House Doctors Handyman of Hardin County

Quick and Precise Handyman Services for Homeowners

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Bathroom Remodeling Tips for Spring

March 24, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Remodeling your bathroom is definitely a worthwhile home improvement project, even if it’s just a simple change. From upgrading your toilet to replacing an old bathtub, there are so many ways you can update your bathroom and have it feeling refreshed for the spring season ahead. In this blog, we list some of the remodeling ideas that you can use for your bathroom!

Timeless Trends

Have you always wanted to replace your bathtub with a walk-in shower? Well now’s the time to do so. A shower can open up the space in your bathroom, giving you the opportunity to add more storage like a basket or cabinet. Walk-in showers are also a chance for you to express your creativity in the design department, like having beautiful tile or granite installed. Likewise, replacing the toilet and moving it to a different location in the bathroom may be appealing if you want to completely redesign the space. This can change the entire bathroom environment, making it feel more spacious. Lastly, you may want to consider replacing or even moving your mirrors. Setting them in a place where natural light can reflect off is a great way to brighten the room. Of course, changing the lightbulbs in your bathroom can help too, but new mirrors can truly complete your remodeling project.

Conclusion

If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom just in time for spring, it’s best to get a head start. We recommend calling our team of expert handymen for all of your professional remodeling services. We have the expertise and resources to complete the job in a timely manner, while also providing quality work. For more information on our services, call or visit our website today!

Why Leaky Pipes Pose a Risk to Your Personal and Financial Health

February 27, 2020 / / 0 Comments

It may not seem like much at first: a few drops here, a small puddle there. In fact, if the leak is taking place within your home’s walls, you may be completely unaware of the fact that your home’s water pipes are leaking at all. Unfortunately, leaky pipes are not an “out of sight, out of mind” matter. Left unchecked, they can cause extensive damage not only to your home, but also to your own health! This blog will go over some of the more common, and more hazardous, side effects of what may seem to be a harmless hole in the wall.

Health Hazards

That brownish, greenish smattering on the wall isn’t some avant-garde design – it’s something more sinister: mold. Mold commonly congregates in damp corners of your home, which are often created by unattended leaky pipes! Mold growing inside and outside your walls is often a sign that your pipes have been leaking water for a long time.

The most common side effects of prolonged mold exposure include skin irritation, coughing, sore throat, and other cold-like symptoms. However, people with asthma are at a higher risk than most, as their difficulty breathing may be exacerbated in these damp conditions. Regardless of the condition or health of you and your loved ones, mold in your home will negatively impact everyone’s well-being.

Long-term Damage to Your Home

As discussed so far, leaky pipes are often precursors to larger, more costly problems. Pipes with a hole or break in them are especially susceptible to further damage, as their structural integrity is already compromised. Such pipes are at a higher risk of bursting altogether, which would be disastrous for your home, your water supply, and of course, your wallet.

The risk extends to the very appearance of your home as well. Laminate floors, made out of resin and fiber board, are particularly susceptible; even if a minute amount of moisture sneaks past the sealant, the entire floor may end up getting warped, which could alter the ground level and ruin the integrity of the flooring.

Conclusion

Even the smallest of leaks can cause extensive, lasting damage to both your home and the people living in it. To protect your home and your family from the effects of water damage, call on House Doctors Handyman of Hardin County for expert pipe repair and other handymen services. We can not only prevent further water damage in your home, but also remedy existing water damage caused by leaky pipes. Call on us for a quality handyman service!

The Most Valuable Home Updates

January 29, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Are you thinking about making some upgrades to your home? While any additions to your home are good investments, not all updates are created equal. The most valuable improvements are those that increase your home’s worth in relation to the amount you spent on them. The following are a few updates you can make that will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Bathroom Remodel

If your bathrooms are outdated, this is where updates could make a big impact. Studies have shown a minor bathroom remodel can provide a 102% return on investment, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to make substantial upgrades. Consider re-grouting tile; remove and replace caulk around the shower, tub, and toilet areas. Perhaps you should even replace the toilet for a more efficient and modern look. Replacing mirrors and fixtures will also improve the look and feel of your bathroom without breaking the bank.

