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Tag: installation

Kitchen Renovation Dos and Don’ts: Expert Advice

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When renovating your kitchen to achieve the look you have always dreamed of, there are many things to consider to ensure the final result is perfect. From choosing the correct fittings to ensuring that the kitchen cabinets match the hardware you choose, many decisions will need to be made.

At the same time, there are also many potential pitfalls, as we can often become blindsided by unexpected costs or structural issues that suddenly emerge once we start removing parts of the old kitchen. So today, we will examine the most important things to consider when renovating. Enjoy!

Do Plan Ahead

It is easy to be tempted to purchase that kitchen sink you have fallen in love with, but we highly recommend that you hold off on purchasing any expensive items until you have completed a budget for all the expenses, from materials to potential contractors.

Not everyone loves planning, but it can be the most important factor when it comes to getting your dream kitchen. It can help ensure that you pick and choose the right elements that not only go well together but also fit your budget and space requirements.

After all, what good is that kitchen sink if you can not find a kitchen counter that matches it properly? Or what if you suddenly run out of money halfway through and are left for months with a messy kitchen that only partly works until you save enough money for the plumber to connect everything?

If you need help planning your kitchen layout, picking the right elements, or hiring professional contractors to install your fittings, consider contacting us at The HandyForce. We are always available for a consultation to discuss your options.

Do Not Ignore Quality Products

While not everyone will be buying the most expensive products for their kitchen, there is something to be said when choosing quality products compared to the cheapest versions.

Most of us use our kitchen multiple times every single day, and as such, it is important that every functional element can withstand wear and tear, and will stay in working order for years to come.

Quality products often have a longer lifespan and a better feel, but sometimes, you can make do with the cheaper versions as well. So do your research to find out where you can save some money and where to spend a little more.

Do Not Forget Lighting

It is fun to pick out the kitchen cabinets and appliances, but we often forget about lighting fixtures. This is a big mistake, as a kitchen that is not well lit will feel depressing, and in some cases, it might even lead to an unfortunate accident.

We recommend that you set aside some money in your planning stage for lighting fixtures, and spend some time considering your options. If you have plenty of natural lighting coming in your kitchen you can do without as many lights, but in other cases you might need to ensure the entire kitchen can be fully lit.

Do Focus On Storage

What good is a kitchen if it can not comfortably hold all your utensils, pots and pans, and other bits and pieces you have collected over the years? Consider the amount of storage in your current kitchen and any items you might be storing elsewhere in your home that would fit better in the kitchen cabinets.

A good rule of thumb is that you should have at least one or two cabinets available for any future purchases or gifts coming your way. This way, you can avoid throwing out that one piece you use on rare occasions to make room for something else.

Inexpensive Renovations with a Dramatic Impact on Life Quality

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Not all renovations are designed to improve the value of your home or fix broken structural elements. Sometimes the most impactful transformations are those that enhance your daily life without draining your wallet.

In this article, we will explore a range of budget-friendly renovation ideas that have the power to elevate your living space and boost your overall quality of life. From simple decluttering strategies to creative repurposing projects, discover how minor changes can lead to a more harmonious and inspiring home environment. Enjoy!

Declutter with Custom Built-In Storage

An effective way to improve your living experience in your home is to declutter. Custom built-in storage units are an excellent way of making that happen in the most organic and natural way, since these functional additions maximize your space and help keep clutter at bay. By clearing out unused items you can create a sense of openness. In turn, this will make your home feel more spacious and organized.

While it might seem daunting to build these custom storage units yourself, professional handymen can work their magic by creating custom solutions tailored to your needs, that look and fit just right.

We recommend that you consider any underutilized nooks or corners, and add some built-in shelving, cabinets, or closets. These additions not only maximize storage but also enhance the visual appeal of your rooms. This way your space can stay organized and visually pleasing, even on a budget.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Small energy-efficient changes can make a significant impact on both your living environment and your utility bills. These upgrades are not only great for your wallet, but they also contribute to a more sustainable home and a better indoor climate.

