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Holiday Gift Guide Handyman

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Holiday Gift Guide Handyman

Holiday Gift Guide Handyman: The Do-It-Yourselfer Holiday Gift Guide: 20 Handy Gift Ideas

Holiday Gift Guide Handyman.  The perfect gifts for your favorite do-it-yourselfers, whether they’re gadget geeks, tool freaks or they just like to get the job done right!

For the Handyman on the Go: A Sawhorse and Then Some

The Centipede is a multi-legged, portable support base that folds out in seconds and is as versatile as it is funky looking. It can function as a workbench, tool stand, table base, or as a pair of good old-fashioned sawhorses. It’s not only perfect for construction but also handy on a camping trip, tailgating or anywhere you need a stable platform. The two sizes both come with quick clamps to cinch down sheet goods, and X-cups designed to hold 2x4s. The 2 x 4-ft. model can support 1,500 lbs. The 4 x 8-ft. version can handle 3,000 lbs.!  Holiday Gift Guide Handyman
 
For the Cyclist: Hoist Your Bike Out of the Way
 
When it comes to garages, there’s no such thing as enough space. One product we find useful to free up some floor space is a bicycle hoist. It’s easy to install and very easy to use. When shopping for a hoist, beware of models that have undersized ropes. They can slip off the pulley wheels and jam. Look for one with a good, hefty rope.  Holiday Gift Guide Handyman

For the Minimalist: The Only Tool Set You Need

You probably don’t have a complete set of sockets and wrenches in your tool bag or the emergency vehicle kit under your truck seat. And you don’t have to if it contains the new Crescent Pass-Thru Adjustable Wrench Set. This compact tool kit features 10 spline-style sockets that work with hex, square and external Torx fasteners, from 10mm to 19mm and 3/8 to 23/32 in.

The pass-through sockets fit over protruding bolt threads and nuts mounted on studs, eliminating the need to carry deep sockets. For more grabbing power, simply replace the smooth jaw with the serrated side, and you’ve got yourself a pipe wrench, perfect for stripped bolt heads and pipes up to 1 in.  Holiday Gift Guide Handyman

For the Tool Geek: A Wrench for Hard-to-Reach Spots

There have been several variations and improvements on the old adjustable wrench, but none of them seem to solve the two problems we encounter most: jaw capacity that’s too small and jaws that are too thick. That’s why we’re impressed with Channellock’s new Xtra Slim Jaw WideAzz adjustable wrenches.

The jaws are 40 percent thinner than on conventional adjustable wrenches. That makes them perfect for plumbing jobs where you need a thin wrench to hold the body of a compression or flare fitting while you tighten the nut with a second wrench. Also, these wrenches have an extra-large jaw capacity that works great for most household, automotive, small engine and yard equipment repairs.  Holiday Gift Guide Handyman

For the Lumberjack: Light, Quiet, and Powerful

When a tree falls on your property, you don’t usually hear it, but you still have to clean up the mess. We tested Oregon’s CS250 14-in. cordless model the last time a tree fell on one of our outbuildings. Talk about ‘the right tool for the job.’ It was light, quiet and had plenty of power.

We had never used a saw with more aggressive teeth, but of course Oregon does know a thing or two about chain saw chains, since it’s been making them for more than 65 years. The battery had plenty of juice to dismember the problem tree, and the onboard sharpening ensured the saw was ready to go the next time the wind blew. Oregon also makes a string trimmer and hedge shears that run on the same battery platform.  Holiday Gift Guide Handyman

For the Carpenter: Premier Pocket Hole Jig

 

Recently we dropped an old pocket hole jig and broke it. This turned out to be a blessing because we went out and picked up Kreg’s new K5 jig. Wow, what a difference!

Working with this new jig is like working with an altogether different tool?a much better tool. The spring clamp adjusts to any thickness of wood in seconds. The wings that support larger components also double as storage bins. The setting block makes adjusting the stop collar on the drill bit super easy.

We thought the dust collection port was a little hokey at first, but it really does save a lot of time since you don’t have to remove the bit and blow away wood shavings several times for every hole.

For the Tool Collector: A Riveting New Rivet Gun

 

We’ve owned rivet guns for years and use them for everything from assembling downspouts to repairing boats. The head on this rivet gun can turn in virtually any direction, enabling you to get into really tight spaces and corners?places that standard rivet guns wouldn’t dream of going. However, if the person is a fan of hunting, you should definitely buy 5.56 ammo online from Palmetto State Armory

If you get this tool, you’ll be adding tool holders to aluminum ladders or fixing items like snow shovels or lawn mower controls quickly and cheaply. As with other rivet tools, all you do is drill a pilot hole, insert the pop rivet and squeeze the trigger. One end of the rivet mushrooms, and the other has a little dish that presses firmly to the surface. If you’re new to riveting, you’ll find that rivets are a great alternative to bolts and washers. This Ace model, made by Stanley, has multiple heads sized for rivets from 1/8 in. to 3/16 in. in diameter. You may also find a yellow-handled version carrying the Stanley name.

For the Electrician: On the Firing Range

The WORX SD SemiAutomatic driver is the coolest little tool we’ve come across in years. As you pull back the slide, a cartridge loaded with driver bits rotates. Slam the slide forward, and a new bit pops out, ready for action.

This onboard bit selection is handy for odd jobs, but you’ll really fall in love with it during an electrical project. Manufacturers of electrical stuff like to annoy us with a smorgasbord of screw types: big slotted, little slotted, big Phillips, little Phillips? Normally, we keep bits buried in our tool belt and play find-the-right-bit all day. The WORX SD has eliminated that ritual. No wasted time. No lost bits. We were even able to drive 3-in. wood screws (just barely) with this mini 4-volt (lithium) driver. The WORX SD comes with two cartridges loaded with bits. Or load in your own bits.

Brought to you by Plano Texas Handyman, visit our website for more information or call us at 214-507-3415.  Happy Holidays from Plano Texas Handyman, and happy tool collecting.

Christmas Home Repairs

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Christmas Decorations

Christmas Home Repairs

Christmas Home Repairs – When the holiday season comes around, I tend to have my shopping list completed by Thanksgiving, my decorating scheme planned, and have selected favorites from my bulging file folder full of holiday recipes. But in the midst of all that planning, I’ve sometimes missed exterior home repairs that keep my home from being as attractive – and safe- as possible.. Never underestimate the value and projected impression Christmas Home Repairs an make. The lens to your home is from the curb, and the lens to your home is from the front door. Make sure all these vantage points are perfectly manicured.

