There’s a saying: “Keeping house is like threading beads on a string with no knot at the end.” Maintaining a home is like that too. Something always needs fixing and there’s always room for improvement. We’re here to help!
1. Splish splash backsplash
Did you know you can freshen up your kitchen or bathroom without a huge investment? Installing a backsplash can be the perfect pick-me-up for the most-used rooms in your home. Our master tilers are seasoned pros with 20+ years of experience. They’ll consult with you on your options and make recommendations tailored to your space. You can be assured they’ll use the correct methods and materials for your specific project, and that the finished result will delight! Request a backsplash installation estimate
2. Breathe easy
Most HVAC systems have a humidifier with a water pad (also known as a cooling pad or evaporative pad) that needs replacing at least once a year. Replacing the water pad keeps your HVAC system working efficiently, keeps mold from growing, keeps your home comfortable year-round, and keeps heating costs down. Stop into your local family-owned hardware store for replacement water pads. If you need help replacing the pad, notify your HVAC service provider or contact us for help.
3. Keep trash in its place
Hygiene extends to all corners of your home, including those exterior trash and recycling bins. Even though it tends to be ignored, your outdoor garbage cans should be deep cleaned twice a year. They can be a hub for all sorts of pests and accumulated nastiness! Clean garbage cans before putting the garden hose away for the winter. Now is also a good time to consider installing a garbage can corral to hide unsightly bins (and your AC unit). Reach out for help installing or building a garbage corral
4. Power up for peace of mind
Do you worry about losing power suddenly? A backup generator can eliminate that worry: it operates on natural gas and switches on when your electricity goes out due to utility company failures or Nature’s fury. A backup generator powers your entire house or just the most necessary systems, including the sump pump, heat/air conditioning, refrigerator/freezer, lighting and WiFi. For continuous power supply, reach out to schedule a backup generator installation estimate
5. Seal the deal
Before cold weather returns, we recommend that you inspect your storm windows. They’re one of the best and most efficient ways to keep your home warm and sealed in cold weather. Bring broken or failing storm windows into our store for repair. If your screens are stationary and you need help removing them, schedule a handyman to help.
“September was a thirty-days long goodbye to summer, to the season that left everybody both happy and weary of the warm, humid weather and the exhausting but thrilling adventures.”
LEA MALOT
6. Electrify your outdoors
Prepare now for holiday deliveries and guests. If you don’t have any outdoor electrical outlets, consider adding some. If your home has only one or two exterior outlets, consider adding more. Perhaps you’ve dreamed of installing decorative light strings or a fountain in the front or back yard. With more access to exterior AC outlets, installing holiday lighting is less of a struggle. If you have a problem with ice dams forming in winter, installing roof-top heating cables to prevent ice dams becomes simple. Schedule electrical services
7. Keep the flames in check
The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney inspection and cleaning to prevent home damage or loss of life from a damaged or blocked chimney. A reliable chimney sweep should inspect your fireplace and chimney before lighting the first fire of the year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that gas fireplace chimneys also be inspected/cleaned annually. Contact us for a reliable chimney sweep referral
8. Chimney checkup
It’s a good idea to do an annual exterior chimney check. Look for early signs of needed masonry repairs, including:
- cracked chimney cap
- efflorescence (white powder) on bricks
- missing mortar between bricks
- spalling (face of brick broken off)
Don’t wait until the weather is too cold! If you’re unable or too busy to check your chimney, request a chimney repair estimate.
9. Shameful shutters?
September is a good time to check your shutters to see how they’ve weathered this year. If your shutters are looking worn, outdated or in need of repair, maybe it’s time to take action. New shutters are available in composite, wood and vinyl, in standard or custom sizes and in many styles and colors. Note that today’s well designed and maintained shutters can last a lifetime, adding both value and beauty to your home. Discover your options for shutter repair or replacement. Request a shutter repair or replacement estimate
10. Water woes
A drain tile system is an underground network of perforated pipes that collects and directs excess water away from your foundation and helps prevent flooding. Common causes of drain tile system clogs include leaves, dirt and organic matter building up in the pipes, tree roots infiltrating the pipes, soil compaction, and sediment buildup. If you see water pooling, slow drainage after storms, or have increased moisture levels in your basement, you may have a clog problem. Untreated, you could be looking at expensive repairs, so don’t wait — schedule a drain tile inspection today.
And just like that, summer will end and cold fall winds will blow. Tackle those needed home projects before the weather turns. Contact us today!