11 Projects homeowners should not DIY

Watching the cable TV shows you may think the DIY projects seem easy.  Some are.  Here are a few projects you should never try to tackle unless you have quite a bit of experience.

Roof Repair. Not only can you hurt yourself if you attempt to fix your roof on your own, but you can also damage your roof and end up in need of even more costly repairs from a pro. Limit your interaction with your roof to seasonal check ups to remove debris from gutters and check for cracked or broken shingles. Since most roof systems can last for up to 20 years, this is definitely a case where you should leave it to the pros.

- Window replacement. Installing new windows is a great way to save energy and in turn, lower your monthly energy bills. However, from the specialized tools that may be required to the proper installation techniques, this is one job left to the pros.

- Exterior painting. Paint and preparation vary depending on the surface, but no matter the material, the steps of power washing, sanding, paint scraping and caulking must be completed. The goal of most DIY’ers is to save money but not properly tackling the preparation part of the work may cost you much more in the long run. Keep in mind that older homes likely have lead-based paint issues, which can be hazardous to your health.

- HVAC. Unless you're performing a relatively simple task like installing a programmable thermostat to save energy, most HVAC projects require the help of a professional because very few homeowners know more than just the basics of air ventilation and circulation.

- Attic Insulation. If your attic is easily accessible, it can be tempting to attempt to insulate your attic on your own, but think twice before installing any. There are several types used in this area and knowing how much to add and where to put it is key. Too much in the wrong places or up against the bottom of the roof can cause wood rot to form.

- Structural changes. While most homeowners know to keep away from loadbearing walls, some forget to also avoid walls that contain water or gas pipes, electrical wires and ductwork. Hiring a professional can save you the time you'd spend with the guesswork involved in figuring out what walls can go and what must stay.

- Gutter repair. The installation of new gutters can add great value to a home, but keep in mind that it's difficult to near impossible to repair gutters without impacting your roof, fascia and soffit. If the slope of the gutter is not correct they may rust out prematurely or not function properly.

- Building a deck. In most municipalities, homeowners must secure a permit when building a deck higher than 18 inches off the ground. Building codes will also affect your build and how far you'll need to dig before installation of footings. Improper attachment to your home can cause wood rot and water intrusion into the living space.

- Basement Waterproofing. Do your homework before attempting to solve your water problems. While minor issues can be temporarily fixed with waterproofing paint, the results are sure to fade after one or two heavy rainstorms. For a permanent solution hire a professional who will troubleshoot and recommend the best solution.

- Tree Removal. Forget that you'll need to figure out what to do with the tree once you've knocked it down and consider the time you'll spend measuring and preparing for the fall. There are a lot of factors at play here that a professional tree remover will be much better equipped to handle, oftentimes at a relatively low cost.

- Tile Work. Especially in ‘wet’ areas like the tub surround or kitchen backsplash. Improperly installing tile in these areas can lead to water intrusion and mold, mildew and wood rot issues. Tile can be expensive so having it installed properly by a professional is your best value.

Cleaning Secrets!

            Wipe Rain X on shower doors and tile to keep soap scum from sticking.

 

Armor All will clean hard water deposits off of plastic items like dish drainers and room humidifiers.

Use a moistened dishwashing glove to wipe over furniture to remove pet hair and then rinse the glove to remove.

If you have a hard time keeping focused on cleaning - set your oven timer for 30 minutes and clean straight until it goes off and see how much you get done.

A used dryer sheet works great to dust black or espresso colored furniture – it helps repel dust for a longer period of time.

The product Bar Keeper’s Friend will clean porcelain kitchen sinks as well as remove the scratches off of your white dishes.

Clean your bathtub using a mixture of one part vinegar and one part dish soap.  Spray on your bathtub and leave it for one hour … rinse and wipe clean.  Your tub will sparkle and shine without scrubbing.

If you have problems with fruit flies use a small glass bowl, ½ a cup of wine and a couple of small pieces of fruit, cover with plastic wrap. Poke a couple of holes in the plastic wrap and leave the bowl out for a couple of days… fruit flies will be caught and your problem solved.

