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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.

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.

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.

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!

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.  

 

Jan
20

4 Ways to Make Your Home Greener

If you're currently mulling over home upgrade possibilities, you should consider going green. Green home improvement projects will not only keep utility costs down, but also they will make your home more attractive to potential buyers when the time comes to put it on the market. Consider the following ways to cut energy costs and improve you home's livability quotient.

Replace Your Roof

If it's time to replace your roof, using certain materials can keep energy costs down substantially. If you live in a region that enjoys a warm climate, roofing material that reflects sunlight will help keep your home interior cool during the hot season. On the other hand, cold climate dwellers can help their homes stay cozy by using roofing materials in dark colors that absorb interior heat.

Xeriscape Your Landscaping

Xeriscaping simply means choosing landscaping plants and materials that have a low environmental impact, particularly when it comes to water usage. You are probably already aware that municipal water bills have gone up substantially in most parts of the country during recent years. The days of cultivating high maintenance lawns is over for most homeowners. Native plants, rock gardens, and easy-care ground covers are rapidly replacing the traditional American lawn.

Install a Tankless Water Heater

Hot water costs account for roughly one-third of the household utility costs of the average American household. Having a tankless water heater installed can cut these costs dramatically because tankless water heaters heat water as it is used rather than keep it hot constantly in a large tank. Although tankless water heaters are somewhat expensive, you will probably recover the costs in lower utility bills, and you may be able to get a tax break if you purchase a water heater that qualifies under the federal government's Energy Star program.

Have an Energy Audit

Having your public utility company perform an energy audit on your home will identify its weak spots and point to the best ways that you can save on energy costs. Keep in mind that although there are many excellent ways to implement green home improvement strategies, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions for saving on energy costs because every household is different. For instance, a tankless water heater may not be the best investment for a senior citizen who lives alone, but it will definitely help large families to keep energy costs down.

 

 

 

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