Scottish Home Improvements has now achieved an A+ rating from the BBB.  An A+ rating can only be achieved by those companies which have been registered with the BBB for more than 7 years.  In the last 7 years we have not received any complaints with the BBB.

This record of trust has been developed because we truly take the time to work through every clients issues, no matter how big or how small.   We have dedicated project managers who work to coordinate all client communication on every project.

If you live in the Denver metro area or anywhere across Colorado and are looking for the right contractor to install your James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding, Prodigy Vinyl Siding, Cedar Siding, or replacement windows, Scottish Home Improvements is a company you can trust.  Contact us today to schedule your free, in home consultation.

See our BBB listing here.

While the major tax credits for most home improvement projects expired with the end of 2011, there are still a handful of credits available for home owners in 2011. The tax credits are part of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, signed on December 17, 2010. This extends a tax credit for energy efficient windows, skylights, and exterior doors for all of 2011. Below are a the pertinent facts about the tax credits.

1. Windows, skylights and exterior doors that meet the ENERGY STAR rating all qualify for the tax credit. Scottish Home Improvements can help point you towards which windows, skylights, or doors will qualify for the tax credit. Especially with the cold winters in the Denver metro, these replacing these can save you a significant amount of energy.

2. The tax credit is $500 for exterior doors and $200 for windows and sidelights. The tax credit maximum is $500 for all qualifying purchases in 2011. Unfortunately, no more than $200 of the credit can be attributable to the cost of windows and skylights.

3. 10% of the purchase price up to the cap listed in #2 is the maximum percentage of the total purchase. (This does not including labor or materials for installation).

4. The tax credit begins January 1, 2011 and expires December 31, 2011. Purchasers of qualifying windows, skylights, and exterior doors must have them installed in their principal residence by December 31, 2011.

5. How does the tax credit compare to the previous credits? Are consumers who took advantage of those credits eligible for the new tax credit? The 2011 tax incentives revert to the 2005-2008 levels: 10% of the cost installing efficient windows. Anyone who has taken advantage of the 2006 – 2010 programs cannot apply for incentives that exceed the cap. Example: if a consumer claimed $500 in 2006 for a qualifying exterior door, the tax credit is exhausted; if only $300 was claimed in 2009, $200 can still be claimed – for a total of $500.

6. Where can I get more information on the tax credits? Visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home.index. The IRS will issue additional specific guidance soon. Check http://www.irs.gov for updated information.

Scottish Home Improvements would be happy to help answer your any questions you might have concerning the 2011 tax credits. Please call Denver’s premier windows and siding installer to make your appointment for a free in home consultation.

As fall slowly begins to turn to winter (although you wouldn’t know it by our 65 degree weather today), it’s important to see how well your windows and siding will protect and insulate your house over the winter.

 

Denver Windows Fall Checklist

 

If you have storm windows, reinstall them, or make arrangements to get them reinstalled. In Denver’s cold climate, having 2 layers of windows offers much more insulation than than an old single paned window. Of course exploring the replacement of your older windows with new energy efficient windows can provide you the optimal energy efficiency without the hassle of having to install and remove storm windows annually.

 

Replacing or repairing any broken window locks or latches ensures that your windows will close and lock optimizes the insulation provided by your existing windows.

 

Check the caulking around your windows. This needs to be replaced every 3-6 years depending upon weather, exposure, etc.

 

Check the putty around the window. If it is cracked significantly or missing any chunks, it’s time for new putty. If this window is single paned, or in a very bad shape, it will probably save you money to get it replaced with a modern, energy efficient window.

 

Repair any cracked or broken window panes, or damaged screens.

 

Most importantly, after all your work, make sure that each window can open and close properly. This is important step to ensure the safety of your and your family in case of fire.

 

Denver Siding Fall Checklist

 

Check your siding for any cracks or potential cracks and seal with a clear siding.

 

Check for any animal issues, termites, woodpeckers, or otherwise. This kind of damage can be multiplied over the winter as moisture and temperature changes.

 

Check for gaps related pipes and wires that go through exterior walls. Adding caulking can block significant amounts of air from leaking.

 

Check the condition of the exterior paint. It is ideal to repaint prior to the first signs of cracking or peeling. If the paint is bad and/or the wood is beginning to rot, now may be the time to consider residing.

 

Siding your Denver or Colorado home with Fiber Cement, Vinyl, or Steel siding can allow you to go years and possible even decades with almost no exterior maintenance. Call Scottish Home Improvements today for your FREE in home consultation.

 

Scottish Home Improvements is a proud provider of James Hardie Siding to the Denver Metro Area, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins, and the I-70 corridor.  In Colorado’s harsh environment, new siding can be a one of the most effective ways of improving your home’s energy efficiency.

