Category: Home Remodeling

Older homes come with charm, history, and character — but they can also come with hidden pest problems. From wood-destroying insects to rodents and moisture-loving bugs, years of wear and tear often create the perfect environment for infestations. If you’re planning a renovation, especially in a house built decades ago, it’s essential to understand the pest risks that may be lurking behind the walls.

Why Older Homes Attract Pests

Over time, homes settle, materials degrade, and tiny gaps or cracks form in foundations, siding, and roofing. This natural aging process, combined with outdated construction methods and materials, creates countless entry points for pests. In some cases, the infestation began years earlier and went unnoticed — only to be revealed once renovation begins.

Top Pest Issues in Older Homes

Here are the most common pest problems contractors and homeowners encounter during remodeling projects:

1. Termites

These silent destroyers thrive in damp, dark environments and can go undetected for years. By the time visible damage is discovered, the structural integrity of beams, flooring, and subfloors may already be compromised.

2. Rodents

Older homes often have gaps around vents, pipes, crawlspaces, or under foundations that allow mice or rats easy access. Rodents can chew through wires, nest in insulation, and leave behind health hazards.

3. Carpenter Ants

Like termites, carpenter ants tunnel through wood — but they don’t eat it. Instead, they create hollowed-out galleries that weaken framing. They’re especially common in moist areas like bathrooms or under leaky windows.

4. Cockroaches

Cracks in walls, outdated plumbing, and hidden water sources make older homes ideal for roach infestations. Remodeling kitchens, basements, or bathrooms often reveals nests behind cabinets or appliances.

5. Silverfish and Other Moisture Pests

Basements and attics in older homes can harbor silverfish, centipedes, and other insects that prefer damp, undisturbed areas.

Renovation Red Flags: What to Watch For

During a remodel, keep an eye out for:

• Sawdust-like material near baseboards or wood trim (may indicate termites)
• Chewed wiring, insulation, or nesting materials
• Droppings or foul odors in enclosed spaces
• Soft or hollow-sounding wood in beams or flooring
• Dead insects clustered in corners or light fixtures

If you or your contractor notice any of these signs, it’s time to pause and address the issue before moving forward.

The Right Sequence: Pest Inspection Before Construction

Don’t wait until demolition reveals the damage — it’s much more cost-effective and safer to schedule a professional pest inspection before the first swing of the hammer. Treating pests early can:

• Prevent costly rework
• Reduce delays in your renovation timeline
• Protect the health of your household
• Preserve new materials from contamination or damage
  

A Smarter Renovation Starts With Prevention

Older homes can be beautifully transformed, but they require a thoughtful approach — one that includes pest prevention as part of the renovation strategy. Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, finishing a basement, or upgrading an entire floor, don’t forget to assess the condition behind the walls before you start building over them.

A well-planned remodel doesn’t just improve your home’s function and aesthetics — it also ensures your space is safe, healthy, and pest-free.

Planning a major home renovation is exciting — new layouts, updated finishes, better energy efficiency. But if your roof is outdated or showing signs of wear, it’s worth tackling that upgrade before you start any remodeling. In fact, getting a new roof first might be the smartest move you can make.

Here’s why your roof should come before the renovation dust even begins to fly.

1. A Solid Roof Protects Your Investment

Remodeling projects often include new drywall, paint, flooring, cabinetry, or even reconfiguring entire spaces. If your roof is old or compromised, any hidden leaks or future storm damage could destroy those improvements in an instant.

Getting a new roof first ensures your renovation investment is protected from the top down — especially if you’re redoing ceilings, insulation, or lighting.

2. It Improves Energy Efficiency Across the Board

Many homeowners use remodeling as a chance to improve insulation, install energy-efficient windows, or redesign HVAC layouts. But none of those efforts will pay off if your roof is leaking air or moisture.

A newly installed, properly ventilated roof helps maintain indoor comfort and reduces your energy bills — making the rest of your home upgrades more effective.

3. It Helps Prevent Construction Delays

If you remodel first and discover a roofing issue mid-project, the result can be expensive delays and damage. Ceiling leaks or structural problems discovered after the fact can stall work, increase labor costs, and cause materials to be re-ordered or replaced.

