Tackle Your Spring Projects This Weekend

If you’re like me, you’re probably enjoying the unseasonably warm winter that we’re having here in Connecticut. With temperatures predicted to hit the mid-40’s this weekend, I got to thinking about some of the “around the house” projects that you can get out of the way now, rather than waiting for spring.

Basement Remodeling

Does the anticipation of Super Bowl Sunday have you day dreaming about the perfect man cave?  Winter is an excellent time to tackle the task. Obviously being in the basement, you don’t have to worry about any outside or weather-related factors, and generally you might find that contractors lower their rates during their slowest time of the year. You might even be able to enlist the help of a few friends with the promise of refreshments and a seat in front of the new big screen!  

Painting

Give the rooms inside your home an instant facelift with a coat of fresh paint. This job is perfect for this kind of weather because you can open up the windows to let the paint dry quickly and evenly. A painting project should take no more than a weekend to complete and if you’re not up to the task yourself, take advantage of those low rates I mentioned and contact a professional. The winter slow season might just be the time to nab a deal.

Leaf Pick Up

Raking leaves is a rotten task but with a little mid-winter maintenance, your job will get much easier come spring. First, invest in an ergonomic rake so you don’t hurt your back and shoulders. Move the same way as the wind and rake using smaller, sweeping motions rather than trying to grab huge piles as you go. Cleanup along the way so you’re not chasing leaves you’ve already raked and don’t push your piles into the street so they blow into your neighbor’s yard.  Use them as compost for your spring planting instead. 

Wood Floor Treatment

If your floors are looking a bit dull, brighten them up by giving them a light sanding and a few coats of polyurethane. Wood can be tough to maintain because it’s used and abused so often, but if you have a maintenance schedule that you stick to every few years, you’ll not only keep them looking great, you’ll also lengthen their lifecycle. Keep those floors shining by putting felt pads on furniture legs and avoid any cleaners with ammonia, vinegar or harsh chemicals. 

Deck Staining

Staining the deck is one of my least favorite jobs around the house, so getting it over and done with is something I always look forward to. Firstly, make sure no rain is in the forecast, as you’ll want a few sunny days to ensure your stain dries properly. Sweep or blow any leaves and pesky maple helicopters from the surface, cracks and crevasses of the deck. Apply a cleaner to get rid of any mold and mildew and replace missing nails or screws to ensure your boards don’t creep up. Always apply stain on a dry surface in thin, even coats to get the best result.  

Do you have a weekend project that you’re tackling in the warm winter weather? I’d love to hear about it. Send me a message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros.

Be snow safe this shoveling season

With our first official snowfall in the books, it’s that time of year when we have to dig the shovels out of the garage and get accustomed to the dreaded task of winter clean-up. Unfortunately not only is snow shoveling an annoying chore, it’s also one of those around-the-house jobs that can easily land you in the hospital if you’re not careful. To avoid a mishap, there are a few things that you can do to make shoveling less painful, difficult and risky.

First, get yourself a good tool to work with. If you’ve been using the same old shovel for 20 years, chances are it’s not doing you any favors. Today’s shovels are designed to help withstand the weight of heavy snow, which will reduce the chances of you blowing your back out. The buzz is on the True Temper Ergonomic Mountain Mover, which you can pick up for around $25 at The Home Depot or a local hardware store. It’s designed to prevent back and neck injuries and has both a comfortable handle and a plastic blade that will keep your porch and deck intact. Think of it as an investment.

When you’re ready to shovel, be prepared. Wait until the snowplows come around the neighborhood (unless you want to shovel twice) and layer up with comfortable clothes. If you’re not used to physical activity, warm up with a few stretches to prepare your back and arms. When shoveling, bend your knees and try to push large piles into a bank or your curb rather than lifting each shovelful. Try not to throw snow or make twisting and turning movements that will aggravate your back. People all too often underestimate the weight of snow and the physicality of shoveling and end up with back, neck and shoulder injuries. Don’t be one of them. Use your legs.

If you think you’re in good enough shape to shovel, start slowly, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you’re not up to the task, don’t be afraid to ask a friend, family or neighbor for help. Shoveling is rigorous exercise and could lead to injury or even a heart attack if you’re not used to similar activities. If you can’t find anyone to help you do the job, feel free to give me a call.

Protect your home from winter drafts

If your house has old doors, winter can be a drafty time of year. Luckily, there is an easy, do-it-yourself fix to help you keep the cold air out and the warm air in where it belongs. Here is my guide to sealing your doors before the cold sets in.

Examine your current weatherstripping for any rips, bends or wear and tear. In older doors, the seals usually deteriorate before the doors themselves, which will allow air to pass through. If you can feel a draft coming from the edges around a closed door, it’s time to give them a little facelift.

Measure the top and sides of your door jambs with precision; you want the fit to be snug and airtight. I always say, measure twice and order once! Once you measure the doors, you’ll find the materials that you need either at the local hardware store or online on any home improvement retail site. In addition to weather stripping, you might also need a sweep, which is the strip along the bottom of the door that looks like a tiny broom and keeps the gap between the door and the floor sealed. If yours is damaged or has broken off in parts, now is a good time to replace it. Luckily, basic individual weatherstrips and sweeps can cost as little as $10 each, which is a lot less than investing in a new door.

Just like painting, when you start weatherproofing you’ll need to begin on a clean surface. Scrape any old debris so the gap is free and clear. You want to make sure your gap is in good shape to lay the strips evenly and you need to have enough room for the strips to grip properly.

Finally you can install your new weatherstripping. Cut it to size before you put it into the groove and ensure that you don’t stretch the material to fit – it will return to its original size and leave you short. Secure it firmly into the groove and open and close the door to look for any protrusions or gaps.

Weatherstripping is a quick, inexpensive fix that will help you stay warm in the winter and give your heating bill a noticeable break. But just like any home improvement tasks, if you’re not comfortable using basic tools and equipment, you might want to leave the job to a professional. Either way, keep your family warm this winter and take some time for yourself to enjoy the holiday season.