Don’t Be a Drip, Clean Your Gutters!

Posted by Frank Jovine under Homeowner Tips

It’s a sunny day and yet my gutters continue to drip water although it hasn’t rained in a couple of days. It gets annoying, but a problem that seems so small could lead to bigger problems. I am thinking that the gutters must be full of debris collected over the fall and winter from leaves and branches, unfortunately, I don’t have a ladder to inspect the gutters and I am not good with heights.

A quick call and five days later (it felt like an eternity) a handyman arrives and finds that my gutters are full of debris and one of the seams slightly split open. The handyman cleaned out the gutters and re-sealed the seam and the dripping completely stopped. This may not be a big deal and more of an annoyance, but it could cause other structural damage over time.

It’s really nice to go outside and not hear that dripping noise anymore and my patio is now dry on sunny days!

This is the perfect time of the year to inspect your gutters and to ensure there clear of debris and that the water is flowing away from your home. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a handyman by visiting servicelive.com.

Tags: Gutter Cleaning, Gutters Clogged, Handyman, Water Damage

How to Make a Small Room Feel Bigger

Posted by Frank Jovine under Do It Yourself, Homeowner Tips

Want to be the host for the holiday party this year, but have a small space for entertaining? There are a number of things you can do to make your small room (living, kitchen or bath) feel larger than it really is. Try some or all of the following:

• Avoid heavily graphic and vivid wallpaper (or just get rid of it) :P
• Stay clear of intense or dark paints
• Add more natural light – remove heavy drapes and keep your windows visible
• Add artificial light – install light fixtures like sconces or tall lights that don’t have to go on tables
• Hang mirrors around your place
• Diagonally lay tile if you’re planning to tile your floors
• Less is more: keep the amount of trinkets and decorations to a minimum
• Don’t overdo it on furniture – if you need to, put some of your items in the closet or bedroom – people like to mingle at parties… keep them moving and open up more space

So paint the walls something light and neutral, remove bathroom and living room wallpaper, mount your plasma TV to the wall, and get a reliable handyman to help you out.

Tags: Room Decor, Room Decorating Tips, Room Makeover, Sell My House, Staging

Don’t Use Dinosaur Methods to Find Home Services

Posted by Frank Jovine under Homeowner Tips

Dinosaurs are a diverse group of reptiles. They were the dominant vertebrates for over 160 million years. While I am on the topic of dinosaurs, I am sure you’ve heard the saying get out of the “dinosaur age” or “stop thinking like a dinosaur.”

 

There are many people who still apply old thinking and probably because that’s what they’re use to. There are far better ways to to do things today, because of technology.

Examples of Old and New

Old: Do you still use the Yellow pages when looking for home services?
New: Why not go online to find qualified contractors who have contractor reviews.

Old: Finding TV repair help in the back of some local newspaper.
New: Google it!!!

Old: Snail mail (The one the mailman delivers)
New: Email, the faster and cheapest way to communicate.

Old: CB Radio
New: Cell phone or smart phone

Old: Record player
New: BluRay player

I am sure by now you’re getting my drift and it’s time to use technology to do things smarter and faster. Stop thinking like a dinosaur!

I know many people prefer a traditional lifestyle with a little mixture of modernization to expedite services. This is still a good approach in life.

Tags: Contractor Reviews, Find a Plumber, Find Contractors, Home Services