Category Archives: Homeowner’s Tips

Contractors In High Demand

Contractor Hotline was founded in August 2006, when the economy was strong and demand for home improvement services was high. Those days were much like the present, when good contractors stayed busy with their customer’s home repair and remodeling needs. But, those days didn’t last long before the recession pretty much brought business to a grinding halt.

Prior to that time, we knocked on a lot of doors trying to get the attention of good contractors interested in new business. By the end of 2008 the tables began to turn and many of those same contractors were seeking out our services. Over time we retained a lot of those original contractors, recruited many more, and built a solid network of quality home improvement professionals. We have been through these times together and value the relationships we have with each other. Read More >>

Spotlight on Edmonds Real Estate

Thank you Wayne Purser of Coldwell Banker Bain in Edmonds and My Edmonds News for the opportunity to be a guest on Spotlight on Edmonds Real Estate. Tune in to Wayne’s monthly real estate weather reports for valuable real estate sales data and important factors affecting the local Edmonds economy and the greater Puget Sound.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Ready to get a jump on your spring home maintenance projects? The following checklist will help you get started.

Inspect home’s exterior for winter storm damage and needed repairs

Flush and inspect gutters & downspouts

Power wash siding, porch, deck, patio, walkways, and driveway

Trim trees/bushes near buildings & power lines; remove dead/damaged branches once new growth is apparent

De-thatch lawn with a good raking prior to first mowing; mow lawn down to 2 inches before grass is over 2 ½ inches tall, leaving no less than ½ inch of growth; lightly apply quality fertilizer with weed killer Read More >>

Water Leak Detection

Water leaks can cause extensive damage to your home and potential health risks.  In a matter of minutes, a burst pipe or hose can flood a room with several gallons of water. Slow and undetected leaks can also cause significant damage and oftentimes harmful mold and bacteria growth.

We hear regularly from folks who have had the unfortunate event of failed plumbing or hot water heaters. The process to demo, dry out, clean, and reconstruct a home as a result of water damage is messy, time consuming, and costly. Read More >>

Home for the Holidays

I keep hearing people say, “I can’t believe it’s already Thanksgiving!” If you are one of them, and you have guests coming to your home for the holidays, you may be wondering how you will possibly be ready in time.

Don’t worry, you can do it! This coming weekend try and get as many of these tips completed. You’ll be amazed what you can do in a day with a little planning and organization. Read More >>

Top 5 Things To Do Before Vacation

Returning home after a well-deserved break, only to discover a flooded laundry room or kitchen is not how most people want to end their vacation. Follow these simple steps to avoid coming home to a big mess and costly repairs.

1.  Turn off the water

Water leaks can cause devastating damage to your home in a short amount of time. A failed hose connection, plumbing fixture, pipe fitting, or appliance can leak gallons of water in no time, resulting in costly repairs. Read More >>

Roof Leaks & Flooded Basements Caused By Winter Storms

Roof leaks and flooded basements and crawl spaces are not uncommon at this time of year. The recent wind and rain storms have put our home’s roofs, gutters, and drainage systems to the test. How is your home holding up? Take advantage of breaks in the weather to take a quick walk around the outside of your home. Inspect the roof for fallen tree branches or debris, especially if you have large trees alongside your home. Make sure the gutters and downspouts are draining properly and diverting water away from the foundation. Don’t forget to do a quick visual inside as well, especially in rooms that aren’t frequently used. An unnoticed roof leak can cause considerable damage in a short amount of time. Water stains, bubbling paint or sagging drywall are all warning signs that moisture is intruding. The same is true for the basement. Inspect along the foundation walls for signs of water intrusion. If you have a crawl space, even a quick peak with a flashlight can expose a faulty sump pump or drainage problem. Being proactive and keeping an eye open for possible problems is the best way to minimize damages. Read More >>