Now that summer is going headstrong, it’s time to think again about some home maintenance projects that are best done during this season. It is warm and dry and therefore completing these tasks are essential at this time. While summer is relaxing and fun, we suggest taking a weekend to reassess your home and make sure everything is ship shape! For more extensive home maintenance tasks, call a professional at Handyman Connection of Florida to help you out.

1. Decks and Patios – If you haven’t already, make sure to refinish your wood decks and patios. Refinishing requires the weather to be dry and warm so make sure to do this task by the end of summer. Power-wash down your wood deck and patio and let dry for 24 hours. Then apply the finish.
2. Paint – Summertime is the perfect season to get out and repaint your house. This home maintenance task can really make a difference in your home.
3. Caulking– check for tiny cracks around your windows that might let more hot air into your home. Providing caulking over these cracks can significantly keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
4. Windows and Doors – The hottest months are still to come and fixing any broken windows or doors can improve the comfort level in your home. Repairing windows and doors or replacing them can lower you’re a/c bill as well as create a cooler home environment.
5. Stucco Repairs– It’s important to check for any stucco around the house that might need repairs. If you wait too long, the weather will be cooler which will take the stucco much longer to dry when applied.

This may not be your favorite summertime activities, but they are imperative home maintenance tasks that need to be accomplished this season. Handyman Connection of Florida can help you with these tasks. Call for more information or schedule a free estimate.

It’s summer and therefore it’s time to spruce up your home after all of the purging from your spring cleaning. Now that you can see your walls and floors again, why not make a change so that they add flavor to your home? 2011 has inspired some exciting new color trends that can change your home from boring to inspiring. Painting projects can be a drag so why not let a professional handyman painter from Handyman Connection of Florida help you out?

This year, Sherwin Williams has come out with four lines of fashion forward paint colors. Since its summer, we suggest their Gentle Medley line. This line focuses on soft colors that can remind you of summer all year round. These pastel tones and parchment pale neutrals can add a young and relaxing feel to your home. From the lively “breaktime” blue to the “Chivalry Copper” orange, your home can bring 2011 summer trends into your life. A handyman painter can easily help you get these colors into your kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms.

AkzoNobel has also come out with their Color of the Year that ties perfectly in line with the Gentle Medley line. They chose a citrus yellow color that is full of energy and positivity. This color can bring character and voice to your home. It is the perfect reflection of summer that invites emotions of warmth and sunshine all year round.

Handyman Connection’s professional painters can easily and quickly transform your home with the new interior paint colors of 2011. Check out our website for a free quote, or contact us for more information from a Handyman painter.

Let’s face it, remodeling a home is one of the most stressful things you can do, and kitchen remodeling -forget about it. Fixing busted floor ties, replacing cabinets and installing a new sink can end up making you want to rip your hair out. Why go through all this when you could call a kitchen contractor and receive a free estimate? Handyman Connection in Florida offers a variety of kitchen contractor services that can morph your stressful project into an easy task.

If flooring repair is what your kitchen is really in need of, there are unlimited designs and styles to choose from. Anything from ceramic tile to sleek bamboo, Handyman Connection of Florida’s kitchen contractors can offer you a variety of flooring solutions for your flooring repair needs. Not only can we offer options, but we can give expert tips and ideas to help create the perfect flooring that you’ve always wanted.

Not only can our licensed kitchen contractors help install flooring and other construction jobs, they are experienced with design skills and can help create the kitchen space of your dreams. They can design and install an island or replace your countertops with precision. Our kitchen contractors can help guide you through your design process allowing you to trust in knowing that you both have the same vision in mind.

Handyman Connection of Florida also offers a service guarantee. We guarantee that if any defects occur within one year of our service as a direct result from workmanship, we will cover the costs. So if you are worried about poor installation and the repercussions of that, then ease your mind knowing that the job will get done efficiently and effectively.

If you would like more information or to consult with a kitchen contractor with any concerns or remodeling questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Contact us for more information on helping design the kitchen you have always dreamed about.

Having a stylish and functional bathroom can really make a difference in your home. Bathroom remodeling can become a big project so why not sit back, relax and let Handyman Connection Florida create the perfect bathroom that you’ve been dreaming of through our bathroom remodeling services! Here are a few ways that Handyman Connection can upgrade your bathroom.

