Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service

Top 7 insanely cool home improvements to do while hunkering down home quarantined

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 06:15:00 +0000

Get a big home makeover dream to freshen up your space without busting your wallet. Here are 7 insanely cool tips to help guide you to your home improvements during a quarantined home hunkering debacle and getting not downed but what you want when making your home the dream that you always wanted.

Get a fresh perspective to rearrange a space

Restyle a room and freshen up the space by adding an inviting color and new glam to a bookcase or table. Make the most out of your vertical space. De-clutter the mess and fill any wall space with an accordion hanger, fix large floating shelves over beds, get creative with new rugs, and refresh your accessories and add magnetic key holder to hold those loose keys laying around. A contemporary sponge holder can add elegance to any kitchen. Revamp the space by changing inexpensive art piece that enhances the color scheme.

Live bath healthier

Update the bathroom by replacing an outdated leaky faucet or shower head. New bath mats and towel holders to help keep towels fresh will liven up any bath space. Replace a worn toilet seat and add a bidet sprayer to any toilet to help save on toilet paper usage.

Replace hardware in the kitchen

Choose a new knob or hardware piece that reflect your personality and compliment the décor around it. You will be surprised of the new range of styles and colors to get creative with.

Fix what you already have

Perhaps your home is already beautiful, give a little elbow grease and save in the process to fix the items around the home that need repair. Rejuvenate an old table, door, or bookcase by sanding down the wood and adding a fresh coat of paint. Try an environmentally approach and do it yourself or call in a home professional as necessary to fix your home when need of repairs.

Add new storage when decluttering a room

Adding new cabinets to a laundry space dramatically helps when it comes to time of folding laundry. Think about all that space you could have in an unpleasant closet just by adding a new closet organizer to update the space.

The possibility is endless just by adding a new color

The most budget friendly way to create a bold statement to any room is by adding a fresh new color of your walls. If you are considering a drastic change apply sample paint to the wall and wait a few days to help with your final decision.

If your planning on doing a home improvement for your castle it would be a wise choice to call in a professional to help levi ate unexpected cost from your wallet and possibly making a small project turning into a big problem. While your quarantined at home think small task and use your imagination for future completion in the months ahead. Keep coming back for other cool tips for making your home the dream you always wanted. If you need a improvement on your home why not call our professional Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service to help make your home an inspirational reality.

Your survival guide to surprising spring home maintenance tips

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 09:31:00 +0000

Tidy up your home this spring, our spring home maintenance tips will help ensure your property and appliances run smoothly all year long. A breath of fresh air will help get your home chores done quickly, as the leaf filled gutters piled up through winter’s end. It’s time to go outside and enjoy the sunshine and get your home in tip-top shape.

Plumbing

Spring is a good time to check for leaky faucets, leaking toilets, clogged drains and other plumbing related existing or potential problems. Take a peek under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to make sure pipe and hose connections are properly sealed. Look for wetness around the dishwasher or dampness, cracks, or bulges on washer hoses.

Windows

Breathe the fresh spring air while opening the windows to help air out your home from the cold winter’s blues. Check window balances and locks to ensure proper operation. Clean those window screens with mild soap and water to increase air flow and help prevent mildew and mold from escaping into interior your space. A tight seal will ensure warm air or water from entering your space. Check the caulking around the windows you may have placed has remained intact.

Exterior walls

Look for trouble spots on exterior walls, especially under eaves. Check and fix damaged areas on wood siding, stucco or brick to ensure pest like carpenter ants or other critters will not evade your space in the coming months ahead. Inspect the exterior paint condition to protect from the invasive rains ahead. Check for chipped, flaking, or cracked paint to ensure longevity for the paint’s lifespan.

Roof

Keep your roof in peak performance with a keen eye and a handy pair of binoculars you can peek up on the roof to spot trouble. Check for faulty fasteners, popped nails, or ripped shingles. Any missing or cracked shingles or roof tiles could be a sign to contact a roofer to resolve existing problems. Inspect plumbing pipe vents for cracks on the rubber seals.

Gutters

Spring tends to have more rain than any other season, as the gutters have gathered leaves over the past months. It’s a good time to have the gutter’s cleaned to remove the debris to help prevent the integrity of the homes foundation won’t be compromised in the future month’s ahead. It’s amazing that every one-inch of rainfall on a 1,000 square foot roof will collect 600 gallons of water, so make sure all that water falling off the roof is diverted and flowing away from the home so you won’t have potential foundation issues.

Smoke detectors

Testing and inspecting all the smoke detectors are equally important to keep you safe through out the seasons. This spring replace your smoke detector batteries. If it has been more than a few years it may be a wise choice to replace the smoke detectors to help protect you from the time of need.

Appliances

Another spring appliance task is to clean the evaporator coils on the refrigerator to ensure proper cooling and increase energy efficiency. Now is a glorious time to also change the filter on the appliance.

Deck

Enhance the look of your deck. Stain the deck to prevent the elements from damaging the wood core. This spring home maintenance tip of deck staining provides great results for attracting potential home buyers.

Dryer Vent

Prevent a dryer fire and have your dryer vent cleaned. This spring tip every homeowner should not neglect. Improve drying times and increase dryer appliance life. A clean dryer vent is vital role in home maintenance.

Whatever the reason, tackling your spring maintenance task will help you ensure your home is in optimal condition for future months to come. Whether you are going to be enjoying or selling your home, this Spring it is even more essential to complete these helpful maintenance tasks to be on your way to a better-maintained home.

Amazing Home Improvement Projects To-do In 2019

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 06:15:00 +0000

Home renovations for 2019

For many people starting off the New Year with resolutions, it's time to spend time inside to create healthy home improvements and do those simple home maintenance tasks in January. We will help guide you in the right direction with our handyman remodeling tips to help improve the space you always wanted.

Refresh your kitchen and pantry to organize

Make a fresh start in the New Year with a healthy decluttering home. Organize your space with a new pantry makeover. Grab a cardboard box and fill it with items you no longer use. Take it to a charitable donation center and receive a tax break.

Get amazing floors

Buyers today prefer alternate flooring verses carpeting in entertainment areas such as the living room, dining room and family room. The most popular are engineered wood floors. Our expert craftsman can install stunning floors, try our laminate flooring installation today.

Transform ceilings to invite guests

Those recently sprayed texture ceilings turn off buyers. Remove ugly popcorn ceilings and say hello to inviting new smooth ceilings. Buyers spend more time than you would think staring at ceilings. Nothing says freshness like new coat of paint, and it's the most cost effective improvement.

Add magic replace faucets

Buyers don't want to spot leaky faucets or stained sinks. Caulk unsightly sink tops to give a fresh look. Replace leaky faucets to update the space, the room can be transformed like magic. Our expert handyman tackle all types of services including bathtub and shower caulking.

Right on trend paint the walls

Paint a light color if the space is small. Lighter colors will make it seem bigger than it is. Paint a neutral color such as light tan - think of coffee with cream. Gray is one of the popular paint trends as well. Try our handyman professional for your next home painting to improve your space..

Let the light shine thru

Check to make sure all the lights work and boost moral and add new light fixtures. Imagine a new bathroom, or kitchen with striking new lighting. Update sconces to set off a new mood and add dimmer switches to set the tone.

Visualize a brighter space, call in our handyman professional we can replace your light fixtures in just a few short hours.

Plan to prevent a pipe burst

Prevent exposed pipes from freezing. Protect water pipes with an insulated pipe wrap and insulate exposed outdoor spigots. Water pipes are prone to burst in the winter months so plan ahead.

Update hardware and door knobs

Shine and tighten doorknobs and hinges. Give a fresh look to the kitchen and add new hardware cabinet pulls and level cabinet doors. Hire our expert craftsman at Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service to replace worn door knobs.

Overall, buyers want to buy a home that has modern conveniences and is ready to occupy. Make your home shine and invite the guest to come. Hire an experienced handyman to turn your dreams to a reality with our helpful improvements.

Prevent a home appliance disaster this holiday season

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 07:22:00 +0000

Yikes! The holidays are almost here again, what is the best way to prevent a home appliance disaster this season? You don’t want your home appliances to go on strike just before holiday house guest arrive. When it comes to appliances during the holidays, homeowners generally think of the oven. Although the oven is the most valued appliance during the holidays, the dishwasher will also run into overtime cleaning those holiday dishes and cookware. Just as important the washing machine and dryer will be working just as hard cleaning those guest bed linens and towels.

