If your electrical bills are getting to be just too high for you, not to worry! Handyman Connection of Florida is here to provide you with a few tips on how to keep your costs low with some small home improvement tactics!

• Ceiling fans can greatly reduce the use of the air conditioning in your home. While using less energy they will also keep your home cool and improve on your bill! It’s usually good to consult with a handyman electrician to make sure that the installation goes smoothly and the fan of your choice is compatible with your home.
• Switch to either florescent or LED light bulbs in your home. While they are both pricier, they greatly reduce the use of energy as well as last much longer than your regular bulb. Florescent bulbs are the cheaper of the two and release much less hear than a regular bulb, allowing it to keep your home cooler in the warm months of the year. LED bulbs are the most efficient and can actually last around 100,000 hours!
• The easiest thing to do is to remember to unplug electronics and appliances when not in use. Computers and power strips will continuously use up energy even if they are not on. Make sure to unplug that charger and turn off your power strips when not in use.
• Replacing your old window panes can make a bigger difference in your bills than you might think. If your windows are not properly in place, around 30% of your air conditioning or heater’s energy can be lost through any kinds of gaps or cracks, creating the need for your home to use more energy to replace what is lost. Replacing panes and having a proper sealant can save you money in the end. When doing this, remember to consult with a professional handyman to make sure that this home improvement task is done correctly.
• Installing occupancy sensors can also decrease your energy usage. These will sense when a person is in the room and turn the lights on and off depending on the occupancy. Installing these in your kitchen and porch can definitely make a difference on your bills since these are the lights that get left on most frequently.
• Having a handyman install a thermostat that can be on a timer will also decrease your bills. It will automatically change the temperature so that while you are away from your home, it will not waste energy heating up in the winter and cooling down in the summer.

Are you considering adding molding or trim for your next home improvement project? This touch can dramatically impact the style and overall feel of a room. If your room feels plain and dull, adding molding and trim might be the perfect way to help re-create a vibrant new space. Molding can instantly update your look and create a classy, sometimes regal feel.

There are many styles you can choose ranging from traditional to contemporary. Hard wood is the most popular medium. Styles include crown molding, casing, window and door trim, baseboard trim, chair rail trim, picture rail and bar rail. Consult a home handyman for advice and installation help.

Molding and trim are solutions for drywall maintenance and repair because they cover and strengthen wall imperfections. Wood moldings are not just useful for decoration but protect the wall long-term from damage, drafts, and wood expansion and contraction problems.

It’s important to understand the process leading up to installing your molding or trim. You’ll need to estimate the quantity and size the wood pieces come in. Make sure to have correct measurements of your room’s perimeter and don’t forget closets and bathrooms. Continuity is key with trim and molding.

If you’re going with wood molding, you’ll need to decide what type of wood species you want. The most stable and water resistant choices include Oak, Mahogany and Cedar. Remember that you can always stain these woods to look like a more expensive species if you so desire. A remodeling contractor can help you choose a good quality stain that will last.

Painting your molding or trim to contrast with the wall color can really make a room pop. Go for a lighter trim and lighter ceilings to open up the room and then choose a bold color for the walls. The contrast will leave your room looking fresh and contemporary or vibrant and classic depending on the style.

If you want little to no blemishes on your molding or trim, a plastic polymer is a good option. It is a bit more expensive than wood but it is lighter and easier to install and it does not expand and contract like wood does. This medium is ideal for exterior trim.

Installing molding and trim is a very calculated process that requires a lot of pre-planning and skill. Don’t rely on the DIY guides online; hire a professional handyman to save yourself the time and headache. A handyman can help you pick out your molding or trim and give you professional advice throughout the whole process to ensure your room will look picture perfect!

Adding ceiling fans are a great home improvement idea that will add comfort to your home. By having a ceiling fan installed correctly by a Handyman, ceiling fans will be enjoyed for years to come.  If a ceiling fan is installed incorrectly, it can be a major waste of time and money. Make sure you do your homework, choose the right ceiling fans to fit your rooms, goals and budget, and have the Handyman Connection of Florida install them. You’ll save time, money and headaches in the long-run.

Before a Handyman comes in, you need to decide on the following:

Controls For easier access to control your fan, you might want to think about  using wall-mounted controls instead of the pull-chain that is normally on most ceiling fans , which the Handyman Connection of Florida can install for you. Some people are even going for extra, easier control methods and are installing remote controls. The best part about having a wall-mounted control or a remote is that you can dim or control lights and select fan speed and direction. Some controls even have timers and program when you want fans to come on or turn off.

Lights There are many lighting options to choose from, from incandescent bulbs to halogen. Also, there are single-light fans or multiple light fixtures. You can ask our Handyman any questions about special hardware needed, or the pros and cons of different light styles based on your home setting.

Blade Size There are different sizes designed to fit into specific spaces. Install a small ceiling fan that is certified for most environments to help prevent mold and mildew build-up in the bathroom. You will want to purchase a ceiling fan with bigger blades and spans for larger areas with high ceilings. Just ask the Handyman Connection of Florida for tips and guidelines.

