Mr. Handyman Tips - Home Repair, Remodeling Contractors and Franchise Opportunities

How to Clean Your Garage

Mr. Handyman — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:32:18 +0000

We have several blog posts dedicated to garage organization and how to better maximize storage and space. But we haven’t focused on how to actually clean your garage. And we all know there is a big difference between organizing and cleaning…

Photo Credit: Collin Anderson on Flickr

You probably don’t clean your garage like you normally would your bathroom or kitchen. But your garage needs some cleaning love too. Sure, it doesn’t have to be once a week, but once or twice a year should do the trick. So, where do you start? Assuming you’ve followed our instruction on garage organization, follow these tips to turn your oily, dusty, spider-webby, dark, dank garage into a clean one…

Start left to right, top to bottom. Use a broom and secure an old yet durable towel onto the bristles with a rubber band. Use your new dusting device to get hard to reach cobwebs and dust. Focus on the area where the garage wall meets the ceiling, brushing the walls and any shelving of your garage (top to bottom) as you go. And don’t forget about those corners!
Here kitty kitty. Remove unsightly oil spills on your garage floor by using kitty litter. Spread the kitty litter over the oily area, (using an old pair of sneakers) step on the kitty litter for maximum absorbtion. Sweep. And repeat! * meow*
Elbow grease. Wipe down any shelving or countertops in your garage with the all-purpose cleaner of your choice and an old yet durable towel.
Bonus! Use a few chopped-up onions to help remove that dank, mildew smell from your garage. Simply cut a few onions in half. Leave overnight, and that icky dank smell should disappear.

What do you think of our garage cleaning tips? Have one of your own? Leave us your ideas in the comments section below.

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Garage Organization Ideas

Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. All Mr. Handyman franchises are Fully Insured with General Liability and Workers Compensation. Some services are subject to state and local licensing and may not be available in all locations. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service in your area.

Simple Landscaping Ideas to Create Curb Appeal

Mr. Handyman — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:30:33 +0000

Imagine finding the perfect house online, then pulling up to the showing to see a front yard worse for wear and devoid of any TLC. No matter how nice the inside of the home, you might pass on it simply because you suspect the owners skimped in other areas of maintenance not readily visible. Avoid putting potential buyers of your home in this situation by using simple landscaping ideas to create curb appeal.

Install flower boxes — This quick and easy way to brighten the exterior of your home also proves the least expensive. Home improvement stores offer flower boxes in a variety of materials, from plastic to iron. Choose a material that complements your home; for example, if you have a fence or porch railing made from wrought iron, look for flower boxes made from the same material. Opt for annuals in bright colors that complement your home’s exterior paint and trim, and plant varying sizes and textures in a zigzag pattern instead of in a straight row, which lacks imagination. Keep an eye on your flowers the entire time your house is on the market and replace any that don’t survive the transplantation. If you plan to fasten the flower boxes to your home, instead of draping them over a railing, have your professional handyman handle the job to avoid causing damage.

Place planter boxes — If the exterior of your home does not allow for easy installation of flower boxes, use portable planter boxes instead. This also allows you to take them with you to your next home instead of leaving the investment behind. Home improvement stores also carry a large selection of planters, and the larger ones will give you more options in terms of plant type and size. For example, you wouldn’t want to plant a rosemary tree in a flower box, but you most certainly could in a planter box.

Lay mulch, bark, pine needles or wood chips — Replace existing or install new filler materials such as these. Not only do they seal in water for your plants, they add another pop of color. Be sure to keep in mind the annuals and plants you plan to add when choosing this landscaping material, which can be found in a variety of forms and colors at home improvement stores.

Install landscape edging — A landscape bed without edging looks as unfinished as a pair of pants without a belt. Just as you took other materials on the exterior of your home into consideration when choosing flower boxes, do the same with edging material. For example, a stone country house would benefit from a decorative landscape boarder that resembles the exterior material. Again, home improvement stores offer a wide variety of options.

Lay landscaping stones— So many homes have special architectural touches that stop at the porch or patio. They simply feature plain concrete slabs. Consider laying landscaping stones on the surface with the help of your handyman. And since it serves as a permanent addition, as opposed to planter boxes you can take with you, the cost of the supplies and work can be factored into the asking price of your home. This proves a relatively easy job with the right help, and it will add serious value to your home’s curb appeal. Whether you make one of these ideas a reality or several, the most important factor of curb appeal is maintenance. Keep your lawn mowed, if applicable, and your porch swept, and remove any debris or dead plants during a daily check. You can’t simply spruce up the place before every showing, as many home shoppers drive by houses before making showing appointments to see if the photos of the home online actually live up to the real thing.

