Home and Family News | December 2009/January 2010

Home & Family News

December 2009

C li en t of th e M on th

Kara sailing

“ocean oasis” feel of Kara’s new bathroom – it’s lovely!

Let the pictures speak for themselves…

Frey Construction and

Home Improvement, LLC

608.643.7914

Kara is already looking forward to having us back for more home improvements in the future…and we can't wait for that day to come!

Kara, Welcome to Our Remodeling Family!

We are proud to feature one of our latest bathroom remodel projects that was recently completed in Cross Plains for Kara Sailing.

In This Issue: Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter How to Fake a Clean House Give Back this Holiday Season Tasty Homemade Irish Cream Recipe

Kara had quite a collection of ideas when she first contacted Frey Construction regarding her bathroom remodeling project. She had a whole folder full of specs and pictures of cabinets, fixtures, lighting options, wainscot and towel bars!

She knew her bathroom was in rough shape and just couldn’t stand it anymore – the peeling and cracking of the walls, old vinyl flooring

and palm tree wallpaper all had to go!

We were very happy to help Kara with this project!

Product selection was a snap, since she already had a good idea of what she wanted and we were able to get to work almost immediately. We gutted out the whole bathroom and installed a new, deeper tub, tile floor and tub surround accented with small glass pieces, new oak vanity and cultured marble top, white wainscot all around "You promised timely work an and topped off the d your project with a new bid was lower than the other bids I reGorell energy ef- ceived, so I decided to hire Frey Co nficient window! struction for my bathr oom remodel.

All of this helped I am very ple ased with the results. provide the Workin

g with Jenn and Don ma de the remodel go extremely sm oothly. Everyone involved was att entive to my needs and requests. I wi ll definitely be recommending my friends and family to Frey Constructi on!" ~Kara Sailing, Cross Pl ains, WI Bathroom Remodel

www.freyconstruction.com

15 Quick and Painless Years

1995 - 2010

We are in the beginning planning phases of our up-coming 15-Year Anniversary celebration. For those of you that have been to our Frey Family Fun Day event held every June - or those of you that remember our 10 year celebration, which was complete with fireworks...well, we're planning for our 15 year to be way, way better than that - it will be the coolest thing since sliced bread...guaranteed!

Watch for details!

Because we can't really shout from the roof tops - we're too busy installing them! We want to paint the town with Frey and we need your help! We are asking to "borrow" a little piece of your front lawn for the month of May 2010 to put up a small step-in sign announcing our "15 Quick and Painless Years" serving our valued clients.

Would be willing to allow us to put a small sign in your yard for the month of May? We will deliver the signs in the first part of May, if you could just leave it in your yard until after Memorial Day, our gratitude will be forever yours. After May, you can dispose of the sign, reuse it (they make great garage sale signs), or if you want, you could frame it and hang it in your house!

(In other words, you can do with it as you please!)

Thank You for

15 Quick & Painless Years www.freyconstruction.c om

Serving you since 19 95!

All we need you to do is call our office (608) 643.7914 and let us know that we have your permission, or email our Director of Marketing at aimee@freyconstruction.com.

PLEASE HELP US CELEBRATE OUR 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! We wouldn't be where we are today if it wasn't for you!

THANK YOU!!!

The weatherman may have predicted snow outside, but he didn't predict rain in your living room!

Think about it – 12″ of snow on the ground, that means there is also 12″ of snow on your roof and in your gutters. This can cause a lot of damage to your roof system, and also create ice dams on your roof edge.

Frey Construction & Home Improvement, LLC is offering roof cleaning services to prevent damage to your roof and the potential of ice dams. Please call us today and we will come out and clean the snow from your roof. This could be saving you a lot of money in the future!

Roof Snow Removal Services Available - CALL NOW 608.643.7914 What is an ice dam?

