KUHN CONSTRUCTION, INC. *Solutions for your home*
Our monthly e-newsletter for our friends and neighbors

telephone: (631) 277-0698

email: jkuhn@kuhnconstruction.com

September 2009

KUHN CONSTRUCTION, INC.

417 MAIN STREET
ISLIP, NY 11751
(631) 277-0698
jkuhn@kuhnconstruction.com
www.kuhnconstruction.com

We Welcome Our New Friends into the Kuhn Construction, Inc. Family

We believe in treating all of our customers like family, just ask any of our longtime customers.

We are excited to welcome each of our first time Kuhn Constrcution, Inc. customers. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and hope to see you again very soon. Here are just a few of the new and repeat members of the family.

Leslie Cabrera of Massapequa

Bob & MaryAnn Scott of Long Beach

Janet Tuminello of Oakdale

Minter Schefer Of Islip

John & Valarie Cordara Of Islip

Thank you and welcome to everyone who recently joined our Kuhn Construction, Inc. family… we couldn't do it without YOU!

NEED A HANDYMAN?

Who doesn't?
With the fall season starting, there's so much to do around the house and so liitle time!
Relax, let our muti-talented HANDYMEN take care of your TO-DO LIST!

For a free estimate, go to www.kuhnconstruction.com
or call (631) 277-0698.

MENTION THIS MONTH'S NEWSLETTER AND RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT ON YOUR NEXT HANDYMAN SERVICE (UP TO $100)

Famous Quote

Quote

“Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.”

~ William Cullen Bryant (American Writer, 1794-1878)

Trivia Challenge

The Beatles recorded their first hit in September of 1962. What was it?

     A: Yellow Submarine
     B: Love Me Do
     C: Eleanor Rigby
     D: All My Loving

The first correct answer faxed to (631)277-0766) or emailed to jkuhn@kuhnconstruction.com will be this month's winner of 2 Movie Passes at a local theater.

Last Issue's Winner

Kuhn Construction, Inc. is pleased to announce the winner of the last issue's Trivia Challenge… Paula of Babylon! Paula was the first person to correctly answer this question:

August typically yields some high temperatures. Where was the highest temperature recorded on earth?

Answer:
C: Libya

Trivia

GREEN TIP OF THE MONTH

Re-Use Your Newspapers
Newspapers can replace paper towels when it comes to cleaning windows or mirrors in your house and cars. Remember to recycle them when you’re done!

Trivia

Know How to Winterize Your Home

September is the perfect time to start thinking about preparing your home for winter. As temperatures begin to dip, your home will require maintenance to keep it in working order through the winter and beyond.

Here are 10 tips to help you prepare your home for winter:

1) Furnace Inspection

Inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
Purchase furnace filters; change monthly.
Update to a programmable thermostat.
Remove flammable material from your furnace area.

2) Get the Fireplace Ready

Cap/screen the top of the chimney.
Sweep chimney
Inspect the fireplace damper

3) Check Doors and Windows

Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points
Replace cracked glass in windows or entire windows

Remove summer screens. If you have storm windows, install them.

4) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts

Add extra insulation to the attic to prevent warm air causing ice dams.
Check flashing to prevent water entry.
Replace worn roof shingles/ tiles.
Upgrade with leaf guards on the gutters and downspouts extensions

5) Service Weather-Specific Equipment

Drain gas from lawnmowers.
Service snow blowers.
Check snow shovels condition.

6) Check Foundations

Rake away debris and vegetation from your foundation.
Seal up entry points to keep out pests.
Seal foundation cracks.
Inspect sill plates for rot or infestation.

7) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Change detector batteries.
Install carbon monoxide detectors near your furnace and water heater.
Replace fire extinguishers older than 10 years.

8) Prevent Plumbing Freezes

Drain all garden hoses.
Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.

9) Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces

Trim trees if needed.
Plant spring bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot survive frozen ground.
Seal driveways, brick patios and decks.
Move sensitive potted plants indoors.

10) Prepare an Emergency Kit

Buy candles and matches for use during a power outage.
Set aside drinking water, non-perishable food items, pet food, waterproof blankets, a battery powered radio, and a first-aid kit in a secure location.

Q – I have ugly water stains in my toilet. Can you suggest a solution for removing them?

- Michelle Stewart

A – There are several commercial products that would do the trick, but let me suggest an eco-friendly solution that can be done with simple, inexpensive products.

Drain the water from your toilet bowl
Pour a 2 liter of cola the affected area and allow it to set for 4-6 hours
Use a pumice stone to scrub away the loosened deposits. The pumice stone should not scratch the surface as long as you do not scrub too hard.

If deposits remain, simply repeat these simple steps once more.

You can e-mail the Expert by sending your questions to jkuhn@kuhnconstruction.com. Please be sure to include your name and phone number in case additional information is required to answer your question.

REFER YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY AND GET A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES!

Many of our customers “find” us as a result of word of mouth. This simple, yet gracious, act by our customers has allowed us to be successful. For this generosity, we offer our gratitude and a token of our appreciation through our Referral Reward Program!

Here's how:

1. Simply refer someone to our services by phone, website, email or by forwarding this newsletter to them

2. When your referral selects us for their project, you'll automatically mail you a night at the movies plus $10 for popcorn!

When you refer your friends, neighbors or family, you've helped our business grow. Offering you this reward is our way of letting you know just how much we appreciate your actions Remember to tell your friends to mention your name whenever they use our services!

Save $1500 on Your Taxes by Remodeling Your Home

The government is actually giving $1,500 in tax credits to homeowners who remodel their existing (principle) residence to reduce energy consumption. A lot of people think this tax credit only applies to replacement windows, but it is actually much more encompassing. The official name for the program is the Existing Home Retrofit (25C) tax credit and it extends to replacing insulation, doors, skylights, water heaters, heat pumps, central air conditioning, and metal or asphalt roofs.

You’ll want to have the energy efficient home products “placed into service” before December 31st, 2010. If you’ve already completed a project this year – don’t fret, this applies to you as well. As long as the product was “placed into service” after January 1st, 2009 (and you have saved your receipts!) you can apply
for the credit.

There’s also a tax credit of 30% of cost, with no cap, for alternative energy sources such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels and solar water heaters. This credit can be applied to any home that you use as a residence (not just your principle) and new construction as well.

Just be sure you check all the guidelines to make sure your project will fall within the required conditions to be eligible for the credit. The National Association of Home Builders is an excellent resource for information on the Existing Home Retrofit tax credit program. Their website is www.NAHB.org or you can always go to www.irs.gov for all the guidelines regarding this particular tax credit.

Thank You for Your Kind Words

"Upon close inspection, their care, attention to detail and craftsmanship were very apparent," the Dennelly's of Oakdale

"Also, many thanks to Chip (project manager) for expeditiously addressing some of our concerns along the way........and Jim who has set the bar high, and it is his care, expertise and professionalism that we appreciate and equate with Kuhn Construction," the Cordara's of Islip

Visit Us Online
We welcome your comments & suggestions.
Please visit us online and see the latest additions to our online showroom

www.kuhnconstruction.com

KUHN CONSTRUCTION INC. (631) 277-0698 jkuhn@kuhnconstruction.com