DIY with Handyman Matters: Top Tips for Painting Your Home

Painting the interior of your home can be one of the most rewarding and cost-effective ways to completely transform your living space. Handyman Matters can complete the following tips to ensure that the interior of your home turns out to be exactly what you have been dreaming of.

1.       The most important step to getting a great look is preparation. As a general rule, walls should be clean, dry and dull. If your existing surface was painted previously with semi-gloss or gloss paint, the surface should be lightly sanded to a duller finish and all sanding dust removed. For previously painted walls, thoroughly wash them with a mild soap and water solution, then rinse with clean water and allow them to dry. If there is loose or peeling paint, scrape and sand the area. Be sure to apply appropriate patching material to cracks, nail holes, or other surface imperfections, then sand smooth and remove sanding dust. Pay close attention to drying times for patching materials before priming or painting.

2.       A base coat of primer should always be used to protect bare, unfinished drywall. Walls that were previously painted can also benefit from a primer if they're stained, previously painted with a dark color, or in general disrepair.

3.       Use high-quality paint, brushes and rollers. Using these items always saves you time and money in the long-run. The professional craftsmen and Handyman Matters are knowledgeable on the best tools to use when applying interior paint.

4.       Create a clean, open working space. Be sure and remove all furniture possible from the space. If large furniture items can't be removed from the room, be certain to cover them and the floors with a canvas drop cloth or plastic sheeting. Avoid using sheets or newspaper, as they can allow paint to soak through and could be a slip hazard. Handyman Matters craftsmen can help move furniture if it can moved out of the room while paint is being applied.

5.       Tape it off. Using painter's tape to keep paint off the trim and windows will help provide clean, straight lines. Be sure to press the tape down well along the edge to prevent paint from bleeding under.

6.       Have a painting strategy. The ceiling should be painted first, followed by the walls, then the trim, doors and windows, and lastly the baseboards. After painting the ceiling, paint the edges of the walls where it meets the ceilings. It's important when cutting in ceilings or walls to feather out the paint to avoid a common painting problem known as hat banding, where the paint you cut in dries before the paint you roll onto the walls. Painting one wall at a time will also help eliminate the problem of hat banding.

7.       Apply two coats of paint. Don't rush the process by applying a second coat too soon. If you're using latex paint, wait at least four hours before you apply a second coat. Wait at least 24 hours between coats with oil paint. Allow freshly painted surfaces to cure for 30 days before washing with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and water.

8.       Clean it up. If you're only taking an overnight break don't bother to clean the brush, just squeeze the excess paint out and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Use a rubber band to secure the foil at the base of the handle. If it will be a few days before you resume your project, toss the wrapped brush into the freezer. But, don't forget to defrost the brush for an hour before you start painting again.

These tips can help make sure your interior paint is applied properly if you’re completing the project yourself. However, all of the craftsmen at Handyman Matters are knowledgeable about interior and exterior painting tactics. If you’re looking for something in particular, Handyman Matters can customize it to fit your needs. Call us locally at (281) 358-6666 or Click here to find a location near you!

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Aging in Place Checklist

Today's post comes to us from the NAHB Research Center. I hope you enjoy it.

Are you a builder or remodeling contractor with older adult clients? Are you a consumer seeking to modify an existing home for aging in place or build a new home to meet your needs over the long term? If so, check out our Aging-In-Place Design Checklists. They contain features you may want to consider for your next new construction or renovation project.

Exterior

• Low-maintenance exterior (vinyl, brick)
• Low-maintenance shrubs and plants
• Deck, patio or balcony surfaces are no more than ½ inch below interior floor level if made of wood

Overall Floor Plan

• Main living on a single story, including full bath
• No steps between rooms/areas on the same level
• 5-foot by 5-foot clear/turn space in living area, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom

Hallways

• Minimum of 36 inches wide, wider preferred
• Well lit

Entry

• Accessible path of travel to the home
• At least one no-step entry with a cover
• Sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock
• There needs to be 32 inches of clear width, which requires a 36-inch door
• Non-slip flooring in foyer
• Entry door sidelight or high/low peep hole viewer; sidelight should provide both privacy and safety.
• Doorbell in accessible location
• Surface to place packages on when opening door