• Lighting – Having a well lit bathroom can be the difference between a drab and a fab bathroom. Chandeliers, dimmer switches, fan/light combos are just a few of the many ways that your bathroom lighting can be upgraded.
• Shower or Tub – A luxurious shower or tub is not as farfetched as you might think. Handyman Connection can upgrade your bathing experience through their extensive bathroom remodeling services. If you’ve been wishing for a Jacuzzi tub or stand up shower with clear glass doors you can have it!
• Sink and Vanity – While we all learned how to share when we were young, when it comes to hygiene sometimes sharing is not the best. If you’ve ever wished for dual master sinks or your own medicine cabinet, Handyman Connection and help. Whether you are looking for granite or acrylic countertops, vessel sinks, eco friendly hands free technology or any other specialty bathroom remodeling services then look no further.

Any kind of remodeling job for your home can be stressful and overbearing. Choosing to let a professional from Handyman Connection help through their extensive bathroom remodeling services can put your mind at ease. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate!

Getting yourself organized is not the easiest task. We all have those moments when we look around and are suddenly overwhelmed with the clutter in our homes. Its summer now which is the perfect time to get a move on this important home improvement task: decluttering with shelving and extra storage. We at Handyman Connection Florida think that the following are the places in your home that shelving and extra storage could make a considerable difference.

1. Bathroom – For some reason it seems like the bathroom is the one room in the house that is constantly undergoing home improvement jobs. We tend to gather bathroom supplies – lotions, shampoos, extra soap, toilet paper, towels and more! The underside of the sink and the linen closets can get quite full and disorganized. Try installing roll-out bins under the sink and roll out shelves in your deeper linen closets. Use corner shelves to create space for in a small bathroom.
2. Kitchen – Organization is the key to having a successful kitchen. With all of your food, dishes, appliances, Tupperware and more, it’s important to keep organized. Roll out shelving allows for less tossing and piling of kitchen items. Lazy Susan’s can make a huge difference when it comes to spices and other dry kitchen goods. Mounting shelves can be not only for improving your organization but improving your kitchens visual appeal as well.
3. Home office – This is a room that extra storage and shelving can be added in so many inconspicuous ways. Add files to your desk drawers to create organization in your desk. If you are on a budget, try going to a local home improvement store and get a readymade or do it yourself kit for bookshelves.
4. Garage – Garages tend to be the catch all room for random unwanted and seasonal items that you just couldn’t find room for in your home. Many homeowners cannot even park their cars in their garages because this room has accumulated so much stuff. Shelving can make a huge difference in this room. Lining the walls with shelves can allow you to create a place for all of the stuff to go, instead of on the garage floor. Try adding a workbench or cabinets so that every item can have a ‘home’. This home improvement task may be too big for some homeowners, so do not hesitate ask for help by contacting Handyman Connection.
5. Closets – Adding shelves to your closet can make organizing easy. Shelves can hold shoes or folded clothes and still leave room for your hanging garments. If you can, using adjustable shelves can create optimized space specifically for your needs.

Getting the most out of your space can be tough. If you are looking for expert advice, Handyman Connection Florida can offer personalized ideas to help organize your home.

2011 is now halfway over and it’s time to get going on those home repairs that have been looming all year. While putting these home repairs off can seem like the easier choice, it’s important to not let your problems get more severe. Small home maintenance issues can easily turn into expensive home repairs if they are not attended to. Handyman Connection Florida suggests that the following home repair issues definitely be taken care of immediately:

• Drywall – Having holes in your drywall are not just unsightly, but can get worse with time. Patching holes in the wall as soon as possible is important because the more you try and patch them, the bigger they tend to get. If you are having trouble getting some holes patched, don’t hesitate to call a handyman to help you out.
• Exterior Painting – While many think that the answer to sun damaged or chipped paint is simply painting over it, this is not the best way to solve these looming home repairs. For best results, sanding off old paint before applying new coats can help immensely. Checking out paint defects early can prevent serious chipping and paint damage, so calling a handyman to look at your damaged exterior paint before beginning would be advised.
• Plumbing – If any of your drains seem to be running slower than usual then it might be time to call a handyman to get it checked out. Homeowners tend to brush this home maintenance issue off, however if it is not addressed, this can result in a major clog that can become expensive. If you are just seeing a problem, occasionally run very hot water down the pipe to help with regulation and if it gets worse, try a drain snake or another draining solution.
• Decks – Homeowners may not realize that a discolored, soft, or flaky deck really means that it is rotting. If you are seeing this type of change in your deck, then it’s time to call a handyman. When spotted early, repairs can be as easy as just replacement of some boards or rotting areas. If you wait too long, then the entire deck will need to be replaced by professional. These can be expensive home repairs so make sure to get it checked out as soon as you notice any difference.