Installing a programmable thermostat gives you greater control over the temperature of your home, while also maximizing efficiency. This way you can set schedules to lower the heat or coolness when you and your family is away, optimizing energy usage without compromising comfort. At The Handyforce we can help you install and program these thermostats to align with your daily routines, making your home more efficient and comfortable.

Functional Kitchen Enhancements

Replacing cabinet hardware is a simple yet effective way to refresh the appearance of your kitchen. Swap out any outdated knobs and pulls with modern alternatives that match your design preferences. Professional handymen can ensure proper installation of completely new units as well, ensuring your cabinets a polished and cohesive look.

You can also enhance the visual appeal by adding a backsplash. Today there are quite a few cost-effective materials available on the market, such as peel-and-stick tiles or laminate panels. If you have a bit more money in your budget, then skilled handymen can handle the installation process, ensuring precise alignment and a seamless finish. A well-chosen backsplash instantly transforms your kitchen’s atmosphere without a hefty price tag.

Bathroom Refresh

Finally, we also recommend that you revitalize your bathroom without a major overhaul, by focusing on small but impactful changes that elevate both aesthetics and functionality.

One of the most effective ways to do so, is to update your bathroom’s fixtures by replacing old faucets, showerheads, and hardware. Here you should choose modern designs that match your style and create a cohesive look. If you are unsure of how to proceed with these projects, our professional handymen can ensure proper installation, preventing leaks and ensuring that your new fixtures enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.

They can also help by giving your bathroom a facelift with a fresh coat of paint in a calming hue. Then you simply need to enhance the new color palette with coordinated accessories like towels, shower curtains, and artwork. These small changes work together to create a revitalized and harmonious bathroom space.

The Advantages of Energy Efficient Home Renovations

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One of the most popular reasons for renovating homes in Canada is in order to achieve a more energy efficient home. And for good reason. The winters here can be brutal, and even spring and fall can see the temperatures plummet overnight.

Having a well insulated home that does not waste energy unnecessarily is one of the easiest ways to save money without much effort. Once it is installed that is. In this article we list some of the different benefits you can look forward to by renovating your home and making it more energy efficient.

Lower energy bills

This is what most people think of when talking about efficient and green home renovations. There are a number of different ways in which you can lower your need for electricity, gas and other power and heating sources, all of which share the same goal: to lower your energy bill.

In Canada one of the most important things is insulation. Whether this is by padding the roof with a thick layer to keep out the cold winds, or whether it is to upgrade your windows with new energy efficient materials.

If this is your primary concern, we recommend you talk to your contractor about which renovations make the most sense in terms of return on your investment, as some renovations can pay for themselves in a few years, while others might take decades.

A more comfortable home

By renovating your home to become more efficient, you can achieve a warmer indoor climate that just feels nicer living in. And with the lower energy costs, it will also make it psychologically easier to turn up the heat to full when the cold winds are threatening your comfort level.

By filling out empty areas around doors, windows and other openings in your home, you can eliminate drafts, improve your insulation and achieve a more stable climate. And if you choose the right materials, you will even get a cooling benefit during the warmest months of the year as well.

Helping our planet

The less energy your home uses every year, the more environmentally friendly your home is considered to be. Due to the geographical location, Canadian homes are using roughly twice as much energy a year compared to a home in the United Kingdom.

By upgrading, insulating and renovating with the environment in mind, you can do your part in protecting our planet and slowing down the effects of global warming. We have already begun to see the effects of this trend, as 2019 saw a 0.4% decrease in yearly emissions for homes. A good start, but we can do better still.

It will increase the value of the home

Finally, performing energy efficient upgrades to your home will inevitably raise the value when reselling it down the line. As more and more consumers are aware of the environmental challenges, and as prices for gas and electricity continue to rise, this will only be more important as time goes on.

Another added benefit is that if a potential buyer is deciding between your house and another, but your house has energy efficient upgrades, that could just be the deciding factor. Even if the other home is located in a slightly more desirable area or similar.

The Pros and Cons of Open-Concept Home Renovations

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A growing number of homebuyers are looking for homes with an open-concept design, and the number of homeowners renovating their homes to accommodate for this trend is also surging in Canada. And for good reason too.

