Delmarva Handyman with HandyPro Offers Sound Advice for Single Homeowners

Elderly and single homeowners are uncomfortable allowing strangers into their home to provide necessary service

 

Delmarva MD – Few people give thought to physical attack or home robbery when they call their local handyman to perform general repairs or renovations. The danger is most present with the handyman who goes door to door looking for work. A reputable home service provider does not need to go door knocking to find work. He already has his good name and reputation.

In any event, safety is a major issue today. With so many scammers appearing in the news people are becoming more aware of the need to take precautions. Single female and elderly homeowners may feel vulnerable when they need a home service provider. Even if the handyman comes highly recommended by a trusted friend or neighbor, the person coming to the home is still a stranger. The company may send a different contractor than the one who did such a wonderful job for the friend.

In most cases, there is no threat, especially when the contractor was called to the home and sent by a legitimate company. Homeowners who are nervous can benefit from the following tips provided by the Delmarva handyman (http://www.handypro.com/maryland_denton.html) who understands their concern:

• Ask for the repairman's physical description. If the handyman is employed by a large company, ask the service representative for a physical description of the contractor.

• Ask to see the handyman's photo identification. Sometimes the handyman arrives in his own pick-up truck or panel van with no logo or lettering. Ask to see photo ID or credentials proving he is indeed the home service provider expected.

• Keep an eye on the repairman. A handyman should not roam around the house without supervision. Show him the job to be done and watch him as much as possible while he works.

• Let a neighbor know that a repairman is coming to the home so they can keep an eye out or stop by while the service man is there.

• Do not leave valuable items like expensive jewelry, laptop computers, and cash laying around.

Consumers should report any suspicious, rude or unprofessional behavior of a handyman to the company. Perhaps this isn’t the first complaint they have received, so they will take action to protect their customers and their reputation.

Keith Paul, founder of HandyPro Handyman Service was inspired to start his business when an unscrupulous home repair contractor ripped off his grandmother! All independent franchisees are licensed, bonded, drug tested and background checked. The HandyPro Handyman can be counted on to handle all home improvement needs from general repairs and seasonal maintenance to complete remodeling and additions. Keith Osterman serves the Delmarva area, Easton, Parsonsburg and neighboring communities. Visit http://www.handymanservicesdelmarva.com/ to learn more.


About HandyPro Handyman Services:
What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs including home modification for seniors, home improvement and home remodeling, seasonal home maintenance and more. HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have building repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction. HandyPro Handyman Service has been in business since 1996, serving over 20,000 clients with zero complaints from the Better Business Bureau. HandyPro Handyman Services has been featured on Rachel Ray and Fox News.

HandyPro Delmarva Specializes in General Home Repairs and Senior Home Modification

Keith Osterman is qualified to provide a wide array of residential and commercial repairs and improvements

Delmarva MD – Area residents and business owners enjoy superior service by the local handyman who brings a new standard of quality to the home service industry. Keith Osterman is not just a typical handyman, but one who specializes in two major areas of service; general home repairs and senior home modification.

General home repairs include a wide array of services in over 1600 categories including interior and exterior painting, drywall repair, cabinet installation, new flooring, doors and trim, and everything on the homeowner’s to-do list.

His current passion is senior home modification to allow aging and disabled homeowners to live safely and independently in their homes. Keith is specially trained and qualified to provide customized home renovation for people who can no longer live in their home as it is currently designed. Products installed include grab bars and hand rails, wheelchair ramps and stair lifts, customized shower units, walk-in bathtubs and complete bathroom and kitchen remodeling.

HandyPro is the only handyman service that specializes in customized home renovation for the aging or disabled. They provide special equipment and devices with changes to the home design to accommodate their special needs. HandyPro Handyman Service (http://www.handypro.com/maryland_denton.html) is an ADA Certified Aging in Place Specialist.

Homeowners and commercial customers enjoy quality service and professional workmanship provided by a licensed home and building repair contractor. Aging homeowners discover affordable solutions to continue to live in their own home independently.

Customers are treated with the respect they deserve. The handyman will arrive on time or the customer receives a discount of $30 on their service. Keith Osterman feels honored to be invited into a customer’s home and trusted with their project, so he respects their home by cleaning up his work area when the job is complete. Leaving the area free from debris is not only a professional courtesy, but a safety issue as well.

Keith Osterman enjoys a rewarding career making a positive difference for area residents and business owners who are looking for honest and dependable service. HandyPro Handyman Services is a growing company with over a dozen independently owned franchises in the US. Keith serves the Delmarva area, Denton, Easton, Salisbury and neighboring cities and communities. Visit http://www.handymanservicesdelmarva.com/ to learn more.