Make sure you consider these things before you have your ceiling fan installed. If your ceiling fan is selected and installed right, your new ceiling fan will keep your home cooler in the summer months and it will help bring down your air conditioning bills. They will also add a new touch to your home with some visual flair.

Check out our exclusive interview on Fox 4 The Morning Blend. Our operations manager of the Ft. Myers & Naples branch, Matt Ross, discusses all of the home repair, home maintenance, and home improvement services that Handyman Connection can provide. Click the link below to watch the full interview and to find out the special discount that Handyman Connection is currently offering:

http://www.fox4morningblend.com/videos/128232938.html

Now that we’re almost back to the fall season, it’s important to get your home organized! Getting into the fall season with a house in disarray is just asking for a mess to clean come the holiday season. Get your home in order with these small home improvement projects and let the craziness of fall sweep you away knowing that your home will be in order with extra shelving and storage. If you don’t have the knowledge, time, tools or the desire to do it on your own, put your trust in the professionals at Handyman Connection of Florida to get the job done.

Closets – Whether they are in the bedrooms or in the hallway, the closets main purpose is to store your possessions. Make sure that your closets are working at their optimum level. Add shelves for clothes that need to be folded or for shoes. In hall closets install adjustable shelves so that you can change each shelf’s size!

Home Office – No home office is complete without bookshelves and filing cabinets. This room allows for a variety of home improvement possibilities. Bookshelves can be found in all shapes, sizes and colors. Many can be found at your local stores and can be brought home and easily assembled. If you want a sturdier option, opt for a professional handyman to install custom bookshelves and filing cabinets.

Bathroom – If all you are living with is the under the sink storage and a medicine cabinet in your bathroom, then it’s time to make some improvements. Try installing corner shelves that take up less space than usual shelves. Or, make use of that space above your towel holders and install a shelving unit that will allow you to store more of your items. If you are truly limited on space, try installing a second level of shelf under your bathroom sink. This is a more difficult home improvement job, but can be well worth it!

Kitchen – The best home improvement organization tasks you can do for your kitchen are installing rollout shelves, lazy susans and a pantry if one is not already there. These can be time saving and allow you to be organized in ways you never thought were possible. Imagine not pushing everything around to find that Tupperware top or that spice that you apparently haven’t used in ages. Unless you are in college, your dry food should not be mixing around with your plates and mixing bowls! Installing a pantry can make your life so much easier and really give that extra space that you deserve.

If these sound like your kind of home improvements but way too far out of your league, ask for some expert advice. Handyman Connection of Florida offers free estimates and our expert handymen can help you make the right choices for your home.

Getting a fresh look in your home is not as difficult of a home maintenance project as you might think. A simple way to add elegance and a feeling of an updated home is through fixtures in your kitchen and bathroom. These home maintenance projects are very affordable and in many cases the newer versions are eco friendly and can help cut down on your water bill!

While installing new sink and shower fixtures can be a breeze, new toilets and tubs can be an excruciating task. For these types of home maintenance projects, we suggest calling a professional handyman.

• Faucets – Your sink faucets in your kitchen and bathroom can really set the tone for your whole room’s décor. From contemporary to vintage there are many exciting styles to choose from. These home maintenance changes are the most affordable and you wont break your pocketbook. We at Handyman Connection of Florida suggest getting a touch sensor faucet for your kitchen sink to save water as well as cut down on germs in your home!
• Showerheads – A new showerhead can really make a difference in your showering experience. Not only will the water come out in perfect streams, many are well equipped to cut down on the amount of water without hindering your water pressure. Most new showerheads also allow for a variety of spray patterns and detachable hand sprayer for convenience.
• Tub and Shower – This is one of those home maintenance tasks that relies so heavily on details and complicated work. Calling a professional handyman to install your new tub or shower would be a wise decision. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t get to have fun picking it out! There are so many options in a variety of price ranges for new tubs or showers. Whether you want a basic plastic tub or stand up clear glass steam shower, the options are there just waiting for your picking.
• Toilets – toilets now a days come in every shape and size you could possibly imagine. Some are round some are oval some are teardrop shaped and at many different heights based on your preference. Like with tub and shower installation, its best to ask for help from a professional on this home maintenance task.

Even though these home maintenance tasks are not an overhaul remodel, they can still make a solid difference in the look and feel of your home. Check your local hardware store to get some ideas and don’t forget to call Handyman Connection of Florida to get your free estimate.

When it’s time for an exterior painting job, you’ll know. Trying to complete this home maintenance task alone, however, can be a huge burden. While you may want to at least consult with a handyman, we suggest handing the project over to a pro at Handyman Connection of Florida.

If you are a ‘do – it – yourselfer’ and at least want to try and tackle it alone, be sure to remember the three steps in exterior painting: clean, prep, and apply! For each of these steps, it’s important to remember the following.