Danish oil finish can be used to cover scratches on most furniture and wood trim. It comes in different colors so you can match the color of the wood. It is as simple as wipe on and wipe off.

 

Spring is here!  Yeah!  Yeah!

Each spring when homeowners get out to clean up their flower beds and landscaping they should also perform a thorough visual inspection of the exterior of their home. The most costly repairs Mr. Handyman completes for our customers is related to siding and window repairs and replacement due to wood rot. Mostly wood rot starts with some minor areas that appear to be bulging or swollen areas of the siding or wood trim that feel spongy when pressed with your finger or a screwdriver.

Many homeowners do not realize that what is seen from the exterior of the rotted siding is the just a fraction of the damage that is truly going on with that area. The siding and/or window trim is rotting in that location due to some type of water intrusion behind those locations and will get progressively worse with a few more rain showers. It is less costly to tackle these breaches in the exterior of your home at the first sign of a problem. In discussing the escalation of the damage with homeowners most thought they would have to completely re-side their homes to complete the repairs so they were allowing it to progress and save up for the project at the same time. The best and least costly method for this repair is to replace the rotted components right away and not allow the follow-on damage to occur. In many cases this early detection and repair may net another 10-15 years of life from the siding before complete replacement is needed.

Do not allow the first sign of some rotted or swollen siding or trim fool you into thinking your only option is complete replacement. You typically do not replace your car because it has a flat tire, do you?

The best advice Mr. Handyman can give on this issue is to spend your money wisely on annual maintenance and quickly on the minor repairs and do not allow it to progress into a major project.

Be highly proactive about keeping your home repair costs down. Be more observant and respond quicker to maintenance and minor repairs.  Call Mr. Handyman at the first sign of damage so we can assist you in keeping those repair costs down.

Looking to Sell your home?

National syndicated columnist Liz Pullman Weston's article titled "Speed your home sale with these fast fix-ups" is a must read. Spending limited funds in the right way will make your home selling experience more enjoyable.



Read the article here:

CONTROLLING HOME MAINTENANE COSTS

Home repairs can break your bank. Keeping your home maintained is a less-costly way to keep ahead of the repair costs.

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 seasonal 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. Spending that $100 keeping it maintained will save you thousands in future repairs.

A new year is upon us, plan to put up some of your tax return for home maintenance and add to the kitty with each paycheck. If you do not have cash on hand for some of the smaller maintenance tasks you certainly will not be able to afford the future repair costs.

If you follow Mr. Handyman’s seasonal maintenance tips on our blog site your monthly maintenance and repairs costs will go down. 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 around 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 our blog site as well. Just look for a related article on the right side of the main page.

Keep the Chill Out! Shrink-Wrap your windows

Several listeners have asked how effective shrink-film is on windows.

I can attest that shrink-film does work! I have used it for several years on leaky, drafty windows. The extra layer of plastic adds another barrier to the harsh winter cold infiltrating into your home.

Not to tout one brand over the other but my service technicians contend that 3M sells the better product. The reasoning is they have the better quality double-stick tape for attaching the film on the window trim, which is the usual point of early failure.

To have a great installation that will last throughout the winter season follow these simple guidelines.

1. Purchase more than what is stated on the box. The box I bought stated it would cover ten windows. It actually only covered six. You can always save the extra for next year.

2. Wipe off the trim where the tape will go with denatured alcohol or the alcohol pads that come with the kit.

3. When you cut and install the film onto the tape do not pull it tight, allow some sag. Make sure that the film does not bunch up at the tape lines though.
4. When using the hair dryer to shrink the film do not hold it too close. If the film shrinks too much it will pull the tape off of the trim.


Sealing up the windows for winter is a great way to make your living space more comfortable and cut down on your heating costs. That cold, harsh "Old Man Winter" will be here soon enough!

