Showing posts with label home improvement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home improvement. Show all posts

Spring Maintenance Tips from Irons Brothers

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Spring flowers at Sky Nursery
Photo by Lee Lageschulte
From the Irons Brothers newsletter

Spring is here! Officially on March 20 we started the season. It feels like Spring has sprung, it is tax season, the days are longer and the sun has started to show up. In fact, there were a few days last week that it almost felt like sandal weather!

So what are your Spring plans? Some begin to garden and work on their yard, others start their Spring cleaning. These are both very important, but we also have some helpful suggestions  for work around the house you can do to prepare for the Spring season.

SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS:

  1. Furnace/ Air Conditioner Unit - check filters and change, schedule a service call
  2. Range Hood - check and clean your filters
  3. Bathroom Fans - clean fans and check for mildew or mold
  4. Fireplace / Chimney - check your chimney, clean your firebox, check the flashing
  5. Attic - check for signs of roof leaks or pests
  6. Basement - check for leaks, cracks, mildew, mold, rot
  7. Crawl space - check for pests / wildlife, check the insulation and vapor barrier
  8. Exterior of home - check paint, caulking, putty and address any needs
  9. Decks and patios - wash, clean, and seal as needed
  10. Landscaping and ground cover: start Spring pruning and plan your landscape maintenance routine
  11. Sprinkler system - service and start system
  12. Clothes dryer - Clean filter, check duct for lint
  13. Fire extinguishers - check pressure, recharge or replace
  14. Smoke detectors - test, replace batteries if needed
  15. Water heater - check for leaks 

Don't neglect your house, take care of it and you will reap the benefits. Our homes are the largest investments most of us make in our lifetime, protect your investment and maintain it!

Not sure how to do some of the tasks noted above? Let us help you. Contact us to take care of your small projects and maintenance issues before they become large projects with high cost implications. Click here to contact us or schedule an appointment through our website.  


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Want help to get started on a home improvement project? Shoreline offers free workshops

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

For sale at Dunn Lumber in Shoreline
Summer is coming! Do you have a home improvement project that you would like some guidance to get started? Is it a subdivision of property, house remodel, driveway, drainage, deck, or a tree project?

The Shoreline Planning and Community Development Department has organized two workshops to help Shoreline residents with these types of projects.

The workshops will be March 26 and April 30, 2014 from 6 to 8pm in the first floor lobby of City Hall.

Look for “Residential Improvement Workshops” on the City’s website (after March 1) to sign up for reserved time slots. If you leave your address at the sign-up, Planning will have maps of your property at the workshop. After the first workshop you can sign up for the second workshop to refine your plans further. You have the option of going to either or both workshops.

There will be technical reviewers there to help with questions regarding your house, property, land uses, and street as well as and code and permit information. Information at the workshop includes:
  1. List of Shoreline consultants, contractors, and material suppliers; 
  2. Work tables, handouts, and maps of your property; and 
  3. Consult with a local designer, Master Gardener, energy auditor, material supplier, home loan, and a grant funding program for residential drainage improvements.
Call Paul Cohen, Planning Manager at 206-801-2551 or email him if you have questions.

Bring your plans and ideas!


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Free home improvement consultation for Shoreline residents

Thursday, March 28, 2013


Summer is coming! Do you need some advice or moral support to get started? The Shoreline Planning and Community Development Department has organized two after hours events to help Shoreline residents advance from thinking about a project to take the next step with their home remodels, driveway replacements, drainage fixes, decks and more. 

The events will be Tuesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 30 from 6 to 8pm in the City Council Chambers. Please email us to request a 15 minute "one-on-one" consultation with Shoreline's construction and development staff. You can request a consultation for either date or both to get more advice or to update us on your progress. 

We will also invite local Shoreline home improvement merchants, contractors and service providers to help answer your questions. There will be work tables, handouts, maps and permitting information. So gather your "back of the napkin" to fully engineered plans, pictures or just your ideas and bring them to your free consultation. We hope to repeat these events each Spring. 

Contact Paul Cohen, Planning Manager at 206-801-2551 if you have any questions. 

Hope to see you there! Attire: tool belts and coveralls welcome.


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Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Wednesday, August 8, 2012



It may be the furthest thing from your mind this summer, but it's perfect weather to keep your home in order. Here are some of our tips to maintain your house during the Summer months.

Interior check ups:

  •     Clean your furnace and/or A/C filter
  •     If you have a heat pump, clear off of all branches, bushes, and trim the trees around it
  •     Clean your bath fans and check for signs of mold/mildew
  •     Clean your range hood filter if needed
  •     Schedule a professional cleaning of your wood stove or fireplace
  •     Check your attic for signs of roof leaks and pests
  •     Review your basement for signs of leaks, cracks, mildew, mold, and rot
  •     Look in the crawl space - check for pests or wildlife, check the insulation and vapor barrier
  •     If you have a sump pump, test to see if it's working properly
  •     Relax and have a beer when you're done!