Perhaps the oven is not heating up or the temperature isn’t quite right. Your washer or dryer has been making a strange noise for the last couple weeks. Now is the time to get it looked at. The last thing you need is to have the refrigerator go on the fritz while the guests arrive. The best way to prevent a home appliance disaster this season is to do some prior appliance preventative maintenance to keep the appliances in tip-top shape through out the holidays. We have some helpful tips to assist you along the way before the holiday season guest arrive.

Oven

It’s very common for ovens to fail because of the self-cleaning cycle! Run the self-clean cycle an entire month before your holiday cooking or wait until the holidays are over. This way you won’t have to worry about your oven breaking the day before cooking. Making delicious baked goods and cooking elaborate dinners for holiday feasts can take a toll on your oven.

Tip! It is highly advised against running the oven’s self-clean cycle the night before holiday cooking day. The self cleaning cycle may cause failure of important electric components, elements and fuses. The self cleaning cycle brings the oven’s temperature to over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to incinerate anything in the oven including electrical components. Don’t run the self clean cycle for more than hour at a time. Running the cycle for a fraction of the time can reduce your risk of oven failure and still is enough time to burn off any food bits inside your oven.

Regularly clean your oven. To make sure your oven clean and working efficiently, give it a wipe down with a damp cloth once a month and immediately clean up any major spillages. If you bake and use your oven frequently, clean it more often. You should not rely on the self-clean cycle as your only method of oven cleaning! It is recommended self-clean once every 3-4 months. Never use an oven cleaner spray in ovens with a self-cleaning feature.

Tip! Place a bowl of white vinegar in the oven, set the temperature to 270 F°, and once it’s preheated, turn your oven off and let the vinegar sit for several hours. After a few hours, open your oven door–it should be ready to wipe down with ease!

Tip! Now is a great time to check how accurate your oven’s temperature is to avoid last-minute baking disasters? This can easily be done with a thermometer. All you have to do is set your oven’s temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the thermometer in your oven and set the timer for 30 minutes. When the time is up, if the temperature on the thermometer does not match the temperature you set, simply grab your owner’s manual and learn how to calibrate it. While the oven is still hot, bake some cookies for an autumn treat..

Tip! Don’t place aluminum foil on the bottom of your oven to catch food spills! Aluminum foils blocks airflow and can interfere with the heating element, causing it to fail or require recalibration.

We see many oven problems that frustrate homeowners. Contact Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service to resolve your oven repair issue.

Glass-top stove

Tip! Keep the glass-top stove clean; carefully scrap off burned food bits with a razor blade and cleaning the surface with glass cleaner.

Dishwasher

Oh the joys of cleaning holiday dirty dishes. Use a dishwasher cleaning product every three to six months to remove calcium buildup. Calcium deposits can clog the dishwasher’s sprayer arm and impact cleaning efficiency.

Tip! Place a cup of white vinegar on the top shelf of an empty dishwasher and run a load on the setting of pot and pan cycle with hot water. This helps clean calcium with in the dishwasher.

Tip! Clean the filter’s located below the lower spray arm. Debris that is allowed to remain in the filter will impede flow past the drain pump and can cause a musty odor or mildew in the dishwasher.

Tip! Run a bit of hot water in your sink before running the dishwasher.

Washing machine

Check the hoses for any potential leak. While washing a load of clothes this week listen to the washer. Listen for potential signs of a problem such as loud rumbling noises, or rattling sounds. If your washing machine makes an unusual noise or need help with regular maintenance services on your appliances, don’t hesitate to learn how our Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service washer repair expert can help you.

Dryer

You wouldn’t want a blown dryer fuse, burnt thermal fuse, faulty thermostats, or heating element replacement when holiday guest arrive.

Tip! Improve energy consumption and prevent a fire, clean out dryer vent system. For your dryer vent cleaning schedule us for expert service.

Refrigerator

This holiday prevent a frustrating refrigerator repair. From dirty water filters to clogged condenser coils your refrigerator may not be ready this holiday season.

Tip! Check the door seals for rips and tears clear the drain lines, clean the condenser coils regularly because the coils are covered with dirt, grime, debris, pet hair and all that kind of stuff and it overheats the refrigerator.

Refrigerator temperature is critical to safe food! The refrigerator temperature needs to be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep food safe. Make room for holiday food; it is a great time to check expiration dates on items in the refrigerator. Discard any item that has passed its use by date.

Tip! Don’t forget to check your refrigerator’s temperature! You ideally want your refrigerator at 35° F (1.6 ° C) and your freezer to be at 0 ° F (-18° C).

Tip! The extra opening and closing the refrigerator doors during the holidays may cause buildup of debris and clogged the filter pores, which can lead to off taste in ice-water and cubes and odors in the cooling compartment. Replace the dirty water filter and air filters now before the holidays!

Tip! Keep you refrigerator at least three to four inches away from the wall to give it enough breathing room to perform properly.

Microwave

Clean inside the microwave including the inner vent grills to allow for free airflow this joyful season.

Tip! To remove stubborn food, boil a cup of water or white vinegar in the microwave to loosen the food particles, which you can then easily wipe off with a sponge.

Garbage disposal

To keep your garbage disposal merry and bright, check your garbage disposal now to see if it functions correctly, remember an unused garbage disposal can rust and seize up, which can lead to leaks and mechanical issues.

Clean the garage disposal before the holiday’s- begin by plugging your sink with a stopper, then fill your sink up with 2 to 4 inches of hot water along with disposal cleaner. Turn off the power to the garbage disposal, flush it with hot water. If there is sludge or bigger pieces of debris, then using crushed ice cubes and mixture of vinegar. Just turn on the garbage disposal, run cold water and allow the ice and vinegar to be crushed by the blades.

Tip! If your disposal is over seven years old, it might be time to replace it.

Tip! On turkey day, do not pour liquid fat or grease down the disposal. It can dry in the drain line, and cause your disposal to clog up.

During the holidays be prepared ahead of time for an unthinkable item such as a utensil or debris falling down the drain of the garbage disposal and get lodged. Contact our helpful garbage disposal repair professional to safely remove items, and get your garbage disposal up and running again.

The last thing you want is for your appliances to break during this time of year! But, if your kitchen appliances or laundry appliance break down this holiday season, don’t fret! Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service offers appliance repair for most major brand home appliances.

Managing mold mildew and guarding against decay fungi

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 02:46:00 +0000

When your home is invaded by fungus there are steps you can take to help manage and protect your home. Managing mold, mildew, and guarding against decay fungi. The most important thing to do is once mold, mildew, and decay fungi is noticed is to find the source where the water is coming from.

Peeling and blistering paint is often a signal of inadequate interior ventilation, or missing a vapor barrior.

Mold and mildew

Mold can grow on any organic material such as cloth carpet, leather, wood, wallboard, houshold dust, and more. Mold needs a surface moisture content of about 20% to get started, if you add air and 90% relative humidity and any temperature above 40-100 F degrees then presto you have conditions for mold to survive. Simply by improving the circulation of air can help prevent mold and mildew in indoor spaces. Sometimes you can simply use mild soap and water to wash mildew and mold clean. After cleaning treat the affected area with a preventative mold control solution such as Concrobium Mold Control. Mold is an area to be concerned with in a home. Protect your family and have it tested to make sure it is not Black toxic mold to keep your home safe. If your home has mold, contact a mold remediation company for precaution measures. Mold and mildew can be found on North-facing walls and exterior walls shaded by foundation plantings or trees. Musty odors can be found in mold, mildew, and decay fungi “wood-rot”.

Learn more about Mold and Mildew. Visit: https://www.epa.gov/mold

Seasonal wood rot

When wood rots it can be a breeding ground for fungus and pest. Ants and termites are attracted to wet and decaying wood because it is soft and weak. Borates can be a nifty solution to keep the pest away.

