October is Energy Awareness Month

 

Every October is Energy Awareness Month.  I have outlined a list of resources to help homeowners identify ways to reduce energy usage.

Contact your local utility company for a FREE Energy Assessment. For example MidAmerican provides customized energy audits for your home using your monthly statements to find ways of conserving your energy, thereby saving money. They also bring a basket of gifts that will immediately save energy used in your house.

• Call them to schedule your in-house energy audit at 888-427-5632
• Alliant Energy offers booklets containing specific ideas for their customers to save energy. Contact them at 800-255-4268.

The Federal Government offers Residential Energy Credits by filing form 5695 with your 2016 taxes. These credits have been in place since 2005 through the current year with a $500 cap. For example, if you have a new roof installed you can get a refund of 10% of the cost up to $500. Windows and Doors are the same 10% refund of the cost up to $200, providing products used are EnergyStar rated.

§       Visit EnergyStar.gov for more information or other ideas on how to save energy.

Your local utility companies also offer rebates for installing EnergyStar products in your home. This includes windows, doors, roofs, and appliances. Visit their websites to see how to sign up for the rebates in your area.

§       MidAmerianEnergy.com

§       AlliantEnergy.com

Things to Consider:

Ø    You can afford replacement windows! The return of investment on new windows begins immediately upon installation. They money saved monthly on energy bills  can be applied to the monthly payment on financing the units. EXAMPLE:

§       Let’s say 10 windows installed cost $5000, your monthly payment is $80, MidAmerican says your monthly savings is $22 per month. To keep old windows you are paying about $81 per month in lost energy!

o       New Windows increase your property value, reduce outside noise, and come with a lifetime warranty that includes glass breakage.

Contact me to schedule your FREE Quote on any home improvement projects you might have. I can provide an education on how the investment will improve your quality of life, save you money instantly (my products come with a Class A fire rating making home owners insurance more affordable), and make the project affordable for your particular budge.  I also provide an exceptional, transferable aftercare warranty for a worry free project along with great selling tool if you ever sell your home!

Angie Fauser

Production Manager

AngelaFauser@aol.com

(309)792-3122 (call or text)

Find my home improvement specialist page on Facebook, locate me on Twitter or Instagram. You can also get weekly home improvement tips by joining my group on Facebook. 

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends you do a roof inspection at least two times a year -- spring and fall. The best place to begin is inside your house -- grab a flashlight and make a trip to the attic.

 1) Places where the roof deck is sagging
2) Signs of water damage or leaking
3) Dark spots and trails
4) Outside light showing through the roof

As Always, shoot me a text or give a call if you would like me to stop by and give you a FREE Roof Inspection. (309)792-3122

Time to Consider Energy Efficiency

It's that time of year again.....time to consider how to keep your house warm and the ice cold air outdoors. Replacement windows not only keep your home warm they also allow you to invest in your home! VinylKraft makes industry leading windows including double hungs, sliders, picture windows, and bows-bays-garden-geometrical shaped units. All windows include dual pane glass, low-e/argon gasses, and best of all a Lifetime Warranty that Includes Glass Breakage! Give us a call to see how you can get new windows for your house. (309)792-3122

Advice on Contractors

 

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.

Nonetheless, homeowners should avoid putting contractors’ advice on a pedestal. It is easy for an over-zealous contractor to overwhelm an inexperienced homeowner 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 experienced professional, before you put any money on the table.

Contractors often have access to rebates, energy efficient refunds, in-house discounts such as a percentage off a project for signing the same day as the job is quoted, or clearance items a warehouse has an abundance of. Ask about any programs a company is involved in when setting an appointment to have a project bid, this way you can personalize any savings to your unique project.

 

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

What to do First.....

Home renovation projects put a lot of pressure on property owners, often finding themselves in the situation of not knowing what to first invest in. Even though your house as a whole is pretty important, some parts of it make a better investment than others. Experts say that one of the main aspects you should have in mind when it comes to home improvement is buying new doors and windows. If you are one a tight budget and currently have money just for one of these operations, our suggestion is that you start looking for replacement windows. Replacement windows are energy efficient, increase curb appeal, and allow easy access for cleaning or simply getting fresh air. Let Fauser Home Improvement stop by to give you a FREE ESTIMATE, just call 309/792-3122.

Think Twice, Pay Once

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.

