If you recently moved into a new home, here is some great ideas on small repairs that will pay back in a huge way. But this isn’t the case – you need to check to see if you’ve got to make any necessary repairs. You might not know what things to fix when moving into a New Home so we have put together a New Home Repair Checklist. Call Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to discuss these items for your new home.

There are many who move into a new home every year after spending months trying to find that that perfect place for their family. Moving is always an exciting time for anyone and finding the right place after viewing so many new homes, you can’t wait to get packed and moving, but before you get too comfortable, remember, there are several items to acknowledge and repair to make your new home a perfect long term peace of mind.

1. Change the locks, install smart locks
You just don’t know how many people have a copy of the keys. When a house goes up for sale, a lot of people have access to it (think: listing agents, selling agents, and maintenance workers). Plus, you can’t be sure who the previous owners offered a spare set. So, with that in mind, if you’re worried about how many people have the same set of keys as you, be sure to get your locks changed by installing new locks or better yet, key less smart locks. Also, if the house has an alarm system, remember to change the code. And don’t forget the garage door and the fence gates. New Home Repairs

Install smart locks to make it convenient for family members to enter the home without keys and quests. A really great improvement for a small investment. New Home Repairs

2. Check for moisture stains
Your inspector should have noted any discolored yellow rings on your drywall, but give your home another once-over right before you move in. Any necessary repair work will be easier to tackle when the space isn’t crammed with your stuff. Include the inside of the cabinets for water stains and have them painted with a stain blocker. If you notice any stains on ceilings or need the attic/loft, inspect the roof to see if there are any tears or holes. Roof damage can often let in the elements and cause moisture in the home.

3. Replace all Plumbing Parts
A simple and productive solution to make sure your home plumbing system is in top working order. A) Replace all toilet flush valves and flappers. B) Replace kitchen faucets and bathroom faucets. I can almost assure you that the faucets are worn and have considerable rust and/or calcium build-up. C) Check all cut-off valves to make sure they work properly.

4. Locate the shut-off valves
Find the main water shut-off valve and check to see if you need special tools – like a wrench or a key – to operate it. If you suddenly have a plumbing leak and there’s water pouring into your house, you need to be able to get to the valve and turn off the water quickly. Repairing water damage is costly so you want to take whatever steps you can to minimize or avoid it. New Home Repairs

And no, these valves aren’t in the same place in every home. Usually the valves are located in the front of the house in the water meter. You will need a key to open to open the water meter cover and these can be bought from Home Depot.

5. Locate the circuit breaker box.
If an electrical fire starts, you should know where to go to turn off all the power in the house. Now would also be a good time to label the switches if they’re not already marked. You’ll need two people: One to flip the switch and one to holler when the lights go out. You would be surprised to find out how many electrical panels are not marked properly.

6. Replace the batteries in smoke detectors
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors aren’t always checked during a home inspection. And even if they are, something could happen between the inspection and the time you move in. You could push the button, it could work fine, and then the battery could die. Working smoke alarms save lives, so swap out all the batteries with fresh ones. Smoke alarms wear out over time and it is always best to replace them with new technology. New Home Repairs

7. Give carpets a deep clean
Even if the previous owners didn’t have pets, it’s worth the couple hundred dollars to hire a professional to come in. They have the heavy duty steam-powered machines that can kill germs and dust mites, – and who knows when the carpets were last cleaned. This could help with any dust mites that might have been hiding under your mattress. We recommend calling in the pros once a year, so take advantage of the empty house and do it now.

8. Change the heating and cooling filters
A new disposable filter costs about $15. The damage that could be caused by an old filter is enormous. A whole new system could cost you up to $30,000. If you don’t replace the filter, it could cut down on efficiency, or worse, cause the system to overheat and completely fail.

9. Install closet systems
Moving is one of the few times in life when you have a clear gauge of how much stuff you really have, so you can plot out a helpful closet system pretty well. If you install drawers, shelves, and hanging rods before you move in, you can unpack and organize your stuff at once. Everything goes right into place and you’re done. New Home Repairs

10. Paint
Okay, so you can do some decorating before you move in: Paint your heart out. The benefits are two-fold. Painting in advance gives the house time to air out before you’re actually living there, and your furniture won’t be in the way while you’re working. Some people say to paint after you move in (so you know how the light changes throughout the day) but if you spend time in the new place completing this checklist, you should have a decent idea. Paint some test swatches on the walls and see how you like them over a few days. New Home Repair Checklist

11. Install a security system
Afraid of what might be lurking in or outside your home when you’re away? Fear for your family’s safety when you’re all home for the night? Installing the absolute best home security cameras around your property can do wonders to ease your mind, giving you the added protection you deserve and serving as a crucial deterrent to potential intruders. But with so many features and price points available, picking the right camera for your home security needs can be overwhelming. Our goal is to provide you with the best security camera options and point out the key features that differentiate them from one another to help you pick the right security camera for your home. Note that many home security systems can have cameras as part of the system,

Call Ted with Plano Texas handyman at 214-507-3415 for an assessment of your new home projects or visit our website for all our capabilities. Things to fix when moving into a New Home, New Home Repair Checklist

Changing washer and dryer hookups and why its important. There is nothing more important that to change your washer and dryer hookups every 5 years. Why? Because the parts get worn out and remember, a washer is connected to a hot and cold water supply that is always on for “on demand” water source. If these parts fail, it spells disaster. Also, a dryer has a 4″ flex pipe which vents are from the dryer. It pays to change the flex line because most all have developed holes and perforations over time from moving the dryer occasionally. It also insures that no debris has gotten caught in the line directly behind the dryer. Changing washer and dryer hookups. Call Plano Texas Handyman to change you washer and dryer connections at 214.507.3415 for more efficient operation.

Ideally, your washing machine is usually installed close to your water heater and has wall mounted taps into the outlet and inlet lines for your cold and hot water supply. We install new hot sand water supply lines made from braided stainless steel or high burst poly lines.

We make sure the drain line is properly installed and secured to the box. When a machine that uses as much water as a washing machine does, it needs a place to drain this water. A washing machine drain is called a standpipe, and it empties into what’s called a P-trap. This then directs the water into a waste line. We make sure the connections are secure and in place.

Plano Texas Handyman makes sure the dryer is properly vented and change the vent pipe with new clamps for more efficient operation. This also opens the vent pipe from any debris or obstructions.

A dryer vent or duct is key to the operation of your clothes dryer. Without it, the dryer cannot dry your clothing and there is even a significant risk of fire.

Installing a dryer vent properly, keeping it clean, and troubleshooting minor problems are simple, inexpensive, and essential ways to help your dryer function properly.

Clothes dryers function by tumbling wet clothing through heated air in a rotating drum. This heated air evaporates the moisture, picks it up, and with a fan, pushes it out of the dryer.

Not only that, the vent carries this moist air from the dryer to the home’s exterior. On the back of every dryer is a 4-inch diameter metal vent that expels the water-laden air.

With most dryers, you cannot blow this air into your house interior. The air is moved from the dryer to the exterior with a flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid tube. One end of this tube attaches to the dryer, and the other end attaches to a hole cut in the side of the house.

Call Plano Texas Handymen for Changing washer and dryer hookups. Visit our website Planotexashandyman.com for information on all our capabilities or call 214.507.3415.

LED Bulb Conversation – You can light your home using the same amount of light for less money. An average household dedicates about 5% of its energy budget to lighting. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills and help the eco-system. By replacing your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR, you can save you hundreds of dollars annually plus, the bulbs last more than 5X (five times) the illumination life.

