Mark the Handyman

Home Maintenance Review

2010-02-15T06:46:00.002-07:00

New Home or Older Home
A licensed professional can identify potential problems before they turn into major repairs that could save you thousands!

Cost-effective Plan Development
To assure that your investment – your home, is protected?

Be safe!“How exactly will this save me money?”
One example: A homeowner was experiencing some water damage in her home. So, I started at the top. I went onto the roof and immediately noticed a number of cracks in the stucco at the parapet wall. These cracks, if addressed early, could have been addressed with a simple $10 tube of material.

“What does this service cost?”
For $100, Mark the Handyman will review your home’s status and deliver a detailed report and plan of action. If you hire Mark the Handyman to address the issues, $50.00 will be credited* towards the work to be performed.

www.todolistspecialist.com
handyman@markdec.com
http://todolistspecialist.blogspot.com

Mark the Handyman has all the equipment necessary to safely review the condition of your property and the skills to develop a cost-effective action plan.

A sign of the times . . . doggie door dilema

2009-11-02T05:37:00.002-07:00

More and more, I'm being called to repair damage done by burglars. Robbers are breaking into homes with the doggy door systems that install in sliding glass door systems. They simply push on the doggy door until they can reach in and unlock the sliding glass door. Not to mention that number of these doors are not installed correctly, making it easy to break in.

Be safe. Install the right type of doggy door. Sometimes that is not the easiest door to install, but it is the safest. Also, be sure that you lock your doors and windows. Especially those in the back of the house where a would-be robber can break in undetected by neighbors or passers by.

Garage Insulation and Ventilation

2009-10-29T05:53:00.003-07:00

Is your garage typically hotter or colder than the outdoor temperature? Your garage may benefit from creating proper venting and garage door insulation. With many folks using their garage to store paints, stains and other personal items, you can prevent damage to those items with proper temperature and air flow solutions.

Ask me how! 668-7425 or handyman@markdec.com

Check your roof!

2009-10-29T05:49:00.002-07:00

Especially, those flat roofs. Sure, monsoon season is over, but now is the time to check your roof for blistering and cracking. Before the winter rains come in, check your roof and address any issues. A little maintenance today will help prevent major issues later.

Water Heater Maintenance

2009-10-29T05:47:00.002-07:00

In order to increase the life of your water heater, it should be properly drained every year or two - to remove sediments. If your water heater hasn't been drained in the last 5 years, save your money, you may have to be buying a new one soon.

Flooring - test before you floor

2009-10-07T11:18:00.002-07:00

Here in the southwest, most of our homes are built onto concrete slabs. Before your put any type of flooring down onto the concrete, you want to make sure that you test for moisture.

The way to test for moisture is to take a piece of plastic, about one foot square, and duct tape it to the concrete floor. Depending on how big the area is, you may want to do this in several spots. Leave the plastic in place for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, check to see if there is any moisture under the plastic. You may be able to see through the plastic or peel it back to see if you have a moisture issue.

Hardwoods, laminates and epoxies will not perform well if applied to a surface that have moisture issues. Woods and laminates will warp and epoxies will peal.

If you have any questions or would like professional solutions, contact Mark the Handyman at 520-668-7425 or via e-mail at handyman@markdec.com.

Cold Weather Prep

2009-10-02T14:36:00.005-07:00

WATER HEATER: Have you noticed – as the weather gets cooler it takes longer for the hot water to come out of the faucets? You turn the water on and wait . . . and wait . . . and wait?

Consider insulating your hot water heater with a water heater, blanket wrap. If installed properly, you can save money on heating your water and reduce the waiting time for hot water to arrive to the faucets.

OUTSIDE WATER SPIGOTS: Be sure that those exposed, exterior water pipes are fully insulated. You also want to make sure that your spigot valves are covered. Don't forget to cover your irrigation valves. Lastly, if there’s a chance of a freeze or frost, disconnect the garden hose to prevent the spigot from freezing.

GARAGE DOOR: If your garage is considerably hotter than the outdoors during the summer, or considering colder during the winter, consider insulating your garage door. There are many do-it-yourself kits sold at the home centers.

As always, Mark the Handyman stands ready to help you with all of your home maintenance, repair or restoration projects.

Helpful Tips

2009-09-30T03:56:00.002-07:00

Dryer Sheets and Dryers – be sure that you clean your dryer vents often. Dryer sheets create an environment for dust to build up in the vent and vent hoses.

Dishwasher tablets versus liquid - tablets don't always dissolve and at times can solidify in your drain pipes thus restricting proper drain flow.

Flat roofs – inspect roof and scuppers yearly, recoat roof every 3 to 5 years

Lubricating hinges or sliders – use End-Dust, not a petroleum based product. Petroleum based products attract dust, dirt and grime

Let’s talk garbage – garbage disposals that is
- never let the garbage disposal run without water running into it. Don’t shut the water off until the garbage disposal is off and completely stopped
- never, ever put starches down the garbage disposal. That includes potatoes, potato skins, pasta, stringing foods like banana peels or corn husks

Toilets – you know that blue tablets or tank deodorizers, don’t use them. They kill the bacteria that is necessary for braking down solids in your drain pipes and septic equipment

Air fresheners – those plug in oil lamps? Don’t use ‘em. They create a film on the wall above the outlet that primer might not be able to cover.

Check back often for additional, helpful tips!