 60 metros cuadrados y son habituales en casas o locales pequeños. El voltaje requerido es de 220v.

Comercial: estos equipos de aire acondicionado tienen un alcance que va desde los 60 a 120 metros cuadrados. Se pueden ver en tiendas por departamento, galerías, grandes oficinas, etc.

Industrial: son máquinas cuyo alcance sobrepasa los 120 metros cuadrados, sin un límite establecido. Son utilizados en centros comerciales, supermercados, hoteles, etc. También es importante clasificar en dos subtipos que son de expansión directa o indirecta.

Expansión directa: todos los equipos cuyo mecanismo interno de enfriamiento o calefacción sea el mismo se denominan de expansión directa.

Expansión indirecta: son aquellos aires en los que el refrigerante no es el primer elemento que interviene para cambiar la temperatura de un área. ¿A qué nos referimos con esto? Simple: el ciclo de funcionamiento de un aire acondicionado se basa en la compresión de un gas refrigerante que al discurrir por un circuito cerrado de refrigeración altera la temperatura; luego, este se intercambia con otro elemento ya sea agua o aire.

En el caso de la expansión directa, el equipo interactúa con el aire del medio ambiente a climatizar, por lo tanto, el vehículo de intercambio es el refrigerante. Para los sistemas de expansión indirecta, el aire acondicionado enfría o calienta otro medio que realizará el intercambio con la zona a enfriar (por ejemplo, este enfría agua y el agua a su vez enfría el aire de un área).

Tipos de aire acondicionado según su estructura

A la hora de adquirir uno de estos equipos, el área que ocupan no es el único elemento a tomar en consideración, su estructura también es importante. A continuación, exponemos los diferentes modelos que se encuentran en el mercado, junto a sus mecanismos de instalación y funcionamiento.

Ventana: este pertenece a la familia de equipos domésticos y de expansión directa. Las capacidades oscilan desde los 9.000 a 24.000 BTU (British thermal unit o unidad térmica británica). La ventaja principal es que es un equipo integral y su instalación es sencilla.

Portátil: es de expansión directa y de tipo doméstico. Su característica principal es que es, como su nombre lo indica, de formato móvil. Sus capacidades van desde 7.000 a 12.000 BTU y se utiliza en hogares u oficinas. Su desventaja principal es que son poco eficientes al compararlos con otros equipos.

Split de muro: uno de los equipos más populares, es de la familia doméstica y su expansión es directa. La capacidad va desde los 9.000 y puede llegar hasta los 32.000 BTU. Como ventajas principales, encontramos que son eficientes y poseen un nivel muy bajo de ruido.

Split de piso cielo: pertenece a los grupos doméstico y comercial de forma simultánea, ya que sus capacidades abarcan desde los 12.000 hasta los 24.000 BTU al ser doméstico y 32.000 a 60.000 BTU de ser comercial. Su estructura permite que pueda ser suspendido como una campana de cocina o colocarse sobre el piso como una estufa. Es del grupo de expansión directa.

Split cassette: este equipo forma parte de los dos grupos, doméstico y comercial, ya que tiene capacidades que van desde los 12.000 a 24.000 BTU (doméstico) y de 32.000 a 60.000 BTU (comercial). Se debe colocar suspendido y luce como una caja fluorescente. Es del grupo de expansión directa.

Split de ducto: pertenece a los dos grupos ya que sus capacidades permiten que vaya desde los 12.000 hasta 24.000 BTU de forma doméstica y alcanzar de 32.000 a 60.000 BTU en su modo comercial. Este va colgado en el entretecho y el aire se distribuye por medio de ductos y rejillas difusores. Pertenece al grupo de expansión directa.

Querido lector ¿sabías de la existencia de todos estos diferentes equipos? Nuestros profesionales son expertos en ello; si deseas un trabajo profesional y eficiente, te recomendamos pedir nuestras referencias para próximos contratos. En Universal Group INC dejamos que nuestros resultados hablen por nosotros. Para solventar alguna duda o realizar comentarios y contrataciones, síguenos en nuestras redes sociales.

Cuenta con el equipo de Universal Group para todo lo relacionado a tu aire acondicionado.

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Roofs 101: Materials, Methods, Do's and Dont's

The roof can be considered the head of the house, that's why it's so important.

