This is especially true during fall when heavy rains and cold can affect it in negative ways. In the following lines, we will give you advice on how to maintain your wooden fence and help it remain in good condition during autumn.

Thorough Cleaning

The first thing to do with any type of outdoor wooden construction is to thoroughly clean it. This is even more true for fences. Since there are a lot of places where debris, insects and dirt can accumulate, you should check all of them and do a thorough cleaning.

Remove any leaf that might get stuck between boards. That way you will avoid damages caused by mould and rotting. Aside from that, the thing that can cause severe damage to your fence are loose and low-hanging tree branches. To avoid potential scratches or even more serious calamity, you should cut them regularly.

For this purpose, you can also use a high-pressure washer. Keep in mind that if the colour layer on your fence is old, it might start peeling off during high-pressure cleaning, so you might need repainting after that. That is one of the services that The Friendly Handyman will gladly provide you with. So, do not hesitate to give him a call.

Checking For Necessary Repairs

Once everything is clean, you should check if there are some parts of the fence that need to be repaired or even replaced. Carefully inspect the gate, hinges and boards.

You should tighten any wobbly or unstable parts. That way you will prevent your fence from collapsing after some stronger autumn wind or even storms. Also, don’t forget to replace any rotten, cracked or broken boards as well as rusty hinges. This will have a positive effect on your home aesthetics as well.

Applying Fence Stain

After the systematic cleaning and repairs, your fence will need proper staining. This is necessary to prevent moisture from damaging your wood, so don’t neglect it. There are many different fence stains and your choice will depend on the colour and quality of your wood, but also weather conditions in your region. 

Also, if you live in an area where it is frequently raining, your fence will require staining more often. Still, if you do a thorough job your fence will look great and last significantly longer.

Inspecting After the Rain

Fall is the time of the year when rain is falling more often. To make sure your fence is in a good condition after this type of water exposure, you should regularly inspect it. Check for stains, signs of rotting and rust. Clean it again, remove parts that need to be changed and, if necessary, apply another layer of fence stain. Though it can be a tiring process, it will have a positive effect not only on this part of your property but the entire landscape.

Now, in case you need someone to help you with the maintenance of your wood fence, feel free to contact The Friendly Handyman. This fully licenced and skilled professional will be happy to assist you. He will know exactly what type of upkeep your fence needs and he will swiftly repair any sort of damages. And, in case your property needs an entirely new construction of the sort, do not hesitate to book his fencing services.

The post Wood Fence Maintenance for Fall appeared first on The Friendly Handyman.

What is Caulking?

As we already mentioned, caulking is a part of good home upkeep. The caulk is a substance you will use to seal gaps and holes in both the exterior and interior of your home. This is something that your handyman will do before painting, and it is beneficial in multiple ways for your house maintenance. 

Depending on the purpose and surface you are sealing, you may choose acrylic or silicone caulk. You may use it to fill in cracks on your floor and walls or gaps around your doors, windows or any other installation.

• It Makes The Paint on Your Wall Last Long

Since the caulk is there to seal holes and cracks in specific surfaces of your home, it will have a great effect on the lifespan of your home facade and wall paint. You can use various materials to seal gaps between different types of surfaces. So, if you would like to avoid repainting certain areas in your building too often, this is a great way to do so.

• It is a Good Way to Waterproof Your Doors and Windows

Filling in gaps and cracks and levelling out surfaces is not the only obvious benefit of caulking. Because of its sealing function, this substance can make your building watertight. Depending on the type of caulk you are using, you will be able to easily remove water or prevent it from accumulating in your walls, which may cause severe damage. 

In case you are not sure what sort of caulking you need to achieve this, you should seek professional assistance. And for that, you can count on The Friendly Handyman. He will be more than happy to talk to you about this and provide you with the necessary service.

• It Saves Energy

Making your building airtight will be beneficial when it comes to energy efficiency. It will take less power for your HVAC system to make the space warmer or cooler. With good caulking around your doors and windows, the energy will accumulate inside your space.

This is especially important over the winter. During that period, the usage of electrical power is significantly higher in most households. With this type of sealing, you will be able to reduce it and make your home more energy-efficient.

