New Years Eve Fun Facts

Kissing your significant other is a favorite New Year's Eve tradition meant to guarantee a good relationship and affections throughout the next year.

About 75% of American New Year's Eve parties involve 20 people or less.

The tradition of a ball drop to signal the passage of time began at England's Royal Observatory at Greenwich in 1833.

The Made of iron and wood and adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs, the first New Year's Eve ball was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds.

Eating for good luck is a popular tradition in cultures around the world. Try 12 grapes at midnight (Spain), donuts (Holland) or black-eyed peas (American South).

Home Selling Tips

• Offer Creative Incentives

For instance you can offer to pay 6 months worth of electric bills, include brand new appliances, or cash in on some holiday sales and offer a huge TV mounted on a wall.

• Consider your Paint Choices

New paint is always a plus for home buyers however steer clear of bright or dreary colors like black or red, it’s best to stick with neutral colors in white or beige color schemes.

• Refinish Hardwood Floors

Laminate wood flooring can potentially reduce a homes value since a buyer will see the cost of having it torn out. It is better to refinish the existing hardwood floors or new but inexpensive wall to wall carpet.

William (Big Bill) Kenneth Woodward

Fauser Home Improvement would like to extend their deepest condolences to the family of William Kenneth Woodward. Bill K Woodward was the founder of Bridgeway Auto Parts. He raised a wonderful son, Bill M Woodward, who then had a son named Billy M Woodward, who then had a son named Bill M Woodward (Liam). On Saturday, December 10^th 2011 Bill K. Woodard passed away surrounded by love. Bill lived life to the fullest and had a keen sense for business. He was charismatic, intelligent, and witty. If you would like to send condolences to the family please do so via USPS to the address below:

Bridgeway Auto Parts
3900 27^th Street

Moline, IL. 61265

Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 2-8 p.m., at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline. Services will be Wednesday, Dec.14, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be in Western Cemetery, Orion.

Reasons for Getting Home Improvements in the Cooler Months

For whatever reason, choosing a home improvement specialist to do the work during autumn and winter can bring some real benefits and you could save a lot of money too, plus it is more likely that you will be able to get the work done when it suits you, not when it suits the home improvement company. . Many of these companies are quiet at that time of year and often will give you a keen and competitive price to get the work.

So with a little bit of effort from yourself, and a lot of effort from a tradesman, you could get your whole house sorted out, much cheaper than you think, and then you can rest easy in the knowledge that your home will stay warm and dry during the winter, meaning less heating bills, and also next year you don’t have to worry about getting anyone in to do the work because you were smart and you sorted it all out it in the winter and saved yourself loadsamoney!

Fauser Home Improvement works year round so what are you waiting for? Give us a call for your FREE ESTIMATE, 309/792-3122

Happy Birthday

This week is the annual birthday week for Fauser Home Improvement! We are celebrating by giving gifts to anyone setting up a FREE ESTIMATE for a project at their home. Make your appointment between Tuesday, November 29, 2011 and Friday, December 2^nd to get your GIFT! 309/792-3122

Keep Winter Utility Cost Down

Heating and cooling accounts for almost half of home utility costs, properly sealing air leaks and insulating around the home can save up to 20 % on utility bills. A simple and easy way to reduce energy costs is to make sure the homes outer shell is properly sealed. Sealing holes, cracks, and gaps where air, water, moisture, and insects can pass in will make the home more energy efficient and comfortable and will make the home more energy efficient and comfortable and will help save on utility costs.

Caulks and sealants not only protect the home from damage caused by wind. Precipitation and temperature fluctuations. They also have a direct affect on the amount of energy required to maintain the interior living space at a comfortable temperature.

            Call Fauser Home Improvement if you have questions about keeping your home energy efficient during the 2011 winter. 309/792-3122

How to Replace Weatherstripping on a Door

 Remove pins in the hinges of the door leaking air. Place a pin punch over the pin and hammer it gently to remove it.

  Open up the door. Use the doorknob to balance the door. Lift the door slowly off the hinge and place it on the ground.

 Grip the old weatherstripping and remove it slowly and carefully. You should be able to pull it off unless brads hold it in place. These can be removed with a chisel.

Push compression weatherstripping into the jamb. Use 1-inch brads to secure it in place. Put the door back on the hinges and replace the pins.

 

Measure the area around the door. Cut one continuous piece of weatherstripping that will fit inside the jamb going around the door.

Need a New Door? Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for a FREE ESTIMATE! 792-3122

Energy Savings

Cold temperatures are quickly approaching, now is an ideal time to take steps in preparing for energy efficiency. Number one, have MidAmerican Energy, 888-427-5632 stop by and give you a FREE Energy Audit. Not only will they locate areas where energy conserving is needed they will also give you free gifts! Number two, adding insulation will reduce heating costs and MidAmerican will refund a large portion of your insulation installation. Finally, replace standard incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star certified compact fluorescent light bulbs. You should know that with an energy audit MidAmerican will give you some free Energy Start light bulbs. Give Fauser Home Improvement a call to see how new windows, siding, or doors will lower your energy costs. 792-3122

Upgrade for Old Windows

Instead of replacing a sound single-pane window, consider adding Solar Gard Silver AG 50 Low-E Window Film. During the winter months AG 50 reflects 63 % of interior heat back into a room, the maker claims. During the summer, it prevents solar heat gain and blocks 99 % of UVA and UVB rays. It's available in clear or a variety of tints. This can be installed by Fauser Home Improvement by giving us a call at 309/792-3122.

