“…Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and was pondering what kind of greeting this was. “ Luke 1:26-29<br><br>This season I have been reflecting on interruptions. My whole working life has been in the service industry. During my 25 plus years at Covenant Harbor in Lake Geneva, it became glaringly evident that interruptions were to be expected. As I understood this, I began to orient my life to not only expect interruptions but to anticipate them. It became a standard thread, an understood expectation as part of staff training and orientation. In this process I could see that much of my attitude and life had been oriented toward me, getting what I wanted and thought I needed, protecting my time and image. I believed those around me were there to help me get what I wanted. My responses many times were a result of a fear of losing leverage in either getting what I wanted, losing face or an opportunity to see what I wanted. My anger and frustration was a result of being shorted, elbowed out of an opportunity for more, looking bad or just plain missing some type of gain. Often interruptions were in the mix of all of this. <br><br> A shift in my thinking began as I realized that I was more inward focused than I had arrogantly first thought! I began a disciplined practice of noticing. Anytime I noticed my defensiveness, pride, anxiety or greed rise to the top, I acknowledged it and then looked outward, looking for a way to help or add value to someone else. The source of the interruption was often an opportunity to bless by adding value, solving a problem, and building a relationship. Interruptions played a significant role in breaking me, stretching me, growing me. Interruptions were not merely an inconvenience, but an opportunity to help someone else. Interruptions helped snap me out of my inward focus and downward spiral to lift my eyes and attention outward. God placed me in these situations, times, places and resources to not benefit myself but to positively impact and help others. This is THE definition of a BLESSING. Blessings are about speaking and behaving in such a way as to bring wholeness and good will to others. This can be as simple as a smile or a kind word. <br><br>Today I was reminded of an event in my life as a newly minted eighteen year old. I was a freshman at Augustana College (Rock Island, IL) and at school early as part of the soccer team preseason. My older brother was getting married in South Dakota over Labor Day weekend and on his way to SD, he dropped his car off for me to drive to SD to stand up for him in his wedding. The car was an Audi Fox with a five speed transmission. I had never driven a manual transmission car! After a rough “crash” course in how to drive with my brother, Chris as the relatively patient instructor, all on the hilly streets of Rock Island, he left the car with me to drive to SD a few days later. A thrill of grown-up excitement and male pride coursed through me that Friday afternoon as I pulled out, relatively smoothly, off the campus parking lot, alone, cranking the tunes and feeling like a big deal. After a few hours, I pulled off the interstate, in the middle of nowhere in Iowa, to grab a soda and candy bar while I was filling up on gas. As I pulled back onto the interstate entrance ramp the car began to choke, sputter and die. I coasted to the shoulder with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. What have I done to my brother’s new car? He’s going to kill me! Am I going to even make it to the wedding, I wondered?<br><br> I tried everything I knew to get it to start, which lasted about 30 seconds. Nothing. I slumped back to the gas station and asked the attendant about a mechanic or tow truck. They didn’t have one, but he said to try the gas station across the street. I walked over. The mechanics were done work earlier that afternoon and were off for the weekend. I found a pay phone to make a quick collect call to my brother’s in-laws to let someone know my situation. I walked back to the first gas station since they seemed the most helpful, and asked about any other options for a mechanic, one that would service a foreign car. They mentioned another shop a few miles away. I had no wheels. There were no Ubers. My sense of helplessness grew. A customer standing nearby who was waiting to pay for his gas overheard and offered to drive me around to check other places. He dropped me off at the previously mentioned small station. A young man in his 20s said his boss worked on foreign cars, but that he was off for the weekend. I told him my predicament. “Hang on,” he said, “I’ll call him at home.” My interruption was creating ripple interruptions. His boss was having dinner with his family, but would come in shortly to have a look. Meanwhile, the boss told the young man to close up shop and to tow the car into the shop. We towed the car. The boss came shortly after to the shop, had a quick look and said that the fuel pump died. He said he didn’t have the part and it would be best to bring the car to an Audi certified dealership. “Ok, where’s that?” I said. “Des Moines, an hour and a half south from here,” he said. This interruption was quickly spiraling out of my realm of control, my ability to pay for anything (I only had $30 in cash, which was mostly for gas) and the sun was setting, on a holiday weekend. I was stuck. I must have looked lost and hopeless, for the young man said he would take his Friday night to tow the car down to Des Moines, drop the car at the dealership and then he would drop me off at the bus station. Oh, and by the way, he paid for my bus ticket to Sioux Falls! My interruption became the interruption and inconvenience for a number of others. However, for this young man and his boss, my interruption was an opportunity to bless a stranger in need, me. I made it to the wedding with enough time to spare for a long nap before the rehearsal.<br><br> Just as I was interrupted, Joseph and Mary over two thousand years ago were interrupted and challenged. Their response to these interruptions led to a tremendous blessing to all, a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham made hundreds of years earlier. They were humbled and challenged by God’s interruption into their lives, but as a result we are blessed by their selfless obedience and have the opportunity to do the same, believe, receive and bless. <br><br> As you celebrate this season, may you see interruptions as an opportunity to bless others, bring wholeness and good will to a broken, anxious and lonely generation or individual near you. <br><br> Have a Blessed “Interrupted” Christmas and New Year!<br><br> Peter & Sarah Hatlestad<br><br>Sontag Home Services

Now in my third year owning Sontag Home Services, I’m starting to settle in, I think, to a consistent rhythm. I’ve been reflecting on my journey and have found this related to my experience dancing, such as it is. I am no John Travolta or ballroom dancing savant. Dancing requires a partner and the best dancers have a mutual flow and understanding, allowing them to move gracefully in concert, an expression of connection and joy. These couples move as one and interact in a way that is fun to watch, and if you are one dancing, a joy to be in flow with your partner. Proficient dancers have spent hours practicing and working through the dance steps, sometimes choreography and music choices. There is much that is worked out along the way before hitting the public dance floor or hitting their “stride.” Since taking over SHS we have been in the process of dancing together. Each client and respective property is a new and different partner, with varying music preferences and dance steps. Inevitably, in the process of managing the full spectrum of partners, dance styles and music preferences, toes have been stepped on and misunderstandings have come to light, like who is leading and who is choosing the music and style. Stepping on toes can be an opportunity to clarify who is leading, expectations, limitations, dance steps and music. Or, stepping on toes can end the dance when the opportunity to clarify is not worked through or the stepping on toes happens a number of times. <br><br> <br><br>I have worked hard to not step on toes! And when it happens, I work to take it as an opportunity to learn, improve and build a relationship that flows. For most of the SHS clients, I feel like we are finally reaching the point of flowing in our dance relationship, having an understanding of expectations, level of service, nuances of property and personal needs and preferences, scope of the work, etc. One of the things that impact our dance relationship includes frequency of our home check visits. Some of you are full-time, five stops a week, while others have fewer stops, some as few as twice a month. This frequency impacts how quickly we can reach a level of flow in the client-SHS relationship. At the start of my SHS ownership, I was processing information through a fire hose, just trying to keep moving, not step on toes or fall down while watching over our clients’ property so they don’t fall, lose interest or step on me. I move from one property to another, while still dancing to music, often shifting from one genre to another in a matter of moments. Trust me, I was hip hopping! This may explain why I seemed awkward in initial interactions…what dance are we dancing, to what music, who is the lead, etc. <br><br> <br><br>In the process of getting comfortable with each other and the dance, trust is a key element. Without trust, we will never reach a level of flow in our dance relationship. I understand that for trust to develop and deepen, there are things I need to do, much you will never know about or see directly. These may include my systems, philosophical approaches, relationships with subcontractors (which is another set of dance partners, dances and music), my personal life rhythms (how I order my life and relationships), etc. This type of “training” or behind the scenes work have helped give confidence and a platform for becoming a better dance partner. I have not arrived, by any stretch of the imagination, but I am in a much better place to lead, follow, shift dance styles and music. I am better able to shift dance partners with ease and grace (Who am I speaking with now? What is the request regarding which property?). I am constantly learning and working to lean into the challenge of being the best dance partner possible. One way I have shifted is to include other dance team members to share the load and better attend to each dance partner’s needs and expectations. This has its own set of challenges, but the benefits outweigh the downsides. Again, time, attention, practice (repetitions) and intentionality are necessary factors in either improving flow or avoiding stepping on toes. <br><br> <br><br>I welcome the opportunity to learn, so if you feel your toes have been stepped on, please let me know and let’s work together to create the joy of seamless dance. This joy for us is knowing you are able to step into your property seamlessly and enjoy it without distraction, having things work as they should, or stewarding property details well. Our goal is to provide a service that allows you to create lasting memories with your friends and family. This is one reason we pray over your property as we move through it, praying for blessing and peace on your relationships, experiences and health. If you are in the market for a property manager, we’d love to “tap into” your dance to create a joyful dance experience! <br><br>Waltzing through life together,

