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

NEW YEARS HOME MAINTENANCE/REPAIR CHECKLIST

Has the New Year heightened your desire to start making improvements around your home wherever possible?

Someone once said that “little things after a while get to be bigger things, so now is a time to start a Home Maintenance Checklist”.  Once you have your list together, it enables you, the homeowner, to plan out repair, maintenance and improvements for the coming year.

Here are some basic repairs/improvements to include on your home maintenance and improvement checklist:

1    Change out your light bulbs for some energy-saving light bulbs.  They really aren’t that much more expensive and they will save you on your energy bill.

Energy Saving Light Bulbs

2      Do something about your clutter…I admit, I am guilty here.  We tend to have a lot of clutter around the house and garage.  Start going through your stuff, throw out what you don’t need and maybe have a garage storage system installed, pull-down attic stairs, or another type of storage unit installed in your house/garage to organize what you plan on keeping. 

3     Get your gutters cleaned and have some gutter shields installed so there won’t be so much buildup the next time around.

4    Seal windows, doors and cracks with caulking.  Weatherstripping is inexpensive and easy to use and a way to help keep the cool air outside and the warm air inside and yet another way to help you save on your energy bill.

5    Updating a room at a time…whether you decide to apply a fresh coat of paint or some simple trim around the window, this is a cost-effective way to spruce up your home…one room at a time.

Dirty and clean filter

6    Change your filters – these should be cleaned or replaced every three months.  If your filter is dirty, not only are you breathing in the dust and other particles that can’t come through the filter, but it is making your furnace run harder which makes it less energy efficient.

 7   Check the batteries in your smoke and CO detectors.  I like to do this at the begi
nning of every year as it’s an easy way to remember when the last time it was done. 

 8    Popcorn Ceilings are stale…not much more dates a house than having a popcorn ceiling.  Removing popcorn from your ceiling not only updates your home but adds value as well.

Before and After Popcorn Removal

 9   Check all your faucets and toilets for leaks and replace as necessary.

10  With all the damp weather we are having, have you noticed some green buildup on your sidewalk, decks, siding?  Having your decks and other areas of your home power washed will not only remove all the grime and dirt, but will make these areas of your home look newer.

So, what is at the top of your home improvement/maintenance checklist?  If you need some help crossing some of these items off, give Steve’s Handyman Service a call.  I would love to help out…and remember, No Job is Too Small!!!

Happy New Year!!