Fall Maintenance

Each season Mr Handyman is asked to complete repairs on some of our best customer’s homes.  Many times these repairs could have been avoided and even eliminated if the maintenance had been completed the season before.  It does not take long for minor neglect in the maintenance to turn in to a huge repair issue.  Here are just a few examples where the neglect of the maintenance has cost the homeowner in a huge way:

Case #1 Neglected Wood Rot

In April 2011, a client asked Mr Handyman to pressure wash and stain his deck prior to having a graduation party the next month.  While performing the requested work we noticed the start of wood rot under a bank of windows.  The estimated repairs would run in the $1000-$1500 range if completed at that time.  In December of 2014 as our customer was preparing to get his home ready to sell he requested we finally complete the wood rot repairs.  The rot had gotten so bad that the wood structural components holding up the whole side of the home had to be replaced, removing and replacing the bank of windows at a cost over $12,000.    
Had this client completed the repairs in 2011 he would have saved around $11,000 in money he sunk into a home he eventually sold.  Had he chose not to complete the work he may not have sold his home. 

Case #2 Soffit and Fascia Repairs

In March, 2015 a first time Mr Handyman customer asked us to perform some repairs to rotted wood along the edge of her forty-year old home.  She had not been diligent in cleaning her gutters every spring and fall and the clogged gutters would back-up and allow water to drain behind and down the edge of the home, where water was not meant to be.  When we opened up the rotted areas it was obvious some pretty shoddy previous work had been completed in the past.  When we discussed her repair options she elected to have us just cover up the fascia and soffit and not to pay any attention to the other underlying issues.  Maybe a similar decision was made before? 

This customer’s choice to go the “cheapest” route to home repairs may be costing her so much more money than if she would have elected to have the repairs completed professionally the first time.  Also the neglect of a 2X per year gutter cleaning has caused her to spend over $1800 in the one repair we completed for her, not to mention a previous repair.     

These are just two of the many, many examples of repair costs that could have been avoided with routine maintenance.  If budget and costs keep you from having the maintenance completed where will you find the funds for the eventual repairs?  In most cases I think people forget about the maintenance or simply do not have the time or expertise to get it done. 

Fall is here.  What can Mr Handyman do for you?  Call 402-502-5212 if we can help.

 

Energy Savings in the Home

Technology has made great strides in energy efficiencies that may be a great benefit for you as a home owner.  If you have not gotten on the band wagon yet, you could be throwing some hard-earned cash out the window, or at least, giving more to the utility companies than is necessary.

Here is a tid-bit of information to open your eyes to energy efficiencies and help you reduce your electric bill.



CFL Bulb

CFLs or compact fluorescent light bulbs have been around for many years now and both the price and the type of light output have greatly improved.  Many homeowners have enjoyed a decreased energy bill with a swap-out of the most used lighting in their home. 

LED bulbs

LED lighting has become an even brighter star among the available options for lighting.  The energy use for an LED bulb is very small compared to the old incandescent bulbs.  If you were to replace all of your incandescent light bulbs with LED lights you would probably save $15-$25 per month depending on use and number of lights you have. 

If you replace the 10 most used lights in the home with CFLs or LEDs in those sockets, you could save $7-$12 per month of use.  Small potatoes, I know, but over time and with a continued changing out of more of them, you could save even more down the stretch.

Most people do not find the CFL and LED lights to be enjoyable, compared to the warm glow of the old incandescent bulbs, but progress is being made to replicate them.  There are LEDs and CFLs that project a different spectrum of light, which is more appealing to our senses.

A great way to figure up the cost savings for swapping out the electron-guzzling incandescent bulbs for the sleek savers of today is to calculate the energy use for both and compare the figures.  The purchase cost of the newer models is quite a bit higher so factor that in as you swap them out.

