In Michigan, Opportunity Doesn’t Knock, It Swings

You may have heard a little news about a signing by the Detroit Tigers. Slugger Prince Fielder is here to play ball in 2012. Actually, he may be around a lot longer. He did sign a 9-year contract. You probably don’t want to know how much he’ll make this year, but in case it comes up in conversation this weekend, he is expected to earn $23 million for his first season as a Tiger.

In professional sports these days, big dollar amounts get tossed around all the time. You might imagine what you would do with $23 million in 2012. Let’s be honest. Odds are, you wouldn’t live in the same house you’re in now. You might not even live in the same state. Or you would keep a summer home in Michigan and spend your winters somewhere tropical. Right?

The truth is, most of us will never be making Prince Fielder money. But, living like a winner isn’t really about the money anyway, right? It’s about making the best possible choices based on what’s available to you.

Consider the choices you made today. Or this week. What could you have done differently? In the home improvement industry, we frequently hear about people who made the wrong choices. Wrong contractor. Wrong materials. Wrong time. Unfortunately for them, they can’t go back and choose differently.

Certainly the Tigers made a good choice in signing Prince Fielder. Is it a great choice? We’ll have to wait to find out. The Yankees thought they made a great choice in signing Alex Rodriguez but his career in pinstripes has been less than exceptional, right?

Luckily, when you’re dealing with home improvement experts, you won’t have to wait a whole season to find out if it was a great choice. You’ll know many times throughout the process, from the first call and on-site estimate to the finishing touches and final clean-up by the crew. That’s what Aaron’s Home Improvement delivers each and every time. A guy who strikes out 100+ times every season can’t make that claim.

Novi Home Improvement Show

Be honest. You don’t think about your house that much. You’re too busy working. When you are home, you’re too busy doing more important things like taking care of the kids or paying bills to spend any time imagining how you could enhance your living space and property. Maybe it’s time you set aside a few hours to explore the world of possibilities. It just involves a short trip to Novi.

The upcoming Novi Home Improvement Show offers you a chance to get an up close look at a wide variety of home products. You might discover a new favorite flooring material, kitchen and bath design, or a new way to paint your walls. You’ll also find some fantastic giveaways at the show.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children as a kids activity zone will provide them with fun things to learn and do. Or bring a friend and discover new ideas together. It’s the kind of event you can drop in for a few hours, stay for the day or build your whole weekend around.

Setting aside time to find a fresh perspective of what’s possible to create in your home is its own reward. It doesn’t have to coincide with a current project in the works. You’re just browsing to get a lot of fresh ideas.

The Novi Home Improvement Show runs from January 27-29 at The Suburban Collection Showplace. Hours, admission prices and the rest of the pertinent details can be found at novihomeshow.com. Add it to your calendar, and make plans to bring someone. Of course, if that someone is a husband who is a big football fan and you plan to go on a Sunday, don’t let him off the hook because he tells you there’s a game that day. It’s only the Pro Bowl.

A Michigan New Year’s Resolution Makeover

Every day a well-intentioned New Year’s resolution falls by the wayside. Perhaps it was unrealistic. Or maybe it wasn’t personal enough. Then again, maybe it froze as temperatures in Michigan plummeted. You get the idea, right?

The beauty of a resolution is that it can come at any time. The ones made on December 31 may not last yet you can replace them with something newer, better and even more meaningful. One resolution that few people declare in public is the commitment to take better care of one’s home. Sure, we often think about taking better care of our bodies. But for some reason, maintaining and enhancing our domicile doesn’t seem as interesting a proposal as the champagne is getting uncorked and we’re ringing in the New Year.

So let’s give it some thought now. If you were asked (and we’re asking you now) to make one resolution regarding your home, what might that be? It doesn’t have to be focused on one particular room. Maybe you would replace all of the windows. Some people might consider upgrading appliances.

Whatever your choice, January makes an excellent time to consider a mini-makeover at home. Even outside projects are fair game; no one says you have to start them when temperatures are below freezing. But planning for the year ahead can begin to get you in the right frame of mind for the changes that are possible at home.

