Maryland and D.C. Home Improvement and Home Inspection discussion and Repair Advice

  Local group becomes the 1st to integrate social media and home repairs! December 13, 2018 Baltimore, MD: City Garage based EFynch.com is launching its redesigned home improvement software by pairing their verified ratings system with social media recommendations. We've all seen the "Does anyone know a ____?" in our Newsfeeds. Now, EFynch has created a process to get those recommendations without having to publicly post, while making certain that recommendations are non-biased and relevant for your specific job. Homeowners post a job within their job board, as responses come in they can see verified rating and how a particular service provider ranks within their own social network. “If I like 2 of the bids and notice that one of my friends has recommended one, I can privately evaluate how I feel about the strength of that recommendation to make a choice," explains co-founder and CEO Sotereas Pantazes.  "Our goal is to help homeowne...

"I am just gonna work on the refrigerator, Honey." Baltimore, MD: August is a light month for maintenance. It is hot, dry, and who wants to work outside! but there is one VERY important item. Besides the list of homeowner tips from EFynch- we HIGHLY recommend that you use this month to start thinking about winter and different tasks that, if performed now, can save you money and scheduling stress as Autumn is just around the corner. Hot Today but ice is coming. Think ahead to save $ 1. Take a walk around your home and think about winter.  - Is your driveway properly sealed? - Do you need to have your deck redone? - Gutters/ Roof in good shape (gutter guards)? Now is NOT yet the time for furnace work (wait until next month), but as we approach autumn, some of the specialized services might begin closing out their schedules for the season (eg. driveway sealers). It might be a good idea to get a jump on this work to beat the rush and avoid paying Peak Pricing. ...

The information below has been brought to you by EFynch.com. We are a non-biased community for homeowners and freelance handymen based in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore, MD- For most, a home is the largest asset we have. Yet, I am often shocked by the amount of effort some place in preparing for their homes for hitting the market. Unfortunately, many spend as much time planning for this as they would a weekend camping trip, but we know you are better than that- which is why we put our list of top 10 things to do below. In speaking with over 100 local real estate agents, here is the advice we can give: 1. Fix what is broken. Generally speaking, small items might be overlooked but they sit in the back of a buyers mind and can make a difference in the aggressiveness they pursue your home. It is very easy to DIY or hire a handyman for a few hours to fix the little items . 2. De-clutter  Rule of thumb- 99% of your "available" wall space should be open. 90% of yo...

(Baltimore, MD) The information below is to help area homeowners develop an annual maintenance plan. Published every month, EFynch wants to help you maintain your home, and help home buyers make appropriate plans when deciding on buying a home Hey Homeowners- Here in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area, February is typically cold and rainy month. However, that doesn't mean you can go into hibernation. Staying on top of monthly and annual maintenance items can make home ownership a breeze. This month we focus on indoor items such as air quality and little tasks that keep your home from getting old. We also want to prevent future problems so, utilize this "indoor month" to catch up and plan ahead. Below are the tips that will help you stay on top: February:  1. Check and test your sump pump.  Inspect the power cord leading to the pump to make sure it is intact and does now show any wear. Next, unplug the pump in order to determine if the alarm (if equip...

The information below is provided by EFynch.com - Based in Baltimore, we are the regions friendly community for non-biased home improvement news, advice, and handyman information.  (Baltimore, MD) : In 1986 Tom Hanks and Shelley Long starred in a movie called The Money Pit . The premise is that a young couple buys the perfect home but shortly after moving in (. . . as they walk into the foyer), things quickly descend into home ownership hell. The movie is meant to be a comedy but for new homebuyers, the stress this young couple faces are things of nightmares. The couple haphazardly rushed into purchasing the problematic home and, if EFynch was around then, here is the advise we would give the homebuyers to consider BEFORE placing an offer. Exterior: - Condition/ age of the roof:   A new roof can last 30 to 50 years depending on the quality. It can also be the largest expense if ignored. If the roof appears to have problems or is older, make sure to include thi...

