A Strategic Approach to Remodeling: Refreshing Rooms with Small Projects

In today's challenging economy, each of us is taking a closer look at how we spend our hard-earned dollars. And while we may not have the necessary budget to tackle a major home improvement project, there are many homeowners who are choosing a more strategic approach to remodeling - by refreshing rooms and undertaking small projects one at a time.

By updating smaller items at a time you can work within your budget and still get that feeling of a newly remodeled home. Handyman Matters has put together these tips for any homeowner trying to get a fresh approach to remodeling your home.

The everyday touch

Rather than spend your hard-earned dollars on a vase or piece of artwork that you only use at the holidays; invest in items that you see and touch on a daily basis. The perfect example is a kitchen faucet - it's something you use multiple times every day, and can truly be the ideal finishing touch.

Most kitchens have a basic faucet - but as the focal point and most-used item in the kitchen, updating this mainstay can create a functional and fashionable change that everyone will notice. When selecting a new kitchen faucet, look for a high-arc style with pull-down functionality. The multi-function wand offers both a fast-fill stream for filling pots, as well as sprays that reduce the water stream to 1.5 gallons per minute for tasks that require a constant yet low water flow, such as washing dishes or preparing foods. Handyman Matters can help install this item in your kitchen for a quick fix.

Accessorize

Take a page from the fashion industry and realize the power of accessorizing. You can easily transform the look of any room with a few key pieces. But in this economy, choose items that can multitask to make the most of your investment. Examples include an ottoman that doubles as storage and/or seating, or a flip-top sofa table that can open up to be used as a buffet or desk.

Day-by-day, one step at a time

Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle a number of complicated projects all at once. Instead select one primary project - even if it's complex - and divide it into smaller jobs. Start by looking at the rooms you use the most - typically the kitchen, master bathroom and master bedroom. In the bedroom, the perfect project, is a closet organization system. Handyman Matters can install any organization system. One of the most popular systems is wire rack shelving, it is available in a variety of sizes and depths, and can be arranged to incorporate a number of accessories - from tie racks to shoe trees.

Begin to dream again

Just because you might be short on funds doesn't mean you have to be short on inspiration. In these trying times, it's OK to continue to have pie-in-the-sky home improvement dreams ... but also understand that even small projects and purchases can help you slowly inch toward your goals. With just a few updates around the house, you can quickly move from survival to revival. And if you simply don't have the budget to begin even a small project, surround yourself with things that reflect your personality or people close to you - photographs of family trips, family heirlooms and souvenirs can help you reminisce about special days - and realize that they could be just around the corner.

Style statement

Finally, don't neglect your sense of style while you're watching your budget. You can simply dress up the basics with your personal flair by adding a stunning statement piece. And many times, you don't even need a tool box - try a new area rug, a piece of inexpensive artwork or a collage of family portraits.

Especially while we ride out this time of economic uncertainty, these simple, strategic ideas for updating your living space provide both value and a sense of pride in your household. And when the recession is over, the lessons learned while incorporating this do what you can with what you have concept into your everyday life will still have a great deal of value. For more information and other helpful tips, click here to contact one of our professionals or call 866-FIX-MY-HOME (866-349-6946).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Sell Your Home Checklist

Looking to sell your home? The professionals at Handyman Matters have combined their expertise and created this list of helpful things to do in order to prepare your home to sell.

Exterior Preparation

• The condition of your home's exterior is most important when it comes to buyer appeal. Touch up trim paint on doors, window frames, fascia, etc.
• If your lawn shows no signs of life, a little fertilizer and some water will do wonders for its color. Mow and edge the lawn frequently until the home is sold.
• Overgrown shrubbery should be cut back to show as much of the exterior as possible. A low-cost investment in seasonal flowers or ground cover will add a personal touch.
• Replace missing shutters, gutters, and downspouts and remove any debris
• Inspect the roof for necessary repairs and any visible broken shingles or tiles
• Cracks in the driveway and sidewalks can be easily repaired with ready-mix cement. For excessive stains, there are easy-to-use cleaning agents at your home repair store
• Stucco water stains can be repaired using a mild bleaching agent
• Fences should be mended and painted
• If the street sweeper does not come every week, make sure the area in front of your curb and driveway are clear of debris. Wash it down with the hose
• Wash all windows inside and outside
• All of these suggestions may also apply to your back yard or child's play area.

