Remodel Tips

·         Select a professional contractor with experience, knowledge of local codes and a good reputation for quality work. This is the single most important step in your project.

·         Before you finalize your remodel decisions, research the improvements that will likely bring you the highest return on your investment.  A minor kitchen remodel should return more than 70 percent of its cost at resale while adding a bathroom pays back about 53 percent.

·         During the latest housing boom, remodels were all about big and bold. Now there is less emphasis on luxury and more on practicality. Take advantage of that trend, and you’ll make your home more competitive at resale.

How to Safely Remove Snow from the Roof

There are two very good ways to injure yourself removing snow from a roof. You could fall off the ladder while climbing onto the roof or fall climbing off the roof. You could always just fall off the roof directly.  Therefore, here are two good ways to not hurt yourself while clearing the roof of snow. First, use a roof rake or second hire a professional.

The do it yourself option of a roof rake is simple. A roof rake is similar to a snow shovel with a long handle. Instead of picking up the snow like a shovel you drag the snow down and off the edge of the roof. Rakes are safe because they are used from the ground and if used properly no damage will be caused. Never use a roof rake from a ladder for a couple of reasons. First balancing on a ladder while trying to rake your roof is simply difficult and second the snow comes directly down and potentially on the individual balancing on a ladder.

Hiring a pro is probably the safest way to remove snow from a roof. The service may cost upwards of $100 per hour but that is a lot less than emergency medical care. Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for a FREE ESTIMATE on your home improvement or maintenance needs. (309) 792-3122

Ideas for Winter Home Improvements

"Tighten" your home by sealing air leaks.

This project can even save you money! There are several ways to check for air leaks at wall openings. Some professional contractors use thermographs, a type of thermal imaging device, to locate the cool spots. D-I-Y enthusiasts can use smoky incense to indicate where drafts may be present.

A surefire way to catch all the leaks is to gather your caulking gun, weather-stripping, insulating gaskets and expanding foam; then, systematically address each hole in every wall (outlets, windows/doors, light fixtures, fireplaces, etc.). It can be time consuming, but, hey, winter can be very, very long.

Winter landscaping.
Yes, the words "winter" and "landscaping" can be used in the same sentence. If you are the type of person who can't stay inside for long, here are some ideas for sprucing up those dreary, winter yards.

Try installing some solar powered lighting to outline pathways or planting beds. It will help guide the snow shovel and add a cozy twinkle to the drifts.

Or consider attracting winter wildlife with a new bird feeder. An ornamental bird feeder can act as a landscape's focal point and there's really nothing like a bright red cardinal to animate a bleak, brown (or white) yard.

What Good has come from the Downturn of the Housing Market

A positive fallout from the downturn of the housing market is that people are staying in their homes longer. This enables individuals to form a “bond” with the places they live. Homeowners imagine the possibilities and think through the practicalities of remodeling their homes. Projects range from simple changes to extensive additions. For ideas on renovating your home give Fauser Home Improvement a call for a FREE ESTIMATE 309/792-3122.

New Siding

New siding can give your house the facelift it needs. Siding can be installed on your entire house or used together with other exterior cladding such as brick or stone. Steel and vinyl siding are fabulous alternatives to the traditional sidings. When these cost-effective sidings are installed correctly they are almost maintenance free!
Siding should be installed over the appropriate housewrap or building paper and all windows and doors should have proper flashing installed before the siding goes up. Any gaps in the exterior siding needs to have caulking and there should be sufficient venting for moisture. Have your siding done by siding pros and enjoy the fine results for years to come! Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for your FREE ESTIMATE, 309/792-3122.