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to discuss the installation of your Drip Irrigation System. Visit our website at www.planotexashandyman.com for more information. Installing Energy – Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money, LED bulb cost savings for your home. LED Bulb Conversation

How to calculate you total LED light energy saving:

OK, lets assuming you have a 2500 square foot home, with a total of :

• A) 40 – 60W incandescent bulbs (lamps, fans and bath fixtures)
• B) 20 – 65W BR40 spot lights (can lights),
• C) 8 – 80W T40 fluorescent bulbs (closets and laundry).
• Purchase of new LED light bulbs total out of pocket cost to replace these bulbs with LED lighting would be approximately $585.00.
• Installation of the bulbs would cost approximately $500.00
• Total out of pocket expense would approximate $1085.00

Cost Analysis:
Incandescent Bulbs: //////\\\\\\ LED Bulbs:
40 – 60W bulbs = 2400 Watts //////\\\\\\ 40 – 12W LED bulb = 480 Watts
20 – 65W bulbs = 1300 Watts //////\\\\\\ 20 – 15W LED bulb = 300 Watts
8 – 80W bulbs = 640 Watts ////// \\\\\\ 8 – 30W LED bulb = 240 Watts
Total Wattage = 4340 Watts //////\\\\\\ Total LED Wattage = 1020 Watts

Return:
Lets assume your paying $.10/kWh (kilo watt hour) and use 6 kilo watt hours per day for lighting in your home
Incandescent Bulbs: ////////\\\\\\\\ LED Bulbs:
Energy Usage Per Day:
4340 kWh x 6 / 1000 = 26.04 kWh //////\\\\\\ 1020 Kwh x 6 /1000 = 6.12 kWh
Daily Energy Savings:
26.04 x $.10/kWh = $2.64/day /////\\\\\\ 6.12 x $.10/kWh = $.62/day
Total Daily Savings:
$2.64 – $.62 = $2.02 savings per day
Annual Savings:
$737.30 Per year
Annual Bulb Life are 50,000 hours or 5 years
5 Year Savings = $3700
$1,085 Investment = 341% Return on Investment

The total annual savings realized based on .11c/kwh would come to $240.00 annually in energy usage, up-front, th, e payback will be less than 2 years! However, you must consider the longevity and useful life of the asset, LED bulbs last on average 14.7 years compared to 2.1 years for standard incandescent. Essentially, you will have to replace incandescent bulbs 7 times. The bottom line is that over the life of the LED product (14 to 15 years), you will save over $3200.00 in energy usage and bulb replacement.

This analysis is done for a 2500 square foot home, do the math, many homes in Plano Texas are much larger. Your savings could be enormous.

New lighting standards took effect in 2012, and money-saving options such as halogen incandescent, CFL, and LED lightbulbs are available today. For high-quality products with the greatest energy savings, choose bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR. Of course this isn’t the only change that you can make to increase your home’s energy efficiency. In fact, you’d be surprised at how many improvements can be made to cut costs, increase efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. LED Bulb Conversation

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to discuss the installation of your Drip Irrigation System. Visit our website at www.planotexashandyman.com for more information. Installing Energy – Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money, LED bulb cost savings for your home

What Are My Lighting Choices?

You have many choices in energy-efficient lighting. The most popular light bulbs available are halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Although they can initially cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs, during their lifetime they save you money, because they use less energy. LED Bulb Conversation

Controls such as timers and photocells save electricity by turning lights off when not in use. Dimmers save electricity when used to lower light levels. Be sure to select products that are compatible with the energy-efficient bulbs you want to use.

If you have outdoor lighting that is left on for a long time, using CFLs or LEDs in these fixtures will save a lot of energy. Most bare spiral CFLs can be used in enclosed fixtures that protect them from the weather. CFLs and LEDs are available as flood lights. These models have been tested to withstand the rain and snow so they can be used in exposed fixtures. Also look for ENERGY STAR-qualified fixtures that are designed for outdoor use and come with features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion , LED bulb cost savings for your home sensors.

LEDs

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are a type of solid-state lighting — semiconductors that convert electricity into light. Although once known mainly for indicator and traffic lights, LEDs in white light, general illumination applications are one of today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing technologies. ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs use only 20%–25% of the energy and last 15 to 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs they replace. LEDs use 25%–30% of the energy and last 8 to 25 times longer than halogen incandescents.

LED bulbs are currently available in many products such as replacements for 40W, 60W, and 75W traditional incandescents, reflector bulbs often used in recessed fixtures, and small track lights, desk lamps, kitchen undercabinet lighting, and outdoor area lights. They come in a variety of colors, and some are dimmable or offer convenient features such as daylight and motion sensors. LEDs work well indoors and outdoors because of their durability and performance in cold environments. Look for LED products such as pathway lights, step lights, and porch lights for outdoor use. You can also find solar-powered outdoor lighting. Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money, LED bulb cost savings for your home. LED Bulb Conversation

While LEDs are more expensive, they still save money because they last a long time and have very low energy use. As with other electronics, prices are expected to come down as more products enter the market.

Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money– First lets look at the benefits of installing energy efficient lighting and later we will examine the up-front cost to upgrade and then the annual energy savings. Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to discuss the installation of your Drip Irrigation System. Visit our website at www.planotexashandyman.com for more information. Installing Energy- 5 Reasons to use Energy Efficient Lighting.

It’s no secret the cost of electrical energy continues to rise and will inevitably continue to do so in the future. At the same time, the demand for electricity continues to increase, taxing our existing electrical infrastructure to the margins of their design limits. We need more power, but in order to get it, we need new transmission and distribution infrastructure — but that’s just the beginning. LED bulb cost savings for your home

Efficiencies need to improve. Smart grid and microgrid strategies need to be deployed, and energy storage needs to be maximized. The list goes on and on. The problem is all of these propositions require a large amount of capital, which seems to be in short supply these days. Therefore, the quickest and least expensive way to generate more electricity is to not consume it in the first place. One way to use less energy is to install newer and more energy-efficient lamps, luminaires, and controls. Even lighting systems that were deployed just five years ago could benefit from newer lighting technologies and/or better control strategies.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that about 461 billion kWh of electricity were used for lighting by the residential and commercial sectors in 2011. This was equal to about 17% of the total electricity consumed by both of these sectors and about 12% of total U.S. electricity consumption. Residential lighting consumption was about 186 billion kWh — or 13% of all residential electricity consumption. The commercial sector, which includes commercial and institutional buildings and public street/highway lighting, consumed about 275 billion kWh for lighting — or 21% of commercial sector electricity consumption in 2011. Installing Energy- 5 Reasons to use Energy Efficient Lighting. Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money, LED Bulb Conversation

The good news is lighting has become more efficient over the last decade and continues to evolve. Not only have lamps and luminaires become more efficient, but so have lighting control systems. Installing new luminaires and lamps — or retrofitting existing luminaires and lamps — is standard practice for the electrical industry. However, installing lighting controls to save energy has sent many electrical contractors and technicians back into training mode.

1. Energy Savings – Lamp/luminaire and lighting control strategies are driven by the need to save energy and by the adoption of energy codes like the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1, or state standards like California’s Title 24. As lamp efficacies improve, energy codes are driving down the number of watts per square foot used to light any give space within a building. Add in effective lighting controls, and you can drive down energy consumption even further. On the voluntary side, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), has had a profound impact on driving energy-efficient lighting design as well. Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money, LED bulb cost savings for your home

There are other benefits for installing a well-engineered lighting system. Although the following benefits may appear to be less quantifiable, in reality, they are no less important than saving energy. First is the effect that a lighting system has on improving the productivity, recruitment, and retention of the customer’s employees. The second is green and zero net energy branding opportunities. A 2015 research study, found an average 3.2% increase in productivity from lighting improvements. The same study also revealed that a 1% increase in productivity equates to 100% reduction in energy costs. Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money, LED Bulb Conversation

2. Large choice of lighting technology – Lamp and luminaire choice is usually driven by customer request in consultation with an architect, lighting designer, or both to meet occupancy requirements. However, in some cases, the electrical contractor may become the specifier of the lamps and luminaires to reduce costs for the customer (value-engineering). Electrical contractors involved in design/build projects have greater influence over lighting selection. Because most design/build electrical contractors are not lighting designers, learning something about basic lighting design benefits everyone involved.

Just like the lighting designer, the electrical contractor needs to understand the customer’s lighting requirements. In the case of value-engineering or design/build scenarios, realize that the customer may be relying on your expertise when it comes to lamp/luminaire selection, layout, and control. Some basic questions to ask the customer include: What is the major task(s) that will be performed in the space (e.g., task lighting)? What surfaces or objects need to be lit (e.g., focal lighting)? What types of fenestrations will the space contain (e.g., daylighting)? Is any lamp/luminaire going to be used as an architectural or decorative feature (e.g., decorative lighting)? What is the mood of the space, or what are the navigation requirements within the space (e.g., ambient lighting)? In some designs, energy savings and increased productivity may be gained by separating task lighting from ambient lighting and using innovative control strategies.

