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Jun
15

Make Your Home Beautifully Earth-Friendly by Adding Awnings

Energy-Saving Advantages of Adding Awnings

For UV protection and saving on energy bills, aluminum awning systems are gaining popularity. Awnings are the perfect way to add a unique look to your home or office. Awning installations by Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement make beautifying your space simple—at a reasonable cost.

Aluminum awnings are designed to fit your windows perfectly and provide shade, no matter the size. This cuts down on your energy bills while preventing UV radiation from fading your carpets and furniture.

Also, planning your window awnings by placing them around your home not only strategically prevents heat and brightness from penetrating, but also regulates the temperature within your home. A naturally cooler home needs less air conditioning, reducing energy expenses. And, a naturally cooler office boosts work productivity!

The first step is having one of our experts come out to your home or office for a consultation on your awning needs. Then, it’s time to pick out colors to enhance the design and look of your space. Awnings come in solid colors, colors with contrasting stripes, or with outlining stripes for a sharp look. Choosing the right colors to contrast and coordinate with your building’s exterior will add curb appeal and give your home a new, fresh look.

3 Benefts of Awnings

An added benefit of adding awnings to your windows is that you are making it Earth-friendly. Earth-friendly consumers strive to improve their space by decreasing the amount of energy consumed by upgrading and making improvements to their homes and offices. Joining the ranks of Earth-friendly consumers is a “feel good” proposition.

Aluminum awnings are durable and easy to maintain. They look great for years with minimal maintenance. The quality awnings we sell are made with high-quality structural aluminum to ensure the colors won’t fade, chip, or rust. The structural aluminum used in our awnings is designed to withstand varying weather conditions. They have been tested to last through wind and snow conditions. Metal awnings resist moisture, mildew, and soil. A quick hose off keeps them looking great.

Installation of our aluminum awnings is designed to be quick and easy. An aluminum awning can be installed in just a few hours. Our professional awning installers are skilled at doing a perfect job in a minimum amount of time.

You can learn more about our awnings and how we can work with you to make your space sparkle with a new look by giving us a call. Contact us for a free consultation and we can make an appointment to come visit you. We can discuss installing awnings by analyzing how many you want and what colors you would like, then give you an estimate on what the costs will be, so you can plan your budget.

Financing is also available, so give us a call to see what we can do to go green and make your neighbors envious!

Jun
01

Patio Enclosures: Affordable Added Living Space

Are you considering your best options for home improvement upgrades to your home with the best return on your investment in mind? The home buyers’ market in the present climate prefers additional living space over room remodels, even over kitchen remodels. Not only are kitchen remodels and bathrooms the most costly, they are also inconvenient to the family during the demolitions and remodeling phases. Additionally, if the home owner’s taste in design, materials, and appliances does not match the home buyer’s, they’ll see it as an added expense to remodel the space to their own tastes. You want to put your budget money into projects that pay back with increased value.

Patio Enclosures are a Bright Option

It is understandable that additions of sun rooms and enclosed patios are trending in every part of the country right now. Outdoor living spaces have immediate emotional appeal to home buyers. They can picture their families gathering outside in the evenings for a barbeque while enjoying the fresh air in comfort. Sun rooms have the appeal of growing fresh herbs and maybe a few tomato plants while enjoying the bright natural light. There is so much more a homeowner can do with $20,000 building an outdoor living space compared to the impact the same amount of money would have in an expensive kitchen remodel. These options also eliminate the hazardous variables regarding various personal tastes in kitchen design with potential buyers.

Using an existing patio that already has a concrete slab and requires no demolition sets the budget ahead. If the homeowner needs to begin with pouring a concrete slab, estimate a cost of roughly 3.5 cubic yards of concrete at approximately $75 per cubic foot for a standard-sized patio room. Use your remodel budget for high-value items like a flat screen TV, appliances for an outdoor kitchen, leisure furniture, or a fire pit or water feature. You can also dress up your patio or sun room with smaller versions of quality counter tops and the convenience of an added sink area very affordably.

Add high-value items to your enclosed patio.

Adding to the Emotional Appeal

Keeping the design and theme of the outdoor living space in sync with the design and style of the architecture and materials of the home exterior is a flawless plan for pleasing a majority of potential home buyers. When deciding on a contractor, be sure to ask for references of their past work and a list of local satisfied customers who have had similar work done. Perhaps ask for a list of customers who wouldn’t mind a quick home visit. Keep in mind specific needs in a contractor for adding to the project’s emotional appeal. For example, the contractor needs a complete understanding of lighting layouts for illuminating work spaces, how to set the proper mood, and comfort essential to an outdoor living space used in the evenings. Proper lighting transforms a living space into an atmosphere of relaxation and inviting social activities.

Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement has the experience and qualifications to create an exceptional outdoor living space using quality, environmentally sustainable materials at an affordable cost. For more information, visit our website at http://www.daytonhomeimprovement.com, or give us a call at (937) 435-2000.

May
18

Building a Sunroom is an Investment in Your Health

So you’ve been trying to convince yourself to move forward on a sun room for decades, but haven’t been able to justify the investment. Would it be easier to swing if you knew that having a sun room could improve your family’s overall health and well-being? Keep reading to learn how building that beautiful addition can promote a happy, healthy lifestyle for you and those you love.

Sun rooms provide natural sunlight in all seasons. Regardless of the humidity, temperature, or weather conditions, you can put your feet up and soak up the sun in your sun room, which, in turn, means that you will reap the benefits of outdoor time year round: relaxation, stress-relief, improved mood, renewed energy, and more. Exposure to sun also increases Vitamin D production, relieves pain, and can be therapeutic for skin disorders.

Furthermore, having healthy friendships and relationships and positive social opportunities can improve self-esteem, mood, confidence, and overall health and happiness. Sun rooms promote positive social opportunities by providing the perfect setting for afternoon play dates, evening gatherings, or late-night entertainment with friends and family. What better place to settle in with a significant other for a cup of coffee while the sun rises? Or to have a few drinks with friends? A sun room is the perfect place to host an intimate baby shower, a game night with friends, or a small family get-together.

Benefits of Sunlight

Sun rooms can promote healthy living by providing the perfect home for your year-round garden. Vegetables and herbs can flourish in direct sunlight without being exposed to the harsh elements of winter. Access to fresh, organic produce year-round can promote adequate vitamin and mineral intake, a healthy diet, appropriate weight, and minimized risk of cancer and other illnesses that result from the use of chemicals in food production.

Sun rooms provide unobstructed views of nature without mosquitos or harsh weather. This can provide therapeutic stress relief and relaxation. A sun room makes a fantastic yoga or meditation studio as well, providing numerous additional health benefits.

Aside from health benefits, sun rooms add value to your home. Homes with sun rooms or patio enclosures are more attractive to potential buyers than homes that do not have a sun room, meaning your home may sell quicker and bring in a larger profit as a result of your sun room alone. They are inexpensive to build and typically the construction process does not take long. They are visually appealing from the outside, adding drama to your home’s curb appeal.

Contact Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement today to learn how a sun room will provide additional living space, raise the value of your home, and improve the health and wellness of each member of your household.

May
01

Four Ways to Prep Your Home for Spring

Spring has sprung. The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and it is time for you to begin inspecting your home for any damage that may have occurred over the winter. Spring maintenance is one of the most important times for you to inspect your home for any potential issues. Finding these problems early can lead to a speedy and cheap resolution whereas ignoring or overlooking potential damage can lead to costly repairs. Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement is dedicated to helping you to protect the value of your home.  That’s why we have compiled a short checklist of things for you to inspect now that the snow and ice have receded.

1.  Decks

Your deck is one of the more vulnerable aspects of your home.  While it provides an air of elegance and utility, it also features exposed wood that may not be properly sealed against the elements. Inspecting your deck each spring is critical, as ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay. The primary areas that you should inspect are the regions where your deck connects to your home. In this area, you are looking for water stains, damaged or decayed wood, and weakened supports.

After inspecting the connecting regions, remove any moss or mold that you have found on your deck. We at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement recommend using a pressure washer. This tool will enable you to quickly and thoroughly remove any potentially damaging items. It is important to remember that if you notice any wood damage, such as raised wood fibers, it is critical that you increase the distance between the pressure washer and your deck.

2. Air Conditioner

Before too long, the sun will be out, and you are going to be wanting your air conditioner to be running. Spring is an ideal time to check your air conditioner for any necessary maintenance. During your inspection, you may find leaves or debris around the outdoor condenser. Remove these using your vacuum cleaner, but do so carefully. Rough handling may cause damage to your unit.

3. Foundation

Checking your foundation for cracking is critical to your yearly spring maintenance regimen. During the winter, the expansion and contraction of water as it freezes and thaws can lead to damage. Finding this damage early will help to prevent further damage and help you avoid other home improvement nightmares.

4. Gutters

Fall leaves may be clogging your gutters and drainpipes. As you prepare your home for the summer months, it is highly recommended that you inspect your gutters and clear them of any blockages. As you inspect your gutters, it is also recommended that you look for corrosion, loose fasteners and joint separation. After you clear your gutters and inspect them, it is advisable that you flush out your downspouts and unclog your leader pipes.

