Owning a home is a rewarding experience, no doubt about it. However, it comes with its fair share of responsibilities. Homeowners must regularly create and update home renovation and maintenance checklists to ensure their living spaces look their best and are in prime working condition.
While some DIY-friendly home renovation goals might be easy, some tasks require professional help. This is where a qualified handyman can help!
At Oakridge Remodeling, our team of professional contractors is always ready to help you with all of your complex home renovation and maintenance needs.
Let’s take a look at some of the most essential and popular handyman services that our experienced contractors can help you with.
Home Maintenance Tasks for Fall
New seasons pave the way for new home renovations and changes.
While you must regularly maintain your home, you can save a lot of time and money by performing season-specific tasks that might be harder to schedule during any other time of the year.
Here are some handyman tasks that homeowners should consider scheduling during the fall.
1. Clean Out the Chimneys
It’s best to clean out your home’s chimneys before the weather starts to get cold. There’s nothing quite like snuggling up next to a lit-up fireplace during the colder months and having memorable moments with your family and friends. While you can take the DIY route when it comes to cleaning your chimney, it’s best to call in a handyman and have it professionally checked.
This tedious job requires climbing on the roof, PPE, and some important cleaning tools.
What Can Cause A Dirty Chimney?
Burning wood releases a bunch of contaminants that can coat the walls of your chimney.
Flammable and organic debris can also enter your chimney by animals like birds and vermin and can also be blown in by the wind.
Another important thing to look out for when cleaning your chimney is creosote. Creosote is difficult to remove with DIY techniques and will require special equipment to be cleared away.
When Should You Clean Your Chimney?
Make sure to clean your chimney during early fall or during the summer. Late summer is the best time to clean your chimney since you’ll have a safe and dry roof where you can get the job done.
If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, it’s best to call in a professional.
A qualified contractor is more experienced with climbing heights and knows how to practice good ladder safety to properly clean out the chimney and remove any creosote buildup.
2. Inspect All Detectors
Many homeowners often forget to check their carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, but remember that you’ll want to ensure that they’re working throughout all the seasons.
Reports reveal that there are around 400,000 house fires every single year that cause around 3,000 to 4,000 deaths and injuries.
Fire-related deaths can be prevented by making sure all of your smoke alarms and detectors are fully functional.
Here are some different types of smoke detectors:
- Power Source: These smoke detectors are hardwired and are powered through the wiring in your house.
Hardwired smoke detectors don’t require regular battery replacements and are very reliable when it comes to detecting smoke. One downside to using these detectors is that they do not work when there is a power outage.
- Sensor Type: Sensor-type smoke detectors can also have two types: ionization type and photoelectric type.
Ionization smoke detectors consist of a radioactive substance that ionizes the air to create an electricity flow between two plates.
As soon as there is any smoke in your living space, the flow of electricity is disrupted, which triggers the alarm.
Photoelectric smoke detectors contain a light detector and a light source. As soon as the smoke hits the detector, the light rays are bent, which triggers the alarm.
- Smoke Detectors with Smart Features: Many carbon monoxide and smoke detectors come with additional smart features that can directly send notifications to your phone as soon as it detects smoke. These detectors with interconnectivity are very beneficial for larger homes.
To ensure your smoke detectors are functional, you need to regularly maintain them. Here are some tips that can help:
- Press your smoke alarm’s button monthly to check if the alarm is still working.
- With time, dust and debris can accumulate over your smoke detector and cause false alarms. Make sure to regularly clean it or vacuum it to keep it dust-free.
- Replace the batteries annually.
If you’re having trouble with your smoke detectors, call in a professional to have a look. They will have a comprehensive look at all of your home’s smoke alarms and detectors and make sure they’re fully reliable and functional.
3. Checking Your Home’s Heating Systems
Having an efficient heating system in your home is essential to keep your home warm and cozy and reduce heating costs. Heating and air conditioning systems are also quite expensive to replace, so keeping them in top-notch condition is also super important.
Here are some things to keep in mind when maintaining your home’s heating system.
Change the Filters
The filters in your home heating and cooling systems can collect dust, hair, and other particles that can then become pollutants that spread around your home.
You can avoid this by changing your HVAC filter every month so your heating systems can work more efficiently with maximized airflow and reduced pollutants.
Eliminate All Clutter
Clutter around your HVAC systems means the filters collect more dust particles that gradually make their way into the vent system.
This clutter will also affect the system efficiency, minimize air circulation, and can become a fire hazard.
Remove any extra things placed around your heating and cooling systems to increase safety and air quality.
Keep the Outside Unit Clean
The outside unit of your HVAC system can collect debris, leaves, grass clippings, twigs, etc.
Clear away any fallen leaves and accumulated debris around your HVAC units when you’re maintaining your yard. If the outside unit has a lot of dust, consider hosing it down to remove it.
Hire a Handymen For Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is very important to keep your HVAC systems operating at maximized efficiency.
This is when you’ll need to hire a handyman to perform yearly checkups and thoroughly inspect and service them.
Here is how a handyman will help you prevent HVAC system breakdowns.