Brought to you by EFynch.com : A non-biased homeowner community in Baltimore and Washington. Follow us on Facebook or visit our homepage and register as a homeowner/ homebuyer for regular tips- *we promise- no spam or sales. Baltimore, MD: As we approach winter there is one task that you may have overlooked and it will cost you!  I have personally seen the keenest of home buyers overlook this item only to be bitten a few years later (*often a missed negotiation point when making a home purchase!) The item? YOUR DRIVEWAY! Repaving most driveways can cost at least $5k but they go up from there. It is important to keep up with maintenance and make repairs on an annual basis. What about seal coating? There is so much horrible information floating around that most well intentioned homeowners follow the wrong advice and never get the full benefit of the effort and money put in. So, what hurts your driveway to begin with: The winter! Unless you regularly perform burnou...

Late Spring Freeze: The Handyman and Homeowner Guide to Protecting Outdoor Landscaping in Maryland. What the homeowner should do with a late Spring Freeze/ Frost.   Baltimore, MD: Tonight (April 7th, 2017) and into Saturday morning, forecasters are calling for freezing temperatures possible throughout Central Maryland*. With the warm weather the past few days, many of us in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. have already begun outdoors landscaping for Spring. With a semi-rare Freeze Watch in place, there are a few measures that homeowners should take to help plants survive. The issue with a cold freeze and some plants is the inability for vegetable and flowers to withstand freezing water on a cellular level. As we know, when water freezes it expands and can break the sensitive cell structures. For certain plants, this is irreparable damage. Here is a quick reference on what you can do to prevent damage: 1: Sensitive plants in pots: Bring indoors. 2. Sensitive plants...

Early March (Pre Spring) Guide for Outdoor Planting and Landscaping. By: EFynch.com Baltimore, Maryland- In the spring, we all tend to turn our focus from the local Handyman and repairs over to Landscaping around your house. Here in Baltimore and Washington D.C. we have certainly started to see glimmers of Spring. Behold- as I look at the weather forecast there is not one,,, but TWO potential winter storm events in the forecast. One for Friday (3/8/17) and one early next week. We don't know if these will be significant but it does prove the need for us to hold off on planting in our gardens just yet. For now- here are EFynch recommendations for outdoor related project: - Mulch Flowerbeds: If no new planting is being considered, go ahead and mulch now. Landscapers are mostly still on "winter rates" and you can save a bundle. In fact- utilize the EFynch Mulch/ landscape Deal which provides Mulch Delivery in Baltimore County for a limited time and as low as $50. ...

Valentine’s Day ideas for the Home: Home is where the heart is. Below are some home improvement projects to upgrade your castle and set the mood Baltimore, Maryland- For many of us at EFynch , Valentine’s day is more than just trying to impress someone. The Holiday is about the mutual enjoyment of spending time with that person. We spend most of our time together in our homes so why now take the opportunity to work together and improve it? Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to splurge and add a few accessories around your home that will add to the year-round ambience. Talk to your partner about this- instead of buying each other a small gift- maybe a “gift for the house” could be a great addition? Maybe the Valentine’s night can last a little longer with the right upgrades! Below are some ideas which we think are relatively easy and add to home comfort. Sound: For many, sound is one of the ultimate ways to stir up emotions. Whether you want to reminisce about a pas...

CLEARING YOUR HOME’S SIDEWALK: Does Salt really hurt? By EFynch, homeowner advice Baltimore, MD- Does salt really hurt the concrete around your home? The short answer, yes. The old fashioned rock salt is cheap and plentiful but in most cases can damage your concrete driveway, patio and sidewalk. Concrete is porous and when salt is applied it can be absorbed, freezes, etc.- causing flaking and cracking. If the concrete was done properly, the chances of this happening are reduced however in our estimation (based on gut feelings and not facts), 90% of the concrete that we see may be subject to salt degradation! There are also cases where too much salt can be applied to correctly cured concrete so therefore no sidewalk is immune- we recommend avoiding rock salt in any case where concrete (or pets) are present. As an alternative, you want to find a product which contains Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium Chloride or (the more expensive) Glycols as the main ingredient. There are...