Hi! My name is Peter Hatlestad. I’d like to share a little about myself with you. My first lawn mowing job was during the summer of 1978. I mowed Mr. Clarence Peebles’ yard. Once a week I would ride my bike to his house pulling our Toro mower behind me. On each visit, Mr. Peebles hired me to take care of minor landscaping. I pulled weeds, raked leaves, picked up sticks, etc. I turned eleven years old that summer and learned valuable life lessons of service and stewardship.<br><br>I am now fifty-six years old. I am looking forward to a new adventure and opportunity by owning Sontag Home Services. I recently finished twenty-five and a half years at Covenant Harbor in Lake Geneva as the Snake Road Adventure Center Director. I have spent most of my career in the experiential/adventure education field focusing on team building, ropes courses, outdoor education, and wilderness programs. This field required a level of logistical and relational skills to provide meaningful learning experiences and maintain safety. My time at Covenant Harbor has provided me the time to know and become familiar with many of the services and people in the area.<br><br>I am married to Sarah, my best friend. We have been married for thirty-two years and have two grown daughters, Hannah (28) and Grace (26). Hannah has been married for six years to Johnny Elliott who is a youth pastor in Downers Grove, Illinois. They have one daughter, Elizabeth (18 months), and are expecting their second child in February 2022. Grace married Christian Pedro in December of 2020. Christian is a Navy rescue swimmer. Grace sells pet insurance for Trupanion and is in nursing school.<br>Grace and Christian live in Norfolk, Virginia.<br><br>Sarah has her BS in Elementary Education. She also has experience cleaning several houses in the Lake Geneva area. She is an excellent decorator and organizer. She helps keep me grounded and organized.<br><br>Sarah and I have known Mike and Cindy Sontag for many years through our church, Calvary Community Church in Williams Bay. Mike and I have served on several church boards together. The seed of interest in Sontag Home Services began over a conversation about five years ago at one of those board meetings. I told Mike that if he was interested in selling the business to let me know. Mike contacted me in February 2021 and after a few breakfast meetings and ride-alongs, we began to discuss purchase<br>details for SHS.<br><br>I gave my notice to Covenant Harbor in April and began shadowing Mike two or three days a week. November 1st I began working with Mike full time, immersing myself in the route and business. We will be working in tandem over the course of the next year to avoid dropping any level of service. I am not Mike, nor will I be perfect, but I will make every effort to serve well and steward your trust with integrity. I look forward to working with you as a steward, facilitator, and guardian of your property. Mike and I have been committed to making sure the transition is seamless. I hope to maintain the trust you have given to Mike and Cindy and Mike’s brothers over the years.<br><br>Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to meet me. I am happy to jump on a Zoom call if that is best. I look forward to serving you in the coming months and years. Thank you!<br><br>Peter & Sarah Hatlestad

First of all, let me thank each of you for being a client of Sontag Home Services. Many of you have “hung in there” over the last 50 years through several of our family transitions with the business. (First, it was run by our dad, then by my brothers Pat and Tim, before me). With my retirement around the corner (hopefully by end of 2022) and after a lot of careful consideration, Peter Hatlestad has joined me at Sontag Home Services. The phone number and billing information will not be changing. Except for one day (to be determined in 2022) instead of me answering the phone, it will be Peter’s voice. Even then, I’ll be helping in any way needed, to help out and ensure a smooth transition.<br><br>To be truthful, this has been a long and hard search for a successor. Not because I’m irreplaceable, but because this business demands a very trustworthy person, with a teachable spirit and a strong work ethic. I’ve known Peter and his family for 20+ years. He’s served at Covenant Harbor Bible Camp in Lake Geneva for 25+ years. Understandably, Covenant Harbor did not want Peter to leave, which is part of the reason he could not start full-time with me before now. He needed to finish well at camp because that’s the right thing to do. I know you and your families will be very well served by Sontag Home Services under Peter’s leadership. Because Peter’s lived and worked locally, and his leadership position at camp, he’s familiar with many of the area vendors, etc. we’ve trusted and used to service our client base. He also brings a wealth of new knowledge from his years of experience at Covenant Harbor.<br><br>Obviously, we want each of you to meet Peter in person. Those of you that haven’t yet, please let us know when it would work for you to meet him. If a Facetime or Zoom meeting would help, please let us know. We truly are here, as always, to serve you!<br><br>From my perspective, this is a great business that serves a great need in our area, and I’m delighted it will continue. My hope is you will be happy for our family as we head toward enjoying more time with our kids and three grandkids, getting my fishing boat in the lake, continuing to train our German Shepherd, and on and on and on!<br><br>All the best,<br>Mike & Cindy Sontag

My most memorable Christmas…. Well that’s an easy one. I got a box of charcoal! I was devastated and embarrassed at the jeers from all my brothers and sisters… To this day I hesitate to open gifts in front of people…. Hope this Christmas does not involve charcoal for anyone you or I know (LOL).<br><br>I have kids of my own now (grown) and a couple of grandchildren, (another on the way), and have not even considered a gifting of charcoal — other than perhaps for the Weber! Being with family brings me joy, some heartache to be sure, but I revel in the blessing of having a good marriage, children, and now the grand kids.. (they think I’m a hero—just for showing up, how nice?). These are gifts I enjoy everyday.<br><br>Christmas time brings people and family together… (I pray everyone has a place to go and people to celebrate with)… Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Here is an element of Christmas that puts a nice bow around everything for me… Getting to know the gift God has given — Christ, has added a deeper peace, joy and love in my life — which I try to share, not just at Christmas, but all throughout the year. Christmas for me has become a heart condition… Yep I got one, peace and joy and the greatest of these love…<br><br>I’m thankful for each of you, the relationship we have, and your business. I’m thankful every day for the best gift I’ve ever received, the Christ of Christmas…. The peace, joy, and love He brings is awesome, and the benefits are eternal!<br><br>Mike & Cindy<br>and Family

Today’s technologies are certainly lifestyle enhancers, but are not foolproof. There is a company who is available to do winter house watch while you are away. Sontag Home Services, Lake Geneva’s original winter house watch service, forty eight years and counting.<br><br>Having homes in multiple locations can be a recipe for headaches. There are a dizzying number of alarms and features to help set your mind at rest, but when one of these alarms goes off, or features goes sideways, what do you do? Hopefully your alarm company calls you and hopefully you are there to pick up… You may have an alternate they call if you are not available, hopefully they will pick up… But then what? Are you being notified of a water, burglar, temperature, or perish the thought a fire alarm? Perhaps a neighbor looks after your home while away, but they have a life and are not available when needed… Someone needs to respond, and that is where SHS shines.<br><br>This is our business, our only business. Designed to respond to such things quickly. We communicate back to you what has happened to assuage your concerns while mitigating damage. Having a knowledgeable, responsive and experienced professional, on site in minutes is helpful in numerous ways.<br><br>Sontag Home Services and technology are not mutually exclusive. We work together to effect peace of mind and to mitigate losses when problems arise. We are available 24/7 to be called by your alarm company for emergency response. Unfortunately there is no predictable schedule for when things go sideways, but there is certainty that when it does there is someone there to backstop you and look after your interests.<br><br>Lifestyle enhancement coordinators 48 years now and counting!