3. Lighting has become understandable – The proper selection of the lamp and luminaire begins with understanding something about the qualities of a light source, which are determined by the method used to produce the light. Light sources range from incandescent and halogen to fluorescent and HID to light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Lamps are rated in lumen output, watts, and lumens per watt or efficacy. Lumen output is the total light output of the lamp. This does not include fixture lumens only lamp lumens. (It’s important to understand the difference when evaluating LED lamps and luminaires.) Efficacy is the measure of how efficient one light source is when compared to another. The more lumen output per watt of power consumed, the more efficacious the lamp is. When purchasing lamps, think lumens, not watts. Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money

4. Quality – The quality of light is also a measure of its color accuracy and the color of the light itself. Color accuracy is a measure of how well the light source can render the colors of an object. This is known as the color rendering index (CRI), which is measured on a scale of 0 (very poor rendering) to 100 (perfect rendering). The color of the light the lamp produces (whether the light appears warm, neutral, or cool) is a function of its color temperature. The lower the color temperature, the warmer (more red) the lamp appears; the higher the color temperature, the whiter or cooler the light source appears (more blue). This is known as the correlated color temperature (CCT), as shown in the Figure. Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money

Other areas of concern when selecting a lamp are its operating temperature range, lamp life, lumen maintenance (how much light output diminishes over the life of the lamp), directionality, dimmability, starting time, and life-cycle costs. All lamp qualities need to be understood to provide the customer with the desired end result. This implies that you, as the electrical contractor, understand how all lamps generate their light and what their operational characteristics are. Control strategies will be predicated on the operational characteristics of the lamp and occupancy requirements. Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money

The goal is to have a better understanding of the nature of light — not necessarily to become a lighting designer. However, if you are providing design/build services or value-engineering a lighting system, understanding some basics of lighting design will help a great deal. Many lighting and lighting control manufacturers provide basic online training with regard to understanding the nature of light, lamp characteristics, luminaire selection, and the correct switching or dimming control devices and topologies. Many lighting manufacturers also offer webinars and training courses, some of which are free. Staying on top of the latest training resources in the lighting arena will go a long way toward maximizing your next energy-efficient installation.

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to discuss the installation of your Drip Irrigation System. Visit our website at www.planotexashandyman.com for more information. Installing Energy – Energy Efficient Lighting Saves Money. LED Bulb Conversation

Why Get Home Security Cameras – A 43-year-old woman was recently murdered in Plano Texas. The murder was a random act of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The perpetrator was caught within two hours of the act because of a neighbors security camera system. Hugely unfortunate for the victim, and it will never replace the loss the family is suffering, but justice was served. Security cameras are not a luxury anymore, they are a necessity. So whether it is getting Home Cameras – Plano Installation, make sure that you have the right equipment to see that justice is dealt with and your safety is high. Home Cameras – Plano Installation

Plano Texas Handyman is your Home Security Camera expert, please call us at 214-507-3415 for more information or visit our website for more information. Why Get Home Security Cameras

Home security cameras keep watch over your home from both inside and outside, acting as an extra pair of eyes and ears to monitor your property. In this guide, we’ll look at the benefits of installing indoor and outdoor security cameras, from their potential to deter criminals to other applications such as pet and baby monitors. We’ll also explore the necessary and optional features of security cameras, as well as their drawbacks.

What Are the Benefits of Home Security Cameras?

Peace of mind is one of the main benefits of security cameras, whether you choose to install cameras that are wired or wireless. They can increase your home security by letting you check in on your property from wherever you are, see a live feed of your home on a smartphone or computer, and get immediate alerts of any unusual activity.

While the number of burglaries in the U.S. continued to decline last year (dropping 11% in the first six months of 2019 compared with the same time period in 2018), the value of the property stolen increased in 2018 to $2,799 (the most recent year for which this information is available). And today, its worse than ever with the recent surge in violent crime. These studies indicate that although burglary rates are dropping, more valuable items are being stolen. This makes home security cameras an important tool in our home protection kit, as they can help with recovery as well as detection. Home Cameras – Plano Installation

Security cameras are recognized as an excellent deterrent to criminals. The experts we spoke with don’t recommend relying solely on cameras for security, saying a complete home security system is the best defense. However, cameras are still important. “If I had to choose, I would go with an alarm system over a camera system first,” says Jordan Frankel, vice president of security consulting firm Global Security Experts Inc. “But I do think cameras are a great addition, primarily because they’re a psychological deterrence. A bad guy sees the camera and may skip your home and move on to an easier target.”

Research backs this up. A study of incarcerated burglars by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology showed that indicators of increased security, such as outdoor surveillance cameras, were considered by most burglars when selecting a target. Home Cameras – Plano Installation

Home security cameras aren’t just useful for policing your property; they’re also helpful for keeping an eye on children and pets when you can’t be there. A security camera with facial recognition by your front door can send you a push notification saying, “John is at the front door,” so you know your child is home safely. Two-way audio on indoor cameras can act as an intercom, allowing you to see and talk to your family when you’re not home. Home Cameras – Plano Installation

What Are the Drawbacks of Home Security Cameras?

Privacy is a big concern when putting cameras around your home. “Whatever it records is technically on the internet forever, “Once it’s stored in the cloud, in theory, it never goes away.” But as experts points out, you likely already have a number of devices in your home with cameras that can record what you’re doing, such as smartphones and computers. There are steps you can take to minimize the security and privacy risks of installing security cameras, however. If you’re concerned, consider only installing cameras on the outside of your home, and don’t put them in personal spaces such as bedrooms. For bedrooms, you can consider having a Top bedroom gun safes for an additional security if you won’t install a security camera in your private spaces. Home Cameras – Plano Installation

Liability can be another drawback. “If you’re just watching your own property, you’re probably fine” , “But if your neighbor believes or has evidence that you have one pointed towards his bedroom window or front door, then you have an issue on your end for liability for their privacy.” Why Get Home Security Cameras

Also, if you record someone’s conversation without their knowledge – even on your own property – you could be breaking the law, depending on where you live. Denise Howell, an internet and technology lawyer, says that under federal law, as long as you’re a party to the conversation and you consent to it being recorded, it doesn’t matter what the other parties think. However, several states have two-party consent laws that make it illegal to record audio conversations without the consent of everyone involved. Plus, it’s almost always illegal to record a conversation if you’re not participating in it at all. A good rule of thumb is to let any visitors know when they are being recorded and consider posting notices on your property indicating it’s being surveilled by audio and video recording technology. Additionally, specific features such as facial recognition (found on Nest cameras) are illegal in some states. Check the applicable laws where you live.

Another drawback is that home security cameras can be costly. While their prices have come down a lot in recent years, to outfit your entire property with security cameras can cost thousands of dollars. Additionally, these high-value items on the outside of your house can be a target for theft themselves.

Are Home Security Cameras Good for Home Protection?

A home security camera system is an excellent tool for home protection, and it can work both as a deterrent and a recovery tool. Burglars are wary of properties with visible security cameras, so protection from burglary is a huge positive. Plus, if a crime does occur, security cameras can help gather evidence. From property damage to potentially identifying criminals who break-in, if you capture the action on camera, you’re more likely to be able to remedy it.

If you want to be able to identify cars, people, and other moving objects, it’s worth investing in a camera with super or ultra-high-definition video (2K or 4K, respectively). This technology uses more pixels in the image, meaning you can zoom in to see more detail on license plates and identify more physical characteristics. An HD or full HD camera won’t get you that type of clarity, especially at night.

Plano Texas Handyman is your Home Security Camera expert, please call us at 214-507-3415 for more information or visit our website for more information.

Ultimately, home security cameras work best to protect your property when they’re integrated with a home security system. To save their batteries, wireless security cameras only start to record when they detect motion, which means they may not record everything you’d want them to. With a home security system, cameras can be set to start recording as soon as any part of the security system is triggered, such as a contact sensor, a glass-break sensor, or a motion sensor. This makes it more likely the cameras will record everything that’s happening on your property and not just the few seconds of motion that occurred right in front of them. Why Get Home Security Cameras

What Are the Most Important Home Security Camera Features?

First, decide whether you want your home security camera to record footage continuously or based on a trigger, such as motion. Recording continuously will make sure yo don’t miss anything, but it will require a lot of Wi-Fi bandwidth and isn’t suitable for battery-powered wire-free cameras. The footage should be stored either on the camera itself or on a cloud-based server where you can access it for a period of time. The camera also should alert you to motion by sending a notification to your smartphone or tablet and quickly deliver clear, good-quality video of the event. “Any camera that can record footage at full high definition or above is going to be good,” says VanWert. “Some can record at 4 and 5 megapixels, and then you’re talking about 4K resolution. It depends on what level of detail you’re looking for, such as whether you want to be able to zoom in on your camera and see a license plate.”

The power source is another key feature of a security camera. If you’re buying a wireless camera, look for one that’s powered by batteries or AC (which means it plugs into a wall outlet). AC power is preferable but not always available where you want to install a camera. As a result, the ability to use both allows for maximum placement flexibility.

Other important features include:

• Night vision for seeing what happens when the sun goes down, unless you have a lot of motion-activated outdoor lighting installed
• Two-way audio so you can hear and speak to whoever is on your property
• A built-in siren and/or a floodlight for extra deterrents
• A mobile app that’s easy to use

Also, if you record someone’s conversation without their knowledge – even on your own property – you could be breaking the law, depending on where you live. Denise Howell, an internet and technology lawyer, says that under federal law, as long as you’re a party to the conversation and you consent to it being recorded, it doesn’t matter what the other parties think. However, several states have two-party consent laws that make it illegal to record audio conversations without the consent of everyone involved. Plus, it’s almost always illegal to record a conversation if you’re not participating in it at all. A good rule of thumb is to let any visitors know when they are being recorded and consider posting notices on your property indicating it’s being surveilled by audio and video recording technology. Additionally, specific features such as facial recognition (found on Nest cameras) are illegal in some states. Check the applicable laws where you live.

