Hello Homeowners!

I want to announce that our new web site has gone live at www.handymanmatters.com/kingwood. We have a completely redesigned site with an all new look and feel. The entire Handyman Matters national team has worked very hard along with our site developer, Benjamin Media Group, to produce a site that is easy to navigate, full of interesting information and much easier to contact our office and schedule work with us. Our blog will be moved there as well. We would love to have you drop by and check it out and let us know what you think!

Bob Mabry
President & CEO
Handyman Matters
North Houston

Delaying home projects could cost more in the long run

Been to the grocery store lately? Filled up your vehicle with gas in the last week? It's not your imagination - many of the items you use most often are getting more expensive. 

And near the top of the list of price increases are the building materials that go into remodeling projects and new home construction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the new home that cost $85,000 to build in 2003 would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $113,000 to build now, due to residential construction costs jumping 33 percent since 2003.

Increased costs trickle down to the consumer as all of the raw material increases make the end-product more costly to manufacture.  Prices for nearly all the major building supplies have risen in the last several years, from concrete and asphalt to drywall and insulation. Increasing demand from developing nations like China and Brazil makes it unlikely any price relief will come any time soon.

This is leading to what some analysts are referring to as a projected "sustained rise" in construction project costs and will impact both new construction and remodeling markets in 2011. Handyman Matters found these tips throughout the industry and wanted to pass them along.

Delay and pay ... more

It's a catch-22 for homeowners who may be hesitant to invest in a building project in the middle of a difficult economy, but who also know they will almost certainly pay more for the same project if they wait.

Industry experts recommend consumers not wait to tackle home improvement projects but start first with the projects that provide the most return on investment or address a pressing need.

Back to the basics

When it comes to essentials, there's nothing more crucial to a home or its inhabitants than a roof over their heads. A new roof can be a major selling point and can help protect the rest of your home improvement investments. 

Despite the recent rise in asphalt prices, asphalt shingles continue to be the most popular and cost-efficient roofing choice for the majority of residential buildings.  Another option that may require greater upfront costs, but can reduce costs in the long-term are composite shingles. Composite shingles are made from a special blend of materials ranging from stone to plastic to create long-lasting, durable roofing options.

So whether planning to fix your leaky roof, add a deck for enjoyment or increase your living space, remember that $85,000 house in 2003 costs $113,000 today. Regardless of the home improvement projects you are considering, it's important to remember that the longer you delay, the more you're likely to pay.

If you're ready to get some of your home improvement projects off of your to-do list and done call Handyman Matters today. Our multi-skilled craftsmen can take care of your entire to-do list for you. Click here to find a location near you or call (281) 358-6666.

To receive $25 off your next service call from Handyman Matters click here to download the coupon.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Selling your home in 2011? Tips to add value

Major home renovations can be overwhelming, but there are a few fundamental repairs that can update your home's appearance and increase its value. If you're planning to sell your home in 2011, take advantage of the colder winter months to prepare your home for a spring sale by focusing on a few key projects brought to you by Handyman Matters.

Make a first impression.

The entryway is the first up-close encounter a potential homebuyer will have with your home. Manicure your front yard and update or even replace your front door to complement your home's exterior. Select a rich, dark stained wood or bold white door to draw attention to the main entry and add personality to your home. If your door is already in great shape, consider a simple replacement of weak or older-looking hardware that will impress buyers at first sight.

Get cookin' in the kitchen.

Experts agree that a kitchen can significantly impact a home's perceived value. An outdated kitchen can be a deal breaker for many homebuyers. Naturally, then, it's the place you might spend the most amount of time updating. To increase the appeal of your kitchen, consider investing in updated, matching appliances that match the style of your kitchen. Some manufacturers even offer replacement panels to update the exteriors of older appliances.

Next, if you can't afford to add new cabinetry, change out the hardware so the knobs, drawer pulls and handles match your decor and add a modern flair. Adding technology-driven fixtures, including built-in water filtration systems, garbage disposals and high-tech faucets is another great way to increase the room's appeal and add a sense of luxury.  Updated technology enables users to turn the faucet on and off with just a touch anywhere on the spout or handle, and is available on a variety of models.