New Paint

One of the cheapest updates you can make also has one of the best returns on your investment is painting your home’s interior. New paint lightens rooms, hides visual flaws, and instantly makes any area feel fresh and clean. On average, painting an interior can produce a 109% return on investment.

The Kitchen is King

The median cost of a kitchen remodel is $5,000. A major overhaul generally returns around 80 percent of its investment costs at resale. This, however, varies significantly based on the extent of the improvements, and your home’s location. Backsplashes, granite and marble materials, stainless steel, and energy-efficient appliances are typically attractive to buyers as long as the design matches the rest of your house. Unless you’re highly competent with tools, it’s best to contact skilled handyman services like those at House Doctors Handyman of Hardin County for your kitchen remodel.  

Garage Door Replacement

Installing a new, upscale garage door may not be the most exciting addition, but it’s certainly one of the most profitable. To get the best return on investment, choose a door made from durable materials like wood, steel, aluminum, along with energy-saving features like insulation. If you want the best of all worlds, selecting a fiberglass or wood composite garage door will showcase all the aesthetic benefits of wood while also being more weather resistant. Taking the step of replacing your garage door will on average recoup 98 percent of the cost.  

Conclusion:

Updating your home will not only make your house more livable but will pay you back in the long run. Your house can be worth substantially more when the right renovations and additions are made. For a reputable team of professionals to help you with your project, contact House Doctors Handyman of Hardin County today!

Benefits of Kitchen Renovations

December 30, 2019 / / 0 Comments

When you make the choice to renovate your kitchen, it can be an exciting time. Not only that, but it can drastically increase the value of your home. Did you know that homeowners who spend the time to renovate their kitchen inevitably spend more time with family and cook more meals than people with older kitchens in need of renovations? When you choose to renovate you will breathe new life into your old kitchen layout. Read on and find some of the many benefits that come included with a kitchen renovation from a qualified contractor.

Improved Function

When a homeowner chooses to renovate their kitchen, most of the time they want to improve its overall function. Some common functional improvements include, adding more cabinets, extending the cabinets you already have into floor to ceiling cabinets to provide additional space, or even adding an island to your otherwise empty kitchen. Even by simply upgrading some of your appliances or lighting fixtures can make a significant improvement to the function of your kitchen.

Lower Energy Costs

The bigger the kitchen, the higher the energy costs. Many homeowners tend to think that when that couldn’t be further from the truth. In this day and age, there are loads of energy efficient appliances out there to help you keep energy costs down. Look for refrigerators and dishwashers that have the stamp of approval (Energy Star Label). This will show that it meets the energy efficiency standards that is set by the EPA. You can also save energy long term by changing those old traditional bulbs to LED lighting. fixture models.

Updated Look

Have you looked at your kitchen lately only to find that it looks like you’re trapped in an ‘80s or ‘90s movie? If you have an old, tired look, it may need a much needed visual update. Whether you repaint your walls, upgrade your cabinets, or both, it can significantly improve the look and feel of your kitchen. If you want to go all out, you can also buy new cabinets all together and really give it a new, modern feel.

No matter what you are looking for out of your kitchen renovation, you always want to make sure to choose the right team for the job. That’s where we can help, here at House Doctors Handyman of Hardin County we have years of hands on experience and are here to help transform your kitchen into something to truly be proud of.

The Shade of It All: How to Choose the Right Curtains or Blinds for Your Home

November 22, 2019 / / 0 Comments
Beautify your home with curtains or blinds.

Did you just move into a new place and want to spruce it up with eye-catching window fixtures? Whether you own a home or rent an apartment, curtains and blinds can add incredible style to your space. How do you choose the right option? Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of each, along with style options available in both selections.

More than Just Style

Curtains and blinds provide more than just style.