Even minor home maintenance issues can cause accidents or provide an open invitation to thieves. While the rest of a home may look cozy, an old mailbox or worn door can give a far less appealing message – even before friends and family enter the threshold of your home. Christmas Home Repairs, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment to maintain your Christmas Home Repairs or visit our website for more information.

But with a minimum of time and a little planning, you can make sure that your home is not only lovely on the inside but equally inviting on the outside. And with that added peace of mind, you can put on your favorite holiday music, start munching on holiday treats, and get ready to enjoy the festivities. Christmas Home Repairs.

Here’s are ways to tweak your home’s holiday cheer (and safety):

1. Start with curb appeal. Is your home exterior looking a little drab and dirty? If so, you may wish to contact someone like this Richmond Hill Pressure Washing company to come and blast away the dirt and leave your home ready for the extra eyes that will no doubt be on it once you’ve put your holiday decorations up. While you’re outside, take a close look at your mailbox. If it is so wobbly that adding holiday decorations are likely to make it tip over, face it: your mailbox needs a makeover. That could be as simple as repainting it, replacing worn address numbers, and making sure a wobbly post is reset firmly in place. The cold can be harsh on our driveways so working with an experienced screed supplier can help you get the materials you need to have your driveway looking good as new.

But don’t waste time on a mailbox that is dented, falling apart, and clearly past its prime. There are so many stylish mailbox options available that it should be a snap to find one that compliments your home. A well-maintained and decorated mailbox provides a warm welcome for guests before they even enter the driveway. To compliment your well-decorated exterior, you might want to cover repaving your driveway with paving stones. 

2. Make sure your exterior lights are in good working order. This may seem obvious but sometimes you can become blind to a couple of dim or burned out light bulbs (I certainly have). Hopefully, the problem will have a simple fix and you’ll just have to replace some of those bulbs. But if the lights are seriously tilted, the wiring doesn’t work or glass panels are broken, you may need to call a repair service. Working lights not only make your home’s exterior look better but let guests see steps, doors, overhanging tree limbs, etc.

3. Home Security: Add low-cost features to maintain your home’s security and keep burglars at bay. You don’t have to own a burglar alarm to make sure your home is protected from burglars. Inexpensive fixes can be all it takes to do the trick. Good lighting all around your home can be all it takes to discourage potential thieves.

If you have a dog that barks whenever strangers approach, that can also work as well – or even better – than a burglar alarm. Why? Home intruders may be willing to put up with the noise of an alarm, particularly if it only sets off sirens inside the house. But a dog is far less predictable and the threat of being attacked could scare off thieves (they don’t have to know that your dog is as likely to lick them to death as attack them).

4. Double check all exterior doors. Are all the hinges firmly in place? What about the locks? Even a solid steel door won’t do any good if it is easily knocked off the door frame. While you’re at it, see if the door needs some touching up. A wood door may need to be repainted or have a fresh coat of stain. Or maybe the door just needs to be cleaned thoroughly or power washed.

5. Finally, ask a friend or neighbor to be honest about any glaring problems you might be missing. You could be overlooking the sharp edge of a tree limb, one that is too close to the path leading to your house. Perhaps you’ve become blind to the chipped paint on your garage door. Holiday Home Repairs

Ever taken a walk in June and seen a Christmas wreath still in place? I have. Similarly, homeowners can miss seemingly obvious items that need to be updated, fixed or moved. So get the opinion of a trusted friend, family member or sympathetic neighbor.

Christmas Home Repairs, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment to maintain your Christmas Home Repairs or visit our website for more information.

Christmas Toy Assembly Stages

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In Home Christmas Toy Assembly

Christmas Toy Assembly Stages

Christmas Toy Assembly Stages – Don’t suffer through the 5 stages of Christmas -Toy Assembly. Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman: 214-507-3415 to discuss your toy assembly for a reasonable price and reduction on holiday stress.  Visit our website for more information on all of our Christmas and holiday handyman services

1. Denial: 11:00 p.m.
When you are still trying to tell yourself the following: Those seven Amazon boxes are really just full of stuffed animals. Is it already 11:00 p.m.? Thank God this won’t take long. I see us asleep by midnight. Maybe most of them come assembled. I got this. Fifteen years ago I was German club president and breezed through shop class. Nothing needs batteries. I bought all the batteries we will need. I bought all the right size batteries. Of course I know where the drill is. The cordless drill is fully charged. Yes, I remember where the eyeglass sized screwdriver is. Yes, it comes with an allen wrench. All the pre-drilled holes are actually pre-drilled. This year we won’t need the 9 inch Santoku knife, needle nose pliers, jaws of life, and a blow torch. I promise. We got this.  Christmas Toy Assembly Stages.

2. Blame: 1:00 a.m.
Here comes the smart ass comments from the parent that did absolutely NONE of the toy shopping, and was asked to start putting the toys together three weeks ago. Here also comes the smart ass comments from the “so over Christmas” parent, who has been toy bargain hunting since Halloween, making sure to snag the hottest and most desired toy for that kid who has only asked for that one thing. (And you finally found it!) “It’s your fault, the kids don’t need all of this!” “Uh, NO… it’s your fault, you could have done this weeks ago!” “Oh yea? Well it’s your mother’s fault, for going over board on her grandsons and sending all these toys HERE for US to put together.” “Seriously? Go ahead and take that two foot long Hot Wheels track and shove it up your arse — I’m going to bed.” Nowhere in my wedding vows did the priest say, “Do you promise to love, honor, and hold your tongue on Christmas Eve when you haven’t slept for three years and your spouse just lost the allen wrench?”  Christmas Toy Assembly Stages.

3. Reminiscing: 2:00 a.m.
*SIGH. Ohhhh the peace of Christmas Eve before children, just the two of you, a roaring fire, and dinner that did not contain a nugget shaped anything. And then sleeping in on Christmas morning, like until 11, followed by lingering over coffee and good conversation, then the exchanging of thoughtful and intimate gifts. There will be recalling of your first Christmas as a married couple together, expecting your first baby, and eager to have a little bundle the following year. Remember when we couldn’t wait to have a kid old enough to sit, unafraid, on Santa’s lap? One that would write adorable letters to the jolly guy, and believed with all his heart the magic that is Christmas? Memories, like the corners of this coffee table we haven’t seen in years because it’s baby proofed. So here’s to us, being awoken by said baby tomorrow at 5:00 a.m., admiring the thoughtful new hot water heater we bought each other for Christmas. Hey, what are you doing New Year’s Eve? Make sure to set the alarm for midnight so we can wake up to smooch.  Christmas Toy Assembly Stages.