Apr
17

Tax Credits Available for Home Improvement Projects

Did you know there are home improvement projects that can serve as tax credits in the 2015 tax season? This may be the incentive you need to start those projects you have been meaning to get to, and take the sting out of having to go ahead and start certain projects that just cannot wait anymore.

Whatever your motivation, you have nothing to lose by getting busy this spring to take advantage of the tax credits, as well as the lower energy bills associated with your green upgrades.

Making your home greener will allow you to take advantage of one or both of the two main tax credits available to you.

The two Main Tax Credits Available in 2015 are the Non-Business Energy Property Credit, and the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. They both offer incentives to improve your home in different ways.

The Non-Business Energy Property Credit covers 10 percent of the cost of qualified energy-efficient improvements, up to $500. Whether or not you can claim the the actual installation expenses depends on the specific improvement or system.

The Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit covers 30 percent of the cost of qualified property, with no cap on the amount of credit available except for fuel cell property. You can also include most labor and installation costs.

Home Improvements That Count as Energy Tax Credits

  • The installation and purchase of qualified geothermal heat pumps and solar water heaters.
  • Adding insulation for greater energy efficiency.
  • The purchase, but not the installation, of energy-efficient exterior windows and doors.
  • Installing certain roofs that reduce energy costs in your home. The exact roof depends on your area of the country and weather conditions.
  • Installing high-efficiency HVAC units and on-demand water heaters.

Making energy-saving improvements, installing an Earth-friendly energy source, or upgrading to certain energy-efficient appliances are all the types of improvements that may save you money, dollar for dollar on your 2015 tax return, as well as on your home energy costs indefinitely.

Be sure to save all receipts and the manufacturer’s tax credit certification statement. When tax time comes around, your tax credits should reduce the amount of tax owed. You can claim either of these credits whether or not you itemize deductions.

Start your next home improvement project by going to Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement showroom. Get inspired to not only improve your home, but to save on energy costs and taxes as well.

 

Apr
14

Prep for Spring: Inspect for Pipe Freeze Damage

Water is vital to life and susceptible to freezing and thawing as the seasons change. This happens naturally outdoors; however, water freezing in your home’s pipes can lead to lots of problems: water loss, flooding, property damage, rot, mold and the need for costly home improvement projects. Unfortunately, water damage from pipes that freeze and burst is one of the most frequent claims that homeowners make on their insurance policies.

Hazards of Frozen Pipes

While pipes that freeze and burst are a worst-case scenario, even frozen pipes that don’t burst can be a problem. They are weakened and compromised and could cause problems later in the year. As winter gives way to spring, this is the perfect time to inspect for signs that your pipes have frozen at some point during the long winter.

Frozen pipes that don’t burst still have compromised integrity; they are more prone to leaking, and if they freeze again next winter, they will be more prone to bursting. Burst water pipes can lead to a flooded home and/or basement. Flooding can compromise the integrity of the home and lead to drywall damage, wood rot, foundation cracking and hazardous mold and mildew.

Be Proactive This Spring 

In addition to making sure your home’s roof and siding are in good shape, take the time this spring to inspect its pipes for signs of freeze damage. Some of the signs include bowing and bulging at any point in the pipe, especially at joints or seams. While some signs of frozen pipes will be visually obvious, others will be more subtle and harder to detect.

One way to check for freeze damage is by running your exterior faucets; turn on the faucet quickly and immediately place your fingers over the opening; if you are able to halt the water flow with just this action, this is a sign that your pipes may have been frozen and compromised.

Any signs of a frozen pipe should be addressed as soon as possible. In most cases, replacing the damaged length of pipe and/or joint will restore integrity to your plumbing. An experienced plumber can identify and address frozen pipe issues for you.


How to Spot a Damaged Pipe

Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

This is also a good time to remind your spouse and older children where the water main valve is for your home. In the event a pipe bursts or leaks at any time of year, shutting off the water flow as soon as possible can help save you thousands of dollars in water damage to your home.

The main water valve should be inspected and tested regularly, especially in older homes. Older gate-style valves can be prone to sticking, especially in colder conditions, so make sure yours is in working order by turning it at least twice per year. You might also consider having it replaced with a more modern, reliable ball-style valve when your home improvement budget allows.

If you suspect you might have frozen pipe damage, contact Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement for fast, friendly service.