What Are Less Important Home Security Camera Features?

Continuous video recording, also called 24/7 recording, is a luxury that you most likely don’t need. Unless you want to record every moment of the day on your property, you can skip this feature, which can be expensive on wireless cameras and uses a lot of Wi-Fi bandwidth and internet data.

Another feature you probably don’t need is an extremely wide field of view, which can distort the image. A 130-degree field of view is usually sufficient.

Finally, modern Wi-Fi security cameras have a host of smart features to give you more detailed information about what’s going on in your home without you having to pull up the video feed. These software-based features tend to increase the price of the camera and aren’t essential, although they’re nice to have. They include features such as person detection, which allows the camera to alert you that a person is on your property, rather than just telling you motion was detected. The ability to set activity zones means the camera will only notify you about motion in a certain area of the image (ignoring, for example, a tree that frequently blows in the wind). Other nice-to-have smart features include the ability to work with smart home systems, such as Amazon’s Alexa Google’s Assistant and Apple’s HomeKit, and to integrate with smart door locks to allow for secure in-home deliveries.

What Are the Privacy Concerns of Home Security Cameras?

Cameras can record video all the time or when they detect motion, which means every time you or someone else walks into your garden or past your video doorbell. Before installing cameras in and around your home, make sure every member of your household knows they’re there and is comfortable with them. Cameras can be hacked, with your footage monitored or even posted to the internet. However, the measures we discuss in How to Keep Your Security Cameras Safe will reduce this risk considerably.

We strongly recommend that you enable any built-in privacy features that the camera offers. For example, cameras can be turned off in the mobile app or geofencing technology can turn them off automatically when someone in your family with a smartphone is home. Home Cameras – Plano Installation

What Are Some Uses of Home Security Cameras Besides Preventing Burglary?

Today’s home security cameras are multifunctional and can be used for much more than just monitoring your property for intruders. Here are just a few other uses for home security cameras:

• Baby Monitor: Set up an indoor camera in your baby’s room and view a live feed wherever you are, as long as you have an internet connection. You’ll need a camera capable of recording 24/7 and it will need to be plugged in, but as long as it has two-way audio and will send alerts on sound or motion it will work as a reliable monitor.
• Pet Cam: Indoor and outdoor cameras can be used to keep an eye on your dogs, cats, chicken coop, or bunny hutch. Some cameras can specifically alert you to the noise of a dog barking so you can talk to your pet with a two-way talk feature.
• Wildlife Cam: Place a battery-powered camera with night vision capabilities at the end of your garden and keep an eye on destructive deer or predatory raccoons, or enjoy the sights and sounds of nocturnal nature on your property.
• Smart Home Trigger: If you have other smart home devices in your home, your camera can be linked with them so they can respond automatically. For example, the motion sensor in an outdoor camera can turn smart lights inside if it detects motion in your driveway when you come home.
• Plano Texas Handyman is your Home Security Camera expert, please call us at 214-507-3415 for more information or visit our website for more information.

Selling your Home in A Hot Market – The Dallas housing market is doing great after recovering from the blows of the pandemic since July of the pandemic year. Demand for single-family homes has risen and supply has lagged since the second half of 2020. For the seventh consecutive year, the number of Texas house sales and the median price reached all-time highs, according to the Texas REALTORS® 2021 Texas Real Estate Year in Review report. Selling your Home in A Hot Market

Housing demand reached an all-time high, and we witnessed numerous multiple-offer situations, including homes that drew dozens of offers and sold for significantly more than the asking price. In 2021, the number of residences sold statewide climbed by 6.2 percent to 416,853 units. Housing inventory fell to 1.2 months at the end of the year, down 0.4 months from the end of 2020.

According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center, a market that is balanced in terms of supply and demand has an inventory of between 6.0 and 6.5 months. The median home price reached $300,000, up 15.7% from the prior year. The median price per square foot of $150 represented an increase of 16.9% from 2020 and a 35.6% jump since 2017. Homes spent an average of 34 days on the market, 21 days less than 2020.

Tips for selling your home:

Selling your Home Secret #10: Make sure the price is right
Find out what your home is worth, and stick to the price, its a hot market. You’ll be stampeded by buyers with multiple bids – even in the worst markets – and they’ll bid up the price over what it’s worth. It takes real courage and most sellers just don’t want to risk it, but it’s the single best strategy to sell a home in today’s market. There are many that want an immediate sale of their home and such people may be interested in services from the likes of The Buy Guys who are able to buy houses for cash, quickly and painlessly. Also make sure you’re advertising correctly. Put up a “For Sale” sign and make sure everyone knows your house is up for sale. If you are seeking a pre-sale advice such as knowing the estimated Neighborhood Values for your property, look for an expert valuer. Selling your Home in A Hot Market

Selling your Home Secret #9: Half-empty closets
Storage is something every buyer is looking for and can never have enough of. Take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what’s left in there. Buyers will snoop, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy. https://7c6.e4b.myftpupload.com/organization/

Selling your Home Secret #8: Light it up
Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine. Do what you have to do make your house bright and cheery – it will make it more sellable.

Selling your Home Secret #7: Play the agent field
A secret sale killer is hiring the wrong realtor. Another alternative you could think of instead of hiring a realtor is real estate circle prospecting. A lot of us are skeptical about hiring a real estate agent for many reasons, however a real estate agent may use circle prospecting to contact potential buyers before they locate a real estate agent. If you’re thinking of hiring a realtor, make sure you have a realtor who is totally informed and has got many years of experience behind them. You want to use someone like these Lynchburg realtors who are going to do everything in their power to ensure a smooth sale. They must constantly monitor the multiple listing service (MLS), know what properties are going on the market, and know the comps in your neighborhood. Find a realtor who embraces technology – a tech-savvy one that has many tools to get your house sold, and making sure they have a good reputation is something that you should also consider. That’s why a realtor like Eric D Schmitt could be the perfect person to help you sell your home.

Selling your Home Secret #6: Conceal the critters
You might think a cuddly dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you’d be wrong. Not everybody is a dog- or cat-lover. Buyers don’t want to walk in your home and see a bowl full of dog food, smell the kitty litter box or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes. It will give buyers the impression that your house is not clean. If you’re planning an open house, send the critters to a pet hotel for the day. Selling your Home in A Hot Market

Selling your Home Secret #5: Don’t over-upgrade
Quick fixes before selling always pay off. Mammoth makeovers, not so much. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market. Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Get a new fresh coat of paint on the walls. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware, make sure closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets and clean the grout. Tips for Selling your home

Selling your Home Secret #4: Take the home out of your house
One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. The more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Get rid of a third of your stuff – put it in storage. This includes family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes. Consider hiring a home stager to maximize the full potential of your home. Staging simply means arranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space. if you need a furniture set to make your home look stylish, see the website of one of the best sellers at the link.

Selling your Home Secret #3: The kitchen comes first
You’re not actually selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen – that’s how important it is. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops where a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style. If you have a little money to spend, buy one fancy stainless steel appliance. Why one? Because when people see one high-end appliance they think all the rest are expensive too and it updates the kitchen.

Selling your Home Secret #2: Always be ready to show
Your house needs to be “show-ready” at all times – you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door. You have to be available whenever they want to come see the place and it has to be in tip-top shape. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, keep the dishwasher cleaned out, the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners. It’s a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold.

Selling your Home Secret #1: The first impression is the only impression
No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. Wash the exterior by hiring a residential power washing company. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers. You can typically get a 100-percent return on the money you put into your home’s curb appeal. Entryways are also important. You use it as a utility space for your coat and keys. But, when you’re selling, make it welcoming by putting in a small bench, a vase of fresh-cut flowers or even some cookies.

Garage Renovations – Remodel your Garage – Call the Garage Renovation Expert, Plano Texas Handyman
Garage Remodel – Garage Renovations Plano Texas and Dallas Texas. Plano Texas Handyman specializes in turning ordinary garages into sparkling clean spaces and magnificent man caves. Done right, a garage remodel can turn your garage into a safe, organized and awesome part of your home. Garage Remodel, Garage Renovations. You can also email me at ted@planotexashandyman.com.

Our offices are located in Plano Texas. We service Collin County, North Dallas, Plano, Frisco and Mckinney. If you are looking for the Ultimate man-cave or the World’s Cleanest Garage, or simply walls, floors or cabinets, give us a call at 214-507-3415. You can also email me at ted@planotexashandyman.com.