You pay your electric bill by KWH, or kilo-watt-hours.  Basically, you are charged for every 1000 watts of energy in an hours’ use.  An example:  You leave your outside lights on all night (5 incandescent, 100 watt bulbs).  If you average 12 hours per night over the course of the month you would calculate as follows: 5X100(watts) X 12 (hours) /1000 (to figure KWH) X 30 (nights).  You would use 6KWH each night X 30 nights = 180 KWH.  Electric rates are around $.10 per KWH.  It would cost you $18.00 per month to light your yard each night with incandescent bulbs.

If you swapped those energy-guzzlers out with an equivalent LED (13 Watts compares to a 100W incandescent in light output) and apply the above calculation: 5X13X12X30/1000 you would see that it would only cost you $2.34 for the month of use.

If you don’t enjoy math, take my word for it, both CFLs and LEDs will save you quite a bit over their projected life span of use.  Call Mr Handyman @ 402.502.5212 if we can help you fix or maintain your home.

Christmas Decoration Safety tips!

This photo is a practical joke but it does point out the need to be extra safe when hanging Christmas decorations. The police forced the homeowner to remove it because it garnered so many calls to the 911 center.

Christmas Decoration Safety



The next few days the weather is going to be quite nice so get out and finish your Christmas decorations. But be safe!

Every year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500 people for injuries related to holiday lights, such as falls, cuts and shocks.

In addition, candles start about 11,600 fires each year, resulting in 150 deaths, 1,200 injuries and $173 million in property loss. Christmas trees are involved in about 300 fires annually, resulting in 10 deaths, 30 injuries and an average of more than $10 million in property loss and damage.

Here are some tips to keep it safe.

Always put candles out! Do not let them burn overnight or out of your sight.

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for a "Fire Resistant." tree.

When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators and heat vents. Heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly so be sure to keep the stand filled with water.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use.

Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.

Turn off all Christmas lights when you go to bed. The lights could short out and start a fire. Be sure you checked the operation of your smoke detector.

Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.

Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

November Maintenance Tasks

November is usually the start of the really chilly weather. Here are some general maintenance tasks that should be accomplished in and around the home this month.

Clean and maintain major appliances
Clean the drip pans of your electric stove, clean behind the stove, dishwasher and washer & dryer. Pull out the refrigerator and clean the coils and drip pan underneath. Wipe down the furnace, water heater and water softener. Clean around the dishwasher strainer and look for debris in the washing arm (spins and squirts water during the wash/rinse cycle)

Keep gutters clean from leaves & debris Water damage is very costly and can make your home very uncomfortable with mold and mildew, not to mention repair headaches. Some folks prefer to use a powered blower to blast debris out of the gutters.

Clean your garbage disposal
Clean and deodorize your in-sink garbage disposal by packing it with ice cubes and 1/2 cup of baking soda; then turn it on. After the grinding noise stops, pour a kettle full of boiling water into the sink.

Change furnace filter
Some furnace filters are washable. Have two on hand. One in use, one cleaned and ready to install. Remove the dirty one and install the clean one. Wash and dry the dirty one for use next month.

Check operation of your sump-pump
Take the top off the sump and remove any debris that may have collected in there. Pour at least 5 gallons of water into the sump, slowly, to ensure pump is operational. Some people like to run a hose into the sump area, turn the water on to a slow rate and allow the pump to operate for about 1/2 an hour or so. Do not leave it unattended though.

Touch-up woodwork Use "Old English Scratch Remover" or matching stain to cover dents and scratches on your woodwork. Keeping up on this task at least once a year will help preserve a well maintained look to the inside of your home. It only takes a few minutes in each room to accomplish.

Turn on your Whole-House humidifier Many homes are blessed with a whole-house humidifier. If you are lucky enough to have one you should turn on the water supply and usually a manual switch near the humidifier. It is usually at the furnace. Change the water pad (filter-looking device) when there are a lot of white crusty mineral deposits on it.
If you do not have a whole-house humidifier you can hang a large towel or sheet in the shower and keep it wet. The water will evaporate and get into the air. Change out the towel or sheet often (maybe once per week) and make sure it does not get moldy.

