Follow these handy tips to keep your home is up-to-date with repairs and maintenance during the month of May.

1.  Inspect and Tighten Screws and Nails on Decks and Patios.

Wood changes from season to season, warping and contracting with the changes in weather and temperature. Boards have a tendency to loosen if they aren’t maintained, which can cause accidents if they aren’t taken care of. To keep your deck or patio in top shape, tighten screws and hammer in protruding nails carefully to ensure that you don’t cause the boards to crack by over tightening.

2.  Clean and Seal Decks and Railings.

Decks and railings should be cleaned and sealed every year to extend their life. Usually it’s the top horizontal parts of the railing that need the most attention. It is also important to keep in mind that whatever product you start using should be used continually year over year to prevent any incompatibility issues.

3.  Inspect Concrete for Cracks.

Cracks, chips and shifting can occur in concrete. Make sure that you thoroughly inspect for all of these things. For cracks, you can grind with an angle grinder to a minimum of 1/8” and fill with a DOT spec “Bridge Grade Self-Leveling Caulk”. Only fill halfway, since it will expand as it dries. This will take care of filling cracks.

For any separation between the concrete and a wall over ½”, add a backer rod (a foam, flexible rod) to fill the gap and give the caulk something to sit on top of and stick to. If chipping and/ or missing chunks are the problem, scrape off any loose material and fill it in with “rockite”. Afterwards, texture it to match the surrounding finish for a perfect final appearance.

4.  Test Smoke Detectors.

Always test smoke detectors and CO2 detectors to make sure they’re still in working order. Replace batteries to prevent the possibility of them losing power. Also, push the button to test if the device is working.

5.  Double Check for Carpet Damages.

Stains, popped seams, and rumples are typical issues that homeowners face with carpet damage. Small stains can be removed easily with WD-40 or other household cleaners (test a small area first for discoloration). Popping seams in small areas can typically be fixed with a glue gun and frayed pieces need to be cut and covered with glue to prevent further unraveling. “Rumples” are areas where the carpet has a wavy look. These can be fixed with a “knee knicker” – a tool with a pad and teeth that grabs carpet and tightens it by pulling it further over the tack strip at the outside edge.

6.  Check for Rips, Tears and Curling in Linoleum.

For common rips in linoleum, re-glue with the manufacturer’s recommended glue. For tears that might happen, re-glue with a clear vinyl-seaming adhesive. Curling means that nothing is holding down the outside edge. These edges need to be covered and held down by molding, transition strips, adhesive caulk or other materials to prevent curling and allowing water and dirt under the flooring.

If any of these DIY projects are too much for you to take on or you just simply don’t have enough time in your day, call the experienced professionals at Handyman Matters today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your area.

The post DIY Home Repair Tips for May appeared first on Handyman Matters Northern Virginia.

The biggest problem that arises from improper upkeep of your air conditioner is that a dirty A/C won’t run as well, which will use extra energy trying to cool your home and cost you more money in electricity over the long haul. To help keep your /AC unit in top shape, here’s a quick how-to guide to make your cooling system work to the best of its ability.

1. Turn off the Power. It’s important to make sure that before you begin cleaning your air conditioning unit, you turn off the power. There’s usually a switch on the side of the unit, or there could be a block that you pull out to turn the power off.

2. Vacuum the Fins. Use a shop vac or vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to clean off the slats (also called fins) and remove any dirt, dust or debris that may be stopping up the fins.

3. Clean Inside the Unit. Take off the fan grill by unscrewing it from the top of the unit. Gently take a hose and clean off the fins or slats from the inside of the unit, making sure to be careful not to use too much pressure, which might damage the fins.

4. Put it all together again. Screw the fan grill back onto the top of the unit, plug the unit back in, and enjoy the benefits of your properly maintained air conditioning unit.

For more tips on how to maintain your home’s heating and cooling systems, call your Handyman Matters craftsman at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME and let us help you keep your home’s systems up-to-date and running well. You can also enter your zip code above to find a Handyman Matters in your neighborhood.

The post Handyman Matters How To: Clean Your Air Conditioner appeared first on Handyman Matters Northern Virginia.

If circumstances have you leaving your property for any reason, you can often engage a house sitter to water your plants and look after your pets.  But oftentimes there are issues that require attention beyond the scope of what a traditional housesitting service is able to provide.