Did you know that garage man caves are therapeutic? I’m just kidding, but in all seriousness, a man cave garage is sure to be the talk of the town and your home within your home. Plano Texas Handyman specializes in great remodel packages at affordable prices, all you have to do is choose your design and new garage doors if yours are a bit worn out. Garage Renovations

Man caves give us the freedom to express ourselves. It gives us the personal space we sometimes need in the middle of the weekly grind we go through 52 times a year. The benefits are endless, but converting a garage into a man cave is certainly easier said than done. That is why I have researched and gathered all the steps one must take to convert and remodel a garage into a dream man cave. Garage Remodel, Garage Renovation. If you need help along the way, we can connect you with the right garage contractors near you! 

Step one: Clean the space
To truly design and create the best garage remodel possible, you need a blank canvas. Many of us use the garage to store bikes, winter clothes, drinks, cleaning supplies, etc. Well, if you’re going to use this garage to the fullest, you need to get organized.

Rummage through all the junk you have in your garage and make sure each item is something you and family needs. If not, sell it on eBay or throw it out. For the items you do need, you better get smart at organizing. Move it to the basement, below the sink or in the laundry room. Do whatever you can to clear out the space before you turn it into the garage man cave everyone will be talking about.

Consideration two: Storage Solutions
The key to consider when you remodel your garage, is to add storage. Plano Texas Handyman only recommends Safe Rack storage. They manufacture the best ceiling and wall racks on the market.

The garages, basements and attics are all good candidates for fitting out with overhead garage racks and a variety of hooks to create more vertical space. In the garage, take a look above the garage door, above where the car is parked and above the furniture (such as workbenches) that you might have installed there. Often you will see that there is plenty of unused space in these places. It can be extremely easy to install storage racks or a safety net in any of these locations to put your garden furniture when you are not using it, to store your barbecue and other equipment you do not use all year round and generally to organize all of the things that homeowners need to keep in an easy to reach place in their garages. Garage Renovations

Step three: Painting and wall repair
The insides of garages are not built with design flair. Man caves, on the other hand, require some color and design. That is why your new garage man cave needs a new finish on all the walls which you can get by hiring a qualified contractor like Performance Drywall Services.

I don’t care if it’s red, blue, green or even white, if you’re converting a garage into man cave, it needs paint. If you need help deciding, make sure you read Popular House Paint Colors For 2014. Garage Remodel, Garage Renovation.

Step Four: Lighting
Most garages have one light installed, but when you’re hosting poker night or your next fantasy football draft, you need to illuminate the room.

Add LED strip lights of at least 5000k which daylight bright light. Garage lighting doesn’t have to cost a bundle, especially when you buy a budget multi-pack like the Barrina LED Integrated Light Fixtures. In this set, you’ll get six single bulb fixtures to place anywhere in the garage needs more light. 

Step 5 : Flooring
For obvious reasons, the standard garage floor can get cold and unwelcoming, two feelings you would never want for your garage man cave.

1. Garage Floor Mats AKA Roll Out Flooring is a simple product typically constructed of PVC and available in various patterns and colors.  There are some newer products that are carpet-like and have a rubberized backing.
2. Garage Floor Tiles are generally PVC or Polypropylene squares that interlock. Many customers will lock the product together in a pattern such as a checkerboard. Tiles range in size from 12″ to 18″ and there are a handful of 24″ products on the market. 
3. Garage Floor Coatings encompass a wide variety of products from inexpensive paint to high end epoxy and specialty products.  The big thing to consider when using a coating product is are you able to do the testing and preparation necessary. More Info

You could add floorboards or even carpet in certain areas (very risky though). Alternatively, you could buy large area rugs, but if you really want your man cave to be the talk of the town, spend the extra cash on a comfortable flooring option. Garage Remodel, Garage Renovation.

Protection

These are valuable items and after you show off your unbelievable man cave, all your neighbors will be talking about it. Make sure you purchase special garage door locks. This way, friends and neighbors will need your code to open the garage. Garage Renovations

Likewise, make sure you put a deadbolt on the back door (if your garage has one). If the garage door spring is broken, look for garage door services near you to help you with your garage door repair task. You can also learn at Titan Garage Doors Coquitlam website how to fix it. For more protection, you could also extend your security system.

Furniture
Now that we have the basics out of the way, it’s time to get into the fun stuff. As I noted in 10 Must-Have Items for the Ultimate Man Cave, a recliner is the No. 1 essential item all man caves need.

The age-old picture of a man drinking a beer on his recliner in his man cave has not died. However, the modern man cave has evolved and you need comfortable seating for all your friends. Whether you add a sectional, a huge leather couch, multiple recliners or even bar seats, make sure you have enough seating for you and all your guys.

Bar & Fridge
The man cave is supposed to be convenient and it surely won’t be if you have to run inside every time you want a drink or another sandwich. If you have space, try to build your own bar in the corner of your new man cave garage. Leave space and electrical outlets for a mini fridge or a larger one if you can fit it.

Believe me when I say that without a fridge, your friends will not enjoy this man cave. Garage Remodel, Garage Renovation.

Memorabilia
No man cave can be complete without its fair share of sports memorabilia. If you have always wanted a place to show off that Derek Jeter ball or a wall to hang that Tom Brady jersey, your man cave is it.

If you’re not into sports, add movie posters, pictures of the kids or anything that makes you happy. It’s your man cave. Be sure to add all the personal flair you want!

Conclusion
Garages are the perfect location for a man cave. If separates the home and your home within your home. It gives you the freedom you demand after a long week. If you want some more ideas for extra rooms that can add more space to your home, Click Here. Now that you know what you need, go out and start building or designing your own garage man cave.

If you are looking for the Ultimate man-cave or the World’s Cleanest Garage, or simply walls, floors or cabinets, give us a call at 214-507-3415, Plano Texas Handyman. You can also email me at ted@planotexashandyman.com.

Kitchen Range Hood Replacement – If you have played host for Thanksgiving or any daily cooking event, you know exactly what a difference kitchen ventilation can make—or what it could have made, if only your range hood had been up to the task. The right range hood doesn’t just make cooking more pleasant, it also improves the air quality of your entire home. So now is a great time to replace yours, ahead of more holiday cooking and day-to-day time indoors.  Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to discuss the installation of your New Kitchen Range Hood. Visit our website at www.planotexashandyman.com for more information. New Kitchen Range Hood. Kitchen Range Hood Replacement

In addition to removing cooking odors, a range hood whisks away grease, moisture and such pollutants as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. And instead of filtering and recirculating air in the kitchen, it should duct to the outside in order to carry exhaust and odors completely out of your home for a healthier environment inside.

It’s also possible to find a hood that works quietly while you’re carrying on a kitchen conversation, learn about cabinet refacing at the link. Look for certified sound ratings and sone levels (one sone is equivalent to around 40 decibels). The lower the sone level, the quieter the range hood will be; just make sure to double-check sone levels for all fan settings before you commit.

In other range hood features, dishwasher-safe filters make maintenance easy, and sensor lighting provides safety when you’re prowling for a midnight snack. Whether your range hood update is a replacement or upgrade, the variety of designs on the market means you can accommodate both your kitchen’s style and your year-round cooking routine with healthy, effective results.  High Performance Kitchen Range Hoods, Kitchen Range Hood Replacement

The interesting thing about range hoods is that most all of them are completely ineffective, most all of them.  A GE under cabinet microwave oven/ventilation combo unit installed over most ranges have a maximum CFM (cubic foot per minute) air exchange at 190 CFM.  In comparison, an upper end stand-alone range hood can extract upwards of 300 CFM.  Reality check, this is not much of a difference.  Taking 190 CFM of air from a standard kitchen means you will have a complete air change every 15 to 25 minutes, not so good.  Under this scenario, you would practically cook one course of an entire meal and not clear the or of the associated odors.

SOLUTION:  The above investment in a microwave oven would be less than $300, the range hood would be $125.  Neither of these units actually remove negligible odor from the cooking event.

