Heartlands Building Company

St. Louis County like many others requires a permit if you are building a structural addition to your home. This is necessary to ensure zoning compliance and that proper materials are used and building codes are followed. This protects the homeowner as government inspectors make sure your builder has done everything to follow the plans and building code. Penalties are assessed if you don’t get a permit. For more information on St. Louis County permits, visit: http://www.stlouisco.com/YourGovernment/CountyDepartments/PublicWorks/Permits/BuildingPermits/#CommOcc

Flashing is impervious material used as a drip edge to prevent water from entering a structure.   Proper flashing is crucial because when applied correctly, it prevents water from entering your home at all possible seams such as windows, band boards and the roof structure.   Water intrusion can cause a host of problems, from wood rot and mold to structure failure. A classic example of the critical need for flashing is during the building of a deck connected to your home.   If the break in siding where the deck structure meets the home is not properly flashed, water will be allowed to flow down the wall of the house.   The ledger board, or the board bolted to your home, will then take on this water.   At that point, the water can make its way into your home through the fastening points of the ledger board.   On the inside of your home, this can cause mold to form on framing lumber that is not treated for outdoor exposure causing it to become soft or rot. On the outside, if this hap

If you have been thinking about finishing your basement, right now is the time to start planning. By the time you decide what you want to do and have plans drawn up and approved, the holidays will be over and winter will be upon us. Winter is the best time to have interior remodeling done as construction workers generally have fewer projects underway and the weather may prevent them from doing outside work many days so your weather-proof project will get more attention. Having a construction project completed more quickly is definitely a plus for most homeowners. First, you’ll need to decide how you want to use the new space. Do you need extra bedrooms? Maybe you could use a kids’ playroom, workout room or a teen hangout? Maybe it’s a man cave or a general space for all types of entertaining. Be sure to discuss with potential contractors how you plan to use the space so you will get the most practical plan. Next, you need to determine what you have to work with. You will need