May we help you in May? Shake off the winter doldrums, roll up your sleeves and let’s get to those home projects that need attention.
1. May is National Electrical Safety Month
Many of the conditions that cause electrical fires and incidents can be detected during a home electrical system inspection. The ESFI (Electrical Safety Foundation International) recommends you have an electrical system inspection if:
• Your home is 40+ years old
• You purchased a previously owned home
• Your home has undergone a major renovation
• You have added major new appliances in the last 10 years
Schedule an Electrical Safety Assessment now.
2. Ready for Rain
To borrow a saying from social media, “May is the new April.” In recent years, the Chicago metro area has gotten more rain in May than any other month. Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in basement flood water! Schedule a Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Assessment here.
3. Take the Stress Out of Maintenance
Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Regular maintenance is key to protecting your home — your biggest investment. Spring is an ideal time to take advantage of Get Dwell’s Whole Home Assessment that identifies potential trouble spots and regular maintenance requirements that can help prevent expensive, major repairs down the road.
4. Reimagine and Remodel
May is the start of remodeling season. With income taxes paid and the promise of sunnier days ahead, it’s time to make plans for those remodeling projects you’ve been considering. While costs have leveled off or decreased in recent months, there are still some supply chain issues that might affect the timing of your projects. Our advice: Gather all the information you need and select products as early as possible so that when you’re ready to start your project it will run smoothly and hassle free. Let’s talk about the vision you have for your home remodeling project!
5. Outside Spruce Up
If you’ve got a jungle gym or playground in your backyard, take a close look at it before the kids starting playing outside again. Check for loose screws, rust and splinters that can lead to injuries. Also be advised that heavy spring winds can damage fences and gates. Have a jiggly gate latch that you’re always wrestling with? Your local family-owned hardware store has many solutions to your fence and gate issues. One great option is a self-closing spring that latches the gate behind you automatically (great if you have kids or dogs). If you need professional repair, learn more here.
6. Clear Out and Get Organized!
Before you jump into the gardening and outdoor season, it may be time to clean out the shed and garage so all your tools are easy to reach. Donate or throw away items you don’t use anymore; dispose of old power tools that no longer work properly and make sure that dangerous chemicals, e.g., antifreeze, insecticides, solvents, are stored properly. This should be a yearly springtime ritual — clearing the clutter and uncovering items you forgot you loved and needed. We can help you get those garages and basements cleaned up. Schedule the help you need here.
7. Go Green
Your local hardware store offers natural yard care products that can help you avoid or limit the use of chemicals on your lawn and gardens. They also have great options and advice on alternative fuel leaf blowers, lawn mowers and other equipment that not only work great but run more quietly than conventional products and are more environmentally friendly.
8. Go Native
Plant species native to our area are not only attractive and hardier than many non-native options, they require less water and fertilization because they’re adapted to Midwestern summers. They also possess a superpower — they support all the other creatures in our yards by providing nectar and pollen for butterflies and bees, shelter for caterpillars and food for birds.
9. Install a Rain Collection System
Rainwater is great for gardens and lessens usage of tap water, which requires considerably more energy to treat and deliver to your home. Collecting rain in a rain barrel can help alleviate basement leaking by keeping roof runoff out of the yard or sewer system. Your local family-owned hardware store will have multiple options for you to choose from.
10. Moving on? Let us help!
May is the busiest moving month of the year. Shop your local family-owned hardware store for a wide variety of packing and moving supplies. Moving can be stressful, but the cleaning doesn’t have to be. Schedule a Move-Out Cleanup here.
Now’s the time to get organized, clean out the junk, and take care of all those home projects. You’ll be glad you did when the sunny weather arrives!