Scheduling a roof inspection — and replacing if needed — before remodeling starts gives your project a cleaner timeline and fewer surprises.

4. It Gives Your Exterior a Cohesive Look

If you’re improving your home’s curb appeal with new siding, windows, or trim, a worn-out or mismatched roof can make the upgrades feel incomplete. A fresh roof sets the tone for the entire exterior design — whether you’re going modern, rustic, or traditional.

Plus, today’s roofing materials come in a variety of colors and textures that can elevate the look of your renovation.

5. It Adds Immediate Value to the Home

A new roof is one of the top resale upgrades for homeowners, and paired with interior renovations, it sends a clear message: this home is well cared for and move-in ready.

Whether you’re renovating for yourself or prepping to sell in the next few years, a strong roof adds both protection and real market value.

While it’s tempting to dive straight into interior renovations, overlooking the condition of your roof can lead to future problems and costly repairs. By upgrading your roof before you remodel, you create a safer, more efficient, and more valuable foundation for the improvements to come.

When it comes to upgrading your home, remodeling and house painting are two of the most effective ways to boost both aesthetic appeal and property value. While they serve different purposes, these two improvements often work best when planned together—helping homeowners achieve a more polished, cohesive look.

Remodeling: Transforming Function and Style

Remodeling goes beyond cosmetic updates. Whether you’re revamping a kitchen, modernizing a bathroom, or finishing a basement, remodeling allows homeowners to enhance both the functionality and the comfort of a space. It’s a chance to rethink layouts, improve energy efficiency, or make room for growing families. Even small changes—like adding built-in storage or upgrading fixtures—can make a big impact on daily life.

The Role of House Painting in a Home Makeover

While remodeling focuses on structure and layout, house painting is what truly brings the transformation to life. A fresh coat of paint can make old surfaces look brand new, brighten up dark spaces, or add bold character with trendy color choices. It’s often the final touch that completes a remodel and ties the entire design together.

Painting is also one of the most budget-friendly ways to refresh a home. Whether interior or exterior, it improves curb appeal, protects surfaces from wear and tear, and even influences mood and productivity inside the home.

Why Homeowners Pair Them Together

Many homeowners choose to repaint during or immediately after a remodel for a few reasons:

• Seamless Aesthetics: Updated cabinetry, flooring, or trim often require matching paint to ensure a consistent look throughout the space.

• Clean Slate: Post-remodel surfaces might be patched or replaced, making it an ideal time to repaint.

• Efficiency: Coordinating painting with remodeling means fewer disruptions and a faster path to a fully finished space.

Choosing the Right Timeline

If you’re planning a remodel, it’s wise to consider painting toward the end of the project. This helps avoid damage from construction work and allows painters to work on freshly completed surfaces. However, paint swatches can be part of the early planning phase to ensure color schemes match new fixtures, finishes, or flooring.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re updating your home for personal enjoyment or preparing it for resale, combining remodeling with house painting can help you make the most of your investment. From improving function to enhancing beauty, these projects work in harmony to create a space that feels fresh, modern, and truly yours.

Are you thinking about changing your home? Maybe your kitchen feels too small, or your bathroom looks like it belongs in the 1970s. Home remodeling is a big adventure. It can make your house more beautiful and more valuable. But, it can also be very confusing.

If you live in Commack, NY, you might be wondering: “Should I do this myself, or do I need help?” This is why you need a general contractor. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about hiring a pro, how it saves you money, and why Meigel Home Improvements – Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Company is the top choice for Long Island families.

What is a General Contractor?

Think about a big orchestra playing music. You have violins, drums, and flutes. Each person is good at their own instrument, but they need a conductor to lead them so the music sounds good.

A general contractor is the conductor of your home remodel.

When you search for General contractors near me, you are looking for a project leader. This person (or company) is responsible for the entire job. They don’t just swing hammers; they plan the work, buy the materials, and make sure every person working on your house is doing a great job.

Why Meigel Home Improvements – Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Company is Different

We are based right here in Hauppauge, NY. We have been working on homes in Commack, Smithtown, and Dix Hills for over 30 years. We aren’t just a big company from far away. We are your neighbors. We know the types of houses in this area, from the cozy ranches to the big colonials.