If I have an alarm service do I still need Sontag Home Services to provide home security monitoring?<br>There is only so much electronic monitoring can do… SHS is able to be at your home in minutes (day or night) and can save you from costly repairs. Client’s homes are physically checked to detect anything out of the ordinary, and contacted immediately if an issue presents itself. Prevention of, and limiting damage are what we strive to do with our home security monitoring services.<br><br>Having multiple homes provides for potential headaches. We consider our services to be a quality of life issue. (We provide peace of mind). Providing you with the utmost utilization of your home and property for the time you spend there is very important to us.<br><br> <br><br>Some of the whys:<br>1. Cold Temperature Alarms<br>Things can and do happen in homes whether you are there or not. This past winter had been near record setting for subzero days. A cold temp alarm goes off at a client’s home who lives out of state. The client is notified by a call from his alarm company, saying his home’s temperature is 44 degrees inside, and it’s 20 plus degrees below zero outside.<br><br>Is this an alarm malfunction? Is this really happening? Yes this did happen (to a brand new home). All three of his furnaces went down simultaneously. The client called, and SHS was on site in less than a half hour. A real person was needed to access and quickly correct the problem.<br><br>2. Ice Dams and Snow Removal<br>With all the snow this past year constant vigilance of all internal ceilings at client’s homes was made. Ice dams did form on some of the homes, (noticed water staining on interior ceiling) which necessitated the prompt removal of snow from the roof. The results were, limited damage to an interior ceiling, and touching up vs. replacement of ceiling, furnishings and mildew issues in the attic. Something alarm companies can’t do…<br><br>3. Hot Water Heaters<br>Some issues are maintenance related. Hot water heaters have a limited life span. Sometimes when water is detected on the utility room floor, it can be from a failed or rusted hot water tank. Catching one of these before it ruptures completely can save a basement from flooding, and SHS has saved more than a few… Even if you have Water Bugs as part of the alarm system, you still need a real body to respond in a timely fashion…<br><br>4. Battery Failure<br>Batteries today power the new thermostats in homes. When the batteries fail, it results in shutting down of the furnace. Sometimes something as simple as a slightly blocked exhaust pipe (with snow, bug, or animal debris) can cause a furnace to shut down. Clogged filters, and overheating fan motors are also a few of the many things that can shut a furnace down as well. Perhaps you will get a call from your alarm company telling you there is no heat in the house. You still need to have the problem corrected.<br><br>5. Rodents<br>Rodents like to find their way into homes during the winter months and can wreak havoc in a home once entrance is gained. (Mice, and raccoons are the most common, but have had skunks and bats become issues as well). Visual notice of rodent activity is something we look for and deal with before it becomes a major issue. Alarm companies will not notify of pest activity unless a motion sensor goes off (perish the thought) or a mouse chews through the wire of an alarm and sets it off. You still need a body there to figure out what is going on…<br><br> <br><br>Alarm Companies, what they CANNOT do for you.<br>1. Arrive On-site before the Police<br>When an alarm goes off and you have SHS alarm home security monitoring, we respond to your home immediately. (Often times we beat the police). It is a wonderful thing to have a key holder present when the alarm going off is medical, fire, or burglary. In a short amount of time you will know what has actually occurred.<br><br>2. Check on Your Home During a Fire Alarm<br>I have had clients call me after receiving a fire alarm (while they were out of state); from their alarm company. They asked me to go over and see if their home was actually on fire! Luckily for them; the alarm was set off due to water dripping into a ceiling detector from a clogged furnace condensate tube. Fire department was notified and the homeowner’s heart shortly set at rest.<br><br>3. Respond to Water Issues<br>Some homeowners have water detectors (good idea), which will tell their alarm company if there is water where it should not be. How much, they can’t tell you. Sump pumps are often the issue. The floats get fouled and do not activate the pump or a pump just fails outright. This can cause major damage to a home, with or without an alarm.<br><br>Could be a broken pipe or heavy rain issues. Some higher end homes today have sensors built in to the water system. If water suddenly starts to run while the homeowner is not home and the monitoring system is on, a shutdown of the entire system takes place. Still time will not allow me to share with you all the crazy water damage stories which have occurred in clients homes over the past 40 years. Suffices to say, you want to have a person checking these potential problems on a proactive basis, and physically being onsite when and if something does happen.<br><br>Water softeners need to be checked and brine tanks replenished as well. One of the many checks we make…<br><br>4. Respond to Electrical Issues or Power Outages<br>Alarm companies are great at letting clients know they have lost power. However, what if you are not available to take their call; who will call the electric company and tell them, you need power restored?<br><br>How about a blown breaker—to a refrigerator? Stuff happens like this. For whatever reason the electric to the fridge / freezer fails. You won’t get a call from the alarm company saying something in you home is getting pretty stinky…<br><br>5. Monitor Your Property<br>Unfortunately, alarm companies do not monitor outside the home. Storm damage can happen to boats, piers, canopies, buildings and other things your property can sustain damage. Violent and extreme weather which causing damage to your property will be brought to your attention and remedied quickly.<br><br>6. Provide the Fine Details<br>Lastly, the alarm companies won’t tell you the plants need watering, or the left rear tire on your 62 Corvette is not at 33lbs. That a squirrel made his way down the chimney and is trying to chew his way out of your house. One call to Sontag Home Services handles all of your residential home security needs!

Daylight Savings time changes this Saturday night, spring is close. Something that should be on a homeowner’s and property manager’s radar this time of year, gutters! Following are some things I’ve learned either from my own home, or in my years of house checks: <br><br>Spring means rain…. and things associated with rain should be on our radar. Let’s start at the top and work our way down. Gutters should be cleaned to remove leaf litter from late fall. We had a very late leaf drop this year so even if you had your gutters cleaned last fall you should do so again, ASAP.<br><br>Often overlooked are the elbows at the downspouts. I can tell you these are often clogged. So even if the gutters are clean, if the downspouts will not carry the water away, you will potentially have problems. They should be checked to make sure they are open. Tapping on them with a screwdriver will tell you. You will hear either a hollow empty sound or a dull thud when tapping on them. Hollow good, thud bad! Hollow they can be left alone, a thud means it needs to be disassembled and cleaned.<br><br>Next the runaways from the house need to be adequate in length to make sure the water does not flow back toward the house. Gutters, downspouts, and run aways are relatively inexpensive to have installed vs the cost of water damage a poorly functioning system can cause. <br><br>Grates on drives and catch basins are ripe for becoming clogged with leaf litter. When spring clean up is being done, these should be cleared, and looked into to make sure they are not filled with accumulating dirt and debris. Some of the flat covers with slits in them are vulnerable to being covered with leaves etc. when rains come. If this happens, where applicable, consider replacing with a raised dome to cover the drain. Much less likely to fail in the same way flat covers do.

Looking for a little warmth and culture in the middle of winter? Join Esther Sharp and Jennell Juhnke for the opening reception of their art exhibition on Friday, February 10th from 5-7pm at the Bottle Shop in downtown Lake Geneva. Esther paints acrylic landscapes and will be showing paintings inspired by southern Wisconsin locations, while Jennell will be displaying a selection of her finest relief prints, including some of her newest works. If you can’t make it on the 10th, no worries! The art will be on display (and for sale) at the Bottle Shop for the entire month of February, so feel free to stop in whenever you can to check out the shop and their work.<br><br>Opening Reception<br>Friday, February 10th<br>5 – 7pm<br><br>At the Bottle Shop<br>Lake Geneva<br>617 W. Main Street<br><br>To see more of their work or make inquiries about availability and pricing, please visit their web sites or contact them personally.<br><br>Esther Sharp<br>www.esthersharp.com<br>www.etsy.com/shop/EstherSharp<br>esthersharppaintings@gmail.com<br><br>Jennell Juhnke<br>www.behance.net/jennell<br>onerabbitpress@gmail.com<br><br>Artwork by Esther Sharp<br><br>Artwork by Jennell Juhnke