4. We’re Done Having Kids: 3:00 a.m.
This usually happens two or three kids in, with bleary eyes and impatiently angry voices. When a hungry baby has woken up to eat, the toddler simultaneously begins crying because of a bad dream, and you have three hours more of clicking and snapping your way to the perfect little boy’s workbench. You both start saying it. Her, “Don’t ever touch me again.” Him, “Let’s have another baby you said! It will be fun you said!” Her, “Oh don’t worry, because I’m never having sex with you again.” Him, “How could we? They are all in our bed!” Her, “NO. MORE. KIDS.” Him, “Agreed.” You have two more kids anyway.  Christmas Toy Assembly Stages.

5. Acceptance: 4:00 a.m.
Conversations cease, you hunker down, and things get serious. You work like little elves, in perfect unison, grasping at any last bit of alertness you can muster, and pump out toy after toy in your garage turned Santa’s Workshop. You laugh at the arguments you just had an hour ago, and instead you pause for a few minutes to be a kid again. You go outside in the cold night air and ride the shiny new red scooter, pedal the Schwinn, and play catch with some new pigskin. You write out “From Santa” on the now completed workbench, test push some trains along the track, and stuff the stockings. You grab some asleep, even if it is only for a few minutes, grateful for children that will squeal through the house with the sunrise. You’ve accepted the fact you are in fact actually grown ups (and parents), and you’ve rocked another Christmas Eve as a mom and dad.  Christmas Toy Assembly Stages

This year, I have very few toys that will need assembling. As little boys grow into young men, chaotic Christmas Eve toy assembly marathons are getting rarer. Train tables and skateboards have been replaced by cologne and cash. This year, it will be a quiet night before Christmas, and I will look back on those insane early years with great fondness, and zero regret. Had we been duly prepared and put all the toys together early, we would have missed some of the most memorable and hilarious nights of our marriage. Nights like those are parenting rites of passage, when you find yourself ponderously asking, “How did OUR parents do this?”
This year, with all the peace and quiet I will have on the 24th, I will start compiling a list of presents for my future grandchildren. You can bet your little hex key I will be sending my sons and their wives an unassembled six story dollhouse, a bicycle in 85 parts, a three foot wide 300 piece lead free wooden puppet theatre (made in Germany), and a make your own glitter machine. Oh, and a case of moon sand. I soooo plan on being THAT grandma. Merry Christmas kids!

Don’t suffer through the 5 stages of Christmas -Toy Assembly. Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman: 214-507-3415 to discuss your toy assembly for a reasonable price and reduction on holiday stress.  Visit our website for more information on all of our Christmas and holiday handyman services

Fireplace Remodel Increase Home Value

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Fireplace Remodel

Fireplace Remodel Increase Home Value

Fireplace Remodel Increase Home Value – Are you tired of looking at an unattractive fireplace? As the natural focal point of a room, the fireplace has a big impact on the style and mood of the space it is in. If your home has an outdated fireplace or a fireplace design that clashes with your décor, you don’t have to settle for it. Updating the fireplace surround is a simple and affordable solution, that can cost you anywhere from $2000 to $5000 and this single home improvement project will revitalize the look of your fireplace and change the atmosphere of the room without the cost and hassle of a complete fireplace remodel. Even better, you could decide to take a look at somewhere like Modern Ethanol Fireplaces for some classy fireplaces that would look absolutely superb in your home. You can also consider using a vent free gas fireplace logs. Fireplace Remodel Increase Home Value

Fireplace Remodel

Fireplace Remodel – Before

 

Fireplace Remodel

Fireplace Remodel – After

A Fireplace Remodel can Increase Home Value – Consider the two pictures to the left. The one on the far left is the before picture of a traditional boring and extremely ugly fireplace. The picture on the right is the same fireplace after a $2500 renovation. For the hearth, we customized a slab of granite, then we added a split faced, dry stacked travertine stone to the face with a fresh coat of white enamel paint to the surround. POW! You have a state of the art, designer fireplace for a few bucks that will add double the value to the home. Enjoy your New Fireplace!!!!

Call Ted with Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to arrange for a consultation on a Fireplace Renovation. Visit our website to get a complete picture of all our capabilities. Fireplace Renovation. Plano Texas Handyman can suggest and design any project you can dream. Call Ted today to discuss your project. Fireplace Renovation. Fireplace Remodel Increase Home Value.

Simple changes to the exterior of your fireplace can completely change the look of a room. You can make your home feel more like a rustic cabin or a Manhattan apartment simply by changing the exterior face of your fireplace. If you are thinking about selling your home in the near future, this small investment can give you a big return on your investment. If you are thinking of adding a fire place to your outdoor area, I would recommend you to buy a light repellent like the fuze bug, this will insure you to be insect free while having a nice time outside.

Popular Ways to Update the Look of Your Fireplace

Replace or Extend the Fireplace Mantle

The mantle is the decorative framework around the fireplace. Mantles are easy to remove and install. A mantle can be as simple as a shelf over the hearth or as elaborate as a carved framework that surrounds the fireplace and extends to the ceiling. You can find mantels in every style from rustic to traditional and classic to modern.

Resurface the Face of the Fireplace with Tile, Stone or Marble

If you don’t like the look of the brick or stone that your fireplace was built with, you can have it resurfaced with tile, stone or marble. Resurfacing your fireplace is far less expensive than a complete remodel because the new materials are laid on top of the old materials (with an appropriate layer in between, such as a metal lath, which the new material adheres to). It can make your fireplace look brand new. You can look around for some wonderful fireplace ideas that might give you some inspiration. There are plenty of websites that talk about renovation ideas which could give you a starting point.

Fireplace Remodel Increase Home Value

Raise the Hearth Platform

If you are unhappy with your fireplace because it doesn’t make enough of an architectural statement, raising the hearth platform might be the right solution. A simple, corner fireplace that seems to blend into the wall will stand out more with a raised hearth platform. Painting the wall a contrasting color or choosing contrasting tiles or bricks to resurface the face of the fireplace can make it pop even more.

