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Six Quick-Fix Home Repairs

Thursday, September 16, 2021
by Scott Darling


Pinching pennies is nothing new to homeowners, and when something goes wrong, thinking about a hefty service bill can turn many into DIYers! Almost every household has the tools and items needed for these quick and easy fixes: 

 

  • Drywall holes can be intimidating, but there is no need for a drywall expert to come in for this job.  Lowe’s shows us how to patch the hole and spend much less than the cost of a repair bill. 
     

  • A squeaky wood floor can be charming or irritating, so if it is the latter, you can fix it with talcum powder as long as it is not due to a loose board. If it is not loose, sprinkle talcum powder over the seams, and rub it in with your fingers or a thin plastic card. Walk over the area to listen for the squeak, and apply more powder if necessary. 
     

  • Is there a cabinet door that does not want to close completely?  For a few dollars, you can purchase magnet catches and install them in no time. There can be issues with the hinges, too, and it may just need a simple adjustment. 
     

  • The two most common toilet bowl leaks are a leaky flapper or a bad fill valve.   For less than $20, you can replace either of them.  To get started, check out this information from Today’s Homeowner to test for the correct leak, and go from there.  The internet is chock full of videos and how-to articles for either fix. 
     

  • When your clothes dryer drum stops turning, do not fret--the belt is easy and inexpensive to replace, thanks to this guide and video from Sears, and no appliance repair service needs to be called!  
     

  • Doorknobs take a lot of abuse and eventually need replacing, or maybe you just want to upgrade your door hardware.  Buildipedia offers this how-to video for this simple project--no locksmith required! 

 

Taking pride in your home sometimes means hiring a pro to take care of things. On other occasions, however, a simple job can be taken care of on your own, so grab your toolbelt, and get to work!  Your wallet will thank you! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo credit: The RTA Store

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Packing for a Move? Make it Green!

Thursday, August 26, 2021
by Scott Darling


It is time to start packing for the move, and the thought of using rolls and rolls of plastic bubble wrap, foam packing materials, or new cardboard boxes that your moving company provides can fill the eco-conscious with dread. Sure, cardboard and paper are recyclable, but what can you do to even save that much? These tips will help reduce the volume of recyclables and throwaways you will need! 

 

  • Use what you have first. If you are already anticipating the move, hold on to any packaging your deliveries have come in. Stack them out of sight if your house is still on the market, or go ahead and pack non-necessities in them and hide them under the bed or storage area. 
     

  • Other items you have on hand to use: suitcases, duffel bags, trash cans, and reusable grocery bags can all be utilized to cut back on cardboard boxes. 
     

  • Produce boxes make great moving containers! They are very sturdy and some come with lids so you will not have to use so much tape to close them. Ask for them at local grocery stores and produce stands. 
     

  • Towels, sheets, and pillows can be used in place of packing material, and towels and sheets can be used for wrapping fragile items as well. Using them is a double win because you will have one less thing to pack! 
     

  • If it is within the budget, consider using an eco-friendly moving company. 

  • Already contracted with a mover? Ask them about any green options they have in place for your move. 
     

  • It only takes a quick search online to find a company that rents clean and ready-to-pack storage containers. Many of them will deliver them to your door, then pick them up at the new house when the containers are empty! 
     

  • Another option is ordering a moving kit or just the boxes from UsedCardboardBoxes. The company “rescues” misprinted or in-almost-perfect-condition used cardboard boxes that are headed for a landfill, and ships them directly to you. 

 

Once your move and unpacking are complete, recycle what you can, or offer the items to someone local who is getting ready to move or needs storage boxes. Your efforts will help cut back on what you throw away and even save a few trees! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo credit: moving.com

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Home Modifications for the Aging-in-Place

Wednesday, August 11, 2021
by Scott Darling


When your elderly father has decided that he would like to live in his home as long as possible, or it is time to make the mother-in-law’s home a little safer, a few changes in the house need to take place.  While every family is unique, most needs of our aging parents are the same.  How can we make small improvements with a big impact on their safety and comfort? The following tips are a great place to begin: 

 

  • For the wheelchair-bound person or one who needs to use a walker, add an accessibility ramp to their most-used entry.  Contractors who specialize in ADA-compliant improvements can assist with design and added features.  
     