Cooling System Maintenance<br>Set the thermostat as high as comfort will permit.<br>Make sure attics are adequately ventilated to relieve heat buildup. If necessary, improve airflow by adding or enlarging vents.<br>When building a new house or renovating an old one, choose light-colored roof shingles to reflect more of the sun’s heat.<br>During moderate weather, don’t use the air conditioner unnecessarily. Draw blinds or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Install awnings over windows exposed to direct sunlight.<br>In the cooling season, don’t run kitchen and bath exhaust fans longer than necessary.<br>Don’t place lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing devices beneath a wall-mounted thermostat. Rising heat from that equipment may cause the air conditioning system to overcool your house.<br>Heating & Furnace Maintenance<br>Locate the thermostat on an inside wall away from windows and doors. Set the thermostat as low as comfort permits. Each degree over 68°F can add 3% to the amount of energy needed for heating. People generate heat. So lower the thermostat a degree or two when expecting a large group of guests.<br><br>Insulation<br>Make sure your home is properly insulated. This is the single most important step in conserving energy. Thermal insulation should be specified in terms of thermal resistance (R-values). R-30 (10″) is recommended for ceilings, and R-11 (3-1/2”) for exterior walls and floors over unheated areas. In colder climates, consider additional insulation. Infiltration of humid outside air is your heating and air conditioning system’s worst enemy—it could account for 15% to 30% of air conditioning energy requirements. Find the places where air can sneak into the home and plug them with caulking, weather-stripping or plastic. Also, weather-strip and caulk around all entrance doors and windows. Cut heat transfer through your windows by 40% to 50% with double-glazing (two panes of glass separated by a sealed air space) and low-e glass. Use wood- or metal-frame storm windows even if single-glazed windows are high quality. The extra layer of glass and the layer of still air will cut heat transfer considerably. Install storm doors at all entrances to your house. Keep all windows and doors closed. Remember that by increasing the glass area, you increase the amount of heat added in summer and lost in winter. Make sure fireplaces have tight-fitting dampers, which can be closed when the fireplace is not in use. Invest in a humidifier to conserve energy in winter. The air in your home won’t be as dry, so you stay comfortable at a lower temperature setting.<br><br> <br><br>By completing these helpful heating and cooling maintenance tips, you’ll keep your systems running effectively and efficiently all year long!

There are obvious things that can be done proactively to mitigate water damage. In our home watching experience (43 yrs. and counting) this is a great area to invest some thought and perhaps a little of your hard earned capital. The amount spent, can pale in comparison to restoration costs, and property use loss, after a water problem. <br><br>Technology today is awesome! Sontag Home Services can put you in touch with people who can explain the benefits of an automatic water shut off system in your home. Shut off systems can operate with or without a home alarm. (Either one of these systems has to be installed professionally by a plumber.)<br><br>Simply stated, this is how it works. While away from the house, if there is a sudden call for water, the water system is shut down, preventing a run away water disaster. Best way to go in my opinion…<br><br>A less expensive option, which does not require a plumber, is an OTC system. Some monitor power outages, humidity, temperature, (hot & cold), and have water sensors. Marcel (Sensoredlife.com) makes a wireless unit that plugs into a wall outlet, has a battery back up, and its own modem to call out – independent of hard line phone system. The modem communicates by phone, text, or email (or all three if desired), eight seconds after alarm is triggered. This system alerts you to a problem, it is up to you to have boots on the ground to take corrective action ASAP.<br><br>Most hard-wired alarm systems also have the ability to have “water bugs” placed in spots throughout the home where water may cause a problem. The water bug is designed in such a way that when it gets wet, it lets the alarm know and the alarm then calls out… Hopefully there is someone on call to make the trip there to assess and remedy the situation.<br><br>Most of the problems I’ve witnessed over the years have been caught by the less expensive over the counter systems, or sensors that are part of the hard wired alarm system. These in conjunction with a company like Sontag Home Services who can respond to an alarm in a matter of minutes has been the difference between a small amount of clean up, vs. having to rehab a home. If there was no one available to respond in a timely fashion, or at all, well you know….<br><br>No technology or person can catch everything that can go wrong before it happens. However, combining technology and a quick response from a person who has experience in mitigating damage is priceless… Here is a shameless plug… We are on call 24/7, Three hundred and sixty five days a year. When an alarm goes off we respond quickly.<br><br>So if you have an interest in having your home checked, (5 days per week available), an alarm system install, or are interested in a water shut off system, contact us for a free quote.

As I am writing this post on backup home generators, the Midwest and southeastern Wisconsin just got slammed with a huge snowstorm. Not only did we receive a couple inches of snow but the storm started off with high winds and a few hours of heavy sleet that covered trees, cars, and power lines. During storms like this and other natural disasters, is your home safe if the power goes out for an extended period of time? It’s a question that every homeowner should ask themselves!<br><br>Generators can be a reliable lifeline during power grid failures and outages. Home generators range from permanently installed units to portable generators, and come in a variety of fuel supply options. How they work is pretty simple, when a home loses power, an automatic switch that connects your home to the generator’s electrical grid, restores power. Once the home’s power is restored as normal, the generator’s automatic switch shuts off and transfers the electrical resources back to the home’s power grid. <br><br>Residential standby generators are extremely effective at not only keeping the lights on during a blackout but they can also save thousands of dollars by simply keeping the electricity and heat on for days, sump pumps powered, and the meat in the freezer frozen! Think about it, the power goes out during a snow or rainstorm and isn’t restored for hours or even days. In that time span, the temps may drop which can cause pipes to break and may result in family heirlooms being destroyed. No one enjoys throwing out priceless family treasures that cannot be replaced! While those memories don’t fade, your bank account sure will during the cleanup! When pipes freeze and break, repairs can be costly.<br><br>In late October 2012 when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast, temperatures had already begun to drop in the state of New York and surrounding Atlantic states. Power in some areas was not restored for days in some areas and affected millions of homeowners/families. Stores quickly sold out of portable generators, which caused a ramp up in production from several generator companies to help with the crisis.<br><br>While not every home needs a standby power generator, it’s something to think about. There are some considerations, for example. Depending on the size of the home and how much of the home will be powered (whole house vs. essential components) will determine the size and cost of the generator needed. Also, because they can run nonstop for days, units must be maintained and the maintenance costs are minor, (oil & filter changes, ignition & transfer switch checks done annually). But then, there is the peace of mind knowing that your home, property, and family are safe and warm in case of an emergency.<br><br>Don’t let your home be in a fragile state when the power grid goes off, contact Sontag Home Services today to learn more about residential backup power generators.

All I want for Christmas is my house broke into… What? Why do homes get broken into? People are trusting, thinking their neighborhood is a safe one… Mine is. I know my neighbors. Have keys to some of their homes, as they do mine. However, I still lock my doors and have a rather large, toothy German Shepherd. <br><br>A little thoughtfulness can go a long way in preventing your property from becoming a target for a break-in. Some of the obvious home security tips are simple. Lets start at the mailbox. If you are absent from your house for a period of time, have the mail stopped or brought in. Delivered newspapers left lying at the end of the drive, or in the box by the mailbox, should be collected and not left to pile up. <br><br>Mailboxes that get knocked over in the winter by plows should be repaired and or replaced. Arrangements should be made to have snow removed from the drive and walkways. Weather may take down tree limbs in areas that would be a bother in accessing the house or garage. Those left unattended can bring unwanted attention. Secure out buildings with locked doors and windows. Also, empty garbage cans left at the street (not a good idea).<br><br>Door hangers left on door handles & packages that are delivered and left on the stoop, are advertisements for a break-in; (especially if packages are out for more than a day). Not to mention—your packages may get stolen!<br><br>It is not uncommon for homeowners to have many folks work in their homes and on their property during the year. Be thoughtful about what a person can see in your home, and how much trouble it be to be to remove some of those things. Let me give you an example… perhaps you like playing guitars and you’re even pretty good. You have your favorite guitar, and perhaps some you have collected and proud of. The room you practice in is in the lower level and has great lighting, or a nice view. (Windows and/or a door). When you are done practicing, you leave your guitar out, along with your collection. After all, you want to have them handy. Problem is, if they can be seen from the outside, they are only a kicked in door or broken window away from being stolen. <br><br>Don’t leave your treasure out where it can be noticed. Pull the curtains, and shut the blinds in areas where your treasures can be seen from outside. Check to make sure doors are locked and deadbolted, and that windows (basement, first & second floor) are locked. Many times I have discovered windows unlocked on the properties I look after, especially after guests and kids have been the last ones to leave.<br><br>Hopefully there has been a pragmatic nugget gleaned from the above to keep your home safe and secure throughout the holidays and everyday! Best-case scenario, have a professional looking after your property while you away. Sontag Home Services has over forty-three years of home security experience.