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.

MidAmerican Energy's Bathroom Suggestions

In MidAmerican Energy’s July, 2016 newsletter it states installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators will not only conserve water but also reduces your water heating costs. They suggest controlling moisture will save energy, moisture can be controlled by installing new ventilation fans. Finally MidAmerican says to seal air leaks and install insulation in the walls behind the tub and shower. Fauser Home Improvement can easily assist you in getting your bathroom energy efficient. Give us a call, (309)792-3122!

Upgrade Your Deck….With Railing

Railing can upgrade your deck in an instant adding a new look but also new support for safety.  Fauser Home Improvement suggests selecting low maintenance materials so you can spend more time enjoying your deck. We also encourage homeowners to add lighting to their deck enabling them to enjoy the outdoor space during evening hours. Want a Free Estimate? Phone Fauser Home Improvement at    (309) 792-3122.

Tips for Warm Weather Projects

Summer may be the hottest time of year, but that doesn’t have to stop you from taking a stab at some fun home improvement projects for the exterior of your home. Although the summer weather is warm, summer is still a great time to get outdoors, enjoy the sun, and enhance your home’s exterior.
Whether you’re looking for simple ways to give your house a facelift or you want to pull out all the stops and create a dramatic change, here are some common exterior home improvement ideas that you can tackle this summer.
Siding— Remodeling your home’s siding is an excellent way to drastically improve or change your home’s appearance. You can choose from a number of siding options, including aluminum, vinyl, wood clapboard, or brick.
Windows—Like siding, replacing your home’s windows is another way to change the look of your home in a dramatic way.
Roofs—Roof changes can be more costly, but replacing old, tired roofing will not only help enhance the quality of your roof, but it will also put a brand new, fresh spin on the look of your house.
Garden Sheds—If you already have a garden shed, try updating its exterior to make it more aesthetically pleasing, according to your taste, or consider adding one to your yard. It can add a cozy and practical element to your home’s landscape.

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

As always, call us to schedule your free bid on any projects your home needs, (309)792-3122.

It's Hot

You think it's hot now? July is right around the corner! Old drafty windows are not only a problem during winter months but also during the summer months. Give us a call to see how new custom made windows can improve your quality of life. I bet a house full of windows costs less than you think, besides with our in-house financing options, new windows are within reach. (309)792-3122.

Fix Your Driveway and Sidewalks

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! 

Close Your Doors/Save Money

Now that the weather is changing it is important to cut back on summer utility costs. You can start with your exterior doors by stopping warm air infiltration and cool air loss. Feel for warm drafts coming in areas around doors. Hold something that smokes, like incense, and look for smoke being sucked out along potential openings. Seal all high and low openings with weather stripping, spray foam or caulk.

            Weather-strip all exterior doors, including attic hatch, bulkhead door and doors to cellars and crawl spaces. Check and replace weather stripping when worn.

            If your exterior doors jiggle when closed, move the striker/latch plate closer to the door-stop so the door closes snuggly against the stop or add new weather stripping that snuggles up against the door.

            Install storm doors - close and latch them tightly.

 

If it's time to get a new door, give me a call (309)792-3122. Not only will I ensure you get the door that is right for your home but I will also be sure when the door needs adjusted in the future, it will get done for free. 

Clean Those Gutters

Water trapped in gutters can cause major damage to your roof and walls. Maintaining clean gutters helps keep your home in good shape. Follow a few simple rules of thumb to keep your gutters free of debris.

• Most gutter systems should be cleaned 3-4 times a year with each season.

• You can use a bucket but your best bet is to lay down plastic ( garbage bags or a tarp). This way you can throw the waste down and easily remove upon completion.

• Gain access to the roof with a ladder. Don't lean the ladder against a downspout or gutter, which can easily bend or break.

• Using gloves, pull debris out and throw onto plastic, dispose.

• Use your average garden hose to clean out downspouts by placing the running hose down inside the gutter.

The best way to relieve yourself of routinely cleaning the gutters is to purchase Gutter Guards or Gutter Screens.

Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for a Free Estimate on gutters and related products! 309/792-3122 or visit us at www.FauserHI.com

May is National Home Improvement Month

National Home Improvement Month is May and it's the ideal time to shine the spotlight on projects that can make a big difference to both the visual appeal and functionality of your home’s exterior. Start by looking from the top down on your home to determine what projects need to be tackled first. It may be time to add a new roof, replace your windows or door, install new siding, or even spruce up your home’s exterior with new shutters or trim. All of these projects can add to the curb appeal and overall value of your home. Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for a FREE ESTIMATE on your project, (309) 792-3122.

How About Steel Siding?

Steel siding is rust-inhibiting and gives an exceptionally strong and protective home exterior. It is excellent in resisting the impact of hail, it won't dent, it is fire retardant, termite resistant, and stays locked in place during damaging winds. The coating of steel siding allows it to be highly weather-able, steel won't chip, age prematurely, fade, or grow mildew. It is scratch resistant, installs easily, and creates a neat uniform appearance. Steel siding comes in several profiles, textures, and colors. Give me a call to schedule your FREE QUOTE on steel siding for you home, (309)792-3122. 

Fix your 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! 

Maintain Your Gutter System

Water trapped in gutters can cause major damage to your roof and walls. Maintaining clean gutters helps keep your home in good shape. Follow a few simple rules of thumb to keep your gutters free of debris.

• Most gutter systems should be cleaned 3-4 times a year with each season.

• You can use a bucket but your best bet is to lay down plastic ( garbage bags or a tarp). This way you can throw the waste down and easily remove upon completion.

• Gain access to the roof with a ladder. Don't lean the ladder against a downspout or gutter, which can easily bend or break.

• Using gloves, pull debris out and throw onto plastic, dispose.

• Use your average garden hose to clean out downspouts by placing the running hose down inside the gutter.

The best way to relieve yourself of routinely cleaning the gutters is to purchase Gutter Guards or Gutter Screens.

Give Fauser Home Improvement a call for a Free Estimate on gutters and related products! 309/792-3122 or visit us at www.FauserHI.com

You Need a New Door

4 Reasons to Buy a New Door;

1. Convenience- Materials such as fiberglass make doors easy to maintain.
2. Energy Efficient- A new door can help keep weather out and energy in.
3. Security-The door protects family and gives everyone inside a sense of security.
4. Value-A new door can boost the value of your home.

Let's Focus On Siding

First impressions are hard to forget. The exterior cladding of your house, is the first thing people (including yourself) will see. In the vinyl siding arena we offer many length, color, width, profile, and detail choices. Vinyl siding allows homeowners enough options to cater to their own particular taste. We can mix style/textures, appeal to a homeowners desire to maximize durability with siding panels that are impact resistant, and reduce energy cost with insulated siding. If you are looking for low maintenance, durability, design options, and an excellent warranty, give me a call for your FREE siding quote. (309)792-3122

Gutters

The importance of properly installed and maintained gutters can’t be stressed enough. Every house should have gutters! They help with stabilization of soil, foundation erosion, flooding under the house or in the basement, destruction of landscaping, siding/brick damage, sidewalk- patio and driveway harm, and they help preserve doors. Contact me to schedule your FREE Quote on a gutter system. (309)792-3122.

What Project Should Home-Owners Begin With?

Home renovation projects put a lot of pressure on property owners, often finding themselves in the situation of not knowing what to first invest in. Even though your house as a whole is pretty important, some parts of it make a better investment than others. Experts say that one of the main aspects you should have in mind when it comes to home improvement is buying new doors and windows. If you are one a tight budget and currently have money just for one of these operations, our suggestion is that you start looking for replacement windows. Replacement windows are energy efficient, increase curb appeal, and allow easy access for cleaning or simply getting fresh air. Let Fauser Home Improvement stop by to give you a FREE ESTIMATE, just call 309/792-3122.

Get to Know Us

Take some time to get to know Fauser Home Improvement. Give us a call, 309/792-3122, shoot us an email FauserHI@yahoo.com, visit us online www.FauserHI.com. Most important, touch base with us, you deserve a new look for your home.

It's Spring

It's spring! Time to prioritize what home improvement projects are necessary and which ones can wait. Let us come by and help you determine which job is priority, if you mention this post, we will give you an additional 10% off any project. Give a call or shoot a text, (309)792-3122.