This is just one very inexpensive way to take a bite out of the harsh cold weather while enjoying the warmth of your home. Go GREEN and save a little green at the same time. It should cost just a couple of dollars to cover each window.

Hot & Muggy Weather Tips

With this terrible muggy weather we have had numerous customers ask Mr. Handyman what can be done to make their homes more comfortable. Here are some tips to keep cool during this season.

If it feels warm and muggy in your home and the A/C seems to remain on throughout the day it is time to take some action.

1. Have the A/C unit serviced. You may have condenser coils that need cleaned. The system may need a charge or the evaporator coil may need checked. The service man can look for other reasons the A/C unit is getting a workout this summer (duct work that can be directed to pull more warm air from the upstairs to be cooled).

2. Check the attic. You may not have enough insulation in the attic to keep the cool air in the home. The standards for the amount of insulation have changed in the last decade. If your home is 10 years or older you may not have the recommended amount of insulation for this area in your attic. A value of R39 is recommended which is about 19 inches of the blown-in type. Adding insulation will pay for itself in a few years so it is a great long-term investment. Also the attic may not be vented properly trapping the hot air and allowing that hot air seep down into the living space. My mother-in-law saves over $60/month because we added insulation in her attic.

3. Doors and windows may be leaking that cool air and allowing the warm muggy air into the home. Inspect and evaluate all windows and doors for signs the weather-stripping is doing its job. Replace any that is suspect. Weather-stripping is inexpensive compared to higher utility bills and it could save you $$$ each month.

4. Reduce the use of "heat-producers." Grill out more instead of turning on the hot stove or oven. Boiling water for pasta puts a lot of heat and moisture into the home. Use the microwave more. Run the dishwasher and dryer at night when the heat load is reduced.

5. Block the hot sun from coming in. Keep blinds and shades pulled on the South and west sides of the home during the day.

The Truth about Doggy Doors

Twice over the past few weeks a customer has called to ask how to seal up their doggy door because the cold wind is blowing right through.

There are many more options for doggy doors than what is available at the local big-box and pet stores.

The options available online and at some local pet stores include:

Keyed entry dog doors. Your dog wears an electronic collar that unlocks the doggy door as the pet approaches for entry. These units will help to keep stray pets and wild animals out of your home. There are ways to lock-out the doors so they remain locked.

There are pet doors that install in the door, the wall, a sliding patio door, screen doors and window units in the case of a few cat doors.

There are pet doors that are double-paned to assist in keeping the cold weather out of your home with high quality weather stripping to seal the edges.

 

The "Cadillac" pet door is made by Plexidoor and opens like a saloon-style door with 2 side doors and spring-loaded so it closes automatically.

Cutting a hole into your door or wall and installing the "cheaper" style doggy door may cost you more money over time in lost energy than installing a high quality door from the beginning. As it goes with most things in life, the cheapest price does not add up to the best overall value. The $30 doggy doors could cost you an extra $30/month in energy loss during the extreme cold or hot months. Add that up over a few years and you'll quickly see that the best doors are the real bargain.

Keep the Chill OUT!

Did you know that a 1/8 inch gap under your door can lead to the same heat loss—and higher energy bills as you’d get if a 3 inch hole was drilled into the side of your home? If the gap is large enough bugs and critters may even seek the comfort of your home this winter though this opening.

To check to see if your threshold or bottom door weather stripping is functioning properly hold a burning candle or incense stick next to the bottom of the door during a windy day to see if the flame or smoke diverts indicating the wind is getting through. If so, it is time to take some action.

Adjustable type door thresholds need periodic adjusting, and will require replacement weather-stripping every couple of years.  They take some trial and error in adjusting it to the correct position so be patient. The trick is to make very small movements up towards the bottom of the door.

A door shoe is the type of rubber weather-stripping mounted on the underside of the door. It will require the removal of the door to replace. Most door shoe products sell for under $30 but could save you hundreds over the life of the item.

Door sweeps mount either on the inside or the outside of the door, at the bottom edge, and provides a seal as the door closes or sweeps closed. Door sweeps usually sell for under $20.00.

