Keeping a Roof Over Your Head is our Job

Keeping a Roof Over Your Head is our Job

Fresno Home Magazine spoke with Jason Hickox, owner of Hickox Roofing to learn more about his family-owned roofing business.

Can you tell us about your experience in your industry?

Our company was founded by my dad John B. Hickox over forty years ago. We started as a small, family-owned and operated company that serviced the heart of the Central Valley. Through customer referrals and excellent client relations, Hickox Roofing became a staple in the Central Valley roofing industry. Today, I (Jason Hickox) continue to operate the family-owned business with the same integrity and drive as my father once did. With leadership and experience, Hickox Roofing offers “simply the best” roofing service in California.

Why should our readers go to Hickox Roofing for their roofing needs?

Our staff members are highly-trained to restore and repair your tile roof and install our innovative roofing products. Furthermore, Hickox Roofing is committed to job safety and professionalism, which is why our roofs are installed by Hickox Roofing crews and backed with the Hickox guarantee. Also, we offer title 24 compliant asphalt shingles, title 24 compliant cold process roof systems, and attic insulation upgrades. Therefore, readers should use Hickox Roofing to save energy and money.

What type of services do you provide?

Hickox Roofing does residential and commercial projects. We specialize in tile roof repairs and restorations, complete re-roofs, roof certifications, and power washing to make your roof shine again. Our goal at Hickox Roofing is to provide our clients with innovative roof solutions for every situation so we can extend their roof’s life.

Any final tips you want our readers to know about your business?

The best recommendation we give our clients is to prioritize your roof’s preventative maintenance. Preventative maintenance makes a huge difference in your home’s integrity and your budget. Therefore, before you need your tile roof repaired or restored, call us for a free inspection to check your tile roof for any defects that could compromise its performance. We want you to become proactive instead of reactive to roof leaks and home damages before they escalate.

SunPower by Quality Home Services Explains Solar Savings Benefits

“Masters of Quality and Service” SunPower by Quality Home Services Explains the Benefits of Saving With Solar

We sat down with the staff from SunPower by Quality Home Services to learn more about how to save money on your utility bill, receive tax credits, and increase the value of your home by going solar.

Why should people install solar in 2018?

Solar is increasingly becoming more and more popular every year for a variety of reasons. You’ll notice people everywhere such as family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors are saving money on their electric bill by utilizing solar energy. So, the question remains; if you have not installed and utilized solar for your home, what exactly has stopped you? If you are someone who wanted to go solar in 2017, but for some reason, did not get around to it, SunPower by Quality Home Services wants you to know that 2018 is the best time to consider the benefits of going solar.

How does SunPower by Quality Home Services assist homeowners with understanding the current financial benefits of going solar?

We let homeowners know the latest financial benefits that solar installation brings. Currently, solar prices are at an all-time low because of price reductions with inverters, trackers, PV modules, and labor costs. Did you know that utility rates continue to rise over time due to Time of Use charges or high usage surcharges? With utility bills steadily on the rise, people are flocking towards solar solutions. A big reason to take advantage of solar right now is the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), otherwise known as the Federal Solar Tax Credit. Think of the ITC tax credit as a financial payback that can help you increase your home value and save you money.

Could SunPower tell our readers more about the benefits of the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

Homeowners who install a solar system in 2018 qualify for a 30 percent solar tax credit. Also, this exact credit will drop to 26 percent after 2019, and it will continue to drop down even lower to 10 percent by the year 2021. As you can see, those who go solar are generating savings and financial benefits annually.

What other financial payback benefits can homeowners reap from using solar?

The sun shines brightly in our area. Therefore, by installing a solar system before summer starts, you can start generating energy right away! And when you generate more solar electricity than you use during the sunny months, depending on your local utility rules, you could build up solar credit with your utility. Solar credits are fantastic because they can apply directly toward your electric bills during the winter or fall months.

Does adding a solar system to my home increase my home’s market value?

Installing solar panels can increase your home’s market value by at least the cost of the solar system. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, every dollar of energy bill savings can potentially add $20 to your home’s total market value if you put it up for sale. Not only can solar homeowners benefit from an increase in their home’s market value, but a solar system also helps many homeowners sell their home faster than homes without solar panels.