While home repairs can be expensive, getting them checked out as soon as they arise can really save homeowners time and money. Be careful not to put off these tasks for too long. Handyman Connection has a wide range of services that can help all of your home maintenance needs. Check out this full list at http://www.go-handyman.com/home-improvement-services.aspx.

Affordable Home Improvement Projects: Adding Color to Your Home

If your home is feeling bland try brightening it up through accent paint colors. Your home can easily, quickly and cheaply be transformed through these home improvement tactics. Using spring and summer tones can cheer up your home. From soft pastels to bold bright colors, the possibilities are endless! Choosing the right color does not have to be difficult. Pick one that you may already have sporadically through your home.

Here are a few great home improvement painting techniques that we at Handyman Connection Florida think will add color to your home without emptying your wallet.

• Accent Walls – Painting an entire room in a bold or even in a pastel color can be overwhelming. If you really want your color to pop, try choosing one wall to make highlight your color. Match the tone of your accent color with a neutral for the remaining walls.
• Ceilings – This is the forgotten area of the home, but one that can make such a difference! If you want to go wild and unique, try painting your ceiling as with your accent color! This easy home improvement touch can bring in that color while still allowing you to maintain stability with your walls.
• Furniture – Who says furniture always has to be in a white, brown or black color? Take that end table or coat rack and paint it in the color of your choosing! Whether you want pale pink or bright yellow, this is an easy and super quick way to bring color and life into your home.
• Molding – Use trim’s that are already in place in your home and transform them into a useful décor accent. Crown molding usually comes in white to offset the neutral tones in your home, but why not change it up? Let them take on some color and brighten every room in your home!
• Color Field – Color field art is something that can really make a difference in your home. It’s an extremely affordable home improvement method that is fun as well. It’s simple, take a canvas of any size, a whole wall or small shadow box sizes, and paint it the accent color of your choice! Use canvas stretchers and a staple gun to mount your canvas and then place it anywhere you would like. Use it as a headboard or in place painting in your living room! If you are really creative, choose two accent colors and create a few different sizes of canvas. Then place them in a design on a wall or two in your home involve color and create a piece of art!

Summer is here and if there is any time to brighten up your home, it’s now. Accent colors bring your home into the season and improve the energy as well. Use one of the above or other affordable home improvement projects to upgrade your home. It’s summer, have fun!

Knowing when to ask for help from a professional handyman can be difficult. We all believe that we know our home best and can take care of our home maintenance needs. However, there are more than a few times that home repairs can not only be too difficult but too dangerous for the average homeowner to take on. Here are three situations that we at Handyman Connection in Florida believe definitely require a quick phone call to a professional.

1. Gas Leaks – This situation is threatening not only on your home repair side but on  your personal safety as well. Gas leaks can lead to explosions as well as damage to your lungs if too much is inhaled. If you smell gas in your home, the following measures should be taken. Grab a phone and get out of the house. Once outside, call a handyman. Do not try and fix any kind of gas leak yourself, unplug any appliance in case of sparking or ignite anything!
2. Burst Pipe – If you have found a burst pipe in your home or business, it is important to ask help from a professional handyman. The handyman can then give you any preparation measures to take before they arrive. Water damage is a serious issue and if not addressed immediately can cause more than just plumbing home repairs.
3. Exposed Electrical Wires – Having exposed electrical wires should only be handled by a professional handyman. While they may not look or seem as threatening as a gas leak or a burst pipe, exposed electrical wires can cause not only damage to your home but you as well if you are in contact with them. If you come across these, keep everyone and everything away from them and call for help.

