Are you considering going the DIY route with the exterior painting of your home? If so, consider the following before picking up a brush. You may be able to get the job done, or you may want to assign the task to your professional handyman.
Tools and Supplies Required for Exterior Painting
If you have never painted the exterior of a home, you likely do not have the necessary tools and supplies sitting in your garage. Here’s what you will need to purchase at the minimum:
- Various paint brushes and sprayer (optional) — type dependent upon the products you use
- Pressure washer — if necessary
- Ladders — height dependent upon your home
- Buckets
- Drop cloths or tarps
- Painter’s tape
- Caulk
- Sandpaper
- Cleaners — type dependent upon existing finish and state of exterior
- Paint
- Putty knife
You may need other supplies as well, depending on the state and size of your home.
Preparation Required for Exterior Painting
Before picking up the putty knife, you will need to ensure all plant life and fixtures not being painted are covered. Cleaners and paint can harm them. You also will want to tie back or trim any branches too close to the house. Don’t forget to cover your air conditioning unit and other items, as well.
Next, remove any shutters from your home and close any open windows. You should also inspect the entire exterior of your home to ensure you do not need to repair any holes or cracks before getting started. Sand all repairs and any loose paint. If you will be painting your windows, inspect putty and replace as necessary.
Your next step of prep depends on the state of your home’s exterior. It might only require a scrub brush or broom and the recommended cleaner, or you may need to rent or purchase a pressure washer to get the job done. Remember to leave yourself at least two days of drying time before beginning to paint.
Note: If your home was built before 1978, it may be coated with lead paint. Working with it requires special safety and containment procedures. Many Mr. Handyman locations hold certification in removing lead paint from the Environmental Protection Agency, a legal requirement for doing this kind of work.
Size of House = Size of Job
The cost and scope of all of the above, of course, depends on the size of your home. If you have a small bungalow, you might feel comfortable with the amount of prep and ladder work required. If you have a two or three story home, it will require a much larger investment of time and the use of extension ladders. Not everyone feels comfortable working so high off the ground. And if your home has many architectural features, that adds to the amount of time spent up on the ladder.
With a larger home, using a sprayer instead of brushes also makes sense. This tool also requires a fair amount of skill to use correctly, especially from a ladder.
Deciding to DIY or Hire a Professional
After considering your comfort level with all of the above, also think about cost and longevity. An exterior paint job should last five to 10 years, depending on the type of construction material, environment, and quality of work. For many, it makes sense to hire professionals to ensure the job gets done well and will last as long as possible. Your professional handyman can do exactly that.
Add up the costs of all tools and supplies, and then add in the cost of your time to do it yourself — your time has a monetary value, after all, especially if you take vacation days to tackle the project. Then compare DIY costs to what your professional handyman estimates for the work to make your final decision.
Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.
Your home’s fence can provide security, curb appeal, keep the pooch from running away, and much more; but if you don’t maintain your fence properly it can’t do any of those things.
May is the perfect month to consider fence repair services or try to DIY. If you’re looking to do-it-yourself here are a few tips to consider:
- Weeding. Walk the length of your fence and remove any weeds, rocks, debris or dirt anywhere along the way. Sweep or dig dirt away from wood fences as this can cause wood rot.
- Exterminating. Once the weeding is done, check for pests like termites or carpenter ants as they can quickly make a bad fence worse if proper action isn’t taken. Call an exterminator before significant damage can occur.
- Repairing. Now it’s time to see if you have any loose boards, open areas, nails sticking out, and any parts of the fence that look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Make sure the fence is straight and properly repaired before moving forward with…
- Cleaning. Ideally, you should hose down vinyl and aluminum fences about once a year with a mild soap and a clean cloth.
- Staining and Painting. Once the fence has been weeded, exterminated, repaired, and cleaned now is the time to give your fence a new look. A new stain or paint job can dramatically improve the look of your fence and the overall curb appeal of your home.
What do you think of our fence maintenance tips? Have a tip of your own? Tell us in the comments section below.
A wooden deck adds outdoor living space to your home, serving as the perfect place to entertain friends or simply unwind at the end of a day. You must regularly maintain your deck to keep it safe and looking its best, though. Learn how often you should stain the wood as well as other upkeep tasks.