Ice dams usually occur after a heavy snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures. Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice on the roof to melt. The melted water will drain along the roof, under the snow, until it reaches the cold overhang. The overhang tends to be at the same temperature as the outdoors and the melted water will refreeze and form an ice dam and icicles. The ice dam can cause damage to the roof, which will result in water leaks to the inside. Frequently the result will be a water spot on the ceiling under the roof damage.

Frey Construction strives to do its part in helping the environment... that's why we've decided to offer our newsletter via e-mail!

If you'd like to receive our newsletter via e-mail rather than receiving it through the mail, please let us know by either: calling our office at (608) 643.7914 or you can e-mail our Director of Marketing, Aimee at: aimee@freyconstruction.com

Tips for preparing your home for

winter

Here in the Midwest, the mornings start out a bit nippy. Hovering in the low 30s makes for lively stepping across hardwood floors at dawn’s early light. Although not necessarily “gentle,” the falling temperatures are a reminder that it’s time to get the house ready for winter.

Here are a few tips for winterizing your home: Have a furnace inspection - No matter the age or type, having your furnace inspected by a professional can save you headaches farther into the season, when the temperatures are apt to dip well below freezing.

Inspect your fireplace - Having your chimney cleaned and inspected should ensure safe usage throughout the winter months.

Drain outdoor spigots - Detach and store all outdoor garden hoses. Drain water from spigots and shut them off from indoors.

Check exterior doors and windows - Check for drafts and caulk or weatherstrip any openings to prevent heat loss.

Clean out gutters - Fall leaves and twigs can clog gutters. Clearing gutters of debris keeps rainwater diverted away from the house and reduces possible damage to your house and the gutters.

Taking these few steps could help to ensure that your home will be warm, comfortable and safe this winter

How to Fake a Clean House During the holiday rush, who has time to clean? You can fake a clean house with these simple tips.

Clear away clutter from areas your guests will see. Gather up items in a laundry basket. Stow the basket out of sight until after guests leave. Stack stray books or magazines in a neat pile on the floor or in a basket beside the sofa.

To remove odors, turn on ceiling fans or open the windows to get stale air moving. To remove lingering food odors, boil nutmeg, cloves, or cinnamon and orange peels in a saucepan on the stove, or throw something sweet in the oven.

Keep frozen cookie dough in the freezer for this reason (plus, you'll have a treat to serve your guests).

Wipe down bathroom surfaces with disinfecting wipes (don’t forget the mirror). Empty the trash. Hide cosmetics and other clutter in a container under the sink. Put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough hand soap and toilet paper. Use a sticky lint roller to pick up hair from the bathroom floor or bathmat.

Straighten up the entryway (your guests will see this area first). Put away shoes and coats. Tidy up with a broom or handheld vacuum. Vacuum main walkways.

Hide dirty dishes in the dishwasher, or rinse and stack them neatly in the sink. Or, hide dishes in a large stockpot and stow it away until after guests leave.

Wipe kitchen surfaces with disinfecting wipes. Put out clean dish towels, or fold or roll dirty towels to hide stains.

Remove refrigerator clutter. Store items in a container and hide it away until later.

Flip sofa cushions. Try keeping one side strictly for guests. When you are expecting company, flip cushions to the good side. After guests leave, flip them back.

Remove pet hair from the sofa by wetting the fingertips of a rubber glove and running your hand over the sofa. The hair sticks to the rubber.

Hide upholstery stains by placing throw pillows or draping a clean throw neatly over the soiled area(s).

In kids’ rooms, hide pajamas under the pillow. Put stray toys in a shopping bag and hang it on a doorknob inside the closet. Pile books neatly on the floor out of the way.

Close drapes to hide dirty windows.

Hide dirty laundry in the washer.

Light candles. Everything looks cleaner by candlelight.

After your guests arrive, don't apologize for the state of your home. After all, guests come to see you, not your house.

helping others during the holidays

make giving back simple this year

With the holiday season upon us, many people like to think of ways to give back to the community and those in need at this time of year. But with gift giving, holiday parties and other commitments also commanding your attention, it’s hard to find time to help others. Here are some tips to make giving back easy.

