Mr. Handyman of Scottsdale - September Newsletter

Back-to-school season is here, and for so many families that means a return to early mornings, packed schedules, homework, practices and trying to settle into a new routine.

One of the things we love about Mr. Handyman of Scottsdale is being able to make life a little easier for the families we serve. That lingering list of home repairs doesn't have to compete with everything else on your calendar. From hanging shelves and repairing doors to drywall, carpentry and those little projects that have been waiting all summer, let us take something off your to-do list.

And a little something just for our teachers: Are you a current or former teacher? Be sure to tell us when you call! As a former classroom teacher, I have a special appreciation for the people who spend their days educating and caring for our kids-and we may just have a little surprise for you.

We're also right in the middle of Arizona's monsoon season. High winds, blowing debris, heavy rain and dust have a way of revealing the little problems around our homes. If monsoon weather has left you with damaged screens, door or gates that aren't closing properly, exterior damage, drywall repairs or another project that needs attention, give us a call. With more storms possible, now is also a great time to take care of preventative maintenance before a small issue becomes a bigger one.

Thankfully, cooler Arizona days are't too far away. Soon we'll be opening our homes back up, spending more time outside and getting patios and outdoor spaces ready for Fall. It's the perfect time to start thinking about the repairs that are put on hold during the summer heat.

Whether we're helping you recover from a storm, prepare your home for Fall or simply cross a few things off a very busy family's list, our goal remains the same: expectational craftsmanship, dependable serve, and taking great care of our customers and their homes.

Thank you for continuing to support our family-owned business and allowing our team to serve this incredible community.

Here's to a great school year, our amazing teachers and cooler days ahead.

With gratitude,

Jon & Michelle Tranter

As summer draws to a close, it's time to resume the routines of daily life. It's the end of the travel season and people are home, the kids are back in school, and life is settling into a normal rhythm again. While everyone gets back into the swing of things, house projects can often get overlooked, despite the fact that the approaching seasons mean a lot of time spent in the home, on the patio, and enjoying the yard. Conducting a quick walkthrough of your home and outdoor spaces can give you an idea of what areas need addressing before small issues turn into larger repairs.

Potential Home Repairs to Look For

As you conduct a walkthrough of your home, keep an eye out for small repairs that could potentially become a larger issue if left unaddressed. These are much easier (and less expensive) to fix early on.

Stucco Cracks

Cracks in the stucco tend to show up around windows, expansion joints, and corners. Even when small, these cracks can let in moisture and pests, and tend to widen over time if they go unaddressed. Keep an eye out for hairline cracks versus larger structural cracks, noting where they are and whether they've worsened.

Loose or Hanging Fixtures

Check on hanging fixtures to see whether the're secured or loose; it's easier to tighten a fastener or screw than it is to re-install a fixture. Examples of hanging fixtures to check include mailboxes, house numbers, railings, light fixtures, locks, and hooks for planters or other items.

Sticking or Warped Doors

The Arizona heat can cause wood and other materials to expand and contract, potentially warping doors, frames, and fences. Sticking can often be the first visible sign of a larger issue with the frame, hinge, or foundation, and is worth flagging early. Replacing a warped frame or fence boards can prevent the replacement of the entire fence or door later down the line.

Dust Infiltration and HVAC Strain

Your HVAC system has been hard at work all summer and may need some minor repairs or maintenance to ensure it doesn't need a larger fix later. Check for dust accumulation around vents, registers, and the HVAC unit. Dust buildup can affect HVAC performance, and some quick maintenance can have the unit running smoothly again.

Leaks That Went Unnoticed

Small leaks can be easy to miss, especially if you were out of town for the summer. By the time a small leak becomes visible, it's probably already caused damage and needs to be addressed before the damage spreads. Check for signs of moisture around windows, plumbing fixtures, and roofing.

One Call Covers the Walkthrough

As you conduct your walkthrough and note any areas that may need some small repairs, give Mr. Handyman of Scottsdale a call. Mr. Handyman's team of professionals is capable of a wide range of residential repair services and can address any issues you may have found, from stuck doors and HVAC issues to leaks, stucco, and fixtures, all in a single appointment.

Call Mr. Handyman today or request service online to get your house up and running for the busy season ahead: (602) 789-3322.

Many seniors prefer to remain in their homes as they age, finding it more comfortable, convenient, and conducive to their independence than moving. This arrangement also tends to be easier on their adult children. The key to making this possible is anticipating changing mobility needs and making the small home modifications those changes require.

Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults 65 and older, according to the CDC. Though common, many falls are preventable, and most home fall hazards are fixable with small, targeted upgrades to the home. Noticing the signs of aging and raising relevant concerns with a parent can be sensitive, but catching them early means it's easy to make simple fixes to the home to prevent falls and keep senior parents comfortable in their houses for longer.

Below, we cover some quick, low-disruption home upgrades to keep seniors safe and comfortable.

As the temperatures gradually dwindle and the nights become cooler, it marks the end of the summer and of monsoon season. Between the heat, dust storms, heavy rains, and high winds, the monsoon season in Arizona can put homes through a lot of strain. Taking stock of what maintenance, your home may need can ensure your home is ready before autumn begins and it’s time to start spending more time enjoying your yard and patio.

Whether you’ve been out of town for the summer or haven’t had much time to take stock of the current state of your patio and yard, this list gives you an idea of what to check (and possibly repair) now that monsoon season is wrapping up.

Shades, Awnings, and Blinds

The exterior of the home can experience a lot of wear and tear during an active monsoon season, and checking your shade solutions before having that dinner party or inviting the family over ensures you’re not stuck dealing with a broken awning when you need it!

Inspect any awnings and sun shades for things like torn or faded fabric, issues retracting, bent housing, or cracks in the structure. It’s a good idea to inspect your interior blinds, too, to make sure there aren’t any cracked slats and that the mechanisms all work as they should. Catching these issues and getting them repaired early means you’ll be all set for the upcoming season ahead and won’t be stuck dealing with a broken awning or blinds later in the year or worse, next summer.

Dust and Dirt From Monsoons and Dust Storms

Monsoons and dust storms (also known as haboobs) can leave your patio and outdoor furniture covered in dust that’s difficult and time-consuming to remove. Powerwashing these areas can make your patio feel fresh, clean, and ready to enjoy during the nice weather ahead. Outdoor furniture especially can require extra attention before the season ahead, and simply using a hose might not be enough to get all the residual dirt and dust off.

Pathways and sidewalks near the home may be dusty, too. Powerwashing can help reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your home and make your home’s façade feel new and welcoming.

Clogged Gutters and Rooflines

Even if you live in an area without many trees, cleaning out your gutters is still important! Monsoon debris, dust, seed pods, and leaves can clog gutters and lead to issues like fascia and soffit damage, overflow, and water pooling near your home’s foundation. Monsoon rains can be intense, which means your gutters are working hard to move a lot of water in a short period of time. Inspecting them (and getting them cleaned before any winter rains) can prevent issues down the road.

While you inspect the drainage of your gutters, check out the roof too. Flat roofs in particular tend to collect more debris and standing water than pitched roofs, and preventing a future leak or clog could be as easy as hiring someone to clean off the roof.

One Appointment for the Whole Exterior

your to-do list feels overwhelming, we’ve got you covered. Mr. Handyman of Scottsdale can take care of everything and get your house back in shape post-monsoon season, so you’ll be ready to enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about leaks, cracks, or dust. Check out our full list of residential services, schedule an appointment online, or give us a call today at (602) 789-3322 to learn how we can help you get your home back in order.