Update and upgrade light fixtures.

Lighting is key. It can drastically change the look and feel of a room, and lighting fixtures are affordable and relatively simple to install on your own. Shop discount stores and home improvement depots to find a statement piece to add spice to your living room. A beautiful ceiling fan with lighting can serve double-duty to update your family room. Remember, well-lit and bright rooms appear larger and more open.

Step on it.

Flooring is one of the first things that potential homebuyers notice. Make sure you dust, vacuum and clean so that you show off the flooring to its best advantage. If you have carpet, consider replacing it with wood floors or wood alternatives. If you already have hardwood floors, polish and protect your flooring so that it gleams when potential buyers step into the home.

Whether you're trying to sell your home this winter or simply want to update its look, you don't have to wait until the spring thaws. When the cold weather drives you inside, take advantage of the time to make attractive upgrades that can increase the appeal and value to your home. The professional craftsmen at Handyman Matters can help get your home ready to sell in 2011. Click here to find a location near you or call us locally at (281) 358-6666.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Aging in place allows you to keep your heart at home

Home really is where the heart is. Upon retirement - when all of their children have moved out of the house - 90 percent of Americans age 60 and older choose to stay right where they are, according to 20 years of data from the U.S. Census Bureau.


And because so many Americans are aging in place, they're looking for ways to make their homes safe and comfortable for the long term. With just a few modifications, retired couples can make their homes perfect sanctuaries for their golden years. Here are some modification ideas from Handyman Matters to help you keep your heart right at home:


* Staying connected is important for many seniors, especially if they aren't able to get out of the house as frequently as they used to. There are video/television systems and services available that allow you to chat with a person from a care program while sitting at your dining room table. Program staff can also monitor your house and contact a relative or emergency service if they notice you haven't moved in awhile. Some couples enjoy the interaction they have with the person on the other end of the video cameras, while others appreciate knowing that if they were to fall or get sick, someone would notice and respond immediately.


* Independence is also very important for seniors, and this is especially true in the bathroom. Climbing over a bathtub wall becomes more difficult as people age, and can also make the bathroom very dangerous for slips and falls. There are now a variety of walk-in bathtubs on the market. These have an easy step-in, step-out design with anti-slip floors and internal grip bars that allow you to safely - and independently - bathe in your own home. Because the door opens and seals shut, this walk-in bath allows you to sit down prior to running any water, which can help prevent a slip or fall. Hydrotherapy jets also add additional health benefits, so you can comfortably soak as long as you want.


* If you plan to stay active in your community, you may need to make adjustments to your vehicle so you can safely and easily negotiate the controls from behind the wheel. Car manufacturers are adapting vehicles to accommodate seniors with such options as seats that swivel to face out the door so you can sit down or stand up easily and not have to bend down at an angle to climb into the seat. Other available adapters are dashboards that push back until the driver is in the seat and ready to start the car, buttons to control the radio and temperature on the steering wheel, and sliding cabinets that help a person load items into the trunk - and get them out easier.


* Make your home easily accessible. At least one entrance should be level with the walkway - you may need to build a ramp to accomplish this. Also consider changing the door handles to lever style so if a person is suffering from arthritis, they can still easily open the door. Remote locks and a covered walkway are also a good idea, because you won't have to be standing out in the elements while you attempt to unlock the door with a key. The covering also helps prevent ice from building up along the walkway. Finally, installing a good light at all the entrances will allow you to easily see where you are going and any potential obstacles that might be in your way.


With a few modifications, your house can be a very comfortable and safe haven for many years to come. And since it's already a place you call "home," why not enjoy it during your retirement years? Contact the professionals at Handyman Matters today to get your home prepared for aging in place. Click here to find a location near you or call 281-358-6666.


To receive $25 off your next service call from Handyman Matters click here to download the coupon.


Courtesy of ARAcontent

Handyman Matters Offers Free Service To New Customers

Thanks to our buddy Mike Durr TheKingwoodMortgageGuy! Check us out!