• It is Saves Money and Improves the Home Value

After a while, you will also notice a positive effect caulking may have on your home budget. With the above-mentioned energy saving your bills will be lower as well. 

Aside from that, since caulking helps paint last longer, you will not have to spend money on repainting too often. Also, since it prevents water damage, you will not have to think about these types of repairs. And, if you are planning to put your home on the market, good caulking will make its value higher.

• Can Prevent Insects Coming In

Caulking can also play a significant role in preventing insect invasion. Since these small creatures can enter your home through cracks and cause you discomfort or even damages. The caulking will help you with that too.

However, to make sure everything is sealed precisely and efficiently, you should hire a professional. And, if you don’t know who to turn to, you can always count on The Friendly Handyman.

The post The Benefits of Caulking Your Home appeared first on The Friendly Handyman.

In the following text, I will introduce you to the most important things about making your home safe for your baby or toddler and how a professional can help you with that.

A Handyman Can Install Child Locks Properly

While your child is a baby, you will not have to worry about this as much. However, as soon as it becomes a toddler you will have to be sure you have child locks in every part of the house. All children like to explore, and you should make sure they do that in a space without any safety hazards. So, you should place child locks on doors, cabinets and other parts of your home your toddler may find interesting. 

Though installation of child locks for some of you may seem like a quick job, you should make sure to set them up correctly. This is where you will need professional help. If you have never installed this type of lock you may find yourself trying to set it up for the fifth time and getting frustrated by the entire process. On the other hand, for a handyman, this will not take more than a couple of minutes for one unit. He will help you check every lock and you will know for sure that everything is secure. If you don’t know where to ask for help about this, Friendly Handyman will be glad to take your call. 

He Can Present You Different Options to Secure Your Windows

When doors and cabinets are secured, the next logical step is to childproof your windows. You can either install a child lock on them as well or, in case you live in an older house, you can entirely replace them. In both cases, having a handyman by your side will be a good idea. He will be able to present you with the best solution for your home and do the job with precision.

A Professional Handyman can Build a Stabile Safety Construction for Stairs

One of the things you have to do while babyproofing your stairs is installing a safety gate. That is the best way to keep your child away from this place where they can easily get hurt. Also, another thing you should take care of when it comes to stairs is railings. Before you add a banister, you should check if there is a need for repairs. Maybe you will have to change the entire railings in order to install banisters. And, with the help of a trustworthy handyman, this can be done much quicker than if you decide to do it alone. Besides that, stable and firm construction is of the utmost importance here, so you shouldn’t leave it to chance.

He Can Quickly Locate and Remove Hazards in Your Kitchen

A kitchen is a place filled with hazards even for grown-ups and you want to make sure that everything is safe to use. And, when it comes to childproofing, you will have to put extra attention to this area. So, you will need latches on cupboards and drawers, safety gates and stove-knob covers. You will have to make sure your child is unable to reach any of the sharp and harmful items, as well as detergents and other cleaning supplies. 

Aside from that, you should hire a handyman to check your smoke detectors, or install one if you don’t already have one. An experienced professional like Friendly Handyman will provide you with the necessary testing and repairs. Though this might seem unnecessary for those of you who regularly maintain your smoke alarm system, you should not avoid it when you are babyproofing your home.

A Handyman Will Know How to Babyproof Your Bathroom

A bathroom is also a place where you need to be extra careful. To make it safe for your child, you should remove anything that might be harmful. Yes, you will need latches for the toilet, but there are other things to consider. For instance, damaged tiles can also be unsafe, especially if your child is just learning to walk. Wobbly or broken tile may cause them to trip and fall. A handyman will help you resolve this issue without much hassle. And, whether you need tiling or safety lock installation, I will be happy to help you make your home safe.

The post How Can Handyman Help You Childproof Your Home? appeared first on The Friendly Handyman.

The question you might ask yourself regarding this issue is how to better organise shelving units you plan to install. To answer it, you will have to consider factors such as the size of your space, the best position and the type of shelves you want to add. In case this is something that is causing you a headache, a good idea is to hire a professional to help you. 

If you don’t know who to contact, you can always count on Friendly Handyman.

Now, even with a specialist by your side, you will have to consider these important things to make the most of your garage with shelving units:

What is The Size of Your Garage?

