January may be cold and dark, but it can be a time of renewal and new beginnings. Make the most of this time by clearing space, treating yourself and making plans for the year ahead.
1. Keep your home sale ready
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners get their house ready for sale and most of them have said, “If only we’d done this sooner, we could have enjoyed it.” Whether or not you’re considering selling your home in the near future, if you need to make some repairs or complete some renovations before you put it on the market, consider doing so now so you can enjoy the improvements while you’re still in the home. Once you’re ready to put it on the market, you’ll be able to act more quickly and have less to do to get your home sale ready! Learn more here
2. Make junk disappear
Clear out clutter to welcome the new year! Create flow in your life by decluttering your home. We’ll haul away and dispose of unwanted items properly. No job is too big or small, and fast, same-day service is available. A professional, hard-working team will broom sweep clean all areas when they’re done. Contact us for junk pickup today
3. Stay hydrated
Freezing outdoor temps mean low humidity levels indoors. Drinking clean, filtered water is the best way to stay hydrated. If you have a water filtration system, start the year fresh by cleaning the filter. If you don’t have one, shop your local family-owned hardware store for a selection of pitchers, faucet, and under-the-sink water filtration systems — consider a model with filtered instant hot water. For help with installation, schedule a licensed plumber here.
4. Breathe easy
A bathroom exhaust fan removes excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew to form in your bathroom. To ensure yours is properly vented / working correctly, try the tissue test: Turn on the fan and hold a tissue or piece of toilet paper up to the vent. If the fan easily draws and holds the paper in place, it’s working properly. If the paper falls away, the fan may not be removing moisture. Noisy fan? Contractors often choose the least expensive fan option, which can emit an irritatingly loud whirring sound. New fans from your local family-owned hardware store are rated by sone quality and if you want whisper quiet, it’s available. Some models even come with heaters and Bluetooth speakers for music. Contact us for professional installation help
5. Transform your kitchen, bathroom or wet bar
Adding a backsplash can infuse your room with personality and refresh the space without the expense of a complete remodel. It also increases the value of your home (kitchens and bathrooms are big selling points for home buyers). A backsplash protects walls from spills and splatters. Ceramic, glass, stone and stainless steel tiles are easily cleaned and also highly resistant to fire and heat from a stovetop. Request a backsplash installation estimate
6. Organize cold weather accessories
Empty out those cluttered entryway baskets, cubbies and bins. Sort through and organize scarves, hats, gloves and boots, then take stock of your storage space. To update your entryway or mudroom with more efficient storage, consider custom built-ins. Request a custom carpentry estimate and bring your vision to life!
7. Improve your home’s air quality
Air ducts in HVAC systems play a vital role in your home’s overall livability. According to the EPA, improperly maintained ducts can become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris from pets who shed, remodeling projects, etc. If moisture is present, the potential for mold growth is increased and spores may be released into your living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in your family members. Clean air ducts mean fewer allergens, a better smelling home and less surface dust. Our duct cleaning technicians can spot other problems during their cleaning process, such as leaks, rust, gaps and loose connections; they can insulate when necessary to improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit. Request an air duct cleaning estimate
8. Turn your shower into a spa
Improve water flow and elevate your showering experience by installing a rainwater showerhead or a massage shower system with wand (as long as your water pressure is adequate). Water-saving showerheads are good for the planet and have different spray settings that offer full body coverage, pulsating massage and full body massage. In some cases, upgrading is as easy as unscrewing the existing showerhead and replacing it with a different model (don’t forget the pipe tape and remember to go clockwise with the tape). Stop by your local family-owned hardware store to shop showerheads. Then schedule one of our licensed plumbers if you need help with installation. Enjoy!
9. Treat your windows
Window shades, blinds and curtains offer privacy and beauty while helping save energy and reduce heat loss in winter, lessening the workload on your heating system. Visit your local family-owned hardware store for window coverings, parts or installation advice. For professional installation, contact us.
10. Remove potential hazards
Do you have dead or dying trees or large branches on your property? Are they near your home? Winter winds and snow can cause dead branches to fall, potentially:
- harming humans, pets and vehicles
- scratching the roof, siding and painted surfaces
- puncturing windows
- clogging gutters with leaves and twigs, causing water leaks
Worst case scenario: a large tree falls directly onto your home or auto (you’ve all seen the photos on the 10:00 p.m. news. We see these in person!). Contact us to make an appointment with a tree professional and avoid possible damage this winter.
The winter months are ideal for certain home improvement and maintenance projects (while pampering yourself). If you’re planning for a spring or summer home sale, it’s never too early to get started with home prep. We’re here to help!