You might be overjoyed with the wide selection of patterns and designs now available for home drapery and blinds, but you might find yourself quickly becoming overwhelmed with the benefits that each has to offer. One might think curtains and blinds are for decorative purposes only, but they actually go beyond looking pretty. Both options provide adequate energy efficiency to help keep your space comfortable when the temperatures get hot or cold. With newer technology, blinds are now built with high-quality insulation capabilities while curtains come in thicker materials that help create a barrier to keep both hot and cold temperatures out of the home.

Curtains vs. Blinds

Now that you know both options offer optimal benefits, you might still be torn on which fixture to go with. Don’t stress! To make the choice easier, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of each. Curtains provide more energy efficiency for the home and light-blocking technology while allowing for a wide variety of style options. They can also be more costly and time consuming when you need to clean them. Some fabrics might even call for dry clean only. Blinds, on the other hand, are much more affordable, easier to clean, and more flexible with natural light control. Though more budget and lifestyle friendly, blinds are not as energy efficient and there will be fewer designs to choose from.

So, which option should you choose? It depends on your goal. If you want to regulate the temperature and create a stronger style in the communal areas of your home, such as the living room, then curtains might be the best investment. For smaller rooms in the home or spaces not too directly affected by temperatures, blinds would be suggested. Some individuals choose to place curtains over their blinds for compounded style and comfort. Whichever window treatment you choose, your home will benefit from the protection it has to offer.

Conclusion

Call on an expert to make sure your window fixtures are installed correctly.

Are you feeling more confident about embarking on your quest for the perfect window treatments? Hopefully the above advice helped. Your personal style and needs are top priority when you are looking to invest in the best options for your home. Once you pick out the perfect pair of curtains or blinds, make sure to have them carefully installed so you can maximize their benefits and avoid any styling pitfalls. If you want to make sure they are installed correctly the first time, we highly recommend calling on one of our experienced handymen. Call the House Doctors Handyman of Hardin County today to request a quote and schedule service!

Caulking 101

October 28, 2019 / / 0 Comments

You may have seen construction workers walking around and carrying a funny-looking device that looks like a cross between a bazooka and a balloon-inflating pump. You might be glad to know that those nifty devices have a name; they go by “caulk guns.” What is “caulking,” you might ask. Well, simply read on to find out!

Function and application

Although squeezing fibrous material out of the mouth of a caulk gun can be a fun thing, it’s not what caulking is all about. Caulking is a craft that’s all about sealing seams and making them tight against leakage. This airtight seal is great for not just water blockage, but also pest control and heat loss prevention. Moreover, covering up cracks and gaps by caulking can make for a seamlesslook. One can apply caulking to windows and tiles alike. The breaks in walls and wood siding also lend themselves to excellent use of caulking. Other applications include doors, baseboards, tubs, and sinks.

A man uses a caulk gun for sealing the seam between the pane and a wood frame.

Types of caulk

Caulks come in many stripes. There are caulks designed for both kitchen and bathroom use. These often effectively deter mildew growth and high moisture, which is good news for all bathtub users around the world. (In addition, these specialty caulks are often paintable!) Arguably the most iconic among the caulks, the silicone caulk is great for plastic and other non-porous surfaces. If you’ve poked at this caulk, you know the unforgettable dry yet flexible texture that can be excellent for various temperature ranges. This elasticity is not sturdy enough to endure heavy abrasion, however; therefore, silicone caulks are not the best options for areas with heavy foot traffic.

Caulk gun and other miscellaneous items a handyman keeps around.

Not to be confused with grout

Caulk is not the only watertightness-promoting material that belongs to the handyman scene. Grout, a cousin to the caulk, is also used for filling crevices. However, grout is mortar rather than sealant. Unlike caulk, grout is primarily for tiled surfaces. Caulk can fill up corners and seams, while grout is excellent for filling between tiles. Caulk is like glue; grout is like paste.

A man puts grout on the floor.

Conclusion

Preventing the growth of mold and mildew can be easy with good caulking. Letting the seal cure can protect toilets and bathtubs alike from water leakage. If clean, professional caulking is on your agenda, then go ahead and enlist House Doctors Handyman of Hardin County!