If you want to use your space in the best possible way, you will have to be aware of its size. This will determine your further course of action, like choosing shelves in the right dimensions and their positioning.

In Australia, the minimum size for a garage is 3 meters wide, 5,4m long and somewhere around 2.6m high. Of course, this is standard for single-car spaces, and your garage could be larger than that. Whatever is the case, before you start shelves installation, you should measure everything. So, take a good look at your garage and make sure to note its exact dimensions.

Picking The Right Style of Shelves

Another thing that will have a great effect on the way you use your space is the shelving style you choose. You will find there is a wide range of shapes, materials and sizes for garage shelves, and all you will have to figure out which will be the best for your space. 

There are three most common styles for shelving units. 

The first ones are ceiling mounted shelves. They are fixed with long metal rods you can easily adjust to serve your purpose. Besides them, you can also purchase freestanding and wall-mounted units. And you can be sure that each of them has its benefits and downfalls.

For instance, freestanding shelves are mobile, yet they take a lot of floor space. On the other hand, ceiling and wall-mounted units are firm and stable, yet you may need ladders to pick up items you have stored on the top shelf. Which style of shelves will serve you best, depends on the size of your space, but also on the place you set them up.

What Is The Best Position for Shelves?

When you determine the measures of your walls, you should find a position where shelves will be of the most useful to you. If you have a small garage, a good idea is to install them by the wall and further away from the door. Determining the position of shelves can be tricky if you have no experience in this type of job and it can take a lot of your precious time. So, if you haven’t already hired a handyman to help you, I suggest you do that in this phase of the work.

Why Should You Hire a Professional?

Though for some of you this might not seem like a complicated job, shelving in garages and storage spaces is all about practicality. With a professional, this type of work will be shorter, less messy and with more precision. An experienced handyman will know exactly how to fit in shelves to leave you more space for your car or outdoor items you would like to store. He will help you achieve what you wanted without any complications. And, whether you want to book a service or just ask for an honest handyman opinion, feel free to get in touch with me.

The post Make the Most of Your Garage With Shelving Units appeared first on The Friendly Handyman.

If you don’t know where to start, you are in the right place. Below you will find all important aspects of floor remodelling that will help you choose the best flooring for your home.

Size and Location of the Flooring

Take a good look at the space where you are planning to install a new floor. After that, you should take measurements and consider the placement and purpose of a certain room. Is it the entrance to your home or kitchen? Is it well lit? These questions will have a great impact on your choice.

For instance, light flooring is perfect for smaller rooms with little light coming through. Wooden floors are wonderful for areas like bedrooms and living rooms, yet you should avoid it by all means in bathrooms or other house areas that are likely to be damp. Also, consider the installation of more durable materials in home spaces with more traffic.

Before you make a final decision, a wise move would be to get samples from flooring suppliers, compare them with one another and visualise the space with each of them. This way you will be able to see how they fit in the rest of the space.

Style and Trends

The style of flooring you choose usually suits the personal taste. Still, you should make sure that it fits in with existing furniture and wall colouring.

If you like following trends, there are a few of them that have been popular in the flooring industry for a couple of years now. For example, eco-friendly floor options are in the spotlight because of their renewable and recyclable nature. A market for them is constantly growing so you will have plenty to choose from. 

In case you are looking for something practical and easy to clean, our suggestion is waterproof flooring. Materials like vinyl and laminate, for instance, can be waterproofed and are easily accessible. And, for those of you who prefer a vintage look, textured floors may be the right choice. These are made with wood of the highest quality, so they may be more pricey than you’d expect, yet they are certainly a good investment. 

Durability and Maintenance

Once you decide how you’d like your floor to look, it is time to make a quality check. You should think about a warranty, how easy it will be to replace it, and whether you are looking for a long-term solution or not. To make your choice, you should also consider how easy to clean and stain-resistant it will be. If you don’t have much time to spare for cleaning, you should pick out the type of flooring that will be more resilient, like earlier mentioned laminate and vinyl. 

On the other hand, wood needs more care and attention than you may think. Though nothing can compare to the textured hardwood floor that is well-polished, if you don’t upkeep it regularly it will not look good. In case you need assistance while you are making this decision, you can always give me a call and get expert handyman advice.

