"This could not have gone any smoother. Despite having to re-schedule the original, 1st quoting appointment, Darren was here the very next day. I had a quote by the end of that 2nd day/appointment, was scheduled the next day for the following Monday and the 2-person team was in and out within 90 minutes. My kids didn't even wake up(granted, they could sleep thru the emergency siren!) but wow. My attic/crawl space is now fully insulated! All this while we are adjusting to our new normal of social distancing and heightened sanitary measures. I would use AFI again and would recommend them based on this experience."
"Jeff Smith is based at the Waterloo office. He was very good at customer service & responded to my emails in a reasonable time given this is probably a busy time of the year (November) for them. I am having additional blow in insulation behind a knee wall & in the attic to bring me up to code. The work has not been completed yet. I am waiting for an energy audit. That is why I can only rate the company as a 3."
"They promptly returned my initial call...came for the consultation...returned with the estimate and began the work within FOUR days!!! (We were lucky they were able to fit us in between some bigger projects they had scheduled) They came at 8:30 AM every morning..(the first morning in the last April snow) and did not leave for other jobs until my porch was done. They built the new north wall and closet....did all the drywall, electrical, floor tile and wood finishing. Perfectly matching the woodwork and closet doors to the rest of my house. From the outside (and inside) it looks like it was original. They were professional, personable, and expertly skilled at all phases of the construction. My cold, open, north facing cement porch has been transformed to a beautiful, functional "Entry Foyer". I can't wait to plan my next project for them!!""
"Had a water leaking through my roof from Ice dams and damage on whole wall on the west side of my living room. They had to replace all dry wall, insulation and match the half of my ceiling to the other half that was not damaged. Also replace a huge 1960 window with 3 new energy windows. Great work you would never know that the half of the room had been redone match all the paint and knock down on the ceiling to a tee. Very knowledgeable, professional and kept me updated on all the process that was going on."
"I called on a Friday and they were able to send somebody on Monday morning. I'm not sure if it was because they contacted me through Homeadvisor or because I was hesitant to have them come out without even a ballpark price, but they waived the trip charge. I told them that I had a leaking shower faucet and expected that the cartridge just needed to be replaced. I received a phone call and text 40 minutes before the tech's arrival as promised. Jake showed up on time and offered to wear the booties everybody brings these days, but between the time he spent sitting in his van and then writing up a quote after glancing at the faucet, it was at least half an hour before I even had the quote. My choices were $412 for the cartridge or $700+ to replace at least the valve and maybe more and then repair drywall. I assume the quote was written this way to trigger the upsale, but I will be selling my home soon and the drywall that didn't even need to be removed for this repair is already being replaced as part of a separate repair project. I was surprised that he didn't bring shower cartridges on the van since it seems like a common repair, and I'd specifically told them that's what I needed. He was gone for over an hour to get one from the supply center. Once he returned, he turned off the water, then went back to the van for a bit. Once he started on the faucet, it took maybe half an hour to swap out the cartridge. When he was done, Jake had me sign a few times, then emailed me an invoice with no text describing the service performed, just the total. I told him I needed some explanation of what was done, and he re-sent it with a blurb explaining a Moen cartridge was replaced and has a one year warranty. About an hour after Jake left, I received a follow up phone call to confirm everything was completed to my satisfaction. I have no complaints about the work, everybody was pleasant enough to deal with, and I know they create their quotes straight from a pricebook, but 3 hours and $412 to complete a 30 minute repair that requires a part costing no more than $50 just seems excessive."
"CGM Insulation did great job installing insulation for me. Juan has lots of experience and knowledge. He knew exactly where to install to get the most efficiency. He really knows what he is doing."
It’s less costly to drywall a fireplace than shiplapping it since material costs are higher for shiplap. However, if you’re DIYing the project, shiplap is less expensive since you won’t have to pay for labor. With drywall, getting a smooth finish is difficult unless you’re a pro. Shiplap is ideal for an accent wall or unique space, such as around a fireplace, since it adds texture and gives off a cozy vibe.
Plaster is a beautiful finish but is labor-intensive to install and remove. It’s vulnerable to cracking and more sensitive to moisture variance than drywall. Installing plaster on a new wall is an expensive process that can take days to weeks, depending on the scope. Removing a plaster wall can also be quite expensive and time-consuming.
If the holes in the plaster are small, you can fill them with layers of patching plaster until they’re filled. After it dries, you can sand the plaster and paint over it. If the hole is much larger, consider using bonding plaster first and then a layer of patching plaster, completing the process with sanding and a layer of paint.
Look for flaking paint or air bubbles that burst and then flake away. Paint will begin to flake after being exposed to minimal moisture or water, so it’s a good indicator of any water damage. If you notice your paint starting to flake, feel the plaster underneath to see if it is soft or damp.
All plaster walls will crack over time due to normal house settling and expansion and contraction from temperature and moisture changes. Small, thin hairline cracks are generally not serious and are mostly a cosmetic issue. However, larger or more significant cracks can indicate structural problems.
Here's how to tell the difference:
Cosmetic Cracks: Cracks that are 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) or thinner are typically cosmetic.
Structural Cracks: Cracks wider than 0.5 cm, excessive or deep cracks, multiple cracks in the same area, or cracks that span around corners can signify a structural or foundation issue. Cracks along the joints where walls meet the ceiling also warrant attention.
For cracks wider than 0.5 cm, structural repair is needed. If a crack is 2.5 cm (1 inch) or wider, or if you notice any signs of a structural problem, it is best to contact a plaster repair professional to assess the damage.
The Colo, IA homeowners’ guide to drywall insulation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
How much does it cost to insulate a garage? Discover insulation options, prices, and expected and unexpected circumstances that affect the project cost.
New insulation can make your home more comfortable and boost energy efficiency. Use this insulation cost guide to get an accurate estimate for the installation.
Thick gaps and extra joint compound can alter the look of drywall. So, should drywall be butt up against a wall? Review this guide for seamless installation.
When you’re building a new home, it’s a good idea to get multiple inspections. Learn about the benefits of a pre-drywall inspection during construction.
