Remodeling Salem Oregon One Home at a Time

Remodeling Salem for 25 Years

 After years of experience remodeling Salem homes we have ongoing services for home improvement including windows, siding, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, decks, patios, painting and roofing. 

The following testimonials provide examples of our remodeling services in Salem and how our customers responded to the completion of their project. 

"After getting 6 repair/painting bids for residing and painting our West Salem home, we chose VA & Sons Construction and are so pleased with our choice and their work. Their bid was thousands less than any of the others, very complete and easy to understand. Communication between the time they were hired and the time the job started was great.

"When work started Gene's crew showed up on time every day, worked diligently all day and cleaned up every evening before leaving. The finished job was done on a very timely basis and final clean up was excellent. My wife and I highly recommend VA & Sons Construction. They will certainly be our FIRST call whenever future work is needed on our house. Again THANK YOU GENE MAKARENKO AND YOUR EXCELLENT CREW FOR A JOB WELL DONE."  

"V.A. and Sons replaced the siding on my house and painted the entire house. They did an outstanding job. Gene and his crew were courteous and considerate. They completed the job quickly and the price was very reasonable. Much lower than the estimates that I had received from other contractors. I was having difficulty selecting colors for the house and Gene provided helpful advice. I love the job that they did."

"V.A. and Sons helped us with the exterior remodel of our 21 year old home. Their crew was fabulous to work with, professional courteous, thorough and fast. The cedar, framing of windows and prep for painting was done in three day. The painting started the following week and took 2 days. Gene had the foresight to order materials in advance to ensure they would be available at the start of the project to minimize any delay of our project. I will be calling them when we are ready to start our inside remodel."

"Our family suffered a terrible nightmare of a tragedy this year. In Feb 2021 during the ice storm, 2 giant white oak trees destroyed approximately 25-30% of our home. Having never suffered anything like this before I immediately began contacting several contractors, Remodeling Salem OR (VA & Sons Construction) was one of them. I had about 5 contractors visit my home in the days after to give estimates, with a giant trunk through our home and water pouring in, Gene was the only one who immediately sent his crew out to tarp and take care of things. He humbly told me whether I went with them or not, they were going to fix things for us to make sure no additional damage would impact he house. This level of empathy for what we were going through went a big way with me and I eventually hired him to do a massive repair. Gene was incredibly helpful navigating the complexity of such a massive job, he handled just about everything and worked hand in hand with our insurance adjuster to ensure that we got what we needed. The quality of work is exceptional and Gene's various crews were a pleasure to have in our home. The entire process took just shy of 10 months but it was worth it, we turned a tragedy into a beautiful remodel. My wife and I couldn't be more happy. I will be using this company again for many more projects in the future."

"Replace siding on our house, paint and some electrical repair. Everything about the work and quality of work far exceeded our expectations and we are more than pleased. All the workers were very professional, and polite. If there were any questions or concerns they would address it immediately. We were kept informed all the way through the project and it was done in a timely manner. Give them time to start your project as they are very busy with many customers. If you have to wait a little bit, you will NOT be sorry. We have more work later and we will have them do it. Best professionals we have ever seen! We will highly recommend them to everybody!!!""

Learn more on our website > Remodeling Salem Oregon

 

How Window Performance Improves Energy Efficiency

 A Salem Remodeling Idea for Saving Energy with Windows 

Windows are the largest source of heat gain and loss in a building, relative to its size. Energy Star rated windows can help you save money by increasing the comfort, lowering heating and cooling costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Because window selection is such an important factor in reducing energy use, all Energy Star qualified products--both windows and doors--must be tested, rated, and designed for optimal performance through all year-round climate zones in the United States.

An infrared map of a home can reveal energy loss in insulation and windows.

"The red areas demonstrate that this house is losing most of its heat through the windows. Generally, heat loss occurs in three ways: infiltration, natural ventilation, and mechanical ventilation.

 Home improvement includes energy savings and good insulation. Learn more about this on our website V.A. and Sons Construction in Salem.

Learn more > 

Decks and Patios - When to Choose

  

Are you considering a home extension, a deck, a patio? And not sure which way to go? These pointers may help you decide.

WHEN TO CHOOSE A DECK:

           

EXTENSION OF HOUSE: Choose a patio when you want another part of the house – but watch out, this may need building planning permissions

SPACE: A deck must be large enough for two people to sit at a table: 6’ by 5’ is the minimum, and plan on larger if you wish to have more people enjoying the deck.