  • Outdoor lighting is essential for everyone’s safety, but there are many options for adding low-voltage lights to posts along ramps and atop porch rails, as well as pathway lighting along walkways. 
     

  • Wherever there are steps, handrails are a must, as well as anti-skid treads to minimize slipping. 

  • Change all doorknobs to lever-type handles for ease of opening for those with arthritis or other motor skill issues. 
     

  • Widening doorways is something that may be necessary if wheelchair use is a possibility in the future. Enlarging them to 36” is the general width for ease of use. 
     

  • The type of flooring in the home can impact whether it’s a fall risk for someone who has trouble getting around.  Low-pile carpeting or secure low-pile area rugs with double-sided carpet tape or non-slip rug padding is best. 
     

  • A walk-in or wheelchair-accessible shower with a <span class="SpellingError SCXW259056884 BCX0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-position: left bottom; background-image: url(" data:image="" gif;base64,r0lgodlhbqaeajecap="" 8aaaaaaaaaach5baeaaaialaaaaaafaaqaaaiilgaxcchrtcgaow="=&quot;);" border-bottom:="" 1px="" solid="" transparent;"="">curbless entry is a safe choice when remodeling a bathroom. A built-in shower seat and adjustable showerhead are other useful items that can be added to make bathing safer. 
     

  • If a total bathroom remodel is not affordable, simply installing grab-bars to the shower, bath, and toilet area walls will offer security for moving around in the bathroom. 
     

  • Changing faucets in the kitchen and bath to a single lever handle or installing motion-sensor or touch-activated units are perfect for ease of use. 
     

  • Electrical issues to consider:  light switches that can be pressed for turning off and on, electrical outlets placed higher than the standard height and adding more interior lighting. 

 

Download this handy publication from AARP for other ideas to assist with setting up your loved one with independent living.  Hopefully you and your much-loved senior will look at this stage of life not as a challenge, but rather as a way to keep a distant but watchful eye over them while they maintain their sense of independence and quality of life. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo credit: Chicago Sun Times

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Natural Options for a Chemical-Free Garden

Thursday, July 29, 2021
by Scott Darling

When you make the decision that you would like to use more organic products for your garden and landscaping, it can be difficult to know where to begin. There are so many mass-manufactured chemical products that are inexpensive and easy to help keep weeds and insects at bay!  The fewer chemicals we use in our lawns and gardens, the better it is for everyone, and these tips will help you get started on a more natural approach to a healthy garden, even halfway through the growing season! 

 

  • Grass clippings from your lawn can be used to mulch and enrich the soil.  According to Mother Earth News, a mulch of 1”-2” of cut grass can feed your garden for the season.   
     

  • Natural fertilizer can be found in worm castings, and vermicomposting is one project the whole family can get involved in!  Learn how to create worm beds from gardeningknowhow.com. 
     

  • Proper mulching is the best natural defense against weeds. Some plants are persistent, so the gardener needs to be persistent about keeping them in check!  Pull the plant by hand, (complete with roots), or use a hoe to get them out of the ground. 
     

  • While water is probably the most important ingredient for a productive garden, timing is important for keeping diseases and pests at bay.  Watering your plants in the evenings can cause fungi and mildew to grow, and neither is easy to get rid of once they set in. 
     

  • Learn how to identify beneficial and detrimental insects.  While they may strike fear when we see them, many stinging insects are taking care of the bad ones that are eating up our vegetables.  The Sod God offers some excellent information as well as infographics to help you distinguish between the good and the bad. 
     

  • Fragrant plants attract beneficial insects; plants like marigold, sweet alyssum, cilantro, yarrow, and fennel are just a few you can companion grow near your veggies to bring the good bugs to your garden. 
     

  • Row covers are a great and chemical-free way to keep not only insects away, but veggie-loving birds as well.  If they cover your plants completely as they grow, they will provide a barrier between your plants and the bad guys. 
     

  • If your plants are being taken over by soft-bodied insects like aphids and whiteflies, make your own insecticidal soap--just follow these easy instructions from Horticulture magazine. 