Cover outside hose bibs (water spigots) Most new homes have the freeze-proof spigots but they can still freeze if the hose is not removed for the wintertime. This time of year ALWAYS remove the hose after each use. If you do not know if your spigots are freeze proof it won’t hurt to cover them. The foam covers only cost a few dollars to purchase and a few minutes to install. Installing one could save you thousands in repair costs and insurance claims.

Fall Home Maintenance Time!

Fall Home Maintenance Time is here!

Fall is here…..Already!  Winter is knocking at the door.  Is your home prepared for the harsh winter weather?  Consider the long-term cost of neglecting the pre-winter home maintenance and you’ll see what a bargain we offer with our Preferred Client Home Maintenance Program.

Each year our professional service technicians perform thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs on customer’s homes that could have been avoided through regular maintenance.  A house does not come with an Owner’s Manual and most homeowners do not know what needs to be done or they fail to remember to get it done.   Our motto “Spend $100’s now in maintenance or $1000’s later in repairs” says it all.  Most costly home repairs could have been avoided with regular maintenance.

Today’s busy families are finding it difficult to keep up with their careers, children’s activities and everyday chores, let alone home maintenance.  For most, it’s easier to put off but it could have very expensive consequences if neglected too long.   

We have sadly watched as some of our most valued customer’s homes deteriorate before our eyes just due to the lack of regularly scheduled maintenance.   We had been asked to perform specific tasks and projects but had not performed an inspection and made recommendations for action.  Now we have a specific program to do just that.  We are offering a discounted rate to complete the maintenance for you on a regular basis.  We have created a program that will place the scheduling and completion of the seasonal maintenance on our lap so we can better serve you and better help you save $thousands$ on repairs throughout the time you spend in your home.

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM

 

·         Peace of Mind - Mr Handyman initiates the call to schedule your semiannual appointments in season for preventative and corrective maintenance tasks.

·         Maintains Home Value - Halting any deterioration of your home will maintain the value of your home.

·         Improved Quality of Life – A well maintained home is more energy efficient, less likely to have mold & mildew build up and  less chance to cause illnesses for its inhabitants.

·         Reduced Cost of Home Repairs – Maintaining is less costly than repairing.  Spend $100’s now in maintenance or $1000’s later in repairs.  You will also enjoy special discounts and programs throughout the year.

·         Maintenance Checklist – At the time of sale you will have a detailed accounting of the maintenance records of your home, a potential great selling point

 

To learn more about our new program or to sign up please give our office a call at 402-502-5212.  We would be happy to get started this season for you.  Read our reviews on Angie’s List, BBB and Home Advisor.  We have a great amount of testimonials listed at Systino (askmrhandyman.blogspot.com - right hand top).

 

Burglaries on the rise!

Beware; some prominent neighborhoods have recently been hit.

At least twice a week Mr Handyman gets a call from a panicked homeowner that has just recently been a victim of a break-in and is in need to have their door fixed or replaced.   The volume of calls has increased over the past few months.  Maybe it’s an indicator of the amount of crime going on in our city.

A recent internet article discussed three ways to help prevent a robbery at your home.  The information was old at best and showed a lack of research on the part of the author.  He stated by installing a deadbolt lock in addition to the handle lock it would stop a potential break-in.   That is simply not the case.  In almost every case where we respond to a door repair from a break-in a deadbolt lock had been installed and failed just as easily as the single locking device.  It’s not the locking devices that fail but rather the door frame fails, allowing easy access.

If you open up your front door and look at the door frame you will see the small amount of wood between the strike hole (where the locking plunger enters when locked) and the interior of your home. There is about ¾ to 1 inch of soft, pine wood.  It is easily broken out with a swift kick or two.