• Cleaning – one of the most important tasks for this home maintenance project is to clean the outside surfaces of your house. We suggest a thorough pressure washing of the exterior to save you time and energy. Wait until the surface is dry before continuing.
• Preparation – Not only will you need to clean your exterior surfaces before you paint, you will need to make sure to repair any damaged surfaces, scrape away loose paint with sandpaper (we suggest sandblasting, or consulting a professional handyman for this task), patch nail holes, apply stain blocking primer, roughen surfaces to enhance the paint sticking, cover everything that you do not want paint to get on and apply primer to any raw surfaces. Do not leave out any of these home repair tasks – they are imperative to creating the best quality exterior painting job!
• Application – Now it is time to pick the paint. Exterior paint is available in gloss, semi gloss and flat. It’s important to choose the same type of paint that was used previously on your property. If you need help choosing, ask a professional contractor or the painting consultant in your local home improvement store. You will need to apply at least two coats of paint. Remember that for the trim and intricate window designs, using a brush to apply the paint will be most effective!

This home maintenance project can take up a ton of time and money if you want to do it by yourself. Any mistakes on this type of work can be seen by everyone and re-doing the process can be just as grueling. Consider hiring a professional handyman or at least sign up Handyman Connection of Florida for a free estimate to get the full picture of your possible outcomes.

Don’t let your fear of home improvement tasks overcome your retiling needs! Upgrading your home’s tile in your kitchen and bathroom can create not only create a fresh look but improve the value of your home. Retiling alone can be difficult, which is why calling Handyman Connection of Florida can make this painful task into a breeze.

Not only can Handyman Connection of Florida help you install your new tile, but our professionals can help you choose from a plethora of tiling options. There are tiles within every price range and style to pick from.

Want ideas from the experts? Here are some things to think about when making decisions for these types of home improvement projects.

When retiling your bathroom, keep these ideas in the back of your mind:

• Choose tiles that have an iridescent finish so that they can effectively add sparkle to your room
• If your bathroom is bare, try adding some color by using aqua glass tiles or pink to create an accent color
• Take advantage of your glass shower doors and use colored tiles in your shower to add a burst of color
• If you really want a flashy home improvement idea, try creating a tile mosaic. These can create not only color, but a piece of art that can be appreciated for a lifetime.

Retiling in the kitchen? We think you should:

• Try and save some money by using the expensive tiles as accents
• Create a dashing backsplash to bring the focus away from solid color countertops
• Put tiles at an angle to create dimension
• Place the most intricate tiling around your stove to make a focal point in your kitchen

Contact a professional handyman to give you a free estimate and answer any questions you may have about this or any other home improvement needs. Now is the time to stop thinking about your dream tiling and make it happen!

Now that summer is going headstrong, it’s time to think again about some home maintenance projects that are best done during this season. It is warm and dry and therefore completing these tasks are essential at this time. While summer is relaxing and fun, we suggest taking a weekend to reassess your home and make sure everything is ship shape! For more extensive home maintenance tasks, call a professional at Handyman Connection of Florida to help you out.

1. Decks and Patios – If you haven’t already, make sure to refinish your wood decks and patios. Refinishing requires the weather to be dry and warm so make sure to do this task by the end of summer. Power-wash down your wood deck and patio and let dry for 24 hours. Then apply the finish.
2. Paint – Summertime is the perfect season to get out and repaint your house. This home maintenance task can really make a difference in your home.
3. Caulking– check for tiny cracks around your windows that might let more hot air into your home. Providing caulking over these cracks can significantly keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
4. Windows and Doors – The hottest months are still to come and fixing any broken windows or doors can improve the comfort level in your home. Repairing windows and doors or replacing them can lower you’re a/c bill as well as create a cooler home environment.
5. Stucco Repairs– It’s important to check for any stucco around the house that might need repairs. If you wait too long, the weather will be cooler which will take the stucco much longer to dry when applied.

This may not be your favorite summertime activities, but they are imperative home maintenance tasks that need to be accomplished this season. Handyman Connection of Florida can help you with these tasks. Call for more information or schedule a free estimate.

It’s summer and therefore it’s time to spruce up your home after all of the purging from your spring cleaning. Now that you can see your walls and floors again, why not make a change so that they add flavor to your home? 2011 has inspired some exciting new color trends that can change your home from boring to inspiring. Painting projects can be a drag so why not let a professional handyman painter from Handyman Connection of Florida help you out?

This year, Sherwin Williams has come out with four lines of fashion forward paint colors. Since its summer, we suggest their Gentle Medley line. This line focuses on soft colors that can remind you of summer all year round. These pastel tones and parchment pale neutrals can add a young and relaxing feel to your home. From the lively “breaktime” blue to the “Chivalry Copper” orange, your home can bring 2011 summer trends into your life. A handyman painter can easily help you get these colors into your kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms.

AkzoNobel has also come out with their Color of the Year that ties perfectly in line with the Gentle Medley line. They chose a citrus yellow color that is full of energy and positivity. This color can bring character and voice to your home. It is the perfect reflection of summer that invites emotions of warmth and sunshine all year round.

Handyman Connection’s professional painters can easily and quickly transform your home with the new interior paint colors of 2011. Check out our website for a free quote, or contact us for more information from a Handyman painter.