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Reliable General Contracting offers complete bathroom remodels in Wayne, PA. Call 484-752-6571 or click here to learn more and upgrade your home today!
As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop here in Pennsylvania - it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. At Reliable General Contracting HQ, we’ve seen firsthand how early preparation can save homeowners from costly repairs, energy loss, and discomfort during Pennsylvania’s coldest months. Here's your reliable checklist to make sure your home is ready to handle the chill — inside and out.
Bathroom remodeling by Reliable General Contracting
Dan Kaplan owner of Reliable General Contracting in Royersford, PA. Family owned, home remodeling company in business since 1999.
Needs advice on a deck build or repair? Can't decide between a composite or wood deck? Learn more about Reliable General Contracting's deck designs and builds.
Local general contractor for all spring home repairs and remodeling. Kitchens, Bathrooms, Decks, Painting and Power Washing. Serving Montgomery and Chester County PA.
At Reliable General Contracting, we specialize in deck and porch repairs, installations, and upgrades throughout Chester County and Montgomery County, PA. Whether you need a brand-new deck, repairs to your existing structure, or a fresh coat of stain or paint, our skilled contractors are ready to bring your vision to life.
As we move into 2025, homeowners in Montgomery and Chester County, PA, are looking for fresh, modern ways to revitalize their spaces. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or a small room refresh, paint colors are one of the easiest and most impactful ways to change the look and feel of your home. As we kick off the new year, several paint color trends are taking center stage, offering a range of vibrant and calming tones that reflect the evolving design preferences of homeowners. At Reliable General Contracting , we pride ourselves on staying ahead of design trends to help our clients make the best choices for their homes. Let’s dive into the 2025 paint color trends that are sure to inspire your next project in Montgomery and Chester County.
At Reliable General Contracting, we understand that your kitchen is more than just a functional space—it's the centerpiece of your home. Achieving your desired kitchen style requires thoughtful coordination of every design element, from cabinetry to layout. Each choice contributes to the overall theme, creating a cohesive and visually stunning space. With years of experience serving Montgomery County, Chester County, and the Main Line, our team specializes in the most popular kitchen styles in our Philadelphia region: traditional, contemporary, transitional, and rustic. Each style features unique characteristics that influence everything from décor to hardware. Whether you’re drawn to sleek, modern lines or the warmth of natural, reclaimed materials, Reliable General Contracting ensures your kitchen reflects your personal style and needs.
What to Look for When Buying a House
Dan Kaplan
By Dan Kaplan at Reliable General Contracting HQ in Royersford, PA
Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—and I’m not just talking about money. You’re investing your time, your peace of mind, and probably your weekends into whatever property you choose. As a general contractor who’s been in the business for over two decades, I’ve walked through hundreds of homes—some solid, some lipstick on a pig.
Here’s my no-fluff list of what to look for when buying a house, based on what I check first when I walk into a property.
1. Foundation & Structure – The Backbone of the House
If the foundation’s bad, everything else is just decorating a sinking ship.
- Cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings? Hairline cracks can be normal. Big, jagged ones or those wider than 1/4” are red flags.
- Doors and windows sticking or not closing right? That could be settling—or something more serious.
- Uneven floors? Bring a marble with you and see if it rolls. It’s old-school, but it works.
Don’t let a fresh coat of paint distract you from signs of structural movement. Fixing a bad foundation can cost you tens of thousands.
2. Roof Condition – It’s Not Just Shingles
Replacing a roof isn’t cheap. You’ll want to know:
- How old is the roof? Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20–25 years.
- Any visible sagging? Could be rotted decking or even framing issues.
- Signs of past leaks inside the attic or ceiling stains? A leaky roof can turn into mold and rot real quick.
Always get up into the attic if you can. That’s where the roof tells its real story.
3. Plumbing – Check for Rust, Leaks, and Patch Jobs
Plumbing problems can hide behind walls, but there are clues if you know where to look.
- What kind of pipes does the home have? Galvanized pipes? Prepare for future replacements.
- Water pressure? Turn on multiple faucets and flush a toilet. Weak pressure could mean old or clogged pipes.
- Water heater age? These last about 8–12 years. Check for corrosion around the base.
Also, look under sinks and around toilets for any signs of previous leaks or makeshift repairs.
4. Electrical – Safety First
Faulty wiring isn’t just a code issue—it’s a fire hazard.
- Is the panel up to code? 100–200 amps is standard for modern homes.
- Any old knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring? These are outdated and potentially dangerous.
- Are outlets grounded? Bring a cheap outlet tester from the hardware store to check.
If a house has had a DIY electrical job, it usually shows—and it’s usually not good.
5. HVAC – Heating and Cooling Ain’t Cheap
These systems are expensive to replace, so check:
- System age and service history. Anything over 15 years is living on borrowed time.
- Airflow and even temperature through the house. Uneven heating or cooling can mean duct issues.
- Dirty filters or rust around the furnace? Could mean neglect or water damage.
If it’s hot outside and the AC can’t keep up, that’s a sign it may be undersized or failing.
6. Drainage and Grading – Water is the Enemy
Water is the silent killer of homes. You want it away from the foundation.
- Does the yard slope away from the house? It should.
- Gutters and downspouts working and pointed away? Water pooling around the house is bad news.
- Any signs of past flooding or a damp smell in the basement? Mold doesn’t lie.
Proper drainage saves you from big headaches later.
7. DIY Work – A Little Too Much “Character”
As a contractor, I can spot DIY work from across the street. And often, it’s not up to code.
- Crooked tile, uneven floors, mismatched finishes? Might look cute now, but can cost you later.
- Converted garages or additions? Always check if they were permitted.
- "Updated" kitchens or baths? Make sure the work was done professionally, not just with a YouTube tutorial.
Cosmetic updates are the easiest way to mask bigger issues.
8. Insulation & Energy Efficiency
This gets overlooked a lot, but it’ll hit your wallet every month.
- Check attic insulation. Minimal or old insulation means higher heating/cooling bills.
- Look at window quality. Single-pane windows? Time for an upgrade.
- Air leaks around doors or outlets? Easy to fix, but a sign of general neglect.
A well-sealed, energy-efficient house pays off year after year.
I always tell my clients this: Don’t fall in love with the paint color—fall in love with the bones.
A beautiful kitchen won’t matter if the roof is leaking or the foundation is cracked. Bring in a home inspector, yes—but also trust your eyes, your gut, and maybe even bring a contractor like me along if you’re serious about a place.
At Reliable General Contracting, we believe in building it right the first time—but we also believe in buying it right.
Stay smart out there,
Dan
Reliable General Contracting