Roof remodeling (or roofing) is a significant home improvement project. As homeowners, it is necessary to spend time researching every aspect of the project from the roofing material and the shingle color you choose, to the contractor completing the work.

Upgrading your home’s roof allows you to add value to the structure and communicate your home's look and feel. On the topic of roof framing, preparation and proper installation are always important, the material you choose for your roof can bring the exterior of your home to the next level.

Dear United Group: what’s the best material for my roof?

Dear reader: what style do you wish for your roof? That’s the first question to be asked. You must determine what look you're going for and the style you want because the roof is one of the most visible parts of the house facade. Also consider how long you think you'll be in the house, which will, in turn, determine the type of product you should use.

It’s imperative to consider certain notions, whether this look complements your entire exterior. Also, try to think in terms of dollars per year; this means, if you use the thinnest and cheapest composition shingle roof in a Hail area, you can't expect to get too many years of life out of your roof.

A note from the pros: a composition shingle is anything made from materials like asphalt and a base material such as fiberglass, polyester or any other matte material that may be impregnated with asphalt or covered in a granular surface.

The second factor should be costs (as all things housework-related). Composition shingles are the best value regarding prices, but tile roofs are a lot more durable and offer an indefinite lifespan. They can be fragile and subject to breakage when manipulating, however. Just make sure the material you choose fits within the budget you've allowed.

The final factor to consider when choosing roofing materials is the location. If you live in a heavy snowfall or rainfall area, the harsh conditions may dictate what help you decide on materials, as well as how steep a pitch, your roof should have. For example, snowfall areas should avoid clay tile because they can quickly become damaged or succumb to the pressure and weight. You also want to avoid flat roofs, which can allow snow to accumulate and which, left unchecked, can severely damage your home. On the other hand, In the Midwest and on the East Coast, you'll tend to see steeper roofs than you will on the West Coast. Functionality is essential as well as form since homeowners like to get the snow off their roofs as quickly as possible.

Roofing in the South takes a different approach than roofing on the West Coast, in general, because of the rainfall amounts. Southerners are often dealing with a more significant threat of heavy rain than their Western counterparts, and their roofs not only are designed to handle the rain but should also be designed to evacuate that water from the surrounding property.

Some of the roofing materials that work well in areas of constant rainfall are the ones with concrete tiles and composition shingles. This is because they are more effective as of evacuating the snow and rain from the roof.

The do’s and don'ts of roofing

It is in our best interest to help you improve your home, so here at United Group, we’ve put together a list of helpful and practical do’s and don’ts from beginning to end to serve as a guide on your way through the decision-making process.

Do make sure that the materials you paid for are put to use on your roof. These materials include starter shingles along the edge of the roof as well as the ones that are up to the rake. You must have felt paper covering the whole house. Ice and water protection must be in the valleys, some companies use metal, and others use rubber type membrane.

Do ask for references and call and check out the company that you want to work with (like us, for example). Make sure they are licensed, insured, and that they're going to be there if you have a problem.

Do make sure that you get a ridge cap put on your ridge.

Now, as of the don’ts…

Don't allow the contractor to lead you into not overseeing the work being done on your home or business. If they can't answer a few questions about what they’re doing you should ask yourself if you choose the right company (never work with unprofessional people).

Don't allow children to be in the work area since there is always the chance something could fall and injure someone.

Don't let yourself be talked into taking shortcuts that will cost you more in the long run. Having felt the paper, starter shingles, drip edge, ice and water, flashing and caulk is a must on all jobs.

Don't be afraid to ask for these implements, since it is your right as the homeowner, business owner or as a commercial contractor.

Don't allow seconds and defective shingles to be used on your roof. Defective shingles don't have warranties and will carry consequences on the structure.

Did you know all the facts and tips about roofing? When it comes to improving and upgrading homes, here at Universal Group Inc we pride ourselves on working with professionalism and effectiveness. Put your home in our hands, and don’t forget to follow us on our social networks to learn more about what we can offer to your property! Don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions, suggestions and future contracting opportunities to make your home or business use energy in the most efficient way possible.

Here at Universal Group, we offer you the best alternative, not only in consultants but also contractors.

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Make your Windows Hurricane-proof

Strong winds might be a signal that a hurricane is coming. Be prepared!

At some point, we have all seen some photos taken after a major storm, where tree branches lay speared through a window, shattered glass covering some unfortunate individual’s valued possessions and their light belongings sucked through a window and scattered. Hurricanes, tornadoes, straight-line winds; all of these natural phenomenons can wreak havoc on your home if you don’t have the right windows in place for protecting it.