About HandyPro Handyman Services:
What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs including home modification for seniors, home improvement and home remodeling, seasonal home maintenance and more. HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have building repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction. HandyPro Handyman Service has been in business since 1996, serving over 20,000 clients with zero complaints from the Better Business Bureau. HandyPro Handyman Services has been featured on Rachel Ray and Fox News.

Handyman Services Delmarva: DIY Home Repair Tips from your Friendly Delmarva Handyman Service

Handyman Services Delmarva: Handyman services are companies that specialize in small home repairs and the “to-do” list. Handyman services are ideal for handling the smaller home repairs that building contractors typically turn down. A handyman specializes in and makes his living performing small home repairs and remodeling projects.

Here are some simple home repair tips from a HandyPro Handyman serving the Delmarva community. If you are a do-it-yourself homeowner, this information will be helpful to you. Otherwise, hire it done by your local handyman service!

Dear Keith. My husband has taken a job that will cause him to travel, which means that I have become the “do it yourselfer” of the house. What advice would you have to the first-time DIYer? Janice S. Whitmore Lake

Welcome to the world of home improvement. You took the first step in the right direction by asking for help. By doing so, you can avoid many common home improvement mistakes and pitfalls, (many that I have made). Several home maintenance and improvement projects are difficult if you don’t have the right tools or knowledge. Although we could write a book on your question, I’ve decided to compile a few shortcuts that may help in your new venture.

1. Do you have a leaky copper pipe? Many leaks are caused by frozen pipes or worn
connections. There is a product called Sharkbite Fittings that can help you replace damaged or leaky pipes by “clicking and fitting.” Sweating the copper pipes and fittings are no longer necessary for many of these projects. If you ever played with LEGOs and used a saw, you can work with the Sharkbite fittings and possibly save hundreds of dollars.

2. Have a door that sticks? Many doors become loose due to the worn screw holes at the hinges. Remove the loose hinges and insert toothpicks into the holes then apply wood glue. Allow the glue to set overnight then cut the excess toothpicks. Next, predrill a hole if necessary, screw the hinges back in place and your door hinge will be as tight as new. This process also works with cabinet knobs.

3. Have a squeaky floor under a carpet? Once thought impossible to fix, now there is
a solution for the novice DIYer. There are many products such as “Squeeeeek No More” which can fix a squeaky floor with only a drill and some patience. The screw is inserted through the carpet and the floor boards by using this product and a drill. The screw tightens the floor board(s) and the joist together, eliminating the squeak. The screw head is then removed below the rug, leaving no trace of the screw or the repair.

4. Need a stud finder and don’t have one? Heavy picture and mirrors that are hung on the wall require extra support from nailing or screwing into a stud providing extra strength. A stud finder is the tool that locates a stud behind drywall. If you do not have one, take an electric razor and run it across the wall while turned on, when the tone changes, you now have your stud.

5. Got a sluggish kitchen or bathroom drain? Pour a ½ cup of baking soda down the drain and add ½ cup of vinegar. Cover and seal the drain for a few minutes, then add 6 cups of boiling water and watch the water flow. How it works: the combination of the baking soda and vinegar causes the fatty acids to break down into soap and glycerin allowing the drain to open.


6. Toilet running continuously? Before you call a professional plumber try these two tips. Water will flow through the inside of tank if the rubber flapper is not properly positioned and sealed against the inside rim.

a. In most toilets, the handle is connected to a rod inside the tank. When flushed it will pull against a connected chain and open the rubber flapper allowing the water to drain. Often the rubber flapper does not completely seal the inside rim, causing the water to continuously flow. The rod may need adjusting to completely seal the rim. Correct this issue by bending the rod downward with your hands.

b. If it continues to run and the flapper has not been replaced in years, turn off the water to the toilet and then flush. This will empty the tank allowing you to remove the flapper and take it to your nearest hardware for replacement.

This article was written by Keith Paul, a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as president and founding member of nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com

Keith Osterman, former truck driver, made a rewarding career change recently purchasing a HandyPro franchise to serve homes and businesses in the Delmarva area in Maryland. Keith enjoys creating and building trusting relationships with his customers who give him the honor of trusting him with their home.

See how the Handyman Easton is contributing to the Aging in Place Community with Home Modification Easton Services.

What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs and maintenance projects. HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have minor repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.

Carpentry, Plaster, Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout tub, fix leaky faucet, home warranty/maintenance, paint home, caulk bathtub, replace locks, garage doors, cabinets, countertops, fix running toilet, repair squeaky door, install molding, security services, stained glass, door repair/install, drywall repair, painting, kitchen, insulation, concrete, masonry, repair gutters, remove wallpaper, replace ceiling fan, caulk awning, siding repair, install shelves, organizers, ceramic tile, window well covers, replace bathroom fan, draperies, blinds, shades, glass, mirrors, decks, and much more…just ask!

