2015

Happy Holidays

Gift Certificate

A gift certificate for a free door or window install would be a perfect Christmas gift. Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for more information. (309)792-3122

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Give Fauser Home Improvement a call this week to get a FREE ESTIMATE on your next project.

(309)792-3122

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Happy Thanksgiving

From all of us at Fauser Home Improvement
(309)792-3122

Get Warmed Up

Get warmed up with new windows or doors installed by Fauser Home Improvement. Wind and cold weather coming through cracks in your house will give you a chill all winter. Consider getting a FREE ESTIMATE from Fauser Home Improvement for a new entry door or new windows before the real cold weather hits.

Call/Text: 309/792-3122

Email: FauserHI@yahoo.com

Website: www.FauserHI.com

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Let Us Bring Your Dreams to Life!

Call/Text for a Free Estimate

(309) 792-3122

Tips to Keeping your Home Warm

Tips to Keep your Home Warm

1.       Clean those gutters 

2.       Block those leaks

3.       Insulate the attic

4.       Check the furnace

5.       Wrap those pipes

Give Your Home a Check-Up

·         Clear Windowsills and Tracks of Dirt and Debris

Sand, leaves, insects, or pine needles stuck in weather stripping can affect the performance of your windows and doors. Open the windows and clean the opening with a soft brush.

·         Inspect Weather Stripping

Reattach loose weather stripping around windows or doors to make sure moving parts work, and units close properly. Replace worn or broken parts.

·         Feel for Signs of Air Leakage Around the Window or Door

Drafty windows can decrease energy efficiency and allow unwanted moisture into your home. To help save on utility bills and keep your home more comfortable year-round, replace old leaky windows with new Energy Start qualified windows.

5 Reasons to Get a New Front Door

1. Drafts are a big sign that a door needs to be replaced. When the seals around a door age, they can shrink and/or crack. If you’re wondering why your house gets so cold at night, check around all your doors for drafts.
2. Squeaky hinges aren’t just annoying—they’re a cry for help. Maintenance and oiling can only go so far. Hinges that are wearing down indicate that the door itself may not be that far behind, and loose hinges mean that your door can be easily forced open.
3. If you see visible cracks in your door, you shouldn’t wait another day to start looking for a replacement. Not only do cracks let in bugs and drafts, but they mean that the old door is structurally weak, which poses a safety concern for you and your family.
4. A door that scrapes along the floor or ground when you open or close it should be examined. Old doors can warp or sag, causing damage to your floor every time you use the door. Patio doors that scrape in their tracks should also be checked.
5. If you’re finding an excess amount of ants or other pests inside, they might be waltzing in right through your front door! A door that doesn’t close properly anymore can let in insects, which are not only annoying but can also cause damage or bring germs into your home.

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Get to know us by visiting our website, www.FauserHI.com or give a call at 309/792-3122. We can also be found on Facebook!

How to Clean Vinyl Siding

Luckily, vinyl siding is fairly easy to clean, and there are a wide variety of products to help remove typical stains. According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, the best way is to use a soft cloth or an ordinary long-handled, soft-bristle brush. To prevent streaking, start at the bottom and work up towards the top of the house. Thoroughly rinse any cleaning solution as you go.
Some good cleaning solutions include:
• 70% water, 30% white vinegar makes a great all-purpose cleanser that removes light mold and mildew stains.
• For a stronger solution, mix together one-third cup powdered laundry detergent, two-thirds cup powdered household cleaner, one quart liquid laundry bleach and one gallon of water.
• If you are concerned about landscaping, use a solution comprised of one gallon of water mixed with one cup oxygen bleach in a bucket. The oxygen bleach will clean the vinyl without damaging your landscaping.
• Simple Green offers an environmentally friendly cleaner that is specially formulated for use on vinyl and aluminum siding, stucco, terra cotta roof tiles and painted wood. The non-toxic biodegradable concentrate can be used manually or with pressure washers.
• General household cleansers (e.g., Fantastik, Murphy’s Oil Soap, Windex and Lysol) can be used on tough dirt and stains, including those created by top soil, grass, grease, oil, rust, crayon, ink and bubble gum. Rust stains may be removed using products designed

Signs You May Need New Siding

The Home Needs Frequent Painting

 If a home needs frequent painting, say once every five or six years, that is a good sign that something is wrong with the current siding. Good home siding should keep its shape and keep its color for at least 8-10 years, if not longer. Siding that is chipping, pealing, or cracking is an indication that there is a fundamental problem and that the siding needs replacement.