Interior Preparation

• Living Area
• Clean your home from top to bottom.
• Put all valuables in a safe place.
• Repair any cracks or holes in walls and touch-up paint.
• Doors should be cleaned and touched-up as well. All torn screens should be repaired or
  replaced.
• Avoid repainting the entire house unless current colors are very loud or offbeat. White or
  light pastels are the easiest for new homeowners to work with and they make your rooms look larger.
• Have carpeting and draperies cleaned.
• Carpeting should be vacuumed throughout the house the day your home is being shown.
• If you have a fireplace, make sure all tile is in good condition, the screen is in good shape, and the hearth is clean.
• Lubricate squeaking doors, windows, and cabinets.
• Put deodorizers in each room and closet.
• Store out-of-season clothes so closets do not look cluttered.
• Pre-pack items, which may clutter your home and make rooms appear smaller.
• A few colorful plants will help liven and add color to the interior.

• Kitchen
• The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. Keep the counters clean and clear of appliances. All appliances should be clean and neatly organized. An open appearance with sunlight and green plants here and there will make the room a focal point.
• Never leave dirty dishes in the sink.
• Clean and wax the kitchen floor. If the floor looks old and dull, consider replacing the
  flooring.
• Clean fans and vent hoods.

• Bathroom
• All bathroom appliances should be thoroughly cleaned. Remove stains from sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.
• Replace old caulking around bathtub and sinks.
• Repair or replace leaky faucets.
• Unclog and sanitize drains to remove odors.
• Clean all mirrors.
• Keep all toilet seat lids closed.
• Fresh towels should be in the bathrooms at all times.

• Garage
• Have a garage sale to dispose of any unwanted items. Family heirlooms, which you will take with you, should be boxed and stored in the garage until you move.
• Degreasers are available at your local home repair store to remove stains from the
  garage floor.
• Remove any cobwebsIf the basement or attic is a functioning part of the house, make sure the area is clean and in good repair.

Showing Your Home

• Dust and vacuum the whole house thoroughly.
• Lightly clean and straighten up living areas.
• Open all drapes and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Turn on lamps and other lights as necessary to brighten each room.
• If you're planning to move around the same time you're selling your home, try to arrange showings while the furniture is still in the house.
• Any household or children's items should be stored away. This includes toys, bikes,
  skateboards, etc.
• Turn television sets off. Turn on a radio with soft music at low volume.
• While your home is being held open, arrange to spend the time away from the house, especially if you have small children. If this is not possible, go for a walk, visit a neighbor, or keep children quiet when your home is being shown to prospects.
• Keep pets away from potential buyers and keep pet areas clean.
• Your agent may request to serve refreshments. If not, feel free to suggest this.
• Try baking chocolate chip cookies or brownies just before the open house. A pleasant aroma
  means home to many people.
• Once the open house begins, let your agent do the job. Do not try to assist unless asked by
  the agent showing your home.
• If you're trying to sell any household items, do not bring this up, unless you are asked. Remember to keep your valuables in a safe place.
• Should a buyer stop by when your not having an open house, refer all inquires to your agent.
  Feel free to answer questions the buyer might have, but again, refer as much as possible to your agent, as he/she will be able to answer in the most positive manner.
• Save visiting agents business cards for your agent. Write down the date on the back of the
  visiting agent's business card and indicate if the agent had buyers with them.
• Notify your agent if you'll be out of town and how to contact you.

If the thought of all this prep work overwhelms you, just give us a call at (281) 358-6666 to schedule one of our "Family-Friendly" Craftsmen to come take care of it for you. Or schedule online at www.HandymanMatters.com

Five Top Trends in Patio Design

When does a trend become a tradition? With continued interest in creating great outdoor living spaces, the trend for jazzing up the backyard may just be on the verge of becoming a staple of the American home, and as much a requirement as a great kitchen or welcoming bath.