Weather-stripping along the sides and top of the door should also be checked with the candle method and replaced if needed. There are many different styles and types, but not all of them are effective. Check to see if an exact replacement type is available for your door.

Mr. Handyman can install weather-stripping to close those gaps and increase the energy efficiency of your exterior doors.

Hot & Muggy Weather Tips

With this terrible muggy weather we have had numerous customers ask Mr. Handyman what can be done to make their homes more comfortable. Here are some tips to keep cool during this season.

If it feels warm and muggy in your home and the A/C seems to remain on throughout the day it is time to take some action.

1. Have the A/C unit serviced. You may have condenser coils that need cleaned. The system may need a charge or the evaporator coil may need checked. The service man can look for other reasons the A/C unit is getting a workout this summer (duct work that can be directed to pull more warm air from the upstairs to be cooled).

2. Check the attic. You may not have enough insulation in the attic to keep the cool air in the home. Insulation can be added and the homeowner may quality for the 30% tax rebate on the purchase price. The attic may not be vented properly trapping the hot air and allowing that hot air seep down into the living space. My mother-in-law saves over $60/month because we insulated her attic.

3. Doors and windows may be leaking that cool air and allowing the warm muggy air into the home. Inspect and evaluate all windows and doors for signs the weather-stripping is doing its job. Replace any that is suspect. Weather-stripping is inexpensive compared to higher utility bills and it could save you $$$ each month.

4. Reduce the use of "heat-producers." Grill out more instead of turning on the hot stove or oven. Boiling water for pasta puts a lot of heat and moisture into the home. Use the microwave more. Run the dishwasher and dryer at night when the heat load is reduced.

5. Block the hot sun from coming in. Keep blinds and shades pulled on the South and west sides of the home during the day.

Concrete Maintenance

Concrete lasts forever doesn't it? It won't if it is not maintained properly. There are several things that can go wrong with concrete. Keeping it maintained will hold your long-term costs down. You do not want to spend $6,000 to $12,000 to replace it (average costs of tearing out and replacing a driveway these days) so again........spend hundred$ now in maintenance or thou$and$ later in repairs.

Common problems with concrete are:

Heave or Undermining

Moisture in the form of snow melt and rain channel into the seams of a driveway or sidewalk and wash away dirt under the slab causing the pad to fall an inch or two and crack (Undermining). Moisture can also get under the pad swelling the dirt, freeze in cold weather, expanding upward to form a trip hazard (Heave). Both conditions can be avoided with proper maintenance (applying a top-quality seam sealer).

Spalling


Moisture will also seep into the very minor surface cracks, freeze and break-out small amounts of concrete. This usually looks like small "pok" marks, divots or craters like the moon's surface. Though not as critical as the other two conditions it is an eyesore and will continue to deteriorate at a fast rate once it begins. It can be avoided if properly maintained by applying a good quality surface sealer.

Mr. Handyman has professional service technicians with many years of experience in performing this type of task. We also use the best quality products so the life expectancy of the repair is the greatest. Our surface sealer comes with a 5 year manufacturer warranty and the seam sealer we use is expected to last about that long as well.

$$$ For Clunker Appliances Nebraska Version Started July 6th.

Updating appliances will save you $$$ in operating and utility costs over many years!

Rebates expire soon (or will run out of funding) for retiring a “seasoned” appliance and replacing it with an up-to-date energy-efficient one. Nebraska will use a system that requires the consumer to fill out a mail-in form to claim the rebate on Energy Star appliances available only at verified retailers. The program had been delayed but rebates are available now, until funds run out ($1.7 Million, almost $1 million already allocated in the first day July 6th). In Iowa, the same program ran out of funds in a matter of hours so be on the ball if you want to take advantage of this program.