 

Using fewer chemicals in your landscape and garden takes knowledge and a little extra work.  Contact your local extension agent for help and look for sources that have been certified as an organic entity or are written or produced by someone who has been gardening the natural way and has lots of experience.  Reap the rewards of not only a great vegetable harvest, but the rewards of keeping chemicals out of the ground and water sources.

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo Credit: Mamavation

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Helping Your Air Conditioning Keep Its Cool

Thursday, June 24, 2021
by Scott Darling


You may or may not have already used your air conditioning this year, but now is always a good time to do what you must to help keep it running smoothly, as well as saving money on your energy use.  The hottest part of the year is coming, and you want your unit in the best shape so you can stay cool! 

 

  • Before doing any maintenance on an outdoor unit, be sure to locate the power supply and turn it off or remove the supply pack. 

- Use a gentle spray from your water hose to clear dirt and debris from the condenser fins to help airflow and improve performance.  

- Check the drain tube on the unit and clear anything that could keep condensation from flowing freely and away from your house. Use a small piece of wire or very small bottle brush to clear out any gunk that has built up on the inside. 


  • Sometimes homeowners will hide their unit with shrubbery or other plants.  Air needs to flow unobstructed around the unit, so if anything is growing too close, it should be trimmed to a distance of two feet away. 
     

  • Changing the intake filter monthly may not be necessary, but checking it is.  If it is noticeably dirty, replace it. What if you do not have an extra on hand? Give it a quick clean with the brush attachment on your vacuum and get a new filter as soon as possible. 
     

  • While it might sound sensible to close the doors and vents of unused rooms, it is not.  Airflow is important inside, so keeping interior doors and vents slightly opened is better than closing them tight. 
     

  • On that note, if your nest is getting empty, you could consider replacing the central unit with ductless air conditioning.   
     

  • When your home has ceiling fans, use them!  Make sure the fans are turning in a counter-clockwise direction so that it gives a wind chill effect, but turn them off when you’re not in the room to save energy. 
     

 

When you need to replace your unit, do some research to decide what type of system will fit your needs and be sure the contractor you hire is installing the correct size unit for your home--even a unit that is too large can cause problems.  Just remember that keeping it clean and helping air flow freely are the two most important things for an air conditioning system. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: wise heating and cooling 

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Should You Tint Your Home's Windows?

Wednesday, June 9, 2021
by Scott Darling


Window tinting, or filming, can be a budget-friendly way to take your home’s windows to a higher level of energy efficiency, especially if it is not in the budget to upgrade all the windows in your home.  Learn more about this alternative to new window installation: 

 

  • - Window film comes in three types: decorative, privacy, and solar. 

  • - Decorative films are just that--for aesthetics. They are not necessarily energy efficient. 

  • - Film in the privacy/security category is made of a thicker material than decorative, and its purpose is to keep prying eyes out of your home, as well as help keep glass together in case of breakage. 

  • - Solar film is made in different ways, but the sole reason homeowners have it installed is to reflect or absorb UV rays. Some more costly films will work both ways--reflecting and absorbing UV rays--so your home and energy bills benefit from the changing temperature needs of your home.
     

  • - Other varieties include removable/reusable film, semi-permanent, and permanent. Your window’s film/tint depends on the type of window and needs you may have. Learn more with a free e-book from the International Window Film Association. 
     

  • - Many electric companies offer a rebate when a homeowner installs energy-saving window film. There is also a federal tax credit for making your home more energy efficient! 
     

  • - Added benefits to using window film in your home’s windows are protecting furniture, carpets, draperies, and even wood flooring from the damaging long-term effects of UV exposure. 
     

  • - In case you have newly installed windows, check your paperwork, or call the manufacturer, as adding window film to the glass can void the warranty. 
     

  • - Window film is available at home stores and online, and there are many DIY instructions online, so it can be done yourself. Application does require some patience; if done in a hurry, you can leave unsightly bubbles throughout the film or uneven trim around the window glass. When hiring a pro for this job, you may receive added protection from some film manufacturers with an offer of a lifetime warranty on their product when it is professionally installed. 
     

  • - When purchasing the type of film, you want to apply to your windows, make certain the product is certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council.   

