Hiring a Handyman: The Search

You’ve decided your remodeling project is more than you can handle alone and you want to hire a handyman.  This decision will lead you to many questions about who to hire and why.  In a later post, I will talk about the need for the remodeling contract itself.  Before you get to the remodeling contract phase, you need to decide who to hire.

You can find handyman through web searches, recommendations from friends, newspaper ads, or fliers at home improvement stores.  There are some specific things that you need to know about your handyman:

1. If there are employees involved, does the handyman carry worker’s compensation insurance?
2. Does the handyman carry sufficient liability insurance?
3. Is the handyman licensed according to the requirements of your area?

If the handyman has employees and does not carry worker’s compensation insurance (calls the employees independent contractors), any on-the-job injury claims could be filed against you and your homeowner’s insurance.  Liability insurance protects you from negligence on the part of the handyman, and allows you to collect damages.  Knowing that the handyman is running a legitimate business will help keep you out of court if things go wrong.

Proof of all of these should be provided to you with no hassle.  If there are excuses and delays, that might be a red-flag that this particular handyman may not be operating a legitimate business.  Recommendations from friends are a great place to start, as they obviously had a good experience, but be sure to check out the legitimacy of the business before making a deal.  It could save you many head-aches in the future.

Now that you’ve found someone with good recommendations and a solid business, it’s time to put things in writing and enter into a remodeling contract.  Check out tips on this in my next blog entry.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/yes2art/2515713408/)

After Remodeling Your Home, Cleaning the Sheetrock Dust

Sheetrock Dust gets Everywhere

During and after remodeling projects that involve installing or disturbing sheetrock, dust becomes a major problem.  One of the most effective ways of dealing with sheetrock dust cleanup is, of course, to prevent the mess.

As much as possible, control the spread of sheetrock dust by covering flooring, tile, and window treatments.  Try to contain the dust to the remodeling area by hanging plastic sheeting and removing shoes before walking in the “clean area” of your home.  Cleaning during and after remodeling projects is always difficult, but sheetrock dust is especially hard to clean up.

Sheetrock dust is so fine that it can by-pass filters and ruin both vacuum cleaners by getting into the motor.  The best home cleaning tip for getting rid of sheetrock dust is to use wet cleaning methods.  Because of the fineness of the particles, sweeping and dusting move the dust around rather than pick it up.

While remodeling with sheetrock, experts recommend that your forced air furnace or air conditioning be run at a minimum.  The dust particles not only get spread throughout the entire house, making home cleaning more difficult, but they also can get into the fan motors and cause mechanical problems.  It is also important to change the furnace filter after your remodeling project is complete as this will help with your home cleaning.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/22590743@N05/2200514671)

Remodeling Your Electrical Outlets During Home Remodeling

It’s really frustrating to dream up a new furniture arrangement and realize that there are no power outlets where you need them.  That is why you should think of possible future uses of a room and install plenty of outlets when you are remodeling.  In fact, if your home remodeling project includes exposing the studs, you may want to think about running phone, cable, power, and internet wires throughout your home.

Wireless phones are commonplace, but during remodeling the location of the base may need to be reconsidered.  Wireless internet is also more common, but experts agree that activities such as online banking are more secure using a wired connection in your home.  Remodeling gives you a chance to think about more than paint colors, but also about how the house could better serve your needs.

While remodeling, running cable lines and power lines to the same box is just the right thing to do.  Where ever you need cable, you also need power.  Think about all of the potential furniture arrangements for your room and run cable and power to each spot that a television might be located.  Be sure to label the cable runs back at the source so you can easily tell which one(s) to activate.

Most states allow homeowners to do their own electrical work when remodeling.  Check with your local building inspectors to find out if this applies to in your area.  Usually electrical codes are made at the state level.  Remember, electricity wired wrong can damage electronics and cause fires, so if you are unsure of your abilities, this is one home remodeling project that you should leave up to a professional.

(Photo Credit:  http://flickr.com/photos/woods-kimber/109163276/)

Replacing Your Furnace

Home improvement and remodeling projects can save you some green.  Remodeling by replacing an old furnace is one such example.  There are government tax incentives available for installing an energy efficient furnace that meets certain standards.  Green remodeling pays off now with these incentives.  Your state or local utility may also offer incentives for green remodeling projects.