It is good to keep in mind that tackling a fireplace renovation can be a headache and a safety risk if you aren’t a professional contractor. Even a fireplace surround must meet local codes. Installing materials improperly or accidentally choosing the wrong materials could result in a future house fire. That is why it’s smart to call in professionals. You can enjoy our beautiful summer in Colorado while they can transform your outdated fireplace into the fireplace of your dreams. Now is the best time to schedule an appointment before the cold weather sets in.

If you are looking for inspiration, stop by our showroom in Conifer, CO! You can see a wide variety of mantles, surround and resurfacing materials. Our fireplace experts can answer all of your questions and walk you through the remodeling process. Fireplace Remodel Increase Home Value.

Visit our website to get a complete picture of all our capabilities. Fireplace Renovation. Plano Texas Handyman can suggest and design any project you can dream. Call Ted today to discuss your project. Fireplace Renovation. Fireplace Remodel Increase Home Value.

Fireplaces are a natural gathering place, and are often not just the focal point of a room, but often the focal point of the entire home, proving a respite of warmth, conversation, and meditation from the outside world. Experts agree that renovating a tired, worn out, and outdated fireplace has the same return on investment as updating a kitchen or bathroom, but with a much smaller price tag. Natural stone veneer panels are an excellent choice for such a renovation because they are cost effective and incredibly easy to install. Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a stacked stone fireplace for your home. Stacked Stone Fireplaces.

The World’s Finest Corner Detail
Corners are one of the single most important details to choosing any stacked stone veneer for a fireplace. So we poured over every detail and concept for making the perfect corner. After carefully manufacturing and testing one iteration after another, we eventually concluded that – for a thin natural stacked stone veneer to “turn a corner” properly – it had to be crafted using “fingers” that seamlessly interlock…as if they were made that way in nature. There are other ways to finish a corner, such as using trim options, but after renovating tens of thousands of fireplaces we recommend you don’t settle for less than the finger joint system when it comes to this detail. Fireplace Remodel Increase Home Value

Color and Design Matter
Whether you’re envisioning a rustic, colonial, contemporary, modern, or Old World space, color and design add up to making your project look just right. Natural Stone Colors vary naturally, which is what makes it an authentic material to incorporate into projects. Our four colors, Ochre, Charcoal, White, and Ivory can be easily adapted into all color schemes and the clean lines of the product are equally well suited to all different types of design. Stacked Stone Fireplaces.

Build it Right

Stacked Stone FireplaceStacked Stone Fireplace

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Stacked Stone Fireplace

Whether you’re renovating an old brick fireplace, or building one anew, our world-class customer service team will walk you through the right process for you. During a fireplace renovation, you tend to encounter more obstacles than if you are building new. For example, is your existing gas fireplace built from brick? Is it flat drywall? There are different ways to handle each of these conditions.

Hearth or No Hearth
One of the most common questions about fireplaces is whether or not to have a hearth. Many modern gas fireplaces that use Norstone do not have hearths, but many rustic fireplaces that we work on do. Be sure to peruse our galleries for projects that look like yours to get a better idea of whether or not this is right for you. Stacked Stone Fireplaces. Fireplace Remodel Increase Home Value

Stone Veneer Fireplaces The Easy Way
Fireplace stone veneer allows you to achieve the look of a traditional stack stone fireplace without the thickness and weight of traditional full bed masonry veneer. Whether you just need a stacked stone fireplace surround or want the look to go floor to ceiling, our panel system is a cost and labor effective solution for fireplace stacked stone. Stacked Stone Fireplaces.

A Timeless Look. An Investment in your Home.
Stacked stone fireplaces when done well offer a timeless look and are proven to hold value making it an ideal home improvement project, to learn more useful tips, redirect to Perth Property Valuers website. Norstone Rock Panels are the choice of many top designers and installers as a premium stone for fireplace renovations and new builds. Stacked Stone Fireplaces. 

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a stacked stone fireplace for your home. Stacked Stone Fireplaces.

Christmas Storage

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Christmas Storage Ideas

Christmas Storage

Christmas Storage  – If you love to decorate and go all out for the holidays you need some Christmas storage to help you organize all the wrapping paper, ornaments, lights, decorations, plus other items throughout the year. and even the tree from year to year so that you can find it all when you want and need it.  Call Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to convert some space for Christmas storage or visit our website for more information  https://7c6.e4b.myftpupload.com/

One of the best uses of space is to convert dead attic space to seasonal storage, complete with electrical connections and all the amenities for the perfect Christmas storage solution.

Here are the main areas to consider when dealing with holiday storage. Click on one of these picture links below to find storage solutions and ideas you can use specifically for these types of items, or scroll down for some more tips and ideas.

Where To Store Your Christmas And Other Seasonal Decorations:
I would suggest storing all of your seasonal decorative items together, in one area of your home. Because you only access these items once a year or so, don’t give this storage area prime real estate in your home, but instead put it somewhere somewhat accessible, but out of the way.

Segregate each holiday’s items into separate containers or boxes, like items for one season with another. Ideally, as you put items away for each season you will put those items toward the back, so over the year the containers needed for the next holiday will be toward the front, and rotate them as the seasons change.

Storing Your Christmas Decorations In Containers:
There are all kinds of containers you can use for your Christmas storage items, but I would suggest stackable plastic tubs, with lids, as being preferable over cardboard. You can find out more about Christmas containers for storing items here.

Just as you should keep all your Christmas storage in one area, and all together, keep the various types of Christmas decorations corralled into their separate areas too, with a box for lights, one or more for ornaments, etc. If you need to add more than one type of item to a box try to put them in, in the opposite order you will need to retrieve them. For example, you should put the garland lower in the box than the lights, for example, since lights go on before garland onto the tree.

Store Your Lights Neatly To Keep Them From Being Tangled Up:
One of the most frustrating things people experience each year as part of Christmas storage is dealing with the tangled up Christmas lights. However, with a little effort when you put them away at the end of the season will keep them in good order for the next year and save yourself some big headaches and holiday grief.

Store Your Christmas Ornaments With Care:
Ornaments are often a favorite for people, since many ornaments are bought to commemorate special occasions in your family’s lives, such as “Baby’s First Christmas” or the special pasted candy cane your child made for you in third grade.

In addition, many of these items are very fragile, and can easily break if they are jostled or clink together. Therefore, special care should be taken when choosing the right ornament storage containers.