Wet rot

The most common wet rot is called Cellar Fungus (Coniophora Puteana). Any timber exposed to moisture can provide an ideal breeding ground for wet rot spores. Wet rot can occur for a number of reasons. When wood is exposed in excess of 30% moisture for an extended time, wet rot can develop. The cause may be due from broken or clogged gutters, leaking down spouts, leaking plumbing pipes or faulty HVAC drain lines, or wicking due to moisture absorbing from the ground in to the wood. As the wet wood allows the wet rot to grow and thrive. The fungus germinates and spreads, it destroys the integrity of wood. This fungus generally appears moist to the touch, dark in color, and sometimes has white growths surrounding the decaying area.

Soft rot

Soft rot fungi are typically found in wet wood showing the first signs of decay. Wood infected with soft rot can become quite soft and spongy. Other than the softness of the wood and perhaps discoloration of the surface, there may be no apparent signs of a soft rot infestation.

Dry rot

Dry rot thrives in summer months and may cause immense damage. The cause may be due from gutters, damaged down-pipes, leaking plumbing pipes or rain water coming off the roof, or chronic condensation. The most common areas the dry rot can be found around the home are under sub floors, under roofs, and sometimes on skirting boards. The decayed wood has a dark or browner crumbly appearance, with cubical cracking or checking. The wood becomes brittle when handled and can crumble into powder. To help resolve this rot is to improve ventilation in the area. Dry rot fungus resembles much like plant like fungus growing on surfaces. Brown rot is another form dry rot this decay stops when the moisture is below 20%. Brown rots consume cellulose, hardly touching the darker lignin. When you consider the reproductive power of fungi on a square foot of dry rot fungus fruity body can produce five million spores per minute over a period of many days. These microscopic dust-like particles are shed in clouds from the parent and can float in air over long distances. Since there is every likelyhood that spores of wood rotting fungi will be present where ever wood is used.

Guarding against decay fungi – Wood rot treatment

Remove and replace the effected wood rot. Clean up the affected area to remove debris, and contaminates. Treat wood surfaces with a wood preservative and borate solution such as Boracare, or Timbor to prolong the life.

Learn more about wood decay in houses.

Visit: https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/12758/PDF

Don’t just treat the mildew, mold or decay problem. You need to eliminate the cause! Many problems can be avoided by simply keeping the wood dry, weather sealed and preserved through routine maintenance.

If you believe you’ve found wood rot damage or have inspection repairs with in your home or just want some peace of mind, call a trusted handyman for your repairs.

If your home needs siding repairs, take action now and schedule Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service to fix up your home!

9 critical home maintenance tasks this Fall

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 10:51:00 +0000

Fall is a good time for critical home maintenance tasks. Set aside some time now to complete these 9 critical home maintenance tasks this fall before the winter months arrive. You can rest easy, save money, and prevent major problems this busy autumn season. Put these tips to work in your own home and reap the comfortable benefits.

1.) Inspect the roof

Keeping the roof in good shape is vital and routine roof inspections should be performed regularly keeping an eye out for potential roof problems. Why not grab those handy binoculars and look around on the roof for common problems such as damaged or missing shingles, look for new dips in the roof where potential roof sheathing wood rot could exist underneath, and keep an eye out for loose nail pops causing loose shingles and potential leaks.

Poke around in the attic during a good rain storm looking to see if any water is entering the home. Pay close attention around the chimney and around valleys. The chimney is the most common area for roof leaks inside the attic.

On the exterior roof inspect the chimney for wood rot, damaged flashing, or missing mortar. Seal the flashing around the chimney with the proper sealant such as masonry caulk for brick or use quality roofing cement for exposed wood. Repair any loose flashing and exposed rotten wood.

2.) Trim trees limbs overhanging the roof and chimney

Falling leaves from tree limbs decay on the roof. The leaf decay breaks down the shingles while shorting roof life. Falling leaf build up causes potential roof leaks as it rains this dams the water back wards and as the water travels back underneath the shingles causing leaks. Protect your roof and trim those tree limbs away especially those dead branches over hanging it, and don’t forget to remove the leaf debris. Prevent fires and chimney damage trimming those dangling tree limbs back at least 10 feet off the roof line and away from the chimney flue.

3.) Check fire extinguishers

Although fire extinguishers are helpful around the fireplace and kitchen, it is recommended to inspect fire extinguishers so they are always ready for use when you need them the most. Kitchens should be prepared with an easily available ABC rated fire extinguisher. Replacing an out of date, damaged, rusted fire extinguisher is just as important to keep your home safe. Inspect the fire hose on the extinguisher checking for cracks or holes. Check the pressure gauge make sure it is still in the green operable zone, look on the tank for signs of corrosion. Corrosion is a sign of a leak and replace immediately.

4.) Clean siding

Having clean siding on the exterior is important before the winter months arrive. Mold and mildew breaks down the paint on surfaces increasing chances for potential wood rot underneath the surface. Oxidation on vinyl siding leads to degradation. Read more about the best methods to remove oxidation from plastic and restore and clean oxidation on vinyl siding.

Soft washing is the best way to clean stucco on exterior homes. Soft washing creeps in to every pore and crevice and lasts four and six times longer than conventional power washing. With wisdom of using less water to clean the building and using biodegradable chemicals, soft washing is the wise choice for clean siding and homes today.

5.) Inspect and repair siding

Checking the compromised siding areas matters since it is the first line of defense against the elements and it makes sure potential problems are taken care of before major issues arise. Look around the siding for common signs such as nails popping out or rusting, chipping, peeling or fading paint, damage from insects or rodent damage, caulk seams and joints should not be showing signs of cracking or shrinkage, nor turning powdery, boards should not show evidence of termite or wood rot damage.

Proper maintenance on your home’s siding can lower your energy bills by keeping the inside air in. Even siding showing minimal cosmetic damage can potentially be hiding large amounts of destruction inside from moisture and heat causing further rot on the interior frame. Repair siding as soon as you notice any areas of concern and protect your house from the elements. Hire a professional siding repair to get your home fixed right.

6.) Inspect and repair leaky faucets

Keeping faucets in good working condition is imperative. A dripping faucet can waste over a hundred gallons of water monthly. Typically common problems include corrosion, mineral deposits on internal components, defective gaskets, o-rings, and washers on leaky faucets. You can easily inspect leaky faucets for potential problems from O-rings, corroded valve seats, worn washers, worn cartridges, and improper installation of washers can play all kinds of havoc on a leaky faucet. An unchecked sink can put added stresses on your plumbing and can cause drain clogs, and in some cases leak damage can cause water staining which may require the purchase of a new sink because it’s too difficult to clean.

Even a leaky faucet with loose fixture nuts can cause leakage under the sink. Repair leaky faucets before they become a plumbing disaster.

7.) Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows

Keep your home in tip-top shape by inspecting the weather stripping twice a year while Fall is approaching check around door and windows seals to make sure the weather stripping are in good shape. Inspect for wear and tear looking for loose pieces, dirt and debris, and cracks or tears. Repair the seals if you see any problems or feel draft issues.

8.) Clean the gutters

Debris in your gutters can result to water damage, insect infestations, foundation and structural damage from blocked gutters. With a simple gutter cleaning in early Fall you can prevent time consuming gutter cleaning this autumn season by installing simple gutter guards.

9.) Improve the bath

Updating the bath fixtures can prevent from spending thousands on a full bathroom remodel and can improve the bath space. Common signs your bath fixtures need updating check to see if they are rusty, peeling, discolored, or outdated. You will be surprised how easy it is to create a fresh look in your bathroom at a low cost. Improve the bath with simple hands free and luxurious high shine chrome, and oil-bronzed finishes for today’s trendy fixtures. Top off your bathroom by enhancing hardware and accessories. New modern age shower bars, and towel rings can impress your guest and improving your bath space can increase value of your home. Ask about our handy improvements for your bath space.

We can help alleviate the burden of home maintenance chores for you so you can enjoy more time this Fall season. Contact Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service for these neighborly upkeep home repair tasks.

Boosting curb appeal improving the front entry

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 05:08:00 +0000

Improving the front entry will gain curb appeal, welcome neighbor’s and be inviting to home buyer's. It’s time to tackle your home’s exterior and upgrade the front porch to add curb appeal and gain resale value. Here are some inexpensive things that can do that is relatively easy to make a bold statement on your home. As these days get shorter and now is the time to start the “must-do” improvement projects.