There is something to learn every day. Here are a few thoughts that I wanted to share with you in regards to water softeners, after talking with my softener guy, Butch.<br><br>Out of sight out of mind—who looks into the brine / salt tank of their softening unit anyways? Well you have to put salt in sooner or later and most folks fill’er right up to the top. They figure then they wont have to mess with it for a while if they fill it to the top. Good idea? Not so much…<br><br>salt-bridge<br>www.systemsaver.com<br><br>Salt bridges can occur when the salt in the softener is kept filled to the top. (See illustration from Morton Website). A salt bridge is when a hard crust forms in the brine tank, and leaves a hollow area below the salt level you can see near the top. It happens when humidity is high; wrong kind of salt is used, or kept too full. (Be sure to use the type of salt your softener recommends). When a bridge forms, it causes a space to form between the water and the salt, and then the salt does not dissolve in the water to make brine, without brine, the resin bed does not regenerate and you have no soft water…<br><br>My softener guy recommends that the salt level be maintained at half to two-thirds full. This helps keep things circulating and can keep a bridge from forming. Also it is much easier to break up a bridge if you don’t have to plow through 3 feet of salt.<br><br>If you suspect you have a bridge, it will be under the salt at the top. Take a broom handle, or similar tool and push it straight down through the center of the salt. If it stops short of 6” from the bottom you have a bridge. (There is a plastic insert in the bottom of the brine tank; that is why you do not want to go all the way to the bottom of the tank – DO NOT USE ANYTHING SHARP AS YOU MAY PUNCTURE YOUR TANK!). Work the broomstick downward, and back and forth to loosen the bridge, and you should be all set.<br><br>There are other less obvious reasons a softener may not be doing the job, but this is one most homeowners can check and it just might do the trick!

Sometimes you have to just let your hair down and go for it… I asked the family if they would like to take on Lake Geneva Canopy Tours, (Zip Lines) and I was greeted with an enthusiastic “We are all down, are you kidding?” Off we went…<br><br>zipThe weather cooperated with beautiful sunny skies and light winds. Temp was warm and inviting. Our instructors (Honorio & Johnny) were funny and helpful. They explained how our gear worked—and then got us harnessed up.<br><br>Ground school was fun; it’s where you are taught the basics…. How to posture yourself while on the zip line, what to do if you get stuck out on the line, (self rescue), and of course, HOW TO STOP! Then, off we went to our first zip line.<br><br>Everyone wanted to be the first to go. The higher up we went the more fun we had—a lot of encouragement to trust the equipment…. Leaning out off a platform 50 feet up with only your harness holding you –nothing else—almost proved to be too much for a couple in our group. (This challenge is optional). But every one eventually rose to the challenge, and hung out off the edge of the platform.<br><br>zip3My favorite was the last and longest zip line. Nobody in our group dusted the platform off with their butts. There was a shiny spot at the edge of the platform below each zip line. If you do not run off the platform, you will drop and dust off the edge with your butt. We had no butt wipers in our group, all launched with zeal and top speed. (On this zip you’re encouraged to really trust your gear and let loose). After leaping off the platform, I went most of the way down, hanging upside down, in a tucked position, to gain as much speed as was possible, it was awesome!<br><br>A good time was had by ALL that day, and memories were made. Pictures were taken with the iPhone, and some in my mind. These will be viewed long after the iPhone bites the dust. It was a challenge to get the kids all together in one place and one time; but so worth it! For me: a half day at the Canopy Tours with the Kids laughing and enjoying each other and the great outdoors—Priceless! Afterwards, ALL in our group agreed we’d have to do it again sometime soon.<br><br>Papa Mike

Here we are at the end of summer and I have now found the answer to an issue that has dogged me all summer, the mess of black goo collecting of everything outside this year… Thought it was tree sap—but not the case.<br><br>This year’s wet spring has proved to be a great set up for Lecanium Scale. (Small insects that feed on the tree sap of many trees in our area.) When they feed, they produce what is called: “honeydew”. It is a very sticky, sweet smelling substance that is excreted when the insects poop… because it is sticky, it adheres to cars, outdoor furniture, and decks etc.<br><br>This substance can attract bees, and flies. It can also cause mold to develop. “Honeydew“ has become quite a nuisance around the lake turning freshly stained and cleaned decks and furniture, into black sticky messes.<br><br>Scale can be treated in the spring before things get going, systemically, or trees can be sprayed to kill the pests. The folks who treat for this can readily be found. (Creekside Landscaping is one of the companies that do this). Treatment this fall, and in the spring will do a good job of knocking this back.<br><br>For more information, see: http://bugs.osu.edu/~bugdoc/Shetlar/factsheet/ornamental/Lecaniumscales.PDF<br><br>I have wondered why we are having such a time keeping things neat and tidy around the lake—now I have the explanation. Also, this has caused me to wonder where the origin of the term: “Honey do list” might have come from.

Brick Paver Patios<br>Looking to update that dated patio? Want to install something that is larger then a small stoop with 3 steps? Consider putting in a Brick Paver Patio! Brick pavers are a great alternative to the standard, unattractive concrete slab. Pavers provide so many style options ranging from classic, to give a modern feel, or tumbled to give you an antique old world sense, or simply just the look of natural stone. Along with style, colors range from solid red, tan and grey to blended colors to match your preference. Mixing and match-ing all of your options gives great character; having the border a different style and color then that of the main body of the patio. Maintenance is easy as the years pass, with sealers to enhance and protect the color(s). Should a small sections settle a little after awhile, it is simple to have those few stones lifted up and adjusted level to make them look like they did the day they were installed. If you have been tinkering around with the idea of a new patio, stop dreaming and give us a call! We would be happy to help you plan your backyard renovation!<br><br>ornamentalgrassOrnamental Grass<br>Ornamental Grasses are a good addition to any landscape. With many different varieties, your choices are endless with sizes, textures and some variation in color. Ornamental Grasses can add interest in your landscape throughout the year; whether waving in a summer breeze, changing color in the fall or lightly dusted with snow in the winter (and they are easy to maintain!). Ask your Creekside representative as to how Ornamental Grasses could enhance your property!<br><br>Have you forgot to sign up for a tree care program?<br>If you have Austrian Pine, Scots Pine, Crabapple or Hawthorn on your property, you may wish you had!<br><br>The current weather has delivered extended cool temperatures, and more recently, some repeat moisture; a perfect combination for our old friends Diplodia Tip Blight, Dothistroma, and Rust/Apple Scab.<br><br>Crabapples not sprayed with a protective fungicide will inevitably lose their leaves early, leading to decreased blooms next year as well as a bare tree this year. Pines can experience decline in value and health with the fungal diseases that plague them.<br><br>On a different note, if you possess Oaks or Elms, NOW is the time to desist any additional pruning activities to avoid Oak Wilt and Dutch Elms disease transmission. Insects that spread disease are attracted to those fresh pruning cuts. If the disease is in your community, you will want to consider a protective fungicide injection.<br><br>Lastly, we have begun planting for many homeowners already. If you were unlucky enough to have a tree removed, we would be happy to recommend a suitable replacement!<br><br>Irrigation Running Efficiently?<br>There are a few things to remember in order to have an efficient irrigation system. Using your irrigation controller, it is important to keep a consistent schedule that adds up to 1—1.25” of water per week. A common way to accomplish this is to water 3-4 days a week in the early morning hours. Zones with rotating heads may stay on for 20-30 minutes, while zones with pop up heads should stay on for 10-15 minutes. Of course, it is important to keep an eye out for spots in your yard that seem to be getting too much water. This occurs frequently between two homes that each have their own irrigation system. By simply reducing the time on each impacted zone, can easily correct over-watering.