The Stress-Free Way to Remodel

Doing a home project on your own is hard. You have to find a plumber, then an electrician, then someone to lay the tile. If one person is late, the whole project stops. This is called “DIY stress.”

When you hire a general contractor, that stress goes away. Here is how we make it easy:

1. One Point of Contact

You don’t have to call ten different people. You only have to call us. If you have a question about your new kitchen cabinets or the paint in the hallway, you talk to your Meigel project manager. We handle the rest.

2. We Speak “Building Code”

Every town has rules about how houses are built. In Commack and the Town of Smithtown, there are very specific laws to keep your home safe. These are called “building codes.” We know these rules inside and out. We make sure every wire and every pipe is exactly where it should be according to the law.

3. Safety First

Construction can be dangerous. There are heavy tools and high places. Meigel Home Improvements – Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Company is fully licensed and insured. This means our workers are protected, and your home is protected. You can sleep easy knowing the job is being done safely.

Why Commack Homeowners Trust Us

These are big words, but they mean something simple: We know what we are doing, and you can trust us.

Our 30-Year History

We have been in business for three decades. In the world of general contractors, that is a long time! We have seen every kind of house problem you can imagine. Whether it’s a basement that gets damp after a big Long Island storm or a kitchen wall that is harder to move than it looks, we have fixed it before.

Knowing the Local Area

We know the local shops and suppliers. When we need the best wood or the prettiest stone for your counters, we know where to go in Hauppauge and Commack to get it. We support other local businesses, and that helps our whole community stay strong.

Saving Money and Time

A lot of people think they save money by doing the work themselves. But often, it ends up costing more! Here is why hiring a professional general contractor is actually a smart financial move.

Avoiding “The Double Pay”

If a homeowner tries to fix a bathroom and makes a mistake, they have to pay for the materials twice. Then, they have to pay a professional to come and fix the mistake. When you hire Meigel Home Improvements – Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Company, we do it right the first time.

Better Prices on Materials

Because we buy so much tile, wood, and paint, we get “pro prices” at the stores. We pass those savings on to you. You get high-quality materials for less money than you would find at a big-box store.

The Value of Your Time

How much is your weekend worth? Do you want to spend your Saturdays covered in dust and grease? Probably not! By hiring us, you get to spend your time with your family at Hoyt Farm or the Commack Public Library while we do the hard work.

What Kind of Projects Can We Do?

We aren’t just “handymen.” We are full-service builders. Here are some of the things we do best for our neighbors in Commack:

• Kitchen Remodels: The heart of the home. We do everything from new floors to custom islands.
• Bathroom Renovation: Turning a boring bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
• Basement Finishing: Making your basement a fun playroom or a quiet home office.
• Home Additions: If your family is growing, we can add a whole new room to your house!
• Exterior Work: Making the outside of your house look as good as the inside.

The Meigel Step-by-Step Process

We want you to feel comfortable from start to finish. Here is what it looks like when you work with us:

1. The First Chat: We talk about your ideas and your budget.
2. The Plan: We create a roadmap for the project. No surprises!
3. The Build: Our team comes in and works hard. We keep the site clean every day.
4. The Walkthrough: We show you the finished work. We don’t leave until you are 100% happy.

Why Location Matters

Being a general contractor near me in Commack means we are always close by. If you have an emergency or a quick question, we can be at your door in minutes. We aren’t commuting from the city; we are right around the corner in Hauppauge.

We know the weather on Long Island. We know how the salt air can affect paint and how the cold winters can affect your pipes. We build things to last on the Island.

Let’s Build Your Dream

Your home is likely the biggest investment you will ever make. It is where your kids grow up and where you host holiday dinners. You shouldn’t trust it to just anyone.

When you need a general contractor who is honest, local, and experienced, look no further than Meigel Home Improvements – Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Company. We take the “hard” out of “hard work.”

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to see what your home could become? Don’t wait!

Contact Information:

• Business Name: Meigel Home Improvements – Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Company
• Website: https://meigelhomeimprovements.com/remodelers-hauppauge-ny
• Address: 31 Essex Dr, Hauppauge, NY 11788, United States
• Phone: (631)888-6907