Cell phone companies, apartment complexes and even banks are rewarding customer loyalty with extensive refer a friend campaigns. They offer cash back, huge discounts and apartments are offering free rent for one month out of the year.

Recently, I referred my sister to a bank, and after three months of her being there, they rewarded me with a sweet deposit of $100. Granted, she had to have a minimum balance over that time, but I made sure to monitor the situation to guarantee my "bonus".

Referral programs come in many shapes and sizes. We've all witnessed the group coupon craze. It's incredible the lengths people will go to get half off Thai cuisine that all locals know to be suspect. A smart man once told me, what they give away for free, you ought not want. Hugely discounted foreign cuisine that setup shop in a former dentist office, no thanks. Looking for something more substantial?

Here at Brennan Enterprises, we want to provide our customers with incentives to still discuss our company after the work is complete. According to Hubspot, 21% of consumers used a search engine to conduct product or service research everyday, we Google search more than 88,000,000,000 times a month, and thanks to Hubspot, we also know internet users are spending three times more minutes on blogs and social networks than on email. Yes, your boss knows you're on facebook, and careersearch... (Don't search for a career while you're on the job).

At the end of the day, Brennan Enterprises wants to be part of the conversation. We have served over 55,000 customers in the metroplex, and chances are, a neighbor, a friend or a family member is a Brennan customer.

For all those who have ears to hear, let them know Brennan Enterprises installed your new Andersen 400 Series casement windows, your eight foot custom Honduran entry door by Borano and built your custom outdoor living area on time, and with extraordinary customer service throughout the buying process.

Brennan Enterprises offers competitive referral programs. If you are a previous customer, send your friends and family our way for a referral coupon valued at $150. If you are just starting your search for exterior home remodeling products such as vinyl siding, replacement windows, custom outdoor living areas, entry doors or fencing, contact us today for a free estimate and a chance to earn your business!

One of the things homeowners enjoy about owning an historic home is the character and attention to detail that is typically evident in its construction. Appreciating period architecture is easy; attempting to preserve its beauty can often be the challenge. If you need help to maintain an historical home, you’ll want to start with these suggestions:

• Consult a professional. If your home is covered under the local historic review board or society, you’ll want to make sure you know what their guidelines and restrictions are and how to negotiate when their standards feel unrealistic or are cost-prohibitive. An architect or home remodeler with experience in historical renovations can help guide you through that process. When hiring an expert, make sure they come with the right credentials, and always ask for references.

• Research. In addition to understanding your review board’s standards, you will want to understand the task at hand through additional research. Go to your local historical society, museum, or library and review archived permit documents, photographs, and historical plans. Find online forums with other historic homeowners and trade advice and insights into each other’s projects.

• Paint. Even without review board requirements, you will want to stay within traditional paint color schemes based on the period of your home. A professional can help analyze your current paint to recreate an accurate color. Most national brands have historical color paint lines as well. Your historical commission may also know someone with exterior paint expertise with whom you can consult.

• Windows. Old homes are known for drafty windows and so it is common for owners to want to upgrade to insulated, more environmentally friendly, windows. This can be done, as long as your new windows mimic the age and design of the home. Another option is to have the windows repaired and add storm windows. Again, when it comes to historical restoration you’ll want to invest in someone who really has the knowledge and expertise to do the job right.

Owning an historic home is a different type of investment. While being budget conscious is a smart plan, in this instance, you'll want to focus on the heritage and accuracy of renovating your house so that the beauty remains intact for years to come.

Are you tired of having an outdated kitchen, old flooring and faucets that drip relentlessly no matter what you do? Does your bathroom still look like it did when you moved in more than 15 years ago?  Or maybe you’ve decided to move out altogether and start fresh, but are finding that your dated home is making the process of selling even more difficult? 

Maybe it’s time you consider some other options and use October to celebrate National Kitchen and Bath Month with a new remodel!

A bath or kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to increase value of a home and provide the greatest return on an investment.  When contemplating a remodeling project there are two things to consider – budget and purpose.  How much do you want to spend and why do you want to remodel?  The answers will help guide you through the rest of the process.

If your intent is to make your home more marketable, visit homes that are at your price point in your area and check out their kitchens and bathrooms.  How does yours compare?  Do you simply need new countertops and sink fixtures, or is the entire room a turn-off to prospective buyers?  You will want to talk to a realtor to determine how much you need to invest to get a return, while still keeping your asking price affordable. 

If you plan to stay in your home, think about what frustrates you most as you go about your routine and take notes.  Make dinner and jot down what changes would make it easier and more efficient.  Different layout?  An island?  Cabinets reconfigured?  If it’s the bath that needs updating, would you change out the shower to a bath or create two separate spaces?  Maybe it feels overcrowded and simply replacing the vanity with a smaller one is all that you need. 

Truly, your options for remodeling your bathroom or kitchen are endless.  Just make sure you plan and budget ahead and consult an expert to ensure the job is done to your satisfaction.

There's no better time than May's National Home Improvement Month to start planning your next home-remodeling project. Upgrading an outdoor living space or building an addition are a few examples that are manageable with a little advanced preparation and vision. To make the process less daunting, try these steps:

Know why you’re remodeling. Are you selling? Addressing changing family needs or just upgrading? Your reasons for remodeling can impact your decisions—for example, if you’re selling, your choices may be more about buyer appeal than personal taste. On the other hand, if you’re building your dream kitchen, you may not want to compromise on certain features. Evaluate your project in light of your property value and return on investment and look for options that meet your overall needs.

Make a wish list/scrapbook. Use the Internet to peruse articles, look at decorating magazines, and visit showrooms. Get brochures, color samples, and fabric swatches, and cut out or print pictures that show features or details of work that you like. Take pictures of other homes, and keep a scrapbook of ideas. These ideas can help your home-improvement specialist achieve the look you want.

Know your budget. A realistic budget can help you prioritize options. In your window upgrade, is it important that the warranty is transferable, do you really need that triple pane vs. the double pane or fiberglass vs. vinyl? If you want a contemporary, industrial look in your kitchen, can you compromise elsewhere so that you can afford concrete or stainless-steel countertops?

Remember that “form follows function.” Look at your existing space critically. Evaluate how you use it. Assess high-traffic areas, kitchen work triangles, and overall flow. Define what already works and what doesn’t. Get input from all family members, even children. The “look” of your new space should be secondary to layout and function. You can work on achieving that “magazine” look after you have the basics.

Research products. Research your options for features like wood or vinyl or fiberglass or aluminum window frame material. The most popular is vinyl but there are other choices that might be better for your application. Manufacturers’ Websites are a great place to start, and we have an 800 number for product questions. Evaluate the pros and cons for each product type to determine which options suit your budget, lifestyle, and taste the best. Hardie siding is very popular but brittle, so it’s not a good fit in a hail storm high risk area. Consider something more durable, like vinyl. Some vinyl siding carries a lifetime warranty against hail.

Some up-front planning and research can make your remodeling project go a lot smoother and help ensure that you’re satisfied with the end results. Above all else – remember to have fun!