High Heating and Cooling Bills

 When a home’s heating or cooling costs go through the roof (so to speak), that can be a sure sign that a home is in need of new siding. Naturally it is important to rule out a bad or leaking roof or lack of attic insulation as the culprit, but heating or cooling costs that are not in line with those of neighbors with similar structures is an indication that something is seriously flawed with a home’s exterior wall insulation.

Dry Rot

 Tapping on siding with the handle of a screwdriver can reveal dry rot problems before they become noticeable to the naked eye. Dry rot begins below the surface of the siding and eats away the main body of the siding, basically leaving just the top layer of the siding intact. It is possible for the siding to look quite good even when the bulk of the material has rotted away.

Tapping on the surface of the siding with the handle of a screwdriver will reveal weak spots of dry rot, and pieces of siding which suffer from dry rot must be removed immediately and replaced. Extensive dry rot will require the entire home to be re-sided.

 

 There are many reasons a homeowner might want to install new siding on a house.

Protecting a home from potential damage from rain, wind, snow, or insects by replacing old or worn siding is just one reason.

Another reason may be aesthetics. Most homeowners want their home to look its best, and new siding greatly enhances a home’s curb appeal when it comes time to sell.

At the end, one word of caution: replacing siding may look simple, but the truth is, it’s not. Cutting and fitting siding so that it is waterproof and windproof takes a certain amount of experience.

Why a Deck...

The always in fashion deck is one of the most cost-effective ways of adding extra space to your home. Building a deck does not include plumbing and electrical work so maintaining cost is doable. Decks boost curb appeal and are easy to maintain.

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Replacement Windows WILL Save You Money

The US government states that about 40% of your heating cost is due to windows and doors.

Windows that are single pane, double pane, have seal failure, and have storm windows, are all factors in the value of your present windows. The bottom line is the worst shape your old windows are in, the more you will save, and the faster they will pay for themselves.

You may be motivated to purchase new windows because of the energy savings that they afford, there are many other advantages they offer. New windows will function better than the old, and they won't be painted shut. They will also offer ease of cleaning, look better, and won't steam up in cold weather. Low-e glass also filters out much of the UV rays that cause fading of drapes, furniture, and carpeting.

Signs it is Time to Remodel

Signs it is Time to Remodel

1.       Colors or Materials are From a Past Decade. If your house was sucked into a trend that’s time has passed think about remodeling. Classic styled windows or colors of siding accompanied with your own taste will make your home stand out.

2.       If You See Leaks or Mold. Even if water leaking or mold growing is not visible there are signs. Signs can include paint bubbling or warped materials.

3.       Your Neighbors with the Same Floor Plan Just Remodeled. This is not about keeping up with the  neighbors it is more about getting ideas from a new project. This also gives a recommendation to contractors if you like their work!

Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for your remodeling needs 309/792-3122

Create a Home maintenance Fund

If your roof springs a leak during a storm it’s nice to have rainy day funds. An emergency maintenance fund of a couple thousand dollars would make handling sudden expenses a breeze. Factors to take into consideration for how much to put aside would be your income, homes condition, and other expenses. Your home is a major investment, it is wise to be prepared for surprise repairs.