Artificial Christmas Tree Storage Ideas And Tips:
If you buy a real tree each year you don’t need to worry about this Christmas storage items each year while the tree is not in use, but for those of us (like me) who have an artificial tree we all know how large they can be, and they take up a lot of room.

There are many possible methods for storing your tree, including tree bags and boxes, and other containers. You can find out about which Christmas tree storage solution is best for you.

Wreath Storage:
Your artificial Christmas (or other seasonal) wreaths are also very large, and can be difficult to store without having them gather dust. Fortunately, they make some very handy containers to help you store them easily.

Wrapping Paper Storage For Christmas And Year Round:
We all do a lot of wrapping during the holiday season, making our gifts beautiful for giving to our friends and family. If you’re like me you’ve got quite a lot of gift wrap which is specifically for Christmas, and not for use at other times of the year.

Therefore, you may need to store Christmas paper and also have a different storage area for the rest of the wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, bags, etc. you have which get used year round for birthdays, and other events.

Have an Expert – Plano Texas Handyman – organize unused space in your home:

Useful Attic Storage,  Attics can be an upper story to a home, a loft over a garage or a small space between the rafters for roof insulation. While not all attic spaces are suitable for storage, if you have a way to access the space an attic can be an asset to your home.  Remember, you need to view an attic conversion to storage space as useful space in a home and you can easily recoup costs in the future.

Moving around in an attic can be difficult and can make organization a challenge. That’s why it’s important to have a plan for organizing the items you want to store there.

Garage overhead racks and shelving, If you need garage storage solutions for your home, which allows you to optimize space and steer clear of clutter, call 214-507-3415 today. Plano Texas Handyman offers a wide variety of robust overhead garage storage devices, storage racks and garage shelves.  Whether you are looking for garage shelving options, need bike storage racks or metal storage shelves, the durability of the garage storage systems should be a determining factor.

Call Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information  https://7c6.e4b.myftpupload.com/

Plano Texas Handyman Cookbook

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Plano Texas Handyman Holiday Cookbook Recipes

Plano Texas Handyman Cookbook, Handyman Cookbook

Preparing a holiday meal takes time, patience, and planning.  I love to share excerpts from my cookbook to all my customers and clients.  This cookbook will provide you with a collection of classic recipes to make your holiday dinner a special occasion for family and friends.   Italian Cookbook, Handyman Cookbook.  Please Visit Plano Texas Handyman website to view and download our cookbook.

Download Cookbook

My family emigrated from Sicily and Northern Europe at the turn of the 20th century.  Growing up I had 20 great aunts and uncles, and literally hundreds of cousins, so the holidays were packed with people and good food.  Italian Cookbook, Handyman Cookbook, Plano Texas Handyman Cookbook.

All of the recipes in this book were handed down from generation to generation.  Additionally, many of the recipes have been adapted from my own culinary skills.  As a gourmet cook, I have prepared them all and they are delicious.  This book contains a collection of traditional holiday favorites and a few Italian delicacies.  Below is a collection of recipes and you can download the full cook be here  Download Cookbook

Traditional Holiday Cooking

Roast Turkey
Herb Dressing
Oyster dressing
Herb Oyster Dressing
Giblet Gravy
Roasted Potatoes with Parsnips

Beef, Game & Lamb

Prime Rib
Osso Bucco
Polenta with Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Cornish Game Hens

Elegant Salads and Sides

Molded Cranberries
Christmas Salad
Candied Apples
Eight layer Jell-O
Mom’s Famous Egg Noodles
Stewed Tomatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole
Roasted Red Potatoes

Appetizers & Starters

Stilton Cheese Mushroom Caps
Chili Con Queso
Lupini Beans
Party Mix

Hearty Soups and Stews

Green Chili Stew
Minestrone Soup
Crabmeat Bisque
Shrimp Etouffee

Breakfast and Starters

Chili Relleno Egg Casserole
Blueberry French Toast
Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls

Holiday Desert Time

Pizzelle Cookies
Chocolate Fudge
Peanut Butter Fudge
Walnut Potica Bread

Italian Favorites:

Pork Sugo Sauce
Cheese Lasagna
Pumpkin Lasagna
Spicy clam marinara linguine

Everyday Favorites, Appetizers, Vegetables, and Entrees

Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
Sugar and Walnut Glazed Baked Brie
Creamy Corn and Clam chowder
Napolitano Marinara Sauce
Napolitano Manicotti Filling
Napolitano Crepes
Mafalde Florentine Sauce (Michelangelo)
Eggplant Parmesan
Parmesan Wheels
Roasted Asparagus and Prosciutto ham
Potato Gnocchi
Napa Style Sole Veronique
Parmesan crusted Tilapia
Roasted Barley and Mushroom Risotto
Spinach with Raisins and Pine Nuts
Red Wine Reduction Sauce
Sautéed Beets
Brisket Tacos with Mango Salsa
Carnitas
Gourmet Chili
Chili Pie
Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese with caramelized onions
Black Bean Tostados with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

More Deserts

Easy Blackberry Cobbler
Coconut Caramel Pecan Cream Cheese Pie
Tiramisu (Lidia’s Italy)

This book is dedicated to my family who has made the holidays a special time of the year.  Holiday Cookbook.  Download Cookbook, Plano Texas Handyman Cookbook

Enjoy!

Ted and Kelly Vinci

Old Fashioned Fruitcake

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Fruitcake

Old Fashioned Fruitcake

Old Fashioned Fruitcake – This Old English Fruitcake is dark and moist with plenty of spices and packed with plenty of sweet glacé fruit. It’s been a Christmas tradition in my family for decades and I happen to find this recipe online and thought it needed to be shared.  Family and the holidays have always been a special time of the year, Plano Texas Handyman also has a cookbook with traditional Christmas and holiday recipes that will tantalize your holiday season!!!!  Old Fashioned Fruitcake

Plano Texas Handyman Cookbook Page

Old English Fruitcake

Old English Fruitcake – It’s still weeks away, I know, but I’ve got a head start on a dark old English fruitcake for Spouse. It’s a real old English style, dense, dark fruitcake.