What sets SunPower by Quality Home Services apart from other solar companies?

SunPower by Quality Home Services is a second generation family-owned company that has been helping homeowners in the Central Valley to have a better quality of life for over 32 years. With a mission to provide the highest quality products to customers, the company is a certified SunPower Master Dealer. SunPower by Quality Home Services offers high performance residential solar energy solutions allowing families substantial savings on electricity and delivering a superior customer experience.

Selected by SunPower to represent the globally-trusted brand, SunPower by Quality Home Services is proud to partner with one of the world’s most innovative and sustainable energy companies, leveraging 32 years of industry experience and providing customers with the highest efficiency solar panels available today.

SunPower by QHS is known as the “Masters of Service and Quality” because of their complete customer care program that helps homeowners during the entire installation process. That coupled with a dedicated service team available even after the installation and SunPower’s 25 Year Complete Confidence Warranty provides peace of mind that they are the right choice when it comes to solar for your home.

Pot Imports Can Help Beautify Your Home or Backyard

Let’s Beautify Your Home or Backyard With Pot Imports

Home Magazine sat down with Noam Schimler to learn more about the eclectic products and services that they offer, as well as how they came to create their business, Pot Imports.

How did you get started in the pottery business?

We started this business about 20 years ago in the local Clovis-Fresno area. Throughout the years, we have purchased pottery from different parts of the world. Also, we visit the factories that produce the pottery to learn the process of what it takes to make a piece of art. Every piece is unique in that it is actually made from different types of earth soil. Our works of art are shaped by expert artisans from all over the world who create with various, high-quality materials. Our goal is that you connect with and find a pottery piece that resonates with you.

What services does Pot Imports offer?

Just about any walk-in customer is amazed by the sheer size of our inventory that is offered to the general public and landscape companies, interior designers, etc. We proudly carry thousands of different pottery items to choose from, like pots, vases, statues, birdbaths, wall fountains, decorative items for your home or your yard, and much more. Come on in and search through all kinds of unique pottery, from hand-crafted pieces to ceramic pieces. Each piece has its own style, and we are sure you will discover one that will catch your eye. Every pottery item we carry, no matter the shape, size or color, has a story and when you take it home with you, you become a part of that story too.

What separates you from your competitors?

We truly believe that the customer should be treated as a friend; therefore, we demonstrate hospitality on a daily basis to all customers by offering them a unique policy in our industry, an exchange policy for life which cannot be matched by anybody that we know of. Under certain circumstances, we are even willing to come to your home to give you FREE advice if you are not sure about color, size or if you simply need general ideas. We can help you find your ideal pottery collection that suits your personality and your space. It is our goal to supply you with a piece that will give you a lifetime of charm and joy.

What advice would you give to a customer when it comes to choosing the right pottery product?

Not all pottery is the same, and surely, they’re not all made from the same material. Therefore, we highly recommend that all our customers tell us about the placement of the item they intend to purchase first.

What else should our readers know about Pot Imports?

In 2001, we created the custom bubbling pot fountain, and since then, we have sold thousands of them throughout the Valley and the entire state of California. Our custom bubbling pot fountain is the perfect fit for your courtyard, front yard, or backyard space. On top of that, we offer our customers’ fountain installation and repair for a reasonable fee. We also hold customer merchandise for up to 6 months in our secure facility FREE of charge.

If you want to learn more about Pot Imports.

We hope that you visit our warehouse, and whether you purchase something or not, we appreciate you sharing your experience with others because that’s how we get 80% of all business coming through our doors. Call us at (559) 230-0605. Stop by our warehouse at 3619 N Hazel Ave, in Fresno, California and we will be happy to help you.

Everything you need to know about Gas Inserts for your Fireplace

Everything You Need to Know About Gas Inserts

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We spoke to Gary Flanagan at Econo Air about the benefits of gas inserts, and the rebates and vouchers offered by the Valley Air District.

Please tell us about the benefits of switching from a wood burning fireplace to a gas insert.

Bakersfield has many no burn days due to our poor air quality. That means many homeowners with wood burning fireplaces rarely get to enjoy them. With a gas insert, you can ‘turn on’ a fire any time you feel a chill or want to enjoy the ambiance. Another benefit is that a gas insert heats the living area, providing zone heating. You save money on utility costs when heating your primary living area instead of the entire house.