Believing that you can handle any and all of your home repairs can lead to dangerous situations. It is ok to ask for help, and it’s important to know when to do so. While the above examples are vital ones, remember that they are not the only emergency situations that may occur. Familiarize yourself with other emergency situations and remember to call for help and inform your water, electricity or gas provider in the event of an emergency. Handyman Connection offers emergency help as well as general home maintenance support throughout Florida. Visit www.go-handyman.com for a full list of emergency and general handyman services that are offered.

When your fence is starting to look haggard and worn, when the gate stops opening smoothly, or the posts are coming loose, don’t rush to replace the entire structure. Often an aging fence only needs a few repairs rather than an expensive replacement. On the other hand, if your fence is starting to break or rot, it won’t just be aesthetically displeasing—it could become a safety concern for your family. Observe your fence for signs that it needs a couple of simple repairs, or that it’s time to get a new fence in its place.

Fence Posts

Examine the quality of your fence posts to determine the state of your fence. If they are rotting or broken, it might be time to get a new fence. If there are only a few loose posts, the fence can be repaired. As long as two-thirds of the fence posts are still standing strong, a replacement is not yet worth the time and expense. Individual posts can be easily replaced.

The Gate

Next, take a hard look at the gate of your fence. If you see some problems with the hinges, you might need to start working on a replacement. Hinges that break or rot typically cannot be repaired. If the metal hinge itself is broken but the door portion is in good shape, the hinge can be replaced and the gate can be re-hung. If your gate is free of these problems, but you still have difficulty getting it to open or shut, some minor repairs are probably in order.

Fence Rails

If a couple rails on your fence have started sagging or curving, it is time to repair. If these compromised rails take up more than one-third of your fence, a replacement might be more practical. Loose or missing nails are also easy to repair, but once the rails start falling off or breaking, it is time to get a new fence or at least replace the most damaged parts.

Slats

Ideal slats should be straight and sturdy. Once a few slats start bending or sagging, they will need to be repaired. Individual slats can even be replaced altogether. This will leave portions of your fence a different color or shade than the rest but at the same time will solve your problem. If over one-third of your slats are broken or bending, it might be time to replace the entire fence.

Sumer rains, wind and constant exposure to the sun’s rays can really take a toll on your fence. While vinyl lasts longer than wood it will still need repairs eventually. The same goes for chain link. Keeping your fence in order is important. They provide privacy, a safe place for kids to play and can secure your four-legged friend for the afternoon. It doesn’t matter if you live in the suburbs of Orlando or in South Tampa; your fence is an important aspect of your property.

Sources:

How to Tell if you Need to Replace Your Fence (On Point Installation)

How to Replace an Old Fence (Ron Hazelton’s House Calls)

How to Repair a Wood Fence (TLC: A Discovery Company)

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Whether you want a natural flow of outside breeze in your stuffy attic, or a tight hold on temperature-controlled air, the soffits and fascia you choose will affect your house or building. Although the soffit can refer to the bottom of many structures, it typically means the underside of a building’s exterior eaves. The fascia covers the end of the rafters. Together they can affect how well a building is ventilated and sealed.

Ventilation

Attics can become insufferable in the warmer months without proper ventilation. Installing vented soffits can solve this problem by encouraging some air flow in your stuffy storage space. This kind of soffit is ideal for attics that are not lived in and don’t have alternative ventilation options. Storage areas for commercial properties will typically choose ventilated soffits.

Energy Efficient Soffits and Fascia

If your attic’s temperature is regulated with air conditioning or heating, an energy-efficient option will save both energy and money. Give your air conditioning system a break by using unvented soffits and fascia that seal the building and prevent outside temperatures from creeping into your home. Not only will you be helping the environment, you will also begin receiving friendlier utility bills.

Water Damage

Although ventilated soffits provide an outside air flow into the building, they can actually help seal the interior rooms from external water causing mold and mildew. Decent ventilation prevents condensation from building up and compromising the rafters or roof.

Soffits and fascia are easily damaged by wet weather patterns. They can begin to rot and acquire mold, and the dampness can occasionally creep into the building if it is not rectified in time. Replacing rotting soffits and fascia is a safe and easy procedure that usually doesn’t require professional assistance. To prevent future damage, ensure that your soffit has been treated with a water-protection sealer.

If you need help installing or repairing soffits and fascia, the Handyman Connection team can help! With locations all over Central Florida, our trusted handymen have the skills and experience to complete soffit and fascia projects of any size.

Sources:

DIY Life

Hometime

This Old House

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