If you live in Canada or Minnesota half the year and in Arizona or Florida the other half, your property needs more maintenance than a pal or even a bonded house sitter can undertake.  Or if your aging parents or other relatives live halfway across the country and depend on you to look after them, it’s unlikely you have the ability to check in to make sure everything in their house is operating with total efficiency as often as you’d like.

Handyman Matters’ Home Away From Home Program can handle the more maintenance-intense tasks to keep your home well maintained year-round. Here are just some of the services we provide:

• Remove all junk flyers, business cards, newspapers, garbage and miscellaneous items off our your property
• Sweep and clean entryway of debris
• Check outside perimeter of fences, windows, gates and doors to ensure security around the premise
• Visual roof inspection for possible weather damage during extreme seasons and bird nesting
• Ensure all landscaping is receiving the necessary irrigation and confirm that landscaper is showing up and doing the work you are paying for
• Take a monthly photo of the weather meter monthly (upon request)
• Check breaker box for tripped breakers and make sure there has not been any tampering
• Inspect hot tub, spa or pool to make certain your pool company is making consistent visits
• Check interior for any unusual odors an hot/cold temperatures
• Turn on and run all water facilities
• Check timers for proper scheduling
• Refrigerator temperatures are noted and food that is expired, tossed
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Look for pests inside the property in all rooms
• Start car and run for a few minutes
• Turn on A/C or heat and ensure it is blowing cold or hot air

If you are responsible for looking after your parents or other loved ones and you do not live in close proximity to them, consider calling Handyman Matters to help you with the following aging in place projects which will allow your relatives to continue to live safely in their homes and give you peace of mind when you are not able to be with them:

Seniors

• Install handrails and grab bars
• Non-skid flooring
• Wheelchair ramps and widen doors
• Kitchen and bathroom hazards
• Railings
• Lighting
• Exterior evaluation
• Overall accessibility

Handyman Matters Home Away From Home Program is designed to give traveling homeowners, snowbirds or individuals worried about the safety of distant relatives, peace of mind knowing that their properties are being well maintained while they are away. For further information, call 1-800-FIX-MY-HOME or go to www.handymanmatters.com where you can enter your zip code and find Handyman Matters locations across the US and in Canada.

The post Handyman Matters Home Away From Home Program Provides Year Round Maintenance of your Property appeared first on Handyman Matters Northern Virginia.

If circumstances have you leaving your property for any reason, you can often engage a house sitter to water your plants and look after your pets.  But oftentimes there are issues that require attention beyond the scope of what a traditional housesitting service is able to provide.

If you live in Canada or Minnesota half the year and in Arizona or Florida the other half, your property needs more maintenance than a pal or even a bonded house sitter can undertake.  Or if your aging parents or other relatives live halfway across the country and depend on you to look after them, it’s unlikely you have the ability to check in to make sure everything in their house is operating with total efficiency as often as you’d like.

Handyman Matters’ Home Away From Home Program can handle the more maintenance-intense tasks to keep your home well maintained year-round. Here are just some of the services we provide:

• Remove all junk flyers, business cards, newspapers, garbage and miscellaneous items off our your property
• Sweep and clean entryway of debris
• Check outside perimeter of fences, windows, gates and doors to ensure security around the premise
• Visual roof inspection for possible weather damage during extreme seasons and bird nesting
• Ensure all landscaping is receiving the necessary irrigation and confirm that landscaper is showing up and doing the work you are paying for
• Take a monthly photo of the weather meter monthly (upon request)
• Check breaker box for tripped breakers and make sure there has not been any tampering
• Inspect hot tub, spa or pool to make certain your pool company is making consistent visits
• Check interior for any unusual odors an hot/cold temperatures
• Turn on and run all water facilities
• Check timers for proper scheduling
• Refrigerator temperatures are noted and food that is expired, tossed
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Look for pests inside the property in all rooms
• Start car and run for a few minutes
• Turn on A/C or heat and ensure it is blowing cold or hot air

If you are responsible for looking after your parents or other loved ones and you do not live in close proximity to them, consider calling Handyman Matters to help you with the following aging in place projects which will allow your relatives to continue to live safely in their homes and give you peace of mind when you are not able to be with them:

Seniors

• Install handrails and grab bars
• Non-skid flooring
• Wheelchair ramps and widen doors
• Kitchen and bathroom hazards
• Railings
• Lighting
• Exterior evaluation
• Overall accessibility

Handyman Matters Home Away From Home Program is designed to give traveling homeowners, snowbirds or individuals worried about the safety of distant relatives, peace of mind knowing that their properties are being well maintained while they are away. For further information, call 1-800-FIX-MY-HOME or go to www.handymanmatters.com where you can enter your zip code and find Handyman Matters locations across the US and in Canada.

