Unsightly Dry Rotting of Wood.

There is little that makes your surroundings more antiquated and unlivable than dry rot.  It's not uncommon to find a window frame or sill suffering from dry rot.  Ironically this condition is not caused by the wood being dry, but rather, wet, usually for an extended period of time.  Here is what probably happened.

The water entered through a joint between the window frame and the exterior shingles.  Quite simply, the caulk has failed.  This kind of repair is made by first removing all of the rotten wood, then hardening any adjacent surfaces that may have been affected and finally filling the void, in this case, with solid wood and a filler called polyester resin.

It is a job for a true handyman.  And, no matter how you slice it, someone is better equipped to do this in your home than you are!  That someone in the Dallas area is Home Pro Services serving the Metroplex with a variety of professional, guaranteed handyman services for many years.  Just call them at (214) 886-3326.

Mother Nature is Still in Charge.

We have been reminded of this fact here in the Dallas area late in 2019.  Area homeowners need 2020 vision in the new year.  What we mean is that “Mom” can do her share of damage, but ultimately YOU are the master of repairing that damage.  Sure, sometimes it is daunting, but we are residents of the Metroplex and we’re strong!

Was your plumbing compromised?  Does your siding need repairing?  Does your castle need a fresh coat of paint?  What about the roof?  Then, inside there is water damage, drywall repair, caulking, drywall, flooring, etc.  Taken as an aggregate damage caused by Mother Nature can be daunting, but NOT insurmountable!

Every one of these tasks and many more are handled by the home and business repair experts in the Dallas area.  That’s Home Pro Services.  That is usually the answer when repairs need to be made around this area.  Whenever you need handyman services Home Pro Services is the right choice.  Call them anytime at (214) 886-3326.    

Look Straight Down…See It?

That’s your flooring and now IT needs some attention.  You’ve got the walls painted the perfect shade and the lighting is also to your liking.  Now you need the right floor to tie the room together.  If you want a new hardwood floor, tread lightly.  You have a virtual forest of options at a wide range of prices.

Here are some things to consider before deciding on hardwood flooring –

1.  Consider the species of the wood

2.  The grade and cut will determine if knotholes are visible

3.  Is the wood solid or is it engineered?

4.  How much clean up and preparation must be done?

These questions and many more will all be answered to your satisfaction by the flooring professionals at Home Pro Services.  For many years in the Dallas area they have been the go-to company when you need any handywork done around your home or office.  Just call Home Pro Services of Dallas at (214) 886-3326.

Out with the Old…In with the New.

If you live in your Dallas area home for awhile the day will probably come when you will need to remove old wallpaper and install new.  The old wallpaper CAN be easy to peel off or hard to penetrate depending on what it covers.  As with all things such as this patience and skill are tantamount to completing the job!

There are three types of wallpaper…porous, non-porous, and dry-strippable.  Porous wallpaper, for example will absorb water quickly and loosen up, making it easy to strip.  You will be able to tell if it’s porous by applying some water to part of it using a sponge.  Some wallpaper has a decorative nonporous layer.  Dry strippable wallpaper may be the easiest to remove.

If you are married, would you like to stay that way?  Trying to remove old wallpaper and installing new could be a hazard to your matrimony!  Just kidding (not).  We are Home Pro Services serving the Dallas area for many different home improvement projects for years.  Call us and we will assess the job at (214) 886-3326. 

Bringing the Outdoors into your Home.

Sometimes that is NOT a great idea, but when it pertains to a nice-looking screen door you can really enhance your enjoyment in most Dallas area homes.  A patio door is a great way to bring the spaciousness of the outdoors into your home. Featuring its sliding screen, you can enjoy fresh air without inviting in a variety of airborne pests.

Most modern screen doors on the market consist of a lightweight aluminum frame across which fiberglass screening material is stretched.  While fiberglass is an economical choice, it doesn't take much to punch a hole in it.  Aside from the screen itself, the most important material is the spline.  It is the narrow rubber tubing that locks the screen in a groove around the frame.