Many homeowners in nicer, west Omaha neighborhoods have an alarm system installed in their home thinking it will stop a criminal from breaking into their home.  Some believe the yard sign alone acts like a deterrent, that a burglar may pass over a particular home with an alarm company logo out front but will it actually stop the determined criminal from breaking in?  He may need his "fix" and needs to peddle your wares to get it. 

A determined burglar does not fear the alarm company yard sign.  He knows with one swift kick on the door he and his band of thieves can rummage through your home, gather up their bounty, load up their stolen vehicle and be gone before the police are able to respond.  The average police response time nationwide is seven minutes.  That’s once the police have been notified, after the alarm company has gone through their call procedures.  Realistically, more than 10 minutes may pass before the black and white vehicle pulls up.

The best defense is to keep them from gaining entry in the first place.  The door frame fails because the small amount of soft wood just cannot take the force applied in the kick-in.  It’s relatively easy for someone to kick-in with enough force to bust through it. 

Mr Handyman sells and installs a door protection system that reinforces the door frame, the door hinge side and the handle area that will stop the easy access into your home.  If they want in, make them work for it, let it take all sorts of time, let it make all sorts of noise to alert your neighbors.  Most likely they will move on to another home.  It is inexpensive and would be a great addition to your home security system.  Call and ask for Dan at 402-502-5212 for more information.

VIEW YOUR HOME AS AN ASSET…though it can be a liability.

 In the American culture we pay for things we don’t want to do ourselves or pay for someone else’s expertise.   Here are a few examples:

We pay a doctor to evaluate and treat us and our loved ones.  We pay an accountant to complete our taxes, prepare our books or keep payroll.  We pay the HVAC, Electrician, Plumber or other tradesman to repair fixtures or appliances in our homes, and we pay an investment company, stockbroker or financial planner to help us decide where to sock away our earnings for the best return.

For many Americans their home is one of the largest investments they will make.  Though you may not view it as an asset which will provide you a return, neglect it and you may have to pony up some cash to sell it; a pickle many have been in the past few years.

So far this season we have found numerous points of deterioration on some of our customer’s homes.  In several cases if we had not been at the home already it is most likely the damage would have been overlooked and progressed into an even costlier repair.  In the long run, the money you spend today on the maintenance and upkeep of your home will prevent you from spending thousands more if it were to be neglected. 

There are no construction companies that offer a Home Maintenance Program to the degree that Mr. Handyman does.  We systematically inspect and perform numerous tasks that are often neglected by the homeowner.  The neglect is rarely willful; it’s just a matter of skill level and free time. 

While the performance of the maintenance tasks is the key to the program I feel the most important, yet virtually unrealized benefit is this:  Twice a year you will have a professional set of eyes inspecting and looking at the condition of your home.

Here are the basics of our Annual Maintenance Program:

·         Peace of Mind – Twice each year, in the spring and in the fall Mr. Handyman initiates the call to schedule your appointment.

·         Maintains Home Value –We inspect and perform routine maintenance tasks specifically for your home. Catching and stopping any deterioration will maintain the value of your home.

·         Reduced Cost of Home Repairs – Maintaining is less costly than repairing.  Spend $100’s now in maintenance or $1000’s later in repairs. 

·         Maintenance Checklist – At the time of sale you will have a detailed accounting of the maintenance records of your home, a potential great selling point

 To learn more about our program or to sign up please give our office a call at 402-502-5212.  We would be happy to get started this season for you.  Sign up this spring and allow Mr Handyman to become your financial "protector" for your home.

Omaha Water 7th Worst in US!

Omaha' tap water ranked 7th worst in a study conducted by The Environmental Working Group.  Read more about it by clicking here http://www.examiner.com/article/omaha-drinking-water-listed-as-7th-worst-u-s.

 

Some of the water Metropolitan Utilities District filters and treats for use in your tap water comes from the Missouri River and some of it comes out of wells dug in Sarpy County and Western Omaha.

