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May
04

Dayton Home Improvement Wins Excellence in Customer Satisfaction Award

Excellence in Customer SatisfactionEveryone at Dayton Home Improvement is so proud to have been awarded the 2018 Pulse of the City Award for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction.

Customer Service.  That is the number one priority for any business.  Without customers, you don’t have a business.  You have to be willing, and eager to serve the customers that visit your business.  This includes before, during and after a purchase.

Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement places customer service and customer satisfaction above all else.  That is why over 70% of our customers are referrals and repeat customers.  Our customers know that their neighbors, family and friends will get the same great product, installation and customer service they got, so they are very willing to recomend us.

A Google Search for Dayton Home Improvement will show you that Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement has more 5 star ratings that any other contractor in Southwest Ohio.  Satified customers are the cornerstone of business success.

Every great customer service experience adds to the positive stories our customers pass on about us.

Dayton Home Improvement will continue to the tradition of providing the highest level of customer satisfaction with every detail of the home improvement process.

If you have not had the opportunity to experience our award winning customer service, please take a look at the products and services we offer.  We would love to have you spread good stories about us too.

Jun
28

Stop Battling Bugs! Screen In Your Patio or Porch

Screen in Your Patio or Porch

Outdoor patio enclosures are a great way to enjoy the summer months, but what happens when all you seem to be doing is battling against bugs. Ticks, mosquitoes, bees, flies, and more are in abundance during these months and it can sometimes be unbearable to even think about sitting outdoors. Luckily, you do not have to battle bugs forever. Screening in your patio or porch can be your solution to a bug free summer.

What Is Screening

Screening is one of the ways that any homeowner can easily keep bugs out of any patio enclosures. Either buy a screened in porch or allow a home improvement expert to come in and put it up for you. The screen works by creating a barrier around you and the outdoors while still allowing you to enjoy the nice weather. The screen’s holes are small enough that sunlight and fresh air can get in, but not big enough for bugs to fly through. This is why some homeowners prefer screening to completely closing in your space. With screening you don’t completely close yourself off, having the ability to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without being behind a pane of glass.

Tips to Making Sure It’s Done Right

Having a screen doesn’t mean anything if it isn’t put up properly. Not only will a faulty screen not keep the bugs out, but it can also hurt the integrity of your patio or porch. To ensure that your screen is installed correctly check:

  • That It’s the Right Size: Make sure that if you have chosen the DIY path that you have measured correctly before purchasing the screen.
  • Use The Correct Systems: Not all screens are created equal and you need something that works for your patio needs. Closely inspect all patio systems before deciding on one. Or, make sure you have given a contractor all the information they need to find the correct screen for you.
  • Cover Under The Deck: If your patio or porch is suspended above a deck ensure that you also screen under the deck or pay to have it done for you. If you don’t screen under the deck, bugs can get in between the boards.
  • Make Sure It’s Installed Properly: Proper installation is key to keeping bugs out. If you don’t think you can do it on your own, call a professional.

Screening in your patio or porch? 4 Tips to Making Sure It's Done Right

Why Choose Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement?

Mike Sikora and his team have been serving the Dayton, Ohio community for years. They know how to do a job right and they are careful to meet all your home improvement needs. They are also an eco-friendly company, trying their best to ensure that they are not harming the environment that sustains us. If you’re looking for quality, dependable work, contact them today.

Nov
04

Tired of Scraping Snow Off Your Car? Get a Carport

Get a Carport and Never Scrape Your Car Again

No one likes the chores that come along with winter. Shoveling snow and scraping ice off your car in the morning is probably not the way you want to start your day. Fortunately, there’s a way to improve the value of your home and avoid these hated winter chore.

The reason you have to scrape ice off your car is that water in the air condenses and freezes on the car overnight. If the car is protected from the outside air, however, this isn’t an issue. That’s why a carport is a great addition to your home.

Weather Safety

A carport can keep your car safe from the harsh elements. In summer, that means harmful summer rays that can fade your paint and thunderstorms can’t reach your car. And of course, in winter, the cover of the carport will keep snow and ice from piling up on your car.  By putting your car in a protected space, the likelihood of rust is reduced dramatically. That can not only save you thousands of dollars in potential repair bills, but also increase the resale value of your car should you ever decided to trade it in.

More Storage

By having a covered and protected area of your home that can be used for storage, you will be able to preserve and protect tools and equipment. Large items, such as lawn mowers and ATVs, can be stored underneath the carport safely throughout the winter in a much more secure area than your backyard.

It’s also possible to add a built-in workbench or specialized storage area for tools. This area can be in a separate, enclosed space apart from the rest of the carport, or as an open area inside the carport itself. Many people choose to include a covered and fully-enclosed shed into their carport design, while some of the most complicated designs include small rooms with power and water.