Thresholds

• Flush preferable
• Exterior maximum of ½ inch beveled
• Interior maximum of ¼ inch

Interior Doors

• There needs to be 32 inches of clear width, which requires a 36-inch door
• Levered door hardware

Windows

• Plenty of windows for natural light
• Lowered windows or taller windows with lower sill height
• Low maintenance exterior and interior finishes
• Easy to operate hardware

Garage or Carport

• Covered carports and boarding spaces
• Wider than average carports to accommodate lifts on vans
• Door heights may need to be 9 feet to accommodate some raised roof vans
• 5-foot minimum access aisle between accessible van and car in garage
• If code requires floor to be several inches below entrance to house for fume protection, can slope entire floor from front to back to eliminate need for ramp or step
• Ramp to doorway if needed
• Handrail if steps

Faucets

• Lever handles or pedal-controlled
• Thermostatic or anti-scald controls
• Pressure balanced faucets

Kitchen and Laundry

Counters

• Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets
• Upper wall cabinetry - 3 inches lower than conventional height
• Accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace
• Counter space for dish landing adjacent to or opposite all appliances
• Base cabinet with roll out trays and lazy susans
• Pull-down shelving
• Glass-front cabinet doors
• Open shelving for easy access to frequently used items

Appliances

• Easy to read controls
• Washing machine and dryer raised 12 to 15 inches above floor
• Front loading laundry machines
• Microwave oven at counter height or in wall
• Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer
• Side-swing or wall oven
• Raised dishwasher with pushbutton controls
• Electric cook top with level burners for safety in transferring between the burners, front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat away from user; light to indicate when surface is hot

Miscellaneous

• 30-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns
• Multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights
• Open under-counter seated work areas
• Placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas
• Loop handles for easy grip and pull
• Pull-out spray faucet; levered handles
• In multi-story homes, laundry chute or laundry facilities in master bedroom

Bathroom

• Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets
• Contrasting color edge border at countertops
• At least one wheelchair maneuverable bath on main level with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36-inch by 36-inch or 30-inch by 48-inch clear space
• Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250 - 300 pounds
• If stand-up shower is used in main bath, it is curbless and minimum of 36 inches wide
• Bathtub - lower for easier access
• Fold down seat in the shower
• Adjustable/ handheld showerheads, 6-foot hose
• Tub/Shower controls offset from center
• Shower stall with built-in antibacterial protection
• Light in shower stall
• Toilet 2 ½ inches higher than standard toilet (17 to 19 inches) or height-adjustable
• Design of the toilet paper holder allows rolls to be changed with one hand
• Wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes
• Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower

Stairways, Lifts and Elevators

• Adequate hand rails on both sides of stairway, 1 ¼-inch diameter
• Increased visibility of stairs through contrast strip on top and bottom stairs, color contrast between treads and risers on stairs and use of lighting
• Multi-story homes may provide either pre-framed shaft (ie. stacked closets) for future elevator, or stairway width must be minimum of 4 feet to allow space for lift
• Residential elevator or lift

Ramps

• Slope no greater than 1 inch rise for each 12 inches in length, adequate handrails
• 5-foot landing provided at entrance
• 2-inch curbs for safety

Storage

• Adjustable closet rods and shelves
• Lighting in closets
• Easy open doors that do not obstruct access

Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security

• Light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms
• Light receptacles with at least 2 bulbs in vital places (exits, bathroom)
• Light switches, thermostats and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations no higher than 48 inches from floor
• Electrical outlets 15 inches on center from floor; may need to be closer than 12 feet apart
• Clear access space of 30 inches by 48 inches in front of switches and controls
• Rocker or touch light switches
• Audible and visual strobe light system to indicate when the doorbell, telephone or smoke or CO2 detectors have been activated
• High-tech security/intercom system that can be monitored, with the heating, air conditioning and lighting, from any TV in the house
• Easy-to-see and read thermostats
• Pre-programmed thermostats
• Flashing porch light or 911 switch
• Direct wired to police, fire, and EMS (as option)
• Home wired for security
• Home wired for computers