These open-concepts make it easy to cook dinner, while still keeping an eye on the children or guests, or moving freely from the dining room onto the more comfortable seating that the living room provides, without opening or closing doors.

In this article we will examine all you need to know about the pros and cons of open-concept home renovations, in order for you to decide whether this is something you wish to pursue as well. Enjoy!

The most common types of open-concepts

Opening up the space between the kitchen and dining room is probably what most people think of when they hear the term open-concept. This is because it is the most popular design in Canadian homes. It typically involves removing the wall that separates the kitchen and living room, creating one large space for cooking, dining, and entertainment.

But there are other types as well, such as combining the living room and dining room. This design similarly involves removing a wall, but this time between the living room and dining room to create one large space. This can make the area more spacious and better suited for gatherings and parties.

Some homeowners have gone a step further, and combined these two concepts, thus removing all the walls between the kitchen, living room, and dining room. This creates an even larger space, where entire families can socialize, while still focusing on their individual tasks or pastimes.

The benefits of an open-concept design

  • Easier access to the different areas
  • Better natural lighting options
  • More desirable for prospective buyers
  • Better use of the space
  • More options with regards to activities

The disadvantages of an open-concept design

  • Can result in a lack of privacy
  • Can result in a more noisy environment
  • Lack of defined areas
  • Storage can be an issue
  • Requires more heating and cooling

The process of creating an open-concept design

One of the most time consuming parts of these designs is removing the walls. Especially so if they are load bearing, meaning you will have to support the structure of the home in other ways. It can also sometimes require you to obtain permits before beginning the work.

Most types of floors will also need some adjusting afterwards, to account for the newly opened space that previously was blocked by the walls.

For hardwood floors this can lead to obvious transitions, and it can be somewhat difficult to hide the fact that you have added new flooring in certain areas.

Sometimes you will also need to move electrical outlets and wiring, as well as plumbing pipes and heating panels.

Luckily, these things are not as difficult as they sound, and a skilled contractor like HandyForce that has plenty of experience, will be able to make the open-concept design look as though it was always there.

If you are looking to learn more about a possible renovation project involving an open-concept design, we would be more than happy to help advise and guide you through the process. Contact us today for more information!

The Importance of Proper Home Lighting

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Lighting is a critical component of any home. Especially so in Canada where the colder months are filled with gray weather and skies clouding the sun out. Good lighting not only illuminates our living space but also enhances the aesthetic appeal and sets the mood of the environment.

And on top of that, proper home lighting can also have a positive impact on our mood and mental health. By ensuring you have adequate natural and artificial lighting throughout your home, you can thus set yourself up for success and a more enjoyable life.

In this article, we will discuss some of the important reasons for installing good lighting in your home, and how it can affect your daily life. Enjoy!

Helping with your sleep

Having proper lighting goes a long way in ensuring we keep a positive outlook in our daily lives. Both natural and artificial light can have a big impact on your circadian rhythms, meaning you could experience issues with falling asleep, or waking up too often during the night, if your lighting is not effectively helping you recharge your energy levels and regulate your internal clock.

Combating seasonal disorders

At the same time, here in Canada where the winter months can be long and dark, many people experience seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. This disorder can drain your energy levels, impact your mood for the worse, and in general cause a mental state of depression. This typically happens when we go from fall to winter, but it could happen at any time of the year.

Ensuring a comfortable working environment

If you are working from home, it is also important to consider the risk of eye strain, fatigue and other related symptoms caused by poor or inadequate lighting. With an increasing number of Canadians working from home, this is more relevant now than ever as poor lighting can even affect your overall productivity and induce headaches.

Keeps the homeowners safe

Whether you are living alone, with small children or your retired spouse, lighting is also crucial in staying free of accidents. Poor lighting leads to an increase in accidents such as falls, cuts and other injuries. By ensuring your fixtures output an adequate amount of light, you can effectively make your home a safer place to be for everyone visiting or living there.

Ways in which you can upgrade your lighting at home

There are many different methods to choose from, depending on your specific needs. We have gathered a short list of some of the most common options that homeowners choose, so hopefully you will find some inspiration here.