Consider investing $650 in a High performance (vented) range hood.  This hood will move 900 CFM.  Now consider the same 500 square foot kitchen with a 900 CFM range hood, you will make a complete are exchange every 4 minutes or so. An improvement of 600% to 800%.  Dramatic improvement!  New Kitchen Range Hood

This high end range hood unit features a 8 in. round duct vent exhaust, delayed power auto shut off, credit card size wireless remote control system and a 900 CFM motor. The range hood can be controlled via the remote control from 20 ft. away and the 900 CFM motor provides powerful air ventilation. Remove grease, smoke and odors from your kitchen with a beautiful Cavaliere under cabinet range hood.  High Performance Kitchen Range Hoods

Other benefits include:

• Under cabinet range hood delivers superior ventilation above the cooking surface and ventilates air outside the home
• Touch sensitive keypad with LCD display and credit card sized remote control allow them to user adjust the fan speed, the light setting and unique heat sensitive auto speed function
• The 4 fan speeds with a timer function allow the user to customize the ventilation to fit their needs
• 900-CFM motor is powerful for heavy duty cooking
• Stainless steel baffle filters are dishwasher-friendly for easy cleaning
• Two 35-Watt GU10 halogen lights illuminate the cooking surface
• For external ventilation, a 8 in. round duct is required to fit the 8 in. round duct vent exhaust
• Stainless steel (brushed finish steel sheets) construction creates a beautiful aesthetic, is durable and is easy to clean

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to discuss the installation of your new kitchen range hood or Visit our website at www.planotexashandyman.com for more information.  High Performance Kitchen Range Hoods, New Kitchen Range Hood, Kitchen Range Hood Replacement

1. Clean the kitchen

Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist – If you’ve been hosting holiday events, your kitchen has logged some overtime. Maybe it’s time to give it (and yourself) a break and order some takeout.

Before you cozy up on the couch, clean these parts of your kitchen so it’s fresh and well-functioning when you decide to pick up a spatula again.

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to assist with all your home maintenance needs.

Check your range hood filter

Now that the busy season is over for your kitchen, it’s a good time to clean your range-hood filter in boiling water and baking soda. This not only rids your filter of ickiness—it helps keep your kitchen air pure. If the grease is too stubborn to clean, opt for a new filter instead.

Clean your cooling coils

Refrigerator coils are dust bunny magnets. Boost your fridge’s energy efficiency by vacuuming the coils regularly.

Double-duty cleaning brush

You can use a flexible vent cleaning brush for cleaning both your refrigerator coils and your dryer vent.

2. Get organized

Now that the holidays are over, your bedroom and shared spaces deserve some TLC. Time to make your environment conducive to all the ambitious New Year’s resolutions you have your eye on.

Create a home inventory

Make a list of the items you’d want your insurance company to know about if, heaven forbid, you lost your home in a fire or flood. Don’t forget to add any big-ticket items you got over the holidays.

Update home files

Gather up all those instruction manuals and warranties and slip them into a single file. But first, check if the instruction manuals are available online—you may be able to chuck the physical copy. While you’re organizing, start a file for all the income tax paperwork you’re getting in the mail. Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to assist with all your home maintenance needs.

Pack away decorations

You’ll thank yourself next year if you take the time to coil your lights carefully and pack ornaments securely so nothing gets broken.

DIY ornament storage system

For an easy DIY ornament storage system, cut a piece of cardboard so it can lie flat in the bottom of a plastic tub. Glue plastic cups to the cardboard and place ornaments inside and around each cup. Place a second layer of cardboard and plastic cups on top of the first for another layer of storage.

Declutter closets

If that blue sweater got eaten by the dog, how would you feel? If you wouldn’t be devastated, then let it go. Start off your new year with some breathing room by dropping the dead weight of unused items.

Check batteries

Winter storms can bring power outages, so it’s a good idea to check batteries and bulbs in flashlights, weather radios, and other emergency gear.

Restock your battery supply so you’ve got plenty of replacements throughout the year.

3. Do house maintenance

Inspect pipes

Hopefully you’ve already bundled up your water pipes with pipe insulation, but it’s still a good idea to check them for cracks and fractures throughout the winter. Catching a leak before it happens can save you from costly water damage.

Clean filters and vents

If you didn’t change your furnace filter as part of your December Home Maintenance Checklist, now is the time. Clear debris from your dryer vents and other air vents so you can breathe easy.

Inspect house structure

While you’re poking around in your attic and basement, grab a flashlight and inspect exposed beams, foundations, and your chimney for cracks, leaks, mold, and damage from pests.

Add insulation

If your attic insulation is less than 12″ deep, it’s time to contact a professional to add more. Keeping your home well-insulated can lower your energy bills.

4. Inspect bathrooms

Your bathrooms need some love this month too—make sure to replenish medical supplies and ward off water damage.

Replenish medical supplies

Add more bandages, burn cream, and antiseptic to your first aid kit to make up for all the holiday injuries you doctored in December. Keep plenty of cold and cough medicine and vitamin C on hand to prep for flu season.

Run water in unused spaces

It’s a good idea to flush toilets and run water in unused bathrooms to prevent frozen pipes and hard water stains. Clean your water softener to keep it in good working order. Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to assist with all your home maintenance needs.

Check for mold

When it’s chilly outside, we don’t usually use bathroom windows to vent steam, and that can lead to moisture buildup. Check for mold and make sure your bathroom vent fans are working correctly.

5. Prepare for emergencies

Don’t forget to test and inspect the safety devices standing at the ready in your hallways. 

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Ensure that these life-saving devices are functional, and change batteries if necessary.

---

Check fire extinguishers

Kidde fire extinguishers from Home Depot are available and inexpensive

Speaking of fires, confirm that your emergency fire extinguishers are still charged. If the needle on the pressure gauge is in the green, you’re all set. Otherwise, get it recharged.

Review your emergency plan

Make sure your family knows what the alarms on the smoke detectors sound like and what to do in case of a fire. Practice!

Check out our guide to preparing kids for emergencies for tons of helpful activities and resources.

6. Upgrade outside

Check off these January to-dos for the outside of your home. These tasks protect your home exterior so you can feel safe inside.

Replace light bulbs

LED light bulbs are recommended as energy consumption and longevity.

During this dark time of year, it’s important to have working outdoor lights for your safety and home security. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

Start researching security cameras

Smart homeowners start planning ahead for the summer burglary season by researching home security systems and surveillance cameras during the winter. Lorex is the best security camera on the market.

Clear your gutters

Clear gutters of leaves, debris, ice dams, and icicles to prevent damage to your roof and siding.

7. Keep your devices running smoothly

Once a month there are a few things you need to do to keep all of the devices around your home running smoothly and safely. The first of each month is a perfect time to do a quick checkup.

Review the list of devices connected to your Wi-Fi

To make sure that someone else isn’t using your Wi-Fi and sucking up your precious bandwidth, check the list of devices that are connected to it. For most routers this is as easy as logging into its online dashboard. Make sure to delete any devices you don’t recognize.

Reset the Wi-Fi password

Changing the Wi-Fi password every month may be a hassle, but it is a good way to prevent others from hacking into your network and potentially stealing your personal information. Make sure the password is strong with these cybersecurity tips. Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to assist with all your home maintenance needs.

Run a check on your devices

Once a month you should also check on the devices around your home and make sure they’re functioning properly:

• Update apps.
• Run the test mode on your security system’s control panel to work out bugs.
• Check the status of medical alert devices.
• Make sure fire detectors are working.
• Clean off security camera lenses.

Plano Handyman Service – A handymen is a professional person who can complete minor and complex tasks with ease. A good handyman can fix about anything. However, a handyman is not someone you call to fix your HVAC unit, a handyman is not someone you call to roof your home. A handyman is someone who can make your home complete by fixing all those things that are a mystery. Light switches, ceiling fans, media rooms, faucet replacement, garage storage, attic lifts, smart home, home inspection, home security, and handyman professional. Call Plano Texas Handyman today at 214-507-3415 for more information or visit our website to get a full perspective on our capabilities.  Plano Handyman Service.

A handyman is a skilled “jack of all trades” who can complete a wide range of repairs or home improvement jobs.  Plano Texas Handyman is truly a jack of all trades with an engineering background and master fix-ologist. 

A handyman, or handyman service, usually charges clients an hourly rate, plus material costs including material handling equipment, regardless of the task. Many homeowners compile a list of repairs and hire a handyman to complete the list in a single visit.

The term “handyman” is loosely defined. Some are self-trained, while others have formal training in various aspects of construction and home repair. A home handyman might specialize in a few types of home maintenance, such as painting, carpentry, or tiling, while others may have additional skills such as residential plumbing and electrical expertise.

There’s no national standard or regulation for handymen. Licensing and regulation vary by state. New Jersey, for example, requires handymen who work for a profit to register with the state and carry insurance. California requires handymen to carry a license from the State Contractors License Board to work on any project that exceeds $500 in labor and material costs. Find out before you hire the handyman if he or she has the skills needed to complete your project.  Plano Texas Handyman Service, Handyman Service Plano Texas

Do you need a handyman or contractor?
The scope of the job and level of skill required to complete it should determine whether you hire a handyman or contractor.

“When trying to determine who you should hire for a particular job, consider the task,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “If it’s a specialized trade, be sure you hire that tradesperson like a plumber or electrician, for example. If it’s little things that you can do yourself, a handyman is probably the right way to go.”  Handyman Service Plano Texas.

