Expect The Unexpected in Home Remodeling Projects

May 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Expect the unexpected.

Hidden Seepage Pit in GladwyneDuring a routine home remodeling project in Gladwyne, the team at Post Remodeling and Handyman Services encountered a unique and unforeseen obstacle.

Following a concrete delivery from a heavy delivery truck, an unknown, abandoned sewage seepage pit revealed itself. A few hours after the delivery, the 80-100 year-old concrete lid failed and revealed the historic pit. The hole was 14′ deep and over 8′ in diameter.

Post worked quickly to notify the insurance company as well as the insurance companies for the homeowner as well as the concrete company. With a collection of companies involved, it became clear that the process would take quite some time. The experts at Post, concerned about the safety of the homeowners and any potential visitors, decided that the pit needed to be addressed before waiting for the insurance companies to determine liability.

To assist with the insurance efforts, the incident was documented with pictures and video. From there, 30 tons of fill was ordered and expertly installed by Post Remodeling. Re-paving of the driveway was also arranged and the lawn will be restored after paving is complete.

As seen in this example, every home remodeling project comes with unknowns. When choosing a contractor to assist with your project, make sure they’re ready to address anything that might come up – regardless of fault.

Have a project that you’d like us to review? Contact us today for a free in-home consultation!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , ,

Preserving Valuable History in Malvern is No Small Feat

May 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Post Remodeling - Home Maintenance in MalvernA homeowner in Malvern with a home spanning four centuries had a handyman to-do list and was unsure where to start.

After meeting with the experts at Post Remodeling and Handyman Services, the homeowner was confident that his needs would be met and impressed that Post recommended some critical service items he had overlooked.

The home itself was built in the 1700s and had an addition done in both the 1800s and 1900s. Check out that 250+ year old floor joist! Very unique.

The focal point was weatherization and a collection of small projects to make the home better prepared to withstand warm summers and cold winters.

In addition, the Post team performed the following work:

  • Electrical Fixture Replacement
  • Electrical Troubleshooting
  • Toilet Repairs
  • Hardwood Floor Repair
  • Chimney Flashing Replacement
  • Wall Patching & Painting
  • Decorative Art Hanging

With all work complete, the home is much better situated for the future. With ongoing preventative maintenance, the homeowners will not be derailed by unexpected expenses.

Have a historic home of your own and looking to ensure it stays in top shape? Contact the experts at Post and we’ll evaluate things on-site for you!

Filed Under: General, Home Improvement Tagged With: , , ,

Prevent Termites Properly With Just 6-8 Inches!

April 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Post Remodeling repairs termite damaged areas.Homeowners know that termite infestation can be costly – both remediation and repair is involved, and depending on the extent of the damage,  structural issues may be present.

However, with just 6-8 inches of proper exterior preparation, your home can stay termite-free.

One of our customers recently suffered some termite damage. After termite remediation, a Lafayette Hill homeowner contacted Post Remodeling and Handyman Services to repair/replace floor joists and a bay window subfloor that had both suffered damage.

Termites often find their way into our homes when the grade of our yards is too high on the framed walls. Ideally, to prevent a termite problem in your home, grade should be 6-8″ below the top of the foundation walls – even if you have a brick veneer or exterior as this home does. The grade here was 15″ above the foundation wall – not good!

Worried that your home might be cutting it close? Post Remodeling can asses this grade/foundation wall relationship and make these improvements to keep your home termite free. Get a free in-home consultation today!

Like our advice? Share this tweetable:

“Keeping soil 6-8″ below your foundation is worth thousands in termite remediation.” – Click To Tweet

To fully repair the home in Lafayette Hill, our hardwood specialist recently re-installed the random width white oak pegged flooring. Since some of the existing flooring was too damaged, we introduced some new boards but will do so carefully to ensure they blend into the existing floor.

Have a termite damaged area in your home? Post can help! Contact us today for a free consultation and we’ll give you our expert opinion!

Filed Under: Basement, General Tagged With: ,

Post Remodeling: Sample Home Maintenance Plan

March 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Home Maintenance Packages from Post Remodeling & Handyman ServicesDid you know that Post Remodeling and Handyman Services offers comprehensive home maintenance plans for homeowners in the greater Philadelphia area?

Our experienced home remodeling team can handle a wide variety of homeowner needs. Below, please find a sample plan for a homeowner in Malvern.

Looking to start your own home maintenance plan to keep your home in terrific shape? Use our online scheduling tool today to book a consultation!

Safety

  • Fire Extinguishers: Consider installing on ever floor and inspect to ensure they are fully charged.
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Consider adding one in basement, garage, 2nd floor, attic and then test.
  • Automatic Garage Door Opener: Check safety reverse feature.
  • Smoke/Fire Detectors – Check.
  • Electrical service panel: Test breakers and scan for overloads.
  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI outlets): Kitchen & Bathrooms.