- Thoroughly clean the flue line connection
- Tighten the electrical connections
- Check thermostat settings
- Lubricate the moving parts
- Adjust and clean the blower components
- Clean the condensate drain
- Inspect the system controls
- Inspect the refrigerant charge
- Clean condenser coils and the evaporator
- Check the heat exchanger, gas pressure, and burner combustion
Home Maintenance Tasks for Spring
Spring is a good season to go outdoors and make some much-needed home repairs.
Here are some of the most important handyman tasks required during the spring season.
4. Clean the Gutters
Maintaining home gutters can be a tedious and mundane job. It is, however, necessary to inspect and clean your gutters from time to time to prevent water damage and maintain the structural integrity of your home.
Gutters need to stay clean to work efficiently and drain rainwater away from your home. A malfunctioning gutter can lead to mold and mildew development, flooding in your home’s basement, and even costly home exterior damage.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when cleaning your gutters.
- Clean your gutters with a hose. You will require high-pressure water or a plumbing snake to thoroughly clean your gutters and dislodge twigs, compacted leaves, or pine needles.
- Install a gutter helmet or cover that will keep any large objects from getting stuck and clogging the gutters.
- Technicians recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year to keep the system running correctly and smoothly.
- Gutter guards are also excellent for keeping your gutters clean and efficient.
- Hire a handyman for a yearly checkup and maintenance. A professional will come equipped with supplies and tools that can be used to thoroughly inspect your home’s gutters to ensure they are clean and don’t have any objects clogging the systems.
5. Perform Proper Roof Inspection
Periodic roof inspections are necessary to prevent costly damage and roof repairs.
Start by taking a walk around your home for a visual roof inspection. Look for any signs of damage and leaks.
Keep an eye out for any animal nests and birds that could be living around on your food.
It is advised not to climb the roof all by yourself since that can be very risky. It’s best to hire a handyman to get your roof professionally inspected if you detect any leaks or problems.
A handyman will have essential tools like a moisture meter, pivot ladder, binoculars, and a laser pointer to perform a safe roof inspection.
A professional contractor will check for any missing shingles, aging and sagging spots, or any signs of wear and tear. They will also inspect the attic and check for signs of discoloration or decay.
These preliminary inspections will help you identify any major or minor roof damages and invest in proper roof repair services.
Home Maintenance Tasks for the Summer
Here are the most important home maintenance tasks for the summer season.
6. Seal Decks
Make sure to seal your patio or deck before the winter season. Start by clearing away any clutter and removing any accumulated dust and debris from your deck.
Protect the surrounding plants and shrubs with a plastic sheet, and make sure it isn’t expected to rain any time soon before you begin sealing your deck.
Use a natural bristle brush to properly apply the deck sealer to the boards. You can also hire a professional to ensure proper application of the sealer into the deck boards, the grain, and any open pores.
7. Clean Carpets
The summer is the best time to clean your carpets. Your carpets can collect a lot of dust, germs, and soil particles from pets, shoes, and spills and this can make your carpets look dull and worn out.
Regularly cleaning your carpet can make it appear brighter and more colorful, and even reduce the chance of allergies.
Whether you have rugs or wall-to-wall carpeting, make sure to regularly vacuum it and have it deep cleaned professionally twice a year.
8. Painting and Wall Finishing
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the overall aesthetics of your home. Summer is a good time to paint your home’s interiors and exteriors.
Handyman services include painting and wall finishing, whether it’s touching up scuffed walls or giving a room a complete makeover.
From selecting the right colors to ensuring a smooth finish, a skilled handyman can transform your living space with a brushstroke.
Home Maintenance Tasks for the Winter
Here are some of the most popular home maintenance tasks for the winter.
9. Kitchen Upgrades
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and homeowners often seek improvements to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
A handyman can handle various kitchen upgrades, such as installing new cabinets, upgrading countertops, or replacing outdated fixtures. These changes not only improve the look of your kitchen but also contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience.
10. Bathroom Maintenance
Bathrooms are another area that requires regular maintenance and occasional upgrades. A handyman can take care of tasks like fixing leaky faucets, recaulking the bathtub, or installing new bathroom fixtures.
Whether it’s a small repair or a complete bathroom makeover, a skilled handyman ensures that your bathroom remains a comfortable and functional space.
11. Electrical Repairs
Faulty wiring and electrical issues are not only inconvenient but also pose safety risks. Handyman services often include electrical repairs, such as fixing outlets, replacing light fixtures, or addressing wiring problems.
A licensed and experienced handyman can handle these tasks efficiently, ensuring that your home’s electrical system operates safely.
Get Professional Home Renovation and Maintenance Services with Oakridge Remodeling
Now that you’ve created your home maintenance checklist, it’s time to hire professional contractors and handymen to breathe new life into your living spaces.
At Oakridge Remodeling, we have a team of highly qualified and knowledgeable home renovation contractors in Regina who have over a decade of experience providing professional home remodeling and maintenance services.
We provide comprehensive basement finishing in Regina, plumbing services in Regina, kitchen renovations, handyman services, and bathroom renovations!
So what are you waiting for?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation in Regina, and leave the rest to us.