 

Protecting your belongings and energy consumption from the effects of the sun’s rays coming into your home can be taken care of with window film, but again, make sure the correct type is installed. Whatever your reason for applying film to your windows, rest assured it is a less expensive process than installing all new windows and can even be more cost effective when it comes to making your HVAC system use less energy. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: Green Valley Window Tinting 

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Summertime Water-Saving Tips

Thursday, May 27, 2021
by Scott Darling


Now that the weather is warming up, thoughts of lounging by the pool are on the horizon, and it is time to wash winter grime off the car, and clean winter linens and clothing for storage. While all of those are important things to do, conserving water is important this time of year, and there are lots of ways to save! 

 

  • When the car needs cleaning, take the bucket and sponge to a car wash instead of washing it at home. This could save one hundred gallons of water per wash. 
     

  • If you have a sprinkler system, set the timer for morning or evening. Pay close attention to the weather and turn off the timer whenever a good chance of rain is predicted. 
     

  • Use a drip irrigation system instead of sprinklers or hand-watering with the hose for your veggie garden and landscaping. This allows water to soak directly in near the roots. 
     

  • Growing native plants and grasses will help cut down on water usage, as they are adapted to your local climate.  Contact your local cooperative extension agent to find out how to plant a native plant garden. 
     

  • Trees and large shrubs can be hydrated efficiently by placing a five-gallon bucket with small holes drilled in the bottom nearby and filling the bucket with water. The holes will allow the water to trickle slowly, soaking the ground and roots--not the leaves. 
     

  • Use a pool cover on the pool to help keep the water from evaporating. There are plenty of ways you can conserve while enjoying your pool. 
     

  • Shortening your shower time by just two minutes per day saves 150 gallons of water per month! 
     

  • Bathe fresh veggies in a bowl filled with water instead of under running water.  Once they are clean, use the leftover water for houseplants or potted plants outside. 
     

  • Keep a pitcher filled with water inside the fridge for a thirst quencher instead of running water from the faucet and waiting for it to get cool.  

 

Not only will your bank account appreciate some water conservation, the environment benefits as well. If you are interested in learning more about using less water year-round, check out the Water Calculator website to get an idea of your water footprint, and learn how to use it more efficiently. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: Solar Fire 

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Home Improvements: What Adds Value

Tuesday, May 11, 2021
by Scott Darling


Most homeowners have some DIY projects or simple upgrades on their to-do list, from installing new gutters to sprucing up the landscaping.  Something that does not always come to mind while getting those items done is adding to the home’s value. Not every home improvement increases the value of a property, whether they are a necessity or not.  

 

  • Landscaping Keeping your yard trim and weed-free does not decrease or increase your home’s value, but when it is time to sell a home, neat landscaping is a must. The one outdoor project that could increase the resale value of the home is constructing a deck. 
     

  • Flooring This is a personal choice, but if the homeowner knows that they will sell in the future, the cost of refinishing or adding hardwood flooring will come back to them in the sale.  Installing the floors could be a long-range DIY job but hiring a pro for a refinishing job is the wisest thing to do. Think of it as an investment, not an expense. 
     

  • Roofing Keeping the roof in sound condition is considered regular maintenance, so putting on new shingles because the homeowner would like a new color will not add value.  Installing a metal roof, on the other hand, could add value to the house, depending on the location. 
     

  • Home Systems Installing new plumbing or HVAC, or upgrading electrical are all considered maintenance, and no matter the cost, will not add to the value of the house. 
     

  • Remodeling Kitchen and bathroom remodels are your best choice for a project that will pay you back upon the sale of your home. 
     

  • Swimming Pool Putting in a pool is simply a personal choice.  Rarely does an added pool or spa put money in your pocket in case the house is sold. 
     

  • Additions Adding a sunroom, garage or home office will not necessarily give a good return on investment. An extra bedroom, however, is a good choice, but must be built to certain specifications to qualify as a bedroom in real estate terms. A reputable builder knows the requirements necessary for the extra space to be considered a bedroom, so choose wisely. 

