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

Posted by: Baltimore Maryland Handyman Community, EFynch.com Baltimore, MD: It is no mystery why hiring a handyman can be so stressful. Simply put, as homeowners, we never know if we are getting the right person or the right deal. In this blog we've spoken about the problems and issues that have come from using Social Media, and some of our competitor sites. Not going into detail, but finding non-biased reviews and recommendations, and knowing that a contractor didn't pay to be "on top" or hide bad work is a top priority for homeowners. It is for EFynch as well, and that is why we have some of the toughest standards for customer reviews. But, however tough they may be, they are important and they are actually pretty easy to post. Contractor's rely on your ratings and fellow homeowner and buyer rely on you shared experiences. We ask you to please consider this and rate/ review anyone you hire. 1. In order to review, you MUST use EFynch Escrow.      why: ...

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 ...

The Home Energy Saver We All Overlook: How Window Treatments can reduce your energy bids. Baltimore, MD- EFynch.com: Windows are one of the most overlooked energy monsters in your home. Although great advances have been made with increasing insulation value (yes, insulation is equally important for HOT as it is for COLD), the hot summer sun pummels your windows all day long. That heat literally turns anything it touches into a radiator which can cause your AC to run constantly as some indoor surfaces can top 130 degrees Fahrenheit! To battle this, a few years ago I spent time studying Passive Solar. The idea is you design your home to block out the summer sun but let it in during the winter (has to do with shutters and angles, besides the point). In this practice you use certain finishes in your home to capture the right heat .etc. etc.etc. . This is great but, it requires work and planning. If you are looking for changes that can have an effect right away- tomorrow- literally....

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...

*do not be this guy and approach a downed power line. What to do during power outages: Home Tips from EFynch Baltimore, Maryland: It is the dead of winter and your power goes out. What are you supposed to do? Depending on the length that the power is off and the time of day- you should prepare for the worst. Once night falls, weather always tends to worsen plus repair work will move slower. You can expect being without power for the long haul. In modern times it is hard to think about shelter and surviving but cut the power to your home with a blizzard outside, I promise the primitive concerns we take for granted become front and center. (PLEASE TAKE THIS AS A SERIOUS MESSAGE). In the event the power is off and you do not foresee an immediate return. We recommend you do the following: 1. Monitor the temperature inside your home. If it goes below 50 degrees, you should immediately perform a “quick winterize”- information on this will be posted soon. 2. If you have n...