Get Ready to Enjoy the Fresh Air of Spring

Enjoy Spring of 2016 to the fullest. Let us get you a new house of windows! The closer you look at our windows the better you will SEE how they will improve your quality of life. New windows will allow you to let the fresh spring air in while keeping the pests outdoors. Our windows come with a transferable lifetime labor and material warranty that includes glass breakage. Our energy star rated windows come in many styles and colors with several glass options available. Each window is custom made for your home then professionally installed with attention to detail. Once these windows are installed you will never need to replace you windows again. Furthermore, any issues that arise after installation are my problem and you can trust we will be right there when you need us.
(309)792-3122
FauserHI@yahoo.com
www.FauserHI.com

Get to Know Us

Take a minute for getting to know us. It is important you know who you are doing business with. Get information about Fauser Home Improvement by visiting our website at www.FauserHI.com, friend us on Facebook, shoot us a text at (309)792-3122 or give a call, you can even email us at FauserHI@yahoo.com. We offer Free Quotes on exterior home improvements along with kitchen countertops, flooring, bathrooms, and much more. Give a call to bid your project.

Vinyl Siding

The national average cost of $12,341, vinyl siding replacement returns an average of 73.2% based on Remodeling Magazine's 2016 "Cost vs Value Report."

Lightweight, low-maintenance, and reasonably priced, new vinyl siding can be appealing because it results in a dramatic exterior change while delivering a solid return on the investment.

Give me a call to schedule your free vinyl siding quote. I also offer in-house financing options to pay for the investment. You can reach me at (309)792-3122, mention this ad and I will bring you a gift.

Kitchen Counter Tops

Thinking about getting new counter tops? Give us a call to schedule your free quote (309)792-3122. We deal with  manufacturers that take great pride in putting customer satisfaction above everything else, just like Fauser Home Improvement! We offer many selections of granite, quartz, marble, and acrylic counter tops. We have options for styles, specific cuts, and finishes. Putting new counter tops in your kitchen will improve your quality of life simply by enjoying the new look along with sanitary upgrades. Let us get your kitchen the upgrade your home deserves!

Bathrooms

We can get you a new bathroom in no time! Let us upgrade your bathroom with a new shower or bathtub system. We have Financing and Lifetime Warranty's~You get a wide selection of fixtures, colors, and styles. Installation is done by experts at an affordable price. Call me today to schedule your free quote (309)792-3122.

FREE WINDOWS

Fauser Home Improvement would like to offer our customers a free window with every five you purchase. This means six windows for the price of five! Just schedule up an appointment with us for a quote on your energy saving, gas filled vinyl windows. Our windows come with a lifetime warranty on materials, labor, and glass breakage! We have many styles and glass options available and our installment is based on attention to detail.

Call or text (309)792-3122, email FauserHI@yahoo.com, or get a feel for who we are by visiting us online at www.FauserHI.com.

Fencing

Let us take the guess work out of where your property begins and ends. We can install a fence along your yard keeping it your very own private piece of the world. Call to schedule a quote (309)792-3122

Bathroom

I just finished a custom designed BCI Shower System. The entire bathroom was redone~New Floor, Shower with Fixtures, New Vanity, and Comfort Height Toilet. Perhaps it's time to consider investing in your bathroom. Give me a call to schedule a quote. (309)792-3122.

New Doors

This cold weather has given us all the opportunity to see if our doors are working properly. Energy is lost out of doors in large amounts especially during the summer and winter months. Give us a call to get your FREE in-house estimate on new doors for your home that reflect your personality. Your door is a feature that gives a first impression of your home. Let's get one in that says "This is Our Home!" If you mention this post I will throw in a FREE screen door for each entry door your purchase.                                                          


                                                                       (309)792-3122

Siding

Applying siding to your house will not only give you some added energy efficiency it will also give you the opportunity to design a job that shows your individual taste.Our siding has excellent resistance to hail impact, denting, fire, damaging winds, and termites. It is also resistant to pitting, chipping, premature aging, fading, and mildew growth. Give me a call to schedule your FREE in-house estimate. (309)792-3122

Energy Star-Certified Windows

We offer simple, energy-efficient windows. I have a great vinyl 5500 Series replacement window with simple technologies that maintain excellent energy efficiency. The Energy Star-certified windows come standard with Super Spacer dual seal protection that improves thermal performance and provides less heat loss, warmer glass temperatures and reduced interior condensation. Other features include 1/2 screen, low-e/argon gas, and tilt in sashes for easy cleaning.