Hanging a Door

Typically doors are pre-hung units shipped in the jambs. Remove the shipping material and pull the pins removing the door from the jambs. To avoid accidental damage remove the finals and store them in a safe place. To keep the jambs parallel install a temporary spreader just below the bottom hinge location. Then install the jambs, be sure to adjust the shims so they are continuously in contact with a level. Be sure the primary shims are centered directly behind the hinge locations to keep the jamb straight. Be careful not to “pigeon-toe” the jambs out of the parallel. Keep in mind, the top hinge carries the lion’s share of the door load. Now you are ready to hang the door! Leave the screws in the lower hinges just slightly loose. This gives a little play making the door easier to align. When finished open and close the door, shimming and checking the reveal for uniformity. Fauser Home Improvement specializes in exterior, sliding, and storm doors installation. For a FREE ESTIMATE give us a call at 309/792-3122.

Wasp and Vinyl Siding

The source of the problem: That small gap between the "J" channels of your home's siding and the vinyl siding sheet itself.  This small gap forms a wonderful, attractive, home for paper wasps and other insects.  The south facing side of your home gets very warm during the day and stores heat into the night.  Wasps just seem to find this ideal for their home! 
Don't blame your home builder, each piece of siding must be installed with a proper expansion gap at each end, typically 1/4".  Here is a link to the Vinyl Siding institute: http://www.vinylsiding.org/, they have an excellent PDF document providing many details about vinyl siding installation: Vinyl Siding Installation.  On hot sunny days your siding may expand quite a bit and without the gap would buckle!  Unfortunately the wasps get the benefit.
A simple long- term solution is to seal and caulk openings from the outside. Recommended products to spray around the entry points during the fall before the wasps have a chance to over-winter inside would be :
Cyzmic CS or Demon WP sprayed in that area.

Fall Home Improvement Tips

1.     Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors. Caulking helps keep your house weather-tight and lowers heating and cooling bills. It can also help keep insects and other "critters" out of your house. When you caulk before painting, it eliminates edges where the paint may start to peel.

2. Start to put away tools and equipment left outdoors during the summer such as play equipment, lawn mowers, barbeques, gardening tools and hoses. It may be time to winterize your pool, too.

3. It's time to think about the condition of your roof. Be proactive and prevent emergency -- and expensive --repairs. Find out about common trouble spots and how to locate a leak from inside.

4. You insulate and weatherstrip and think that you have your home all sealed up for winter. But there are some inconspicuous spots through which heat can escape. Learn how to seal these gaps too.

5. Inspect and clean your storm windows to get them ready for installation. Storm windows can help you save energy during the cold months and are significantly less expensive than putting in new double- or triple-glazed windows.

Make the Most of a Replacement Siding Job

A re-siding project offers a rare opportunity to upgrade a home’s air-sealing and insulation. You can do an initial test to determine how much insulation your home has in the walls by using an IR or infrared camera inspection. If you have an especially drafty house this might be a beneficial test for you. After finding you need more insulation, ask your contractor to fill voids and gaps around window frames with spray foam then tape the frames to the sheathing with self-adhering flashing tape. Wrap walls with 1 inch thick sheets of polyisocyanurate foam which acts as an air and vapor barrier and drainage plane. All joints including gaps between the rigid foam and jamb extensions should be foamed and sealed with flashing tape. Finally workers should trim the corners of your home with one piece corner boards to reduce maintenance costs. Energy savings are important and you will be very happy to save money! You will also be very comfortable in your home and will enjoy reduced energy and maintenance costs for years to come.

Natural Light

You can use natural light to create an inviting atmosphere by keeping a few important points in mind.

Sunlight entering from the north is usually colder. By contrast, a southern exposure guarantees a warm sun-filled interior. Rooms that receive light from the east will have bright mornings, muted mid-days and cooler evenings. West facing rooms will experience the most sun in the afternoon and evening.

You can bring light in from above with a skylight. No matter where you put a skylight in your home it will allow you to admit the full scope of the day’s light into your décor. Both venting and fixed skylights will offer light that enters through it if you add simple accessories like manual or remote control blinds.

Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP)

Pre-1978 homes are at high risk for containing lead and the EPA has strict codes when dealing with lead. The RRP rule is designed to protect children and adults from the dangers of exposure to lead-based paint, which can lead to brain damage and learning disabilities. As a homeowner it is your responsibility to find a contractor who is knowledgeable when it comes to lead-safe practices. Keep in mind ANY AMOUNT OF LEAD IS HAZARDOUS. Non-compliance with the RRP can affect your health and the health of your neighbors. A contractor not educated in the RRP may submit bids that are less expensive however a responsible contractor will bid a job accordingly using RRP lead-safe work practices.

Remodels may be Better than a Savings Account

It is recommended that you stick to improvements likely to increase your home's resale appeal and value. There is no such thing as a guaranteed return on investment, but some home improvements have a better track record than others. For instance, a basement remodel will recoup 70 % of its cost at resale. Adding a bathroom returns more than 50 %  of your investment, while modernizing a kitchen can bring about 70 % of a return upon selling your home. Tips:

• Establish a budget
• Hire a qualified remodeler who is familiar with local building codes
• Compare products and prices prior to beginning
• Work with a contract