  • Adding more light sources can help distribute light more evenly and reduce shadows.
  • Installing dimmer switches allows you to adjust the brightness of your lighting to fit your needs and save energy.
  • Different types of light bulbs can produce different color temperatures. Some are more suitable for reading and working, while others are for doing chores.
  • Maximizing the natural light in a room can help reduce the need for artificial lighting and create a more pleasant atmosphere.
  • Smart lighting systems allow you to control your lighting from a mobile device, voice assistant, or home automation hub.
  • Replacing outdated or ineffective light fixtures can significantly improve the quality of your lighting.

If you are unsure about the best approach to obtaining proper lighting, consider contacting us. At HandyForce we are always available for a consultation, and we can provide recommendations and even perform the required work all together.

The Role of Home Renovations in Increasing Property Value

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Many homeowners begin their home renovations without considering the effect it has on the property value. And while this can work if you plan on living in your home for the next 8+ years, in other cases you might be better off considering what potential homebuyers would like to purchase.

We have gathered some of our best tips and tricks to help you learn all about how your home renovation can increase your property value, and which things might best be ignored if your main focus is adding worth to your home. Enjoy!

Consider the regional trends in Canada

Before we get started, you should consider the area in which you are picking the style for.

Homeowners in the more urban areas of Canada could go for a more modern or contemporary style, possibly even a Scandinavian style. The buyers in these areas tend to be more internationally oriented and are actively looking for these styles.

Compare that to the more rural areas of the country, where a farmhouse style or more traditional interiors tend to do better. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but it can help looking at what other homes in your area have done, and you might even want to look at house listings to try and find a red thread between the different styles and home values.

Choose the right renovation

We have written another article on our blog, where we list some of the best types of renovations for increasing your property value. In short however, it all comes down to renovating the parts of your home that the largest amount of buyers are interested in.

Therefore kitchen and bathroom renovations tend to yield higher returns, compared to say basements or garages. Again this might vary depending on where in the country you live, so do your research before hiring contractors.

You might be well served by contacting a real estate agent, a home services company such as HandyForce, or other professionals that have the necessary experience and knowledge to provide competent guidance in this area.

Choose the right materials

No matter what room you are renovating, choosing too cheap, exotic or expensive materials can lead to a poor return. Striking a balance here is key to getting the most value for your investment.

If potential homebuyers notice that you have laminate flooring in the living room, they might make a mental note that they need to spend money on upgrading the flooring to hardwood, thus wanting a discount in the price.

The same goes for too exotic or expensive materials. These might look great as of right now, but homebuyers that are forward thinking might be concerned about the maintenance and cost of replacement.

Going green can help

We are not referring to painting your walls green, but rather renovating your home to be more energy efficient. By insulating your home, upgrading your windows to thicker glass, replacing old and worn doors and so on, you can improve the value dramatically of your home.

This is not just because these things result in lower monthly utility bills, but also because more and more buyers are looking for environmentally friendly and sustainable housing. And since this is not necessarily more expensive than alternative methods, this should be a priority for anyone looking to get the most value out of their renovations.

How to Maximize Space in Your Home Through Renovations

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Having plenty of space to move around is something most of us enjoy. But with the rising house prices in Canada, it can be tricky to find a home in the right area that also affords plenty of free space for yourself, your children and everything else you need room for.

Whether you already have a home you are looking to optimize the space for, or whether you are considering buying a particular home that feels a bit small, this article will help you understand what your options are in terms of maximizing your space. Good luck!

Do not rush your decision

If you have just bought your home but have not yet moved in, you might not realize exactly what it is that makes the space feel cramped for instance. While not always possible, it can be a good idea to live in the home for a week or longer before making massive changes.

This is in order for you to get a good feeling of the flow of the space, and to get a better understanding of what would help and what is necessary. Nothing is worse than spending money and time on a renovation project that turns out to be unnecessary and thus a waste.

Opening up the space

One of the most common ways of maximizing space in a home, is by removing sections of walls that block the light and obstruct easy passages. Just remember not to touch load bearing walls without professional help, as this can lead to disaster in a short time.

Most of us are familiar with an open and combined dining room and kitchen area, but there are plenty of other areas where knocking down a part of the wall can free up room for all sorts of activities.