Update the front porch

First impressions matter, decorate your front porch to add character to your home. Improving the entrance by adding some color by painting or staining the front door in a fresh coat of gloss paint or strip it down and stain the front door to attract an appealing look of natural wood. A fresh new coat with home painting from your helpful Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service will refresh your exterior. Consider a festive seasonal wreath and a new welcome mat to top it off. Seasonal décor states that you are settled in and committed to your neighborhood. Container gardens and shutters give pleasing visual interest to any home. Replace outdated light fixtures or wall sconces with stylish models.

Make a window box

Get enormous curb appeal by adding a simple window box. You can enjoy the attractive garden view from indoors. Embrace on a broad range of designs with a multitude of products that are available today on the market. From wood, plastic, resin, and metal you can craft a garden that you can make a window box yourself for all to enjoy.

Sit and enjoy the moments

From classic rocking chairs, benches, and contemporary outdoor seating you can sit out the endless possibilities. Sit back and enjoy a fresh glass of lemonaide to catch up with a neighbor to enjoy the moments.

Give your yard class

Add perfectly-planted flowers for color, manicure the shrubs to achieve visual interest and add illumination to the landscape to gain ambiance on summer nights. Help illuminate a path to your new front entry space. With these simple touches you can give the yard class with a bold look.

Use your outdoor space to it’s fullest potential while boosting curb appeal and improving the front entry. Hammer that first impression and enlist our home service professional to fix up your front porch. Contact our trusted experts at Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service to help maintain your home.

How to cleanly re-caulk a bathtub or surface to prevent premature damage

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 14:00:00 +0000

You can make small improvements to spruce up your bathroom and make a dramatic difference, one of the easiest things to do is to re-caulk your bathtub and shower to help prevent mold and structural water damage. To understand these two failures will help you take the appropriate action to avoid unexpected expense of a home repair in your bathroom.

The first failure is the old caulk needs to be replaced with new bathroom caulking. The typical lifespan of caulking is no more than 10 years. Maintaining your shower, lavatory sink, bath tub are critical home maintenance tasks to prevent water intrusion.

Second the most common failure is the type of the correct caulking to use. The proper caulking to use is one that is designed specifically for bathrooms. Vinyl and latex based siliconized caulks are readily available in most regions. You want to choose the right caulk which is water and mold resistant and rated for bathroom use is the right solution. To get a professional pleasing appearance to match your décor in your shower or tub it is best to use a colored grouted caulk found in most tile supply stores for the tile surfaces.

The problems with caulk

Acrylic, silicone and latex caulks are very popular since the ease of use. However, they pose significant performance problems. In dry settings, they eventually dry up, peel and crack. In wet settings, when they are exposed to continual moisture, they re-emulsify, soften, peel, and eventually wash out of the joints, and sometimes turn black in color from mold and mildew. Caulk is not chemical resistance and when certain cleaners are used, the caulk reacts and eventually loses its bond, which allows moisture to compromise and penetrate through the surface creating mold and rot! Caulking your home is a routine task.

Over time, most caulk will mold, dry up, peel or crack. Exposed caulk or grout joints often result in severe water damage and costly repairs.

Common signs you might need to Caulk your Bathroom

If your current caulk in your bathroom shows mold or discolorization, signs of cracking, missing or damaged caulk, or any part of the caulk bead no longer adheres to the surface then it would be wise to re-caulk to prevent water intrusion behind gaps and seams around bath fixtures.

Prepping the caulk surface

Removing the old caulk is vital of a good caulking job. Since this is a harder task there are plenty of products on the market to make the job much easier. With the right tools and knowledge you can save valuable time on your re-caulking project. Pick up a handy caulk removal tool, towels, and some caulk softener at your local hardware store. Apply the caulk softener over the old caulk. Let the product sit for two hours on the surface. Careful here and don’t let the softener product dry out. Grab your handy caulk removal tool and go to work removing the soft caulking. Use the flat plastic side of the tool to clean up the excess areas and wipe and scrub the surface clean. Once the surface is dry and free of caulking apply your bleach or rubbing alcohol cleaning product that you normally use to clean the bathtub. Scrub all the soap residue on the surface you are working on to clean the area squeaky clean. Take a break and let the surfaces completely dry out. To ensure the strongest seal on a bathtub, fill up the tub with water before applying new caulk.

Apply the new caulk

Grab your caulk gun and caulk tube and cut the tip off about a 45 degree angle. Insert the tube in the caulk gun. Grab some painters tape and apply the tape around both sides of the caulking bead edge. Apply the caulk to the shortest wall first surface using a steady constant pressure to ensure you are not ending up with more in one spot or less in another. When you reach a corner, stop and finish with that wall first before proceeding to the next wall. Use your finger and steadily push the caulk in to the joint and release some pressure when you reach a corner so you won’t pool the caulking over, after you have completed all walls around the bathtub. Wet your finger and run along the new caulk line to make sure it is smooth and even. Remove any excess caulk with a wet rung out towel with water or appropriate cleaner printed on the caulking tube. Remove the tape at this time. Be sure to remove the tape slowly and carefully so not to remove the caulking with it.

Let it dry and cure

Your last easiest step is the most important, let it dry and cure. Consult the instructions on the back of the caulk tube to find the appropriate amount of cure time. Do not use the fixture until proper cure time to prevent water intrusion issues.

Get help with bathroom shower, bathtub, or sink caulking

Replacing caulk is an easy way to save money and Do it yourself for home repairs. Although you could save yourself the hassle if you don’t have the time nor inclination to do your own bathroom caulking, invite our Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service craftsman to come out and get your bathtub or shower caulking done now for your bathroom.

Common washing machine signs to keep an eye out before repair

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 14:00:00 +0000

With much wear and tear on most home appliances a washer can really take a beating over a year. In fact the average American family washes nearly 300 loads of laundry per year. It is bound to act up at some point in time after a few years. Keeping a skillful ear and eye to identify issues can avoid the need for an expensive repair or replacement.

The agitator doesn’t work

The agitator is the plastic device in the center of top loading washers that wigs and wags spinning left and right rapidly during the wash cycle to make your clothes come clean. If the motor engages but the agitator doesn’t that is a sign that the transmission is going out.

On Whirlpool washers the agitator has plastic clogs which can break off internally within the device to help prevent transmission failures.

It is easy to check to see if the agitator is working, simply lift the washer lid during the wash cycle to view the agitator is shifting the clothes around. Your pants socks ad shirts won’t get clean if the agitator is not working. So it is worth having this problem looked at sooner then having an expensive repair bill later.

Clothes are dripping wet after the spin cycle

The transmission may have something wrong if the water may drain but the spin cycle may fail to engage. The spin cycle is important for removing as much water from your clothes as possible. So the dryer doesn’t have to work as hard to dry the clothes later on.

If the transmission has something wrong the motor may engage but the drum won’t spin, leaving you up duck’s creek with sopping wet clothes? You wouldn’t want to make your dryer to work overtime causing more wear and tear on the dryer making to wear out faster since it even wastes a lot of energy. So it is best to call in an washer repair professional today then delay if this is the problem you are having.

Water doesn’t drain from the drum

During the normal operation of the washing machine, the washer drains right before the spin cycle starts. A problem with the water pump could prevent water from draining out of the tub. When this happens you will notice the wash tub is still full of water when you lift the lid to transfer your clothes to the dryer. This will require an appliance repairman to come take a look at the problem.

If your washing machine is acting up and you eyed the problem. It would be wise to contact Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service to schedule your appliance repair visit today. Do it yourself washer repairs is not recommended since it could cost you more in the end to fix.

Back to school with home organization

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 03:45:00 +0000

Home organization with summer ending and kid’s getting ready to go back to school, it’s a fun time of year to get your home organized for the school year. While the young one’s are meeting new friends and learning new skills it is a great time for you to get the household in order. When your home is an obstacle course with all those shoes lying around it’s time to get a shoe organizer at a back door entrance. Hang hooks for jackets and bags to gain some extra storage space. An organizer not only helps clean up but saves time in the morning to grab the shoes and head to school.

