FALL MAINTENANCE TIPS

Fall is officially here!! Now is the time to get outside and provide some important maintenance to your property.

As the weather grows colder,  and the days get shorter here in Marin and Sonoma county, it’s important to start preparing for the fall and winter months ahead by completing your outdoor home maintenance chores.  

 

I have listed some fall preventative home maintenance tips that every homeowner should follow:

• Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year to rid them of clogs from damp, heavy, fallen leaves. Gutters that are not properly cleaned are havens for insect infestations. Clogged gutters can also lead to much more costly repairs due to water damage and wood rot.     

 

• Windows and doors can cost you lots of money on your heating bills. You don't have to replace your windows and doors, but just by simply replacing seals and caulking around them can help improve on your energy costs. 

 

•   If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, you want to make sure that they have been thoroughly cleaned and inspected before use. This should also be done annually before you start burning wood. Make sure that the chimney is also free from excessive creosote, which could lead to chimney fires.

 

 

• Before the cold weather sets in for the winter, it's important to be sure to inspect all of your duct work and your heating system. Be sure to also open up the vents and vacuum out any debris. Change your filters before firing up your furnace for the first time this year. 

 

• Be sure to check your roof for any leaks or missing tiles. You will want to replace the problem tiles and/or shingles that need to be replaced, and patch any holes to help prevent further damage from the wet winter weather. 

 

• It is also important to make sure all wood decks, fences and outbuildings have been properly stained and sealed for the upcoming wet weather.

•   Install a ceiling fan or two.  Not only can it help reduce air conditioning costs in the summer months, it also helps to circulate warm air in the fall and winter months as well.  In addition to saving on utility bills, installing a ceiling fan also adds decorative appeal to any room and can also serve as additional lighting.

n addition to saving on utility costs, installing a ceiling fan also adds decorative appeal to any room.  Ceiling fans can enhance your room's current aesthetics and can also serve as additional lighting.  - See more at: http://www.mrhandyman.com/handyman-services/electrical/ceiling-fans.aspx#sthash.JR9eN3vU.dpuf

reduce air conditioning costs in the summer and circulate warm air in the winter - See more at: http://www.mrhandyman.com/handyman-services/electrical/ceiling-fans.aspx#sthash.JR9eN3vU.dpuf

reduce air conditioning costs in the summer and circulate warm air in the winter - See more at: http://www.mrhandyman.com/handyman-services/electrical/ceiling-fans.aspx#sthash.JR9eN3vU.dpuf

reduce air conditioning costs in the summer and circulate warm air in the winter - See more at: http://www.mrhandyman.com/handyman-services/electrical/ceiling-fans.aspx#sthash.JR9eN3vU.dpuf

 

 

 

• Finally, fall is also a good time of the year to do any interior painting. Give your walls a fresh new look.  If you have dull, dark rooms in your home, this is the time to brighten them up with a fresh new coat of paint. 

Performing these home maintenance tips in preparation of the coming fall and winter months  is a great way to save yourself money as well as any potential winter setbacks.  Many of these items are great for DIY'ers and for the one's your not comfortable doing yourself, be sure to hire a professional handyman.
 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING A HANDYMAN

     
Not all homeowners are good at fixing things around the house. Some work all day and don't want to deal with doing repairs and maintenance tasks in the evening or on weekends.  The best solution for this problem is the hiring of a  local handyman or home improvement specialist.

      Here are a few things to consider when you finally make the decision to hire someone to help you around the house.

       DEFINE THE PROJECT:  Compile a list of repairs that you’re looking to have completed.   Walk through your home and write down some of the things you would like crossed off your “honey-do” list….i.e., dripping faucets, painting, dry wall repairs, ceiling fans, trim installation, etc...

Decide if you will be able to afford all the repairs at once or if you want them done in phases. If you want them in phases, prioritize what you want done first. 

      MAKE A LIST OF POTENTIAL HANDYMEN:  One of the best ways to find a handyman is to receive a trusted referral from a friend, relative or business associate.  A referral from someone you trust is always the best.  

       ASK QUESTIONS:   Three very important questions that must be asked are: 

A.   References – ask for at least three references and check them out.  Remember, you are inviting this person into your home…find out as much information as you can.

B.   Experience – ask direct questions about the handyman’s experience and ability when performing the tasks that are on your list.

C.   Insurance – Make sure the person you hire has General Liability Insurance.  If someone working on your property should become injured, unless they have their own liability insurance you will be fully liable. Reputable handymen carry insurance for this purpose.  It’s OK to ask for a copy of their insurance policy.

PRICING, FREE ESTIMATES, MINIMUM CHARGES:  Some things to consider when hiring a handyman are:) hourly rates…remember that the lowest price is not always the best.  b) Do they have a minimum charge? c) Do they offer free estimates? d) Do they up charge for materials? 

 Remember A good handyman is:

• Reliable - They show up when they say they will.
• Safe - They pay attention to the details of the project from the very beginning, asking questions and examining all of the aspects of your project, no matter the size.
• Skilled – They know what they are doing and can prove it by example as well as their references.
• Equipped – They will have quality tools and a solid vehicle.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and research your local professional handyman.   Remember, there is nothing wrong with playing it safe!

If you find that you are in need of a handyman.....I would love to help out.  Check out my testimonial page on my website.  You won't be disappointed!!!

Updating a Room

Does your home feel plain or dull?  Do you feel that your home needs to be updated, but you don’t have a ton of money to remodel?  Have you ever considered adding molding or trim to your home?  This touch can dramatically impact the overall feel of any room – it can instantly bring a room from casual to classy. Besides enhancing the overall look of just about any room in your house, another benefit of adding molding and trim is the long term protection to the wall from damage, wood expansion, and drafts, along with concealing the connecting parts of the walls, doorways and windows.

There are many different styles to choose from.  Some of these include crown molding, casing, window and door trim, baseboard trim as well as wainscoting.  You can choose a traditional look as well as contemporary. 

Painting your trim and molding to contrast with the wall color can really make a room stand out.  I like having a lighter trim and lighter ceiling along with a darker color for the walls to really open up a room and make it look fresh.  If you are interested in learning more or getting a free estimate, please give me a call or email me.