 

The Environmental Working Group found 42 of the 142 contaminates they tested for in Omaha's water.  One-half of the 42 were above health guidelines and 4 were above the safe limit established by the EPA.

 

If this study has you thinking about your options to provide safe and clean drinking water to your family, you are not alone.  Many people go through cases of bottled drinking water each year but there are consequences to buying the bottles too.  Do you really know the quality of the water you are purchasing?  Were the cases out in the sun too long during shipping?  Are there contaminates related to the thin plastic bottles?  What is the impact to the environment and landfills with so many used, depleted bottles?

 

Another option is to purchase jugs and bottles and have them refilled at many locations throughout the Omaha area.  Most grocery stores and health food stores have a water station to fill your own jugs.  It is usually less costly than buying cases of the bottled water and less impact to the environment.

 

By far the best option is to have a water filtering and conditioning system installed in your own home.  It would be the most cost effective and least impact to the environment than the other two options.  A water softener would allow you to use 1/4 of the normal amount of soap and detergents as you do with the hard tap water from MUD.  Your skin and hair would feel soft and clean when you exit the shower with no residue of soap remaining to give you the itches.

 

For your drinking water the best choice is a Reverse Osmosis system, usually installed under the kitchen sink or in the basement.  It uses the water line pressure to force water through a very effective filter which removes 99% of most contaminates and hard minerals.  The filters usually last a year or so before you need to have them replaced.

The best local source for both of these installed units is Futuramic's Clean Water Center. They sell and service most water conditioning systems like the water softeners and reverse osmosis systems.  They can rent the systems out for a low monthly cost and provide service each year to ensure the units are working at their top quality.  They've been in Omaha since 1969 and do they ever know about water!  They even have fresh, filtered water on tap so you can refill your own jugs.

 

There are so many other reasons to get a softener and RO unit installed in your home.  Talk to the folks at Futuramic's, they'll test your water and give you all of the great data and information you need.  You can reach them at 402.453.5730

Save On Home Ownership Costs!

Each season Mr Handyman is asked to complete repairs on some of our best customer’s homes.  Many times these repairs could have been avoided and even eliminated if the maintenance had been completed the season before.  It does not take long for minor neglect in the maintenance to turn in to a huge repair issue.  I know I may sound like a broken record to many of you that read this monthly column but the savings is so significant you should at least try it.

Here are just a few examples where the neglect of the maintenance has cost the homeowner in a huge way:

Case #1 Neglected Windows

In June 2012, a long-standing customer of Mr Handyman had us out to clean his gutters.  While there we advised him about some rot starting around a lower section of a large bank of windows.  It was estimated at the time it would cost approximately $450 to cut out the rotted wood and perform the maintenance on the rest of the window area.  The minor repair would extend the life of the windows for another 10 years or so. 

In the fall of 2013 this customer called and asked that we complete the $450 job but it had gotten a so much worse.  After inspecting the bank of windows with almost a year and a half of further deterioration it was determined the windows needed to be replaced at a cost of $3850.  

Maintenance $450       Repair $3850       Neglect cost $3400

Case #2 Pressboard Siding

In April of 1012 Mr Handyman was at a customer’s home repairing a few missing shingles.  While on the roof we noticed some minor wood rot where the chimney chase meets the roof line.  We quoted this homeowner $328 to cut out the small amount of rot, replace it with like material and cover it with a trim board.  This customer stated she needed to discuss it with her husband and would be calling us back. 

She called us back but not until the spring of 2013 and stated there was water leaking into the living room near the chimney.  It was determined that the rotted siding had gotten so bad that a hole the size of a cell phone was allowing rainwater into the home and down to the living room ceiling.  The total cost for the siding and ceiling repairs was $1785, which was not enough to meet her insurance deductible.

Maintenance $328      Repair $1785      Neglect Cost $1457               

These are just two of the many, many examples of repair costs that could have been avoided with routine maintenance.  If budget and costs keep you from having the maintenance completed where will you find the funds for the eventual repairs?  In most cases I think people forget about the maintenance or simply do not have the time or expertise to get it done. 