And every summer it seems homeowners find new ways to create a "wow effect" in their outdoor living spaces. Here are five hot trends in patio design to help elevate your backyard patio from a nice patch of bricks to your favorite spot to entertain and relax this summer:

1. Make the backyard a destination: More people are foregoing costly summer vacations in favor of sinking that travel money into creating a getaway spot in their own backyards. Enterprising homeowners are using decorative concrete to create mini theme parks with faux rock water features, sculpted pools with water slides and garden bridges.

2. Cost-sensible, eco-conscious: Environmental awareness doesn't have to take a backseat to luxury. Backyard oases must also emphasize eco-consciousness, incorporating environmentally-friendly materials like concrete, which is sustainable. But they also like the organic look and feel that the material can impart. Concrete patios can mimic the look of natural stone - even lava - without the eco-impact associated with quarrying the real thing. Plus, concrete costs considerably less than many natural stone products.

3. Furniture built to last and last: Anybody can go to the local home improvement store and pick up a patio set. The truly trendy backyard designer turns to permanent backyard furniture, custom-made to fit your yard's style. Custom concrete furniture can take on any shape, from pool tables and benches to patio tables and planters. It lasts a lifetime and never needs to be painted or refinished.

4. Light my fire: When it comes to creating ambiance, few home improvements pack the wallop of a fireplace. Outdoor hearths are growing in popularity as homeowners continue to recreate all the appeal of their home's interior in the backyard. Whether you choose gas or wood-burning, custom designed or pre-cast, adding a fireplace to your outdoor landscape is sure to light up its appeal.

5. Size - and shape – matter: We've all seen patio disasters - the sprawling slab that totally dominates a tiny backyard, or the postage-stamp-sized patio that appears lost in a sea of grass. Homeowners are no longer leaving patio size to chance. Instead, they're putting a lot of thought and planning into right-sizing their patio to create a living area that meets their needs and fits the profile of their backyard.  Determining how your space will be used and how much you have to work with before you undertake any remodeling will save time and avoid regret later on!

Whatever your personal style, and whether you're aiming to improve your home's resale value or enhance your enjoyment of your house, upgrading your outdoors is an investment that makes sense. Visit HandymanMatters.com for more guidance on making your backyard a true destination. If you find that you need help with your "destination", give us a call at (281) 358-6666.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Summer is here and it’s time now to make sure your home is ready for the hot weather. You’ll want to spend your time enjoying the great outdoors – not doing home maintenance. Addressing some simple summer maintenance items right now can ensure there won’t be any problems with your home as the warmer weather moves in. Keeping your home in good shape saves you money in the long run.

Taking some time in the summer to check your home for moisture leaks and outdoor maintenance issues will help minimize the need for future repairs. The professional craftsmen at Handyman Matters have compiled this list of summer home maintenance tips that consist of the things you can do to prevent major home repairs and to allow you to enjoy the rest of the summer living without worrying about maintenance down the road!

1.       Seal, patch blacktop drive

2.       Check, tighten and adjust fences, gates and doors

3.       Fill all sinks, drain and check for leaks

4.       Check toilet for leaks

5.       Change indoor air filters

6.       Check and tighten all light fixtures, wall plugs and wall switches

7.       Align and adjust all cabinet doors

8.       Check trim and woodwork for scratches, cracks or pulling away

9.       Flush hot water heater and refill

10.   Check crawl space for moisture and leaks

11.   Check and Clean air registers and grills

12.   Check fire extinguishers

13.   Clean dryer vents and exhaust vents

14.   Inspect roof for missing shingles and gaps around pipes and corners

15.   Check linoleum for rips, tears and curling

16.   Check for erosion or shifting around house

17.   Bury any exposed sprinkler, wiring or cable lines

18.   Wash windows

Need help with these projects? No problem, Handyman Matters is here to help! To find a location near you visit, www.HandymanMatters.com. Now is the best time to get your home ready for the warmer temperatures that summer ushers in. Call today, 281-358-6666!