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Aug
24

A Look at Earth Friendly Materials and Why They Matter

Why Earth-Friendly Materials Matter

Earth friendly continues to be a buzzword frequently uttered within the construction industry. What exactly are earth friendly materials, and why do they even matter? At Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement, they strive to provide you with the materials that can better work with your needs while still being the best for the environment.

What are Earth Friendly Materials?

There is no hard and fast definition when it comes to earth friendly materials. In some instances, construction materials are made from recycled elements that reduce the amount of new materials that must be used. In other cases, these materials might help a homeowner save money on their construction costs or utility bills throughout the lifetime of their home.

Earth Friendly Siding Materials

Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement uses siding for a number of different reasons. In addition to its superior insulation ability, siding costs less to manufacture and requires only a small amount of energy to make so that it uses fewer of the earth’s resources. This building material is also lighter when compared to some other types of building materials, making it less expensive to transport from the plant to the warehouse and then to the job site. Vinyl siding is one of the most common materials used on homes today and is almost always used on those homes that are built to be sustainable.

Vinyl Siding is Used in Homes Built To Be Sustainable

Earth Friendly Roofing Materials

By using colored shingles that are designed to reflect the sun, Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement can increase the energy efficiency of each home they work on. Because the shingles are colored, homeowners can have a roof that suits their decorative desires without compromising energy efficiency.

Earth Friendly Windows

So much of being earth friendly is wrapped up in reducing the amount of energy that is consumed. A homeowner can significantly reduce the amount of energy use that is generated by their home by choosing new windows. Dayton Home Improvement – Mike Sikora uses only windows that are designed to save the homeowner money in energy costs. Each window is made of two panes of glass with an air space in between. This helps keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by reducing drafts and the loss of hot and cool air.

With today’s earth friendly materials, a homeowner can improve the look of their home while also increasing its energy efficiency. Contact Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement today to learn how they can help.

Jul
16

2015 Patio Trends

2015 Patio Trends

Patios are great for lounging around on a warm summer evening, and an enclosed design is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months. No matter what season, patios allow you to enjoy your surroundings in either an open or enclosed setting. This year’s trends can help take your patio from drab to stunning in no time.

Hanging Gardens

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon have long since been one of the seven wonders of the world. And, today, you can bring some of that beauty to your own patio with horizontal hanging gardens. The professionals at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement can easily create a spectacular eye catching garden that works as decoration as well as a conversational piece. These hanging gardens are also great to grow herbs, small fruits and vegetables, or seasonal flowers of your choice.

Accent Colors

Patio enclosures are great because they create an indoor space that you can decorate in a multitude of ways. One way is accent colors. Although traditionally patio enclosures have all glass walls, the wall that connects the enclosure to your home, along with the trim, don’t always have to be plain wood. An outdoor patio can also be accented with décor such as a table and chair set or deck box. Consider accenting with a bright summer color like lime green. It’s bright and brings attention to all the right parts of your patio.

Accent Colors

Hurricane Candles

The best outdoor lighting solution for this year are these chunky candles. Lined up on a table or spaced throughout the patio, these affordable candles cast a soft romantic glow when lit. Perfect for giving your budget friendly space a more luxurious feel.

Stone

For a timeless look, works of stone can add a little something to your patio. Whether you choose a small stone bar, benches, or a fire pit; you will love having stone work. Not only is it easy to clean and maintain, but it creates a gorgeous look that will not be going away anytime soon.

Table Fountains

Water items draw the eye and provide a relaxing effect. However, not everyone has room to put in a full size fountain. That’s where these smaller items come in handy. They are perfect for table tops and provide a great centerpiece, decoration, and the traditional fountain calming effect.

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Patio enclosures and outdoor patios are great for anytime of the year, and the right décor can add that pop you need. You want to ensure that your patio is a place that you can truly love and enjoy. These patio trends are great for 2015 and will keep you on top of the style game through the remainder of the outdoor season.

 

 

Jun
29

Make Your Neighbors Envious with a Retractable Roof or Pergola

Which is Right For You? Retractable Roofs and Pergolas

Adding a shaded or partially shaded area to your home’s exterior will not only increase the value of your home, but give your family a comfortable place to enjoy the outdoors. Retractable roofs offer a covered area with UV protection from the sun, while pergolas offer partial shading and are more permanent structures. Imagine watching the kids play without having to shade your eyes from the sun or just sitting on the back porch reading a book without a blinding glare. Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement Center can help your family have just that by simply adding a retractable roof or a pergola to your property. Both of these options are custom designed for your home.

Retractable Roofs

A retractable roof offers natural sunlight and protection from the sun at the same time. These can be built over a patio, pool area, or sun room or added as a skylight in the home and will enhance your living space. With dozens of designs available, you can add natural lighting to ideal places in your home. This will help to reduce your electric bill by decreasing your need to use artificial light. Retractable roof awnings are ideal if you would like to completely cover a space outside your home. Outside swimming pools can become indoor swimming pools at the touch of a button. You can also create an amazing greenhouse area with a retractable roof.

Best of Both Worlds

It is important when considering a retractable roof that you consult a home improvement specialist to determine if the area you would like covered is one that will work with this type of roof. If not, you do have other options. A pergola will help you create a shaded area on the exterior of your home as well.

Pergolas

A pergola is an outside archway or arbor. These structures are common in gardens and covering porches, offering partial shade or total shade depending on how they are built. Wooden beams break up the natural sunlight, providing shaded areas while still allowing sun and weather to pass through. These structures are even more beautiful with hanging plants or even climbing ivy to accent the cover. Though mostly made out of wood, there are also metal pergolas available. Both options are either free standing or attached to the house for added support.

This option is not easily moved and does not offer the same versatility that retractable roof awnings do. They enhance your area with a natural look and feel while still offering you protection from the sun. With a pergola, you add value to your home and enhance your family’s back yard experience.

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When you are considering enhancements to your home’s exterior, it is beneficial to consult with a professional. Mike Sikora has been in business since 1973 and has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate upgrades like these to your home.

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.

 

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.

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