A handyman is not the best option for a large or complicated project that could take a long time to complete and requires the help of multiple workers. You shouldn’t turn to a handyman either if you need an emergency plumber, electrical or appliance work, unless the handyman is licensed in that trade. If an unlicensed person does plumbing or electrical work, you have no guarantee that the work has been done to code, which could affect your homeowners insurance policy or any claim related to the work. Use a contractor or specialist for remodeling work, room additions and projects that require heavy-duty equipment or licensed professionals that provide home electrician services.

Why hire a handyman?
You’ve got an ever increasing to-do list of home improvements like changing out a bathroom faucet, replacing missing shingles on the roof and painting a kitchen wall. You could hire a plumber, roofer and painter who have conflicting schedules and their own service charges, or you could hire a handyman to complete all three projects in one day for one hourly rate.  If you are an experienced roofed, you might be interested in how to market your roofing agency as we did.

Because many handymen charge by the hour, a homeowner can save time and money on home improvement projects by hiring one to complete a wide range of projects at an hourly rate. A service charge from a plumber or roofer to come to your home could equal or even surpass the cost of hiring a handyman for a few hours. However, in some cases, a specific professional is needed to make sure the job is done correctly and to the specifications required. It may be wise to look into roofing companies near to you or whittle it down by Googling clear-cut keywords such as ‘roofing companies in Herndon, VA‘ for instance.

You’re also less likely to be overcharged if your hire a handyman. Unlike a general contractor or specialist who is more likely to price a job based on the estimated amount of time it will take to complete, you only have to pay a handyman for the hours he works, unless you agree on a flat rate. Handymen can keep their rates low because they don’t have to pay additional workers, so they have lower overhead costs than contractors or large companies.

Although handymen have less overhead, they do supply their own tools, so there’s no need to invest in extra equipment you won’t use often or at all. However, you will need to supply the materials.

When you hire a contractor or specialist, they usually supply the materials, and often at a markup. If they don’t provide the materials, they may not guarantee a repair, or your choices are limited to what they have in stock. When you choose your own materials, you know how much the product costs, and you can stay within your budget. You also get to choose the manufacturer, finish and register any warranty agreement. Make sure to view more information on this site on how to contact cleaning services for your property.

Handymen have been known to do all types of work, from setting up playground equipment and gas grills to hanging holiday lights and decorations.  Plano Texas Handyman. Handyman Service Plano Texas.

Ideal jobs for a handyman
Handymen are best utilized for small, “honey-do” types of home repair work. The following projects are ideal for most handymen:

Minor plumbing work: Many handymen are capable of completing small plumbing jobs like installing new fixtures or repairing a leaky faucet. However, complex projects that require relocating plumbing within the home or septic tank maintenance should be left to a licensed plumber. 

Caulking: Adding a fresh application of caulk to gaps between windows, doors and siding is a great way to improve energy efficiency and lower utility costs.

Decks and porches: Over time, weather can take a toll on wooden decks and porches. A handyman can replace broken boards, apply a finish or sealant and improve or upgrade your deck or porch’s safety and appearance.

Home Automation: We can fully integrate your home into a “smart home”.  We have extensive electrical engineering experience and can automate your home easily.

Home exterior repairs: If you have minor damage to your home’s exterior, such as a loose piece of siding or a missing shingle, hiring a handyman to repair those items may prove to be more cost-effective than hiring a specialist.  Plano Texas Handyman Service

Painting and touch-ups: If you have a small painting job, like a wall, garage door, touch-ups of scuff marks or the repair of small holes with spackle, consider a handyman. But remember, a handyman typically charges by the hour, so larger jobs are better suited for a professional painting crew.

Hanging window treatments, pictures and mirrors and installing light fixtures: These small tasks can be easily accomplished by a homeowner. But if you hire a handyman with the right tools and experience, these wall-mounted items will likely be hung correctly and without damage.

Tips to hire a handyman
Interview several candidates before hiring a candidate. A handyman works closely with you in your home, so you want to pick one that you feel comfortable being around. Use the following tips to help you choose the best one:

1. Define the project. Start by compiling a list of the home repairs you want completed. Remember, a handyman is best used for small jobs such as installing light fixtures, patching drywall and interior painting. If the job requires pulling a permit, or moving plumbing or electrical wiring, consider hiring a licensed contractor.

2. Shop around. Check Angie’s List reviews and interview at least three handymen. Ask how many years of experience they have and their areas of specialization. Request references from homeowners who have hired them. Make sure the potential handyman has the skills and experience to complete your project. This a a good article on Handyman Prices from Angie’s List

3. Watch out for scams. Avoid handymen who contact you with unsolicited phone calls or visits to your home. You should also avoid any handyman who refuses to guarantee the price of the job or asks for payment upfront. Reputable handymen don’t expect to get paid before the project is completed.

4. Get it in writing. If the job is large, insist on a written agreement laying out the job details, costs and payment schedule. Be clear about the times you expect the work to be started and completed. It’s extremely important to get all guarantees in writing.

5. Ask for a guarantee. Many handymen will guarantee their work for up to one year. Ask about guarantees before you make a hiring decision, and of course, make sure the guarantee is in writing. Plano Texas Handyman Service

6. Inspect the work. Inspect the completed work before paying the handyman. Make sure that everything has been done to your satisfaction and at the agreed upon price. Most handymen will be happy to explain the finished work because they want you to be satisfied.

Plano Texas Handyman is truly a jack of all trades with an engineering background and master fix-ologist.  Call Plano Texas Handyman today at 214-507-3415 for more information or visit our website to get a full perspective on our capabilities.  Plano Texas Handyman Service

Read our other articles on this topic: Plano Texas Handyman New Home Quality Inspection Business Access Controls Smart Home Design

Presale Home Repairs in Plano – Plano is a hot real estate market Sellers are getting top dollar plus a real premium, sometimes 20% above listing. When you are preparing your home for sale, there are many inexpensive improvements you can do to your home that will bring you greater value and help sell your home faster. We have all heard that you should de-clutter, de-personalize and have chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven when it is shown. We also know that if you have unlimited funds that granite, hard wood and stainless steel appliances are all the rage, but expensive. There are also the basic improvements, such as new carpet, but this can still costs thousands of dollars. According to many companies, structural damage to the roofs can seriously put off buyers, and it is worth checking out professional residential roofing services when you’ve decided on having a roofing repair or a roof replacementso you can get help from an expert roofing contractor.

How do you clean a gutter cover? It’s a simple process if you choose Mastershield gutter guards. If you are struggling to pay for any home renovations then getting a personal loan may be incredibly helpful to get the results you need and you should be able to pay back the loan with the money made from selling the house. If you want to find out more about personal loans then you begin your home renovations. If your debt is small enough to eliminate it within six months to a year, don’t bother looking for a debt consolidation solution in a place like www.debtconsolidation.com. The following are some inexpensive ways to improve your home, like exterior home painting, with very little cash that we suggest you consider before selling.

Call Ted with Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for a complete list of all our home improvement capabilities. Presale Home Repairs in Plano

1. Repaint or Replace Front Door

The national association of realtors does a study every year of “Remodeling Cost Vs. Value Report”* where they rate home projects with the highest and lowers return on investment. Last year the highest return on investment went to replacing your front door (85.6% R.O.I). The first impression is a lasting impression so make it count. A dated front door makes a house look cheap, and a worn front door makes a house un-cared for or old. However, if you have a nice front door and if you don’t need to replace your front door consider painting it a bold color, maybe using high-gloss paint or staining of its stained. If your front door is in disrepair, consider replacing it with a new, stylish door. For a $300 to $800 dollars you can buy a nice door.

This is also true for interior doors. If you have old dated brown flat panel wood doors, consider replacing them with nice raised panel white doors or paint the existing door to make them look clean and fresh. The basic raised panel hollow-core doors are about $20 to $30 and they come pre-primed. If you want to make an extra good impression, replace the trim the with and an updated style.

3. New Electrical Switch Plates

This is such an easy improvement, but can really stand out. We have seen freshly painted rooms with old yellowed ugly switch plates. Even worse, some even paint over them. New switch plates cost about 50 cents each. You can replace the entire house with new switch plates for about $20. For the entry, living room and other obvious areas, spring for nice bronze or brass plates. They run about $5 each – but make a difference.

4. New Door Handles

In addition to changing doors, consider changing the handles. An old door handle, especially worn gold ones look bad. For about $20, you can replace them with new bronze finished handles. For an added touch you can also replace bathrooms and bedroom door handles with the fancy lever handles (about $20 each). Presale Home Repairs in Plano

5. Caulking, Weatherstrip, and Clean Windows

Caulk all your tubs and and showers, make them look freshly new. Replace the weatherstripping on all exterior doors, it dampens road noise and makes the house seem tight. Have your windows professionally cleaned, this is a massive improvement that will make your home seem new.