Patios and Decks: Plans to Improve your Outdoor Space

Deck Coatings: Choosing the Right Paint, Stain or Coating for Your Deck

Mr. Handyman — Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:08 +0000

As a young adult, you dreamed of owning a house, one with a large deck out back on which you could enjoy an ice-cold beer while grilling steaks for family members and friends. When you found the perfect house, it didn’t have such a deck, but you vowed to add one sooner rather than later. That time has come, and you now must decide whether to finish the deck with paint, stain or one of the many available deck coatings. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision and get started on this project.

Paint
Pros: When properly applied, paint will last several years on a wood deck and requires little maintenance. Using paint also allows you to get more creative with your color choices, as more deck paint colors exist than deck stain colors. Be sure to choose a paint specially formulated for wood decks and finish with a sealant.

Cons: Proper application proves vital to the longevity of the paint job. Your best bet will be to hire a professional, whether your trusted handyman or a painter . If your deck does not receive proper prep and sealant, it will chip and peel in no time.

Stain
Pros: If you chose the wood for your deck for its appearance, staining it makes the most sense, as it will allow the grain and texture to remain visible. If you use an oil-based deck stain that provides weatherproofing, you can skip the sealant step required with paint. Also, stain proves relatively easy to apply, but a professional will be able to do the job in a fraction of the time it will take you, and he will come with all necessary tools.

Cons: Stain will not provide the same protection as paint and sealant in certain climates. If you live in an area with high levels of humidity or heavy snow, stain might not be your best bet. Stains also must be reapplied more often than paint.

Coatings
Pros: Deck coatings most often cover non-wood decks. They create smooth surfaces that can be nonslip and resist severe water and sun exposure. When properly applied and maintained, they can last many decades. Deck coatings also allow for decorative treatments such as stamping. Multiple manufacturers of deck coatings exist, creating a seemingly endless amount of options.

Cons: Because there are so many contractors that provide deck coatings, limitations vary by brand. If you do have a deck made from a material other than wood, or you are just now entering the design phase of your deck, consult your handyman as to which type of deck and deck coatings would be the best fit for your home.

No matter which of these options you choose, proper prep and application will deliver the best results. Maintenance, including regular cleaning, also remains key throughout the life of the deck. Don’t rush this important decision or installation. After all, you’ve been waiting years to relax and enjoy your deck.

Deck Maintenance: Clean, Strip, and Seal for a Beautifully Rejuvenated Deck!

Dryer Vent Cleaning, Repair and Installation

Mr. Handyman — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:15:37 +0000

According to a 2007 report from the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers account for about 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths and 400 injuries annually. The leading factor in these fires: failure to perform dryer and dryer vent cleaning. Let’s take a look at how a dryer catches fire and the steps you can take to prevent such an accident from happening in your home.

Dryer Fires 101
The actual drying of your clothes creates lint. The dryer’s filter catches much of the lint, but some makes its way into the venting system. As the lint accumulates there, it becomes a highly flammable fuel source. Add to it other debris such as a bird or other animal nest nestled on top, and the dryer cannot vent properly. When the appliance does not have adequate ventilation, it can overheat and cause the lint and other debris to ignite. The clothes in your dryer and any other nearby combustibles also can catch fire.

How to Prevent Dryer Fires
Clean the lint filter after every load. Once a month, soak the filter in dishwashing soap and warm water, then scrub it with your hands to dislodge any stuck material. Rinse well and check it for any tears, and replace if damaged.

Vacuum lint out of the dryer and exhaust pipe at least every six months, more often if you do laundry several times a week. Since you will need to pull the dryer away from the wall and remove the back panel, this makes an excellent job for your handyman.

Disconnect, clean and inspect the dryer duct and venting at least once a year. Again, dryer vent cleaning proves a perfect job for your professional handyman, as accessing and cleaning the venting may require the use of a ladder and special tools. Your handyman also can replace an incorrect or damaged exhaust hose and/or pipe. The hose should be UL-listed rigid aluminum or steel duct, or spiral-wound aluminum flex hose, and the pipe should be as short as possible and have limited bends.

Additional Benefits from Dryer Vent Cleaning
A dryer with adequate ventilation dries clothes more quickly than one without. In addition to reducing fire hazards in your home, proper cleaning and maintenance of your appliance and its venting system will result in lower monthly electric bills. It also will lengthen the life of your dryer, allow you to replace the appliance less frequently.