Sign-up to our annual maintenance program to ensure it gets done.  Gain some peace of mind.  Our motto is “Spend hundred$ now in maintenance or Thou$and$ later in repairs.”  Call 402-502-5212 for details.

Preventing Ice Dams

How Ice Dams Form

Winter is in full swing here in the plains states with more snow expected.  A few inches or more of snow can cause ICE DAMMING.  Ice damming happens when snow builds up on the lower 3 feet of roof line, above the extended eaves. What happens is the upper part of the roof starts to melt and the moisture drains down to the lower section that does not melt and gets "dammed up." Basically water pools above the ice and backs up into the home (comes through the roof). Roofs were made to drain off water, not pool water.

Extensive damage can happen in homes if ice damming occurs. Replacement of ceilings, walls and insulation can be very costly. Insurance will probably cover some of these costs but deductibles, replacement time, time off work, coordination hassles etc. will make it well worth the expense to prevent ice damming in the first place. 

The most common cause of ice damning is poor insulation or poor ventilation in the attic area.  Both issues are solved at the same time when you hire a professional service company to tackle this issue for you.  There may be other factors in play like a huge amount of snow fall.  A snow rake could be used to remove the loose snow at the eaves of your house or a drift in a valley that remains way too long.    

A weaving pattern of electrical heat tape is a common fix but should only be installed as a last resort and installed by a professional service company.  To extend the life of the heat tape it should only be turned on during the periods of time snow or ice is present on the roof.  

If you are a Do-It-Yourself type of homeowner, here are a few tried and true tips for the occasional ice dam.  If you have some old panty hose laying around the house you could fill them with "Ice Melt" (must be calcium chloride, not rock salt) and lay them vertical on the ice dam. The point is to make several vertical breaks through the ice dam so melted snow has a place to drain off the roof.  

If your gutters are full of ice and overhanging with icicles, use the pantyhose trick and lay them on top of the ice along the gutter line.  The ice will eventually melt and clean up the ice dam.  These are great tips for the adventurous but the best overall method is to remove the loose snow right away.

If you have had ice dams on your roof in the past chances are you will have them again unless you took corrective measures to prevent them.  Call Mr Handyman @ 402.502.5212 before it happens again.  Mr. Handyman can help you solve this issue.

Are Alarm Systems Safe?

Many homeowners have an alarm system installed in their home thinking it will stop a criminal from breaking into their home.  Some believe the yard sign alone acts like a deterrent, that a burglar may pass over a particular home with an alarm company logo out front but will it actually stop the determined criminal from breaking in?

The most valuable thing an alarm system can offer is notification of a trigger event.  It will notify the homeowner, the alarm company and, through their third-party call center, the police that a break-in occurred, presence of fire or smoke, a carbon monoxide leak or a panic situation such as a hostage event is taking place.

The installed alarm systems are touted as providing the homeowner “peace of mind” and a guarantee of your family’s safety is ensured.  They sell millions of systems under these pretenses.  Don’t get me wrong, alarm systems have their place.  I've had them for all of the benefits I know they offer but I also know that they are just one component of ensuring peace and security in my home.

A determined burglar does not fear the alarm company yard sign.  He knows with one swift kick on the door he and his band of thieves can rummage through your home, gather up their bounty, load up their vehicle and be gone before the police are able to respond.  The average police response time nationwide is seven minutes.  That’s once the police have been notified, after the alarm company has gone through their call procedures.  Realistically, more than 10 minutes may pass before the black and white vehicle pulls up.

Ok, now picture the determined psychopath.  It could be the ex-husband, your daughter’s ex-boyfriend or the irate parent of the child your son tackled in Pop Warner football the night before.  What will stop this lunatic from entry into your home to do you and your loved ones harm?  The alarm system panic bottom may get the police there…..in seven minutes?  What harm could a crazed psychopath do in that amount of time?  Would your family ever recover from such an event?