Whom in the Dallas area knows their way around screen doors of all types?  That would be Home Pro Services…of course!  You see, Home Pro Services is the ultimate handyman company in the Metroplex.  For any residential or commercial job call on one of their skilled, licensed, and bonded handymen.  That’s Home Pro Services at (214) 886-3326.      

Popcorn Without Butter.

It sounds like a day without sunshine, but the removal of ceiling popcorn is the real deal.  Popcorn ceilings were all the rage 40-50 years ago.  They hid imperfections and didn’t require painting.  Now it’s a real pain if your mission is to repair cracks and holes in an aging infrastructure.

Here are some of the steps that must be taken to remove popcorn ceiling –

1.  Scrape a small area of the ceiling.

2.  Definitely test for asbestos!

3.  Cover everything in anticipation of a big mess.

4.  Remove ceiling fixtures and fans.

5.  Wet the ceiling with a pump sprayer.

6.  Round off the corners of your scraper so it won’t damage the ceiling.

Does that sound like something you want to tackle?  Go get ‘em tiger!  Reality dictates that you call the popcorn ceiling removal experts in the Dallas area.  That’s Home Pro Services.  They put the handy in handyman.  For any difficult and messy home or office improvement project call Home Pro Services at (214) 886-3326.

Do you Want A Handyman…or a Whole Company?

You can hire someone to install drywall.  You can call a locksmith.  I’m sure that there are people with the ability to remodel a bathroom.  Yes, and there are electricians in the Dallas area as well.  There are even plenty of businesses who offer pest extermination if that is what you need for your home or business.

What you will NOT find in the Dallas area is a large and complete handyman and contractor service to do any and all of the above jobs and much, much more.  If you can hire from a team of handymen isn’t it a wiser decision to trust a large company than it would be one individual from a sole-proprietorship?

May we introduce you (or just remind you) to Home Pro Services?  They are the ultimate contractor and remodeling service in the Metroplex.  If you want to boggle your mind visit homeprocontracting.com and read their myriad of services.  The next time you need a handyman hire a village!  It’s Home Pro Services at (214) 886-3326.   

How Often Should You Paint your Home?

It is a question with many variables.  A lot of it depends on your own personal pride.  Sometimes the weather over the last few years dictates the decision.  Here are some general rules of thumb…wood siding should be painted about every 5 years…or at least stained every 3-4 years.  Aluminum siding is good for about 5 years and stucco could be every 6 or so.

This part is universally true…Nothing gives the outside of your home a fast, impressive facelift like a fresh coat of paint!  Whether you want to add a touch of quick curb appeal before you sell or you just enjoy living in a well-kept home, this is an ideal time to paint your house's exterior before things heat up in the Dallas area.

The most important decision you will make is whom should paint your castle.  For many years, Dallas area residents have found reassurance in hiring Home Pro Services.  They are a premier house painting service serving all of the Metroplex.  Is it time for a face lift?  Trust the pros at Home Pro Services.  Call them at (214) 886-3326.  

It Might Taste Better than it Looks.

When we think of popcorn, we probably dream of being at our favorite movie theater relaxing and chomping down on the crunchy stuff.  In the construction field, popcorn is the name of the stuff in your ceiling.  It provides sound dampening, but over time it gathers dust and may need to be replaced.  Can you do that?

There is a way to fix the ceiling without removing the texture, the easiest and least expensive option is to scrape off the popcorn and retexture the area.  It doesn’t matter how you do it, there's going to be a shower of dirt and mud, so you must cover everything in plastic and yourself in protective clothing and goggles.

Are we scuba diving or removing popcorn form our ceiling?  It does sound daunting, doesn’t it?  The great news is that Home Pro Services specializes in removing popcorn and dozens of other handyman chores in the Dallas Metroplex.  If you find that a job requires a pro call Home Pro Services at (214) 886-3326.

Keeping a Roof over your Head.

Springtime might be time to consider a new roof on your Dallas area home.  On many occasions a roof can naturally reach the end of its useful life without experiencing a complete failure.  We probably don’t need to tell you that if you overlook the flaws you could be looking at some major (and expensive) repairs down the road.