Photo Credit: Mr. Handyman of Richmond

Dryer Vent Installation and Repair
You never know what you might find in your dryer vent. One of our technicians found this bird nest inside a vent of a home they recently serviced. No wonder the clothes were taking so long to dry. While most vents will last a long time with regular cleaning service, sometimes they do need repair or replacement. Not only can our technicians install or repair the vents, they can help with appliance installation as well.

Make Over Your Laundry Room
When your handyman visits talk with him about your laundry room setup. If the room does not allow for proper workflow or does not have enough storage for your needs, he can suggest the addition of cabinets and shelves and also move appliances if necessary. If, heaven forbid, you do ever have a fire ignite in your dryer venting system, the last thing you want nearby are additional combustibles such as stacks of boxes or other flammable products.

Learn more about dryer fires and maintenance.

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Master Bathroom Ideas: Get the Most Out of a Master Bath Makeover

Mr. Handyman — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:50:48 +0000

Not everyone can afford to complete a master bathroom makeover all at once. Some homeowners opt for making over the master bath in stages. This allows them to space out the costs and work up to the completed room. If this describes your situation, consider starting with one of the larger and pricier purchases for your makeover to give the room an instant update.

For example, if you have a traditional bathroom with a cabinet sink and want to stick with the style but update the overall look, have your professional handyman swap in a pedestal sink to get the project started. This traditional bathroom by Bridgid Coulter Design uses a white porcelain pedestal sink as the focal point. It immediately opens up the room, making it appear bigger because a cabinet no longer takes up so much space. Choose a pedestal sink that you can easily match to other large purchases down the road, such as the toilet and bathtub if you plan to replace those.

Once the pedestal sink has been installed, you will need to cover the wall area left bare by the removal of the cabinet sink. Simply use touch-up paint or order extra wallpaper to match the now-visible area with the rest of the room. A handyman also can help with this task if matching up strips of printed wallpaper with precision proves outside your comfort zone.

Continue with this stage of your master bathroom makeover by picking out new hardware for the pedestal sink. Choose carefully, as the design and finish will set the tone for the master bath makeover as a whole. In the traditional bathroom noted above, the designer opted for a gracefully curved faucet in warm brushed nickel. The finish extends to hardware elsewhere in the bathroom, from the door handle to the toilet-paper holder. Opt for uniformity in fixtures wherever you currently can. For example, you may need to wait until you purchase a new toilet to match the hardware attached.

Next, replace the storage from the cabinet sink with a tall fixture that does not add back the bulky look of the previous cabinetry. In this traditional bathroom, the designer chose a tall piece with shelves, drawer and cabinet to allow for both artful display of items and hidden storage. Its white finish matches the new sink and contributes to the airy feeling of the traditional bathroom.

To complete this initial stage of your master bathroom makeover, accessorize appropriately. In this traditional bathroom, the designer stuck to the white décor theme but provided pops of color in the graphic design of the wastebasket and in the print over the toilet and other accessories that complement the warm, tan tile on the floor. All small storage uses clear glass and a finish similar to the room’s hardware, and bath linens on display show only in white. The bathtub, not seen here, would benefit from a shower curtain that picks up colors from the print above the toilet.

This traditional bathroom serves as just one example of a makeover that can be done in stages but provide you with instant impact. The cost of the new sink and accessories will not set you back as much as a full bathroom makeover would, but by putting one of the big-ticket items in the initial stage, it will allow you to space out the total cost of the pricier items. And if you do use the help of a professional handyman for this project, that cost also will span the entire project instead of resulting in one lump sum, as well.

Bathroom Tile Ideas: Choosing A Design For Floor, Shower & Counters

Tile Design Ideas: The Best Tile Patterns for Your Bathroom

Mr. Handyman — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:00:08 +0000

From the sleek sophistication of marble to the artistic essence of glass, bathroom tile comes in a variety of materials, colors, and styles. If you have a bathroom makeover on the horizon, find inspiration from these exceptional examples of tile design.

Modern
Designer Ammie Kim went with a modern look in this stunning combination of marble stone and glass panels. She started with a granite countertop and smoke-gray cabinetry, adding complementary tile to the floor and wall. She used thin ceramic tiles in a staggered design to create visual interest not only in the shower but the rest of the bathroom, as well. Tiling nearly to the ceiling makes for a costly bathroom makeover, but you will love the look and durability of the design. HGTV featured this bathroom in its Designers’ Portfolio gallery.

Spa
The tile design of this bathroom creates a shower surround straight from the spa. Large stone tiles grace the ceiling and walls, while smaller stone tiles cover the floor. Even-smaller rectangular tiles create visual interest at the border and inset. The marble bench provides a pop of creamy, rich color and gives the user a spot to sit and take in the serene surroundings. This design comes from GlassTileHome.