Budget

Whenever you are planning larger-scale housework like flooring you will have to determine the budget. The floor you choose will also depend on the amount you are willing to pay. Though it might seem like it narrows your options, with the help of someone who knows the market and available materials, you will be able to pick a product with the best price-quality ratio. Furthermore, in case you don’t know anyone who would be able to help you, I will be more than happy to offer you my services. As an Eastern Suburbs handyman with rich flooring experience, I will provide you with suggestions and budget-friendly solutions you are looking for.

The post Tips to Choose the Best Flooring for Your Home appeared first on The Friendly Handyman.

Create Unique Aesthetics

Nowadays, we have a vast choice of designs and styles for the bathroom remodelling. It can be overwhelming for those of you who decide to do it all alone. On the other hand, an experienced professional will give you precise and efficient suggestions that will help you create the bathroom you always wanted. From tile design to the shade of grout and walls, they will ensure that every detail is combined to meet the latest trends and your taste.

Not only will you enjoy its looks, but also functionality and space that is used in the best possible way. Professionals will know how to make even a small bathroom look roomy and remain highly functional.

Getting The Job Done Without Any Mess

DIY might seem like a good idea when you consider renovation costs, but have in mind that you could end up paying it more than you would if you hired a professional. Work like tiling and bathroom fitting are pretty complex, and you will need a specific level of knowledge about waterproofing, plumbing and electricity. If you don’t have experience with these types of work you may end up damaging items you’ve just purchased and making a mess.

On the other hand, a professional handyman has the right tools and skills to perform the job that will lead you to the bathroom of your dreams. I will be able to educate you on the right choice of materials, taking into consideration the price-quality ratio, conduct installations without scratches or mess and deliver you more than a satisfying final result.

Saving Time 

The sad reality of DIY housework is that it will take more time than it may seem at first. You will most likely have to make a few tries before you install items correctly, and it may take weeks or even months to complete the renovation. Professionals will finish the work in a matter of days. It will not take more than two hours to install a shower. And, with an expert handyman, your bathroom will be fit entirely just in a couple of days. You will not need a calculator to see that it is a way to save precious time. Even a large-scale remodelling will be less time-consuming with a professional by your side. 

Increasing Value of Your Home

The renovated bathroom is one of the things that will positively affect the value of your home, so you should make sure that it is correctly done. Replacing tubs, faucets, as well as caulking and tiling will attract potential buyers even more. Still, most experienced homeowners will be able to recognize the work of professionals and it will make all the difference. They will notice if there are any scratches or misplaced items, how you used the space and some will be able to assess the quality of the bathroom amenities. And, with the work of an expert, you will not have to worry about any of that. To make sure everything goes according to plan and that the job is done within your time limits, feel free to contact my friendly handyman’s service.

The post Benefits of Hiring Professional Handyman For Bathroom Makeover appeared first on The Friendly Handyman.

Regular Checking of Smoke Alarms Saves You Trouble

The simplest thing you can do to make your home safe from fire is frequently checking your smoke detectors. You can press the button on the side to test if it is working at least once a month. If the sound is vague and weak, you should change the batteries. Still, many models will alert you when their batteries are low. You will hear peeping every couple of minutes and you shouldn’t ignore that. Though the entire system should be replaced every ten years, you should keep your eye on the new models. 

Also, have in mind that when the time comes, you shouldn’t do the smoke alarm installation by yourself. As a professional handyman, I am here to offer you my services, and conduct a precise and safe job.

Fire Extinguishers

In case you were unable to prevent the fire in your home, it would be good to have a fire extinguisher in your house. The best way to make sure you will manage to put the fire under control and react on time is to have one in rooms like the kitchen, where the risk is higher. Each member of your household should be able to handle the extinguisher, so they deal with the fire swiftly and successfully.

Work On Your Safety Habits

Creating safety habits and applying them daily can save you from a lot of trouble. Just by checking if some food particles got stuck on the burner or removing curtains or a dish towel standing too close to the stove, you will prevent potential combustion. 