Fall Home Improvements

After summer holidays are over and the heat and humidity subsides, it's a good time to start home renovation and preparation projects before the cold weather sets in. Flower beds can be cut down, lawns fertilized for the last time and windows washed. Here are five projects that are perfect for cool fall days.
Winterize the Deck
Decks get a lot of use during long summer days. By the time fall comes around, they can look worn out and old. Once the deck is cleaned off and all summer chairs and tables are stored away, power-wash the deck with a high-velocity pressure washer. This will dislodge any dirt that is stuck in the wood grain and will take away the gray color that decks fade to over time. Fall is also a good time to reseal the deck if you use a sealant or stain. Choose a warm day that has no chance of rain and start the process in the morning so that the deck has several hours of drying time before nightfall.
Insulate Exposed Plumbing
Uninsulated plumbing lines in unheated spaces are a major cause of power use, as the water heater must work extra hard to heat water. It can also cause pipes to freeze and burst if you live in an area that dips below the freezing mark in the winter. Check all of your plumbing lines to identify those that are outside or underneath the house, or are in an unheated basement or attic. Foam wrap can be purchased at any home improvement store. Wrap all exposed pipes to save on energy when the days start getting colder.
Roof Work
Once all the autumn leaves have fallen, cleaning out the roof gutters will save you from building up ice dams that can damage the roof in the winter. Blow out the gutters with a leaf blower or wash them out with a hose. Check for any holes or other damage to the gutters and repair them before heavy snow makes them worse. It's also a good time to take a look at the roof itself and fix any shingles that are curling or any flashing around chimneys that has come loose. If your roof is in bad shape, bring in a roofing contractor to assess whether the roof needs to be replaced before winter or can wait until the spring.
Upgrade Doors and Windows
If you have old, single-pane windows, you will lose a significant amount of heat in the wintertime. Replacing old windows with energy-efficient, double-paned upgrades can pay for itself quickly in heat savings. Check all exterior doors to ensure that they are insulated and that there are no gaps or cracks between the doors and the frames that could let heat out. If you have weatherstripping around doors, make sure it is intact and in good shape. If it's not in good shape, replace it before the cold weather sets in.
Interior Painting
Warm fall days are perfect for indoor painting. Summer is often too humid for paint to dry properly and that can cause walls to look splotchy. In winter, the lack of ventilation can make paint fumes hang around and can lengthen drying times. Open up windows to ensure there is a breeze that will both reduce the paint smell and dry it quickly.
The Bottom Line
Fall is an important transition season for home improvement projects. With the cold of winter coming, getting the house and yard prepared will save you money in the long run.

Tips to Increase your Home’s Value and Enhance your Curb Appeal

If you don't have a deck or patio on the outside of your home you may want to consider building one. They really help to add value to your home. People love spending time outside on their deck or patio. Even a sunroom added to your home will raise its value. This is a big plus for any home to have is a nice outside area to go to. If you already have a deck or patio. Add more to it like some new lawn furniture, a awning or a bench. Anything you do to dress up this area is a good thing for your home. And will make it look great.

A garage or a shed is another thing that helps to sell a home. And add more value to your property. This is a big deal to home buyers to have a place to put their extra stuff in including their car and all their outside lawn equipment and other things they own. A lot of people will not even look at a home without extra storage space for these items. People prefer a garage but a storage shed will do well at times if no garage is available. Having both a garage and a storage shed is ideal for a home. These are just a few exterior home improvements for your home that can really pay off and also make your home look its best.

Put a spark in the front door of your residence

The front door to the house should gleam, since it is the entryway to the inside. Polish the door fixtures surrounding light fixtures, and the door frame. Refinish or repaint the front door if necessary. Finally, remove any custom plaques or signs with the family name on it, and buy a plush doormat.

The Right Kind of Glass

In frontier days people used to put a piece of waxed paper into an opening in the wall of their cabin to let in some natural light.  This would have some disadvantages such as you can't see through, it has no insulating value and cold and heat can easily move through it, so it wasn't used for long. Let Fauser Home Improvement show you how to pick the proper window glass for your home windows will let lots of light in, allow you to see out and even save you money and energy.

 

Double and Triple Panes:

Air is a good insulator so having an air gap helps minimize heat transfer from through the window (and also helps block noise). In addition to minimizing heat loss, a warmer window on the inside means less condensation forms on the inside window, so there is less potential damage to inside window frames.

 

Low E:

Low E glass (also called solar low E or "spectrally selective glass" ) has been covered with a very thin metallic coating  that makes it "low emissivity" meaning it reflects light back from the surface thus reducing UV rays in your home as well as keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer.

 

Spacers:

Spacers separate and maintain the "air gap" between the glass panels so they are actually touching glass. Aluminum (metal) spacers used to be standard however, less conductive materials are now more common in well built windows.

Low conductivity spacers can improve the performance of gas filled, lowE filled windows by as much as 20%.

How to Clean Vinyl Siding

Wash vinyl siding with a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to keep the grooves in the texture stain-free. For best results, start at the bottom of the house and work up and rinse the cleaning solution completely before it dries. If your house has brick facing, cover the brick so that it is not affected by the runoff.

Vinyl Siding Cleaners
General cleaners (e.g., Simple Green®, Nice & Easy®, Armor All®, etc.) can be used to clean dirt, bird droppings, and spider webs. Stain-specific cleaners are listed below. Rinse all cleaners with water before they dry.
Stain	Cleaners*
Bubble Gum	Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, solution of vinegar (30%), water (70%) and Windex®
Crayon	Lestoil®
DAP (oil-based caulk)	Fantastik®
Felt-tip Pen	Fantastik®, water-based cleaners
Grass	Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Lithium (car) Grease	Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Motor Oil	Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Paint	Brillo® Pad, Soft Scrub®
Pencil	Soft Scrub®
Rust	Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
Tar	Soft Scrub®
Top Soil	Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®

Softball 2011

This week's blog is dedicated to both the Coed and Mens spring softball teams. The coed team won 1st place in East Moline's League Consolation while the men's team won 2nd Place in the overall tournament. Fauser Home Improvement was pleased to sponsor both teams, here's to you guys!

