Showing posts with label gardening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gardening. Show all posts
Monday, April 23, 2012
Don’t Forget to Spring Clean the Outside of Your Home
Many people spring clean inside the house. However, it’s even more important to inspect and clean the outside, since it receives the brunt of the weather and problems left untended can result in costly damages. When cleaning, a general rule of thumb is to start from the top and work down.
Here are some tips to get you started. (If repairs are needed, ask your local home improvement store for suggestions or call a professional.)
Inspect the Roof
Check for damage to shingles and exposed nail heads that need roofing cement applied. Look for possible leaks around the chimney and plumbing vents. Remove leaves and debris that accumulates in nooks and crannies.
Clean and Repair Gutters
Trim trees so they aren’t hanging over your house. Lean a long ladder securely against the house below the gutter. (Don’t lean it against the gutter because you can damage them.) Wear gloves and use a trowel to scoop out the debris. As you clean, examine for damage. Make sure the joints are secure and all the hangers are in good shape. Fix small holes or cracks with an appropriate product. Run water from a hose to make sure the downspouts are clear. You might consider putting on gutter guards to prevent future problems.
Hose off the Siding and Porch
Knock down cobwebs and dust with a strong stream of water. A broom dipped in a bucket of sudsy water scrubs the problem areas. You may want to use a pressure washer, but check to make sure you have the appropriate low setting recommended for wood or stucco because it can strip the paint off and gouge the surface. Clean the exterior light fixtures.
Clean Windows and Screens
Work in the shade to keep the cleaner from drying out too quickly. Water mixed with a big splash of white vinegar and a couple of drops of dishwashing detergent makes a great natural window cleaner. Scrub the windows with a sponge and dry with a good squeegee. Inspect for worn caulk or weather-stripping, and replace as necessary. Remove the screens and scrub with a brush. Rinse with a hose and reattach.
Clean Deck
Apply a recommended deck cleaner according the instructions. Scrub with a long handled brush or broom. Rinse and let it dry. Apply new stain or sealant if needed. A pump sprayer is handy for both of these jobs.
Inspect the Foundation
Hairline cracks aren’t a problem, but if you notice any that get larger, call a structural engineer. Make sure the ground slopes away from the house to allow water to drain away from the house. Check for pests like termites. If there are any spots that collect water, fill them in with soil.
Power Wash Patios, Sidewalks, and Driveways
If your brick or flagstone patio has damage, replace the broken pieces. Get rid of any weeds. Stains on cement can often be removed. If there are small crack you can fill them with a matching concrete patch. If the cracks are larger, ask for advice.
Tidy Landscaping and Fencing
Rake up any debris that’s collected over the winter. Reseed any bare spots in the lawn. Prune shrubs. Remove weeds. Add new mulch. Repair and paint fences if needed.
While regular maintenance takes time and work, it saves you tons of money in the long run. Your home is an investment worth protecting. If it all seems too overwhelming and you live in the Silicone Valley, give us a call at Simplify to inquire how our highly skilled professionals can help you spring clean the inside or outside of your home!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Get Ready for Spring in California
The first official day of spring for 2011 is March 20th. That’s just around the corner! I love this time of year...warmer weather, longer days, beautiful flowers. It's an excellent time of year to tackle life with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
We want to share with you a few ideas to get you prepared and excited for the upcoming spring season:
Spruce up the yard. The yard usually gets neglected during the winter season. With spring being such a beautiful time of year, you want your yard to reflect that. Clear up any trash or debris that has collected. Hose down you porch or patio area. Prune back plants and bushes. If yard work is not your expertise, consider hiring a landscaper.
Make your house sparkle. Spring is the typical time that we decide to tackle the big indoor cleaning projects. I recommend making a list of the indoor cleaning projects you would like to get done this spring and then make a schedule. For a comprehensive list of spring cleaning tips, click here.
Change up your exercise routine. If you are going to spruce up your house and your yard, maybe you should consider doing the same for yourself and your workout routine. Consider trying a new class at the gym, sign up for a half marathon, or take your workout outside. Whatever you decide to do…try to challenge yourself and keep it fresh.
Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables. Food always tastes better when it’s in season. Living in California, we have a wide variety of amazing produce. Asparagus, grapefruit, kiwi, oranges, peas, radishes, and strawberries are just a few of the wonderful spring produce we have available. To get your family on board, plan a trip to a local farm.
From us at Simplify, we hope you have a wonderful spring! For any of your spring time projects, Simplify has a team of top professionals for your needs. Please contact us for more information.
Monday, February 28, 2011
What You Need to Know Before You Hire a Landscaper
What You Need to Know Before You Hire a Landscaper
We would all love to have a beautiful yard, but the truth is it’s hard to find the time to make it happen. So, what can you do if you want that gorgeous yard without spending any time on it? Hire a landscaper! The beauty of hiring a landscaper is that they can get your yard in good shape and they can help you maintain it.
Now you are left with the task of finding someone to do the job. Due diligence is required to make the right choice because whenever people work at your home you want someone you can trust.
Here are five tips to follow when hiring a landscaper:
- Define your needs. Before you start interviewing anyone, take some time and think about what you want done to your yard. Decide what you want done regularly (lawn mowing), semi-regularly (weeding, pruning), and seasonally (fertilizing, lawn aerating). The more specific you are about your needs, the more clearly you’ll be able to identify what type of landscaper you want and you’ll be better equipped to communicate your needs to whomever you hire.
- Be specific during the interview process. Make a list of all the important things you want to cover during the interview. Be sure to include: price, availability, and cancellation policy. Ask for 3-5 client references for you to follow up on. Find out what guarantee they provide if you’re not satisfied with the service.
- Inform yourself on any legal and tax regulations that may apply to your situation, so you know who’s responsible for taxes, social security and worker’s compensation.
- Ask about insurance. Make sure that whoever you hire is covered by insurance. Don’t forget that this is a protection for you just in case someone gets hurts while working on your property.
- Get it all in writing. Outline all the costs and services before you begin the service relationship. That way if there is a misunderstanding you have something to refer back to.
If you would like assistance in finding a landscaper, Simplify would be happy to help. If you live in these areas: the Bay Area Peninsula and South Bay, including Palo Alto, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Atherton, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, and San Jose we have carefully-screened landscapers ready to work for you! Our home and lifestyle management firm gives priority to your privacy, safety, and security. We are also fully licensed and insured for your protection. Please contact us for more information.
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