Nebraska will recognize the following products as eligible for rebates:



Eligible Products Rebate Amount
Central Air Conditioning $100
Heat Pumps $250
Refrigerators $100
Natural Gas & Propane Furnaces $250
Clothes washers up to $200 (depends on model)
Dishwashers $50

All products must meet strict state specifications with the exception of central air conditioners, air source heat pumps, and gas furnaces, which must meet the stricter Federal requirements.

Purchase must be made from "registered" retailers within the state of Nebraska, and after July 6th. Purchases made before the program start date do not qualify. Consumers must "self-certify" the new unit will replace a clunker unit. For more information visit the Nebraska Energy Office website. There is a limit of (2) rebates per household.
Residents are encouraged to utilize Nebraska Public Power District and the Omaha Public Power District programs to recycle clunker refrigerators.

Nebraskan’s can also receive a 5-year, 5% bank loan at a certain lenders that participate in the program.

Decks Cost Thou$and$ to Replace....Extend the life with these tips.

It often only takes a year or two for a fresh-looking deck to become dreary. Where you once enjoyed relaxing and chatting with friends, you now dread to tread. Often, however, what looks like severe damage can be fixed with a little elbow grease and the right products.


Give your tired-looking deck a facelift sooner rather than later. Wood that is left unprotected will soak up moisture, leading to serious damage. Because decks suffer abuse from the harsh sun, foot traffic, rain, snow, and ice—you may need to treat your deck on a regular basis, perhaps even once a year.



1. Inspect the deck. Just about any wood can rot if it stays wet for long periods. Take the time to examine all the wood carefully to see if any boards are rotten. Unfortunately, most wood rot occurs in places that are hard to see—under the decking boards, at the ledger (the board that is attached to the house), on the underside of stair treads, and so on. If possible, crawl underneath the deck to make your inspection.


2. Make repairs. Any sign of rot calls for the replacement of boards. Hire a carpenter, or use a flat pry bar to carefully remove rotten boards. Replace them with like materials If nails or boards are popping up or coming loose, do not simply pound the old nails down again; remove them and replace them with longer nails, special decking nails, or decking screws.



3. Ensure against future rot. If any part of your deck stays wet for a day or more after a rainfall, take steps to see that it can dry out. You'll probably need to use a leaf blower or a broom to sweep away leaves and dirt from between boards, or where the deck meets the house. Perhaps a bush or tree limb needs to be trimmed back, or a gutter downspout moved to direct water away from the deck.Debris between deck boards looks bad and soaks up water, promoting rot. Use a putty knife or-a plastic wallpaper knife to clear out the debris.



4. Clean a discolored deck. If the deck has taken on a dull gray color, the problem looks much worse than it is. Chances are it's covered with a thin film of mildew and needs only a cleaning. Dark stains may be due to mildew; cleaning with soap and water or bleach may clear up the problem. Ensure that your deck can dry out so the mildew does not return.

To clean a deck, purchase a commercial deck wash/cleaner or TSP heavy-duty cleanser and follow directions—usually, this means a lot of scrubbing, rinsing and elbow grease.
For a quick cleaning, rent a pressure-washer and equip it with a fan tip. Work carefully so you do not make indentations in the wood. Hire a professional if you do not have experience using a pressure washer, you could damage the surface of the wood.


5. Seal and finish. After cleaning a deck, allow it to dry thoroughly before sealing it but don't wait too long--don't give it time to get dirty again. To determine if it needs to be sealed, sprinkle a few drops of water on the wood. If it doesn't bead up and instead soaks right in, the deck needs to be sealed.

6 Rules to For Remodeling Your Home

Some additions or remodels do not pay off. See photo.

Homeowners that have a remodeling project in mind should consider these 6 rules, fresh from Money Magazine, to get the best "bang-for-their-buck" should a future home sale be in the works.

1. Repairs can bring the biggest returns. EVERY potential buyer will be turned away if costly repairs are needed to bring the home up to standard. Spending money to keep it maintained is paramount and is the best return on your investment.