The 2011 Fall League begins Sunday, September 11th. If you are interested in playing please give us a call at (309) 792-3122 or email us at FauserHI@yahoo.com.

ALWAYS Sign a Contract

With all the money involved in home improvements homeowners need to be concerned with getting everything they've paid for and when they want it. Homeowners should get a contract with all the i's dotted and the t's crossed. To reduce the likelihood of disputes, a homeowner needs to have "a meeting of the minds" with the contractor on every possible aspect of the contract. The Remodelers Council of the National Association of Home Builders cautions that no work be allowed to start until the customer reviews and signs a written agreement spelling out "in detail "the what, where, how, time span, and cost of the project" In other words is the contractor says, "Don't worry about it, we don't need a contract," the homeowner should insist on one or start looking for another remodeler. Any agreement should start with the contractors contact information and if any unforeseen costs that a homeowner might run into. Also ask the contractor who is going to pay for and obtain permits. Keep in mind weather is a major variable in completion-date deadlines as are material-delivery dates beyond the contractor's control.  

Any questions? Phone Fauser Home Improvement at (309)792-3122

Outdoor Living Rooms

Exterior additions and improvements are high on homeowners’ wish list, according to the Better Homes and Gardens 2011 Consumer Preference Survey. (GateHouse News Service) Among the top ranking features people want in their next homes are decks or patios (84%) and low maintenance exteriors (79%). When it comes to the top ranking living spaces people want, outdoor grilling or living areas come in at 67%.

Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect outdoor oasis:

• Define the space. Outdoor rooms can be an entire yard or a small portion.
• Walls can be hedges, trees, lattice screens, raised garden beds, railing, a gazebo, or a fence.
• Ceilings can be awnings, umbrellas, pergolas or even the branches of a tree.
• Keep flooring simple such as the lawn, a mulched pathway, or a manmade floor such as concrete or flagstone.
• Consider a grill, a pizza oven, fireplace, fire pit, and lighting.

Fauser Home Improvement would be pleased to be included in your exterior living plans. We offer FREE ESTIMATES so give us a call at 309/792-3122 or visit us anytime at www.FauserHI.com.  

Reasons for Vinyl Siding

Reasons to install vinyl siding:

·       You will never have to paint your house again

·       Unlike wood or cedar, this durable plastic will not rot or flake

·       Vinyl is available in several dozen colors, and can mimic architectural details that were once made from wood

It's no wonder that vinyl has become the most popular siding material in the United States and is quickly gaining momentum around the world. Call Fauser Home Improvement for a FREE ESTIMATE! (309)792-3122

Decks

Want to sell your home and get over 70% of your initial investment back? Build a deck....

If you have an existing deck make sure it's in good condition. Check for damaged boards and replace them with the appropriate decking material. Tighten fasteners or replace them if they are stripped, tap down protruding nails or replace them with deck screws. Check for splinters on handrails and steps, smooth with sandpaper. Apply a fresh coat of deck stain to brighten up the area, this will also keep your deck looking new by repelling water, resisting mildew and prevent fading.

Need a deck? It should cost around $15 per square foot (on average). Standard treated decking is economical and offers a limited warranty against rot and decay. Deck railings are for safety's sake however you can decorate them with balusters, posts, and spindles, post caps, and lighting.

Want to get a FREE ESTIMATE on building a deck or getting your existing deck upgraded? Call Fauser Home Improvement at 309/792-3122

Extensions of Your Home

Outdoor living spaces are a unique way to enjoy your lawn and yard. Imagine an outdoor kitchen complete with plumbing or an outdoor-friendly television set. Thinking you may get too warm, have a mister installed. For those homeowners who want to spend less money yet have a great outdoor space, a simple fire pit, grill, and nice patio set will create a fine atmosphere for entertaining. Give the outdoor experts at Fauser Home Improvement a call and it will be there pleasure to provide you a FREE ESTIMATE and make your dreams into reality 309/792-3122. Visit us online anytime at www.FauserHI.com.

Homeowners Need to Know List

• Use a contractor. The biggest cod violations result from well-meaning do-it-yourselfers, get a contractor to review or prepare plans and check your finished project.

• Get a permit! Without a proper building permit you risk paying twice as much.

• Have your home inspected. A standard home inspection will cover your entire home. Home inspectors do not give a pass/fail; they detail items that need repair. Generally the cost for a home inspection begins around $400.

• Start thinking vinyl. Vinyl windows, doors, and siding offer excellent thermal performance for year round insulation. Also fiberglass doors will not rot, split, or crack.

• Use a decorative Fypon trim around doors to create a winning combination. They are impervious to decay, insect infestation, and water damage.

Tips to Raise your Property Value

There are some exterior home improvements that you can do to your home that will really pay off. Anything that you do to your home can raise the value of your property. Exterior home improvements not only raise the value of your home but also help to maintain a good appearance of your home. Exterior home improvements give your home great looks and add great curb appeal to your home. Here are some home improvement tips that will make your home even more valuable then what it already is. If you have a roof that is old and damaged you may want to fix or replace it. When selling a house this is one of the biggest concerns of home buyers is that the roof is in good shape. Even if you are not selling your home yearly maintenance on your roof is needed to keep it in good condition. Always keep care of the siding on your home. It does not matter if you have wood, vinyl or brick on your home. It needs to be checked each year for any damage the weather has caused. Keep up with the siding on your home and paint it or repair it when needed. This will not only make your home worth more in the long run but will keep your home in tip top shape and looking its best.

