June is the gateway to summer. Good weather days are ideal for getting repair, improvement and maintenance projects done. Procrastination is not your home’s friend: get to it!
1. Window Well Covers Prevent Flooding, Add Security
If you have basement windows below ground, your home is at risk for one of the primary causes of catastrophic basement flooding in the Chicago area. Water spilling over a gutter, coming out a downspout or overflowing from the yard are only some of the ways window wells get filled with water, causing basement flooding. Our custom window well covers fit any window well; installation includes a thorough cleaning, installation of drain guards, if needed, and a custom-built window well cover. These UV-stable covers allow 98% of the natural light to enter and can withstand 850 pounds of weight thus providing your window well and home the extra security it needs. Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in basement water: schedule window well cover installation today.
2. Guard Your Gutters
You clean your gutters, then start worrying about the next time they get clogged … which they will! Eliminate gutter cleaning forever while protecting your home with our time-tested and proven gutter guards. They’re tough, attractive and designed to work best in Chicago’s weather extremes. Increase the value of your home, cut down on its maintenance and relax more with our dependable gutter guards. Schedule a gutter guard installation today.
3. Let the Light In!
Homes full of light are full of life. Skylights help bring the outside in, creating an expansive environment for your family. When you’re ready to add more natural light and fresh air with skylights, we can help you select the right skylight options for your home. Our precision skylight installation delivers unmatched quality and beautiful results.
4. Banish Bugs
Summer is prime insect season. All winged insects, especially pesky mosquitoes, are expert at finding holes in your screens at nightfall. The light from inside guides the way in so bugs can ruin a perfectly good evening. For screens that can be removed, or for small holes that can be patched, your local family-owned hardware store is your best option, but if you need rescreening of hard-to-reach or permanent screens such as porch screens, contact us!
5. Carrot Tops into Compost
Composting isn’t just a great, green way to reduce organic waste, it also makes a big difference in the quality of your soil, lessening the need for fertilizer and other chemicals. Read about the “Cadillac of compost bins” that Get Dwell built and donated to a local middle school.
6. Every Day is Fire Safety Day
When you hear a smoke alarm, you may have less than two minutes to get everyone outside and safe. Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month and replaced every 10 years even if they appear to be in working order, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Choose interconnected smoke alarms, so when one sounds, they all sound — available at your local family-owned hardware store.
7. Detect Sneaky Leaks
Water leak detectors sound an alarm when they sense pooling water. They prevent flooding by alerting you when connections get leaky or appliances fail. Place a water leak detector under your water heater, HVAC systems, washing machine — anywhere where a leak could be problematic. This is especially important on upper floors as leaking can damage everything underneath, e.g., hardwood floors, moldings, walls, ceiling paint. To prevent water damage, we recommend Wi-Fi enabled alarms. Not only do they sound an alarm, they also let you know there’s an issue even if you’re away. Stop by your local family-owned hardware store to check out your options.
8. Accessorize Your House
One of the best and most dramatic ways to dress up and boost the curb appeal of your home is by adding, replacing or painting your shutters. When selecting exterior shutter styles, the architectural design of a home should dictate which configuration is best. Shutter styles include louvered, raised panel, and board and batten. They can be either functional, working shutters or merely decorative, and are available in a myriad of colors. Whatever you choose, they’ll elevate the look of your home. Schedule shutter repair or replacement today.
9. Update Your First Aid Kit
Getting active outdoors, injuries and accidents happen, so don’t forget to stock up on the basic items such as bandages, disinfectant and more — pick up a comprehensive first aid kit at your local family-owned hardware store.
10. Drone Home! Drone Home!
Ever wondered what’s going on up there on your roof? Think you might have a roof issue such as missing/damaged shingles, holes or leaks? Get Dwell’s Illinois-licensed roofing repair contractors use drone technology to video map your roof, giving you a bird’s-eye view of its condition and highlighting any areas that require attention. Our expert analysis and a copy of the drone’s video footage are included. Schedule a roof assessment today.
Get busy in June, relax in July!