July Maintenance Tips from EFynch: Monthly Schedule to save money and keep your home safe.


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Happy Independence Day from EFynch:

June Home Improvement Tips. 

It's June, it's hot, it's Summer in Baltimore and Washington D.C.:) 

Below are the monthly maintenance tips from EFynch- the handyman and home improvement, resource that helps you stay on tops of items that cost other homeowners in future damages.

Summer is a busy time in the home improvement industry. Many handymen and contractors are jammed pack but it is a good time to have small items taken care of- which will save money. Most Pros schedule bigger projects during these months. If you have a big project, you may have noticed it is hard to get on schedule. This makes the mark up on big projects greater during this time of year.

However, in between big projects, contractors struggle to fill the downtime. They have to either (1) mark up the prices of the big projects, or (2) find filler work.  

This is where EFynch excels. Not only can we help you find the pro that might have a few days for your projects, but we can really help you find the pro who is already working nearby and spending a half day on your repairs is perfect to fill a gap. Thus, you get lower pricing.

Regardless, here are tips for some easy projects that you can do yourself in July. We work to time everything to stay ahead of the maintenance curve so professional services might be cheaper then peak season and part are readily available.  Follow this list, and you will save by preventing future damages.



Image result for refrigerator filter1. Replace the water filter in your refrigerator.

This simple and quick job requires purchasing a new filter and simply unscrewing and installing the new one.  It is quick, easy, and makes that water SO MUCH tastier in this hot weather!






2. Perform a check for pests and bugs.
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In the summer heat, many pests head indoors for water and food. Ants can be a problem and termites will be most active this time of year. Check for bee nests as well. This early summer period usually means the nests are small enough to personally handle. Check awnings, soffits, window wells. 





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3. Trim trees.


This time of year tree growth is very active.  You can/ should trim branches that appear weak and would be subject to damage during storms. Plus, with the leaves full grown on branches, you can see each branch leaning towards areas that might impede future walkways, driveways, sidewalks.





4. Water, water, water.

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Unless you have fresh seed, sod- skip midday watering because it might evaporate as fast as you lay it down.  Evening are okay but keep a watch to note promote the mold or fungus growth. Water sitting overnight can provide the perfect environment for this.

The best time to water is early morning. This gives your lawn a few hours to soak up the H20 and daytime evaporation will prevent fungus growth.




BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR: MONTHLY TIP
Want to be a good neighbor? We've found most complaints of neighbors come from simple, overlooked and often forgotten items. We all want to be good neighbors, so here is our monthly tip on a way you can communicate with, and be a good neighbor :)



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Edge your sidewalk.
This simple, 15 minute task can be done with a weed trimmer or flat end shovel. It keep sidewalks clear for walkers and (IMO) shows the pride you take in your lawn and appearance. As a family with 2 dogs, there is a big difference when walking on a nicely trimmed walkway and one that is overgrown with 5 years of "creeping". It is also more than just appearance but prevent a dangerous tripping hazard.



Other info: (good deals we've found, we get no compensation)
Amazon Polan Chainsaw
Electric Chainsaw: Good, durable electric chain saws are great for homeowners. They are powerful enough to cut most branches, easy to store, and on fuel is needed having fuel is never an issue. Check out this great saw on Amazon for only $80!


Damage/ fungus growth from overinght watering.
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Limb over fence, good time to discuss this with a neighbor is BEFORE it falls.
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The information above is written by EFynch Co-Founder, Teris Pantazes. Information was compiled from his experience in contractor and property management for over 20+ years and conversations with EFynch Handymen Members. Information is for discussion purposes only, you are advice to seek professional advice prior to partaking in any of the tasks listed above. It is better to bid and be safe, then cause damage to your property of your body. This month, we would like to thank Maryland REO and Rehab Services for providing some of the advice.

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