SUMMER HOME MAINTENANCE TO-DO

To Do List of Around the House Summer Projects:

Check the air conditioner

Inspect outdoor play equipment

Check the mower

Sharpen tool edges- mower, blades, hoes

Cut back shrubbery

Clean the gutters and downspouts

Clean and prep the pool

Power wash siding or brick

Check and clean the grill

Inspect exterior for loose or rotted siding

Inspect bricks and foundation for cracks or leaks

Wash the windows on the outside

Check windows for leaks

Recaulk seals on doors and windows

Inspect and clean the deck

Reseal the deck

Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct

Fill cracks in concrete or asphalt

Re-Seal the garage floor

Inspect the roof for leaks or damage

Inspect all locks on doors and windows

Shampoo the carpet

Clogged Gutter Issues

Issues Caused by Clogged Gutters

1. Leaking Basements and Cracked Foundations:  Clogged gutters are the number one cause of basement water problems.  Roof water overflows and accumulates around the foundation.  If this happens, basement leaks may be moments away, and excess water against the foundation can weaken the footings and lead to cracks. 
2. Rotted Wood:  When gutters have debris piled up above the flashing or shingle line, the debris can hold moisture on the fascia board.  The moisture can also affect the roof sheathing and framing beyond the fascia.  The debris acts like a wick and brings water in the bottom of the gutter up to the fascia.  Many homeowners have spent THOUSANDS of dollars replacing rotted wood that an inexpensive professional gutter cleaning by Action Gutter could have prevented. 
3. Animals and Wood Destroying Insects:  Lack of cleaning will also cause water to pond in areas dammed by debris.  This condition is ideal for breeding mosquitoes. Bugs love moisture.  Plants, birds, insects and even mice will make a home in gutter debris.  
4. Sagging Driveways:  Clogged gutters and downspouts can also cause driveway and walkways to sag and crack. 

Get Your FREE Estimate Today...

It would be our pleasure to give you a FREE ESTIMATE on your home improvement projects phone Fauser Home Improvement or simply shoot a text to (309) 792-3122.

Advice on Dealing with Bad Contractor Behavior

The best way to avoid any issues is to thoroughly research prospective contractors. Narrow your investigation to organizations that have positive word of mouth along with Better Business Bureau reviews. Be sure contractors are fully insured, licensed, and have documentation through your city. Take time to contact references. If you do find yourself in an unsettling situation with a person you have hired consider using the following tips:

·         Document Everything! Keep logs of conversations but try to do as much communicating via email as possible thereby having a written record of all contact.

·         Deal with the Appropriate Individual. If the contractor is the problem, call the office.

·         File a Complaint with the States Attorney General. The attorney general will try to mediate the problem between homeowner and contractor.

Contact Information

Fauser Home Improvement
PO Box 325
Carbon Cliff, IL. 61239
(309)792-3122 Phone/Text
www.FauserHI.com

Visit our Website

Take a minute and get to know more about Fauser Home Improvement.  Visit our website at www.FauserHI.com

 

Exterior Upgrades that Deliver Higher Returns

The best choice a homeowner can make in terms of first impression is a new steel entry door, a relatively inexpensive upgrade.

Wood decks are a great upgrade because they increase living space at a reasonable cost per square foot.

Vinyl siding is another excellent upgrade option because it brings exterior appeal resulting in a dramatic change in the look of any home.

Replacement windows boost curb appeal and save money on energy costs, the EPA reports an average 7-15% savings.  

Benefits of Building a Privacy Fence

1.       Shelter: Installing a privacy fence over any other type of perimeter barrier will provide your property with some shelter from the elements. The fence will act as a windbreaker to prevent the wind from affecting you, your plant life and your property. Depending on the positioning of the fence and of your home, this can also provide shade when it is required. 

2.       Protection: A privacy fence provides protection not only to help keep young children and animals within the boundary, but also to keep intruders and stray animals out. It will help your property to remain hidden from prying eyes and will reduce the temptation for children and animals to stray. Your property will benefit from having a clear indication of where the land separates from the neighboring property.

3.       Noise: Where the dimensions and materials are sufficient, this type of fence can lessen the amount of noise that your yard suffers from beyond the fence. The presence of the fence and the thickness of the same will serve to dampen down noise so that it is not as intrusive as it would be with another type of fence or with no barrier at all.

 

Decks are Great Investment

When you add a hardwood deck to your home, you’re increasing your quality of life and your homes value. You can expect an average 60 – 70% percent return on your investment when you install a wood deck. People shopping for homes prefer houses with decks, because decks expand their living space and provide infinite ways to relax and have fun.