Create a drop zone

Grab a few cloths wrapped wired baskets and create a drop zone to drop stuff off when you walk in the front entrance. Utilize a drawer by the front entrance to drop your keys, phone charger, wallet, favorite lipsticks and other important stuff.

Gutter and drywall repair

No matter your home maintenance needs, it’s never a bad idea to hire a handyman for that little extra help during the busy back to school season. With summer time ending blues and afternoon showers often leaving some home owners with leaky roofs and soggy drywall. Water damage can cause havoc on your homes structural weakness and can cause wood rot. In fact heavy rain and high winds can cause gutters to pull away from the side of the home, so water can seep through walls and ceilings. Before summer ends make sure the gutters are securely fastened and properly cleaned and flowing. As drywall repair and replacement can be a big project, it’s better to fix the problem before it turns into a safety health hazard down the road.

Check your dryer vent

With the work load your dryer is about to endure over the up coming months of the school year. This is a smart idea to help you save some money with the energy efficiency savings you dryer can endure with a clean flowing dryer exhaust vent. Not to mention a restricted dryer vent may cause premature failure on your dryer's internal components. Lint can build up in the dryer vent with consistent use can wear out the heating element, thermal fuse, high temperature limit safety switch, and other mechanical components prematurely of the dryer. It is recommended to clean your dryer vent at least once a year depending on the size of the household and dryer usage. Ask about our dryer vent cleaning services.

Get your home organized now can eliminate the hassle of juggling repairs and improvements with sports schedules and homework. Call Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service and we will work with your busy schedule and offer the quality home repairs that your casa deserves.

Smart Summer Tips to improve your homes quality and retain housing market value

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 10:09:00 +0000

Whether you want to keep your home cost efficient or boost the resale value of your home. Our innovative ideas for summer home repair tips to improve your homes quality and retain housing market value to ensure your property keeps in top-notch condition.

One thing you should remember while trying to boost the resale value of your home. People have a wide variety of tastes. The flexibility of an attractive non customized home will be more appealing on the home buying market. Like most homeowner’s they want to get rid of that ugly green stuff growing on the exterior siding of a house. While some people will tell you to pressure wash the house to remove the green algae growth. This may cause damage to your home since most homeowner’s aren’t particularly used to handling the high volume of pressure which the pressure washer sprays out. Double pane windows can even show unsightly damages using this pressure cleaning method if a homeowner is not properly trained handling the pressure washer correctly while using this exterior house cleaning technique. Here is an innovative idea and a less labor intensive way to remove the green growth from siding. Remember to be safe while using any house cleaner product and keep pets off and away from all areas to be cleaned for at least twenty four hours. Mix up five parts of water to one part of “Wet and Forget” in a pump up sprayer and spray to fully saturate the siding and wait. In a matter of weeks the green algae will be visibly reduced or eliminated. Reapply once a year to troubled areas in the home to ensure proper control.

Updating or installing ceiling fans in indoor spaces reduces the amount of energy to cool a home. Dark bronze ceiling fans are more appealing to prospective buyers and make a stylish look to a room.

Lighter house paint colors promote cooler homes on blissful summer days. Why not paint the garage door to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home and help keep the garage cooler in the summer months. Home painting could make a vibrant clean house appeal and potentially boost the resale value of a home.

From choosing the right ceiling fan, to cleaning and painting to boost the homes resale value, energy efficiency should be an important factor with in a home.

If you’re interested in improving value to your home or just need a home repair contact Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service for these neighborly upkeep tasks.

Keep the bad out with good refrigerator maintenance

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 06:17:00 +0000

Keep the bad out with good refrigerator maintenance

Prevent internal component failures with good yearly refrigerator maintenance. It’s important to keep your refrigerator cool and efficient. This prevents bad spoiled food and costly repairs down the road. The good news is that dirty condenser coils on a refrigerator are easily and quickly remedied. The bad news is you risk the expense of a high-priced compressor failure should you allow the coils to become excessively clogged with dust, dirt and other airborne particles. One of the main components of any refrigeration or air conditioning system is the condenser. Clogged condenser coils can produce poor circulation of air, restricting your fridge’s ability to keep cool. Dirty or blocked condensers are one of the most frequent service problems in refrigeration and summer appliance repair fields today. We offer simple maintenance steps to keep your fridge running in great shape. Forget about spoiled food, you too can have a trouble-free refrigerator. Clean the condenser coils twice a year or more often if you have shedding pets or a dusty home. The job of the condenser coils is to cool and condense the refrigerant. When the coils are clogged with dirt and dust, they can't efficiently release heat. The result is your compressor works harder and longer than it was designed to, using more energy and shortening the life of your fridge. Some refrigerator manufacturers place them on the back of the unit, where they are quite easy to reach, while others locate them beneath the unit, which makes them harder to get at but still worth the effort. If it's been a year or longer since you cleaned them and brushed them down, it's a safe bet that it's time to do so.

Some steps can be taken by the average person to clean the condenser coil, but to get the job done thoroughly and to get the best results it will most likely take a professional service technician. To clean the inside of the condenser coil and make sure that it is free of obstruction, it will require the skills and equipment of a appliance repair service man. Getting an annual inspection and cleaning will ensure the efficient operation of the unit and it will help to guarantee that the unit has a long operating life.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the power before removing the toe grill (consult your owner’s manual to see if your toe grill can be pulled straight off without any additional steps). Using a coil brush, push the tool into the condenser coils and knock off the dust that has collected there. You can then vacuum up the dust and reinstall the toe grill.

Refrigerators sometimes keep food too cold so that it freezes. This may be because you set the thermometer too low or it could indicate that the coils on the condenser coils on the outside of the appliance are dusty. It may also be a problem that requires professional repair.

According to the FDA, a refrigerator’s temperature should be set to 40°F or lower, while the temperature of a freezer should be at 0°F.

A warm refrigerator isn’t always an obvious fix. There are a number of different things that could be causing the issue. Malfunctioning parts can be tricky, especially when you have to discern which part is causing the problem. It may be best to contact a professional appliance repair technician with Mr. Fix-It to keep your refrigerator in good repair.

More refrigerator repair tips

Here is a tip to prevent an expensive gasket repair bill ($100 to $200) and cut down air leaks by keeping your door gasket clean. Syrup, jelly or any other sticky stuff dripping down the front sides of your refrigerator can dry and glue the gasket to the frame. Wipe down the door gasket frequently with warm soapy water to prevent build up of food particles and debris. Apply a small amount mineral oil on the gasket to help assist it from sticking to the door frame and prevent it from cracking or tearing.

If your fridge isn’t up-to-snuff and isn’t cooling or preserving your food, our helpful technicians at Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service can help you diagnose your potential problem, walk you through the repair steps, and explain when you should step back and let a professional handle it. Call us today for your refrigerator repair.

What you need to know damaging termites

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 07:07:00 +0000

What you need to know damaging termites

Termites leave few clues of there arrival and are active all year round. Those pesky termites cause severe damage to homes, sometimes repairs are not typically covered in standard insurance policies. Discovering unsettling damage at your home can cost thousands of dollars. Termites like damp, dark, and warm areas of a home. Termites live in colonies and once the little termites grow to a certain extent they form a swarm, which is a traveling crowd, and maintain a colony.

Signs of termite damage can include buckling ceilings or walls, appearance of water damage, maze like tunnels in wooden structures, mud tunnels on foundation walls, swarms of termites, termites are known to ruin carpeting, walls, furniture, and flooring.

Can the damage from termites be fixed?

Even though it is rare for some termite species to damage a home beyond repair, if the infestation is not treated for many years. If caught soon enough the cost of the termite repair would be much less.

Subterranean termites

Florida has the subterranean termite species as a termite colony can case significant damage to a house in approximately two years, if it is not treated or controlled. These African subterranean termites dwell underground in loose damp soil. The largest subterranean termite colonies eat about a pound of wood per day and up wards to 100 pounds per year. These critters can travel in tunnels from the ground up on foundation walls and enter your home.

Drywood termites

Other smaller colony species such as the drywood termites can cause the same type of damage over a period of 20 years. These termites live in and feed on wood, they are often found in studded walls, attic areas, and furniture. They eat wood from the inside out.