2. Remodeling tops an addition. Updating existing square footage returns a better value than adding square footage.

3. Eco-friendly upgrades can save the homeowner cash. Going green with compact fluorescent lighting, low-flow toilets and showerheads, more insulation, energy-efficient windows, doors, and newer HVAC and water heaters really works and can save hundreds every month. Tax-credits for many of these items make it a great value. Tax credits end at the end of this year.

4. Keep up with technology. Add cable and Ethernet cabling to each room when tackling a project. If you have modular type light switches in one room, change them out in all rooms.

5. Keep up with the Joneses. If most of your neighbors have granite countertops, do the same. You do not want your home to be sub par compared to others in the neighborhood. Keeping to neutral colors helps.

6. In reality, the payback time period is 5 years. If you know your plans are to sell within 5-7 years and you need to update, start now! Remember, keeping the home maintained is the best overall value for your dollar. If you need repairs completed hire a professional. There are many that will sell you short in these trying times.

Better Quality Means Higher Price

Here is a quote that sheds some light on quality verses price from a previous century. There were some wise ole' folks back then!

"It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot - it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better."
John Ruskin - 1819 - 1900
English Author, Architect, and Economist

I can relate with Mr. Ruskin's point. I just returned from a business trip where I purchased some beauty products for my wife. I bought them at a kiosk in a mall and paid a higher price than I would have in any other situation. I have read comments from online posters that these folks (beauty product vendors) are ripping people off because the products could be purchased online for far less (about 50% lower costs online). These online vendors do not have the overhead of a mall kiosk, a staff of sales persons, nor sample products to demonstrate on potential customers, nor theft issues. Is there any wonder that their sales price is greater than a warehouse environment at an online vendor? Potential customers get to sample the products at the mall kiosk and receive wonderful customer service each time more products are needed.

I think we all have been accustomed to a Wal-Mart World where we think the cheapest price is the best but it is rarely the greatest overall value. There are many "handymen" in the Omaha area that will work for food (on the table) but when it comes to customer service, warranty, and professionalism, they cannot compare to a reputable company like Mr. Handyman. Do you think they will be straightforward about the guy they send to your home if he has been a convicted felon (we perform background checks on all employees). Buyer Beware! Will they have insurance to cover YOUR LOSS if a mishap took place? Ask for proof or hire the professional choice, Mr. Handyman.

I'd rather pay a higher price to get that kind of protection than pay a cheaper price and get wiped out. If you can grasp the financial hardship an unlicensed, uninsured serviceman can cause you if some type of calamity should occur, what about the emotional and physical devastation your family will endure if you found out too late that the individual was a convicted child molestor. What would saving $20 per hour feel like to you then?

Like Mr. Ruskin stated, it is best to pay more as long as you know the value added overcomes the added risk of the lower price. It costs the professional company more to lessen the overall risk to you but it is only a few dollars compared to thousands of dollars potential loss and quite possibly loss of life to you and your family. In the end....pay more but make sure you get more. You'll be much happier and safer.

Sell your Home & all the Maintenance & Repairs along with it!

An overwhelming trend in today's society is for a couple to purchase a home and live there well into their retirement years. A home is a major expense even if the mortgage had been paid-off many years ago. The annual property taxes, preventative maintenance, utilities, yard and exterior clearing and repairs may put the cost of staying in your home outside of your fixed income. Many choose to purchase the priority items (prescription drugs, health care, and food) and let the home deteriorate.

A 'seasoned' couple (or singles, for that matter) can sell their home and move into a roomy apartment or condo (where maintenance & repairs are tasked to someone else) and live very comfortable, both financially and physically, without any unforeseen major expenditures for home repairs or the annual maintenance costs that keep the house in great shape. On another note, let’s face it, most repairmen, contractors and auto mechanics do not have a great reputation in giving the elderly great value for the services they provide sometimes taking them for a huge sum because of the situation they find themselves in.

Many are choosing to move to the downtown Omaha area where the shops, nightlife and nostalgia are unparalleled. On a recent drive one evening to the Civic Auditorium for a hockey night with the girls, I witnessed many elderly couples walking around downtown catching the nightlife and enjoying life in general. They were laughing and cutting-up even in the brisk wind!