Focal Point: River Rocks
Not all tile design involves squares and/or rectangles, as shown in this bathroom featured on This Old House. This shower’s river rock floor serves as a focal point in the bathroom, and while it looks expensive, the rocks come as sheets with mesh backing for easy installation. If you can’t afford an elaborate tile installation in your bathroom, pick one area such as this to make a statement. Other options could be a tile border on the floor or as a backsplash on top of the counter.

Traditional
With smaller bathrooms, light colors and clean lines make the space feel not so cramped. In this bathroom featured in House Beautiful, small white porcelain tiles serve as wainscoting, blending perfectly with the white pedestal sink and toilet. Black and white subway tile adds a graphic dimension to the floor, creating a traditional feel with a bit of an urban edge. The tile design in this bathroom was done by Newell Turner, the magazine’s editor-in-chief.

Glass Tile
Sheets of glass tile that graduate from light to dark blue create an artistic waterfall effect in this shower, found in the home of the vice-president of Oceanside Glasstile. While glass tile proves one of the most expensive options when it comes to tile design, it also comes in sheets, allowing for a much easier installation.

Additional sources of inspiration can be found in design magazines and on tile design websites. It’s a good idea to gather multiple examples that represent the materials, colors and styles you like before meeting with a professional tile installer. Present examples that will help him or her understand your vision and help make it reality. A professional tile installer also can keep you stay on budget in terms of both money and time.

Bathroom Tile Ideas: Choosing A Design For Floor, Shower & Counters

2012 Spring Colors for Your Home

Mr. Handyman — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:50:33 +0000

Sweet Lilac, Margarita, Cockatoo, and Solar Power are just some of the names of the Spring 2012 Pantone® colors. But it’s Tangerine Tango that is the official Pantone Color of 2012.

So what is Pantone, you ask? It’s the self-proclaimed world-renowned authority on color and color systems.

Sweet Lilac, Cockatoo, and Margarita are gorgeous pastels that would be perfect for a bedroom or entryway. While Tangerine Tango, Solar Power, Cabaret, and Sodalite Blue are bold, in your face colors that would be great in your kitchen for that extra boost!

However, using bold colors like these for your home painting projects should be used with caution. And as all good painters say, 90% of a good paint job is the prep - and it’s the truth.

What do you think of the 2012 Pantone Spring Colors? Would you use any of these in your home?

Master Bedroom Makeovers | Ideas for Bedroom Color, Drapes, and Closets

How to Install Screen Doors

Mr. Handyman — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:30:11 +0000

Screen doors serve multiple purposes. They let in fresh air on cool days, allowing you to save money on air conditioning costs. Screen doors also open your home to the outside world, where sights and sounds from the neighborhood can make for pleasant background entertainment. Finally, these handy doors keep out pests, which in many areas of the country can be the difference between healthy skin and an itchy mess.

Choosing the Right Type of Screen Door
A hinged screen door works just as a regular entry door does, except it attaches to the exterior doorframe and opens out of instead of into your home. When planning to purchase this type of screen door, measure not only the exterior door frame, but also the area it will swing open, as there must be enough room to open the door fully. Hinged screen doors also offer the option of opening to the left or right, which allows you to customize the door to your patio or porch layout.

Sliding screen doors pair with sliding glass doors, running along tracks on the top and bottom exterior of the doorframe. Retractable versions resemble window treatments more than actual doors. They lower or raise or open to the left or right. When not in use, they tuck neatly into their housing.

No matter which type of screen door you choose for your home, additional options exist for customization. For example, pulls for hinged and sliding doors come in a variety of decorative options, and the screen itself comes in different colors and shades. However, the most important factor you must consider involves craftsmanship. Choose a door that feels solid and, especially in the case of sliding doors, opens and closes smoothly.

Repairing Existing Screen Doors
If you have a screen door that has seen better days, but does not yet require total replacement, repair it to extend its life.

To repair the screen on any type of door, you will need to remove the screen door from its frame or track and disassemble it. Then, you must purchase a new screen, spline (the rubber tubing that locks the screen in place) and spline-installation tool. Disassembling the door before going to the store allows you to bring the screen and spline with you and ensure replacement parts match. You also may need additional items, such as an awl, if you don’t already have one in your toolbox. Consider replacing the wheels and any other aging parts on the door as well, since you will already have the door disassembled.