Here are some potential signs to look for that your roof needs attention –

1.  The shingle edges are curled (even slightly).

2.  Granules are missing crating bald spots.

3.  Age…is it over 20 years?

Here is the question…would you rather spend much less now to have your roof repaired, or a great deal more down the road?  If the answer is yes, then address it now by calling the ultimate Dallas area handymen and roofing repair experts Home Pro Services.  Your roof has to last decades, so keep it up by calling Home Pro Services at (214) 886-3326.

How Do You Remove Hard Wallpaper?

Well, how do you run a marathon?  How do you fix the engine of a Mercedes?  How do you hit a home run off Nolan Ryan (in his prime, of course)?   The answer is…you watch someone else do it!  These are tasks that require a professional.  If you want to try your hand at removing and installing wallpaper you have our sympathy.

Just a quick tutorial in case you fancy yourself as the next Tim Allen.  You loosen the glue under the wallpaper itself.  Saturate the new sheets in warm water.  Take them out of the bucket.  Wring them out very gently.  Then begin applying them very carefully starting in the corner.  Then call a divorce attorney, because this is not a job for two people who care about each other!

Realistically you call DFW’s ultimate handyman company.  That is Home Pro Services.  When Chris got the ball rolling years ago, he saw a gaping need in homes and businesses that required dozens of different handyman services.  If you live in the Dallas area just give them a call anytime at (214) 886-3326.

If You’re Dreaming of a White Christmas…Dream On.

Let’s be realistic…it’s Dallas not Chicago.  A White Christmas is probably not in the cards.  Over the years in DFW some flurries have fallen in late December and most certainly ice storms have reared their ugly heads, but measurable snowfall around here is just simply a meteorological anomaly.

However, if you are holding out hope, as recently as 2009 a rare blizzard impacted Northern Texas.  As much as nine inches of snow fell in Jackson and Bowie!  For Dallas and Ft. Worth it was the first measurable Christmas Eve snowfall on record. 

Whatever Christmas Day may bring to the Dallas Metro (the average high temperature is around 60 degrees).  We hope that you and yours will have the most Merry Christmas you have ever experienced.  In 2019 we at Home Pro Services will be here whenever you need us for repairs around your home or office.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Home Pro Services.

First Impressions May Last Forever.

That is a mouthful for sure.  It especially applies when you enter a room and see the paint on the walls.  It has been shown that about two-thirds of our response to an object is the color when we see it for the first time.  This is known as “color psychology” and it has a direct effect between color and our mood.

All of this applies to our home and the place where we work, so employers beware!  Your choice of paint has a direct impact on your workers.  Simply put, your walls become a centerpiece by allowing crown moldings, baseboards, and other trim provide the glossy frame that defines each room in your home or office.

A professional approach (along with your input) is necessary in creating the right environment.  Before you try tackling that painting project in your home or business contact THE Dallas area handymen.  Those are the remodeling and painting experts at Home Pro Services.  Beautify your home or office with the help of the pros at Home Pro.  Call them at (214) 886-3326.

Stay Wired.

Don’t take us wrong, in this case staying wired means maximizing every outlet in your office or home.  Using surface wiring you can add outlets, switches and lights wherever you want without tearing open a wall.  When you paint the channels the wall color, they become almost invisible. You can finally get that outlet exactly where you need it! 

Here are some steps to follow –

1.  Job one…safety.

2.  Assemble the channel and all boxes.

3.  Run all of the wires and snap on the covers.

4.  Someone needs to apply for a permit.

There is a lot to unpack here.  Safety, efficiency, attention to detail, etc. must all be considered.  Consider this.  Call Home Pro Services.  They have served the Dallas area’s handyman and electrical installation needs for many years in the Metroplex.  Before the job begins call Home Pro Services to assess the project at (214) 886-3326.

Handyman and Construction Crew Insurance Costs.

You probably just take it for granted.  When a crew or individual shows up at your home or business they are fully insured, right?  Not so fast!  Insurance is an expensive, but necessary part of the construction, repair, and remodeling business.  Everybody needs to feel secure no matter how the job…large or small.  Ahhh, peace of mind.