How to make small baths live larger and work better

Bathroom remodeling remains America's most popular - and profitable - home improvement. Recession aside, homeowners - and prospective buyers - still want stylish bathrooms that offer a relaxing, comfortable place to recharge and rejuvenate.

While today's bathrooms are likely smaller in overall square footage, they can feel larger through better space planning and innovative solutions.

With some clever forethought, small bathrooms can be just as enjoyable as their larger, more extravagant counterparts.  It starts by designing an efficient floor plan that is as inviting as it is efficient and leverages available space.

Select fixtures that extend your room's size. There are now wall-mounted flush toilets that conserve water and save valuable real estate by placing the toilet's water reservoir in the wall.  Such wall-hung lavatories are the perfect small-space solution for a down-sized, but feature-rich, bathroom.

You can extend a room’s physical square footage through built-in or wall-mounted fixtures that provide a 'big-bathroom' feel to smaller spaces.  Likewise, shifting from a tub to a shower is a better match for how we live today, as well as a means of adding more features in less square footage.

Multi-function showerheads and hand showers provide the same relaxation as a soaking tub in far less time and with significantly less clean-up.  Another luxury easily incorporated into a small bathroom is a residential steam shower, which offers a spa-like experience in the same footprint as a conventional shower. The steam generator can be located away from the bathroom, so that even in a downsized space, homeowners are able to relieve tired muscles, enhance skin tone and treat respiratory conditions.

Radiant floor heating is a way to deliver consistent room temperatures more efficiently and in a healthier way than conventional systems provide. Ideal for new construction and retrofit applications, modern radiant systems heat objects instead of air. In fact, people with radiant heating systems can be comfortable at temperatures six to eight degrees lower than with traditional forced-air heat.

Finally, small spaces seem larger and more inviting when filled with natural light - a task easily accomplished through the use of operable acrylic block and decorative glass windows. The fully-customizable windows come in a broad range of styles, helping homeowners add natural light and fresh air to a room without sacrificing privacy. Operable acrylic block windows are Energy Star-qualified in most areas of the country and make privacy a breeze in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways and other living spaces.

With upfront planning, small bathrooms can feel larger and more luxurious, as well as maximizing functionality and providing a strong resale investment. Don't wait, the time is now to take advantage of the tips to make your small bathrooms feel and live larger. Contact the professionals at Handyman Matters today - click here to find a location near you or call (281) 358-6666.

To receive $25 off your next service call from Handyman Matters click here to download the coupon.

Handyman Matters Kingwood / N. Houston (1)

Handyman Matters Kingwood / N. Houston (1)

Handyman Matters Kingwood / N. Houston Here is one of our videos on how to install Kitchen cabinets - Hope you enjoy it!

Kitchen Cabinet Installation

www.youtube.com

Installing kitchen cabinets -- Andy Bell of Handyman Matters shows us how to install base and upper kitchen cabinets. Using standard 30inch base cabinets, he first makes sure the floor is level, and then puts the base cabinets in place. Next he connects the base frames so they look clean and profess

Five savvy bathroom updates for added safety and style

What's old is new again . . . and this is especially true with today's design trends. While everyone loves to have a new look to refresh their homes, design experts report that traditional styling remains the most popular home decor choice in the U.S. -- often featuring detailed, Old World accents and deep, rich colors and finishes.

However, in today's challenging economy, most homeowners don't have the necessary funds to completely renovate their homes. Instead, they are looking to "remodel lite" by adding simple and inexpensive updates to refresh the most frequently used rooms, like the bathroom.

Luckily, you can easily create a new look for your bath with Old World charm and on a budget. With just a few new items - and a bit of elbow grease - your bathroom will be more stylish (and safer) in no time.