Maintenance Tips
Inspect your deck once a year. If you live in an area of the country with wet winter weather, do it in the spring before opening the area for the warm weather seasons. Move everything off the deck, then sweep it clean of all debris and look for the following:
- Nails sticking up
- Loose boards
- Large splinters
- Rotting wood
You can pound down nails easily enough with a hammer, but you might want to call in your professional handyman if wood requires repair or replacement. He or she will have expertise and tools at the ready for such a project.
If all wood looks in good shape, clean your deck using a commercial product and the recommended tools. Certain cleaners can be brushed on, while others work with a power washer to get the job done. Remember to cover all plants and grass before cleaning as certain products can harm them.
Next inspect the wear of your deck stain. No hard and fast rule exists for how often you should stain your deck. The type of wood, the type of stain, and the environment in which you live all factor into how long a stain lasts. Your deck could require staining every year or every two years, again depending on these factors.
High-Quality Stains
The best protection you can provide your deck is a high-quality stain. You must choose between a water-based stain (latex, acrylic) and an oil-based (alkyd) stain, and each has its advantages.
Water-based stains offer the best color retention. They also prove easier to work with as a product than oil-based stains. There is less odor, cleanup only requires soap and water, and you do not need to worry about storing water-based stains, as they are not flammable. Water-based stains also dry more quickly than oil-based stains.
Oil-based stains have their selling points, as well. They are longer lasting and offer better penetration than water-based stains. They prove more durable, a serious advantage for decks in harsh climates. And that longer drying time allows you to actually achieve a more even finish. Unless you have previous experience, though, you will want to enlist the help of your professional handyman if applying an oil-based stain because of the additional care and work required by their use.
DIY Deck Staining
Many homeowners tackle this project themselves annually. They keep the supplies and tools on hand, simply stocking up on necessary items each year. If you plan to do this job for the first time, you will need the following for the cleaning, prep and staining work:
- Plastic tarps
- 80-grit sandpaper
- Large push broom
- Deck cleaner
- Power washer or hose with specialty nozzle
- Protective eyewear
- Sander
- Stain
- Paint brushes and paint rollers
- Safety mask (if using an oil-based stain)
When deciding whether to take the DIY route or have your professional handyman tackle the job, consider the cost of supplies and tools, and keep in mind that a high-quality stain combined with professional application results in the longest lasting stain job. Also factor in time. Will a professional get the job done in half the time?
Either option will prove better than putting off deck maintenance or ignoring it altogether. Wood requires regular upkeep to remain a safe material for a deck on which your friends and family gather.
Part of the Deck Repair and Maintenance Series
Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.
Photo by Dandeluca on Flickr
What mother doesn’t like flowers? One gift that you can give any mom for Mother’s day is the gift of a garden. No matter where you live, whether it be an apartment or house or a condo, most homes can accommodate a window box so you may enjoy a flower garden or an herb garden.
First decide on where you want to place the window boxes. Where your windows are located will determine the amount of available light and the size boxes you can have. You will also want to take this into consideration when choosing what to plant in the boxes.
Once you know where to place the window boxes decide on what type of wood you would like to use. Keep in mind characteristics that will make these long-lasting and look appealing in your landscape. Many wood planters can also be sealed or treated to prevent fading or graying of the wood, so almost any type of wood can be used to build a planter. A few suggestions may include redwood, cypress or pine.
Next, determine the size of the box your window can hold in length, width and depth. The width of the windows determines the final length of the planter. The depth and height should be large enough to hold pots or an amount of dirt that will retain moisture for a few days.
After determining the full width of the planter, cut the front, back and bottom boards to the appropriate length along with the end caps. Lay the bottom piece of wood (bottom of your window box) onto a flat surface. Place the back of the window box flush against the back edge of the bottom piece and secure with glue and nails. Place one end cap of the window box inside making sure to have a perfect angle. Then glue and nail the pieces together. Repeat the same process with the other end cap. Secure the last piece of wood (front of window box) onto the front with glue and nails. Drill a few holes in the bottom of the planter to allow drainage. Sand away any and all rough edges until the box is perfectly smooth on all sides.
If desired, attach a finished piece of finish molding around the top of the box to give it a more polished look. Stain or paint the box the color desired. Finish off with a protective clear acrylic coating that is resistant to the elements.
Line the planter with landscape cloth to keep the dirt from sifting out. Attach the flower box to the house with screws. Add gravel to the bottom of the window flower box to assist in drainage. Fill the box with planting soil and add flowers.
Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.
Whether you’re painting one room or the entire inside of the house, expert advice helps make the job go more smoothly. Follow these selection, prep and application tips for the best possible results.
Use Paint Selection Tools
Paint companies now offer much more than just color cards and samples. Three leading manufacturers each offer online tools to aid in the paint selection process.
Sherwin-Williams offers the Color Snap app and the Color Visualizer. Color Snap allows you to take an image of a real-world color and match it to one of the company’s more than 1,500 paint colors. The app, available for iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Android devices, will even suggest a palette of colors that complement your desired hue and allow you to share colors through email and social media. The company’s Color Visualizer lets you upload a photo or use one from its library to try out colors in an actual setting.
The Behr ColorSmart app for iPhone and iPad and the Benjamin Moore Color Capture app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad stack up well against the above tool, with a Benjamin Moore version for Android available but lacking some of the social media bells and whistles found in the Apple-friendly apps.
All of these tools help you make the most important choice for your painting project: color. You want to love the colors that end up your walls, not only because you will live with them but to avoid having to paint over a bad choice.
Prep Properly
No matter how much you like the colors you choose, they won’t be at their best if poorly applied. Prepping the interior of a home proves much easier than the exterior, which could require pressure washing and paint removal. Inside, you can often simply prime and paint over existing paint.
Start by ensuring all surfaces are clean. Dirty walls may need a scrub-down, but at the minimum remove all dust and cobwebs before tackling a room. Apply drop cloths to protect surfaces not being painted, such as floors, and furniture; tape drop cloths in place to avoid creating a safety hazard. Finally, apply painter’s tape to trim, windows and doorframes.
Only start the painting process once all of the above is done and you can work efficiently and safely in the room.
Apply the Paint
When picking up your paint, ask the salesperson to recommend an appropriate primer. A primer allows you to get the most from your paint in terms of both appearance and coverage. Get advice on the best applicators while you are there, as well.
Start by brushing on paint around taped areas, where rollers will not reach without making a mess. Continue by choosing a corner and using a roller to apply paint in a 3-foot-by-3-foot W, filling it in without lifting your roller. Work your way around the room until done. Remove tape when paint is wet. Once walls are completely dry, apply tape again to trim, finishing the room by tackling all of the trim.
Ask Mr. Handyman for Help
You can use the above tips and go the DIY route, or at any point during the process you can ask your professional handyman for advice and direction. We can even tackle touch-up or a room or two for you.
In addition to having expertise you might lack, we also have all of the equipment necessary for painting projects. It may make sense to assign tasks to us instead of purchasing costly equipment you will not use regularly. For example, exterior paint jobs typically require a power washer as well as a sprayer if using that application technique proves best.
We also take on the more physically challenging aspects of the job. Many of our customers do not feel comfortable working on tall ladders, whether inside or outside, or they simply do not have the strength and endurance required to paint multiple rooms using extension rollers to reach the highest parts of walls and ceilings. Simply give us a call and we can tell you how we can help.
Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.
Throughout the country, homeowners are increasing their usable living space by finishing outside areas, such as with decks and patios. Some even add the heat of a roaring fire for when temperatures drop at the end of the day. If you wish to do the same, learn more about the different fireplace and fire pit options, then discuss your plans with a professional handyman.
Check Local Laws
Construction of a permanent outdoor fireplace or firepit may fall under city building codes, depending on where you live. There also may be guidelines in place to control the size of the fire, its location, what gets burned and monitoring of the fire. Air quality and burn bans may apply on certain days. Consult your city planning department and local fire department to find out what rules exist before making any decisions.
Decide on a Fireplace or Fire Pit Design
Photo by: All Oregon Landscaping, Inc. on Flickr
When choosing among the many options, first consider space and budget. A large back yard with finished patio may lend itself to a freestanding fireplace set toward the rear as a focal point. This allows to you set up a living room — complete but for the walls and roof — outdoors. You also may have space for a built-in fire pit. Brick, concrete and/or stone typically make up the materials for permanent fireplaces and pits. In terms of design, the options are seemingly endless and limited only by safety considerations.
Photo by: pwinn on Flickr
If your outside area does not have room for a larger, permanent structure, consider adding a portable fire pit. They come in a variety of materials and designs. Copper and cast-iron fire pits are a common sight in stores, with circular shapes the most common. The housing and grate lid can be simple or ornate in design.
