The Professional Choice

A companion overview to the popular "Ask Mr. Handyman" radio program airing on Christian Talk Radio, KCRO 660AM Saturdays @ 9:30AM.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Handyman Dan and daughter Jordyn


Someone with a quick triggered camera got this photo recently.

Monday, January 4, 2010

SAVING FOR HOME MAINTENANCE

Tax-refund season is upon us so do you 'want' that big-screen TV or 'should' you put some money away for future home maintenance? Wants or needs, it boils down to these very simple principles. I want this but I know I'll need that fairly soon.

Experts in the home repair industry typically recommend spending 1-3 percent (per year) of the home's value on maintenance tasks alone, not considering repairs. Repair cost estimates could be 5-10 times that amount. The trick is to spend as little as possible in home repairs while you live there so you end up in a positive cash situation if/when you sell your home. The only way I know to keep repair costs down is to spend properly and efficiently on your home's yearly maintenance tasks. As stated many times before "Spend hundred$ now in maintenance or spend thou$and$ later in repairs." It is generally about a 10:1 ratio.

If you follow our monthly maintenance advice and complete the items we suggest you will ultimately save on maintenance and repair costs. If the maintenance involves tasks that you cannot complete yourself or if it requires a professional (replacing wood trim around the windows, HVAC maintenance, or properly caulking by the tub, kitchen sink or around windows) then give Mr. Handyman a call. We have the expertise and knowledge to accomplish most home maintenance tasks.

With the tightening of the money belt in today's economy and the possibility of inflation causing your hard-earned dollar to buy less in the future, saving where you can just makes great financial sense. We have offered several tips to save with energy-efficiency items on this blog site as well. Just look for a related article on the right side of the main page.