One such apartment complex is the Orpheum Tower Apartments in beautiful downtown Omaha. It has 16 stories packed with numerous floor plans to accommodate a wide variety of potential apartment dwellers. Availability is limited as they average a 97% occupancy rate throughout most of the year. Their website is http://www.orpheumtowerapts.com/ .

Ask for a little sweetie named Sara. If she doesn't have availability at the Orpheum there are other properties in the downtown area she can help you discover.

Save $ with a DIY Radon Testing Kit

Test your home for radon with a DIY kit.


Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that is known to cause cancer. The Surgeon General states that radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the US. It can build up in your home when windows and doors are sealed tight, both during the winter or summer months when the A/C or heat is running all day long. Checking for radon in the winter months is an excellent time since you're indoors a lot more often and sealing those windows and doors to stay warm.


To check for radon, you will need to purchase a home testing kit (will usually cost around $25). Follow the directions carefully so the results will be as accurate as possible. Or you can choose to have a professional come out and test your home for you (can cost up to $300.00).


You must leave all windows and doors closed almost exclusively except to quickly exit the house. You should not use the bathroom vent fan or a range hood fan (only if it vents to the outside) during the testing period (3-7 days for the short term testing kit).


I found a great, cost-effective radon testing kit at http://www.radon.com/. It should run about $16.00 for the kit and about $10.00 for the return postage to get the test kit to the lab. They will email or fax the results to you in about one week.


Once you get the test results you can determine if you need to have a radon mitigation system installed. It will pull air from your basement (or sump pit area, if installed) and vent it outside to minimize the radon levels in the home, thus reducing the negative effects of radon on your family's health. You may not need to have a dedicated radon-mitigation system installed to reduce the levels to a safe level. There are other methods to accomplish the same task. Knowing what your options are will allow you to make a better informed decision.

A Clever Way to Spend Your Tax Return

Go Green! Free 'Green' Stuff from Uncle Sam.

As a primary homeowner a tax payer could receive up to a $1500 tax credit for increasing the energy efficiency of their home. If you use your tax return to purchase energy efficient doors, windows, HVAC equipment, water heaters, skylights or insulation and roofing materials you will get 30% of that money returned to you as a tax credit. If you need some of these items anyway taking advantage of this tax credit just makes financial sense.

There are certain requirements and some paperwork to keep but it is money returning to you. If you do not take advantage of it this year you will miss out. I'll put it this way. If you received a tax return of $1000 this year and expect to get about the same back next year, you could spend this years return on a $1000 home improvement (materials costs only) and next year you'll receive $1300 back instead of the $1000 because of the tax credit. You could spend up to $5000 on these home improvement projects to max out at the $1500 limit.

Not all windows, doors and HVAC purchases qualify for the tax credit. Consult a tax professional or go to energystar.gov for more detailed information. You can call Mr. Handyman for more information as well.

Save up to $80 per year with this small task

Mr. Handyman service technicians have been in dozens of home's attics this winter inspecting roof and ice damming damage. What we have noticed in 90% of the attics is that the access door in not insulated in any way. Most of these access panels were in the living space, a closet or hallway. These homeowners are paying good money heating the air that is escaping through the uninsulated access panel. Most of these panels are made out of a piece of plywood or drywall and they are pushed up out of the way to gain access into the attic.

For about $30-$40 a 'somewhat handy' person could purchase enough 1 1/2 inch foam insulation, construction adhesive (liquid nails) and a roll of sticky-back foam weather-stripping to do this small project on their own. You could use the panel as a template to cut 2 layers of the rigid foam, glue them to the top side of the panel so it it two layers thick. Then apply the weather-stripping to the framework of the panel to form a nice fit when it is put back in place.

The added insulation and weather-stripping could save you upwards of $80.00 in heating and cooling costs per year as well as helping your home stay more comfortable when it is really cold out.

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.