December 2009 Newsletter

Feel free to forward to your friends and have them do it, too.

Happy Holidays
Don’t know about you, but every year when we start pulling out our decorating stuff we come upon things that bring up memories of holidays past. Since we’ve been doing our SGR holiday cards, it’s the same thing—memories, memories, memories. Take a look at Christmas past. Enjoy!

Incentives R-Us
This story appeared in Inside Indiana Business' online edition last week. Thought it might be of interest…
The Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED) says the federal energy department has approved the state's Energy Star appliance rebate program. The initiative will begin February 1 and will provide homeowners with rebates of up to $500 for the purchase of an energy efficient furnace or heating, ventilation, air conditioning system. The state has $6.1 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding for the program, which will continue until the money runs out. Read More OED Director Brandon Seitz says the state is targeting specific systems as part of the rebate program.

The first snow hit us this week. Is your house ready for winter? Here are a few tips to be sure you’re taking preventative measures toward a repair-free spring.

Check Gutters & Downspouts
It is important to clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout the fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems, pest infestations, wet basements, foundation damage and many other expensive complications. Also, check to ensure water drains properly. Poor drainage can cause damage to foundations, driveways and walkways. Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place. If you haven’t checked them yet, be sure to do so before the worst of winter hits us.

Clean Chimney & Fireplaces
Call a professional to inspect and clean your chimney. Fireplaces that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires. A certified chimney sweep inspects and cleans the flue and checks the fireplace damper. If you don’t have this done, soot and creosote, which build up inside the chimney, can ignite when a fire is lit in the fireplace. Also, test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when closed, preventing a breeze.

Disconnect Garden Hoses
While getting ready for the winter, we suggest that you make a lap around your home’s exterior to disconnect and remove all hoses. It is easy to overlook a hose in an area that doesn’t get much use. Frozen hoses can bust and flood basements and other areas of the home – something that may not be noticed until it’s time to use the water connection in the spring.

It’s official! Steve is a Lowe’s Pro
He was interviewed once again for a Lowe's online article. This one is about working on remodeling jobs during the winter months. Our thanks to writer Matt Alderton for letting us be a regular source for these helpful online articles.


We’re on the Web
If you haven't yet, check out our new Web site that went live last month. And “friend” us on Facebook. We’re posting pictures of current projects. We find it a great place to keep up with friends and clients!

We hope you found our newsletter helpful. Click here to view all of the previous editions. If you have any questions, please email us, we will be happy to assist and respond.

Thanks!
Steve Gray