Top 10 May Home Tips

1.  Keeping up appearances

Winter is rough on Chicago-area homes: Freeze/thaw cycles, snow, rain and brutal winds are not the friends of your home’s exterior. Now’s a great time to take a walk around the outside of your home and make notes:

• Always check for loose railings, particularly those at stairs
• Any broken fence posts from winter winds?
• Is your home showing dullness or in need of repairs?
• What about paint on window sills, shutters and trim?
• Do decks and wooden stairs need the protection of stain or paint or is there rotting wood that needs attention?

Spring is the ideal time for painting, staining and repair projects because trees and shrubbery are just starting to bloom and grow, lessening the possibility of landscaping and foliage damage. Contact us today to get started on that to-do list.

2. Let the sun shine in

Is the springtime sun revealing how dirty your windows are? Our team of efficient, uniformed technicians combines state-of-the-art equipment and water purification technology to spotlessly clean your windows, skylights, glass atriums, mirrors, screens, sills and window tracks. This process offers weather resistance: rain won’t dull the shine. Using water-fed poles the team will remove layers of dust, dirt and grime from both the outside and inside of your windows, even in the hardest-to-reach spots, including windows as high as third floor. The mood-boosting sunshine is welcome after a long, dull winter. The more tangible benefits are extended window life, mold prevention and improved energy efficiency. 100% satisfaction guarantee. We also offer the convenience of seasonal or annual plans. Request a window washing estimate today.

3. Wash away winter

Spring’s bright sunshine may reveal years of caked-on dirt and grime, mold or algae on your home’s exterior. Pressure washing by inexperienced professionals can damage and permanently scar your home’s surfaces. Our experienced pressure washing pros know the appropriate settings and cleaning products to use on your particular home. We use only eco-friendly chemicals to both clean and rejuvenate your house while respecting your landscaping and the planet we all share. Request a pressure washing estimate here.

4. Windows: repair or replace  

Outdated, cracked or ill-fitting windows diminish the look of your home, cost you in increased utility bills and make your home uncomfortable. Today’s high-tech window and door replacements deliver outstanding energy efficiency, beauty and performance. We can assist you with either repairing or replacing your windows. Replacement windows can brighten your home, enhance your curb appeal, and even increase your property value. Reach out to get the estimating process started.

5. Doors: repair or replace

Old or shabby doors make your home look dated and neglected and affect its resale value. Your old door may have loose or missing weatherstripping or thresholds or lack the insulation of more modern doors. If so, your doors are leaking air conditioned air in summer and heated air in cold months, resulting in increased utility bills. Struggling to close or lock doors? We can help with doors that need repair. If replacement is needed, our professional, trained and certified installers install the best brand name doors. Reach out to get the estimating process started.

6. Build Mom a box of blooms

The gift of flowers is always special, especially when they last more than one week! If you’re handy, consider building Mom a planter box full of flowering annuals. Your local, family-owned hardware store has all the tools you’ll need including potting soil and plants — stop in today! If you want professional help designing and building planter boxes, contact us here.

7. What’s going on up there on your roof?

Stop worrying … find out! Our 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. The roofing experts study your video map, then provide an assessment, as well as an estimate for roof repair or roof replacement if needed. Schedule a roof assessment

8. Skylight installation or replacement

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. If you have existing skylights that are outdated, leaking or defective, now’s the time to replace them. Request a skylight estimate

9. Shady rest without the pests

Your screened-in porch extends your outdoor space, giving you access to light and breezes while protecting you from pesky insects and sudden showers. This is where summer memories are made. If you’re handy, your local, family-owned hardware store has all the advice, screen materials and products you need to repair and rescreen your porch. Remember, if you can bring your screens into the store they can fix them for you.

Or contact us to help repair and refresh your screened-in porch.

“We can never have enough of Nature.”

Henry David Thoreau

10. Feed our feathered friends

If you’ve never fed wild birds in your backyard, you don’t know what you’re missing! It provides a tangible connection to nature. You become more immersed and in sync with the wildlife, plants and seasonal changes happening right before your eyes. What’s in it for the birds? Species having a difficult time surviving (especially in an urban environment) benefit from backyard bird feeders. Depending on the food you choose, you’ll likely attract sparrows, juncos, finches, cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, robins, mourning doves and other species. You’ll be fascinated by their antics! Birds also keep insect populations in check, eating stinkbugs, grasshoppers, aphids, beetles, as well as tree and shrub insects such as borers. Shop your local, family-owned hardware store today for a variety of feeders and food.