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Mar
21

There's Still Time To Benefit From Last Year's Green Upgrades

Income tax day is just a month away and, if you’re like most of us, you’re scrambling to get your paperwork in order and uncover any deductions you might have missed. If you’ve been making energy-saving improvements to your home this past year, there’s a set of tax credits you may have missed. The 25C tax credits that were allowed to expire at the end of 2011 were reinstated at the end of 2012, and made retroactive to January 1, 2012, as a part of the “fiscal cliff” package. That means if you purchased and installed qualifying home improvements last year, you could qualify for up to $500 on your 2012 tax return.

What Are the 25C Tax Credits?

The US government is offering homeowners a tax credit of up to $500 for qualifying home improvement made to their primary residences during 2012. This includes money spent on materials and, in many cases, installation.

What Improvements Qualify?

A variety of products are included in the program, including Energy-Star rated exterior windows and doors, insulation, central air conditioning systems (maximum credit $300), heat pumps ($300), water heaters ($300) and furnaces ($150). Not all models qualify. It’s a good idea to consult a heating and cooling specialist to see if your purchase qualified you for the credit.

One caveat to keep in mind: the energy-saving tax credits are cumulative, so if you claimed the $500 deduction in previous years (back to 2006,) you won’t be able to claim it again.

How Do I Claim the 25C Tax Credits?

Claiming the 25C energy tax credits is easy. You simply complete IRS Form 5696 and submit it with your 2012 federal income tax return. The credits will be automatically added to your refund (or deducted from your tax obligation.) It’s that easy. Of course, you’ll need to save your receipts for the improvements just in case you’re ever audited.

By the way, if you failed to make the necessary green improvements last year to qualify for the 25C energy saving tax credits, don’t despair. The program is in place through December 31, 2013. That might just be a good way to use your tax refund check this year.

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Jan
28

Dayton Home Improvement Center, Inc.: Proud NARI Member For Over Seven Years

Homeowners who hire a National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) certified remodeler for their home improvements can be assured that they have selected a bona fide professional with the experience, training and a pledge of commitment to the highest standards of practice and code of ethics.  Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement Center (DHI) has exemplified those standards since 1973 and has again joined the ranks of the more than 128 members of the local chapter as a NARI member for the seventh consecutive year.

Mike Sikora is a NARI Master Certified Remodeler (MCR), the highest level of nine distinct designations of services that recognizes Certified Remodelers that have stood the test of time and continue to be successful within the industry.  DHI assuredly exceeds the standards of the organization by demonstrating commitment to the remodeling industry through support of the Dayton area chapter, NARI National and the local community.

As the only national association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry, NARI’s focus is on professional conduct, continuing education and training, and fair and ethical treatment within the home improvement industry.  In addition to NARI certification when selecting a remodeling contractor, NARI encourages home owners to check references and gauge satisfaction with the workmanship, reputation and integrity of the contractor they choose.

For 40 years, Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement Center has enhanced area homes  with vinyl and aluminum siding and soffit, custom trim, shutters, entry doors, windows, roofs, gutters and Leaf Relief® and patio covers, carports and enclosures.  Known for providing quality work, competitive prices and exceptional customer service and satisfaction, DHI has a 70% referral and repeat customer base and is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement Centers, Inc., hold certifications for many of the top names in high quality products used in the remodeling projects they handle including:  James Hardie, GAF, Mastic Home Exteriors, Apex Fiberglass Siding, Alcoa, Metals USA Building Products,  Structall Building Supply, CertainTeed Roofing, Provia Windows and Doors, Polaris Windows and Doors, Loewen Windows and Doors, Marvin Windows and Doors, Energy Star Products, Thermal Industries, Inc., Owens Corning and more.

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Jan
28

Dayton Home Improvement Awarded Prestigious CertainTeed Certifications

CertainTeed, North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, has recognized Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement Center (DHI) with the two highest certifications for roofing contractors for all of its shingle products.  The Master Shingle Applicator™ (MSA) and SELECT ShingleMaster®credentials are awarded to top-notch roofing professionals like the Sikora workforce who have been properly trained in every aspect of shingle installation techniques using the approved procedures for installing all CertainTeed roofing systems.