UNEVEN GROUND: If your ground is uneven, a deck may be the way to go. You can sink piers into the ground on which you add a level deck.

TRACKING IN MUD, DUST, SOIL: If you are concerned about mud and dirt being tracked into the house, go for a deck. Even a well-swept patio will cause more dirt tracked in than will a deck. 

ABOUT DECKS

Attached decks add additional living space to a home. For many years they have primarily been constructed of wood, such as cedar or redwood, but are now more and more commonly created of composite wood material or vinyl, like Trex. These man made materials, although more expensive, are longer lasting, resistant to insects, and don’t splinter as wood can.  And they involve no maintenance, which is, of course, the biggest appeal! 

WHEN TO CHOOSE A PATIO:

YARD OR GARDEN EXTENSION: A patio can be considered more of an extension to the yard or garden, than to the house, as a deck is.

NO PLANNING PERMISSION: Permissions are not usually required (but be sure to check in your local area) as it does not add on to true living space and is not a structure of the house. A patio does not need safety railings, and code requirements, as it is not a raised portion of the house structure.

EVEN GROUND SURFACE: If you have an even surface near the house, and also near the yard or garden, you have the ideal spot for a patio. It can include landscaping design, pond or pool, tables and chairs and umbrellas, etc.

ABOUT PATIOS:

Patios are very versatile: They can be attached to the house or separate; they can be an inherent part of the landscaping of the yard or garden; they can be created in a myriad of shapes or sizes; and can be created from a large selection of materials. They are usually constructed of tile, concrete, slate, gravel, or brick. Brick pavers are costly, while concrete is usually the least expensive option. But concrete can crack, and weeds can grow through the cracks or joins in the concrete. Stone, while beautiful, also requires some weeding attention.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

No matter which you are leaning towards, deck or patio, here are a few things to remember that apply to both:

·         Plan your deck or patio to be near a main living area such as your kitchen or family room. This will be the most convenient, and ensure the best usage of your new living space.

• Be sure you figure in location with regard to sun and the elements. Decks and patios and decks on the north and east side of your home will be less sunny, and be prone more to cold winds.
• Choose the size of your deck or patio carefully. The best rule of thumb is to plan on this “outdoor room” being about the same size as your largest room in the house.
• Test the whole project: A good idea is to plant stakes all around the circumference of the deck or patio, as you envisage it, then connect up the stakes with some twine. In this way you can live with the project for a while to see if you have planned it well!

 You will enjoy this new addition to your living space for many years, so it is worth thinking it through before you start. Good luck and enjoy before or after the rain.

Contact us for a free estimate. Save up to 40% on materials.
503-851-5279
Remodeling Salem Oregon - one home at a time

Coldwell Banker Renovation

It's been a full year since V.A. and Sons Construction Inc. completed a major renovation project for the new location of Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Salem, Oregon.

Coldwell Banker's new office is located at the corner of Union and Front streets, across the street from their old office downtown. 

The project was started in June 2015 and involved a 12,500 square feet building. The project included using reclaimed bricks and wood from other buildings.   

Peter Rogers, president of the Coldwell Banker office,considered the purchase as a strategic move in the commercial renovation of the downtown Salem area.

"We're moving 50 feet," Rogers said. "It's obviously a beautiful building but it has been neglected; it has been held by various owners since 1974."

According to the Statesman Journal article of August 2014,
"Rogers said the building was purchased for $950,000, and he expects a postrenovation property value of $2 million.

"It's fun taking these old buildings and bringing them back to life," Rogers said. "It's an office building, but it doesn't look at all like an office."

Rogers also said he hopes — and expects — to see more business owners and prospective property owners take on projects in the downtown area."

Remodeling for Aging in Place

These days, with so many baby boomers and their elderly parents managing their housing plans and needs, the concept of aging in place is becoming an alternative to moving in with family, or going to an independent living community.

Preparing for Change is Hard
Change is sometimes harder the older we get. even changes that prevent us from needing to make a larger change, like moving out of a home. To manage a home while getting on in years, the following changes need to be considered in order to stay in the home and be able to "age in place". Eventually, when assisted living is needed and in-home care is either not an option or becomes too expensive, a move will need to happen. Before then, most people would like to stay in their own homes, and enjoy their lifestyle as long as possible.

Common Changes and Features for Staying at Home Safely

The most common features of a home that needs to be changed for aging in place is accessibility. Stairs need to be converted to ramps or have escalators installed. Bathrooms need to have more easily accessible toilets and shower stalls with handles. A shower stall without a curb is a popular alternative to avoid falls from stepping over a bathtub wall. Safety features need to be considered such as eliminating the use of small step ladders to reach high cabinets. Lower, reachable cabinets or pantries may need to be built to avoid falling from a small step ladder.