 

Nolo.com has some excellent information on projects that are worth the cost in home value, as well as other home improvement tips.  When in doubt, do some research, and give your RealtorⓇ a call, as they know exactly what you need to do--or not to do--to get the most out of your house. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: Boston Herald 

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Home Repairs and Maintenance for New Homeowners

Friday, May 7, 2021
by Scott Darling


Calling the landlord or apartment superintendent when something needed repair was the norm as a renting tenant, but now that you are a homeowner, there are simple skill sets that do not require a call to your local handyperson! All you need are a few tools and the willingness to learn something new!   

 

Basic tools needed: claw hammer, screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, plunger, drain snake, tape measure, stud finder, plier set, putty knife, and a handsaw.  These tools will help you in making simple repairs. 

 

Plumbing Finding your water main shut-off is one of the first things a homeowner should get familiar with. Other water-related things that can be done easily: replacing an O-ring in a leaking faucet, unclogging drains, installing a new showerhead, and repairing a running toilet. The Family Handyman covers other simple jobs that do not need an expensive call to a plumber. 

 

Electricity  While an electrician is best for complete rewiring, many homeowners switch out old light fixtures or change them to ceiling fans on their own! Probably the most important thing to know about your new home’s electricity, however, is getting familiar with the circuit breaker box, and knowing how to turn them off or reset them. 

 

Wall Repair  Most homes have drywall, and accidents happen, so DIY repairs are a must. Plaster walls can be a bit trickier, but for minor problems, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/walls/21016734/how-to-fix-damaged-plaster 

 

Painting DIY television shows make painting a room look simple, and while that may be, there are more steps to achieving a well-done paint job than using a good quality paint roller. 

 

Home Safety It is imperative to know how to safely use a fire extinguisher as well as how to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

 

Cleaning the HVAC Unit This simple job can make a big difference in how well your unit runs and it saves money because you are doing it yourself.   

 

Yard Care After years of apartment living, many new homeowners simply do not know how to keep their grass trim or maintain a lawnmower! Bob Vila offers some great mowing tips for a great-looking lawn. 

 

So many small fixes can be handled by you and your family as you learn to take care of your new home! Sure, you are protecting your investment, but knowing you can tackle some of the “small” stuff gives great satisfaction, knowing you are taking care of your family and your home. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: HouseLogic 

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Items Every Chester County PA Homeowner Should Have

Tuesday, April 27, 2021
by Scott Darling


Becoming a homeowner usually means becoming a do-it-yourselfer, even if there are no plans to take on a major renovation. There is almost always a small job to do or an emergency that can be taken care of by having the right things standing by. What basic tools and other items does a homeowner need? 

 

  • Fire extinguisher Visit the USFA to see what type of extinguisher is needed for the kitchen, workshop, or multipurpose fires. 
     

  • Portable safe Secure important papers, valuables, and other important items in a portable safe. This could be quite an investment when upgrading to fireproof materials or digital passcodes, but valuables and irreplaceable items need to be protected. 
     

  • Cleaning items This seems obvious, but a good broom and dustpan, bucket, microfiber cleaning cloths, “shop rags,” and a flat mop are all that is needed to keep a home sparkling. 
     

  • Simple tools: A hammer, heavy-duty scissors, screwdrivers, hex key tool, measuring tape, handsaw, and more; all of these things will make a homeowner’s life much easier when they need them. 
     

  • Emergency kit FEMA offers a build-your-own kit list with everything necessary for an emergency. 
     

  • Heavy-duty extension cord Do not use an indoor-rated cord outdoors. A cord that can handle a large capacity of electricity and bad weather conditions is best. 
     

  • Wet-dry vacuum Having one of these handy can save clean up time from a dishwasher leak, or spilled nails on the floor.  
     

  • Ladder A sturdy stepladder or six-foot A-frame is best for smaller jobs. Find out what ladder is best for the job. 
     

  • Lawn and garden tools Besides a garden hose, mower, and string trimmer, every homeowner with a yard needs a leaf rake, shovel, pruning shears, and a wheelbarrow. 

 

Not only do homeowners need physical items for upkeep, learning how to do different jobs in the home saves money and builds confidence to handle regular maintenance, which could lead to bigger things! With the right tools on hand and a little know-how, being able to care for a new home is a great satisfaction without a price tag! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: SafeAuto

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