If you don't have a deck or patio on the outside of your home you may want to consider building one. They really help to add value to your home. People love spending time outside on their deck or patio. Even a sunroom added to your home will raise its value. This is a big plus for any home to have is a nice outside area to go to. A garage or a shed is another thing that helps to sell a home. And add more value to your property. This is a big deal to home buyers to have a place to put their extra stuff in including their car and all their outside lawn equipment and other things they own. A lot of people will not even look at a home without extra storage space for these items. People prefer a garage but a storage shed will do well at times if no garage is available. Having both a garage and a storage shed is ideal for a home. These are just a few exterior home improvements for your home that can really pay off and also make your home look its best.

How to Keep Cool

Air conditioning is a convenient way for many of us to cool our homes, but some people go overboard and try keeping the temperature at around 70 degrees even in places where the outside temps are 100 or more. This puts an immense strain on your AC unit plus it doesn't help the environment at all. A more reasonable temperature is closer to 78 or 80 inside. In many articles I read in newspapers or online websites there is one telling point that really hits home. Most rooms in your house go unused most of the day, so using your air conditioner to cool off rooms that are not being used is silly and a waste of energy. Many experts recommend getting a portable AC unit, one that sits in your window or similar. Some of the newer models are energy efficient and do a great job of cooling off smaller rooms where perhaps the family is most of the day.

The biggest thing you can do is to plant a trees or larger bushes near your exterior windows to help keep shade on your house even when the sun is at its hottest. Of course, if you don't already have trees planted it could take years to get shade. Other solutions for immediate shade are things like awnings over exterior windows to get more shade. Awning can definitely help protect your windows from taking in a lot of heat. You can also get window film which goes on the window itself and helps block some of the heat that would normally come right into your house.

House for Rent by Fauser Home Improvement

We have a small 3 bedroom ranch house with a large yard in Carbon Cliff that will be up for rent August 1st. Rent is $600/month which includes water, $1,000 moves you in, that is first months rent along with a $400 deposit. Pets welcome, great school, close to park. 792-3122

Storm Damage

A damaged home can feel like a heavy burden, there are some important strategies you can follow that will help you take care of your family and get the process started to repair your home.

Begin evaluating the damage, if your roof has been damaged then try to get temporary measures such as tarps to cover your home and prevent any further damage by the elements. If you have had doors or windows damaged, then cover those openings with plywood to prevent intruders and keep out the elements. If the water pipes in your home are damaged then turn off the house water supply. If the power is off in your area, then turn off your main power breaker to prevent a surge to your home appliances when the power comes back on.

Schedule the adjuster to come look at your home as soon as possible. Begin to line up contractors to get the necessary repairs done to your home immediately. Quick repairs are essential to getting your house back to normal. Do as much of the repair and cleanup work yourself that you can.

Call Fauser Home Improvement and we will be happy to stop by. We will give you a FREE ESTIMATE and walk you through the repair process. 309/ 792-3122

Doorbells

Doorbells are simple electrical systems. Repairing one is normally easy and a good lesson in basic electricity—as long as you can find the key components. Because buttons, buzzers, and transformers are relatively inexpensive, replacing these faulty components usually makes more sense than trying to make involved repairs on them.

If you do try to repair your doorbell try the following:

If, when you push the doorbell button, you do not hear a bell, a hum, or even a click, it often means that electricity is not being delivered through the system.

1) Check for a tripped circuit breaker.

2) Check for a burned-out transformer. Turn off the power to the circuit before working on the transformer.

3) Be sure all wires are connected securely at transformer, bell, and button.

4) Remove and check the button. Because the button is the primary moving part of the system, this tends to be the most likely component to fail. To do this, remove the button's attachment screws and gently pull the button out.

Be sure the two wires are connected securely to the screw terminals. Then touch a screwdriver blade across both terminals (or remove the two wires and touch them together).

If the bell sounds, you are in luck; this is a very easy, inexpensive repair. Remove the wires, and clean corrosion from the button's contacts and wire ends with fine sandpaper or electrical contact cleaner.
Reconnect the wires. If the button still does not work, just remove and replace the button (available at hardware stores).

This button test will work if the power circuit is functional. If the button is faulty AND there is an additional problem, it won't. If the simple button test fails to ring the bell, you can make sure the button is faulty by doing a continuity test with an ohmmeter (set on ohms ).
Hold one of the meter's probes on each of the button's contacts, and then push and release the button. The meter's needle should bounce up when the button is pushed and drop flat when it is released. If it doesn't, the button should be replaced

Fixing Crumbling Sidewalk or Driveway

At some point all driveway's and sidewalks will need some improvements. Between salting, the weather, and time will cause the walk and drive ways to need repair. You can do it yourself and here are some tips:

Avoid cracks in the first place, seal your sidewalk or driveways once a year. You can fix existing cracks with tar, asphalt, caulk, or pre-mixed concrete patch. Clean the crack of loose material and ensure it is dry prior to repair.

Get help when you no longer feel comfortable fixing the cracks or unlevel areas yourself. Well maintained sidewalks bring benefits to homeowners and neighborhoods such as increased property values, reduced crime, and improved helath for people who walk. In many cities funding is available to rebuild sidewalks or shared cost. Insurance companies like to limit their liability from a damaged sidewalk so they may provide financial assistance.

As always you can call Fauser Home Improvement for a FREE ESTIMATE on any home improvement projects you might have! 