The Master Shingle Applicator™ status is a requirement for all roofers to achieve the higher level SELECT ShingleMaster® qualification.  It signifies that Sikora’s roofers are held to the highest workforce standards in delivering a high-quality job using CertainTeed’s shingle roof systems that are guaranteed to meet stringent warranty compliance.  The elite training program utilizes CertainTeed’s proprietary manual and educates roofers in topics such as good workmanship practices, roof systems, estimating, flashing, ventilation, and installation instructions for all of CertainTeed’s shingle products.

As a CertainTeed ShingleMaster® Sikora must employ a MSA qualified workforce including one job supervisor and at least two installers who have passed CertainTeed’s ShingleMaster® credentialed course.   The course allows Sikora’s DHI to offer the SureStart™, PLUS 3-STAR and 4-STAR coverage warranty extensions for CertainTeed roofing systems.

Both certifications require advanced training and testing every two years to renew certification and maintain credentialed status in good standing.

About CertainTeed™

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products.

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Jan
15

It's Not Too Late To Winterize Your Home

The Midwest has already received its first couple rounds of snow, complete with ice and biting temperatures. Maybe that list of to-do’s you had before winter still has a few items on it, and as a result, you could be losing energy – and money – heating your home. Well, it’s not too late to save yourself some of that money… after all, winter still lasts until March. Here is where to start:

Plug those gaps. If you can feel cold air entering your home from gaps in your window frames, doors, outlets or dryer vents, that means you’re losing precious heating dollars. However, this is one of the easiest problems to identify… as simple as feeling for a draft by all your windows, or around the cracks of your doors. Getting rid of the gaps in your doors can be as simple as putting in some weather-stripping.

For gaps in windows, caulking can be a good solution. Although it is best to apply it before winter when the weather is above 40 degrees, you can always try to take advantage of a break in the cold snap. If you’re in a pinch, make sure you’re storing water-soluble caulk at room temperature for a full day. Blowing a hot air dryer on the surface you’re caulking will make the surface warmer and help make sure the caulk stays in place. In extremely cold temperatures, a high-performance polyurethane caulking product is helpful. Plastic window film insulation kits – while temporary – are a good way to stop warm air from leaking from the inside.

Wrap your pipes. The US Department of Energy estimates that up to one-third of the average homeowner’s utility dollars are spent on heating water. Keep the water in your hot water tank – and the pipes leading from it – warm by wrapping them with special insulation.

Reverse your ceiling fans. Here’s another easy one. Reversing the direction on your ceiling fans will circulate the warm air on the ceiling back down to your living areas.

Have your furnace checked. A well-tuned furnace saves on energy and energy dollars because a clean heating system doesn’t have to work as hard. Make sure your furnace is in good working order by having a heating professional inspect it once a year. You ideally want to do this at the beginning of cold weather season, but it is not too late to do it. You should also be sure to change your furnace filter regularly – heating professionals recommend doing so about once a month, especially in the very hot and cool months.

So, even if you missed the winter deadline, you don’t have to sweat how much money is being wasted if you take care of a few small things… even now. Even if you have to bundle up a little bit, it’s worth the effort for peace of mind and more importantly, money saved.

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Aug
13

Options For Replacing Roofs – Dayton Home Improvement

Homes are a huge investment and are actually the most expensive purchases that most consumers make. Roofs perform a valuable service and protect the home’s structural components and interior finishes from water damage. Most roofs last for at least 20 years, and homeowners should expect to replace theirs at some point in time. Dayton roof replacement commonly makes use of several different materials. Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular products because they are affordable, durable and come in a range of different colors and styles. Metal panels, clay tiles and cedar shakes are among the other most common materials that are used for a Dayton roof replacement.