Flooring

• Smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and exterior
• If carpeted, use low (less than ½ inch high pile) density, with firm pad
• Color/texture contrast to indicate change in surface levels

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

• HVAC should be designed so filters are easily accessible
• Energy efficient units
• Windows that can be opened for cross ventilation, fresh air

Energy Efficient Features

• In-line framing with 2 by 6 studs spaced 24-inch on center
• Air-barrier installation and sealing of duct work with mastic
• Reduced-size air conditioning units with gas furnaces
• Mechanical fresh air ventilation, installation of air returns in all bedrooms and use of carbon monoxide detectors
• Installation of energy efficient windows with Low-E glass

Reduced Maintenance/Convenience Features

• Easy to clean surfaces
• Central vacuum
• Built-in pet feeding system
• Built-in recycling system
• Video phones
• Intercom system

Other IdeasSeparate apartment for rental income or future caregiver
Flex room that can used as a nursery or playroom when the children are young and as a home office later; if combined with a full bath, room could also be used for an aging parent/aging in place

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 2,000 fires and more than $41 million dollars in property damage each year are caused by holiday decorations (i.e. lights) and Christmas Trees.  And nearly 330 residential structural fires occur annually due to holiday decorations alone.  48% of Christmas Tree fires are caused by electrical problems.  Given these sobering statistics, please take a moment to review this brief guide on Christmas Tree Safety.

Download: Christmas Tree Safety

For more fire safety information, visit: National Fire Protection Association

If you have any other questions or concerns, give us a call at 281-358-6666 or visit our website at www.handymanmatters.com

The Value of Home Maintenance

Regular home maintenance is key to preserving the value of your house and property.

“It’s the little things that tend to trip up people,” says Frank Lesh, former president of the
American Society of Home Inspectors and owner of Home Sweet Home Inspection Co. in Chicago. “Some cracked caulk around the windows, or maybe a furnace filter that hasn’t been changed in awhile. It may not seem like much, but behind that caulk, water could get into your sheathing, causing mold and rot. Before you know it, you’re looking at a $5,000 repair that could have been prevented by a $4 tube of caulk and a half hour of your time.”

Maintenance affects property value

Outright damage to your house is just one of the consequences of neglected maintenance. Without regular upkeep, overall property values are affected.“If a house is in worn condition and shows a lack of preventative maintenance, the property could easily lose 0% of its appraised value,” says Mack Strickland, a professional appraiser and real estate agent in Chester, Va. “That could translate into a $15,000 or $20,000 adjustment.”In addition, a house with chipped, fading paint, sagging gutters, and worn carpeting faces an uphill battle when it comes time to sell. Not only is it at a disadvantage in comparison with other similar homes that might be for sale in the neighborhood, but a shaggy appearance is bound to turn off prospective buyers and depress the selling price.

“It’s simple marketing principles,” says Strickland. “First impressions mean a lot to price support.”

Prolonging economic ageTo a professional appraiser, diligent maintenance doesn’t translate into higher property valuations the way that improvements, upgrades, and appreciation all increase a home’s worth. But good maintenance does affect an appraiser’s estimate of a property’s economic age—the number of years that a house is expected to survive.Economic age is a key
factor in helping appraisers determine depreciation—the rate at which a house is losing value. A well-maintained house with a long, healthy economic age depreciates at a much slower rate than a poorly maintained house, helping to preserve value.

Estimating the value of maintenance

Although professional appraisers don’t assign a positive value to home maintenance, there are indications that maintenance is not just about preventing little problems from becoming larger. A study by researchers at the University of Connecticut and Syracuse University suggests that maintenance actually increases the value of a house by about 1% each year, meaning that getting off the couch and heading outside with a caulking gun is more than simply a chore—it actually makes money. 