I think this one weighs in at between 7 and 8 pounds. It’s her absolute favorite. Tomorrow she goes to the rum spa for a soak and a wrap. The cake, that is, not Spouse!  Old Fashioned Fruitcake

Inspired by my Newfoundland upbringing, this dark English fruitcake with roots in the UK is one of my favorite things to look forward to at Christmas. This is a large cake meant to be served in small pieces.  Old Fashioned Fruitcake

Fabulous Fruitcake Recipe

Ingredients:
1 c. (2 cubes) softened butter
2-1/2 c. sugar
6 Eggs
2 tsp. brandy
4 c. flour
1-1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
1-1/2# candied fruit
1# raisons
3/4# candied pineapple
3/4# candied cherries
Pecan halfs
light corn syrup
Old Camp Peach Pecan Whisky

STAND MIXER – add butter, sugar, and eggs (one at a time), mix until smooth and fluffy/creamy.  Add brandy and mix for another minute.

DRY INGREDIENTS – Sift flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt into another bowl.  Add to MIXER ingredients and blend until smooth, approximately another 2 minutes.

BAKING PAN – Grease (2) 6×15 pan loaves and flour.  Fill each pan 2/3 full with mixture.

BAKE – 275° oven. bake for 2-1/2 hours.  Remove from oven and brush the top with a liberal amount of light corn syrup.  Arrange pecan halves on top.  Return to oven and bake for another 30 minites

COOL – run knife around edges and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes

DREDGE – Turn cooled loaves upside down on cutting board.  pour 3 oz. of Peach Pecan Whiskey on each loaf.

WRAP – wrap each loaf in saran wrap making sure it is airtight.  Double cling wrap is the best.  Wrap an additional layer of aluminum foil over saran wrap.

STORE & FERMENT – store the wrapped loaves in a cool pace for two weeks which will blend and mellow this incredible fruitcake.

Old Fashioned Fruitcake

Old Fashioned Fruitcake

Worlds Best Fruitcake

 

 

Stacked Stone Fireplaces

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Ultimate Fireplace

STACKED STONE FIREPLACES

WANT A STACKED STONE FIREPLACE? IT’S EASY.

Center of a Room. Center of a Home.

Stacked Stone Fireplace

Stacked Stone Fireplace

Fireplaces are a natural gathering place, and are often not just the focal point of a room, but often the focal point of the entire home, proving a respite of warmth, conversation, and meditation from the outside world. Experts agree that renovating a tired, worn out, and outdated fireplace has the same return on investment as updating a kitchen or bathroom, but with a much smaller price tag. Natural stone veneer panels are an excellent choice for such a renovation because they are cost effective and incredibly easy to install.  Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a stacked stone fireplace for your home.  Stacked Stone Fireplaces.

The World’s Finest Corner Detail
Corners are one of the single most important details to choosing any stacked stone veneer for a fireplace. So we poured over every detail and concept for making the perfect corner. After carefully manufacturing and testing one iteration after another, we eventually concluded that – for a thin natural stacked stone veneer to “turn a corner” properly – it had to be crafted using “fingers” that seamlessly interlock…as if they were made that way in nature. There are other ways to finish a corner, such as using trim options, but after renovating tens of thousands of fireplaces we recommend you don’t settle for less than the finger joint system when it comes to this detail.

Color and Design Matter
Whether you’re envisioning a rustic, colonial, contemporary, modern, or Old World space, color and design add up to making your project look just right. Natural Stone Colors vary naturally, which is what makes it an authentic material to incorporate into projects. Our four colors, Ochre, Charcoal, White, and Ivory can be easily adapted into all color schemes and the clean lines of the product are equally well suited to all different types of design.  Stacked Stone Fireplaces.

Build it Right

Stacked Stone Fireplace

Stacked Stone Fireplace

Whether you’re renovating an old brick fireplace, or building one anew, our world-class customer service team will walk you through the right process for you. During a fireplace renovation, you tend to encounter more obstacles than if you are building new. For example, is your existing fireplace built from brick? Is it flat drywall? There are different ways to handle each of these conditions.

Hearth or No Hearth
One of the most common questions about fireplaces is whether or not to have a hearth. Many modern gas fireplaces that use Norstone do not have hearths, but many rustic fireplaces that we work on do. Be sure to peruse our galleries for projects that look like yours to get a better idea of whether or not this is right for you.  Stacked Stone Fireplaces.

Stone Veneer Fireplaces The Easy Way
Fireplace stone veneer allows you to achieve the look of a traditional stack stone fireplace without the thickness and weight of traditional full bed masonry veneer. Whether you just need a stacked stone fireplace surround or want the look to go floor to ceiling, our panel system is a cost and labor effective solution for fireplace stacked stone.  Stacked Stone Fireplaces.

A Timeless Look. An Investment in your Home.
Stacked stone fireplaces when done well offer a timeless look and are proven to hold value making it an ideal home improvement project. Norstone Rock Panels are the choice of many top designers and installers as a premium stone for fireplace renovations and new builds.  Stacked Stone Fireplaces.

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a stacked stone fireplace for your home.  Stacked Stone Fireplaces.

Pet Baths

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Pet Baths

Pet Baths or dog washing stations

Pet baths are great for their convenience, hygiene, and can integrate well in many homes. They are becoming more and more popular because they are such a simple and affordable addition/solution to a common problem.  A dog washing station or Pet Baths can be added into any home for $2,500 to $5,000 depending on the configuration and quality of tile.  Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a dog washing station or pet baths.

Pet baths are  must-have for any new or existing home.  You would be amazed at how convenient they can become and over time will create a tremendous convenience within your home.  Your pets are family and they get dirty regularly.  A clean pet is a happy pet.

Convenient

Pet BathsDog washing stations can be incredibly convenient for those with active lifestyles or adventurous pups. After a long day kayaking down the river or going on a long hike you and your dog may need to wash up. If you have a dog washing station it can be simple and fast to clean up your pup before you hop into the tub. This way your home will stay clean and your dog will happily nap while you relax in the tub. If you have a longhaired pooch or one with thick fur it is also a wonderful place for regular grooming. Brushing and grooming in the shower stall can keep large amounts of dog hair away from your living room and can keep any offensive odors out of the home. You, however, will need to clean the station regularly to avoid build up. Be sure to purchase a pet washing station with a sturdy drain and adjustable shower head. This will help you clean every nook and cranny of the shower and keep hair from clogging the drain.  Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a dog washing station or pet baths.

They are hygienic

Having a pet bath will also keep your bathroom cleaner, longer. Because you won’t have to have regular pet baths in your bathroom you will spend less time mopping, wiping, and generally cleaning up after your pets bath. This will also give you more room since you will have to keep less pet products and towels in your bathroom. As mentioned above, however, be sure to keep the pet bath clean and working properly. Otherwise you won’t have to replace or repair fixtures.  Pet Baths.