The post Handyman Matters Home Away From Home Program Provides Year Round Maintenance of your Property appeared first on Handyman Matters Northern Virginia.

May – the tail end of spring and the precursor of summer – is the time when homeowners really need to kick their home DIY projects into high gear. With mild weather and sunny days, it’s the perfect time to take care of smaller outdoor tasks that aren’t ideal to handle in winter.

Follow these handy tips to keep your home is up-to-date with repairs and maintenance during the month of May.

1.  Inspect and Tighten Screws and Nails on Decks and Patios.

Wood changes from season to season, warping and contracting with the changes in weather and temperature. Boards have a tendency to loosen if they aren’t maintained, which can cause accidents if they aren’t taken care of. To keep your deck or patio in top shape, tighten screws and hammer in protruding nails carefully to ensure that you don’t cause the boards to crack by over tightening.

2.  Clean and Seal Decks and Railings.

Decks and railings should be cleaned and sealed every year to extend their life. Usually it’s the top horizontal parts of the railing that need the most attention. It is also important to keep in mind that whatever product you start using should be used continually year over year to prevent any incompatibility issues.

3.  Inspect Concrete for Cracks.

Cracks, chips and shifting can occur in concrete. Make sure that you thoroughly inspect for all of these things. For cracks, you can grind with an angle grinder to a minimum of 1/8” and fill with a DOT spec “Bridge Grade Self-Leveling Caulk”. Only fill halfway, since it will expand as it dries. This will take care of filling cracks.

For any separation between the concrete and a wall over ½”, add a backer rod (a foam, flexible rod) to fill the gap and give the caulk something to sit on top of and stick to. If chipping and/ or missing chunks are the problem, scrape off any loose material and fill it in with “rockite”. Afterwards, texture it to match the surrounding finish for a perfect final appearance.

4.  Test Smoke Detectors.

Always test smoke detectors and CO2 detectors to make sure they’re still in working order. Replace batteries to prevent the possibility of them losing power. Also, push the button to test if the device is working.

5.  Double Check for Carpet Damages.

Stains, popped seams, and rumples are typical issues that homeowners face with carpet damage. Small stains can be removed easily with WD-40 or other household cleaners (test a small area first for discoloration). Popping seams in small areas can typically be fixed with a glue gun and frayed pieces need to be cut and covered with glue to prevent further unraveling. “Rumples” are areas where the carpet has a wavy look. These can be fixed with a “knee knicker” – a tool with a pad and teeth that grabs carpet and tightens it by pulling it further over the tack strip at the outside edge.

6.  Check for Rips, Tears and Curling in Linoleum.

For common rips in linoleum, re-glue with the manufacturer’s recommended glue. For tears that might happen, re-glue with a clear vinyl-seaming adhesive. Curling means that nothing is holding down the outside edge. These edges need to be covered and held down by molding, transition strips, adhesive caulk or other materials to prevent curling and allowing water and dirt under the flooring.

If any of these DIY projects are too much for you to take on or you just simply don’t have enough time in your day, call the experienced professionals at Handyman Matters today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your area.

The post DIY Home Repair Tips for May appeared first on Handyman Matters Northern Virginia.

Types of Wood

There are many types of wood, but the most popular used for hardwood floors are:

• Red Oak
• White Oak
• Birch
• Beech
• Pine
• Cherry
• Douglas Fir

Once you choose the type of wood you want to install, you’ll need to select a finish. Finishes are important because they seal in the wood and help protect it from moisture and every day wear and tear. It also provides a sleek, finished look to the surface.

The most common types of finishes are:

• Oil-based Urethane
• Water-based Urethane
• Moisture-cured Urethane
• Conversion Varnish

Understanding the Cost

Flooring is priced by the square foot, and hardwood floors can range from the relatively inexpensive ($2 per square foot) to far more expensive for exotic woods (up to $13-$14 per square foot), with the average wood floor ranging around $8 per square foot.

Now that you know what type of floor and finish you’d like, and you have an idea of what it will cost, let’s take a look at some other factors that will determine the best type of wood flooring for your home.

1. The room’s usage - Depending on what room in which the flooring is being installed, different types of hardwood may be more appropriate. For instance, a living room might take more traffic and general wear than a spare bedroom or a home office.

