Jun

8

HOME MAINTENANCE TIP: Get Out of the Gutter!

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Hasn’t it been a rainy spring? Here in Nor Cal, we generally don’t get any rain after February or March, but we are nearing the end of May, and the rains keep coming.

Don’t let a little rain or fog prevent you from doing a small task that will save you a lot of money in the long run. Professionals will advise you to clean your gutters twice a year. This year we are suggesting you clean them NOW!  If your home has trees that leave near your gutters, it’s even more important to clear them now. You can call a handy man to do this job for you, and it should be an inexpensive undertaking, $2-300.

If you decide you want  to do this yourself, first, make sure you have the right tools. That includes heavy jeans, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. If your house is low enough, a step ladder might give you the access to the roof line; if not, a larger folding ladder is good. If you have to use an extension ladder and lean it  against the roof, make sure to insert a 2×4 in the gutter to keep it from collapsing.

One method handymen use to clear the gutter is to use a leaf blower. This works fine, as long as you are also wearing safety goggles and a mouth mask.  You want to make sure to clear all the leaves completely from the gutter, especially in the area where a leaf guard (grill) is installed.  These grills usually can be removed to be completely cleaned. 

Another method is to scoop the debris out into a bag, then use a hose to clear out any remaning dirt. Spray the nozzele down the spout and/or use a snake to get up inside a gutter to clear really heavy buildup.

Aug

6

Home Maintenance Tip: Paint Now Before Winter Sets In

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paint

Can you believe how quickly this year is just flying by? Winter still seems a long way off, but we are in the 8th month of the year already. Now is the time to think about freshening up your home for more enjoyment before the hectic holiday season ’suddenly’ sets in, and during those long winter months mostly spent indoors.  Since painting is hard work, if you are a do-it-yourselfer, here are some tips to make the paint job last as long as possible:

1. Start by washing the walls with a mild soap-and-water solution.
2. Prime Stains with the appropriate primer.

  • Water stains should be covered with an oil-based primer.
  • Greasy or oily stands should be covered with a water-based primer.

3. Use a solution of about 1 cup of bleach in 1 pail of water to wash down mold and mildew, scrub it down well and wipe the area down with clean water.

Now is the ideal time to paint, because the warmer weather helps the paint dry faster, plus you can keep the windows open for ventilation.  Paints have changed a lot over the years. There are now healthier alternatives that have lower or no VOCs (volatile organic components). These are now becoming more readily available through small companies like Mythic Paint and larger paint manufacturers such as Benjamin Moore.

mirrors

HB Building and Design can also help you design and complete custom paint jobs that give your home a unique look. Here is an example of a bathroom that Jane designed, using a custom paint job for a very affordable, high-end look.

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