In terms of cost, a permanent structure requires the most investment. These can be simple in design or feature elaborate stonework that increases the cost. Keep in mind, though, that as permanent structures on your property, they can increase the value of your home. Portable fire pits are the least expensive option and also range in price greatly. Expect copper to cost more than cast iron, as copper offers more appeal both in terms of appearance and longevity.
Gas vs. Wood
If opting for a permanent structure, you also must choose what you use to fuel the fire. Let’s look at the pros and cons of gas and wood.
Gas Pros:
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You start fires and put them out in most cases with the press of a button.
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They burn clean and leave behind no residue.
Gas Cons:
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Gas-fueled fires are smaller.
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They require installation of a permanent structure, including a gas line if opting for natural gas, which can be cost-prohibitive to many homeowners.
Wood Pros:
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Wood-fueled fires are larger.
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Wood can be burned in permanent fireplaces and firepits as well as portable fire pits.
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Portable fire pits cost must less than permanent structures.
Wood Cons:
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Starting fires requires much more than the press of a button, as does putting out the fire.
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The smell of burning wood lingers on the structure and people.
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Smoke can be bothersome.
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Regular cleanup involves disposing of ashes and cleaning out fireplace or fire pit.
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Wood storage outside can attract bugs and wild animals.
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Burn bans apply.
Once you decide the scale of your fireplace or fire pit project, consult your professional handyman. He or she can guide your plan, helping you make best decisions on location, design and type of fuel. Your handyman also will know the local laws regarding building permanent structures and help you avoid unknowingly breaking the law because you did not fully understand the codes and regulations.
Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.
Guide to an Efficient Home – Infographic
“Going green” and making your home more energy-efficient is not only better for our environment but it can save you money. And who’s not interested is “saving green” by “going green?”
We created the Guide to an Efficient Home for home owners interested in a few simple improvements to do just that – make their home more energy-efficient!
Have any friends or family members interested in home efficiency? Use the social sharing buttons at the bottom of this article to share with friends.
When Spot has to go, he has to go. Your dog can’t always wait for you to get home from work or notice him sitting patiently by the door. Fortunately for you both, many pet door options exist that allow family pets to go outside and come back in again without your assistance. Learn more about these products, and then talk to your professional handyman about which one best suits your situation.
Exterior Door or Wall with a Pet Door
Homes with a solid door leading into a fenced yard present the best option for pet owners. There are multiple kits on the market that simply require you to cut a hole in your door and insert the adjustable frame, which telescopes to fit the depth of the opening. It features a vinyl flap that your dog or cat pushes through to go out or come inside. These types of doors come in a variety of heights and also have a lockable cover that allows you to close the opening at night, keeping your pets in and nosy critters out.
If you do not have a solid door leading into your fenced yard, kits also are available for insertion into an exterior wall. Mr. Handyman is the preferred installer of PlexiDor Performance Pet Doors, the best pet door on the market. No matter which setup you select, it proves beneficial to have a professional install the pet door to ensure the best fit. A poorly installed door can decrease the energy efficiency or your home or even come loose with use.
Electronic and Automatic Dog and Cat Doors
If you want more control over what comes in your pet door when not locked, such as if you live in an area with bold wildlife, versions of the door described above come with automatic electronic controls. These controls allow your dog or cat to open the door via an ultrasonic pet collar. This presents wildlife from wandering in through the door, as well as uninvited humans. You would be surprised how easily an adult can fit through a medium or large pet door.
Sliding Glass Door With Pet Doors
If the door leading into your fenced yard is sliding glass, you have two options. You can opt for a panel insert that slides into the top and bottom tracks of your door and features a pet door at the bottom. You also can convert one of your sliding glass doors into a pet-friendly exit and entrance. The bottom half gets divided into two sections, with one featuring a pet door with flap. The latter option offers more security, as an intruder can easily kick in a panel insert. It requires professional conversion, as well.
Screen Pet Door
If you don’t want to cut into a door or wall or use a less-than-secure insert, you do have another option. You can install a pet door into your screen door. It works just like the door inserts, but the frame and flap get installed into the screen. You also should choose professional installation to avoid ruining your screen door with inaccurate measurements or not perfect installation.