In With The New, Out With The Old The holidays are a good time to go through the items you have in your home and decide if you no longer need them. With presents coming into your home, there’s a good possibility that you can get rid of some of your older things.

You have many options for donating these used items: •As you take your fall clothes out of the closet and replace them with winter ones, ask yourself if you’ll wear them again. That’s especially true of winter coats and jackets, which are always in high demand at aid agencies.

•For your old clothes, look for clothing drives. Many shelters and faith-based organizations accept donations year round, and they make a strong push for more donations as the weather gets cooler. They appreciate it if you clean them before donating them.

•For furniture, look to thrift shops or other non-profit organizations. Many of them will pick up your furniture for you, so call ahead and see if you can save yourself the trouble of lugging your furniture around.

•As you’re shopping for your holiday dinners over the next couple of months, stop by the canned food aisle and pick up some extra food to give away. Donate them to organizations that support soup kitchens or run "meals on wheels" programs.

•If you have older children, they probably have many toys they don’t play with anymore. Encourage them to choose some to give to kids who won’t be getting any new toys this time of year. Many organizations are especially in need of donated toys this time of year.

•If you’ve been really good this year, perhaps someone will give you a new car, allowing you to donate your old one to a charity. In general, larger charitable organizations accept cars, and sometimes boats, as donations, and some are even willing to pick it up for you.

Check Out Charities One of the easiest ways to help others is to donate to charitable organizations. If you aren’t personally familiar with the organization you plan on giving to, check them out with your local Better Business Bureau to make sure your donation does as much good as you hope it will.

Hassle-Free Donations As you go around gift shopping over the next two months, keep an eye out for opportunities to make donations. Many stores allow charitable organizations to set up outside their doors, or even place donation bins by the cash register.

Dropping some money in is so simple and doesn’t take any time out of your busy day.

And here’s an easy way to get your friends involved: If you’re throwing a party in the next couple months, ask your guests to bring one canned good or toy along with them. Then you can take their donations to an organization for them. They’ll likely appreciate the opportunity to make a hassle-free donation.

Don't forget to check out the Official Frey BLOG! http://freycon.wordpress.com

Stay in touch with what we're up to - check it out and stop back often for the latest and greatest products, Frey news and general info! Go to the address below or you can access our blog through our website, www.freyconstruction.com

You can also find us on:

We Would LIke to Welcome the Newest Additions to

Our Remodeling Family Casey and Valarie Weiss, Sauk City Craig Hamilton, Merrimac Bob and Allison Jauch, Baraboo Mark and Ann Hansen, Madison Sarah Kidd, Madison James Skowronski, Sauk City **Mark Lins, Plain Erna Lewis, Reedsburg Kory Meicher, Middleton **Stevie Corzatt, Verona Matt and Kelly Potrzebowski, Madison Forrest and Mildred Zantow, North Freedom Blaine Meyer, Mauston **Bill and Mary Mielke, Poynette Jeff and Valerie Degan, Madison Debra Sybell, Sun Prairie Tom and Tami Erspamer, Arena Michael and Debbie Tavenner Lyndon Station **Mike and Margaret Collins, Madison Steve and Barb Felio, Stoughton Greg and Jane Kaldor, Madison Scott and Kristine Krueger, Madison Ed Smidebush, Middleton Deb Buelow, Reedsburg Hunter and Laura Lang, Prairie du Sac John McSweeney, La Valle Peter Felknor, Deerfield Ben and Katie Seibel, Mount Horeb Lisa Viscardi and Craig Kent, Madison

Original Irish Cream Ingredients:

1 cup heavy cream 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract

Directions:

In a blender, combine heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, Irish whiskey, instant coffee, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Shake well before serving.

Will keep for 2 months if refrigerated.

