Classic Handyman Home Improvement Tips:

Some Hints for Your Home:

• Walk around the outside of the house and visually inspect each downspout. Look to see that the water is discharging at least 4 feet away from the nearest foundation. If the water goes into a pipe, look for the discharge location during a rainstorm to see that water is flowing out and away from the foundation.
• Outside “frost proof” hose faucets (bibs) can leak inside the foundation if the barrel froze during the winter. In winter, remove the hose from the outdoor faucet.

Classic Handyman Home Improvement Tips:

Painting Indoors? Here are a few tips to keep in mind…

Caulks - Some caulks cannot be painted. If you are simply caulking around trim (doors, windows and baseboards) you can use a product called white lightening. It is water-soluble so it is easy to clean up. Caulking does take some time to perfect; however, water-soluble caulk is the most forgiving. If you have questions on how to apply it, feel free to come by any of our shops to get a free demonstration. Please contact us first so we can be ready.

Trim painting – Some older homes have oil-based painted trim. Do not paint latex on this trim without first preparing the surface, otherwise the latex paint will eventually peel off like a rubber glove. To check the existing trim for paint type, apply isopropyl-rubbing alcohol to a rag and rub the surface briskly. If the rag shows color transfer from the surface, the surface is coated with latex paint, otherwise it is oil. To prepare oil painted surfaces, sand first or use a special primer; the hardware store can provide the particulars.

• Cut in before you roll and use the blue painters tape instead of the traditional masking tape.
• Plan on applying two coats of paint as a minimum unless you are applying the same color.
• Use semi-gloss paint for re-applying in bathrooms and the kitchen. A flat finish is less resistant to moisture and not suitable for wiping.