The best defense is to keep them from gaining entry until help can arrive or you can arm yourself.  Most burglars and crazed psychopaths break down the front door to gain immediate access.  The door frame fails because there is only about ½ inch of soft wood to break through at the latch and dead-bolt.  It’s relatively easy for someone to kick with enough force to bust through it. 

Mr Handyman sells and installs a door protection system that reinforces the door frame, the door hinge side and the handle area that will stop the most crazed psychopath from kicking in your door.  It is inexpensive and would be a great addition to your home security system.  Call and ask for Dan at 402-502-5212 for more information.

This Holiday Season, Observe your Senior Parents

Senior living centers receive more calls after the holidays than any other time of the year. Spend some quality time with your senior parent or grandparent, in their home and observe them in their daily tasks. Do they struggle bathing, using the toilet or fixing a meal? Sometimes they struggle with the most basic task. Watch and observe.

Today, seniors are remaining in their homes longer, and usually alone. Many adult children do not recognize how much of a struggle their loved one is having in completing daily tasks until a bad fall or other scare triggers a good evaluation and information quest. Most seniors are either too stubborn or too proud to admit they need help or assistance until it’s too late.

Planning to live out your senior years in relative comfort is like planning your will, an uneasy task for most but very much a necessity. The old fear that a "nursing home" is the only option has been diminished with in-home care, senior living centers, assisted living and specialized care facilities. If the determination is made to remain in the home there are some common home modifications that need to be considered.

Falls are a major problem for senior citizens. Sixty percent of falls happen in the home. Bathrooms are the main concern and in fact, are the most common area to require modifications. Reducing the chance for falls in the bathroom is the most important task to consider. These modifications may be extremely minor, like adding grab bars or putting a riser on the toilet to completely revamping the bathroom for wheel-chair access, a walk-in tub or pedestal sink.


Replacing old knob-style faucets for the newer, lever-style ones is a simple change, and is especially helpful for people with arthritis. Showers are generally safer than tubs for senior citizens because there is a smaller sidewall to step over. A hand-held shower adaptor and a portable stool is an inexpensive modification that can be installed in a few minutes but it will not relieve the risk of stepping over the side of the tub. Walk-in tubs are a great addition but not for everybody.

Grab bars are essential but they must be properly affixed to the wall. Suction cup grab bars are not recommended regardless what the TV commercials state! Non-slip flooring is a must! A grab bar at the top of a stairway may help to transition from the top step to a landing area.

Kitchen modifications are usually most necessary when the occupant has true physical handicaps and in need of a wheelchair.

Wheel-chair ramps, stair-lift units and other home entry modifications are most often thought about when thinking of ‘aging-in place’ but the bathroom is the place most falls take place. The most important factor is to plan ahead. Add these “senior-friendly” home modifications BEFORE they become a “must-have” item. If you witness your elder parent struggle a bit this Christmas season, consider having some of the basic items installed by a professional to assist them before a major fall awakens you to their condition. Act rather than react! You may just save them and you a whole lot of pain and suffering.

Safety Tips for our Senior Population

Household dangers are lurking all throughout the home; and if you’re a member of our senior population, the risks are even greater.

Interior and exterior lights using motion sensors or photo cells can light the way to safety. Inside the house, place them in the frequently traveled paths at night; like between the bed and bathroom or on your way to the kitchen. Outside, replace the lights that require a flip of the switch with a motion sensor or a photo cell, so you’re never caught in the dark upon returning home.

Decorative and bath rugs are attractive, but without proper backing or with backing that’s worn down, they can be a slip, trip, or fall hazard. Check and make sure they still grip the floor, and if not, add a non-skid backing or toss them out.

All inside or outside stairs need to have a hand railing. As you age you may want to consider installing one on each side of the stairwell for your assistance in navigating those steps.