If you have a favorite recipe that you would like featured in our newsletter, e-mail it to: aimee@freyconstruction.com or mail it to: 530 Park Avenue, Prairie du Sac,WI 53578

Famous Birthdays

Bob Barker, Game Show Host, 12.12.1923 Taylor Swift, Singer/Songwriter, 12.13.1989 Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer, 12.16.1770 Steven Speilberg, Movie Director, 12.16.1946 Brad Pitt, Actor, 12.18.1963 Woodrow Wilson, 28th US President- 12.28.1856

NEW YEAR'S WORD SEARCH

**Indicates Past Client

CAN YOU FIND THESE WORDS: BEGIN CLOCK CONFETTI FAMILY HAPPY HOLIDAY PARADE PARTY RESOLUTION SONG

Quote of the Month

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."

-Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby"

We want YOU

to take advantage of the $1,500 tax credit!

Choose from a wide selection of qualifying Gorell, Energy Star windows!

When the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the federal government made it clear that it wants you to receive up to a $1,500 Tax Credit when you purchase highly energy-efficient windows and doors like Gorell products. A very high percentage of Gorell products – which Frey Construction offers – qualify! In addition to the tax credit, you also save money because your heating and cooling bills will be lower!

Call before January 15th, 2009 and receive FREE blown-in attic insulation with the purchase of 10 windows! * Up to 1,600 sq. ft, 10 inches of attic insulation added - Increase your insulation value to R-24!

Visit our website to learn everything you need to know about the $1,500 home improvement tax credit

www.freyconstruction.com

(608) 643.7914 www.freyconstruction.com

*Just mention offer code: NL - 1209 | Offer valid thru 1.15.09 | Not valid with previously signed contracts | MUST mention offer at time of signing

Things Things are are better better at at home home Decisions & Decisions & Servicing Servicing in your in your own backyard own backyard

fun with real estate

Financing for all your Financing for all your home improvement needs home improvement needs

nth degree R E A L

MEMBER FDIC MEMBER FDIC

555 Park Avenue. Prairie du Sac 555 Park Avenue.

Prairie du Sac 608.643.3393. www.bankpds.com 608.643.3393. www.bankpds.com

Sauk Prairie 643-5450 Lodi 592-4800 Waunakee 212-4935 DeForest 846-0404

E S TAT E

aimee demerath | 608.643.0227 aimee@nthdegreeteam.com

State Farm速

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

Doug Brunner | Owner

Jim Marsden, CLU

Redeem this coupon (608) 237-2148 Fax for one month of (608) 438-5144 Cell karate classes www.madeintheshadeWI.com (608) 798-0077 AND a uniform for just $9.95!!

Name Brands for Less | Shop-at-Home Convenience

Agent

Box 100, 604 Water Street Prairie du Sac, WI 53578 608 643 8528 Toll Free 866 643 0034

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.速

ho ho home nth degree R E A L

E S TAT E

aimee demerath | nth degree real estate aimee@nthdegreeteam.com | 608.643.0227

Frey Construction & Home Improvement, LLC 530 Park Avenue Prairie du Sac, WI 53578

www.freyconstruction.com 608.643.7914

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Check out our blog: ss.com www.freycon.wordpre

Who Doesn't Need $150 This Time of Year?

Its easy! All you have to do is tell your friends and neighbors how much you love Frey Construction & Home Improvement, LLC! 78.2% of our work comes from repeat and referrals, so we want to thank you by handing over some cash for your kind words and faith in our company.

It is something you are already doing, now you just get paid for it!

Here's How It Works:

When you refer one of your friends or neighbors to our company, and they have a project completed by Frey Construction...we will hand you cold, hard cash upon completion of their project!

That's right! All you have to do is refer your friends and neighbors to Frey Construction. When they call for their project, make sure they let us know that you sent them to us!

We'll make a note of it, and once their project is complete, a representative from our company will come and personally hand you $150!

So, what are you waiting for??? Go tell all of your friends and neighbors how much you loved your "Quick and Painless" home improvement by Frey Construction!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Contact Us At:

608.643.7914

530 Park Avenue Prairie du Sac, WI 5357 8

www.freyconstruction.c

om