Exterior Check-ups:

  •     Finish your painting projects
  •     Complete any caulk or putty needs
  •     Have your roof cleaned
  •     Clean your gutters or schedule
  •     Pressure wash, sand, and seal your decks and patios
  •     Implement your summer garden program and watering schedule
  •     If you have a sprinkler system, check for leaks
  •     Take a dip in the kiddie pool! 


Need a hand with your monthly and seasonal home maintenance? Contact Irons Brothers to schedule an appointment for us to review your needs.


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City of Shoreline offers affordable home repairs for Shoreline residents

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Toolbox. Photo by usefulguy
Homeowners of any age with moderate income may qualify for low cost home repairs through Senior Services Minor Home Repair Program. The Minor Home Repair Program offers homeowners an affordable way to make home repairs and reduce the cost of utilities.

Qualified plumbers and carpenters will make repairs on leaky pipes and faucets, clogged drains, broken steps, and rotted and unsafe porches. Electricians will replace broken light switches, sockets, and fixtures. Technicians also will replace defective toilets and sinks and install smoke detectors. Homeowners with physical limitations qualify for installation of metal wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and handrails.

“Our primary goal is to provide critical repairs and installations that improve safety, livability, and convenience for qualified homeowners,” said Ed Caballero, Minor Home Repair Supervisor. “Our highly trained staff makes plumbing, carpentry, and disability access modifications affordable.” 

Funded by the City of Shoreline, at most qualified homeowners will pay for all materials at cost plus $10 per hour for labor.

To qualify, single residents must have a monthly income of $3,745 or less. Couples with combined incomes of $4,283 or less are eligible.

Interested homeowners may receive additional information by calling Senior Services Minor Home Repair at 206-448-5751.


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Get ready for summer - home maintenance tips

Thursday, June 23, 2011

By Melissa Irons of Irons Brothers Construction

These tips should help you restore order in your home and get it in tip top shape for summer. 

Inside the house:
1. Clean your bathroom - tile, check and clean fans, look for signs of mold and mildew
2. Clean your kitchen range hood - check the filters and clean per manufacturer's recommendations
3. Check your fireplace - review the chimney, clean the firebox, and check the flashing
4. Heater / Air Conditioning unit - schedule a service call so the A/C will perform well when needed
5. Check your attic - look for signs of roof leaks, pests or insects
6. Check your basement - look for leaks, cracks, mold, mildew, rot and pests or insects
7. Hot water heater & tankless units - flush if recommended
8. Check your crawl space - look for signs of pests and wildlife, check the insulation and vapor barrier

Outside the house:
1. Outdoor furniture - inspect, clean and repair
2. Roof - Inspect it for any winter damage
3. Gutters - clean and inspect
4. Paint / Caulking - check and repair if needed
5. Decks and Patios - clean and seal as needed
6. Landscaping and Pruning - plan and start your maintenance
7. Sprinklers - service, check, and start your system

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Cold Weather Advisory from Shoreline Fire

Thursday, December 9, 2010


Weather experts are predicting a colder than normal winter this year, even worse than last year which broke many cold weather records.

Last year several Shoreline buildings were affected by this cold snap and sustained substantial water damage after pipes froze, broke and then thawed.

Most of the damaged buildings were unoccupied apartment units with no heat turned on.

Fire sprinkler and plumbing experts recommend that buildings with any plumbing should maintain a minimum temperature of 40º Fahrenheit.

Please check your building and be prepared. A simple way to protect your building is to leave the heat on. Other measures may be needed in certain circumstances.

Help Shoreline Fire Department spread the word and let coworkers, colleagues, family, and friends know that some simple preparation steps can potentially save thousands of dollars from unwanted water damage.

For information and questions please contact Shoreline Fire Marshal 206-533-6565.

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Summer home maintenance tips

Friday, July 16, 2010

Information from Irons Brothers Construction

Even when the sun is out, there are still necessary chores to keep your house in tip top shape.


Inside the house:
  • Air conditioner - clean the air filter
  • Bath fans - clean and check for mold/mildew
  • Range hood - clean filters if needed
  • Sump pump - test to see if working
  • Whole house fan - check, clean, replace filters
  • Wood stove - schedule a professional cleaning
  • Attic - check for signs of leaking and pests (bee hives)
  • Basement - check for leaks, cracks, mildew, mold, rot
  • Crawl space - check for pests/wildlife, check insulation & vapor barrier

Outside the house: 
  • Exterior of house - finish painting, caulking, and puttying 
  • Roofs/gutters - have roof and gutters cleaned
  • Decks/patios - finish sealing as needed
  • Ground cover and landscape - implement your summer maintenance schedule
  • Sprinklers - check for leaks

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