When Spring comes, it’s easy to think about and to prepare for Spring cleaning and organization. However, Spring should not involve just the cleaning of the interior of your house but should also involve regular maintenance of your home. Here are just a few items that we recommend on adding to your Spring list to ensure your home is in the best shape:<br><br>Clean your gutters.<br>Having your gutters cleaned will keep water from building up near the house and avoids potential seepage into your home. Overflowing gutters can also damage landscaping. When cleaning gutters it’s important to have the elbows and downspouts checked as well. It will do no good to have clean gutters, if there is a clog in the elbow or downspouts. (These are often not checked).<br><br>Pressure wash decks, driveways, fences and other outside surfaces.<br>I have had clients tell me that having their houses cleaned was the cheapest paint job they ever got—(because their home looked that good after cleaning). Power washers can be very effective along with someone who knows how to use it. So, consider this as a way to clean your drive, decks, sidewalks, or to remove mildew.<br><br>Have your blacktopped driveway cracks filled and sealed.<br>This will extend the life of your drive and is rather inexpensive to have done. A properly sealed drive should look good for 2 years.<br><br>Clean or replace your HVAC filters.<br>This should be done when the HVAC system goes through its annual tune-up for the season. As soon as temps reach 65 degrees the systems can be accurately tested and tuned up.<br><br>AC Housing.<br>Keep the area around the air conditioning housing cleared of plants and debris as this can impede airflow and cause the unit to run inefficiently. Also the unit should be not be sitting in the dirt. Plastic platforms, and/or cement are ideal for the unit to be sitting on. This will also keep the unit from rusting.<br><br>Clean your dryer vent.<br>This helps the dryer run efficiently, and prevents overheating.<br><br>Check the washing machine fill hose.<br>Hoses can become brittle with age and crack. A quick visual check of the hoses for any leaking is an easy thing to do and could save you from a real mess.<br><br>Vacuum your refrigerator coils.<br>The coils you’ll find on the bottom or back of your refrigerator conduct the hot air from inside the unit. If they’re coated with dust, they do the job less efficiently and cause your refrigerator to work harder. That means higher electric bill for you. Use a vacuum cleaner hose or a brush to clean the coils. Some units have a backer with screws or clips that needs removing to clean thoroughly.<br><br>Replace the batteries in your smoke and CO2 detectors.<br>Once a year, change out the batteries.<br><br>Insider Tip: Use an index card to write down the location of the detectors and the date the batteries were changed. This will help you check-off each detector location and ensure all have working batteries.<br><br>Check for rodents and bats.<br>You would be amazed how many homeowners think they have mice; only to find out they really have bats. Early spring is a good time to have your house inspected to find out if you have mice or bats. There is a season for bat removal, so if you are not early enough, you will be waiting until fall to legally have them removed.<br><br>Consider painting the house and decking.<br>Decks should be cleaned every year and restained/sealed every 2 to 4 years depending on the materials used on the deck. It is cheaper to maintain a deck than to replace a deck. Same goes for painting. Cleaning the exterior of the house every couple of years and touching up as needed, will be less expensive than repainting the entire house, and keeps your home looking good between paint jobs.

We are about half way through the winter months and one problem I see frequently is, problems with the humidification system. <br><br>Because these systems are attached to the furnace, they are out of sight and out of mind. However, when they are not working, the air in the house will become dry and can cause issues with your home, and its contents. Some folks suffer with minor health issues too.<br><br>Look for where the humidifier is attached to the furnace, for the following problems.<br><br>Make sure the system has been turned on! The water supply to the unit usually consists of a copper feed line with a saddle valve. The valve has a handle on the top, which needs to be opened to supply the unit with a constant supply of water.<br>Inside the unit, there is a water panel. This has water passing over it / through it and provides moisture the to furnace, putting warm, moist air into your home. There is on most units, a fan which, when the panels are full of deposits, will function inefficiently, and sometimes not be able to push air through the panel into your furnace at all. At a minimum these panels should be changed out at the beginning of the heating season, (when the furnace is tuned up). Some folks need to change panels again in the middle of the season depending on the amount of deposits on their panels.<br>Water panels full of deposits can cause the unit to leak water out of the humidifier onto/into the furnace. If water comes in contact with the electronics, it is quite possible to fry the circuit board, and / or bearings on the blower or inducer motors. So a quick look from time to time to make sure there is no leaking going on, can save you from costly repairs.<br>A quick way to know if water is getting to the humidifier is to: (While the furnace has been running a couple of minutes), check the plastic drain hose that is attached at the bottom of the humidifier. You should be able to see water draining through it. If no water is going though the drain tube—there is a problem. (Sometimes you can pinch it shut and then see water begin to back up).<br>Drain lines can get fouled and cause water to back up and run out of the unit. These should be free of the gunk build up that so often happens during operation.<br><br>IF the system is operating efficiently, moisture provided by the system will keep the air in your home stable. Woodwork, floors, and furniture will not be drying out causing joints to open up and cracking in your floor joints & woodwork. (Especially important if you have musical instruments in the house, such as a piano, or guitars etc.)<br><br>That said, you don’t want too much moisture in the air either. This will condensate on the glass of your windows and can damage the sashes, or provide an opportunity for mold to develop. So if you see water on the bottoms of your windows, the system is likely set too high. Adjust it accordingly. Most have setting recommendations right on the units, (based on how cold the temp is outside). Newer units do all this automatically.<br><br>One nice easy way to see how much moisture is in the air is to have a humidistat. This can tell you at a glance how things are.<br><br>This is not a comprehensive list of what can go wrong, but of things I often see. You noticing early, can be the difference in a simple maintenance issue, or spending some real money on a costly repair.

Most of us don’t want to think about our furnaces (out of sight out of mind). Today’s furnaces are built with safety and efficiency in mind. However, most often keeping you safe involves shutting down the furnace. That’s great if you happen to be home, not so much if you’re not. Being proactive can save you the minor inconvenience of being cold while it’s being repaired, or spending a small fortune when things freeze in the house because you are not around to catch it, or save you from perishing as carbon monoxide leaks into your home.<br><br>Every heating season you should have a professional come in and do a tune up. Things that often need attention include: replacing furnace filters and cleaning in-line electronic filters. April Aire systems will leak if the water panels are not changed out; (sometimes more than once a season), and condensate tubes have issues too. (These need to be checked to make sure they are draining, and if they feed a condensate pump—the pump needs to be working properly. If the pump fails, it will shut down a modern furnace.)<br><br>Heat exchangers can and do rust out, and can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your heating system. This can kill you! The good news is that most heat exchangers are warranted for 15-25 years. However, if your furnace is more than 15 years old, you should consider replacement of the furnace vs only the heat exchanger. Even though the exchanger itself is covered, the labor to replace it is not; and the balance of the furnace and its parts (i.e. the inducer & blower motors) are expensive to replace, which is why a new unit is worth consideration.<br><br>Note: Reputable companies will be able to show you pictures of a bad exchanger; (they have cameras now that can go inside the furnace)—ask to see them. Most (if any) homeowners are not equipped to know what a heat exchanger is, and are freaked out by the news they have a bad one… Sometimes a camera does not tell the whole story—they also should have a carbon monoxide detector. This will tell the tech that the exchanger is, or has cracks in it, and needs to be replaced. There are homeowners who have been sold furnaces that were not needed, by techs who received commissions based on equipment they installed—that were not needed. (Ask me how I know—from experience!)<br><br>All this to say routine maintenance is less expensive and should catch an issue before it becomes a major problem. Please call Sontag Home Services at (262) 215-9587 for more information on heating and air services for homes in Lake Geneva, Delavan, and nearby Wisconsin Communities.

Most folks will use their chimney sometime over the winter season, and before you do, at least check the following basics for operation… Check the flu to make sure it is operating properly. (I value each of you and would not want anyone to meet their maker prematurely)… Even if it is, if possible please take a strong flashlight and look up the stack and make sure you are not about to roast a critter. It happens more often than you think, a critter (raccoon, squirrel, birds, etc) can make a home near the top of the stack. Any obstruction can cause a dangerous back up of fumes/smoke into your home. <br><br>There is no good way to check a fireplace and escape with clean hands–let alone clothing. Having a chimney service clean and inspect your chimney is a wise thing to do. They will inspect the fire box, damper/flu, and condition of the chimney itself. They will also inspect gas ignition systems and lines for leaks too. Like anything else, fireplaces deteriorate over time and a trained eye looking things over will provide peace of mind before starting that 1st fire for the season.<br><br>Please call Sontag Home Services at (262) 215-9587 for more information on Chimney Cleaning for homes in Lake Geneva, Delavan, and nearby Wisconsin Communities.