Home Maintenance Timeline

Every six months

Clean your gutters

Change smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries

Check your fire extinguisher gauge

Once a year

Give your hot water heater and furnace a good check up

Check caulking around windows and doors

Make sure all windows and doors shut and lock completely

Clean your dryer vent

Pull covers off and vacuum all exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom

Every two years

Make sure shingles are not loose, missing, or damaged

Every four years

Have your heat ducts cleaned

Every 5-10 years

Replace all caulk and weather stripping around doors and windows

Every 10-15 years

Replace entry doors

Replace bathroom vents

Every 15-20 years

Replace chimney cap

Replace roof

Outside Lighting

Consider This
(1) Consider your outdoor lifestyle. Keep in mind it gets very cold in our area! Create a lighting plan that is tailored to your household's uses

(2) The range of products in the exterior lighting varies wide apart. They offer many garden & exterior lighting products including

1) driveway lighting,
2) step lighting,
3) exterior wall lighting,
4) outdoor post lighting,
5) pond lights,
6) pool lighting,
7) path lighting,
8) deck lights,
9) sensor lights and
10) feature lighting

If you are serious about garden & exterior lighting so are we. Please contact Fauser Home Improvement for a FREE ESTIMATE. 309/792-3122

Home Exterior Improvements

Home exterior improvements is a term that encompasses lots of renovations done to improve the appearance of your house. Time required is one of the constraints that must be considered when you decide to do some exterior home remodeling. Here are some of the tips for home exterior improvements that will help you to transform the complete look of your house.

Choosing a color of exterior paint for your house is a nerve-wracking job. Many a times, it is possible that you may choose a wrong color for your house. When you decide to color your house, choose a different color for the porch, deck, columns, shutters and other architectural details. Remember to choose those colors that will go together well and balance with each other. Another factor that must be considered when you choose colors for exterior walls, choose them in such a way that they will stand for many years. Exposure to weather changes is one of the aspect that must be considered while choosing the color and texture of the paint. REMEMBER FAUSER HOME IMPROVEMENT WOULD BE HAPPY TO GIVE YOU A FREE ESTIMATE FOR MAINTENANCE FREE SIDING!

Building a deck is one of the most easiest job in the home exterior renovation process. It is a very inexpensive option to increase the living space by building a deck. A deck is made up of wood and placed at the ground level, and can be as high as your roof line. This space can house a cozy sitting area which can be built with great style. The size of the deck can be designed as per you desire. Building a deck is a very easy and a DIY job. However, decks can be built within your small budget by a contractor. Outdoor stair railings are another aspect that should be considered while building the deck. Deck railings offer safety as well as define the deck and render a different look to the home exteriors. Although wooden deck and deck railings are very common, different material can be used to construct the deck. Powder-coated aluminum, vinyl and many other types of material can be used in the construction of deck and deck railing. REMEMBER FAUSER HOME IMPROVEMENT WOULD BE HAPPY TO GIVE YOU A FREE ESTIMATE to build you a deck that is in your imagination

The material and design of the doors and windows decides the cost. Wooden doors which are elaborately decorated are more costly than the simple fiberglass or steel doors. When you plan for a home exterior remodeling, consider your budget first and balance the type of material with the exteriors of the house. A wide variety of windows are available in the market. A stylish window can change the entire look of your house. But at the same time your budget for home exterior improvements must be taken into consideration. REMEMBER FAUSER HOME IMPROVEMENT WOULD BE HAPPY TO GIVE YOU A FREE ESTIMATE for new doors or windows!

These are some of the home exterior improvements. It is advisable that you should pick one idea at a time and implement the same. Remember to use quality material so that the construction stands well for a long duration.

Top to Bottom Exterior Spring Clean

The way to tackle exterior house cleaning is from top to bottom. The first task that has to be done are the gutters. The next step will be the siding. If you have vinyl this is very easy to power wash. The beauty of power washing is that you can use water without having to use any harsh chemicals. If you have heavy growth near or climbing up the house this is the time to trim or cut it totally back, If there is any mold growing on the house or foundation you need to treat that with an organic anti-fungal and a steam cleaner if you own one. Decks and fences are always one of the biggest jobs every spring. While you are taking care of the dirt, this is also a good time to check for any nails or screws that may need replacing or any wood that is showing wear. If needed you may apply a new coat of protective sealant or paint.

CHECKLIST FOR CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR

1.    Must be a legitimate business for 5 years or more.  Having 5 years experience isn’t enough.  Being an operational business for 5 years is whole different ball game.

2.    Must have an established place of business that the company has occupied for 2 years or more.  One trick out of state contractors use is the rent a local office to look local trick…don’t buy it!

3.    Must check out when doing your due diligence.  Check with your local Better Business Bureau and see how the contractor rates.  Also search the name of the company on Google, Yahoo, or Bing.  If nothing comes up, do not use this contractor.  An established company will have reviews, websites, and information about them online.    Lastly, do they belong to local chambers and can they provide local references.

4.    Must have and provide insurance certificate and license information.  You can confirm insurance information by calling insurance carrier to make sure the insurance is in force.  You can confirm licenses by calling your local municipality.

Spring Home Improvement Projects

Top 5 items homeowners typically do when spring approaches:

1. Put up a Fence

2. Wash your Siding and/or Deck

3. Clean your Interior and Exterior Windows

4. Organize and Clean your Garage

5. White Wash your Picket Fence

You can obtain a Free Estimate from Fauser Home Improvement by phoning 309/792-3122. Visit us anytime at http://www.fauserhi.com/ and friend us on Facebook!

Sump Pump Care

With spring officially here it’s time to check your sump pump to keep them in working order. Maintaining your sump pump is a much better way to make sure its working properly than finding out once the water levels rise.