Small bumps or dividers between carpets and other flooring need to be leveled to avoid tripping, as well as any other protrusions from furniture, of fixtures in the home. Heated flooring and added insulation is also another option to consider for increased comfort.

Planning is Important

Planning and learning about all of the options available takes some time, but it is time well spent. Once all of the features and accessibility issues and options have been explored, then an informed decision can be made as to what needs to be done, what is the budget, and when will it be completed?

A meeting with a general contractor can be very helpful in learning about accessibility and various options and their cost estimates.

Remodeling for aging in place can be attractive to those that can still manage their home, especially when made more accessible and safe. 

Featured Exterior Remodeling Blogs

Ideas About Painting, Windows, Siding, and Roofing

by Gene Makarenko
VA and Sons Construction

Over the past year we have published a number of blogs that focus on educational information for homeowners in the Salem area. Here are a few of the blogs that we selected to share today that cover some of the major services that we offer in the area of exterior remodeling. 

A Painting Contractor Recommends Sherman Williams

V.A. and Sons Construction, a painting contractor based in Salem, Oregon, continues to recommend Sherman Williams as a first choice for quality of paint, reasonable pricing, and customer support.read full blog > 

Exterior Remodeling Gains Momentum with Milguard Windows Video

 For this year 2014, it looks like exterior remodeling can add the best value to your home.
 Of course, exteriors can include siding, roof, paint, as well as windows. With "curb appeal" being an important part of real estate sales, the exterior is the first impression that someone has of the home.

read full blog >

Why We Recommend Hardieplank Siding

Here at V.A. and Sons Construction, a Salem Oregon

siding contractor, we continue to recommend Hardie Siding products, also known as HardiePlank® lap siding, as a solution for many homeowners. Known as one of the best engineered products in the industry, HardiePlank® lap siding is the most popular brand of siding in America homes.
Read full blog > 

Roofing Essentials Video Educates Homeowners

Owens Corning provides excellent roofing solutions for homeowners. In addition, they have some great educational videos on the "nuts and bolts" of roofing; what all is involved in the process besides the shingles that you see on the surface. Like an iceberg, the surface is only a part of the whole picture. Owens Corning's Video - Roofing Essentials Accessories shows all the other parts of the story and why they are important as well as the shingles on the top.

Read full blog >

V.A. and Sons combines years of remodeling and building experience (since 1996), an excellent reputation, and the ability to handle any remodeling project from start to finish.

V A and Sons Construction Corp.

Gene Makarenko

1532 Betty Lane SE

Salem Or. 97306

503-851-5279 cell

503-399-0179 fax

http://RemodelingSalemOregon.com

New Craigslist Ad Posted

VA and Sons Construction just posted a recurring ad on Craigslist, shown below, as a test to see if searches for siding, remodeling, decks, painting, or handyman searches will result in phone calls for free estimates.

As a Salem Oregon contractor, we are focusing on local residents in all areas, especially South Salem where we are located.

In addition to Craigslist, we also have a Facebook page, and a Twitter account. We are beginning to use social media in our marketing efforts for 2014.

VA and Sons Construction Inc - 503-851-5279

"We have worked with V.A. and Sons Construction on three separate projects in the past seven years; two on our Salem home and one at our business. We have been impressed with their scope of knowledge, experience and ability to execute a project in a timely, professional manner, with a mindful eye on our budget. We would not hesitate to use Gene Makarenko and V.A. and Sons Construction on any future project. It is nice to be able to recommend this company to our friends, family and clients."
Sincerely Sharon and Larry

About V.A. and Sons Construction
503-851-5279 
> Established and doing business in the Salem area since 1996
> We are family owned and operated
> We have established three construction businesses,
including Comfort Homes LLC, well known in the area for new construction.
> We started out with remodeling, siding, windows, and painting, and over time we have become experienced in building homes from start to finish, so we can handle any project that you need.
> We will give a fair and best estimate for every project and will beat any other price if we have to. Don't sacrifice quality by getting the cheap bid! We have seen many homeowners regret that after the fact. We combine affordable pricing with excellent workmanship.
> We can save you up to 40% in materials costs, and pass through our savings to you.
Gene Makarenko
Owner, V.A. and Sons Construction
Licensed, Bonded, Insured
CCB# 113701