Swarming termites

These termites swarm in warm weather and often after a rain shower to start new colonies. As the swarming event be so brief you may not even see the flying termites. You are likely to view the discarded wings around window sills, doors, house vents, bathtubs and sinks. Winged termites are attracted to light sources and are mostly active in spring time.

What can I do to prevent termite damage?

Termite bait or liquid treatements are the best ways to prevent termites. A preventative measure would include eliminating wood-soil contact and resolving moisture problems, store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home, maintain a 18” gap between mulch or soil and wood parts of the home, cut foliage at least 3 feet away, aim irrigation sprinklers away from the foundation, and direct downspouts away from the home. Keep air vents clear and clean so the air can circulate in attics and crawl spaces, however these measures will not keep termites from trying to enter your home.

As a preventive measure, you could use “Bora-Care”. This is a borate treatment that is easily applied to wood and over time can penetrate the entire mass of wood. It is not only a fungus treatment but also making wood unappetizing to wood boring insects and uninhabitable to fungi.

If you believe you’ve found termite damage or have inspection repairs with in your home or just want some peace of mind, call a trusted handyman for your repairs.

If your home needs siding repairs, take action now and schedule Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service to fix up your home!

Help solve temperature fluctuation on a tankless water heater

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Troubleshoot temperature fluctuation problems

Learn how to troubleshoot and solve temperature fluctuation on a tankless water heater. You wouldn’t want to get caught in an unpleasant cold water sandwich situation when taking a shower. As the water temperature fluctuates delivered from a tankless water heater after the first few minutes you enjoy a nice hot shower and then changes to cold and back to warm/hot again.

Cold water sandwich

This problematic issue especially on an electric tankless water heater occurs when the temperature variation when the heater is on as it provides hot water. When the water is not being dispensed from a fixture. Such as the tap being closed the unit shuts off, as the water inside the pipes get cooled. The water heater turns on and the cool water inside the pipes dispenses the cooled water before the hot water reaches the fixture. This results in cold water bursting or the cold water sandwich effect.

In homes it is suggested to set the water heater to a safe 120 degree temperature. One of the main reasons why temperature fluctuates is your tankless heater stopped working due to lack of low water. Usually the minimum flow rate is around 0.4-0.5. If your water heating system is not designed properly where the capacity is smaller than the demand, such as a change in flow from other fixtures in the home are opened or closed you can ‘feel the fluctuation of the temperature drop. Today, most tankless water heating systems have some type of water filtration or may have an inlet filter screen before water reaches the heater elements. It is suggested to change the filter or clean the inlet filter screen located at the bottom of the unit every six months or more frequently depending on your homes water usage.

Restriction of water flow

Water in Florida has a high mineral deposit count the can lead to a restriction of water flow in plumbing fixture parts such as long term mineral build up deposits on faucet aerators, shower heads. It would be a good idea to flush and clean each single one. You can soak them in household white vinegar to help dissolve the mineral deposits and flush the parts toughly with water before reinstalling.

Plumbing crossover

Temperature fluctuation may occur due to a plumbing crossover of a faulty mixing valve, incorrect plumbing, single lever faucet, or failed washer in a fixture. An easy way to find out is close the main line going to the heater and open a hot water tap, wait five minutes, and if water is still flowing there is a problem with a plumbing crossover.

Water pressure

A tankless water heater normally uses constant water pressure maintained at 30 psi. The pressure needs to be consistent so if you have a well on your property, be sure the pressure is present.

Mixing Valves

Do you have a mixing valve installed; a mixing valve lowers the temperature of hot water and mixes it with cold water. Check to see the water temperature on the valve.

Before any changes to fix your temperature fluctuation problem, measure the fill time to see what the proper activation flow rate is. If your experiencing longer than usual the odds is the activation rate is not met.

If you are experiencing difficulty to solve your temperature fluctuation problems and you need other home repairs, hire a professional handyman.

Surprising common causes why a breaker trips

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Our surprising common causes why a breaker trips

Electrical issues in a home may be surprising at times we laid down some common causes why a breaker trips. A breaker trip comes as a result of a circuit attached to your circuit breaker exceeding safe parameters. Here are the top five common causes why a breaker to trip overloads, short circuiting, ground faults, appliance failure, and storms may cause your circuit to flip.

Overloads

Since breakers have a safety limit built in you may have too many appliances or outlets overloading the circuit. This is a more common issue with in a home. When you overload a circuit as more the items powered in your home draw to much amperage exceeding on the circuit. The safe limit of the breaker trips the supply on the circuit this causes an overloaded circuit. One cause of more than 40,000 residential fires is attributed by overloaded circuits in the United States. If you find yourself using extension cords or multiple plug adaptors to a plug consider having an electrician install more outlets or on a new or different branch circuits to handle the demand of power.

Short circuiting

A short circuit happens when a hot live wire comes in contact with other hot wires. This sometimes can be seen on outlets in the home. The blackening around an outlet or a burnt smell could indicate a short circuit. When this happens, turn off power to the circuit and call in for an expert.

Ground fault

A ground fault occurs when a ground wire touches a hot live wire. Handle this problem as the same manner as a short circuit.

Appliance failure

As an appliance ages the components tend to fail over time. This can cause overloading to the circuit as the faulty appliance can draw more power than intended and can initiate an overload of the circuit. If the appliance is hotter than usual it may be time to replace the appliance.

Storms

Lightning strikes can travel across electrical lines and into your home, this can blow one or more of your breakers in one swift jolt. If you can’t get the power back on, just to be safe it would be a wise choice to call in an expert for repair to look for burnt wires.

Why does my breaker trip on my A/C unit?

Although it may be common for a breaker to trip due to a loose connection or result of a thunderstorm it is important to try to reset it “one time” by turning it off all the way and flipping it back on. Since breakers are a safety device as they are designed not only to protect the equipment but wiring and home as well. This problem should be taken seriously. If the breaker trips immediately after resetting it the circuit is telling you there is a problem. This is generally indicated by a direct short. Do not try to reset it again since time has come to investigate the problem with in the circuit.

If the breaker feels hot to the touch this indicates a problem to be not ignored. Remember you are dealing with high voltage and amperage which can cause serious damage to property and life.

Your A/C appliance may be causing the breaker to trip. A hard start of the compressor trying to kick on may be causing the breaker to trip. A simple fix of a “hard start kit would repair this issue by replacing the faulty capacitor on the outside unit.

Other issues such as a weak compressor, under-sized breaker or wire, defective breaker, loose breaker, loose electrical connection, weak capacitor, or a locked up motor or compressor may cause the electrical circuit to trip.

Don’t ignore a tripped breaker schedule your appliance repair today.

Learn how to improve painstaking dryer time

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Thu, 24 May 2018 02:13:00 +0000

Ever wonder why your dryer takes to long to dry clothes

Learn how to improve the painstaking dryer time. Your dryer filter captures 40%-60% of lint generated. The rest gets blown thru the exhaust system as some even gets trapped in the dryer vent, and in the dryer blower housing.

Your home has the potential for a fire hazard caused within the Dryer Vent!

As the build up of lint within your dryer vent clogs the pipe over time poses a dangerous situation. As you notice your clothes may take a longer time to dry it may be symptom of a clogged dryer vent. In fact a clean dryer vent could reduce the stress on your appliance. Clogged dryer vents causes major appliance failure as your dryer overheats. With annual dryer vent cleaning it will reduce the time to dry a load. A blocked dryer vent may take three to four times as long to dry clothes costing upwards of $3.00 per load compared to the average of seventy five cents. You should avoid the inexpensive plastic dryer vent hose connecting to the dryer vent duct work since it poses a threat of melting within the extreme heat and increases the risk of fire. Check the condition of your dryer vent hose for kinks blocking air flow. It is recommended to stop using those simple dryer sheets. Instead use liquid fabric softener to reduce the amount of dirt and debris build up with each cycle. Now let’s talk about your dryer appliance failure. A clogged or restricted exhaust vent air flow is the most frequent cause of a thermal fuse blowing. Check the lint screen for lint or a build-up of debris that could be inhibiting air flow through the dryer.