So, how much is enough?  Licensed contractors are generally required by law to carry a contractor license bond.  However, handymen may not have any legal requirements (depending on the state where they operate.)  Something like this could keep you up at night when knowing the right person or crew for the job.

Well, rest easy, my friends.  At Home Pro Services we are insured up to two million dollars.  That’s right, two large!  There is no project that we cannot tackle successfully, safely, and fully bonded.  That should give everyone in the Dallas Metro great comfort.  For your next job, be it home or office call Home Pro Services at (214) 886-2236.

What is a Project Manager?

If it sounds like an all-encompassing title well, it probably is.  By definition, project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to specific activities to meet the project requirements.  Essentially, they are responsible for the success or failure of your building project, be it large or small.

Their typical responsibilities are –

1.  Planning, executing, and closing the deal.

2.  Managing a team of committed professionals.

3.  Staying on point with the client to make sure the goals are met.

It is a big and very important job.  There is no one better at it than Chris Dandridge and his team at Home Pro Services.  This is where you find the Dallas area’s best group of construction managers.  Their phone is always answered 24 hours a day/7 days a week.  Begin your next project (big or small) by calling Chris at (214) 886-2236.

Repairing Water Damage.

Just in case you think that you are immune to it, ask one of your friends in Houston what recovering from water damage is like.  It is not only devastating from an aesthetic standpoint, but it will create chaos in your home or office and, don’t forget the mold and mildew that will probably occur in the aftermath.

The first thing that must be done is assess the damage.  After that, damaged materials must be removed from the area.  There are, framework, fixtures, paint, etc. that need attention ASAP before the mold takes over.  The only good news, if there is any, is that a real professional team can restore your environment to look better than it ever has!

One team…one job…one result…that is the answer!  We are the water damage repair specialists in the Dallas area known as Home Pro Services.  I am Chris Dandridge and I am proud to manage this team.  Let us get your home or office back to new.  If water damage is your dilemma, please give us a call at (214) 886-2236.

The Ultimate Welcome Mat.

How many people stick a rug in front of their door and think that makes their home an inviting place to look at?  There is so much more to the cosmetics of what makes your home look as good as it possibly can.  Especially, if you are thinking of selling your home, curb appeal is essential.  What can you do NOW?

Start with the door.  Since we may be entering our homes from our garage many of us don’t pay much attention to our front door.  I will tell you who does…people who walk or drive by and folks who come to your home.  Why not take a look at how your front door and its surroundings appeal to the eye?

This is a great time of year to spruce up your castle.  It starts with the part that everyone sees.  It proceeds with a call to Home Pro Services.  We are your Dallas area handymen and construction professionals.  Let us help you realize your ultimate vision for your home.  Give us a call today at (214) 886-2236.

Hiring the Right Contractor.

The right contractor for the job is very simply this…one that handles every phase of the project from start to finish.  Whether it is a new home in the Dallas area, or a new, burgeoning business, it does not matter.  The right team at the scene on the job from start to finish is absolutely essential!

Here are some pointers to hiring the right company for the job – 

1.  Get referrals.

2.  Check licenses.

3.  Look at their most recent portfolio.

4.  Understand all aspects of the contract.

These are all checkpoints that the professionals at Home Pro Services WANT you to vet.  You will see, after careful consideration that you have chosen the right team for the contracting job that you propose anywhere in the Dallas Metro.  Call Chris at (214) 886-2236.

Cleaning up after Water Damage.

It is nasty business, and this is where a handyman (or men) becomes invaluable.  The term has been misunderstood over the years as if to suggest that a quality, licensed handyman is less than an expert at what he does.  When water damage occurs in your Dallas area home or office you will understand

the importance of calling the right person.

Detecting mold and mildew is essential.  You must –

1.  Detect ALL of the mold.

2.  Act quickly after the damage occurs.

3.  Turn off the power.

4.  Completely dry the affected area.

5.  Remove moisture from all of the ceilings and walls.

I am Chis Dandridge.  I am the project coordinator of Home Pro Services.  You will not find better handymen in the Dallas Metro than my crew.  Look what happened last year in Houston.  One day, flooding may wreak havoc at your home or office.  Please think of Home Pro Services immediately and make the call to (214) 886-2236.