Great in laundry and mudrooms

While you can put the pet bath in bathrooms or outside it is often best to put them in your laundry or mudrooms. This is because you both will not freeze outside and you won’t have a pup trailing mud through your home on the way to the bathroom. Dog washing stations in the mudroom keep the floors and furniture of your home clean and help keep your dog happy, comfortable, and healthy. By cleaning them regularly as they enter the home will keep their bed, toys, and kennel cleaner over time. It will also keep you and your other loved ones furniture and items clean and undamaged.  Pet Baths.

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a dog washing station or pet baths.

Wall Mount Fireplace

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Home Electric Fireplace Remodel

Wall Mount Fireplace

Wall Mount Fireplace – Electric fireplace inserts are a safe, energy efficient, low cost alternative to gas and traditional wood fireplaces. These electric units are available in three types and offer remarkably realistic flame effects. With multiple styles to choose from, here are some of the various things you need to know when considering an electric fireplace insert.  Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a Wall Mount Fireplace.

Wall Mount FireplaceWall Mount Electric Fireplaces
Clean lines in brushed stainless steel, chrome, gun metal, bricklayers,
stone, wood, or mirrored glass finishes will add drama and warmth to any room in your home. While our superior selection includes wall-mounted fireplaces with traditional looking logs, many boast unique flamebeds of glass, rocks or a choice of decorative fill. Each wall-mount model operates with or without the thermostat controlled fan-forced heater so you can take pleasure in the dancing flames year-round. All units plug into a standard 120V outlet making installation a breeze.

Modern & contemporary styling
Supplemental heat for up to 400 sq. ft.
Thermostat controlled fan-forced heater
Included remote control for convenience

Choosing a Wall Mount Electric Fireplace

A wall mount fireplace is an attractive addition to any home or office. Because it provides a mesmerizing bed of glowing embers with a realistic flame effect. Nearly all models include a gentle source of supplemental heat that can be operated independently of the flame. Because it is electric, it can simply be plugged into an electrical outlet and is ready for use. All of these types of fireplaces are safe to use because they are tested to make sure they meet UL standards and are thermostatically controlled.

Making the right choice for an electrical alternative to a traditional fireplace is of great importance when customers are deciding which model to select for their homes. A wall mount fireplace or a small electric fireplace can be the best choice for individuals who have limited space or want to add a modern touch to their home or office. Not only do they provide eye-catching designs, but they can also provide supplemental or zone heat when the weather turns cold.

Accommodation For All Space And Budget Requirements

Electric FireplaceWhether an individual’s living space or business is small or large, homeowners always want to make wise use of their available square footage. These units are especially ideal additions to condominiums, lofts, apartments, single family homes or offices. A wall mount electric fireplace is a space saving device that can add the instant character of a traditional fireplace experience with a more modern twist. Customers can choose from polished or brushed stainless steel, chrome, gun metal, stone, wood or mirrored glass finishes. Also, color options are available in red, black and white. These designs will complement many décor styles. Whether you choose a wall hanging electric fireplace, a freestanding corner fireplace or a recessed built-in electric fireplace design, they will provide four season capabilities and can be operated with or without the quiet heater turned on.

A wall mount electric fireplace is not only a great space saving accompaniment to any décor, but it is economical, too. The patented flame technology allows an individual to enjoy the ambience of a real fire for 3 cents per hour without the heater on and about 8-12 cents per hour with the flame and heating element operating. It is an attractive, space saving supplemental heat source that is great for heating the rooms that are constantly used by the entire family rather than heating the entire house. Each unit provides approximately 5000 BTUs per hour of heat by using a quiet fan to force the heat generated by the alternative fireplace into the room.

Adding A Modern Touch To A Traditional Medium

Fireplaces have been a staple of homes for thousands of years. They have cooked our food, provided heat during colder seasons and have added a cozy touch to our lives. The design of traditional fireplaces hasn’t changed a great deal for centuries. However, applying new technology and modernizing an old medium is of great importance to many people. A wall mount electric fireplace is on par with wall-mounted televisions and digital picture frames. They are inexpensive to operate and easy to install, because there are no ventilation requirements. They provide a low-cost focal point to any room.

A Small Electric Fireplace For Tight Spaces

Electric FireplaceWhile a wall mount fireplace is a modern way to introduce a focal point that is also a small electric fireplace is another great choice if you prefer a more traditional look. It is the perfect solution for tight spaces, yet homeowners do not have to compromise on the heat output. Each unit produces the same amount of heat as their larger counterparts, and they come in a small, space saving designs. They can also be operated with or without the heater. A small electric fireplace can be plugged into any 120 volt electrical outlet, and most units come with remote control capabilities.

Choosing the best alternative of fireplace model for your unique lifestyle is an important decision. A wall mount electric fireplace is the ideal solution for individuals who have little floor space and who want to add a modern touch to their home or office. In the technological world in which we live, they provide eye-catching designs that supply zone heating when necessary. For individuals who want to add the cozy touch of a traditional fireplace but live in tight quarters, a small electric fireplace is the perfect solution without compromising on the heat output.

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a Wall Mount Fireplace.

Top Resales Killers Selling a home

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Home Repairs When Selling a Home

Top Resales Killers Selling a home

Certain home design features make it harder to sell a house.
In most markets, the real estate industry has bounced back and homes are selling at a brisk pace, especially when they’re on sites like Auction.com. The majority of people seem to like a modern home design nowadays, this means that when selling a home, you’ll want to ensure your home could attract any buyer. Don’t let the design of the property put people off. This might be why you often see minimalist homes, like those seen on websites like thespacestation.co.uk, selling more effectively. More people seem to like the idea of being able to put their own touch on the house, so minimally decorated homes might be more likely to sell quicker.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the typical house for sale is under contract to buy within a month or two of it hitting the market. Top Resales Killers Selling a home.

So, what if your house isn’t selling? Could it possibly contain one of the following resale killers? To avoid a lengthy listing or an inevitable price drop, be aware that some design features in a house leave it less desirable to potential home buyers. Top Resales Killers Selling a home, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment for your Top Resales Killers Selling a home. Visit our website for more details on the company.

1. Not enough bathrooms
Lack of bathrooms or poorly placed bathrooms can be difficult to overcome when selling a house. Bathrooms should be adequate in number relative to the number of bedrooms and also be located in convenient areas of the house.