But first let’s start off with the function of the thermal fuse component. A thermal fuse will blow when the temperature inside the dryer gets to high. The thermal fuse stops the dryer from operating, tumble, and heat included. Let’s say you are trying to dry clothes in a confined space such as a laundry closet. It is important for the dryer to breath since the function of the dryer is to pull the air within a room inside the home. The dryer pulls air within the space it surrounds of the room, the air is sucked and heated within the heating element housing, the then air flows thru the lint screen then into to the drum compartment, the hot dry air is moved thru the drum drying the clothes they come in contact with, the heated damp air goes into a blower housing and is forced to the exterior of the machine into the dryer venting exhaust system. If the forced air blowing within the machine gets to hot the thermal fuse will blow this would be a restriction of proper airflow from the lint filter being clogged or restricted since the thermal fuse is located in the exhaust side of the machine.

With in your machine there are some safety components to assist from keeping other potential hazards to happen within your dryer system. The main safety prevention component is your dryer’s thermal fuse to cut off power to the other components functions. It is suggested to open the door or closet door in the room or laundry space while the machine is operating.

At least once a month: Check the lint screen for lint or a build-up of debris that could be inhibiting air flow through the dryer. Remember it’s what you can’t see in the filter screen; a filmy like non-visual layer can accumulate on the filter and can cause the filter airflow not to produce adequately within the dryer venting system. It is recommended for you to wash the lint screen with warm soapy water and a nylon brush, rinse it off in hot water, and then thoroughly dry it before putting it back in the lint screen housing on the dryer.

By doing these simple tips it will help keep your dryer running efficient and improve the painstaking dryer time.

Learn more about our dryer vent cleaning service and how it can eliminate the unnecessary expense a dryer failure and keep your family safe from the risk of fire. Call for service today for your Dryer Repair!

Great mailbox maintenance you need to know

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Fri, 11 May 2018 04:55:00 +0000

A great addressed mailbox begins with curb appeal

Great curb appeal begins with your mailbox. You want to reflect your homes appeal with the vision of a properly addressed sturdy mailbox that provides protection for a well maintained home and your mail as well. With proper mailbox maintenance you need to know you can keep your home looking good.

The next time you go out and get the mail take a moment to look at the maintenance issues that may be need to be addressed.

First look at the support. Inspect the base of the post near the ground look for wood rot, missing or flaking paint. Next shake the support post, even a little shake may let you know if anything loose and might need repaired.

Now let’s think how well addressed is your mailbox. Not to mention, you want people to find you first on the block. First responders, package delivery and service companies more often have a difficult time trying to locate your home too. A clear address can help with all the confusion.

A proper closing door helps protect your mail from the elements. Make sure you file those sharp edges that can protect you and your mail carrier.

Mailbox requirements

Mailbox and post at curb requirements:

Mailbox : minimum size 4” x 4”

Pole: minimum of 2” in diameter with height of 41” to 45” from the ground
Pole: Buried no more than 24” into the ground for support. Concrete is not recommended since it increases premature wood rot on wooden post.

If your mailbox is in need of maintenance, Try our mailbox replacement and repair services. Contact Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service today for your mailbox issue.

Choose the right picnic table for perfect summer hosting

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 06:39:00 +0000

With summer months approaching, it’s time to think of outdoor seating for your family barbecues, neighbor gatherings, and evening outdoor entertainment occasions before summer time comes into full swing. Outdoor seating elements are vital for hosting a great entertainment space. Picnic tables are durable and practical for any gathering outdoors. Before making a picnic table purchase consider portability and choose the right material. There are many options these days for a good picnic table. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself before making that purchase. Would you want your picnic table to be moved around easily with in the space? Would you want a picnic table to fold-up and be stored away when not in use? Would you want one that is most durable and last a long time?

So what picnic table is right for you?

Let’s begin with choosing the right material. Steel or aluminum require less maintenance and endures a long life. They are durable enough to stand up to extreme temperatures and intense sunlight. If you’re looking for less maintenance think of one that is made of faux wood materials with recycled plastic. There is endless options for a classic wood picnic table including cedar, pressure treated pine, teak, reclaimed wood and so much more. As reclaimed furniture becoming popularity these days for outdoor decorating. Why not choose one to fit within your lifestyle. If your feeling like this is a tackle your willing to take on there are many plans for the DIY. Check out these 50 Free DIY Picnic TablePlans and Ideas that Will Bring Your Family Together from Morning Chores or contact your helpful handyman to assemble or build your perfect picnic table that is right for you. What ever picnic table you choose, you can feel comfortable hosting your summer extravaganza! Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service can help you maintain your home. Make sure to stay on top of your household repairs and maintenance needs around the home. Schedule your appointment request for service of our helpful handyman today.

Amazing tips to bring your window screens back to life

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 02:39:00 +0000

As the temperatures rise this season, your family is sure to be opening windows for cool evening breeze, leaving your window screens as the only line of defense between your home and the insect pests trying to make their way inside. Find some amazing tips to bring your windows back to life.

Take some time now to review the screens throughout your home, inspect for holes, tears and loose-fitting frames that will give pests access to your home.

A well maintained window screen can prevent damage-inducing dirt and grime from building up, saving you money from repairs.

An average fiberglass screen lasts anywhere from 3-7 years, depending on the sun exposure.

If you have trouble removing the screens, call a professional for help! Don’t force trying to remove them, since they bend very easily.

If the screens are full of dust or debris and wind starts to blow in, that dust or debris will just linger around your house which could be harmful for everyone. Dirty window screens are also linked to cases of sinus irritation and trigger asthma attacks for some folks. It would be a great idea to clean your window screens. A little of soap and warm water and a soft bristled brush works wonders to help clean your window screens.

You can bring your aluminum screens back to life.

Another great way to naturally clean your window screens and eliminate germs and bacteria is to spray it with distilled white vinegar that you can get at any grocery store. Pour the vinegar in an empty spray bottle, then blend an equal amount of water and spray liberally to the screen. Use a soft bristle brush and scrub vigorously and rinse off.

Remember – if your screens look streaky white and silver instead of uniform black color, not only are they less effective in dust and pollen control, they are also very weak and can easily have a hole punched through. In this case, professional replacement may be necessary.

If you need help with your screen repairs, or you realize you need some replacements. Remember Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service can repair or replace your window screens.

Call us to schedule your window screen repair today. Phone (904) 699-2356

We even replace patio screen room screening around the home.

Refresh your home with 2018 remodeling tips

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 05:30:00 +0000

Design trends for 2018

Your passion to refresh your home begins in 2018 with remodeling. Consider a smaller scale for renovations that won’t break your budget. We will help guide you in the right direction with our handyman remodeling tips to make a tremendous impact on your homes design. Here is this years design elements and updates to get you started.

One way to incorporate schemes is through tone-on-tone encouragement with monochromatic colors this year. One approach is choosing colors and tones in your walls, curtains, and furnishings in varying shades.

Having velvet in small ways through home accents and décor will add visual interest and plush materials can gain dimensional texture to your design. This can be achieved by selecting throw rugs, furniture, and pillows that feature velvet.

Out with the old white subway tiles and in with variety tiles which have different colors, tones, and textures. Beige textured accent tiles are gaining popularity according to House Beautiful.

Brass finishes are up in rising this year. Choose glamour with a creative feel with elements of brass finishes in your light fixtures, coffee table, and appliance handles.

Current designs with artisan light fixtures are prominent for unique decorative lighting this year. Luxurious lighting may give the next level to brighten up spaces.

Consider making your journey enjoyable and less stressful by incorporating smaller tasks to get to the big picture. Hire an experienced handyman to turn your dreams to a reality with our improvements.

Bathroom safety is just as important for all ages

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 23:23:00 +0000

Your bathroom gets a lot of use and maintenance it should be just as safe and comfortable for your family. Bathroom safety is important for all ages. While on the late end of new years resolutions families are thinking about upgrading and improving the safety in their home. The National Safety Council says there are over 200,000 bathroom related accidents a year. We put together helpful advice to get your bathroom hazard-free all year long.

Stability and balance is just as important in a wet environment

Slip and falls can help be prevented with aging adults by simply installing grab bars in tubs and showers. Even the youngsters need a little help getting in and out of a tub with the added support of a sturdy handle grab bar. Your tub and showers are in a wet environment, it’s just as important to apply non-slip mats or a removable waterproof textured mat inside the tub or shower. For outside your shower or bathtub place an absorbent rug or towel to avoid slipping on the floor while stepping out the bath with your feet.