Subtle safety. One of the most important (but least thought of) updates you can make in your bathroom is to add bathroom safety accessories. Luckily, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your sense of style. In fact, many brands now offer a variety of products, such as grab bars and hand grips in attractive designs and popular finishes, such as Old World Bronze and Brushed Nickel, to coordinate with the rest of your bathroom. And, to help with installation, most allow you to install the decorative bars anywhere on the wall - no stud needed - so they can be placed in the most ideal and aesthetically pleasing locations.  Your local Handyman Matters office can also provide the assistance and expertise needed to renovate and install these items with a minimum of fuss and inconvenience.

Fast fix with fixtures. To get the most enjoyment out of your bathroom, update the parts you touch every day - like your faucets. Retailers offer a wealth of reasonably priced, high-quality and attractive faucets in deep, Old World-inspired finishes, like Oil Rubbed Bronze, to coordinate with the rest of your newly updated bath. Look for water-conserving faucets, so your bath will not only be fashionable - but you’ll be going green, too!.

Sensational showers. Nothing starts or ends your day better than an enjoyable shower, and it's easy to make your experience stellar. Start with a curved shower rod to add additional elbow room and swap your current showerhead for one with a more powerful and enjoyable stream. Be sure to coordinate the finish of both to ensure you keep with the rest of your bath styling. And, for added elements of safety, add tread strips for more secure footing or a quality shower chair.

Storage and space savers. In addition to creating a style statement for your Old Worldbath, bathroom accessories are ideal for creating storage and organization and adding useful space to your bathroom. To pull all your finishes together, add towel bars, towel rings, decorative shelves and robe hooks in an oil rubbed bronze finish to create an easy place to keep towels and robes. And, for a unique new accessory, add towel bar hooks or shower rod hooks. These fixtures help keep everyday items close at hand - yet off the vanity or floor.

Amazing accents. Finally, once you've updated the many "hard" surfaces of your bath, it's time to add the soft elements. Soft, fluffy towels and rugs, along with a beautiful fabric shower curtain create a warm and inviting atmosphere. And, for an added tranquil feel, try placing live - or artificial - plants and flowers throughout the room. Remember, when choosing colors for these accents, feature a mix of both deep shades and neutrals for the perfect balance.

Soon, with minimal budget and effort, your bathroom will be safer and more enjoyable, featuring a new look with beautiful Old World-style your guests will envy. If you are in the Houston area and would like to speak to our Customer Service group, call (281) 358-6666. or to find a Handyman Matters location near you click here - no job is too small for our professional craftsmen!

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Some Tips Concerning the Hiring of a Handyman Service

Throughout the current global economic crisis, many home owners have chosen to stay in their existing homes. This really is instead of moving, and upgrading to a larger one. The decrease in the amount of individuals moving, has led to an increase in the amount of renovation, and remodeling being completed on existing homes. Obviously not everyone has got the skill, or the expertise to deal with the job themselves. The employment of somebody who carries out handyman maintenance work is therefore often needed. This is one area which has boomed somewhat over recent years.

As a home owner, there are many jobs to do. It may be a seasonal job like cleaning out the guttering. It might be an old door, or some window frames that require repainting. Regardless of the job, they’re necessary for you to keep your house looking the best. Not every project can be carried out by the average homeowner though. There are any number of jobs around the home that require skills and tools the average homeowner does not posses. Anything that involves plumbing, or electrical work, it is essential to bring in licensed professionals. Check with your local BBB and check references for these professionals.

There are hundreds of handyman repair companies in your town. A number of them will be one man operations, who seldom carry any insurance to protect you, the homeowner, in case of accidents. Often, they will have a criminal background, which is why they work for themselves. These "Chuck-in-a-truck's" will work out of their vehicle, have no office staff and will probably not answer your call because they are working on a project. You may actually find one through a personal reference that is honest, does good work and is reasonable in cost.

Handyman maintenance companies can be the perfect answer if you are an active businessman or woman. If you simply do not have time to carry out urgent work that should be done on your home. Call your local handyman repair business, and also have them complete the job for you personally. The truth that you will find such are many this type of business around today, creates good competition. Competition lowers prices, and increases the quality of the work too. This allows you to leave for work with the satisfaction that whatever work they’re carrying out is being done to a high level. These useful firms will literally undertake any job, small or large. You will often find that after you have used them once, you will employ them again, and again. Most of them may even offer return customer discount should you continue to use their services.