Most homes have central heating that comes in at the top of the room, and heat goes up, right? With a high efficiency gas insert there is no need to keep a blanket on your legs while reading a book, or watching tv.  You control the fire and heat with your remote thermostat, so that you are always comfortable.

Finally, many people get tired of the cost of buying wood and the hassle of hauling ashes and taking care of a wood burning fireplace.

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Now’s the Time to Think Solar

Now’s the Time to Think Solar

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Bakersfield Home Magazine sat down with Jeff Periera, President, and Scott Ryan, Vice President, of SunPower by Sun Solar to find out what solar can do for you.

California has always been blessed with an abundance of sunshine. So it’s only natural that Californians, Bakersfield residents in particular, would be interested in solar power.

The perfect place to start your quest for more information on solar power in Bakersfield is SunPower by Sun Solar, a locally owned solar systems provider. Sun Solar was recently ranked 12th out of the Top 100 Residential Solar Contractors in the nation by Solar Power World Magazine. This is the most definitive ranking of solar installers across the country and include companies both large and small; privately owned, as well as publicly traded.

We sat down with Jeff Periera, President, and Scott Ryan, Vice President, of SunPower by Sun Solar to find out more about their company and how it can help Bakersfield homeowners and businesses save on energy bills.

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Q&A: Experts in AC/Heating, Fireplaces, and Grills

Q&A:  Experts in AC/Heating, Fireplaces, and Grills

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Experience counts, and Econo Air’s owner, Gary Flanagan, talked with Bakersfield Home Magazine about important issues for homeowners

What advice would you give a home owner for maintaining their AC system?

1. Be sure to change the inside filter at least once a month in the summer and every two months in the winter. A dirty air filter restricts air flow back to the system and can cost you more to operate and cause expensive repairs. Summer and winter service is recommended by all manufacturers. If you have an AC system that is still under warranty, and you don’t take care of normal maintenance, your warranty is in jeopardy, just like an automobile.

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Q&A: A+ Customer Service at Carpet Outlet Plus

 

Q&A:  A+ Customer Service at Carpet Outlet Plus

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Home Magazine recently spoke with Carpet Outlet Plus to learn about their award winning service, and get tips on starting your flooring project.

What makes Carpet Outlet Plus different from other resources for flooring?

We are a locally-owned store that is run day-to-day by the owners, Mark and Jennifer. We feel that personal involvement is very important to the customer. Many purchases made today are from a national chain or big box store with little or no interaction between the consumer and the store. With local ownership that cares about the community, Carpet Outlet Plus strives for every transaction to be something we can be proud of. With over 60,000 sales and 12 Reader’s Poll Bakersfield’s Best Flooring Store awards, we want Bakersfield to know that we have been there for your family and friends. We have 22 years in the same location, and we’ll continue to be here for you in the future.

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Q&A: Making Dreams Come True

 

Q&A:  Making Dreams Come Through

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Home Magazine recently sat down with the pros at  DreamMaker, to talk remodeling and how to find a contractor you can count on.

What are all the services that your company provides?

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen is a full service design/build specialist providing a vast array of options that will fit most budgets from cosmetic upgrades to full scale design/build.  As a General Contractor, we can also address many other areas outside of the kitchen and bath realm.  Doing room additions or a whole house remodel is definitely within our expertise.  Everett Gray has been licensed since 1983 in California. He has a wealth of knowledge and a portfolio that encompasses all aspects of residential construction.

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BBQ Meets the Digital Age!

BBQ Meets the Digital Age!

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The Owner of the Bulk Yard, David Geig, talks to The Bakersfield Home Magazine about one the fastest rising stars in BBQ – The Pellet Grill.

Pellet grills are becoming one of the hottest trends in BBQ, even though they’ve been around for several years. The word is out — wood pellets provide convenient, clean grilling, and add great flavor to  whatever you’re grilling.

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Home Protection Unleashed

Home Protection Unleashed

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Peace of Mind for Double-Door Homes

Bakersfield Home Magazine talked with  the founders of Security Guard Dog, to learn about their practical product that stops burglars.

What is the Security Guard Dog?

Security Guard Dog is a simple metal bar that fits on double door handles and prevents ‘kick-in’ burglaries.

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