·       Checking the pump. Every so often, take the cover off the tank. Slowly pour water into it. This will make the float rise and trigger the pump. If it's working properly, the water level will quickly go down and the pump will shut off.

• Cleaning the tank. It's kind of a groady job, but it needs to be done. To do so,you'll need to scoop out any debris that has collected in the tank. Hose off the tank.

• Cleaning the pump. Sump pumps draw water in through a filter trap. This trap also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. To clean the trap, you'll need to pull the pump out of the tank. Disconnect it from its power source and the piping, then pull it out of the tank.

Mustache Bash

Please join Fauser Home Improvement at the Redstone Room this Saturday for a viewing of the locally made Mustache Movie. $6 admission, doors open at 6:30, for more information about the movie go to http://www.mustachemovie.com/.

Join us for a party with a purpose at the Redstone Room in Davenport! Come celebrate and spread the *MUSTACHE LOVE* at this exciting fundraising event, featuring live bands, delectable drinks, great food and of course - MUSTACHES!!! Enjoy music from Deluxe Republic, Head Held High, Corporate Rock and Dani Lynn Howe Band.

Isn't it about time you let your mustache hair down to PARTY?! Don't miss your chance to party hard at this one of a kind event. We guarantee your mustache will thank you!

This is also your chance to... see "The Mustache Movie"! Meet members of the cast and crew, and maybe even land a role as an extra in the next film! You heard right, in fact all proceeds go toward making a full-length version of "The Mustache Movie". That means we will need lots of extras like you!

No mustache? No worries! We will have faux mustaches available, as well as other items, so everyone can feel the 'stache love.

GIVE YOUR CASH - SUPPORT A STACHE!!
All of your contributions during this event help support young, local QC filmmakers, benefiting our community. Everyone has their own personal mustached hero... Help support "The Mustache Movie" and YOU will be ours.

**MUSTACHE POWER - MUSTACHE LOVE** Thank you for your continued support!

How to avoid water in your basement

Somehow, watching the snow disappear loses a lot of its attraction when you find out some of the runoff water has ended up in your basement. Here are some steps to keeping your basement dry:

Start by getting rid of the most obvious cause of wet basements: snow piled up around your foundation walls. As the snow melts the runoff goes directly into the ground, and if you have piles of snow against your walls, you're going to end up with water right against the outside of your basement walls. Concrete (both poured or concrete blocks) is permeable, so some of this water will eventually work its way through the "solid" wall and into your basement

Consider another source of runoff water is snow melting on your roof. While runoff from the roof is supposed to be directed away from your foundation by your gutters and downspouts, during the winter, snow melting and freezing could block your gutters and even your downspouts. If the gutters and downspouts are blocked, runoff will simply pour over the edges of your gutters and fall right beside your foundation.
Clearing out your gutters and downspouts will ensure runoff from your roof doesn't end up in your basement. The easiest way to clear your downspouts is to set up your ladder close to the downspout and carefully climb up with a few buckets of water.
Use warm water poured directly down your downspout to melt any icy buildup. If there is any ice built up in the gutters you can also pour warm water into the area of the gutter you can safely reach to help clear them as well.
During the summer ensure the grade of the land around your foundation slopes away from your walls for a few feet. This is especially important in older homes, since over time with planting around the walls the grade may have changed and could actually be sloping towards your home.
Ensure your downspouts extend at least a few feet away from your foundation and be sure they drain onto a solid surface (like your driveway) rather than onto the ground.

Deal of the Month for March 2011

We are excited to have Serenity Salon & Day Spa as our sponsor for the Month of March! This is the second time Serenity has offered our customers twenty dollars towards any service in their salon. All you have to do is sign a contract with Fauser Home Improvement during the month of March, once the work is completed you will receive a $20 gift card to Serenity Salon & Day Spa courtesy of Fauser Home Improvement. Serenity Salon & Day Spa is located at 3915 16th Street in Moline and you can give them a call at (309) 797-2777. You can visit Serenity Salon & Day Spa at www.Serenityqc.com or visit Fauser Home Improvement at www.FauserHI.com. It would be the pleasure of Fauser Home Improvement to stop by and give you a Free Estimate at your leisure, just give us a call at (309)792-3122..

Softball

Fauser Home Improvement WILL SUPPLY YOUR SHIRT, COST IS $30/PERSON OR $55/COUPLE (coed only). Interested Parties should be at practice on March 20th at the Large Ball Diamond in Carbon Cliff (below the hill). Coed practices at 2 until 3:30 while Mens will practice from 3:30 until 5. Bring your glove and entry fee! If you can not make the practice stop by The Fauser's to pay and sign up! Call 309/792-3122.

Ice Dam's

An ice dam is a build up of ice at the edge of the roof. It is called a dam, because the build up is large enough to dam up some water behind it. Sometimes even the best roof designs can get them. This winter it seems every roof has had one. But generally it is caused by a warm attic and cold eaves. That allows the snow to melt up on the roof over the attic, and then refreeze when the water reaches the eaves. The eaves are cold since they are not over the house, but are hanging out there in the cold. If the ice doesn't fall off the roof, and hangs on, then the water melting above, will build up behind the ice. Damage that can be done is water that is building up behind the dam can get high enough to get under the shingles and leak into the attic. It often shows up as water leaking from the window trim or wet spots in the ceiling close the walls. If it happens once it can stain your woodwork, and make those ugly water marks on your drywall. If it happens often it will rot the roof decking, and other framing members.