HandyPro Handyman Services of Delmarva is happy to serve homeowners and businesses in Talbot, Caroline, Queen Anne and Sussex Counties, Denton, Easton, St. Michaels, Centerville, Queenstown, Harrington, Seaford, 21629, 21601, 21663, 21617, 21658, and neighboring cities and communities.

Handyman Services Delmarva: Hiring a Handyman Service or Contractor

Handyman Services Delmarva: Tips from your friendly neighborhood handyman: What every homeowner should know before they hire a handyman service or contractor.

“I need a new roof installed in my home and am concerned about the horror stories of homeowners being ripped off by shoddy contractors, what is the best way to protect myself?”
- Jan S. Ann Arbor.

Hi Jan, you are definitely on the right track because it’s all about research. You have the right to be concerned with any home improvement contractor. Currently, contractors are seven out of the top twenty inquiries with the Better Business from January to August 2009.

I’ve being in the contracting world for 17 years and wish more homeowners would begin as you are, by asking questions. Too often I’ve seen homeowners sign a contract with a contractor they found in the Yellow Pages with the largest ad or the first listing in Google. Many of us have made the mistake of contracting with a company because of the “nice salesman”, without further investigating the company and regretted it.

Our homes are typically the largest investment and we need to take time to ensure that we are hiring reputable home improvement contractors. Otherwise we could be making repairs after the job is completed, or overpaying or even worse ending up in court. There are many “good guy” contractors who make an honest living by serving others and they are not difficult to find, but we must take our time do our homework. Below are six tips to help you find the best home improvement contractor.

1. Verify insurance. Workers Compensation insurance protects you if a worker is injured on your property. Liability Insurance protects you if any of your property is damaged. Call the insurance company to ensure it is up to date and request to have your name on the certificate. By having your name on the certificate, you will be notified if the contractor cancel’s the policy during your project.

2. Get all estimates and warranties in writing. All warranties and estimates must be detailed in writing. It will help protect you as a consumer and avoid misunderstandings. Also, does the estimate include labor and materials? Does the warrantee include labor and materials? Verify how they handle change orders?

3. Check references. Talk with past customers and ask them if they would use this contractor again? Does the company stand behind their warranties? Do they show up on time? Would you refer them to their friends and neighbors? What would be the one thing they should improve? . . . Don’t hesitate to ask, most people are glad to help.

4. How long has the company been in business? Warranties are as good as the company. If they are out of business, in many cases so is your warranty.

5. Verify license. Check with your state licensing department. If a license is applicable for your project, the state may help protect you in case of faulty workmanship. If a permit is needed, ensure the contractor picks it up, not the homeowner.

6. Multiple quotes. Get an estimate from multiple contractors to ensure you are comparing apples with apples. Many very low priced estimates do not include the entire project.

By asking these questions, it will help you avoid being ripped off or over charged. Any reputable home improvement company will gladly provide you with the information in the aforementioned list. If the contractor will not provide the information or are irritated by your questions, it will help make your decision easier - Do Not Use Them. Most home improvement contractors are “good guy’s”. Ask the right questions and you will find them.

Keith Paul is the founder of HandyPro Handyman Services, a nationally franchised company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Debra, started the business in 1996. Customer service is the number one priority of HandyPro Handyman Services.

Keith Osterman, former truck driver, made a rewarding career change recently purchasing a HandyPro franchise to serve homes and businesses in the Delmarva area in Maryland. Keith enjoys creating and building trusting relationships with his customers who give him the honor of trusting him with their home.

HandyPro Handyman Services of Delmarva is happy to serve homeowners and businesses in Talbot, Caroline, Queen Anne and Sussex Counties, Denton, Easton, St. Michaels, Centerville, Queenstown, Harrington, Seaford, 21629, 21601, 21663, 21617, 21658, and neighboring cities and communities.

What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs and maintenance projects. HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have minor repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.

Carpentry, Plaster, Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout tub, fix leaky faucet, home warranty/maintenance, paint home, caulk bathtub, replace locks, garage doors, cabinets, countertops, fix running toilet, repair squeaky door, install molding, security services, stained glass, door repair/install, drywall repair, painting, kitchen, insulation, concrete, masonry, repair gutters, remove wallpaper, replace ceiling fan, caulk awning, siding repair, install shelves, organizers, ceramic tile, window well covers, replace bathroom fan, draperies, blinds, shades, glass, mirrors, decks, and much more…just ask!