Consider dual purpose areas

These days there are plenty of brilliant solutions for the space conscious family. With many Canadians working from home, more and more people have turned their guest bedroom into a home office.

But what about when the inlaws are visiting? In this case something simple like a wall mounted bed that you can pull down, would allow you to keep working during the weekdays, and on the weekend convert the room to a livable guestroom.

Maximize the amount natural light

Luxury is defined by space and light. If you are having issues with the space in your home, maximizing the amount of natural light flowing into your rooms can help make the space feel larger and more open.

Consider adding windows or skylights, or removing heavy curtains to let in more light. Alternatively, a gable fronted dormer can not only add more light into the room, but even provide more square footage as well.

Build an extension to your home

Finally, the last option on our list is to add an entirely new section to your existing square footage. Whether this is connected directly to the rest of your home, or functions as a separate space for the teenager to enjoy is up to you.

You might even be able to convert the upstairs attic into a livable area. Just remember to check with local planning officers, and obtain all the necessary permits in order to fully register the area, and avoid potential fines and issues when selling the home down the road.

The Benefits of Upgrading Your Home’s Insulation

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Are you considering renovating your home to better withstand the Canadian winter? Or perhaps you wish to reduce noise, increase the value of your house, or perhaps do your part for the environment?

With insulation you can achieve all of the above and more. In this article we will cover all the different advantages that modern insulation provides, as well as discuss how it can be done cheaper than you might expect. Enjoy!

Less energy required

Few home renovation projects deliver as many benefits as good insulation. One of the most immediate results is that your home will require less energy in order to be heated and cooled down, saving your money on your utility bills, and also getting rid of those annoying cold winds blowing through the small cracks of your exterior.

Less noise pollution

Insulating your home with adequate levels of padding will also reduce the amount of noise you hear from the outside, which can be especially beneficial if you live near a busy intersection, have noisy neighbors, or just like your peace and quiet. It is also possible to only insulate certain rooms, making it possible to work from home without any distractions and a huge hit to your wallet.

Less moisture and better air quality

A properly insulated home will remove most air leaks that seep in through creeks and cracks from windows, door panels, ceilings and any other places. The air quality will be improved automatically, and if you also happen to have HVAC systems in place, you will notice even better results.

This not only leads to less energy consumption as mentioned above, but by using vapor barriers you can also eliminate a lot of the moisture that is in the air. Moisture can damage your home over time if left untreated, leading to water damage or mold.

More value added to your home

Canadians looking to buy homes are increasingly looking for well insulated homes that are ready to move into. This is because of the rising energy prices, as well as the added level of comfort that this provides.

By upgrading your home’s insulation, you can achieve a good return on your investment when the time comes to sell your home.

Certain types of insulation provide better returns, so if you are only looking to add value, we recommend you contract a professional company, such as HandyForce that can help identify the most optimal places to insulate.

Not as expensive as you might think

And speaking of return on investment, another benefit is that upgrading your home’s insulation can yield returns of up to 40% in Canada, according to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. This is because energy costs tend to be high in Canada, especially during the winter months.

Similarly, Canadian homeowners apply for some of the various incentives set forth by the Canadian government, in order to make it more affordable overall. One such incentive is titled the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which offers up to $5,000 in rebates for energy efficient home improvements such as insulation.

If you are looking for an upgrade of your home’s insulation, consider contacting HandyForce Home Services today, and schedule a consultation with one of our insulation experts. We can help you identify the best insulation options for your home and provide professional installation services to ensure that your home stays comfortable and efficient.

3 Tips and tricks for renovating your kitchen

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Do you wish to increase the value of your home? Are you tired of that one drawer that never quite opens fully? Or perhaps you would prefer updating that ancient looking tiling on your kitchen walls? There are countless reasons why renovating your kitchen is a great idea, and why so many Canadians remodel and renovate their kitchens every year.

If you are considering updating your kitchen, whether it is because you just moved into a new place, or perhaps you are just tired of the old and worn trim, then you are in luck! In this blog post we have curated 3 of our best tips and tricks for renovating your kitchen beautifully and effectively.