Adding insulation to your attic floor will help, not only will it cut down on ice dams but also cut back on your heating bill. Ventilation is important for many reasons. Key among them is the elimination of moisture that finds its way up to the attic. Moisture that makes its way to your attic will condense in the cold air. It will condense on your plywood roof decking and cause it to rot and it will pass up through the shingles causing them to fail years before they should.

Either you have a lot of insulation and ventilation and you still have ice dams, or, you have cathedral ceilings or a roof attic design that makes adding those impossible. In that case you can have an ice belt installed. An Ice Belt is Metal flashing installed all the way along the eaves and extends to the area of the roof above the attic. It covers the area where the ice will form. It serves two purposes, first it provides a surface which permits the snow and ice to just slide off preventing most dams. Second it provides a surface that water won't flow up under as it as it does with shingles.

As always give Fauser Home Improvement a call at 309*792-3122 or visit us anytime at www.FauserHI.com!

Small Treat Bag from 'The Happy Dog' Bakery Courtesy of Fauser Home Improvement

Sign a contract with Fauser Home Improvement during the month of February and receive a small treat bag from 'The Happy Dog' Bakery located in Moline Illinois. Get more information about Fauser Home Improvement by going to www.FauserHI.com or simply give us a call at (309) 792-3122 to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE. 'The Happy Dog' Bakery is open Monday through Saturday at 10:00 until 3:30 everyday except Saturday's they are open until 4:00! The tastiest goods and the best customer service is what Happy Dog Bakery is all about. Happy Dog Bakery should be your ultimate stop for quality baked goods. Stop in, have a look and taste for yourself. Give them a call at (309)764-0990 find them at 1628 15th Street Place, Moline. Be sure to tell them Fauser Home Improvement sent you!

How Much Snow is Too Much for Your Roof

After the recent winter storm we received a lot of snow. Do you know how much a house roof can take? Is it time to start shoveling?

Your house was designed for a certain snow load which will depend on the area you live in. i.e. houses in areas expecting more snow will have stronger roofs... so we can't give you an answer that 3' is ok ... or too much.

If you are concerned, I like idea of a long snow shovel. Go to local hardware store and purchase a snow rake. They have a 20’ handle and you can simply pull the snow down! Fauser Home Improvement knows far too many people who have fallen off their roofs and seriously hurt themselves.

Don't forget to visit us at http://www.fauserhi.com/ or give us a call and let us know when to stop by and give you a FREE ESTIMATE on a home improvement project you have in mind 309/792-3122.

Deal of the Month

Sign a contract with Fauser Home Improvement during the month of February and receive a FREE small treat bag from The 'Happy Dog' Bakery located at 1629 5th Avenue in Moline. Why not give them a call to see what else they offer for your four footed friend 309/7964-0990. To obtain a FREE Estimate from Fauser Home Improvement, give us a call at 309/792-3122 or visit us anytime by going to http://www.fauserhi.com/!

How to Wash a Window During Freezing Weather

Combine one cup water with two cups vehicle window cleaner. Pour mixture into a spray bottle. Spray outside of window, since the automotive cleaner won’t freeze you have time to clean the window. Use a soft cloth or newspaper to wipe away solution and don't forget the corners!

How to Keep your Deck Protected against the Winter

Wood is known to expand and contract in different temperatures and having snow and cold directly on the tiles has many homeowners worried. As a rule, however, a good deck tile should be able to withstand it. Here are a few things that you should consider about cold conditions and wooden deck tiles.

• Either put patio furniture inside or cover them with a tarp
• Flowerpots can crack with ice and cold temperature so bring them in

·       Clear leaves and other organic material, as it could cause mold, rot, staining or mildew if it is left there all winter. DO NOT USE A METAL SHOVEL

• It’s not a bad idea to clean snow off your deck, snow can be very heavy!
• Only use sodium chloride (i.e. Halite) types of salt on a wood deck or porch that has been water-sealed or stained. Calcium chloride salts will reduce the effectiveness of a water-repellent coating.

Tips for a Winter Storm

A bad winter storm can mean the loss of electricity, heat, transportation, and even support services. During a bad storm there are several things you can do to protect yourself until the danger passes. Here are a few tips:

• Stay calm. A winter storm is usually just a major nuisance, not a full-blown crisis. If proper shelter is provided for, lives are usually not at risk.

• If the house temperature drops to near freezing, turn off the main water supply and open faucets to drain the pipes. This will prevent water from freezing in the pipes and rupturing them, thereby avoiding future expensive damage.

• After a very heavy snowfall, you may need to clear your roof, ideally with a roof rake. Otherwise the weight of the snow may damage your house, especially flat or low-angle roofs. Be sure your air intake for the house is clear, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. During a power outage you may not have a functioning alarm.

Tips on Chimney Cleaning

Chimney sweeping should be a regular part of your home maintenance that is done every year. While there is a break in the snow here are some things to check on your Chimney:

·       Buy a set of chimney rods and brushes at the hardware store. Run the brush down the chimney, using a short up-and-down plunging motion. Some brushes are designed to twist as well. Go back inside the house and use a short chimney brush to clean the flue, which is the pipe that runs between the fireplace and the chimney.    

• Check your chimney to make sure it free of debris. Take a moment to cap the chimney or screen it. A cap will keep out animals, leaves, twigs, and rain. Rain entering from the uncovered top, does most of the damage in a chimney by getting into the mortar joints inside the firebox causing them to become weak and deteriorate.

• When a chimney is filled with smoke, not of its own formation, but from the funnel next to it, an easy remedy offers, in covering each funnel with a conical top, or earthen crock, not cylindrical, but a frustum of a cone, by means of which the two openings are separated a few inches, and the cold air or the gust of wind no longer forces the smoke down with them.