One of the golden rules is to never leave the kitchen while you are cooking. Leaving the food on the stove unattended for a couple of seconds can cost you a lot more than you can imagine. If you have to leave, turn everything off. A good thing to ensure highly combustible areas in your house is the application of fire-rated silicone. It will slow down the fire if it breaks out and prevent it from spreading.

Wiring Maintenance

Almost every appliance we use in our households comes with cables and wires, and neglecting just one of those can be pretty dangerous. Before plugging anything in, you should inspect the cord for damages. Make sure that the cable hasn’t been frayed or surged. If you notice any type of damage to the wires, you will have to replace them immediately.

Electric cables are a huge fire hazard, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Examine the placement of wiring, and keep it away from carpets, curtains, furniture and other flammable items. It is better not to crowd cables in one socket, since they can cause electrical fires.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you have a television mounted on the wall, you shouldn’t leave cables hanging. That is one of the easiest ways to damage them. Instead, you should make sure that all wiring is safely camouflaged in the wall, and a good idea is to hire a handyman like me to help you with that. I can assure you I will do a thorough job to secure cables and avoid potential damages.

The post What Do You Need to Know About Home Fire Prevention? appeared first on The Friendly Handyman.

1. Painting

One of the easiest ways to make your home more desirable on the market is painting. This is a solution that will instantly improve the look of your house. From the living room to the shed in the backyard, painting can refresh and change the complete visual appeal of your home and add value to it. 

Bright colours are always a good choice, but you shouldn’t shy away from some darker shades if you are aiming at a specific style. Painting gives you a wide range of options, still, you should avoid those less eye-pleasing tones like fluorescent yellow or red. If you don’t find you’re crafty enough to choose the right colour tone by yourself, you can count on my professional painting service. I will give you suggestions and, if necessary, paint the walls, fence, and other parts of your property. 

2. Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

The bathroom and kitchen are two of the most important areas in the house, and you should pay them attention frequently. Damaged tiles and outdated appliances can make the value of your residence seriously drop. To make sure this doesn’t happen, upgrade your bathroom with modern tiling work or replace amenities like an old shower cabin or washbasin.

Remodelling kitchen is one of the large-scale housework that might include designers and take more time than you expected, still, it will seriously raise the price of your real estate. However, before you start with the work, you will have to compare the costs of it all with a realistic value that will be added. Check out the prices of material and installation, and do not make rash decisions. Instead, you can arrange the consultation with an experienced handyman like me, and together we will figure out what can be done within your budget. And whether you decide to change the floor or renew carpentry, you can rely on my services.

3. Reorganise the Space 

Adding the space to a certain room will truly change your entire view of the house. Sometimes it will be enough to make the area brighter. Other times you will actually have the opportunity to physically expand it by changing the placement of your furniture or even knocking down the walls that are blocking natural light. 

Open space will have a great effect on the way you look at your home and increase not only its price but also your life quality. It will make small houses feel fresh and light, and create an inviting feeling.

4. Replace Doors and Windows

If you feel comfortable with your finances, replacement of the old carpentry might be a good choice since it can raise the value of your house more than you could imagine. Besides that, your property will look completely different with new windows and doors. Even if you decide not to sell your property this will give you peace of mind since the carpentry in your home will seal properly, so you will not have any problems keeping it warm during winter and cool in summer. 

5. Updating Safety Features

Fire alarms, thermostats, security cameras, lighting and door locks, have a pretty big influence on your home worth. Still, if you are not tech-savvy you shouldn’t do that on your own. Whether you are installing smoke detectors or a new lock, I will be more than happy to help you.

The post 5 Home Refurbishment Steps That Will Increase The Value of Your Property appeared first on The Friendly Handyman.

Examine the Area Around the Deck

This is an important step for any type of housework. Before you start with the preparation you should check the area around the deck for potential issues. It is especially important to make sure that all of the pipes are unclogged and without any damages. Thus, look for any sign of leek and rust, and remove dirt, fungus and algae that may have got inside during summer. Also, check out the branches and shrubs surrounding your deck, and make sure that they are not thick enough to prevent air circulation.

Check the Wood and Construction

Inspecting your deck hardware is of the utmost importance when you are preparing it for the autumn weather. Carefully examine carpentry, railing, stairs and banisters for rust and corrosion. Check if there is a need to replace bolts and loose frames.