“It’s like going to the gym,” says Dr. John P. Harding, Professor of Finance & Real Estate at UConn’s School of Business and an author of the study. “You have to put in the effort to see the results. In that respect, people and houses are somewhat similar—the older (they are), the more work is needed.”

Harding notes that the 1% gain in valuation usually is offset by the ongoing cost of maintenance.

“Simply put,” he says, “maintenance costs money, so it’s probably best to say that the net effect of regular maintenance is to slow the rate of depreciation.”

How much does maintenance cost?
How much money is required for annual maintenance varies. Some years, routine tasks, such as cleaning gutters and changing furnace filters, are all that’s needed, and your total expenditures may be a few hundred dollars. Other years may include major replacements, such as a new roof, at a cost of $10,000 or more.

Over time, annual maintenance costs average more than $3,300, according to data from the U.S. Census. Various lending institutions, such as Directors Credit Union and  endingTree.com, agree, placing maintenance costs at 1% to 3% of initial house price. That means owners of a $200,000 house should plan to budget $2,000 to $6,000 per year for ongoing upkeep and replacements.

Proactive maintenance strategies
Knowing these average costs can help homeowners be prepared, says Melanie McLane, a professional appraiser and real estate agent in Williamsport, Pa. “It’s called reserve for replacements,” says McLane. “Commercial real estate investors use it to make sure they have enough cash on hand for replacing systems and materials.”

McLane suggests a similar strategy for homeowners, setting aside a cash reserve that’s used strictly for home repair and maintenance. That way, routine upkeep is a snap and any significant replacements won’t blindside the family budget. McLane’s other strategies include:

Play offense, not defense.
Proactive maintenance is key to preventing small problems from becoming big issues. Take the initiative with regular nspections. Create and faithfully follow a maintenance  schedule. If you’re unsure of what needs to be done, a $200 to $300 visit from a  professional inspector can be invaluable in pointing out quick fixes and potential  roblems. 

Plan a room-per-year redo.
“Pick a different room every year and go through it, fixing and improving as you go,” says McLane. “That helps keep maintenance fun and interesting."

Keep track.“Having a notebook of all your maintenance and upgrades, along with receipts, is a powerful tool when it comes to sell your home,” advises McLane. “It gets rid of any doubts for the buyer, and it says you are a meticulous, caring homeowner.” A maintenance record also proves repairs and replacements for systems, such as wiring and plumbing, which might not be readily apparent.


John Riha has written six books on home improvement and hundreds of articles on home-related topics. He’s been a residential builder, the editorial director of the Black & Decker Home Improvement Library, and the executive editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. His standard 1968 suburban house has been an ongoing source of maintenance experience.

If you would like to begin a program of regular maintenance of your home, contact Handyman Matters today at 281-358-6666 or go online at www.HandymanMatters.com

Eight-Step Function and Fashion Facelift for Bathroom

The winter months often mean holiday gatherings and guests ... and much more time indoors. The winter months often mean holiday gatherings and guests ... and much more time indoors. So, why not give your bathroom a much needed function facelift this holiday season. Luckily, minor updates that are easy, quick and inexpensive can make a major impact. Handyman Matters has put together the following tips for all the bathrooms in your home - need help? Contact Handyman Matters and their experienced craftsmen can take care of your entire to do list.

1. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make over a bathroom is to update with new accessories. With a wide variety of designs and finishes - from traditional to modern - accessories such as towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks, towel bar hooks and shelves help get you more organized, while making a dramatic style statement. And don't stop in the bath, towel bars, and robe hooks are ideal kitchen additions to keep pot holders and towels close at hand. Handyman Matters can install all of these accessories for you in just one call.


2. Next, install new bathroom faucets. With nearly limitless finish, style and function options available, the simple change of a faucet can transform a room in only minutes. There are many finishes you can choose from, but keeping them consistent with the other accessories will really bring your bathroom up to times.


3. It's one of life's constants: Toilet paper always runs out. But changing the roll doesn't have to involve a spring-loaded bar flying across the room. Depending on your decorating tastes, choose from an innovative pivoting paper holder that features a bar you simply lift up to replace the roll or a European-styled design that features an open end for easy roll replacement. Either way, it'll encourage everyone to lend a hand and change the roll.