Okay, now that you’ve had an extra minute or so to think about your new resolution, did you come up with a fresh idea. If it involves roofing, siding, replacement windows or energy upgrades, you’re in the right place. Aaron’s Home Improvement superbly provides each one of those services to neighborhoods in Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Rochester Hills and beyond.

Contact Aaron’s Home Improvement today at 888-362-7942 for a free in-home consultation and estimate and visit us online at www.ahiexperts.com.

Risky Roofing to the West

Anyone who’s owned property in Wisconsin knows there are many fine roofing companies there. But one roofer made the wrong kind of news this week. It’s not something you’ll see in the paper, hear on the radio or see on TV. Yet it’s newsworthy in our industry. OSHA has issued more than $100,000 in fines to a residential roofing contractor for safety violations on three job sites. The contractor may remain unnamed for the purpose of this post but it raises a subject worth addressing.

While the total amount in fines may seem high, the bulk of the fines levied relate to a lack of fall protection. That means an OSHA inspection determined that the contractor failed to ensure the minimum requirements to keep a roofer from falling while working six feet or more above the ground. In these instances, a guard rail or a safety net would suffice.

According to an OSHA press release, this isn’t the first safety violation for this particular roofing contractor. In fact, six inspections have led to 13 documented violations. That kind of track record may make you wonder where safety “falls” on the list of priorities for that roofer.

If you discover this kind of information about a roofing company that you’re researching, you could cross that company off your list. Or you could ask them directly about their safety practices. You certainly don’t want your home or business to the site of a serious or fatal accident because of negligence on the part of the contractor you hired.

At Aaron’s Home Improvement, safety is a fundamental part of every project we take on. As a GAF MasterElite Roofing Contractor, we are dedicated to operating our business with the highest standards. When you’re looking for a licensed and insured roofing contractor in Michigan with a proven track record, call Aaron’s Home Improvement at 888-362-7942 or visit us online at www.ahiexperts.com.

How Did Aaron’s Home Improvement Help You in 2011?

You might have seen Aaron’s Home Improvement in your neighborhood recently or perhaps you passed us on the road. Maybe we repaired a roof or installed replacement siding on a home of someone close to you and that’s how you first heard our name. But for those property owners whose homes or businesses we transformed in 2011, we thank you for trusting our experience and expertise in your time of need.

Aaron’s Home Improvement covered a lot of miles over the last 12 months. We repaired or replaced numerous residential and commercial roofs here in Michigan. We helped customers better understand their home improvement options, make informed decisions about materials, enhance curb appeal, save money after energy upgrades, and much more. We worked on small and large projects, guided by the principle that every property owner deserves superb workmanship, quality materials and exceptional customer service from experts in the field.

If you were one of the property owners in Michigan who turned to Aaron’s Home Improvement for residential or commercial services in 2011, we want to hear from you. Last time, you likely called our toll-free number, 888-362-7942, to contact us. This time, we invite you to share with us in writing how our team made a difference in your life in the past year. Whether it was a big project or a little one, we welcome any stories or comments about the ways we enhanced your home.

Testimonials, like the one you can provide, allow potential customers to make more informed decisions and discover the benefits of turning to a roofing company with a proven track record. So think about your experience. Was it your first time using a GAF MasterElite Roofing Contractor? What impressed you most? What pleasantly surprised you during the process?

We made it easy for you to share stories and comments with us. Simply leave a reply below this blog. It doesn’t need to be long. Just make it personal and meaningful.

Thank you for your patronage in 2011, and we wish you a prosperous year in 2012.

Brand Loyalty Keeps Michiganders Coming Back

If you’ve ever done business with a contractor who made you feel like getting paid was the only priority, it’s likely you threw away his or her business card and never called again. No one likes a show-me-the-money attitude, especially when the work has yet to begin. It’s just not a welcome way to start a relationship.

Unfortunately, that type of approach to business isn’t rare in the world of home improvement contractors. That’s not to say there aren’t a lot of good ones out there, especially here in Michigan. At the same time, not every contractor is concerned about building a brand and giving customers a reason to be brand-loyal.