The Advantages of Concrete Flooring

September 26, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Are you thinking about replacing the flooring in your home? One of the hottest trends in recent years is utilizing the durability and aesthetic versatility of concrete for residential home flooring. The following are a few advantages of concrete flooring, should you elect to install it.

Durable:

Concrete flooring is very durable and very resilient so this makes it difficult to damage. With concrete flooring, you don’t have to worry about things like high heels, pet claws or furniture legs damaging its surface because it’s almost impossible to do so.

Low-Maintenance: 

The same properties that make concrete floors so durable also make them easy to care for. Properly sealed concrete floors shrug off dirt, grit, stains, spills, and hard impacts. A little sweeping and damp mopping is all that’s required to keep them looking like new.

Eco-Friendly:

The reason why having concrete flooring is an eco-friendly option is basically because a concrete subfloor already exists beneath another flooring material in most cases so all you do is uninstall anything that was placed over it.

Versatile:

As long as the concrete is smooth and free from holes, bumps, and defects, you have the choice of installing any floor surface covering over it at a later date, should you choose—although may floor coverings will require an underlayment. Concrete floors allow you a lot of future design freedom.

Design Options: 

Dyes added as the wet concrete is being mixed produces concrete in a huge range of earthy colors. Surface treatments such as acid stains, concrete stains and paint made for concrete floors turn plain concrete into beautiful, one-of-a-kind finishes. Also, concrete can be stamped with rubber stencils to give it texture. Combined with the right dyes or coloring agents, finished concrete can be made to mimic ceramic tile, natural stone, brick, even dirt!

Heated floors: 

For new construction or for concrete poured over an existing slab, you have the option to add radiant heat like electrical cables or hot water tubes embedded in the concrete to create warm, comfy floors. This will mitigate the cold, hard texture of unheated concrete, especially in the wintertime!

Conclusion:

If you plan on replacing the floor of your home, you may want to consider installing concrete. Not only is it durable and cheap, but it’s also aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance. If you have further questions about home repair or remodeling, contact the experts at House Doctors Handyman of Hardin County.

What to Consider Before a Bathroom Remodel

August 29, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Getting your bathroom redone is an exciting time! There are so many different add on features available to make your bathroom cozier than ever. Before diving straight into the project, follow along with this blog to see what you should consider before starting the building plans.

Plumbing

Just because plumbing is often hidden away out of sight doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. Plumbing is the number one biggest aspect of your bathroom to consider when you’re remodeling. During the remodel, you will have the option to upgrade the size of your pipes. We suggest upgrading the size simply because it will prevent issues from arising later on down the line, however, it will always be up to you!

Lighting

If you’re currently dealing with an outdated bathroom, lighting is going to be important when remodeling. Modern lighting in bathrooms is a feature that makes a huge difference. Start by considering the placement of your lighting. We suggest nice recessed features so the light will span across the entire bathroom, even covering your shower! If you have a large mirror in your bathroom, bulbs lighting up the frame can also be a great and helpful addition. Another modern invention is the dimming feature than many recessed lighting fixtures have. Being able to dim and control the setting of your lights is a great way to set the mood for a nice relaxing shower or bath!

Cabinets

Depending on the size of your bathroom, thinking in terms of concealed cabinet space is essential. If your bathroom is large and spacious, planning for cabinet space shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you’re struggling with space, considering a mirror that opens to a medicine cabinet is smart! Not only are you able to conceal your cabinet space, but you are also optimizing the space of the entire room.

Miscellaneous

There are a variety of secondary features you should also consider when redoing your bathroom. If you have space, would you want to add a bathtub? If you have window access to your bathroom, are you going to redo those as well? Another feature many forget to think about is what type of shower doors you would like. While a curtain rod is great for showers that double as a bathtub, you can always have the modern feature of nice glass doors. Even if your shower is also a tub, you can make the glass doors sliding so you can enjoy both baths and showers!

Conclusion

Remodeling your bathroom is an exciting time. If your current bathroom is outdated and in need of some modern touches, there is no shortage of options available! All it takes is some contemplated planning and the right professional team, and in no time your bathroom will be all up to date. For more information on all your pressing bathroom remodel questions, visit our website!