Carports Protect Your Car from Harsh Weather

Increase Property Value

Adding a carport to your property is an easy way to add value to your home. If your home doesn’t have a garage, the car port can offer you a covered, protected area to keep your car, bikes and other vehicles. If you ever sell your home, this will boost the appeal of your home, as homeowners are always looking for a safe place to park and store their things.

Protect Against Thieves

This protected area is also a great way to preserve the value of your car. Parking your car outdoors every night now only leaves it open to potential crime and vandalism. You may also qualify for a discount on your auto insurance by leaving your car in a secure area at night.

If you’re interested in adding a carport to your home, contact Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement.

Oct
21

Protect Your Home from Winter's Wrath With These Simple Chores

Protect Your Home From Winter's Wrath

As fall starts to settle in, it’s hard not to think about the fact that winter is just around the corner. But now that the weather is cooling off, it’s time to start preparing your house for the winter. This means that you need to concentrate on how your house holds in heat and how it will stand up against winter’s snow and ice.

Conduct an Energy Audit

Start by taking a look at how well your house is holding in heat. For many families in Ohio, household heating bills are a major part of the winter budget. The better insulated your home is, the more likely it is that you can keep your energy costs down. While there are plenty of ways to check for air leaks on your own, the most efficient way to do it is to get a home energy audit.

A home energy audit is performed by a professional who will scan your home using infrared cameras and other tools to check for leaks. These audits can also identify other issues, such as outdated appliances or light fixtures that are using too much energy. Because so many households spend the majority of their energy budget on heating and cooling costs, however, these audits focus a lot of attention on the condition of doors, windows and insulation.

With a home energy audit it’s possible to determine the exact locations where heat is escaping from your home. Once you know where these locations are, you can take steps to correct the problem. Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement is capable of making many of the repairs that are suggested by a home energy audit. These include replacing doors and windows, improving weather-stripping and, most importantly, replacing and/or installing insulation in the attic.

Make Sure Your Insulation is Intact

Maintain Your Attic Insulation

Even without a home energy audit, every home owner needs to take time during the autumn to inspect the insulation in their attic and other areas of their home. The heat and stresses on a house during the summer can cause insulation to wear out and become corroded. If you spot any holes or tears in the insulation, it needs to be replaced. Damaged insulation not only allows heat to escape, it also eliminates a barrier between the elements and the structure of a home, leading to maintenance issues later on.

At Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement, we use Owens Corning Blown-In PINK Fiberglas, which installs much faster than traditional attic insulation. It also exhibits superior resistance to heat flow, ensuring superb insulating power that will reduce your energy consumption, saving you money and making your home more eco-friendly.

If you need home repairs or insulation installed before winter hits, give us a call. Your home will be better prepared to deal with the harsh winter cold, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is set and that you’re saving money on your energy bills.

 

Oct
07

It's Time to Start Fall Home Maintenance Projects

Home Maintenance Projects For Fall

Each autumn, homeowners throughout the U.S. face the same seasonal maintenance chores, which, when completed, help ensure a comfortable, worry-free winter. The following are some of the major tasks homeowners should perform as the leaves turn color.

The Outside

Start by cleaning your gutters and downspouts. Check drainage areas for leaves and other debris that might be blocking the flow. If you notice a lot of blockages, now is the time to consider installing gutter guards to make your next round of cleaning easier.

Check your roof or hire a licensed roofer to do so. If shingles are cracked or curling, it’s time to replace them. In some cases, damage might be so severe that you’ll need to replace the entire roof.

While you are outside, take a close look at exterior plumbing. To prevent outdoor pipes from bursting with the first freeze, turn off the valves and run the water until the pipes are completely drained. Wrap heating tape around pipes that run along outside walls as a backup measure.

Take a walk along paved pathways and your entryway and look for any spots that need to be patched to avoid people falling when the area is covered in snow.

Wash your lawn and patio furniture and then store it inside for the fall and winter. This keeps paint from peeling and cushions from fading and cracking.

Change Your HVAC Unit's Air Filters

The Inside

Examine the insulation in your attic to make sure it is properly installed with the vapor barrier facing down. If it is reversed, with the vapor barrier facing the roof, the material will likely attract and trap moisture.

Change all your home’s HVAC filters and clean air filters in clothes dryers and stove vents. Taking this step will improve your chances of getting through the winter without developing sinusitis or upper airway infections as a result of breathing in dust when the heat is on regularly. Hire a professional HVAC contractor to test your home’s heating output and carbon monoxide levels and make any needed adjustments.

Check interior plumbing, repairing or hiring plumbers to repair any leaks before colder temperatures arrive. Drain your hot water heater to make sure rust is not building up inside. If it is, now is the time to replace the appliance.