Efficiency ratings need to be considered for remodeling that includes appliance, furnace, or boiler replacement.  For example, a 90 percent efficiency rating means that 90 percent of the fuel converts to heat.  Most 20 year old furnaces are operating at roughly 60 percent efficiency.

Another important consideration, regardless of the type of heating, is that the heat source be adequately sized for the space you are heating.  If you have done some remodeling and added on to your house or have finished your basement, your heated space has increased.  Your furnace or boiler size should be increased, as well.

Due to electricity prices, electric heat is the least desirable form.  But the fuel source for your heat varies in different parts of the country.  Gas, electric, heating oil, wood, and pellets are all common heating fuel sources.  Installing a fireplace to supplement your current system may not be efficient, but it will add value to your home.

Also, remember to regularly maintain your heating system, and have it checked by a heating professional at least once a year.  Regular maintenance will improve the efficiency of your system and prolong its life.

Effective Snow Removal with Snow Removal Equipment

It is that time of year.  We are greeted by snow in the morning or after work and we don’t have the time or energy for snow removal and, yet, it must be done.  There are several pieces of snow removal equipment that are worth having.  To choose the type that best meets your needs, think about the type and amount of snow you generally get, snow removal equipment that matches your budget, and the areas in need of snow removal.

Brooms:

Brooms can be used for removing snow from car windshields as well as dealing with light snow on steps and sidewalks.  An advantage of brooms is that they are relatively light and since you are not picking up the snow, will be easier on your back.

Snow Shovels:

Shovels are a necessary piece of snow removal equipment in many parts of the country.  Invest in a good shovel that is lightweight and that has an appropriate length handle for your height. Be sure to take breaks and not push it too hard.

Snow Blowers:

Snow blowers are great for snow removal from large areas.  They are usually self-propelled and can remove deep, heavy snow.

Snow Plow:

Many ATV (4-wheeler) owners have turned their summer toy into an effective piece of snow removal equipment by attaching a plow on the front.  Plows come in widths appropriate for the average sidewalk, or large enough to handle driveways.

Snow removal is a tough job, but having the right equipment on hand will speed up the process and result in fewer sore muscles.

Add a Bathroom Vent Fan during Bathroom Remodeling

Venting your Fan through Insulation and the Roof

Bathroom vent fans can be decorative and should always be functional.  They are certainly necessary to install during any bathroom remodeling project.  Whether you are embarking on an entire bathroom remodeling project, or just looking to spruce up your current bathroom, consider whether your vent fan is adequate for the job.

Bathroom vent fans are categorized by the square footage of your bathroom.  Be sure to choose a vent fan appropriate for your bathroom size, or even a little larger.  Vent fans can be noisy, but peace and quiet can be had at a price.  A quieter fan can be found, but it will cost extra.  The vent fan usually contains a light fixture which can be turned on separately from the fan.

The purpose of a good vent fan is first and foremost to prevent mold in your bathroom.  Remodeling may reveal mold.  If mold is found, follow the proper steps to remove the mold and installing a properly sized vent fan is one step toward preventing mold.  Proper installation of the vent fan means that it vents outside, not just into your attic or wall space.

Installation of a bathroom vent fan requires a knowledge of electrical wiring, the ability to route the vent through an existing vent or the roof, and the ability to repair any plaster or drywall that is disturbed.  Whether you have to hire someone to do the job, or do it yourself, installing a bathroom vent fan should be on your bathroom remodeling list.

Bathroom Remodeling, Start in the Shower

Shower Idea!

Remodeling your bathroom can easily include shower remodeling.  New surrounds and tile are obvious places to start your shower remodeling, but don’t forget the showerhead.  Showerheads don’t have to be merely functional.  They can also be attractive and add to the comfort of your bathroom and the value of your home.  This is one simple and inexpensive improvement that makes sense.

There are a variety of showerheads to choose from which can compliment the style of any bathroom and shower remodeling project.  Most new showerheads require minimal plumbing work, however in order to install some of the high-end fixtures, pipes may need to be extended or moved and a professional plumber may be required.

One popular new showerhead model is often either placed higher on the wall than a standard showerhead, or is mounted on the ceiling.  This showerhead is large and gives a soothing rain-like effect.  Another high-end showerhead includes multiple jets of water placed at different heights to surround your body in water.  Nearly all new showerheads include low-flow technology to conserve water.  Of course, for shower remodeling, you want to choose fixtures with the same finish as the rest of your bathroom fixtures.