Mar
31

Seven Spring Maintenance Tips

After a long, cold winter, you are more than likely thrilled to see the snow melting and the temperature warming up. As spring inches closer, it is important to remember that you are not the only one who took a beating from the harsh winter weather. From falling gutters and cracked sidewalks to faded patios, your home goes through it all. It is important to not only take care of yourself but to also take care of your home once the snow melts away and spring is well underway. Here are seven tips to home improvement and spring maintenance.

1. Update Your Patio

This is one feature of your home that can take a beating from harsh winds and deep snow. Every spring, you should look into repairing and upgrading the parts of the patio that might not be in the best state. Consider putting in stained, molded or painted concrete, outdoor lighting or water features. You should even consider enclosing your patio, which will make it a great spot during the spring and summer and will also help protect the patio itself in the colder months.

2. Check the Gutters

If you get a lot of snow in your area, gutters can become weighed down over the winter. This is the big reason that gutters may start to leak or even fall during the winter season. When it begins to warm up, make sure that you immediately check your gutters for cracks, leaks and falling pieces. Also ensure that the downspout is free of debris such as leaves and trash.

3. Fill In Low Areas

Spring rain can cause flooding, so you should fill in holes and low areas near the foundation of your home. This will help protect against foundation damage and flooding in your house. This will also ward off insects from nesting near the foundation of your home.

1. Clean Gutters 2. Fill Low Spots 3. Check Shingles

4. Examine Shingles

Look and see if any shingles have fallen from your roof or if your roof has any significant damage. Winter winds, bitter cold and snow can crack shingles or loosen them from the roof. Specifically, check around chimneys, skylights and vents for serious damage.

5. Check the Chimney

If your home has a chimney, it is just as important to check it as it is to check your roof. With masonry chimneys, check the joints between the brick or stone to see if any are cracked or have fallen out or if there are plants such as moss or vines growing between them. All of these things are signs of water being absorbed by the chimney. This means you will need to reseal the areas between the bricks or stones.

6. Look Around the Basement

The basement is extremely prone to both insects and water damage. Pay special attention to your concrete walls. Look for cracks that start from the floor and spread all the way up the walls; this is a good indicator of moisture.

7. Clean the Grill

If your grill has remained completely idle during the winter months, it is important to inspect it once the weather warms up. Check the burners and jets for clogs, make sure the connections for the gas are not damaged or broken, and check your propane tank. If you have a charcoal grill make sure it is clean and rid it of soot and leftover grease.

All of these tasks can be difficult for you to do on your home, especially if there are other home improvement projects on your agenda. This is where Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement comes in handy. We can inspect you roof, basement, and chimney and fix what needs to be repaired for an affordable price and with no hassle.

 

Feb
19

Five Smart Reasons to Add Space to Your Home

5 Reasons to Do a Home Addition

Studies show that adding a room to your home is a smart financial move. In fact, every 1,000 square feet of new interior space increases property values by 3 percent. But a residential addition can enhance your life in many other ways, as well. Find out more in our top five reasons to do a home addition.

Top Five Reasons to Do a Home Addition

#1: Room for Special Interests

Enabling you or another family member to pursue special interests. Perhaps you’ve always wanted a home office where you can work or study in private. Maybe you’ve long dreamed of having a space in which to pursue your sewing, crafting, or other hobby interests. Or maybe it’s your goal to have your own pool table or family game room. Whatever your passion, a home addition can make it possible.

#2: No Need to Endure a Move

Allowing you and your family to stay in the neighborhood and community you love, instead of enduring the hassles involved in relocating. Why go through the trouble and expense of buying a larger home when you can simply add to the one you’re currently in?

Increased sunlight means better health

#3: Increase Your Well-Being with Sunlight

Giving you the health and relaxation benefits of a sunroom. The sun radiates plenty of heat in the winter months. Usually, this is more than enough to keep a patio enclosure comfortably warm, even on cold days. Plus, medical experts agree that natural sunlight is important for feeling your best year-round. Whether you want space for a few patio chairs or a larger area in which to grow plants and flowers, Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement can make your dreams come true.

#4: Added Resale Value

Giving you an easy way to improve curb appeal. In the 1960s, American homes averaged about 1,000 square feet in size. Today’s dwellings enclose almost twice as much room. This means that when it comes to increasing your resale options, a home addition is the perfect way to catch a potential buyer’s eye. This benefit is in addition to the increased home values we mentioned earlier.

#5: Space for More Children

Enabling you to enjoy added breathing space. In today’s society, people of all ages have the opportunity to pursue a variety of interests, from watching niche television programs to starting a home-based business. And, if you have kids living at home, then the time will come when they want added room as well. To enjoy all the benefits of a modern lifestyle, though, you must be able to move around freely without stumbling over the other members of your household. This is the kind of freedom that an additional room offers.