Replacing Existing Screen Doors
If you have a screen door beyond repair, replacement proves necessary. Getting the right replacement screen door involves removing it and taking it with you shopping. If the door proves to be too large for your vehicle, measure it and snap a photo. Take the door/measurements and the photo to a local home improvement store that sells screen doors or look online for the manufacturer’s website; the manufacturer typically stamps its name on the pull of the door.
Whether installing a screen door where none existed before or repairing or replacing a damaged one, many homeowners put this task on their professional handyman’s to-do list. As noted, repair requires time and special tools you might not already own, and getting a tight fit on a replacement screen proves tricky for first-timers. Installation of a new door or a replacement takes time and skill as well. Consider bundling this task with others around the house for a productive appointment.

Weatherstripping Doors Increases Home Energy Efficiency

Home Improvement Tax Credits for 2011

Mr. Handyman — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:45:23 +0000

As a homeowner, home improvement tax credits and tax deductions are great incentives for you to complete desired upgrades to your residence and get a ‘discount’ while doing so. Though not actually discounts, federal tax credits or deductions basically amount to the same thing – dollar savings for qualified improvements. While many are familiar with tax credits being given for the installation of certain energy-saving systems such as qualifying furnaces, water heaters, solar panels or wind turbines, there are other types of home improvements that also carry financial incentives from the government. It’s also important to note that savings on your federal income taxes may just be a part of it, as home improvement tax credits or rebates are also sometimes offered by state and local jurisdictions and even some utility companies, and these may all be used in conjunction with one another.

Credits For Energy Efficiency
For the year ending December 31, 2011, the IRS is issuing tax credits for the installation of energy efficient windows and exterior doors, although the maximum allowable of 10% of the purchase price, to a maximum of $700 ($200 for windows and $500 for doors), is significantly lower than the $1500 maximum allowed in 2010. Limitations include the following:

Installed windows and doors must be Energy Star qualified.
Cost of installation labor is not included.
Items must be installed no later than 12/31/2011.

Additional home improvement tax credits for the 2011 tax year also include:

Installation of asphalt or metal roofing.
Adding insulation to an existing home.
Installation of qualified HVAC systems or non-solar water heaters.

While the above listed home improvements eligible for federal tax credits ended with the close of the 2011 tax year, several more are still in place until the end of 2016. These include the installation of small wind turbines for homes, solar energy systems, or geothermal heat pumps. Tax credits for these systems are equal to 30% of the purchase price of the equipment, with no upper cost limit. These credits apply to primary or secondary residences, but not to rental homes. Full details can be found at the EPA’s Energy Star website. Another helpful site that fully explains federal incentives offered and the process for claiming your tax credit is the Department of Energy’s Energy Savers website.

Other Tax Deductible Home Improvements
In addition to home improvements designed to increase energy efficiency, there are two more areas where upgrades to your home could benefit you when it comes time to figure your federal tax liability. The first is a deduction allowed for home remodeling necessary as a result of a qualifying medical condition. The most common of these is when someone in your household requires the use of a wheelchair and certain alterations to the home must be made to accommodate this new condition. Needed improvements could include the addition of wheelchair ramps or an elevator, the widening of doors, installing handrails and the lowering of light switches, cabinets, or counter tops.

Other medical conditions that require special facilities or treatment areas within the home may also require home remodeling work that is tax deductible. This could include therapeutic pools, spas, or areas expressly designed for the accommodation of cumbersome medical equipment. For family members suffering debilitating allergies or breathing problems, doctors may recommend an upgrade to your home’s HVAC system or the addition of air filtration equipment. This will probably also qualify as a tax deductible expense. For more details regarding this area you can check out IRS Publication 502.

Finally, home remodeling paid for through a home equity loan or line of credit may provide some tax relief as the interest paid is generally tax deductible.

Increasing Home Energy Efficiency During Hot Summer Months

Pantry Organization | Turn Green with Pantry Envy

Mr. Handyman — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:09:13 +0000

WARNING: You may experience excessive drooling after reading this blog post due to an illness called “Pantry Jealously.”

PJ, as it’s commonly referred to, frequently occurs during the season known as Spring Cleaning; when many families conduct home repairs and “deep cleanings,” while organizing all rooms and closets of their homes.

Photo Credit: Pinterest.com

All kidding aside, spring is a fantastic time of year to finally organize that messy pantry. One of the best organization tips for your pantry, which is used in the above photo, is custom cabinetry or shelving.

Lazy Susans are another great tool to use when organizing the pantry, which is highlighted in the video above. It keeps everything within reach. No longer will your kitchen look like the one below after you’ve torn through everything to find that short jar of cinnamon hiding in the pantry shadows.

Photo Credit: Flickr

What does you pantry look like these days? Is it in dire need of a makeover?

Here’s another photo we’d like to leave you with for further pantry inspiration…

Photo Credit: Pinterest.com