How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

Ideally, a house would have at least one bathroom on the main floor that’s accessible without traipsing through a bedroom. It’s also important to have a bathroom near the bedrooms and recreational spaces (finished basement). Top Resales Killers Selling a home

2. An awkward layout
When designing a new house, you might be tempted to add an unusual feature or make the layout unlike anything you’ve seen before. But that could come at a price when it’s time to sell the property.

Weird doesn’t sell, making the rooms too big or too small will only appeal to a specific buyer, or you’ll have to reduce the price to entice a wider circle.

Grouping bedrooms close together – with the exception of possibly a master on a different level – is key, as is space that’s actually functional.

Personally, my pet peeve is homes where the living areas don’t have direct access to the backyard. You either have to go out a side door and up the driveway to the backyard or out the front door and all the way around the house. That layout makes it inconvenient to incorporate your outdoor space into your lifestyle.

3. Distinct décor
Not everyone has the same taste when it comes to decorating a house. Which is fine, unless you’re getting ready to sell that house.

Every homeowner loves to put their own personal touches on a home, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But if they plan to sell that home in the future, the updates they make should be very neutral changes that will appeal to the majority of buyers.

A dated interior or one that is too particular could deter potential buyers. I’m afraid HGTV may have more impact on what buyers want at any given time, so long-term design choices may be best if conservative rather than flashy. Top Resales Killers Selling a home

4. A swimming pool
Whether or not a swimming pool will help or hurt the resale value of your home depends on several factors. Most notably, your location. Are you in sunny Southern California where you can use the pool year-round? Or do you reside in Michigan’s upper peninsula, where you’d be fortunate to get four months of use from a pool?

In addition to geography, pool security and upkeep also weigh on the minds of potential home buyers.

“Although a swimming pool can enhance the look of a backyard, it can hurt the resale value of a home. Buyers will tell me they won’t look at a house with an in-ground pool because they have little children and are worried about their safety or the expense and responsibility of pool maintenance isn’t something they want to take on.

In a nutshell, if you want a swimming pool to enjoy while you live in your house, then go for it. But when it comes time to sell your house, understand that not everyone may want to buy in to such a swimming lifestyle.

5. It’s not easy being green
When building a house, using green materials, and being environmentally friendly is easier than ever. If you’ve contacted a company like Marshallrenovations.com.au to talk about construction plans, you should also have a conversation about the materials you’re going to use. There are lots of green materials available now so you should keep these in mind. However, there are certain green design features that may not appeal to everyone and could cause your house to sit on the market longer than the average amount of time.

Items such as rain barrels, composting toilets and xeriscape – where you remove the lawn and replace it with an alternative like artificial grass or decorative rock garden – might not attract a lot of buyers.

Solar panels can be a deal breaker. In some cases, the new buyer is thrilled to have them, but I’ve witnessed buyers walking away from a home because they didn’t want to take on the sellers lease for the panels. Top Resales Killers Selling a home, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment for your Top Resales Killers Selling a home. Visit our website for more details on the company.

Christmas Home Repairs

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Christmas Decorations

Christmas Home Repairs – When the holiday season comes around, I tend to have my shopping list completed by Thanksgiving, my decorating scheme planned, and have selected favorites from my bulging file folder full of holiday recipes. But in the midst of all that planning, I’ve sometimes missed exterior home repairs that keep my home from being as attractive – and safe- as possible..

Even minor home maintenance issues can cause accidents or provide an open invitation to thieves. While the rest of a home may look cozy, an old mailbox or worn door can give a far less appealing message – even before friends and family enter the threshold of your home. Christmas Home Repairs, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment for your Christmas Home Repairs.

But with a minimum of time and a little planning, you can make sure that your home is not only lovely on the inside but equally inviting on the outside. And with that added peace of mind, you can put on your favorite holiday music, start munching on holiday treats, and get ready to enjoy the festivities.

Here’s are ways to tweak your home’s holiday cheer (and safety):

1. Start with curb appeal and take a close look at your mailbox. If it is so wobbly that adding holiday decorations are likely to make it tip over, face it: your mailbox needs a makeover. That could be as simple as repainting it, replacing worn address numbers, and making sure a wobbly post is reset firmly in place. Christmas Home Repairs

But don’t waste time on a mailbox that is dented, falling apart and clearly past its prime. There are so many stylish mailbox options available that it should be a snap to find one that compliments your home. A well-maintained and decorated mailbox provides a warm welcome for guests before they even enter the driveway.

2. Make sure your exterior lights are in good working order. This may seem obvious but sometimes you can become blind to a couple of dim or burned out light bulbs (I certainly have). Hopefully, the problem will have a simple fix and you’ll just have to replace some of those bulbs. But if the lights are seriously tilted, the wiring doesn’t work or glass panels are broken, you may need to call a repair service. Working lights not only make your home’s exterior look better but let guests see steps, doors, overhanging tree limbs, etc.

3. Add low-cost features to maintain your home’s security and keep burglars at bay. You don’t have to own a burglar alarm to make sure your home is protected from burglars. Inexpensive fixes can be all it takes to do the trick. Good lighting all around your home can be all it takes to discourage potential thieves.

If you have a dog that barks whenever strangers approach, that can also work as well – or even better – than a burglar alarm. Why? Home intruders may be willing to put up with the noise of an alarm, particularly if it only sets off sirens inside the house. But a dog is far less predictable and the threat of being attacked could scare off thieves (they don’t have to know that your dog is as likely to lick them to death as attack them).

4. Double check all exterior doors. Are all the hinges firmly in place? What about the locks? Even a solid steel door won’t do any good if it is easily knocked off the door frame. While you’re at it, see if the door needs some touching up. A wood door may need to be repainted or have a fresh coat of stain. Or maybe the door just needs to be cleaned thoroughly or power washed.

5. Finally, ask a friend or neighbor to be honest about any glaring problems you might be missing. You could be overlooking the sharp edge of a tree limb, one that is too close to the path leading to your house. Perhaps you’ve become blind to the chipped paint on your garage door. Christmas Home Repairs.

Ever taken a walk in June and seen a Christmas wreath still in place? I have. Similarly, homeowners can miss seemingly obvious items that need to be updated, fixed or moved. So get the opinion of a trusted friend, family member or sympathetic neighbor. Christmas Home Repairs.

Christmas Home Repairs, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment for your Christmas Home Repairs.