Luxury is defined by light and space

This might be an age old saying, but it is true nonetheless. One of the most popular things to do in especially older homes, is tearing down sections of walls in the kitchen.

This allows for more light to enter the room, and opens up the space, creating more room to move about. In some situations you will also be able to converse with family members in the living or dining room, while you are cooking a healthy and tasty meal.

By creating a more modern kitchen environment, you will not only be more comfortable, but also increase the value of your home. Buyers are always looking at the kitchen as one of the major considerations when choosing between homes, so make yours stand out!

Update your wallpaper

A fresh layer of paint can do wonders for any type of kitchen, old or new. As times change, so do our preferences of colors.

Whether for your own benefit, or for potential buyers, making sure that your walls and floors have a modern look and feel, you can ensure your kitchen is presented in the best possible light.

We recommend choosing lighter colors, as these are more neutral, meaning that it will take longer for you to tire of them, they will remain relevant and trendy for longer, and potential buyers will be less likely to have an issue with these types of colors.

Beige, white and light grey are all modern choices that are excellent, but feel free to choose one wall or section to highlight with a bold pop of color.

What to do about the old cabinets?

One of the major concerns that most homeowners have, is the question of what to do with the old kitchen cabinets. These tend to feel outdated quite frequently, but they can be expensive to replace, and are often in a good enough condition.

At The HandyForce we are experienced with all types of renovations, from completely changing your kitchen cabinets, to rearranging the existing ones, or perhaps even painting the doors on your cabinets.

If you are in doubt, just remember that we are always available for a consultation in order to help you achieve the best possible kitchen, for an affordable price and within the deadline. So contact us today in order to learn more!

The benefits of the HomeCare Plan

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Are you finding that your lawn is looking like it could use a good trim, but is everyday life and work getting in your way? Perhaps you just prefer not getting dirt under your fingernails, or maybe you would rather be doing something else entirely.

Regardless of why, we at The HandyForce are always ready to help take care of your home, just as if it was our own!

That is why we offer our attractive Homecare package, where you are fully covered in terms of everything from maintaining the floorboards, to weeding out unwanted plants in the backyard.

In this article we will explain in detail what exactly this HomeCare Plan covers, and what benefits that homeowners can look forward to. Enjoy!

All inclusive and transparent pricing model

For a single yearly payment, we will perform the necessary work on your property in all 4 seasons, or you can choose to have us come around in the Fall and Spring! Details can be found here.

These packages include all the necessary materials and equipment, which we will bring ourselves, all products and gear of a high quality, fully up to the industry standards.

We believe in a simple pricing model, which means you will never receive an extra bill for the work we perform. Just the quoted price, and no more. Easy!

The same high quality of work as always

Some homeowners are cautious about letting other people work on their dream home. But as hundreds of previous clients can attest to, we at The HandyForce take pride and perform as best we can.

That includes making sure homeowners are comfortable with the work we do, and together we will go over which projects you would like us to work on, and which flower bushes definitely must not be trimmed.

In short, we will take care of your home as if it were our own.

Protect your investment properly

Our HomeCare Plan not only helps you get to the bottom of the ever changing list of chores inside the house and outside, but we also focus on checking for common signs of wear and tear that might turn into more serious issues over time.

At the same time our trained personnel will also look out for any naturally caused damage, such as from extreme weather or a change in the levels of groundwater etc.

All in all we will perform a thorough inspection of your home, to ensure there are no hidden problems gnawing away at your investment, so you can rest easy knowing your home is in good care.

What does the HomeCare Plan include?

We have outlined a large list of specific tasks on our service page for the HomeCare Plan, with an easy overview sorted by seasons, allowing you to quickly glance through and see what we offer.

But since you’re already here, we thought just to mention a few popular tasks that are included in our HomeCare Plan:

  • Cleaning the gutters
  • Clearing dead plants and shrubs
  • Inspecting the foundations
  • Changing and inspecting HVAC filters
  • Cleaning the kitchen sink disposal
  • Power washing your deck or patio
  • Checking and cleaning the dryer vent
  • Replacing light bulbs, including those that are hard to reach
  • Testing pumps and water heaters
  • Ensuring all locking mechanisms works on the doors