The Benefits of Power Washing

Before/After of Deck in San Anselmo, CA

Your home is most likely the largest investment you will make; so why not take the time and effort to take care of it? Power (aka pressure) washing not only will increase the curb appeal of your home and/or business exteriors, but can also help to increase the value of your investment.

Due to the damaging effects of weather, it is also critical to have your fences, decks/patios and walkways pressure washed and stained and/or sealed on a regular basis as not only will they turn an ugly shade of gray, they also will deteriorate due to algae/moss, dirt and mold.  This damage can be irreversible if not maintained on a regular basis.  

Before Pressure Washing

By having these services done, whether you do-it-yourself, or hire a professional, it can help eliminate the risk of future repairs, renovation and replacements of the building materials that make up your home, fence and decks.  The end result being an affordable way to keep a well maintained outer surface that will be free from harmful dirt, mold, mildew, algae/moss and grease, which will restore and extend life and keep your largest investment looking its best!

After Pressure Washing (Before Stain)

If you are interested in learning more about having your home, property or business power washed, please give me a callsteveshandymanservice.org or email me and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.  I look forward to hearing from you.  ~Steve

ENERGY FUN FACTS

Here are some Energy Fun Facts I came across.....GREAT reminders to help save energy and money!!

• Did you know that your home's largest energy users are its heating and cooling systems? Typically, about half of your energy bill goes for heating and cooling.

• Set the thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. For each degree you can set the thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter, you will save about 2-3% on heating/cooling costs.

• Shut the door and close off vents in unused rooms and save up to 2-3% on heating/cooling costs.

• All the appliances you plug in account for about a third of your home's energy use, with refrigerators and clothes dryers at the top of the list.

• ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators require about half as much energy as models manufactured before 1990.

• Increasing your lighting efficiency is one of the fastest ways to decrease your energy bills. Compact fluorescent lamps use about two-thirds less electricity. Install them in lights that you leave on for more than two hours a day.

• Keep the clothes dryer lint filter clean, and wash and dry full loads only.

• Water heating is the second largest individual energy user in your home. It typically accounts for about 15 percent of your utility bill.

• Lower water heater temperature from 140 to 120 degrees and save up to 10% on water heating costs.

• Insulate your water heater tank if it feels warm, as well as the hot water piping leaving the tank and save up to 5% on water heating costs.

HOME UPGRADES ON A BUDGET

Are you thinking about spiffing up your home but afraid it’s going to cost you a fortune?  Well, take a look at some inexpensive ways to add value to your home without breaking the bank.

Let’s start in the kitchen as this is still considered the heart of the home:

•  Replace your kitchen faucet set
•  Add new hardware to your cabinets
•   Change out old lighting fixtures and add some new brighter, more energy-efficient ones.
•  Another great idea is if the appliances in your kitchen don’t match, for example your refrigerator is white but your dishwasher is black, many dishwashers’ panels are reversible and are white on one side and black on the other.  It can be as simple as removing a couple of screws and flipping the panel over.  If not, you can always order new panels from the manufacturer.  This is much cheaper than buying all new appliances.

Next, let’s work on the bathroom:  

•  Replace your old vanity with a new one or add a pedestal sink.  These are relatively inexpensive and are pretty easy for a homeowner to install.
• Like the kitchen, new fixtures really make your bathroom feel new and clean.  Add a new towel bar, faucet, light fixtures and even some new towels, soap dishes, etc.
•  Install new flooring using vinyl planking…easy to install and inexpensive as well.  In most cases, this can be applied directly over the existing floor.
•   Re-grout your tub/shower to help brighten it up.
• Re-paint and maybe even add some wainscot to the walls.  I did this in our guest bathroom and my wife loves the way it looks.
•  Install a pullout mirror

                                               Closets/storage areas and laundry center: 

• Add some do-it-yourself closet organizing systems to your bedroom closets, kitchen pantry, laundry center and entryway closets to create a more functional and updated storage area.

Trim and Paint:

• Paint a room with an updated color; add some new trim and even a chair rail and crown molding to really improve the look and feel of your home.

 Let there be light:

• How about a new chandelier for your dining room?
• Ceiling fan with light kit for your bedroom or family room.  If you already have one of these, but are looking for an updated version, try purchasing replacement blades to update the fixtures look.
• Don’t forget about the electrical outlets…Just add new cover plates if you want a new, cleaner look.
•  Replace your old lamp shades with new ones.