2. The room’s decor - Keep in mind how the room is going to be decorated (colors, themes, furniture). These elements will also dictate which type of flooring will look best, since hardwoods vary in color.

3. The wood’s grade – The grade of the wood should always be considered, since this tells how durable and prone to defects, scratches and dents a wood will be. Higher grades are more durable, while lower grades will retain more dents and scratches.

Whichever type of wood you decided to purchase for your floors, call the experts at Handyman Matters at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME to take care of the installation from start to finish. You can also enter your zip code above to find a location near you.

The post Choosing a Hardwood Floor appeared first on Handyman Matters Northern Virginia.

If you’re thinking of doing anything with hardwood when planning for this year’s home improvement season, it would behoove your wallet, your planet and your sanity to install wood with a longer shelf life. “Of course,” you say to yourself. “That’s why I prefer cedar.”

But what if there was another type of wood that lasted twice as long as the toughest wood grown in North America? What if there was a type of wood that withstood the elements better, was more resistant to bugs and termites, and was more reluctant to bend and warp over time?

We may have to get our passports for this one.

Key Benefits of Central and South American Hardwood

Ipe. Cumaru. Garapa. Jatoba. Tigerwood.

These are just a few of the more well-known varieties of natural hardwood grown in Central and South America that have the potential to save you money and time in your next home improvement project.

 Here are the top 6 reasons these types of wood are better for you than their North American counterparts:

1. More Resilient

Central and South American hardwoods are more resilient in the face of adverse conditions and less prone to rot and decay – Central and South America are much harsher climates where the trees have to endure standing water for months at a time in addition to ravenous attacks by insects that put termites to shame. Let this hardwood turn the laws of Darwin in your favor.

2. No Annual Maintenance Required

Conventional hardwood requires annual pressure treatments with toxic chemicals to ensure long-lasting effectiveness. Central and South American hardwoods are much more durable and naturally last twice as long as North American hardwood without chemicals.

3. Better for the Environment

In the same vein, they are better for the environment due to this lack of chemicals. These toxic chemicals are harmful to the health of your family as well as the environment in the form of run-off – when it rains, the chemicals get into the groundwater and, ultimately, into rivers and lakes, poisoning natural wildlife in addition to our own water supply.

4. Last More Than Twice as Long as Conventional Hardwood

They are also better for the environment because they last more than twice as long – some for 40-75 years. The use of natural, longer-lasting materials helps to reduce waste accumulation, easily trumping woods like pine, cedar and redwood.

5. Fire Resistant

Some types of Central and South American hardwood, like Ipe, have a “Class A” fire rating – the same fire rating as concrete.

6. More Custom Color Options

A larger variety of shades and colors, like those offered by Brazilian hardwood, allow homeowners more choices to get the most custom look possible. Hardwoods like tiger wood have a unique texture with striking black and brown streaks – hence the name.

Composite wood substitutes, and what marketers have for years tried to pass off as the equivalent of natural wood, have largely been successful because they have only been compared to North American hardwood, so they tended to last longer and were less expensive.

But now it’s time to up the ante on your home improvement and go green with a more durable, longer-lasting and more attractive look. This can only be achieved via the preferential use of  Central and South American hardwood.

Jeff Hirz is a guest contributor to Handyman Matters and part-time DIYer. He contributed this article on behalf of www.bwdepot.com to promote healthy wallets and a healthy planet.

The post Central and South American Hardwood: Preserving Your Wallet and Your Planet appeared first on Handyman Matters Northern Virginia.

1. Reduces the Number of Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are the biggest problem that aging adults face in their home. Whether it’s a slippery hallway or poorly lighted rooms, adding handrails can drastically decrease falls in the home, grab bars and re-arranging furniture in the bedroom, bathroom, hallways and kitchen.

2. Navigation is Simplified

Oftentimes our homes aren’t laid out in a manner that’s easy for walking and navigating. There may be pieces of furniture that jut out into the hallway and make it hard to maneuver around. In addition, a slippery rug in a hallway can create a dangerous surface. By modifying the layout of furniture and different rooms, it’s easy to create an environment that’s easier to negotiate – especially if assistance with a cane, walker or wheelchair is necessary.

3. Cooking Becomes Safer and More Accessible

As we age, we become more susceptible to arthritis, and our grip becomes less effective. This can be overcome by switching door and cabinet handles with models that are easier to grasp, as well as replacing utensils, pots and pans with ones that have larger and more ergonomic shaped handles.