Often overlooked, failing to remove hoses from hose bibs in the fall can cause the hose bib to fail. Ice can build up in the hose causing undue pressure on the valves and seals in the hose bib to the point something gives… this often results in pipes bursting. When it does, if the water to the faucet has not been turned off, water will run and cause damage, sometimes major damage… so, how can this be prevented?<br><br>In the fall, remove the hose from the hose bibs and shut off the water to the hose bib. Most homes have a 90 degree throw lever somewhere in the line, while some have the old fashioned handle you have to turn several times to shut off the water. Either way, shut off the water, and then open the hose bib and drain completely. If the plumber knew his stuff, the line to the hose bib has been pitched to run down allowing the water in the line to drain. Simply leave the bib open till spring and be sure to close the bib before turning the water back on.

What are the basic things in people’s houses and yards that require regular maintenance?<br>In the house:<br>To keep a house running at tiptop shape, there are several items that should be maintained on a regular basis. They include furnaces, April Aire systems, hot water heaters, water softeners (check for leaks), sump pumps, A/C units, smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries, and routine critter / pest control.<br><br>Yard:<br>An easy way to think about this one, is that your yard should be kept in such a way that you are only inviting the wildlife you want to see. Too often, skunks and raccoons find entrance into our homes and can wreak major damage if not defended against. To safeguard your house from unwanted raccoons; check any chimney exteriors and soffits to assure there are no entry points for these critters. Keeping skunks at bay requires a check of where the siding meets the house, and securing entrance points under the decking. Trust us, once you have a skunk as a guest, you will not soon forget it!<br><br>Is there something that you’ve seen homeowners regret they didn’t stay on top of?<br>Only one thing comes to mind, not having someone looking after his or her house, once something has happened. Many homeowners realize the cost of fixing the problem was far more than the cost of having a trusted person look after their property. For many clients, this is a quality of life and peace of mind issue, which is why Sontag Home Services has been a trusted partner that looks over and cares for each homeowner’s concerns for nearly 40 years!<br><br>Check out my interview, The Facts About Proper Home Maintenance on Wisconsin Real Estate, one of the top sites for Wisconsin real estate, including Beaver Dam, WI real estate. Wisconsin Real Estate also services Illinois real estate and Michigan homes for sale.

House watch services are designed to provide the homeowners with peace of mind while away from their property. <br>Proper house watching services involve a good understanding of the home’s inner workings (heating, AC, water systems) and the people who work on them. House watching means having great established relationships with trades people, appliance repair, irrigation, and police and fire protection to name a few. Because of these relationships, when a need does present itself, it is dealt with in a swift and professional manner. Knowing and having worked with other businesses for years assures that when a house watch client needs a service, their needs will be met quickly and competitively by a trusted, vetted, and experienced service provider.<br><br>There are many house watching services and businesses available to select from. We recommend choosing one that has years of experience, a great reputation for value, and has a strong dedication to professional service. The house watch company should also be able to meet the wide range of needs that can arise from a homeowner owning multiple properties.<br><br>House watch services are generally more available in affluent areas, with clients who are concerned with the quality of their lives. Selecting a company that has years of experience can contribute to this peace of mind.<br><br>It’s not just about the house though. It may be picking up someone from the train station or airport. Another example would include being able to provide a key on a moments notice to a client who has driven up from the city and forgot theirs, or perhaps locked themselves out while going for a walk. Nothing is more frustrating than having a pier full of people and the boat won’t start. Would you expect that you could have a person show up on Sunday afternoon or on a holiday weekend, and within 20 minutes jump start the boat and saving the day? A well run house check service will get it done.<br><br>Neighbors and friends are great resources to check on a home from time to time, but will lack the wisdom and resources to respond to an alarm call at 3:45 am, or know what to tell the alarm company when asked if police or fire should be dispatched.<br><br>All this said, your house check service should be on duty 24/7. Be part of the community—where most people know the name, company, and have positive references. Yes, it is a business, but at its core, a good house check company will have a heart for serving people. <br><br>Are you interested in having Sontag Home Services watch your house in the Geneva Lake or Delavan Lake area while you are away? Contact us today to learn more!

House sitting services do provide peace of mind and add to quality of life when properly handled by a trusted and experienced company. <br><br>An ideal company would be in the business of house sitting for decades, with testimonials from real satisfied clients of ten years or more… with a proven track record of trust and performance.<br><br>What is house sitting?<br>House sitting involves understanding the value of the homeowner coming back to their home and finding it properly maintained inside and out. While away, the homeowner is assured their house is checked on a regular basis and that all of their mechanicals are working properly. Alarms, smoke/fire, sump/water, and buglar are just a few areas that are checked to ensure they are well maintained and working correctly. Batteries (in all related systems) are also checked and replaced if needed in a timely fashion.<br><br>Why use a house sitting company?<br>An experienced house sitting company would know the difference between an annoying mishap and potential devastating occurrence, and would possess the wisdom and experience to handle each. One huge benefit is that such companies, like Sontag Home Services, would have a pool of trusted (and vetted) trades people on hand to respond to emergencies or other issues 24/7 for clients.<br><br>There is a fine line between checking a client’s home and checking through a client’s home… knowing the difference is key. Being alert to subtle changes in temperature, sounds, and appearances can limit damage due to failure of something in the house. It also allows for manageable repairs and/or limits potentially catastrophic damage in the event of a major component failure (water, heat, gas or electric).<br><br>What about alarms?<br>One reason house sitting services should be available on a local basis is their ability to respond quickly (24 hour 7 day a week) to alarms. This accessibility allows them to meet police and fire protection with quick access and knowledge of the property.<br><br>All this to say, house checking is not something you want to have a neighbor or friend do. (Not if you want to have ongoing great relationships). There is not the same kind of vesting in your home or property that needs to be present. Our professional recommendation is to select a company who’s respected, competitive, honest, and who looks after your house as if it were their own.<br><br>Are you interested in having Sontag Home Services watch your house in the Geneva Lake or Delavan Lake area while you are away? Contact us today to learn more!

In a recent interview with WisconsinRealEstate.com, we were asked a few questions regarding proper home maintenance. This is the second post in a series relating to the article.<br><br>Can you describe two or three of the most common areas that homeowners don’t regularly maintain but they should?<br>One maintenance item that homeowners neglect include toilet flappers. After years of faithfully stopping the water from running on in toilets, these flappers can get dirty or become warped. This causes them to improperly seal the tank and allows water to run down the drain. Internal parts on the toilet can hang up and not shut water off, which pours precious water down the drain. Did you know that you could lose 600 to 700 gallons in a single day when this is not maintained?<br><br>Sump pumps are another item that should be checked every year. A stuck float can find your basement flooded in no time, if not operating correctly. Battery back up systems also require the battery water level to be checked from time to time. The constant trickle charge they operate on, often times causes the batteries to lose their fluids, thus failing when you need them the most!<br><br>Chimney flue (mechanism at the base of a chimney that lets the smoke out and keeps the heat in) is another item that when left open or ajar, heat escapes and allows critters easy access in. These should be checked often because, if blocked, or the flue does not open or close properly, carbon monoxide may pour into the house, killing those you love most.<br><br>Check out my interview, The Facts About Proper Home Maintenance on Wisconsin Real Estate, one of the top sites for Wisconsin real estate, including Beaver Dam, WI real estate. Wisconsin Real Estate also services Illinois real estate and Michigan homes for sale.