Whichever new showerhead is chosen for your bathroom and shower remodeling project, be sure to choose high quality fixtures that you can enjoy for years to come.

Snow Removal Prevents Ice Buildup

Icy Sidewalk

In much of the country, winter weather is setting in and snow removal is on peoples’ minds.  Snow removal should be done before there is a lot of traffic on your sidewalks to prevent the buildup of ice in the footprints left behind.  There are many types of snow removal equipment, but what if you’ve waited too long and ice has started to form on your walks?

Chemicals sold in hardware stores can be spread along sidewalks and driveways to melt the ice.  Salt is the most commonly used chemical, but there are other solid and liquid chemicals that can be used instead of snow removal equipment.  The downside of using salt and other chemicals is that they can degrade concrete and other metals.  Chemicals can also have damaging effects on pets and nearby watersheds.

Sand can also be spread on top of ice to add traction for pedestrians and cars.  Sand works well when the ice is solid and formed, but if it continues to snow, the benefit of the sand below the new snow is lost.  After the snow and ice melt, sand on sidewalks can also be slippery, so be sure to clean the walkways of excess sand in the Spring.

If the snow is light, a broom can easily be the only snow removal equipment needed.  However for wet, heavy snow, removal equipment should include shovels and snowblowers.  Even your teenagers can be useful for snow removal.  If your efforts at snow removal fail, use chemicals or sand on your walkways to avoid slipping on the snow and ice.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/arthill/311237239/)

Home Made Christmas Decorations: A Wreath

Home Made Christmas Wreath

The Christmas season is upon us and there are many ways to decorate your home.  Christmas decoration ideas aren’t hard to come by as they are available from TV, home stores, the internet, and your neighbors.  Sometimes it’s hard to keep up, but home made Christmas decorations can be an inexpensive way to decorate.  New family traditions can be created at the same time.  A favorite home made Christmas decoration is a home made wreath.  The fragrant greens will fill your house with the scent of Christmas.

You’ll need bundles of spruce or fir boughs and a wreath frame.

• Cut the branches into 6 to 8-inch pieces.
• Stack several together with the larger branches at the bottom for support and the smaller tips on top.
• Tie the stack to the wreath frame with twine or wire. Continue around the circle until you have a nicely filled-in wreath.
• Now you can adorn your wreath with pine cones, holly, ribbons, angels, or anything reminiscent of Christmas or that has special meaning for your family.

Some other home made Christmas decoration ideas use themes such as toy soldiers or seashells.  Hang the wreath on your front door, or use it as part of a larger theme of home Christmas decoration ideas inside your house.

There are many more home Christmas decoration ideas that you and your family can create.  You can also visit a craft store for home Christmas decoration ideas, or simply look around your own neighborhood.  In the meantime, enjoy your wreath.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/59089068@N00/2317190)

Vinyl Replacement Windows

Replacement Window Installation

Replacement windows will save you money on heating and cooling, and are an economical remodeling choice.  There are several reasons to replace your home’s windows.  Older homes may have inefficient windows that provide little insulation.  Some double paned windows may have cracked seals and have “fogged up”.  Hinges or slides may no longer work.  Also, avoiding the yearly painting of window trim may also be a reason to consider replacement windows, especially vinyl windows.

Vinyl replacement windows are sold at most home improvement stores.  They come in standard sizes, but odd sizes can be special ordered.  Be sure to measure your current window as instructed by the replacement window manufacturer.  Windows are generally sized by the “rough opening”, not by the size of the window frame.  If the correct size is ordered, they are easy to install.

1. Remove the old trim (carefully if you are planning to reuse it).
2. Remove the old window.
3. Place the replacement window in the rough opening and nail it to the house using the vinyl phlange.
4. Insulate around the replacement window.
5. Re-install the trim.

Homes with stucco exteriors or plaster interior walls present the biggest challenge in home remodeling.  If the old window is not a standard size, then additional trim-work must be done to cover the old non-standard size hole.  You could also choose a larger replacement window and remove extra plaster and stucco.  Enjoy your new energy efficient and easy to maintain replacement windows.

(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/janorbur/4118114307/)