Protect Yourself

Homeowners should avoid putting contractors’ advice on a pedestal. It is easy for an over-zealous contractor to overwhelm an inexperienced home owner and escalate the scope of a job beyond what might really be needed. Take the time to verify unexpected problems or new recommendations with a knowledgeable second opinion, before you put any more money on the table.

Nearly all supplies and tools involved in home improvement can be the objects of desire to thieves. Whenever they are not in use, building supplies and tools should be kept safe. If you have a secure indoor place to put them, do it. A lockable storage unit can prevent theft in an open house.

Use a tricky remedy to block holes that you suspect are letting mice in: stuff them with steel wool. This will prevent the mice from coming in because they cannot chew through steel wool like they can chew through other materials.

If you want major work done to your house, hire someone who has plenty of experience. Designers, contractors and architects all work at their occupations for a variety of reasons. Their work is difficult, and they are skilled professionals. While doing it yourself can sound appealing, a professional will make your life easier and get the job done right.

Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for a FREE ESTIMATE on your project 309/792-3122.

Home Improvement Items to Consider

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.

Where to Start.

There are several simple projects that you could consider for increasing your homes value greatly, however; it is very important that you first set a budget and then create a basic idea and layout of what type of style you like best, based on the available funds you have set for your next home improvement project.

You might add a door to the spare bathroom and then some paint to make a substantial value increase to the over all homes value. Think of it like adding new tires to a car. You might be surprised how a few little home improvement tips and advice projects can make a huge difference in your home value.

Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for a FREE ESTIMATE and we will help plan your next project. 309/792-3122.

Energy Tax Credit's

Energy efficient windows, doors and skylights can reduce energy bills

   Tax Credit Amount: 10% of the cost, up to $500, but windows are capped at $200.

Requirements

Must be ENERGY STAR qualified.

You do not have to replace all the windows/doors/skylights in your home to qualify. And it doesn't need to be a replacement either - installing a new window where there wasn't one previously (like in an addition) qualifies.

Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.

For products "placed in service" in 2011, you need to file the 2011 version of IRS Form 5695 and submit it with your 2011 taxes (by April 15, 2012).

On the 1040 form you enter this tax credit from Form 5695 (the residential energy tax credit) on line 52.

Save your receipts and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement for your records.

Submit Form 5695 with your 2011 taxes.