One of the first breaches that the wind takes advantage of your house during a hurricane is the windows. Non-impact windows won’t pose resistance to the wind, weather and projectiles the way impact windows will. Weak, ineffective windows can be the difference between keeping safe the family and its possessions, and a natual disaster.

According to the International Hurricane Protection Association, once winds get inside a home during a hurricane, the roof (And most of the home’s structure) won’t stand a chance. Pressure build-up will cause these elements to separate, devastating a home in a matter of minutes.

Why Hurricane-Proof Windows are a Necessity

‘’Most of the time it’s not the wind that shatters our windows, but instead what the wind picks up and throws through windows what poses a bigger threat.’’ - Say our professionals here at Universal Group Inc

Hurricane-proof windows or storm-proof windows are composed of impact resistant glass, that contain a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two thick slabs of glass. The most effective type of impact-resistant window is the inner-membrane window, capable of withstanding storm winds up to 200 miles per hour. An impact-resistant glass will most probably shatter on impact but it will remain attached to the inner membrane along with the window frame.

There is always the alternative of using a shatter-resistant film that covers window glass, that will prevent glass from shattering. This tough, clear plastic hurricane film is popular among homeowners because it’s almost invisible, and they can leave it in place year-round. If the glass breaks, hurricane film prevents glass shards from zipping around inside your home.

The downside to hurricane filma is that the film isn’t resistant enough to stop hurricane winds from blowing in the windows frames. That’s why most insurance companies don’t often offer discounts for hurricane film and why we recommend that you should also shield your windows with plywood.

The great thing about windows with high-resistance glass is that they’re always in place, ready to beat back anything hurled by the hurricane winds. They come in standard sizes and shapes so they won’t make your home look less pretty. Expect to pay three times as much for a window with high-impact glass as for a regular window of the same size and type, nonetheless.

We hope you enjoyed reading our article. Universal Group Inc, where we care not only about making your house bigger and prettier, but also a safer place for you and your family. Please, follow us on our social networks, and don’t hesitate in contacting us for any questions, suggestions and contracting.

Safety is one of the most important concerns for a structure.

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Recomendaciones financieras para remodelación

Es imprescindible empezar por un presupuesto conciso antes de iniciar una remodelación.

En algún momento todos tenemos ganas de renovar nuestra habitación. Sin embargo siempre existe el temor a gastar dinero en ello de manera innecesaria o excesiva. Eso nos quita el incentivo y todo plan de renovación acaba por no iniciar. Sin embargo, no tiene por qué ser así. ¿Quieres saber por qué lo decimos?

Para que las remodelaciones de tu hogar no sean motivo de pánico y para que podamos hacerlas sin tener que gastar una cantidad excesiva, hoy Universal Group te brinda algunas ideas sobre cómo presupuestar la remodelación de una habitación.

Sigue el consejo de nuestros profesionales y verás como esa remodelación y ese aire innovador que anhelas no será tan costoso y podrás permitirte el gusto de modificar aquello que ya no sea de tu agrado.

Recomendaciones de Universal Group para el Lector que busca una remodelación accesible

Lo primero que debemos hacer es pensar con objetividad, date permiso de sentarte en la cama y mirar alrededor en busca de lo que verdaderamente necesita ser cambiado, esa es una buena manera de comenzar a establecer tus prioridades.

Luego de darte cuenta de que no todo ha de estar en mal estado o notaste que ciertos detalles no te desagradan, entenderás el por qué debemos identificar qué es lo que realmente hay que remodelar para así no excedernos en presupuesto ni en cansancio.

Asimismo dentro de las prioridades y posibilidades podemos establecer ciertos y determinados niveles. Ver qué es lo más urgente a modificar y en base a ese ranking comenzar a remodelar con tiempo y sin apuros. Prioriza en base a necesidades, no caprichos.

En Universal Group hemos sido testigos en reiteradas ocasiones de que casi todo tiene el potencial de ser reciclado. Por ello revisa bien las áreas y estructuras de tu hogar para determinar si no existe necesidad de remodelarlos, o sólo darles un aspecto nuevo y así evitar el gasto excesivo o peor, el desperdicio.