When searching for the best local handyman maintenance company, there are a number of ways to do this. If you have a recommended one fantastic, if you do not, then the easiest way is to use the internet. This gives you ultimate access to all of the companies in your local area. If you don’t have an web connection, then the local directory is the way to go.

If you want to avoid all the hassle of trying to weed through the  hundreds of options, you can always go here to find a highly qualified, ethical, Handyman Matters office nearest you. Or call us at (281) 358-6666 locally to schedule an appointment.

Top 10 home decor trends for 2011

Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue. While typically the refrain for most brides, this adage holds equally true for the top home decorating trends for the coming year. Here are the top 10 decor trends for your home from Handyman Matters.

What's old is new again
Whether they're genuine period pieces being repurposed or home furnishings reproduced from popular items from the '50s, '60s or '70s, forecasters as saying that vintage will be hot next year. Examples include chair frames redone in new upholstery, traditional lighting fixtures in newer brass or pewter finishes, or products imported from Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic such as chairs done in old grain sacks, or old carts from factories used for end tables or coffee tables.

A spectrum of colors
Color trends will carry over from 2010 to 2011 with the soothing aqua and green hues that draw their inspiration from the verdigris deposits found on weathered copper statues, design experts predict.  For outdoor furniture and accessories, sassy colors like lime green, bold orange and Caribbean blue will dominate, along with more subdued hues such as sage green, barn red and mocha brown.

The mad, mad world of furniture
Taking a nod from the award-winning AMC series "Mad Men," we will see furniture styles returning to the '50s and '60s with round tapered legs on angles, geometric accents and seating with curved backs. Classic wood pieces made from sentimental stock like fallen trees or scrap wood from ancestral or historic structures will become heirlooms to pass from one generation to the next.

A trend that will stick around
A small change in a room can make a huge difference - and wall coverings make a dramatic, yet cost-effective statement. Repositioned wall murals and paintings make it easy for homeowners, renters and even college students to add a fresh new look to indoor and outdoor walls, floors, doors and windows.  This is a perfect temporary - or long-term - decorating solution for consumers. 

Illuminating insights
As living green becomes more ingrained in our lives, LED lighting will continue to light the way.  For a casual, contemporary twist, hang chandeliers in new areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms and closets, and embrace today's art glass applications, which are much more chic and casual than the Tiffany lamps of the past.

You've gotta have heart
It comes as no surprise that the kitchen remains the heart of the home.  Consumers interested in remodeling their kitchens should consider a well-designed, open, airy layout that integrates the kitchen into the rest of their homes. The trend is toward new countertop materials in lieu of granite, such as quartz stone or binding crushed recyclable glass underneath a solid, smooth surface for those seeking green alternatives.

Underfoot, but not underrated
Designers are now envisioning rich-looking herringbone-patterned hardwood floors in an ebony oak finish, paying attention to board thickness and giving special consideration to products that meet industry LEED requirements. For a green touch, hardwood flooring from reclaimed wood or sustainably grown and harvested sources is a great alternative. To add warmth, add a round rug or two - the bigger, the better.

Things are definitely looking up
Ceilings are now being embellished and noticed more as the "fifth wall," painted or architecturally enhanced to play more of a focal point in a space. Homeowners might also consider a painted metallic ceiling with a large, eye-catching chandelier.

Green continues to be keen
Products and materials such as bronze, copper, clay, cotton, linen and hemp, which are environmentally friendly, contribute to healthy indoor air quality, and can be repurposed or recycled at the end of their lifespan. Using such natural textures as hemp, jute, organic cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo fiber, organic wool and linen, and soy silk will help keep things simple, yet still green.

If you're looking to spruce up your home for the new year, Handyman Matters professionals can help with any project around your home. From painting trip to bathroom remodels, we can fix just about anything in your home. Click here to find a location near you, or call us locally at (281) 358-6666. 


Courtesy of ARAcontent