HVAC

  • Stand Alone Humidifiers: Clean filters.
  • Attic Unit: Check filter slot covers, seal ducts to unit in attic, install dampers in attic, re-work guest supplies for better flow.
  • Basement units: Remove and discard condensate pumps.
  • Laundry room supply: Install damper and seal duct.
  • All Units: Change filters monthly. Attic- 20x25x1; Basement 2x- 16x25x1 merv8; fan on.
  • Compressors: Clean coils and check for level.
  • 1st floor unit: Activate/deactivate humidification system.

Appliances

  • Water Heater: Drain water until clear of sediment; test temperature pressure relief valve clean burner & ports (gas heater).
  • Water Heater: Begin to select a replacement for aging unit.
  • Gas Appliances: Test shut-off valves and flex supplies for gas leaks.
  • Range Fan: Clean grease filter with hot, soapy water or degreaser.
  • Refrigerator: Vacuum the coil.
  • Washer/Dryer: Clean consumer filters.
  • Washer/Dryer: Clean Dryer vent and inspect plumbing connections.

Plumbing

  • Drains: Pour water down unused drains such as basement shower.
  • Sinks, tubs, toilets, showers: Inspect all connections for water-tightness and corrosion.
  • Faucet Aerators and Shower Heads: Clean.
  • Garbage Disposal: Tighten drain connections and fasteners.
  • Water Filtration: Change 2 filters as prescribed; Add salt.
  • Sewage ejector: Inspect.
  • Sump Pump: Inspect.
  • Interior Caulking: Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks; Replace any if it is deteriorating.

Exterior

  • Roof: Inspect roof shingles, flashings, roof penetrations, eaves, and soffits; Repair if needed.
  • Gutters and Downspouts: Inspect gutter covers. Check downspouts for proper drainage; Repair if needed.
  • Patios & paved surfaces: Check for proper drainage slope and general condition.
  • Masonry: Inspect all masonry and make repairs as needed.
  • Stucco & Siding: Inspect and clean siding; repair or paint if needed.
  • Exterior trim: inspect caulking and paint.
  • Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
  • Windows & Doors: Inspect weather-strippings and hardware.

Interior

  • Painted surfaces: Inspect all surfaces and caulking. Touch up or re-paint as needed.
  • Hardwood Floors: Inspect for wear and re-finish as needed.
  • Tile and Stone: Inspect and apply sealer as needed.
  • Attic: Inspect for signs of roof leaks, mold, and general condition.
  • Throughout: Replace lightbulbs as needed.
Filed Under: General

Post Remodeling Lights The Way With LED

March 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

LED Install - Post RemodelingThe evolution of LED lighting over the past few years has seen more and more customers taking advantage of this technology.

Post Remodeling & Handyman Services recommends LED lighting for customers/situations meeting the following criteria:

  • Desire for significant energy savings
  • Plan to be in the same home for a while (or are willing to transport bulbs to new location if needed)
Through the recent evolution, the following considerations no longer apply to the decision making process:
  • Lower lumens (light output or brightness)
  • Inability to be dimmed
  • Compromised CRI (color rendering index) which will misrepresent colors and make them look washed out.
  • Long-term return on investment (ROI)
  • Risk of being an early adopter

Post Remodeling has expertise required to select the right LED lamp for your fixtures. A recent project featured in this post shows a recessed light retrofit using an LED Trim Kit. The unit provides 675 lumens (approximately 65 watts), has a CRI of 92 (anything over 90 is good), is able to be dimmed, and provides a fresh new white trim ring.

The best part is a life span of 15-20 years with a ROI of just 5 years. These figures are loosely based on average office hours usage.

The photos below show the removal of the old bulb, installation of the new trim and bulb, and side-by-side photos of the previous bulb and new LED bulb.

Post Remodeling is able to obtain LED lamps for nearly any fixture. While it can get rather technical with sizes and specifications, our expert team has simplified everything to give you the best possible solution.

Ready to install some LED bulbs in your home and/or office? Contact Post today for a free estimate!

Filed Under: Energy Retrofit, General

Monthly Home Maintenance Scores Cost Savings

March 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Furnace Filter Replacement - Post Remodeling & Handyman ServicesThe expert team at Post Remodeling & Handyman Services recently began a monthly home maintenance regime with a long-time customer in Malvern.

Their larger home has three HVAC units, a generator, well water, water softening, water filtration, humidification, and dehumidification systems. Recently, the Post team replaced furnace filters in their HVAC unit (image at right). As you can see, the previous filters were very dirty and clogged! This restricts airflow and is an efficiency killer. It is also hard on the blower of the air handler.

Replacing these filters as needed (once a month if you run your fan continually) should be at the top of every homeowner’s list to ensure the efficiency of their HVAC system. We generally recommend a filter with a MERV-8 rating. Change them regularly!

Post generally recommends leaving the air handler fan on all the time (except when windows are open in spring and fall) to take advantage of constant air filtration and to help even out air temperature throughout the home.

Other regular maintenance items on this project include vacuuming refrigerator coils, upgrading lighting to LED lamps as old bulbs burn out, replacing water filtration components, testing safety systems, gutter cleaning, plumbing inspection, and taking care of the ever-growing handyman list.