4. Drastically Increases Independence

Installing handrails and bars in bathrooms, installing automatic lights and other home modifications can increase a person’s independence for a longer amount of time. These types of modifications help keep seniors safe and independent while giving them the ability to go about their daily activities.

5. Maintains a Current Standard of Living

One of the biggest fears of most people as they age is a fear of having to leave their home. However, this can be delayed if a home is properly set up and modified to make it easier for aging adults to continue to live their lives.

Handyman Matters offers aging in place services to help you remain independent and safe in your home. By implementing universal design elements in bathrooms, kitchens and through the house, we can help you transform your home into a living space that functions efficiently for all ages and conditions. Let us perform our free 50-point assessment on your home to uncover risks you might be facing. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your area.

The post 5 Benefits of Aging in Your Home appeared first on Handyman Matters Northern Virginia.

The post 2012 Handyman Matters Great American Home Makeover Contest Video appeared first on Handyman Matters Northern Virginia.

“We created this to reward valuable customers with the opportunity to complete their home renovations,” stated Andy Bell, Founder of Handyman Matters Franchise Corp.

Grand Prize Winner, Samuel Alexander, lives outside of Denver with his wife Tanya. Alexander had some home exterior siding repaired by his local Handyman Matters (Central Denver and Aurora location, franchisees Steve and Jan Attebery) in early 2012. Months later, he received a phone call informing him that he had won the Handyman Matters Great American Home Makeover Grand Prize, $10,000 bathroom remodel.

“My wife and I were ecstatic,” expressed Alexander, “We have wanted to remodel our bathroom for a while now.”

Working as a medical technician for HealthOne while also an Air Force Reservist assigned to a flying squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, finding the time to remodel his bathroom was difficult. The couple had discussed remodeling their bathroom in stages, doing little projects here and there. That discussion is now over, thanks to Handyman Matters.

Steve and Jan Attebery, owners of the Handyman Matters Central Denver & Aurora store, and their certified handymen executed the remodel.

Central Denver Handymen, Brian Attebery and Jon Boyer demolish the Alexander’s old bathroom on March 11 to begin the remodel transformation. Photo by John Murphy.

Most of the remodel materials were donated. The Alexander’s new master bathroom has a modern and natural ambiance thanks to a fresh coat of paint donated by Behr Paint; new marble sink and counter top donated by Benray Designer Marble; energy efficient faucets and fixtures donated by Moen; and a redesigned vanity area, donated by Creative Specialties and Elias Woodwork. M S International provided the tub to ceiling glass tile along with new flooring; and WEDI donated the waterproof shower backing.

Corporate team member, Ram Randolph, stops by to lend a helping hand in constructing new cabinets for the vanity area. Photo by John Murphy.

The finished bathroom was revealed to the homeowners on March 20.

Corporate team member, Ram Randolph, stops by to lend a helping hand in constructing new cabinets for the vanity area. Photo by John Murphy.

Samuel and Tanya Alexander in their newly remodeled bathroom. Photo by John Murphy.

Second Prize Winner, Amanda Doan, of Austin, TX, received a Handyman for a day, which was provided by Handyman Matters of Austin & Williamson County.

Handyman Matters of Austin & Williamson County sent out Aaron Kuntschik, one of their skilled craftsmen, to help Doan with the second phase of her bathroom remodel. Doan had already started on her remodel by tearing out the existing shower tiles.

In a span of only 8 hours, Kuntschik was able to remove the existing shower enclosure, perform the needed plumbing repairs, and install the backing to prep the shower area for the final phase of the remodeling project: the installation of the tile work.

Plumbing repairs are performed after the original shower enclosure is removed. Photos courtesy Handyman Matters franchisee, TJ Bass.

Backing is installed to prepare the shower area for tiling. Photos courtesy Handyman Matters franchisee, TJ Bass.

Doan later contacted Handyman Matters of Austin & Williamson County to thank them for their help and to let them know about her successful completion of the shower tiling project. Because of the superior service provided, Doan has requested their services again to help her with more of her planned kitchen and bath remodeling projects.

Customers who completed at least one, four-hour job with any participating franchise location between July 1 and September 30, 2012 were automatically entered for a chance to win one of the prizes.

More good news for these lucky homeowners, “The resale value of their home has increased,” says Colleen Teitelbaum of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

The post Meet the Winners of Handyman Matters Great American Home Makeover appeared first on Handyman Matters Northern Virginia.