Improve the Curb Appeal of your home with these ideas:

•  New door handle and lock set to your front door
•  Consider painting an older front door and the trim around it
•   Add a decorative door knocker and/or doorbell
•   A new doormat
•   A new front porch light
•  Add a large flowering plant or two near the front door
•   A new mailbox

Popcorn (Acoustic) Ceiling Removal

Have you ever thought about getting rid of your out of date popcorn ceiling?  Removing an acoustic (popcorn) ceiling is a relatively simple process, but not necessarily a pleasant one.  Once completed though, you will not only have a home that is more up-to-date, but one that will have a higher re-sale value!

Here are a few reasons why I recommend removing your popcorn (acoustic) ceiling in your home.

Appearance – In my opinion, one of the biggest reasons to get rid of your old popcorn ceiling is appearance.  I personally do not like the look of a ‘cottage cheese’ ceiling; in fact, this style often brings down the value of your home and often makes the house look old fashioned..  Popcorn ceilings were the 'in' thing back in the 1950's - 1970's because of their sound absorption as well as the ability to hide imperfections and shoddy workmanship.  Things started to change in the 80's and most homes from that point on were built without popcorn ceilings, but with a smooth texture instead.

Allergies - Over the course of time acoustic ceilings collect dust and dirt and with no way to really clean it.  If you paint over it, you’re only trapping in the grime, which eventually can ruin the ceiling.    If you suffer from allergies and have a popcorn ceiling, removing the popcorn and replacing it with a smooth, cleanable surface can help reduce your allergies significantly.  Things that you are allergic too, such as dust mites, tend to get stuck in the porous areas of the ceiling.

Aroma – Popcorn ceilings absorb not only sound, but smells as well.  They tend to be a problem in the kitchen area due to the strong odors from cooking.  Another problem I have noticed all too often, is if you smoke indoors, not only does the smell gets trapped in your ceiling; it also turns an ugly shade of yellow that is impossible to remove.

Asbestos – If your home was built pre 1978, there is a fair chance that your ceiling contains asbestos.  If you are thinking of having it removed and your home is built before 1980, it is best to have an asbestos test done.  If asbestos is found it will need to be removed by a licensed abatement company. 

If you decide to tackle this project yourself, here are some basic steps to follow after you have confirmed that there is no asbestos present:

• Clear the room of all contents, including any hanging fixtures. Turn off electricity if you have any exposed wires to avoid electrical shock.
•  Protect walls and floors with a lightweight plastic dropcloth.
• Soften the acoustic material by spraying lightly with water; a pump garden sprayer works well.
• Scrape the popcorn off with a wide-blade taping knife.
• Let the drywall dry overnight. The next day, repair any imperfections with drywall joint compound then sand using a sandpole.
• Apply texture to match the wall finish.
• The final steps are to seal with a drywall primer and then paint.

If this sounds like something you just aren't up to tackling yourself, I would love to help out.  Give me a call or email me for a Free Estimate!

CALIFORNIA REQUIREMENTS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

In case you were not aware, as of January 1, 2013, if you live in multi-housing you need to be aware of the new state law requiring the installation of a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm.  Single family homes and multi family homes, not exceeding 4 units were subject to this law effective July 1, 2011. This California law requires the installation of a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm or a combined CO/Smoke detector.  

Carbon Monoxide (CO), also known as the “Silent Killer”, is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States, with over 500 per year and sends another 20,000 annually to emergency rooms nationwide.  Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas produced whenever any fuel is burned.  It can enter the home from sources such as a gas or wood-stove, fireplace, household appliances, vehicles and other devices that burn fuel.

According to the law, detectors must be installed in all dwelling units that contain fossil fuel burning heaters and appliances, as well as a fireplace.  It also applies to dwellings that have an attached garage.  The definition of fossil fuel is “Fuel derived from prehistoric organisms: any carbon-containing fuel derived from the decomposed remains of prehistoric plants and animals, e.g., coal, peat, petroleum natural gas, gasoline and firewood.”

Effective Dates for CO Alarm Installation:

July 1, 2011 - all existing single-family dwelling units intended for human occupancy.

January 1, 2013 - all other existing dwelling units intended for human occupancy, e.g. condominiums, apartments and hotels.

Approved CO Alarms:

New Construction must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected.

Existing homes may be battery operated, plug-in with battery backup or hardwired with battery backup.

Installation Location:

Carbon Monoxide alarms must be installed outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s), and on every level of home, including basements.

Fines:

According to California law, if you do not comply with the new law, you may face a maximum $200.00 fine.  However, residents will receive a 30-day notice to correct, before fine will be imposed.

For further information, please click here.

If you are interested in getting Carbon Monoxide alarms installed in your home, apartment or condo, please give Steve’s Handyman Service a call.