The Advantages of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials for good reason. The product is made from a base of asphalt and fiberglass or an organic material. On the shingle’s top surface, there are granules that provide colors and shadows. The granules also provide valuable protection and help the underlying material resist the effects of constant sun exposure.

Asphalt shingles come in a range of different qualities and price options. The most affordable materials are usually backed with a 20-year warranty. Some products feature a thicker base and are warrantied for up to 40 years. Because there are a range of different color choices with asphalt shingles, Dayton homeowners are sure to find the product that is right for the exterior of their home.

Metal Panels
Metal is becoming more popular in the residential roofing industry. Like asphalt shingles, there are a range of different qualities and prices. The most affordable metal panels are usually three-feet-wide. Custom panels are also available, and the material has a higher initial cost. When a metal roofing material is considered with respect to its lifespan, it is an excellent choice. The product has a long lifespan, and the paint is usually good for at least 20 years.

Cement Tiles
Cement, clay or terra cotta tiles are another option. The products are one of the most durable materials on the market. Even though there is an initial high expense, the true cost is offset by the lifespan of cement tiles. The product is made from clay or cement and can easily last for 100 years. Clay tiles also require little in the way of routine care.

Dayton roof replacement is a task that most area homeowners will have to consider at one time or another. Choosing the right material is one of the most essential factors of any job, and several products offer their own unique benefits. For an affordable roof, asphalt shingles are usually the product of choice. The material comes in a range of different quality levels and colors. Usually, shingles are backed with a minimum 20-year warranty. Metal panels are another common residential roofing material that offer several benefits. The product has an incredibly long lifespan, and this compensates for the high initial cost. Clay tiles are another choice material and can easily last a century or more.

Jul
12

Affordable Doors & Windows Receives 2012 Best of Dayton Award

We’re pleased to announce that Affordable Doors & Windows has been selected for the 2012 Best of Dayton Award in the Roofing Contractors category by the Dayton Award Program.

Each year, the Dayton Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Dayton area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2012 Dayton Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Dayton Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Dayton Award Program

The Dayton Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Dayton area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Dayton Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

May
04

MSDHI Wins Best of Dayton Award for Second Consecutive Year

Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement is pleased to announce that, for the second consecutive year, we have been selected for the 2012 Best of Dayton Award in the Patio Covers & Carports category by the US Commerce Association (USCA).

Nationwide, only 1 in 70 (1.4%) 2012 Award recipients qualified as Two-Time Award Winners. We like to think that our selection as a 2012 Award Winner is a reflection of the hard work of not only MSDHI, but of many people that have supported our business and contributed to the subsequent success of your organization.

In recognition of the achievement, a special 2012 Best of Dayton Award has been designed for display at our place of business.

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

We feel very blessed to have been recognized in this regard.

Jan
31

City of Kettering Announces Neighborhood Pride Winners

The City of Kettering has announced the 2011 Neighborhood Pride Winners. From Issue #4, 2011 Kettering magazine; “Remember when it was sunny and warm and the flowers were in full bloom? Well, these folks do because the City recognized them for their beautifully maintained properties.”

Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement Center helped beautify one of the winning homes. Bill Duffy & Yvette Donahue-Duffy of 1900 Culver Avenue in Kettering asked Mike Sikora to help with the old wooden side panels that were making their home an eyesore. Mike replaced the wood with Mastic Quest T-3 premium vinyl siding. You can see the amazing transformation here.

Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement Center also installed Mastic Pro-Tech Plus soffit to the overhang areas of the Duffy home including the front porch ceiling. The trim, gables, and porch railing were also upgraded.

Mike Sikora took pleasure in working on this project – “It was a pleasure to work with Bill and Yvette, and I’m so happy for them that their home was selected for the Neighborhood Pride award.”

For more information on Kettering Neighborhood Pride, visit the ketteringoh.org website.

Dec
20

Mike Sikora's Dayton Home Improvement Receives 2011 Best of Dayton Award!

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

Dayton Home Improvement Award

Dayton, OH, December 12, 2011 — Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement has been selected for the 2011 Best of Dayton Award in the Patio Covers & Carports category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

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