No matter which pet door you choose, keep a few other factors in mind when allowing your dog or cat free access to the outside. Outdoor cats can easily contract diseases such as feline leukemia and parasites such as fleas during their wanderings of the neighborhood. Cats and small dogs face danger, as well, from predators. In some areas of the country, they make up a significant portion of the diet for coyotes, hawks, eagles and owls. If you want to give your cat or dog the most secure place to hang out possible, ask your professional handyman about creating a screened-in porch or deck.
Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.
You may remember one of the best scenes in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off when Principal Ed Rooney tries to break-in to Bueller’s home to prove that he had been skipping school that day for the ninth time. Rooney tried to break-in through the plastic, flappy pet door in the backyard. A poor choice on Rooney’s part, as the scene ends with him being chased out of the yard by a fierce-looking guard dog.
Flexible plastic pet doors are a great choice for (human) doors that are secured from the perimeter, that way you can prevent the Ed Rooneys of the world from breaking into your home. But if you’re looking for a more secure pet door option, you may want to consider something a little more substantial.
Did you know that Mr. Handyman is the preferred pet door installer of PlexiDor Performance Pet Doors? These are great pet doors if you’re looking for peace of mind knowing your pet door has state-of-the-art security features. Plus, they’re energy-efficient!
We love getting the calls for pet door installation because we love pets! People trust Mr. Handyman everyday when we enter homes to help with handyman repairs and oftentimes we meet the furry members of the family while we’re there.
We can install pet doors in most places in the home, may it be for a door or wall unit.
Do you have a furry friend at home? Have you ever considered installing a pet door so they can more easily get in and out of the home? Tell us what you think about pet doors in the comments section below.
Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.
Do you have garage envy? Odds are, at least one of your neighbors has a pristine garage that you covet whenever you see the door open. Shelves line the walls and ceiling, keeping everything neatly in place, from holiday decorations to power tools. And two vehicles actually fit inside! If you want such a garage, follow these storage tips to get exactly that.
Install Wall Shelves and Racks
Photo Credit: mtneer_man on Flickr
Yes, you can simply line the walls of your garage with boxes, but that limits your storage space, unless you want to be constantly pulling down boxes to get at the ones you need. Instead, install shelving and racks along each sidewall of your garage and at the front. Be sure to accurately measure the available space with both vehicles in the garage and leave room to open their doors. If you only have one vehicle, keep in mind that visiting friends and relatives might find it handy to keep theirs inside for safety reasons and to avoid winter weather if applicable.
In terms of the type of shelving and racks to install, keep your needs and lifestyle in mind. For example, if you have multiple bikes that need storing, consider adding racks on which you can hang them. Or if having an area for your woodworking projects wins out, a built-in work bench and pegs for hanging tools makes sense. You also may prefer to have most everything behind closed doors, making cabinets more attractive than open shelves.
Think about what you store in your garage and how you spend time in there, then sketch out a design. Or simply tell your professional handyman your wants and needs, and leave the designing and building to them.
Install Ceiling Storage in Your Garage
If you have the clearance above your vehicles, installing shelves that hang from the ceiling further expands your storage space. Check out this DIY article for more information, and consider having a professional handle the job. The last thing you want to have happen is for shelves — and the items they hold — to fall on your car because they were not properly secured to the ceiling
Get Organized
Photo Credit: steveleenow on Flickr
Once you have all of your storage solutions in place, put them to their best use by getting organized. Some ways to do this with garage items include:
Going through every item in your garage and applying the keep, donate or trash method of cleaning.
Properly labeling every box, bin and cabinet. Invest in a label maker and go to town. This also makes an excellent job for a young family member, who might find working the label maker a fun task. Just don’t sweat the misspellings that might come from younger kids.
Storing seasonal and other infrequently used items in the harder to reach areas. That means on the top shelves, whether on open shelves or inside cabinets.
Keeping everything in its place when not in use. It’s so easy to pull a box down to access an item, only to leave it on the floor to put away later. Before you know it, you’ve got more than one box on the ground, blocking your path to something you need next. Adopt the old adage, a place for everything and everything in its place to keep your garage tidy.
All of the above make an excellent DIY project if you have the construction skills and time necessary for building shelves and/or installing other types of garage storage. If you don’t, not to worry, your professional handyman can tackle the job in no time. He or she also can do other garage projects, such as sealing your garage floor against spills and stains. Before you know it, neighbors will be eyeing your garage with envy.
Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.