Your home should already be equipped with working smoke detectors. Each year have someone check their functionality, batteries, and that they’re clear of dust and debris. Cans of compressed air can be purchased and used for cleaning computer keyboards and blowing out cobwebs and dust from your smoke detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors are a must if you have a gas heater, water heater or attached garage.

Finally, put safety over vanity and be honest with yourself when it’s time to install grab bars, handrails, non-skid strips in the bathtubs and showers. Installing a few of these much needed safety items prior to absolutely needing them will enable you an opportunity to ease into their use as you age and become more dependent upon them.

Selling in the Next Few Years?

MSN has a very eye-opening piece about things homeowners do that actually decreases their homes value.  I have seen many of these "mistakes" in the Omaha Metro Area as Mr. Handyman has been asked to complete projects for some of these sellers.

Spend your money wisely!  Take these examples into consideration when you fix-er-up!


http://realestate.msn.com/14-mistakes-that-will-kill-your-homes-value

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.

SUMMERTIME ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

These tips are designed to help you choose effective ways to reduce your energy bills. The average home spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs. But you can lower your energy bills and help save the environment at the same time!

No cost savings – use your appliances wisely!

* Use the microwave and grill more.  If needed use the stove and oven less and when it is cooler out.

* Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes in the sink. Run it only when full and select the air-dry feature!

* The more food in your freezer and refrigerator the more efficient it is.  Keep them stocked. It keeps from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool.

* Do your laundry efficiently by using the warm or cold water setting for washing your clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes.

* Line dry clothes whenever you can.

* When you need to use the dryer, run full loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each use.  Clean the whole dryer vent ducting

* Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use.

* Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren't in use-most new electronics use electricity even when switched "off." Turn computers and printers off at the power strip.

* Unplug or recycle that extra refrigerator or freezer in the garage if you don't really need it. This will save you up to $150 per year!

Preferred Client Home Maintenance Program

Each year our professional service technicians perform thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs on customer’s homes that could have been avoided through regular maintenance.  Houses do not come with an Owner’s Manual and most homeowners do not know what needs to be done or they fail to remember to get it done.   Advice from home repair professionals goes along with our radio program motto “Spend $100’s now in maintenance or $1000’s later in repairs.”  Most costly home repairs could be avoided with regular maintenance.

Today’s busy families are finding it difficult to keep up with their careers, children’s activities and everyday chores, let alone home maintenance.  Something has to give and from our point of view it is usually the maintenance of the home.  For most, it’s easier to put off but it could have very expensive consequences if neglected too long.   

Being in business for over six years now we have sadly watched as some of our most valued customer’s homes deteriorate before our eyes just due to the lack of regularly scheduled maintenance.   Mr. Handyman produces a weekly radio program “Ask Mr. Handyman” and a blogsite both dedicated to assisting homeowners complete their own maintenance.  We now are offering a discounted rate to complete the maintenance for you on a regular basis.  We have turned our advice into a program that will place the scheduling and completion of the seasonal maintenance on our lap so we can better serve you and better help you save $thousands$ on repairs throughout the time you spend in your home.

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM

 

·         Peace of Mind - Mr. Handyman initiates the call to schedule your semiannual appointments in season for preventative and corrective maintenance tasks.

·         Maintains Home Value - Halting any deterioration of your home will maintain the value of your home.

·         Improved Quality of Life – A well maintained home is more energy efficient, less likely to have mold & mildew build up and  less chance to cause illnesses for its inhabitants.

·         Reduced Cost of Home Repairs – Maintaining is less costly than repairing.  Spend $100’s now in maintenance or $1000’s later in repairs.  You will also enjoy reduced labor rates for the full year.

·         Maintenance Checklist – At the time of sale you will have a detailed accounting of the maintenance records of your home, a potential great selling point

 To learn more about our new program or to sign up please give our office a call at 402-502-5212.  We would be happy to get started this season for you.  Read our reviews on Angie’s List, Systino - right hand top) and Home Advisor.