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

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...

By: Teris Pantazes of EFynch.com Timonium, MD: After every snowstorm you will ultimately hear the scrape of distant shovels and snowblowers. These are your good neighbors who are out clearing their driveways in order to avoid busting their Phisteris' or just taking a terrible slip.  But I have to tell you, it doesn't end there. As a dog owner (actually, 2 mutts in my household!), I take them out for an stroll every evening. I constantly encounter a lack of sidewalk clearing and because I don't want to be a nosy neighbor, I politely trudge through the snow risking my own demise. Therein lies a problem because without resolution, you are opening yourself to fines and even worse, HOMEOWNER LIABILITY. I live in Baltimore County. But, I have also managed properties in Prince George's, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, and Washington D.C.  I can tell you without any hesitation of doubt that within each and these jurisdictions- THE SIDEWALK IS THE HOMEOWNERS ...

By Teris Pantazes of EFynch.com Looking for a GREAT gift for the new homeowner, soon-to-be-homebuyer, or handyman in your life? Last minute crunch? We asked some of our professional contractors and hobbyist what they would put on a list- here are the top responses: 1. Oscillating Saw : This saw is not that common but is incredibly useful. It is basically a blade on the front end of a spear that vibrates incredibly fast in order to cut wood, trim, stripped, rusty nails, even that angry little nub that is left behind when you cut wood to fast and the last bit splits off. It's really awesome! A decent Oscillating saw starts around $60 and can go up from there. I have a 12v Milwaukee (pictured below) which was $80 and it has never failed me. You can also get attachments to make this a compact sander. Once in a toolbox, your loved handyman will wonder how they ever lived without this. 2. Heat Gun:  Like a hairdryer but hotter and more cooler. A heat gun will dry ...

( EFynch.com; Baltimore, MD): With a majority of us now preparing to hang the old ornaments on the Christmas Tree, we must never forget the "lucky' few who get to do this job twice! I'm talking about those unfortunate few who forget to anchor the tree and for some "usually comical reason" get to participate in the lovely task of counting broken Christmas Balls. It actually makes perfect sense when you think about it. We cut a tree from the very roots which are designed to hold it down. We load it with fixins' and top it with a star to make it EXTRA top heavy (extra points for extravagant tree toppers, right?). It's no wonder that each year Christmas Trees are responsible for killing countless keepsake ornaments that would otherwise survive entire decades of summer storage. *On a serious note- A falling tree can be dangerous to your family and has caused injuries in the past. It also creates a fire risk if left unattended (like when you are ou...

Load up the family wagon, grab some twine, and a saw- It is time to  make the annual pilgrimage for. . . THE CHRISTMAS TREE!!!! As the mother of all holidays approaches you have to be prepared. After all, what good is a new PlayStation if the tree is not the pinnacle of treedom? the TREE is a signal of absolute perfection and it will make even the dullest tie SHINE. This is my approach each year as my family dons buffalo check plaid shirts and we take our annual drive just into PA for a LIVE, you-cut-it-Christmas tree. It has served me well for years and, I have been known to keep the tree up well into January. 1. Live, Cut Fresh: There is no better way to insure a tree will last. 2. Measure BEFORE leaving your house: you can always go bigger and trim when you get home but a short tree is not as much fun. 3. Measure your tree stand: Make sure the tree is not too fat! 4. Ignore the bottom 2' of a tree: This area get beaten up by lawnmowers and animals all year- I a...