Whatever your reasons for adding to your house, the journey begins by choosing the right contractor. That’s where Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement comes into the picture. We have the experience and skills to help you achieve your goals. So contact us today to find out more. We look forward to hearing from you.

Feb
05

Six Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Patio

6 Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Patio

With spring just a few months away, now is a great time to be thinking about your patio. After all, half the fun of warm-weather living is dreaming of all the beautiful ways you can transform your outdoor living spaces. With that in mind, here are six great ideas for upgrading patios and patio enclosures.

Six Patio Upgrades

#1: Paint or Stain Concrete

Old-fashioned concrete is notorious for its dull, grey appearance. There’s no reason to put up with this drab look, not when modern materials and building techniques allow you to transform your patio floor from ordinary to extraordinary. This is an affordable, effective way to add new life to an old, outdoor space.

#2: Molded or Stamped Concrete

Why settle for just a new color when you can make over your patio with any of hundreds of eye-catching designs? By combining color additives and design templates, you can have a patio surface with the look and feel of river pebbles, brick, field stones, cobblestones, slate, and more. This usually costs more than simple painting or staining, but the results are well worth it.

#3: Patio Enclosure

Nowadays, you don’t have to let the outdoor fun end just because the sun’s beating down. A free-standing roof  offers welcome relief from the heat, along with protection from UV rays. It can also help you to keep the party going, if it starts to rain. Plus, you’ll find that a patio cover makes a world of difference when it comes to protecting your outdoor furnishings. From a cost-to-benefit ratio, this is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.

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#4: Water Features

There’s nothing like the sound of a gurgling fountain or a babbling brook to soothe your frazzled nerves and put your mind at ease. With today’s products and building methods, you can add virtually any type of water feature you like from your own private waterfall to a miniature stream. Costs range from a few dollars to several thousand, depending on the features you want.

#5: Fireplace

Now you can have all the joy and excitement of an old-fashioned campfire while enjoying the comforts of a modern patio. Options range from simple circular designs to gas-powered fireplaces with their own chimneys. There’s no better or safer way to enjoy the ambiance only a crackling flame can provide. Costs vary depending on the scope of the project.

#6: Outdoor Lighting

Why let sunset bring an end to your festivities, when modern outdoor lighting fixtures are so affordable and easy to operate? From simple burning torches to fully-featured cool-burning lamps, your choices for brightening your evenings are nearly endless. As with other options, costs can range widely.

These are just a few of the many ways to get the most out of your patio. The experts at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement will be happy to discuss your options with you. So, contact us today and let us help you make your dreams of fun-filled outdoor living a reality.

Jan
27

Tips to Upgrade Outdoor Lighting with Energy Efficient Bulbs

If you are interested in upgrading the exterior lighting of your home, then you are making a very smart decision. Upgrading your lighting is important for many different reasons, and it can have many benefits. Adequate lighting can keep you safer by warding off possible criminals, as light can be a deterrent. In addition, if you opt for “green” lighting, then you can save substantially on your energy costs. So how do you go about upgrading? Here are some pointers:

Choosing the right bulbs

When upgrading your lighting, it is important to choose the right bulbs for maximum energy efficiency. Which bulbs are the most energy efficient? LED bulbs are a smart, popular choice for a reason. They are free of mercury, they last significantly longer than traditional bulbs, and they are resistant to damage. Here are some energy-efficient bulbs that you might want to look for:

  • GE Crystal Clear Halogen Bulb: This bulb can be dimmed and will last 1,000-1,500 hours.

  • Philips Energy Saver Mini Twister: This bulb is attractive and has received the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for maximum energy efficiency.

  • Philips Ambient LED: This bulb has also received the Good Housekeeping seal of approval and claims it could possibly last more than 20 years!

If you’re not sure where to purchase your bulbs, then the helpful and knowledgeable staff at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement can refer you to the best sources. With several years of experience providing customers with top-notch customer service, and with service and installation available, Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement can answer your questions and assist you with beautifying your home.

Don’t forget the fixtures

When upgrading your lighting, you want to be sure to include the fixtures in your project. Whether you spend time outdoors at night or you simply want to improve the appearance of your home, light fixtures can create a beautiful, elegant look. Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement can assist with the installation of your fixtures as well as many other aspects of making your home more attractive.

So if you have decided to upgrade the exterior lighting of your home, hopefully this guide will help you to make the best choices. By choosing the most energy-efficient bulbs as well as the most attractive fixtures, your upgrade project can be a true success. Not only will you save money on energy costs, but the right fixtures can improve the appearance of your home in a dramatic way.  

 

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