To test if the weather has affected the stairs, you should check if the railing is wiggling when you grab it. If that is the case, look at the way the post is connected to the rest of the construction and take further steps accordingly. If you are not sure how to repair this by yourself, the best solution is to leave this job to the professional.  You can count on Friendly Handyman to fix your loose railing or any other part of your wood deck quickly and efficiently.

Clean The Wood Deck Thoroughly and Protect It

Once you’ve examined surroundings and construction, it is time to clean the surface and remove everything unnecessary of the deck. Remove furniture or cover it to prevent potential damages. This is a type of protection that you should choose carefully and avoid cheap versions. On the contrary, you are risking the rain or snow coming through and ruining the furniture and other deck items.

Once you clean and clear everything, you should wash the deck to remove stains and dirt. Remove all leaves and check the space between the boards for moisture. To make sure it will last longer paint the wood over with a couple of layers of water-repellent finishes. That way you will avoid splitting and cracking, as well as some severe damages. If you need professional advice on how to protect the deck or any other type of wooden work on your property, do not hesitate to contact me at any time. I will provide you with all the important information and conduct the necessary work.

Test the Safety of the Area

You should recognize and avoid potential hazards, like using the space underneath your deck for storing firewood or items like barbecue. Make sure you practice safety habits and have in mind fire codes. Also, this space under the deck can attract different pests which can cause serious damage, so you should do what you can to prevent that.

However, nothing can negatively affect this space like water. For this reason, you should find a way to provide it with proper drainage. The simple solution would be to add some gravel under the deck. Still, just to be sure that everything is safe and secure, you should examine and clean this area frequently. And, if some bigger issue comes along, you can always give me a call and get professional handyman service no matter in which part of Eastern Suburbs you are located.

The post How to Prepare Your Wood Deck for Fall? appeared first on The Friendly Handyman.

So, if you don’t have any experience with furniture assembly, or you just don’t have time to spare, hiring a professional will benefit you in many ways. They will not only get the job done quicker but also make the entire process easier. To explain to you what are the benefits of hiring a handyman for furniture assembly, in the following text we will point out five of them we think are the most important.

1. Experience Matters

To put together a bed, dining table or counter you will need someone reliable and experienced. Aesthetics isn’t the only reason. The handyman will know how to deal with different types of furniture and do the job efficiently. You will have peace of mind knowing your furniture will be safe to use because this is something they have done countless times in the past.

2. Using the Right Equipment and Tools

Professionals in this line of work rely on their tools, and they know exactly which ones to apply to a certain type of furniture. Some pieces may come with basic building appliances, still, it doesn’t mean this will be enough to set it up. This is where an experienced handyman will know what to use to ensure that every part fits in perfectly. They will have the right resources and knowledge to do the job promptly and neatly.

3. Everything is Done Properly The First Time

If you decide to do the assembly on your own, you might find yourself trying and failing over and over again. You might not be familiar with the terminology used in instructions, so there is a good chance that some of the bolts end up on the wrong side of that kitchen table or TV shelf you were working on. Au contraire, the professional will do the job right the first time, saving your precious time and releasing you from unnecessary stress.

4. Get the Job Done Quickly

Time is one of the most valued things in our lives, so we should use it in the best possible way. Spending hours on figuring out some building instruction or which part goes where certainly doesn’t fall into that category. Thus, the best solution for avoiding this waste of time is to let a professional get the work done. They will finish swiftly what it would take you hours to do, not only because they have already mentioned tools and knowledge, but the skill that is crucial for any type of housework.

5. Avoiding Damages

When you are assembling furniture on your own and you do not have much experience in this, some of the pieces may get damaged in the process. Furthermore, this may result in buying additional parts. Meaning, you might end up paying more than what you wanted to save by setting it all up alone instead of hiring a handyman.

Professionals will execute this job without leaving a scratch, and you will not have to spend a nickel on the extra parts. So, if you need any assistance with this or any other kind of housework, do not hesitate to contact your trusted Eastern Suburbs handyman and you will get service that exceeds your expectations.

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Furniture Assembly Specialist appeared first on The Friendly Handyman.