In a recent interview with WisconsinRealEstate.com, we were asked a few questions regarding proper home maintenance. This is the first post in a series relating to the article.<br><br>What are some of the dangers or consequences of not properly maintaining your home?<br>Maintaining a home is a huge area that homeowners should care about. Not only does it keep the property up and running, but the failure to maintain certain items can result in substantial burdens to a pocket book. One of those items is heating equipment. Due to the way modern heating equipment is manufactured, a furnace may shut down due to a partially blocked drain, or something clogging a vent. (Snow, mice, and birds are all culprits to clogging vent stacks.) When a furnace quits running during winter months and it is not caught right away, there is the potential for major damage resulting from pipes breaking.<br><br>One of the biggest, and most expensive, problems we run into by far, are water related issues. As previously mentioned, broken pipes and improperly maintained sump pumps cause major damage. During the winter, ice dams can form which can cause water to back up under a roof, thus damaging interior ceilings and walls. Any one of these items not caught in a timely fashion can cause tens of thousands in damage to the property and possessions.<br><br>Rodents also love an empty house and will often times chew their way into furniture, and leave their presence known, by the many gifts they leave behind in kitchen cabinets and places where they have nested.<br>Abandoned homes and properties in the winter are also a huge target for break-ins. When mail and newspapers are not collected, tire tracks are not visible in the driveway, and snow has not been removed for a while, are all signs that let the bad guys know you and your property are an easy target!<br><br>Check out my interview, The Facts About Proper Home Maintenance on Wisconsin Real Estate, one of the top sites for Wisconsin real estate, including Beaver Dam, WI real estate. Wisconsin Real Estate also services Illinois real estate and Michigan homes for sale.

Here is just one of the casualties of this winter’s cold, ice and snow. Jeff (many of the clients have met him) was helping me with house checks when an ice covered driveway took him through the woods—and not to grandma’s house. Even with a plowed driveway and four-wheel drive equipped vehicles, we still have issues, but we do not let these stop us from checking our clients homes!

Having subzero weather is not all bad… Here are some ice boaters who found Lake Geneva’s 26” of ice delightful! What is not caught in the picture is the grilling and tailgating going on just down the way!

Water damage can get serious. This ceiling had to be opened, wet insulation removed from attic and replaced not only the insulation, but also a large portion of the ceiling. Did I mention we handle all aspects of water damage and repair? P.S. the can light in this picture was not rated to be covered with insulation blown into the attic. Catching this during repairs could have saved this homeowner from a fire in his attic…<br><br>You can have a new roof and still have issues… Here the snow has piled up high in a valley on the roof. During the melting, water began to back up under the singles eventually making its way into the attic and causing problems on the interior ceiling.<br><br>Poorly installed or maintained roofs can leak, allowing moisture laden insulation to mildew. If roof issues are not corrected quickly and properly, mildew will soon become an issue. Now this will have to be opened up to have insulation replaced and new drywall installed.

Frost got into the ground far enough to affect water mains, causing them to freeze and break in several areas. In Williams Bay, Wisconsin where I live, twenty-seven families were without water for five weeks due to a frozen water main. (They were all on city sewer and water).<br><br>Pictured below is repair underway, this one in Fontana, Wisconsin.

If you are in the Lake Geneva area you will see a lot of this… Due to the extreme cold and the length of it, the evergreens are now not so green. I have talked with one of our landscapers about this and he said that these would recover and produce new needles.

Unfortunately, animals and other small critters don’t like the cold either. This often leads to unwanted entries into client’s homes. If a raccoon gets into a residence (they are creative and persistent), damage can be devastating to the interior of the home. Removing such animals is one of the beneficial services that we provide to our clients. This past year, 11 raccoons, 1 skunk, and 1 opossum were removed from trying to gain entrance to this absentee client’s home.

Remember what this winter looked like? We had close to 6 feet of snow this year. There were several homes where we had to remove vast amounts of snow from the roofs prior to warmer weather. This helped eliminate the potential for water damage caused by ice dams.<br><br>Ice dams and broken pipes were just some of the issues we faced this past winter. Snow was excessive, cold temps below zero as well (many days back-to-back). All this created conditions where snow on roofs melted, and ran back under the shingles. Once under the shingles, water goes into to the attic, soaks the insulation, and causes damage to interior ceilings, some minor and some more serious.<br><br>The picture below is a view of a client’s roof through the upstairs window shot from my iPhone.

Making sure your fireplace chimney has a functioning cap and screen to keep out the critters is very important. An inspection of your chimney is inexpensive and could save you multiple headaches. Bats, birds, squirrels and raccoons have all made their way down unsecured chimneys and into homes. What a mess they can make as they try and chew their way out, or you find them hiding when you least expect it… Ounce of prevention = a pound of cure! (Mom always said, and you know mom was always right!)

Gutter and downspout cleaning will help keep this from happening. Ice dams form when water accumulates in the gutters and freezes. Additions snow comes along and we have a freeze thaw cycle but not enough thaw to allow the gutters to carry melting snow away. Melting snow begins then to back up underneath the roof shingles. If we have enough snow, this water can back up far enough to get into the house and cause extensive water damage to the interior. (In some particularly bad cases heat tape can be installed on the roof, in gutters, and down spouts to keep ice melted, and water moving). All this to say a little preventive maintenance goes a long way.

Fall is fast approaching and the winter season right behind. Before freezing temps begin, some care should be taken before winter sets in. Remove all of the garden hoses from their hose bibs outside, and drain the hoses before putting them away. If possible shut off the water to the exterior lines and drain. Failure to do so could result in damage to your hose bibs/faucets. This could possibly allow ice to form in the pipes connected to it and split. Needless to say a split pipe and water pressure make a bad combination.

Providing home services to our lakeshore clients goes far beyond traditional house check-ups. Here are a few unique services that we can provide:<br><br>Metal Designs<br>Those finishing touches are just the items we are concerned about in an effort to make your home feel polished. Metal design services include architectural features, railings, furniture & accessories, fireplace screens & tools, and much more!<br><br>Artwork<br>The correct piece of artwork can make up the entire character and feeling of your house. We can assist in finding that perfect statement piece that will add that special touch to your home.<br><br>Garden & Landscape Design<br>Your property is the first thing that visitors notice, no matter the size of the property or the scale of the project. We will help to fulfill your landscaping dreams and make sure that the grounds receive just as much attention as the interior of your house. Garden and landscaping services include site analysis, concept plans, drawings, plant selections, garden art and more!

1. Add Life to Your Front Door<br>One of the quickest ways to add a sense of style that creates a grand entrance is to paint the door a bright bold color. Colors that can add vibrancy to your door include, reds, deep purples, charcoal grays, and sunflower yellow. To make more of an impact, select matching flower pots and flowers that match the door, and place them nearby to create a sense of color unity. Not fond of painting? Install a custom wood door that adds character to your house!<br><br>2. Fill in the Cracks<br>How does your driveway look? Are there numerous cracks with weeds coming out of them? If so, fill in any cracks and get a hold of Round-Up. If your budget allows, consider resurfacing your driveway, or removing it altogether and adding cobblestone. Little things like these can make a huge difference!<br><br>3. Replace Outdated Hardware<br>A very quick and cheap fix is to replace your house numbers, door knobs, locks, light fixtures and mailbox slot. Styles and trends change and chances are those rusty and dingy hardware fixtures are bringing down the appearance of your house. When purchasing new hardware, look for items that match and avoid mix & match pieces. If you are on a budget or you don’t want to part with your hardware, a can of metallic or metal appearing spray paint can help you transform your hardware.<br><br>4. Add Welcoming Elements<br>The walkway to your front door is such a vital welcoming element that often gets over looked. Add character by installing a brick or stone walkway or keep it simple by adding brick elements along the edge of your concrete walkway. Other ideas on how to add welcoming elements include; installing outdoor lighting, window boxes, and shutters.<br><br>5. Renew Your Garden<br>We’ve all seen it… the garden that has taken on a life of its own. Don’t let this happen to you. Trim back any unwanted vegetation and make sure that your plants are pruned and trimmed. Also consider adding plants that at maturity are at varying heights which allows for added interest. However, be aware of plants that spread quickly. Another way to add character to your garden is by adding garden art, a fountain or a small Koi pond.<br><br> <br><br>Do you need help implementing any of these ideas? Contact us today to find out how we can assist you in updating and adding curb appeal to your home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and surrounding areas.