Just like a customer buys the same type of peanut butter in the grocery store every week, brand loyalty keeps a property owner returning to a contractor time after time to handle big or little projects. At Aaron’s Home Improvement, we strive to be that type of contractor for each and every customer.

Of course, getting the work is essential to stay in business, especially at a time when the economy is not as strong as it once was. But then it becomes even more important for our customers to effectively protect that property, their biggest investment. So in turn, it becomes even more important for us to provide them with superior workmanship and quality materials.

But labor and materials don’t define our brand. Our brand is shaped by the consistent way we treat our past, present and future customers every time we answer the phone, provide an estimate or complete a project involving roofing, siding or replacement windows. Every touchpoint with a customer is a chance to assure them that an excellent outcome is only achieved with excellence at every step.

As a customer of Aaron’s Home Improvement, your commitment to us is a decision we value and your word-of-mouth is a benefit to our business and property owners in our service areas. If you know someone in Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Rochester Hills and beyond who can benefit from an introduction to the Aaron’s Home Improvement brand, please encourage them to visit www.ahiexperts.com or call 888-362-7942.

Michigan Holiday Roof Damage

It didn’t happen at your house, you hope. But someone you know may have accidentally damaged the roof on his or her home. That damage may have occurred during the holiday season when many of us are putting up decorations. If decorating your home involved walking on the roof, you may have created an issue that could go unnoticed for months or may lead to a more immediate issue, such as a roof leak.

If this doesn’t apply to you, please return to surfing the web while sipping your egg nog. But for anyone who suspects roof damage is possible, it’s best to address it quickly. The priority is evaluating the roofing system so any affected areas can be repaired before leading to additional. problems.

A roof compromised at the start of a winter in Michigan is likely to provide inadequate protection. Even one heavy snow storm can trigger a problem. A hard winter rain can also have devastating results at a home where roofing materials have been cracked.

The damage didn’t have to occur during holiday decorating either. Walking on the roof to clean gutters, retrieve toys or remove branches can also impact roofing, especially asphalt shingles. Maybe it’s the kids getting on the roof. That’s not only hazardous to the roofing materials, it’s also highly risky for the kids.

If you suspect your roof may be damaged, even if it’s merely from a visual scan from the ground, turn to Michigan’s roofing repair specialists at Aaron’s Home Improvement. The team at AHI can provide a free in-home consultation and estimate. Emergency services are also offered by the “Rapid Response Team” at Aaron’s Home Improvement.

Even on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, your home is too important to wait to get necessary repairs done. That’s when a call to 888-362-7942 is a sensible choice. Whether you’re in Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Rochester Hills or beyond, rely on Aaron’s Home Improvement for all your roofing, siding and replacement window needs, and visit www.ahiexperts.com today.

A Michigan Gift You Can’t Wrap

If you’ve ever seen those holiday commercials where some lucky person gets a new vehicle as a present, you may wonder where that oversized bow on the car comes from. Certainly you won’t find one in the local department stores or arts and crafts retailers. They probably have to be special-ordered from a manufacturer of decorative ribbons and bows.

Luckily you won’t need a giant bow for the gift you’ll be giving your family in the coming months. Your investment in a new roof won’t need wrapping or decorations of any kind. The protection it will provide on your home in Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, Troy, Rochester Hills—or wherever you reside—will be enough.

But not every roof or roofer is created equal. When shopping for a roofing contractor in Michigan, it helps to be able to distinguish the best from the rest. As a GAF MasterElite Roofing Contractor, Aaron’s Home Improvement is among the premier roofers in the state and in the region. We’re licensed and insured and come with a track record that demonstrates a proven ability to handle residential and commercial projects with excellence.

Another way you can help yourself before discussing roofing needs with a a contractor is learning the lingo. Now you don’t need to attend a trade school to get comfortable. GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, provides a glossary of terms on its website. Get acquainted with the list and you’ll be able to discuss back surfacing and blistering more confidently. The GAF website is also a terrific resource for choosing your new roof, thanks to a Roof Wizard feature.