The Measurement Tools of Airtightness

July 30, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Weatherization is the art of eliminating excess air leakage in a building. Those who are familiar with the power of a drafty room or with the way airtightness can significantly lower energy costs will appreciate a weatherization job well done. If you want to go in-depth learning about airtightness measurement technologies, this is the blogpost for you!

Infrared Cameras

Among the equipment used for energy and air leakage audits is the infrared camera, which can reveal the temperature variations of the scanned surfaces of a building. Because cooler areas show up black and warmer areas show up white on the viewfinder, an auditor should be able to easily identify the culprits responsible for heat loss and cool loss. These images—called thermograms—can even help catch roof leaks!

Blower Doors

A blower door is a panel that has a calibrated fan embedded in it. Once a blower door is sealed into an exterior doorway, the fan can generate powerful air flow that creates negative pressure inside the building. This pressure difference sucks in the air from outside the building through the cracks and gaps. By using the pressure gauge’s measurements, the technician can search out the air leaks of different parts of the building. Whereas a calibrated (meaning it has several gauges) blower door can use an air pressure gauge to measure the building’s overall airtightness, an uncalibrated one can only locate the leak.

PFT Emitters and Receivers

PFT stands for PerFluorocarbon tracer gas. Unlike blower doors, which measure the air infiltration for the time being, the PFT technique is geared toward forecasting potential long-term infiltration problems. The PFT technique primarily involves two devices—the emitter and the receiver. After the emitter releases perfluorocarbon gas, the receiver absorbs a portion of that vapor to measure the concentration of the gas in that room; the higher the average concentration, the tighter the building.

Conclusion

So yes, airtightness-measuring tools are—well—pretty tight. With indoor hurricanes and heat signatures of sorts, these devices are somewhat fantastical. Preventing hot air or cool air from wafting in slyly is in and of itself a sweet ability to have, after all. If you have more questions about air sealing and weatherization, simply contact House Doctors today!

3 Ways a Handyman Can Help with Energy Savings + 3 Ways You Can Help Yourself

June 21, 2019 / / 0 Comments

With this summer fast approaching, trying to find the best ways to save money on your energy bill can be important. When it comes to finding the best ways to increase your energy savings through these hot months, our blog covers 3 doable methods that a handyman can help you with as well as 3 you can do yourself.

Cutout of a light bulb.
Cutout of a light bulb.

Handyman

–Ceiling Fans: Installing and using ceiling fans properly in your home can help immensely when it comes to saving money and energy on your electric bill. A trusted handyman can not only help you install them correctly the first time but also help put them into the appropriate power saving settings.

–Energy Star Appliances: Making sure your home’s appliances are energy efficient will go a long way toward ensuring your electric bill will stay in a more affordable range. 

– Sealing and Insulating: Another way to ensure your home stays energy efficient is to have a handyman check out the insulation in your home. While they’re examining it, ask them to double check the sealing around your doors and windows.

Those are some of the ways in which employing a handyman will allow you to keep your home comfortable all year round while saving money. While a good number of these methods for keeping your home energy efficient would be best performed by a handyman, there are some things you can do yourself.

Thermostat in a home.
Thermostat in a home.

Yourself

–Use your Thermostat: Take control of your home or apartment thermostat by raising the temperature slightly during the summer and lowering it during the winter; this keeps your home feeling comfortable and allows your energy bill to remain low.

–Conserve Water: Another way you can save big on your energy bill is to conserve water. Whether you choose to take shorter showers or replace your fixtures with lower-flowing ones, both actions will bring you the most savings on your next energy bill.

-Change your Lightbulbs: A simple way you can guarantee energy savings is to make sure the lightbulbs in your home are energy efficient. These lightbulbs have been found to save homeowners an average of $30 on their bill monthly. Additionally, make sure you always remember to turn off the lights whenever you leave the room to be 100% sure you’re maximizing your energy savings.

Thoughts

For energy savings that will last all year round, keep these ideas in mind. To make your home more energy efficient, call on the team at House Doctors Handyman of Hardin County to help you with larger jobs. 

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