Thinking About Selling Your Home....tips to consider.

1. Retouch the front shell: If your property's exterior isn't appealing, no one will want to see your newly remodeled kitchen. Property sellers must first ensure that their home projects a cozy, inviting feeling. Perhaps a new entry door, give us a call for a FREE ESTIMATE.

2. Make energy-efficient home improvements: Increasing your home's energy efficiency is another good way to make your property more attractive to buyers. Some improvements, such as adding new windows still come with federal tax benefits. In addition, a growing awareness of human impact on the environment means that homes that have these upgrades will stand out from other listings.

3. Update your deck: If you have a wood deck, inspect the wood for signs of rot or decay and make repairs as necessary. Sweep first, and then scrub the wood with oxalic acid to kill microbes, and restain the deck if necessary. For a concrete patio, check for chips or cracks that need repair, and scrub away any stains. If your patio area includes exterior lighting, check that bulbs are snugly screwed in and that all fixtures are working appropriately. Remove any rodent, bird, or insect nests and clean the fixtures so they will shine as brightly as possible.

Tips for Spring 2014

Check your roof for possible damage

Winter storms can hit the roof the hard, so make sure to give your roof a careful inspection this Spring. Get up on a ladder and check for missing, cracked or broken shingles on your roof. Be sure to make note of those areas that may be in need of repair. Think you may need some serious repairs? Check out the roofing services we offer.

Clean out your gutters

Your gutters may have collected leaves and rainwater over the long winter and its time for you make sure they are functioning properly. Get on a ladder to clean gutters and downspouts with a shovel or scoop of some kind. Make sure gutters are directing water away from the house. If you notice leaking seams or damaged drainpipes it may be time for replacement gutters.  Covered gutter systems such as Leafguard can dramatically cut down on maintenance and cleaning.

Wash and re-stain your deck

Pressure washing your deck or patio can make all the difference this spring. A new coat of stain on your deck can also give it the extra oomph it needs to look fresh and clean. Replacing your old deck or adding a new custom deck can be the focal point your own outdoor living room.

Check siding and windows for leaks

Check the siding and windows around your entire house for any leaks or cracks. No crack should go unattended! Address any problem now before it becomes worse. Not sure what a problem looks like? We can help!!

Text or Call (309) 792-3122

 

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Check us out on our website at www.FauserHI.com.

Gutter Check

It is really important to make sure gutters and downspouts remain bonded to the home. Every spring it is necessary to check for loose downspouts and sagging gutters.

·         Tighten any loose gutter straps

·         It is critical to keep gutters and downspouts clear and free flowing.

Consider adding a few helpful accessories to your gutters like screens to cover the spouts or gutter cap systems that go a long way to keep gutters and downspouts free flowing. For a FREE ESTIMATE call Fauser Home Improvement at 309/792-3122.

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Visit Us Anytime at www.FauserHI.com.

Replacement Windows

If you have been contemplating window replacement options, take a look at the top  reasons to install new replacement windows:

1.       Curb Appeal- Older windows on your home may look outdated or unattractive. Changing out the windows with new replacement windows will help give your home the look you are aiming for and improve the curb appeal.

2.       Ease of Use- New windows are easier to clean because most are built with a tilt-in feature. This allows you to tilt the window in to quickly wash the exterior of the window instead of doing so from the outside of the home.

3.       Energy Efficient- Replacement Windows will offer improved energy efficiency for your home. Older windows tend to have air leaks and let drafts into the home. The improved efficiency can help cut costs on heating and cooling bills!

4.       Value- New replacement windows will not only make your house look more appealing, but they are an investment that will add to the total value.

5.       Window Security- New windows can also aid in easing fears of break ins and intruders. Double locks and interlocks double strength glass for high impact resistance.

Benefits for a 3 Season Sunroom

Probably the greatest benefit of a 3 season sunroom is that they are the less expensive type of sunroom to construct. They do not require that you hook into your home's heating and cooling system, so the amount of work that is necessary to get them set up is less than that of all season sunrooms. They can be constructed relatively inexpensively on an existing deck or cement slab that you might already have at your home or add a deck with the 3 season room.  Give us a call for a FREE ESTIMATE 309/792-3122.