Oh the joys of bath time

Many young children love the joys of bath time, but this activity can be dangerous if left unattended. Good safety habits in the bathroom are beneficial. Make sure you always see the little ones while in the bathtub. Drowning even exist with a very shallow bath. Bathroom outlets need child proof covers and bath vanities need locks to help keep the little curious minds out. Of course never let curling irons or hair dryers plugged in, other bath products such as shampoo conditioner, shaving crèam, and razors should be away from the bathtub area to help keep the children safe from harm. Keep the clothing tucked away in a hamper to avoid trips and falls on the bath floor.

Taking steps to increase bath safety in your home is simple. It’s easy to put off a high-traffic bathroom improvement on the back burner. It should always meet preventive safety standards. Contact the expert handyman at Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service to install child proof protections around the home or attach grab bars on those bath walls.

No one wants to be stuck with a dishwasher that has dirty spotted dishes with company this holiday

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:49:00 +0000

No one wants to be stuck with a dishwasher that has dirty spotted dishes with company this holiday

Before the company arrives for holiday events turns your dishwasher in overdrive with dirty spotted dishes. There are ways you can help your dishwasher clean even better! Help maintain and give your dishwasher a tune-up with these dishwasher cleaning tips from Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service in the greater Jacksonville, Florida area.

It is tempting to load a lot of dishes in the dishwasher this holiday season, -but don’t! Did you know overcrowding the dishes leads to “hot spots” where the water can not spray properly to clean the dishes? This will leave you stuck with the gunk of food particles and debris.

Help assist your dishwasher clean a little better

If you run some hot water in the kitchen sink first, this will assist with your dishwashers cleaning performance. Since the dishwater generally runs off the hot water supply line, much like a lot of us know whenever you run hot water in a sink in many cases it will take time for the water to feel actually hot. Well the cleaning of dishes can be affected by this issue. Hot water is the key to break down food particles and gunk.

Sanitize it with vinegar

During the holiday season sanitize your dishwasher with a cup full of vinegar after unloading it and run a quick cycle. The vinegar will sanitize and help break down any built up food particles and sediment in your dishwasher.

It is just as important to maintain your dishwasher with routine general maintenance your dishwasher may last for years to come. Most dishwashers these days have a filter that catches food particles before the pump can suck up the water to help spray your dishes clean in the cleaning cycle. It is wise to scrub brush clean the filter with warm soapy water. As a service technician, you wouldn’t want to see the funk that I have seen over the years. People really don’t know the filth that they may be eating off of. Your dishwasher’s health is just as important. It is recommended every 4 four to six weeks to clean inside including the dishwasher’s trap your dishwasher, wipe down the black lower door gasket to keep the water from leaking out. This will help diminish the buildup of lime scale, soap scum, and food particles that can diminish the machines effectiveness and clog.

Hopefully these helpful tips will help you get ready for the extra load of dishes this holiday season! Don’t get stuck in a pinch this holiday season. And if you suspect that your dishwasher needs service or dishwasher maintenance. Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service is a good choice for appliance maintenance in Jacksonville, Florida with expert handyman you can trust!

Before winter arrives clean and inspect your fireplace

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 07:16:00 +0000

Before winter arrives get your fireplace professionally checked and cleaned

Before winter arrives it would be wise to inspect your fireplace professionally so it could get checked and cleaned if needed to help prevent a chimney or an unwanted house fire. A good 14 check up for fireplace and 7 point flu inspection should be performed prior to the fierce winter winds to prevent the unwanted back draft soot blowing in and entering the inside of the home. A clean chimney doesn't have animal nesting or blockage in it.

When wood burns in the fireplace and smoke goes up the chimney. The warm vapors travel to the upper parts of the flu as the vapors gases, and smoke reach the cooler air it creates black or brown creosote that builds in the chimney. The build up of creosote can be dangerous and catch fire in the chimney. Even small hot spots could smolder for hours after the fire in firebox has extinguished. A hidden chimney fire could spread in the flue undetected.

Homeowners should get an annual chimney inspection every year even if you just have a gas fireplace. You should not risk the chance of an undiscovered defect in the flu liner as winter freeze cycles and moisture can take an annual toll on the liner and masonry materials.

Helpful fire burning advice

Fireplace burning tip: Burn hollow dense seasoned dark gray hardwood such as oak and hickory from nut bearing trees as they are desired since they burn cleaner. Store the firewood in a well ventilated dry place.

It is suggested to use a local certified fireplace cleaning company in your area.

Essential late summer home maintenance tips to keep you on track

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 22:30:00 +0000

Smart tips for late summer home maintenance

Essential late summer preventative home maintenance is the key to help eliminate future major problems around your home you need to know. We put together smart tips to help keep you on track maintaining your home through the season.

It’s that time of year again to maintain and prepare your home before autumn arises. Now would be a great time to install gutter guards to protect your gutter from clogging up in the fall. It is a good idea to clean the gutters before the season hits. While out around the house during an outside grill gathering. Why not walk around the home and inspect it for mold and mildew growths. Keeping your patio and home pressure cleaned can make strides with a good neighbor. A clean driveway or walkway can help deter from a trip and fall on your property. When you may be out preying around the house looking for problem indicators, why not look for places for rodents or pest to entry the home. Seal all open seams, joints, and gaps over a weekend. It’s a suburb time to inspect your existing paint condition looking for signs of flaking, peeling, and wood cracking within the protective paint film layer. Prime and paint as needed. Trim tree limbs and shrubs around the home to give your home room to breathe. Keeping your home clean inside is just as important, clean healthy carpets keeps pollen and allergies to a minimum in the late summer months. A monthly air conditioner filter cleaning or replacement helps keep energy cost down and provides optimum efficiency with air flow with in your home. Drink safe clean water once again; replace water filters for refrigerators and whole home filter systems. Inspect toilets and faucets for drips and leaks, did you know you can save quite a bit on a water bill by replacing a simple washer on a faucet.

Since each maintenance situation is different, you should contact a professional handyman if any questions may arise for your home maintenance.

Your survival guide to improve a ceiling fan

Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service (Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service) — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 03:31:00 +0000

Your survival guide to improve a ceiling fan on your property

Simple cosmetic improvements such as upgrading your ceiling fans can yield tremendous results for your home’s appeal and value. Ceiling fans show age by slowing down over time. Whether you decide to repair or replace there is some advice you need to know.

Ceiling fans certainly have come along way over the years. Older models were very heavy and needed oil to function correctly. These days ceiling fans are much quieter and many options available such as Wi-Fi enabled with smart phone connectivity support and more to improve a space.

Newer ceiling fans can help lower your energy bill up to 30 to 40 percent if used in conjunction of raising or lowering the thermostat several degrees during the seasons. In the summer raise the thermostat and use the comfort of your ceiling fan to breeze a room.

Improving a ceiling fan

If you are thinking of buying a new fan to improve your space. Choose an energy star rated fan, since energy star rated fans are 60 percent more efficient than a conventional fan with lights providing additional energy savings. It is also suggested to purchase a fan with a reversible motor to create a comfortable living environment any time of year.

Professional advice to troubleshoot and repair a fan issue

There are several culprits of a slowing fan; problems with bearings – fan replacement would be recommended, a blade out of balance – tighten mounting screws or balance the fan and make sure blades are not bent warped or damaged, or a failing capacitor – humming or buzz noise while it starting to spin generally it’s the little black box that will be connected to the pull cord wiring also may cause the issue of fan stuck on low speed.

Generally a non functional light the pull cord has broken off causing the light to be stuck on one position. Switch replacements are simple if you have general knowledge of cutting and spiceing wires together. Remember to turn off the power before working on your ceiling fan circuit.

Why not use a determined professional handy person to tackle ceiling fan repair or installation.

Other cosmetic improvements can add value to your homes appeal, simple fixes such as repairing broke windows, patching cracked and repairing holes in walls, applying a fresh coat of neutral paint to the home, updating cracked tile and more can work wonders for the overall resale condition.

No matter what your handyman needs is? We have the right solution, at a good price.