Handyman Next Day

Enjoy your deck safely this Summer!

2009-07-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Handyman Next Day Lake Arrowhead, CA (909-266-1455) West Hollywood CA (310-491-5973), Palm Desert CA.

A exterior deck is the perfect way to enjoy summer months. Having a barbecue, reading the Sunday paper or watching a sunset or sunrise can be done from the comfort of your deck while enjoying the outdoors. Often neglected in the winter months, a deck can deteriorate quickly from water/snow damage and can have significant dry-rot which can compromise the structural integrity of the deck. Floor boards in poor condition can break under the weight of an individual and handrails can become loose making it extremely unsafe for small children. A quick review of posts, girders and ledger boards can give one an understanding of the over-all strength of the deck. While review of floor boards, handrails and balusters can determine if certain boards need replacement or if additional securing via deck screws, nails etc. is needed. Spend a little time and money in maintenance and enjoy your deck throughout the summer months. HandymanNextDay.com 909-266-1455

Temporary fixes turn Permanent

2009-03-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Handyman Next Day , www.HandymanNextDay.com , info@handymannextday.com March11, 2009

As the rainy season comes to end in southern California (not much of a rainy season but you would not know it listening to the news a "Storm Watch....2009") remember to make those temporary fixes permanent. Fixing leaks as it's pouring outside doesn't always yield optimum results but you'll be surprised how many times people avoid/forget to have the repair done properly when the weather clears up. Don't wait until next year to do another temporary fix which could be more costly than fixing the problem professionally once-in-for-all.

Call today to schedule an appointment and fix the problem correctly!

Tile Repair

2009-02-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

February 25, 2008 Lake Arrowhead,CA / Palm Desert,CA written by Handy Man Next Day. www.HandymanNextDay.com. 909-266-1455, 760-625-0668
We recently received this email asking the following question.

Dear Handyman Next Day,

I have a cracked tile in my shower how do I replace it without causing damage ?

Sincerely,

Ted-the tile terminator
Concord, CA

Dear 'Terminator',

Thanks for the question. Here's how to tackle this repair.

1. Cover drain area with towel to prevent debris from going down the drain.
2. Cover working area (tub or shower pan ) with drop cloth to prevent debris from scratching surface.
3. With a grout saw run saw along perimeter of tile to be removed going back and forth until all grout is removed from around tile. Take your time and be careful not to damage surrounding tile edges.
4. The temptation now my be to pry the tile loose by using an adjoining tile for leverage--DON'T! More often then not you'll break the adjoining tile adding to your work. Instead tap on existing broken tile along crack to remove portions of broken tile. Slow and steady is the better method to avoid loosening other tile by hitting broken tile too hard.
5. Once tile pieces are removed make sure back portion is clean to be able to apply new tile. Using a 5 in 1 tool or stone chisel might help.
6. Remove drop clothes shake out and place them down again before you begin to install your new tile piece.

For questions like this send emails to: info@HandymanNextDay.com, subject line question.

Handyman Next Day

Go Green-water recirculating pump

2009-02-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

February 20, 2008 Lake Arrowhead,CA / Palm Desert,CA written by Handy Man Next Day. www.HandymanNextDay.com. 909-266-1455, 760-625-0668

Approx 15, 000 gallons of water per year go down the drain waiting for hot water to get hot from faucets, showers and tubs. Considering that this at one time was hot water you are also see the energy cost associated with heating the original 15,000 gallons go down the drain as well. Purchasing a hot water recirculating pump can avoid such loss saving you money while protecting natural resources. Typical pumps can vary in cost ranging anywhere from $250.00-$400.00. This might sound like a substantial investment but when one thinks of an average swimming pool as holding between 15,000-25,000 gallons--the loss and becomes clearer. Check out your local home improvement store or online vendors searching: hot water recirculating pumps for a variety of vendors.

Green tip-hot water heater blanket

2009-02-18T04:44:00.000-08:00

February 18, 2008 Lake Arrowhead,CA / Palm Desert,CA written by Handy Man Next Day. www.HandymanNextDay.com.

In colder weather you often reach for a blanket if your watching television or reading a book. While your at it why not throw a blanket over your water heater as well saving money and the environment at the same time. A water heater thermal blanket can be bought at a home improvement store for as little as 20.00. The yearly savings can be around 30.00 giving you a rate of return of about 150%. The following year and subsequent years are complete savings with no out of pocket costs. With today's economic outlook where else are you going to see returns like that?

For more money saving tips visit us at www.HandymanNextDay.com or see our Posts at www.HandymanNextDay.wordpress.com, www.HandymanNextDay.blogspot.com.

'Green Plan' for your home.

2009-02-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

Handyman Next Day, Lake Arrowhead CA, and Palm Desert Ca Feb. 16, 2009, going green in the household starts with a plan. Perhaps the plan consists of making one commitment per month over a 12 month period. Such a step might include replacing a light bulb with an energy efficient fluorescent bulb, or installing a water saving shower head. The savings earned for replacing such items will pay for themselves faster than one thinks. Don't know where or how to start? Email ( info@HandymanNextDay.com )us today for sample plans that are easy and inexpensive to follow. Or visit us at: www.HandymanNextDay.com.

Green Tip-- reduce energy costs in winter

2009-02-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

As energy prices rise keep energy costs down and help the environment in winter by following these simple cost saving check list items:

1. Close fireplace flu (remember to open again when using) when not in use.
2. Caulk or use weather stripping to seal your house from outside air.
3. Close heater vents in rooms that are not being used.
4. Close doors to rooms not being used to keep warm air in those areas that are being used.
5. Change your thermostat to a programmable one to be able to turn down temperatures when no one is home or everyone is asleep.
6. Open window drapes or shades to let sun light in (usually south facing) then close again at night to keep the cold out.
7. Change out heater filters or at the least clean them so your furnace can work more efficiently.
8. Have your heater maintained by a professional to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently.
9. Spend time together as a family. Having everyone in the same room raises room temperatures as our bodies are in essence small heater usually staying at about 98.6 degrees.

Following these steps you'll notice a significant savings in your energy costs and know that you are contributing in a positive manner to the environment.

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