La renovación siempre es una alternativa menos drástica a la remodelación radical, re-tapizando, pintando o utilizando técnicas como la del decoupage, podremos darle una nueva cara a aquello que necesita cambiarse sin tener que excedernos en presupuesto.

El pintar las paredes antes de remodelar el resto de un espacio es una buena manera de saber si la remodelación es realmente necesaria o no. En ocasiones un buen cambio de tono hace que nuestra vista se renueve y nuestras ganas de tumbar paredes se aplaquen.

Este simple cambio puede darle a la habitación un aspecto nuevo y reducir el presupuesto de remodelación considerablemente.  Siguiendo estos consejos que te indican nuestros expertos en Universal Group Inc. y teniendo en cuenta que las cosas no deben ser drásticas ni de un día para el otro podrás darte a la tarea de la remodelación sin tener que estresarnos ni invertir un gran monto de dinero en ello, Para resolver tus dudas y concretar posibles contrataciones, por favor síguenos en nuestras redes sociales y deja tus comentarios en la sección correspondiente.

Marcar límites y fechas de entrega es parte del asesoramiento que ofrecemos.

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Windows 101: A Window for Every Type of House

Windows provide light and a sense of space to the household.

Finding the ideal windows for your home isn’t as easy as it seems. It's as if we have to choose the eyes of the house itself. There are so many different types of windows and options available today that it can be overwhelming for some to try and pick out the right one for their needs.  

Windows come in all shapes and sizes. They can be square, rectangular, octagonal and even triangular, and that’s just the shape. Some windows open to the side, some slide up and others tip up like a canopy. Each of these unique types of windows offers something special to a home, and only a homeowner or contractor that understands their options can make an informed decision to choose the right windows. .

Different types of windows can change the construction and aesthetic of your house. Windows allow natural light to fill your rooms during the day and let the air in to keep it fresh and dry. Your windows can also help define the style of your house, whether it is traditional or modern. You can customize almost any window to suit your changing tastes and needs.

Usefulness is the best thing to take into consideration when choosing a window. Double hung windows are a far better option from a purposeful and maintenance standpoint. They can be more versatile and easier to clean. You can get to sash and clean both parts of the window with ease from inside your home. You can also tilt them to allow a breeze in more easily than with single hung windows.

The selection of a suitable window in a particular place should depend on some of these specific factors.

• Location of the room.
• Size of the room.
• The direction the wind is flowing.
• Climatic conditions.
• The room’s purpose. 
• Architectural and aesthetic points of view.

Common Types of Windows That You Can Get for Your Home

1. Fixed windows: They are fixed to the wall without any closing or opening maneuver required.
2. Sliding windows: The shutters are moved by the provision of roller bearings (whether they be horizontal or vertical).
3. Pivoted windows: Pivot is a shaft which helps to oscillate the shutter. The swinging may be either horizontal or vertical based on the position of pivots.
4. Double hung windows: Double hung windows consist of a pair of shutters attached to one frame. The screens are placed one above the other. 
5. Louvered windows: Louvered windows are similar to louvered doors, which provide the ventilation without any outside vision. Most of the time, they are used for privacy places, like bathrooms.
6. Casement windows: The shutters are attached to the frame, and these can be opened and closed like doors.
7. Metal windows: These are often very cheap and have more strength than the average window. Nowadays these are widely using especially for public buildings.
8. Sash windows: They consist of a top, bottom and intermediate rails. The space between the rails is divided into small panels.
9. Corner windows: By using this type of windows, light or air can get into a room in two different directions and bring a beautiful atmosphere to the space.
10. Bay windows: They are a projected windows form wall, which is used to increase the area of the opening, and get more ventilation and light from outside. 
11. Dormer windows: They are provided for sloped roofs.
12. Clerestory windows: If the rooms of a building have different ceiling heights, these windows are better for rooms with taller ceilings. 
13. Lantern windows: Lantern windows are provided for flat roofs. The primary purpose of these windows is to give more light and air flow to the rooms. 
14. Gable windows: They are provided for sloped roof buildings at their gable ends.
15. Ventilators: They are tiny. Horizontally pivoted shutters are provided for ventilators.
16. Skylights: They are generally used on the top of sloped roofs to let light into the rooms.

We hope you enjoyed reading our article. Here at Universal Group Inc, we care about keeping you informed and helping you improve your home. Please, follow us on our social media, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, suggestions and contracting.

It is important that the windows you install are the right fit for the house you live in.

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