So in the midst of wrapping gifts this month, and breathing a sigh of relief that you don’t have to find the Giant Bow Store in the mall, take a little time to consider what a tremendous present to the family your new roof in 2012 will be. Better protection and lower energy bills may just be the beginning.

Schedule a free in-home consultation and estimate now by calling 888-362-7942. You can also learn more about the GAF system from AHI by clicking on the link below.

GAF SYSTEM FROM AARON’S HOME IMPROVEMENT

Falling for the Holidays in Michigan

Michigan puts on a great light show every December thanks to very dedicated residents whose flair for decorating with lights puts smiles on the faces of neighbors and passers-by during the holiday season. You may know which homes and neighborhoods go all out every year to make a lasting impression. But whether your decorations will be elaborate or modest, it’s important to keep safety in mind as you go.

Safety is an essential part of operating a roofing company. Without a safety plan and the enforcement of safety guidelines, we would create serious hazards on the job that could lead to personal injuries and property damage. Unfortunately, many residents who get caught up in the excitement of the holidays overlook the need for safety, and that can lead to serious consequences, including falls from the roof or a ladder.

The incidents related to holiday decorating in Michigan and nationwide have prompted studies about the subject. One study reported an average of 5,800 falls due to holiday decorating between November 1 and January 31 that required emergency room visits. The age group most impacted was 20-49 year olds, which made up 62 percent of the injuries.

That study shows that only 13 percent of those 5,800 injuries due to falls came from the roof. But 43 percent of the injuries were linked to falls from ladders. The statistic serves as an important reminder about the need for ladder safety during the holiday season, especially in the cold climate. Using the proper ladder for the job, inspecting the ladder before use, and following the Belt Buckle Rule are ways to reduce your risk of falling off a ladder while decorating this month.

Aaron’s Home Improvement provides roof repair and replacement, replacement siding and replacement windows in Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, Troy, Rochester Hills and surrounding areas. Learn more about Michigan’s home improvement experts at www.ahiexperts.com. Free in-home consultations are available too by calling 888-362-7942.

Preventing Michigan Ice Dams

In the coming week, the forecast for Southeast Michigan calls for precipitation on several days while low temperatures hover around the freezing mark. Icing on streets, sidewalks and parking lots is inevitable. But there is one type of ice that these conditions can lead to that is especially problematic for a homeowner. That’s the development of ice dams on the roof.

If you’ve spent at least one winter in Michigan, you’ve seen ice formations on roofs in your neighborhood. They look spectacular at times, yet they can lead to unwelcome results. As melted snow flows down from the rooftop and gets blocked by snow along the eaves, it can freeze at the roof’s edge and form a band of ice. This ice dam prevents additional melted snow from flowing properly off the roof and into a gutter system. Instead, the backup can trigger a leak in the roof or roof trim.

One immediate response to ice dams seems to be using a variety of tools to break up the ice formations. This can be a risky choice though for a couple of reasons. Wielding an ice pick, a hammer, or a crowbar can be a personal safety issue when it’s chilly and slippery outside. Also, using blunt force to break the ice can lead to roof damage, including tears or punctures in shingles.

Rather than put yourself and your roof at risk, here are three things to consider that can reduce the threat of ice dams.

1. Install proper insulation in key areas. About 12 inches of fiberglass or cellulose ceiling insulation is recommended in climates like this one. Use insulating foam above the exterior wall and seal it for prevent the leakage of warm air.

2. Create proper roof ventilation. An effective ventilation system lets outside air flow through the attic, balancing air intake and air exhaust, and keeping the insulation working efficiently. The Federal Housing Administration recommends at least one square foot of ventilation for intake and exhaust for every 300 square feet of attic space.

3. Invest in a metal roof. The slippery surface and steep pitch can help a roof shed snow more easily.

Homeowners in Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, Troy and Rochester Hills can rely on the services of one of Michigan’s premier roofers. Aaron’s Home Improvement is recognized as a GAF MasterElite Roofing Contractor, and offers a free in-home consultation. More information is available online at www.ahiexperts.com or by phone at 888-362-7942.