Quick and Easy Outdoor Projects

1.       Your front steps lead to your front door, which is the focal point of most homes when visitors first arrive. Consider a new energy efficient entry door.

2.       Replacement windows look clean and nice. Commonly old windows cost lots energy of heater and cooler in your home.

3.       Having a fence serves a number of purposes, the most obvious of which is privacy. 4 or 8 foot privacy fencing is a great way to corner off your piece of the world.

Call Fauser Home Improvement for a FREE ESTIMATE: 309/792-3122

Expert Exterior Tips

Expert Exterior Tips

Gutters: It is important that homeowners clean their gutters at least once a season. Stopped gutters can cause water to puddle along the edges of a home creating costly water damage. Don’t forget the downspouts.

Decks: Wood decks suffer when they are exposed to either too much sunlight or too much shade. Every few years seal your deck to preserve the material.

Windows: Windows that face north can become overgrown with mildew. Use a garden hose to spray around windows every season.

For more information call/text Fauser Home Improvement at 309/792-3122. Visit us anytime online at www.FauserHI.com, don’t forget to Friend us on Facebook.

When Should a Homeowner Replace Siding...

When Should Vinyl Siding be Replaced

·         When siding is cracked or split

·         Excessive color fading

·         If mold or mildew is present

·         Presence of moisture inside walls

Individual panels of damaged siding can be replaced although fading can make it difficult to make a good match. However good quality siding many never need replacing, some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty. Some warranties can be passed on to subsequent owners for up to 50 years! Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for more information, 309/792-3122.

 

Boost Your Homes Energy Efficiency

Cold winds are blowing and your home is working as hard as it can to keep you comfortable. Now is a good time to make energy efficient renovations. Reduce air leaks and stop drafts by using caulk, weather stripping, and insulation to seal your home’s envelope and add more insulation to your attic to block out cold. You can save up to 20 percent on heating costs and enhance home comfort with comprehensive sealing according to the EPA.

Stay Cozy

Winter is in full force and most homes are a little chilly, some even drafty. Here are some tips to keep cozy during the cold season:

1.       Install weather stripping around doors and windows.

2.       Caulk exterior windows.

3.       Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to circulate air downwards.

4.       Cover basement and attic windows with plastic.

5.       Move furniture away from heating vents.

As always you can phone Fauser Home Improvement for a FREE ESTIMATE on your home improvement projects. (309) 792-3122.

Prevent Major Water Damage…

On the frigid days like we have had your water pipes can easily freeze. Frozen water pipes can also cause pipes to burst. Having knowledge of how to turn your main water shut off can be the difference between a minor repair and an expensive repair. Take a minute today to locate your house’s shutoff valve. The main shut off valve is found where the water supply enters your home, probably near the water meter, typically on a basement wall near the street.  If you don’t have a basement try close to the water heater or under a sink.

Simple Ways to Save Energy

For Frigid Temps Remember These Tips:

·         Close Cracks: The average home has to close to one open door of wasted energy at any given time. Typically, the wasted energy is through a crawl space or attic. Caulk or insulate holes including those running along seams or interior walls. Don’t be afraid to reapply weather stripping around windows and doors.

·         Replace Leaky Windows: There are many tax incentives for replacing windows. Windows are nice for comfort and the look of the house. Windows and doors are the number one source of energy loss in a home. They can be the biggest drain on your energy bill.

·         Add Insulation: Over time insulation becomes compacted and loses its effective ness. Installation costs vary but properly installed cost savings will be evident.  One last tip, if you have cold floors, add insulation under your floor. It will definitely keep your house warmer.

Contact Us

Contact Fauser Home Improvement:

Phone or Text: (309) 792-3122

Email: FauserHI@Yahoo.com

Snail Mail: P.O Box 325
                   Carbon Cliff, IL. 61239

Find us on Facebook or Visit us Online at www.FauserHI.com.