Inspect your windows, making sure the caulking around window frames is in good shape. If your windows need to be replaced, it is better to do it now rather than wait until the weather becomes inhospitable.

Find all the home improvement materials and products you need at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement. Our inventory includes patio covers and enclosures, windows, vinyl siding and trim, shutters, roofing and more.

Sep
23

Everything You Need to Know to Make Gutter-Cleaning Simple

How to Make Gutter Cleaning Simple

Don’t wait until the end of autumn to clean your gutters. Save time and aggravation by tackling the job now at the beginning of the season.

Avoiding Problems Later

Once gutters become clogged, the excess water that pours down the sides of your home, instead of into the downspout as it should, begins to penetrate the walls and ceilings. This water can leave stained water marks along your outer walls and begin to rot the wood behind your home’s siding. In some cases, gutter overflow can reach basements where, if allowed to freeze, it can crack the foundation.

Another problem with clogged gutters is that the leaves and other debris that collect in them absorb water, which puts unnecessary stress on the gutters and the brackets from which they hang.  Plus, constant trapped water tends to rust metal gutters. When gutters fall off the house, they usually need to be replaced, which is unexpected expense for most homeowners.

From a human health perspective, clogged gutters can harbor various disease-causing bacteria as well as promote mold and mildew to form along a home’s walls.

Clogged Gutters Could Lead to Water Marks On Your Walls

Timing Your Gutter Maintenance

Most experts agree that gutters should be cleaned twice per year, usually in the fall and spring. This leaves gutters free of debris and better able to handle winter precipitation. An exception to this guideline is when a homeowner lives in an area with pine trees, which shed frequently and bear needles year-round. In this case, the recommendation is three times per year.

It is relatively simple to clean gutters, requiring little more than a ladder, trowel and bucket. However, if you are nervous about climbing a ladder, don’t have time for the project or would just prefer to avoid the hassle, there are many professional gutter cleaners available for hire who can usually accomplish the task relatively quickly.

When to Replace Your Gutters

As you clean your gutters, examine their general condition. If they are rusty or bent out of shape, it’s time to replace them with gutters made of aluminum or other rust-proof materials. Although you should plan to pay more to replace gutters than to hire someone to clean them, bear in mind that many gutters come with 20-year warranties, which makes the initial investment worth the cost. Experts say well-maintained gutters can last as long as 30 years, protecting your home on various levels the entire time.

Find all the home improvement materials and products you need at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement. Our inventory includes gutters and downspouts, patio covers and enclosures, windows, shutters and more.

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Sep
07

Common Problems When You Try a DIY Deck

Common Problems When You Try a DIY Deck

Many homeowners think that a new deck is the perfect outdoor project. Not only is it quick and easy to put up without any professional help, having a new deck can bring an immense amount of fun and happiness to any gathering. However, there are a number of common problems that people often run into when it comes to building a deck by themselves. The following are just a few of them:

1. Not Knowing the Local Building Codes

In their excitement of building a deck, some homeowners do not do their due diligence by learning about the local building codes that apply to this type of construction. In fact, many localities now require a building permit before any ground is broken on a construction project. A professional construction company such as Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement knows what the local building codes are as they pertain to certain areas. In addition, the permitting part of the building process is taken care of by the construction company.

2. Faulty Design

Every homeowner knows where the ideal location of their deck would be, but is it the best place to build one? Is there a clearance issue when it comes to head space, foliage or other areas of the home that must be considered? At Dayton Home Improvement a free in-home consultation is offered in which a company representative and the homeowner go over any desires and issues that might arise due to its location and design.

Watch Out for Faulty Design with a DIY Deck

3. Incomplete Materials List

It is one thing to think of a deck design. It is quite another to be able to fashion a materials list. This is especially true if the homeowner is inexperienced in building and estimating materials.

4. Complications Often Arise

Many people understandably want their deck to be attached to their home for a look of continuity. This also provides a great deal of security when it comes to inclement weather. Attaching a deck to a home in a safe manner, however, takes a set of specialized tools as well as a great deal of knowledge. Most homeowners find themselves without either of these, making it nearly impossible to do the job right.

5. Choosing the Wrong Fasteners

Some homeowners simply want a straight-forward deck with few bells and whistles. For this type of job, it often does not matter if the fasteners are hidden or not. For a top-of-the line deck, however, having the fasteners hidden often adds to the streamlined and professional look that the homeowner was trying to accomplish.

Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement has been building high-quality decks for the Dayton, Ohio area for a number of years. Give us a call today to setup a free in-home consultation and leave the building to us.

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.

Start Your Next Project With Us

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.

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