4. Add style and space in the shower in minutes with a Curved Shower Rod.Originally seen only in upscale hotels, this unique product adds up to seven more inches of elbow room in the shower. Plus, new S-shaped Shower Rod Hooks snap right onto this modern shower rod, offering convenient access to hang a variety of items - from towels and robes, to loofahs and shaving kits. Updating your bathroom can seem like a daunting task with a lot of details that need to be changed, but Handyman Matters can take care of all of your bathroom needs.


5. When it comes to decking the walls in the bath, there's no need for expensive art. Try adding your personal touch with framed photos of family or friends to share experiences or keep memories alive.


6. Looking for storage? Need a place to keep your Merlot or champagne? Wine racks are the perfect answer. But they can even be functional in the bath. One idea that we love to see is when a wine rack is hung and filled with rolled hand towels and washcloths - make sure you get it in a finish that matches the rest of your bathroom accessories.


7. Turn a boring, plain bathroom mirror into a work of art by adding mirror frames.Mirror frames transform plate-glass mirrors into style statements in a matter of minutes. Available in a variety of styles, these easy-to-install frames create a beautifully coordinated, custom-designed look.


8. While style is always a concern, bathroom safety should be, too. In the bath, add grab bars or hand grips before any guests arrive at your home. This is a nice way to let your loved ones know that you not only care about the style of your bathroom, but you care about the function and safety of the bathroom as well.

Updating your bathroom with simple accessories and safety items is one of the easiest ways to get your home ready for guests this holiday season. The professionals at Handyman Matters can help with all of your home improvement and repair needs, click here to find a location near you or call our local office at (281) 358-6666, today.


Courtesy of ARA content

Tips to Get Your House Ready for Guests in No Time

The holiday season is fast approaching, which means - among other things - your home will soon be filled with family and other out-of-towners. Handyman Matters offers the following tips to ensure your home is ready for your guests to come and enjoy your home!

• Get the whole family involved. Let's be honest, no one actually enjoys cleaning the house in preparation for guests. Make the often daunting task more manageable by assigning cleaning responsibilities to everyone in the family. Create and assign zones to each family member so, when you are expecting a guest, everyone knows exactly which area of the home they are responsible for cleaning.
• Keep it fresh. The scents of the holidays - home-cooked meals, scented candles and fresh pine - can be fragrant, but along with those familiar scents come soot, dust and other nearly invisible contaminants floating around the air you and your guests breathe. Crack the windows to let in some fresh air. Even better, consider installing an air filtration system to remove airborne particles from your indoor air.
• Spruce up your guest room. If you're expecting overnight guests, take some extra time to spruce up your spare bedroom. Make sure the bedroom door closes all the way, allowing your guests privacy. Comfortable bedding with extra pillows and blankets will keep your guests comfy during cool winter nights. You could also place an over-the-door hook with a few hangers on the bedroom or closet door so guests have a place to hang their clothes, without rooting through your closets.
• Organize the bathroom. Make sure the bathroom your guests will be using is stocked with fresh towels and washcloths. Be sure to keep plenty of toilet paper and tissues handy and visible - your guests shouldn't have to search for either. Set out a small basket containing a few toiletries they might have forgotten - travel-sized toothpaste, shampoo or a contact lens case. Your handiwork doesn't need to be expensive; one of the favorable tips is cutting a regular old bar of soap into smaller pieces to create some inexpensive guest soaps.
• Keep 'em entertained. Collect brochures for your area's local attractions - museums, parks, restaurants and more. Keep some good books on hand, as well as the local newspaper and a few magazines for good measure. Or, make some popcorn and treat your guests to your favorite classic holiday movie.

With these time saving tips from the professionals at Handyman Matters, you don't need to drive yourself crazy prepping to ensure your home looks perfect for house guests. Don't wait until the last minute to take care of your home improvement projects, contact Handyman Matters today. Click here to find a location near you or call (281) 358-6666.

Courtesy of ARA content