As summer comes to a close, now is the time to consider the installing James Hardie siding on your home.  Give us a call today for a FREE consultation to learn about much money we could save you.

James Hardie siding is guaranteed to retain it’s color over the years.  Consider how much time and effort or money your family could save if you didn’t have to paint your house for 15 years.

Scottish Home Improvements is a gold star award winner from the Better Business Bureau for 7 years running.  Trust us to provide your Denver area project the highest quality materials and workmanship, completed on schedule and on budget.  Whether your house is 1000 square feet or 5000 square feet consider using us for your siding and replacement window needs.

For many consumers, finding a contractor to make  repairs or improvements to their home can be a stressful and overwhelming process.  Do you trust this company to come into your home, treat it like it was theirs, get their work done on time and on budget, all while being easy to work with?

Scottish strives to be that contractor for all your Home Improvement needs!  Even if you don’t use us, we genuinely want to you to have a good experience with your contractor, so we put together this checklist from EHow.com to help with the process.

1. Check with friends who have done similar work to the job that you are contemplating. See how satisfied they were with the contractor.  See the many people who have had a great experience with Scottish on our Testimonials page.  Upon request we will be happy to provide you with names and numbers of some of these clients so that you can talk to them yourself!

2. Before you even start calling the contractors, check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area. See if there are any unresolved complaints with a given contractor. Choose one that has no record of complaints, or one where the complaint was resolved to the consumer’s satisfaction. Be aware that a new contractor or one that changed his legal name to dodge complaints may not have any record of complaints with the BBB, so it is important to follow all of these steps.  Here is a link to Scottish Home improvements BBB listing.

3.  Call contractors that pass the BBB test and get bids. Be sure to give the job details the same way with each contractor so you won’t be comparing “apples and oranges”. Get a list of references, that is recently completed jobs the contractor has done that are similar to yours.  Call Scottish today at (303) 662-8150 or complete our contact form and someone will follow up with you shortly.

4. Select the best bid. The best bid is not always the lowest, as the quality of materials may differ. Examine the proposals carefully.  Call the references given by the contractor you picked. See how satisfied the customers were with the job. If there were complaints about the job, or the contractor was unable to give any references, consider the “second best” bid instead.  Again, see the many people who have had a great experience with Scottish on our Testimonials page.  Upon request we will be happy to provide you with names and numbers of some of these clients so that you can talk to them yourself!

5.  Verify that the contractor you choose is licensed.  Scottish is licensed and insured.  Just ask us and we can show you!

6.  Read the contract very carefully. Make sure that the contractor has liability insurance and that his employees or subcontractors are covered by workman’s compensation. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand, and don’t be shy about asking for changes to the contract. You are the customer.  At Scottish our contract is very straight forward.  If you ever have any questions, please ask your sales person.  If you ever have any problems there, feel free to contact our owner, Martin Faith, directly by calling (303) 662-8150 or emailing mfaith@scottishhomeimprovements.com.

7. Make sure the contract lists specifics of your job. List brand names of supplies, type and quantity of items to be installed, etc. Will your contractor do the painting after something is installed or subcontract with somebody else, or leave you to secure the painting?

• Include cleanup and debris removal in the contract.

• Note any follow-up or guarantees the contract provides.

8.  Obtain a liability of insurance certificate made out in your name. The insurance companies give these out on a regular basis. Do not be timid to ask for it. It is the only sure proof of insurance no matter what is written on the truck!  Ask an this shall be given.  Scottish is more than happy to provide you with proof of insurance.

9.  Make sure that the contractor obtains any necessary building permits. If he/she will be digging, make sure he/she checks underground utilities.  Most home improvements do require permits. We always handle this complicated process for the client.

10.  Once you are satisfied with the contract, sign it and give the contractor his deposit by check. If you decide to give a cash deposit, be sure to get a receipt.  At Scottish we always provide you with an invoice/receipt on the receipt of any funds.

If you ever have any questions about finding a reputable Home Improvment contractor in the Denver, Colorado area, please don’t hesistate to call Scottish.  While we specialize in windows, doors, siding, stained glass and home remodels, we can provide you with referrals to a number of our peers, along with recomendations about who to talk to and what questions to ask!

The Colorado Springs Home & Landscaping Show will be here this weekend, January 15-17, 2010. Stop by and see us at the Phil Long Center in Colorado Springs on Friday 4pm-7pm, Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Scottish Home Improvements will be there to answer any questions you have about siding, windows, and roofs.

Give your home a new look today. Come by and book an appointment at our show !

I just got a great call from a client who installed Window Film.  He is reporting a 45% energy savings since installing the window film.  WOW!

-Martin Faith

This is our new website which launched today. We hope you like it and will contact us with your comments.

Martin Faith