6. The Entry

After the front door, your next first impression is the foyer area; make sure it is inviting. Find a plant, decorative piece of furniture or art that sets the tone for the home. Many older homes have linoleum entry floors. Some may even have carpet which can look a bit worse for wear after years of people coming and going. Hiring a professional carpet cleaner, like the ones found locally may be one way of improving your entry, or replacing the carpet might work too. Consider 12? ceramic tiles, which for a 8ft x 8ft area should cost about $100 in materials, or use travertine.

7. In the Bath

It is amazing how many older homes that have an ugly old shower curtain. An old used shower curtain can be a turnoff and make the home feel dirty. If your shower/tub is nice, buy a curtain that ties back so you can show off your tub and display decorative soaps and candles. If you have shower doors and they are worn and beyond reviving, consider removing and hanging a curtain. If you need to replace a shower door, consider clear glass to make the bath look larger (unless the shower is unsightly then use obscure glass), or if you need repair for your bathroom glass door, consider custom glass repair services. A new shower door cost about $500. Shower Doors and More will measure and install for about the same price as the door alone. If you need a new vanity they are a couple hundred dollars. Make sure the bathroom is clean, put up decorative towels and soap. So make a trip to Ross, Tuesday Mornings, Fred Meyer or Target and buy some fresh towels, decorative soaps a nice new rod, curtain hooks and a fancy curtain.

8. In the Kitchen

Replacing kitchen cabinets is expensive, but painting them can save you money. If you have old 1970?s style wooden cabinets in a lovely dark brown shade, paint them. Use a semi-gloss white and finish them with colorful knobs. Replace the old dated doors with new shaker style doors and paint. There is no need to paint the inside just organize them well so if they are opened it, is not scary in there! For a considerably more you can replace the cabinet doors and paint them to match the cabinets. Americans spend a major amount of their time in the kitchen so a nice bronze modern faucet looks great as well. They cost around $150 from Home Depot but you can shop sales or go to Amazon or eBay for better deals. Consider appliance repair if your appliances still have life in them but just need a little maintenance. These experts in viking appliance repair services know how to fix your appliances.

9. Window Shutters and Trim

If the front of you home is plain or you have old looking windows, consider adding shutters. You can purchase them in a few colors at Lowes and are easy to install. For a custom color you can purchase them pre-primed. Paint them a color that sets off your house. They do not necessarily need to be the trim color – (if the house is dark, paint the shutters white. If the house is light, paint them dark). You can enhance your curb appeal by just painting the trim of your house. We actually replaced our outside trim and added crown and dental molding and now our standard 80’s home looks more like a craftsman home and the trim really pops.

10. Fix the roof

According to roofing contractors, when you have an old house, maybe it’s time to have a roofing contractor look at the roof and asses the damages.

11. Add a Nice Mailbox and House Numbers

Everyone on the block has the same black mailbox. Be different and for about $35 you can buy a nice mailbox. For about $60 more, you can buy a nice wooden post for it. People notice these little details and buyers love them! Also buy new house numbers or paint the existing ones make them stand out. Be creative.

Call Ted with Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for a complete list of all our home improvement capabilities.

Install Home Electronics

Home Projects for the Holiday’s – If a new flat panel television, home theater system, or other electronic devices are bound for your household this gift-giving season, consider seeking installation quotes from a trained professional. Proper installation can maximize your enjoyment of new electronics for a fraction of their purchase price, and the stress of following a multi-page instruction manual may bring out the Scrooge in many DIYers.

Your Pro-To-Call is Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 for Holiday home projects and you can visit our website for all our capabilities.

Plan for Holiday Lights

Christmas lights begin to appear on homes across America every year almost immediately following (and sometimes before!) Thanksgiving. If you plan to decorate your home or other rooms yourself, develop a plan and start looking for deals on lights, carpets or rugs and other outdoor holiday paraphernalia early.

If you’re planning on hiring assistance, make sure you contact a professional for quotes as soon as possible. Either way, allow time to make arrangements and install lights as early as you can in order to maximize the number of days you’ll have to enjoy them. Holiday Home Project Ideas, Home Projects for the Holiday’s

Hire Cleaning Help

If you’re like most people, the final months of the year are long on to-do items and short on time. Hiring a rug cleaning professional will allow you to focus on more important tasks and keep your home looking its best for holiday visitors. Whether you schedule a one-time visit or routine cleanings, the stress and effort you’ll save are likely well-worth the monetary investment.

Fix Major Home Appliances

From turkey dinners to Christmas cookies, the holiday season is a busy time for most kitchens. Clothes washers and dryers often pull an extra shift or two during the holidays, as well. If your appliances aren’t working, or aren’t working as well as they should call an appliance repair san francisco professional, or one closer to your location before the holidays arrive. A trained professional often can diagnose and repair a problem in a major appliance for far less than the cost of replacement. If your place tends to get hot during the holidays (like in Sydney), you should check whether your AC is in working condition or not. Your guests may find the hot weather uncomfortable and it is better to call an aircon installation and repair service as required.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats save money without sacrificing comfort by using less energy on heating and cooling while you’re away from home, asleep, or at any other specific times you select. More accurate and convenient to use than manual thermostats, programmable thermostats don’t contain toxic mercury found in traditional models and are the best for heating maintenance. Hiring a pro for this project is generally inexpensive, but this project is within the abilities of most DIYers. Home Projects for the Holiday’s.

Fireplace Repair

Proper inspection of a fireplace is vital to ensuring its safe operation — even if it is rarely used. An experienced chimney sweep will check wood fireplaces for flammable buildup (known as creosote) and chimney blockages like bird nests. A chimney or fireplace professional also should check for these red flags: improperly functioning dampers, damaged brickwork and masonry, and missing or damaged flue caps (the screen covering the top of the chimney). Holiday Home Project Ideas

Install a Home Security System or Alarm

If you’re looking for peace of mind this holiday season, consider enlisting the help of a home security company. A home security system will help protect against intruders and many systems also can monitor for signs of fire. Security companies will often install basic systems free of charge, provided you sign a monitoring contract.

Tune Up Furnace

In the winter, the furnace is literally the heart of most American homes. Without a furnace installation, comfortable life indoors would come to a grinding halt. Occasional furnace repair and furnace maintenance services from a trained furnace repair professional can keep your furnace running effectively and efficiently and prevent potentially catastrophic damage to your home from burst or frozen pipes. These trained professionals like Friends & Family HVAC / Furnace Repair can also help you with a new furnace installation if your old one can’t be fixed anymore. Visit sites like https://cmheating.com/furnace-repair/ and hire a professional to do it for you. You can click here to know more about furnace tune up.

Seal Gaps & Add Insulation

Nothing makes a home more uncomfortable during the winter than a nagging, chilly draft. Consider a home energy audit that includes a review of your home’s caulking and weather stripping. Energy auditors also will likely look inside your attic. If the insulation is at or below the level of the joists, you may be able to keep your home warmer by adding more. A depth of 10 to 14 inches is generally considered optimal, and you can supplement with a variety of different types of insulation to achieve that depth. Holiday Home Project Ideas

Christmas Works – Christmas Tree Assembly. Interior Christmas Decorating – Last year we sold out three (3) months before the season!!! Do you need help getting your Christmas tree from storage and assembled professionally? Do you want you garland and stairway decorated to perfection? Is your schedule so busy you would love to have help in decorating the interior of your home for the holidays? I am a retired corporate executive who can come into your home and assist in making your holidays less stressful and more enjoyable.  Contact Ted, Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to see how we can make your Christmas season more enjoyable and stress free.

Interior Decoration and Tree Assembly
Christmas Toy Assembly

Last year we booked up in October and had no remaining slots. Book your slot now and be sure to have help in putting up your Christmas decorations.

Christmas Works Services provided:
Artificial tree assembly, we assemble the tree and form the branches to the fullest extent.
Wreaths hung over mantle and walls, with lights, and decorations.
Garland and decorations hung from stairways.
Removal and replacement of decorations from storage.
Interior lighting both LED and standard.
Dickens Village installations and scene boards.
Window decorations installed.

Christmas Tree Assembly

All that is left up to you is the tree trimming which is the personal touch for you and your family. We can put up all decorations and take them down after the holidays.  Once the job is finally agreed all we need to do is book you in to our installation diary and take your deposit. You can leave the rest to us, and we will work in the day or night (to suit your schedule) on the specified installation date. If you need any repairs or maintenance we will always be on hand. Then on the agreed date in January we will swiftly and safely remove and store your decorations until next year.

---

Christmas Works – FAR North Dallas Christmas Light Holiday Installation Service

Make your holidays sparkle with Christmas light design and installation that will add a festive touch to your North Dallas home. From classic white lights to colored lights, our design services will help you select the right fit for your theme for your home or business.