Regular home maintenance service is available from Post Remodeling and Handyman Services but we only have room for a few new clients right now. It begins with an energy audit and inventory of maintenance items, short term projects, and inevitable long-term system replacements. Use our online scheduling tool today to book a consultation!

Filed Under: General, Home Improvement Tagged With: ,

Post Remodeling Supports PA Home Energy Loan Program

February 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Post Handyman can help with PA Home Energy Loan Program Projects!Energy efficiency is a hot topic in 2012 and the state of Pennsylvania offers a terrific Home Energy Loan Program for households wishing to embark on a variety of energy-saving updates to their home.

If you have been considering substantial upgrades to your insulation or HVAC systems, now is a great time to explore your options with Post Remodeling & Handyman Services. We are an approved contractor for this program that is geared towards making energy efficiency affordable.

For homeowners making less than $150,000 and fitting a small number of additional criteria, the following projects (all available and offered by Post Remodeling & Handyman Services) are eligible for low rate loans:

  • Air Source Heat Pumps
  • Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
  • Central AC Systems
  • Boilers
  • Furnaces
  • Water Heaters
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Programmable Thermostats
  • Ventilating Fans
  • Windows/Doors
  • Air Sealing and Insulation
  • Other Whole House Energy Improvements
All of the projects features below qualify under this program!

Ready to get started on an improvement today? Check out the flyer on the Home Energy Loan Program and have a free in-home consultation from Post today!

 

Filed Under: Energy Retrofit, General Tagged With: , ,

Post Remodeling Lands 3rd Consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Award

December 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Post Remodeling & Handyman Services is proud to announce that it has received a Super Service Award from Angie’s List for the third consecutive year!

As you may know, Angie’s List is a nationwide catalogue of unbiased reviews from real homeowners like you. Each year, they award Super Service Awards for best-in-class performers in each industry. Post Remodeling has won the handyman category for the past three years – 2009, 2010, and 2011!

Robert Post, owner of Post Remodeling and Handyman Services, is especially grateful to customers who took the time to share their experience with others on Angie’s List. Receiving this recognition reinforces the importance of being quality oriented and client focused.

There are no shortcuts to this type of work – it is challenging and takes a deliberate effort. We realize that excellent craftsmanship is expected and never forget that we are working in someone’s house.

Want to see the feedback for yourself and/or add to the reviews? Visit Post Remodeling & Handyman Services on Angie’s List today.

Ready to schedule a free estimate for a new project? Post Remodeling is ready to help!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: ,

Home Energy Monitors – Worth The Cost?

December 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Home Base by EnergyHubImagine the following scenario: You’ve had an energy audit by a certified professional like Post Remodeling & Handyman Services. You’ve invested in your home by implementing the prescribed measures such as air-sealing, insulating, upgrading your heater and hot water heater, replacing old appliances with Energy Star appliances, installing high efficiency lighting, adding advanced ventilation systems, and more.

Congratulations! You are now ready for a home energy monitor (like EnergyHub’s Home Base – pictured) to really dial in and minimize your electrical consumption.

Wait a minute…. you haven’t done those things yet?

Earlier this week, a customer in Blue Bell shared a Wall Street Journal article about off-the-shelf energy monitoring products and asked if they were right for their home.

Don’t be lured by the attraction of the latest smart energy gadget. Your money is better spent on a thorough energy audit. It is the only logical first step towards “greening” your home.

That said, if you have done the rudimentary work and an interesting gadget will motivate you to keep going and drill deeper, maybe it does make sense to invest in an energy monitor.

Further questions? Want to schedule a home energy audit with Post Remodeling & Handyman Services? Contact Post today!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: ,

Low Profile Solar Installations Please Community Associations

November 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

West Chester Solar InstallationA homeowner in West Chester, PA wanted to install a photovoltaic array on the south-side of their roof to generate electricity.

After contacting Post Remodeling & Handyman Services for the job, we ran into an immediate roadblock – their community association. This group did not approve of the standard solar panel installation which drove our research to a more aesthetically pleasing photovoltaic system – the Sun Energy Shingle™. After seeing its extremely thin profile, the association approved the product.

A second challenge was the roof itself – plumbing penetrations in numerous places facilitated some initial cleanup. A key rule of installing roof-top system is to make sure the underlying shingles last as long as the solar equipment. Post Remodeling replaced the old shingles and relocated plumbing penetrations to allow for a durable, uninterrupted installation.

After laying an underlayment called VersaShield® and re-shingling the roof, the solar system installed seamlessly. The system is working as expected and the roof looks terrific.

In general, here are some best practices when working on the roof:

  • Monitor the PSI of your nail gun compressor so you do not overdrive roofing nails.
  • Use of harness for protection
  • Use multi-layer Class A (fire rating) roofing underlayment systems including VersaShield for greatest coverage.
  • Use a little paint to make sure your plumbing penetrations don’t stick out unnecessarily.

Thinking about a solar system of your own? Contact the experts at Post Remodeling for a free estimate!

Filed Under: Energy Retrofit, General, Solar Tagged With: , ,