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Anchorage Snow Removal Service

Snow Services for your safety

We just had our first snowfall, and you know there is more winter weather on its way. Winter has arrived, there is no denying it anymore. If you are needing snow and ice removal for your business or your home, make sure to contact us to get on our list! For many people, Alaska and snow go hand in hand. Did you know the average snowfall here each winter is over 75 inches!  Snow and ice can create slippery pathways and increase our risk of falling. Winter weather can lead to accidents such as slip and fall, auto accidents, and other snow-related accidents. Slips, trips, and falls happen year-round, of course, but winter ice and snow create a more hazardous environment that increases the risk of personal, customer, or employee-related injuries. When it comes to adverse winter weather conditions, it is better to be proactive as opposed to reactive. As a business owner, it is vital for an active effort to be made to prevent the build-up of ice on walkways and sidewalks. It is also important to assure your sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots are clear from ice and snow. Places like parking areas and outside break areas utilized by employees or customers in need of a place outside to smoke are commonly overlooked but frequently used. Similarly, as a homeowner, your driveway area should be kept safe as well. Many winter slips and fall accidents occur when someone is trying to get from their car to your doorstep. Ice and snow build-up are not only a slip and fall hazard; they are a driving hazard as well. These conditions can cause vehicles to slip when driving on an icy driveway, resulting in car accidents. The heavy snowfall during an Alaskan winter storm may cause our cars to get covered under heaps of snow or snow to fall off our roof and buildup on sidewalks and driveways. Without the proper equipment, snow and ice can be hard to remove, putting the safety of your family, guests, customers, or employees at risk. Why shovel yourself? When you consider hiring the services of a professional snow removal company, it is vital to do your research and ask a few fundamental questions. This way, when the next storm comes, you are not surprised by what they do and do not provide for services. Here are a few helpful tips to help you find the right company.

When can they get here?

Your first concern is, most likely, how quickly can the company get to your property after it snows. What’s the company’s turnaround time? What’s the soonest they can get to work after it snows?  Quick, efficient, and thorough snow removal is essential to implementing smart business practices in the winter, especially if you happen to own a commercial property. You’re responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone who uses your property and maintaining the exterior appeal of it to continue attracting potential customers. 

What Services are Provided?

Before you sign that contract, remember that not all snow removal companies provide the same menu of services. Make sure to ask what they will and won’t do for your property after a snowstorm and what is and is not included in the price they are providing. In addition to the parking lots, do they clear sidewalks and entrances? Do they spray deicers? Do they haul any snow? What do they do if you do not have the space to put large amounts of snow? Ask questions and make sure you have a clear understanding of what is provided, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Do They Carry Insurance?

Even though the snow removal business’s employees should have proper training on how to work in treacherous weather, you want to make sure the company is adequately insured in the case of an accident. Accidents come in all shapes and sizes but could include damage to your business or personal property or damage to customer property. If you choose to work with someone who merely hooks up a plow to their truck, keep in mind that they may not be correctly insured. Working with someone who is not insured puts you at risk, so make sure they provide you with their proof of insurance, which should include liability coverage and workers’ compensation. When choosing a snow removal company, you need to determine if their experience, reliability, and capability match your needs. To determine this, ask questions. Be Happy Property Services will be happy to speak with you and put your mind at ease.  We have the experience you need to keep your property safe for you and your family, and visitors or customers this winter. Having a knowledgeable snow removal contractor at your side now will bring you peace of mind when the next storm arrives.  Contact Be Happy Property Services today to find out how our services will work for you. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services.  One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.

5 Easy Updates That Are Making a Comeback!

Home updates and trends tend to be cyclical. Trends that are “new” are often heavily influenced by what was popular in the past. Here’s a look at 5 easy to incorporate home trends that are making a comeback:

Butler’s Pantry

Butler’s pantries are typically located just off the kitchen or dining room and serve as staging areas for serving meals as well as a storage space. A butler’s pantry typically includes a countertop and cabinets for storing serving pieces, tableware, wine glasses, table linens, candles, and other dining room items. A dishwasher, small refrigerator, or sink can also be added if you’re looking to make an upgrade.

Cabinet Appliances

A more uniform and sleeker look is achieved when your appliances match the look of your cabinets. Main kitchen appliances like the fridge, freezer, and dishwasher are often integrated with the overall design of the kitchen.

Wallpaper

Yes, I said it. Wallpaper is slowly making its way back into homes. But this isn't about your Nana's kitchen wallpaper. While floral designs were popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s, this time around look to bold and bright colors leading the way. Get inspired with colors that brighten and create space in your home.

Woven Furniture

We just don't want summer to end, and with that look to furniture often spotted outside (like cane and rattan) to making a comeback indoors. Versatile and functional!

Art Deco

The design style of 100 years ago is coming back. It is characterized by precise and boldly delineated geometric shapes and strong colors and is mostly found in household objects and architecture. You can use what you have a change up with some paint, or scour some rummage and thrift stores to find the perfect piece. Contact Be Happy Property Services today to schedule a free home improvement estimate. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services.  One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.

Time To Winterize Your Lawn

While you're busy whipping your home into shape, don't forget to prepare your yard, too. Follow these steps to ensure a lush lawn next spring!

I know, summer was too short. Sadly, it appears autumn is in full swing and winter will be here before we know it. Right on cue with the State Fair, as usual. While you’re busy whipping your home into shape—tuning up the furnace, checking the insulation, bringing out the storm windows, and cleaning the ducts—don’t forget to prepare your yard, too. Follow these steps to ensure a lush lawn next spring. Here are a few tips to help your lawn get through winter’s icy blast and emerge in spring looking better than ever:
  • Weed.
Pull the dandelions and other broad leaf weeds to prevent them from stealing all of the available nutrients and water from your lawn. Eradicate weeds that are forming seed heads so that they don’t reseed themselves in your turf.
  • Minimize the thatch layer.
Thatch is composed of organic matter that is slow to decay. If the thatch layer is too thick, it will affect grass health. Raking will help control thatch. You can also aerate your lawn in autumn (or in spring) to reduce the thatch layer, improve drainage and air circulation, and minimize soil compaction. Aeration will also assist in the uptake of nutrients.
  • Deal with the fallen leaves.
You can either remove the leaves altogether and compost them (or utilize them as mulch in your garden beds), or you can use the mulching blade on your lawn mower and chip them into small pieces that can remain on the lawn. A heavy leaf layer can be detrimental to lawn health.
  • Sow seeds.
It may seem strange to plant grass just before freeze-up, but broadcasting grass seed over your lawn is one of the most important things you can do to give your turf a leg up in the spring. Use a spreader to distribute the seed evenly.
  • Water.
If there is no rain in the forecast around the time you plant your grass seeds, a deep watering will be necessary. You can water right up until the ground freezes.
  • Feed.
At this time of year, use a fertilizer high in potassium (the third number on the fertilizer bag). Potassium increases the cold tolerance of cool-weather grasses. If you do not wish to use synthetic fertilizers, a spray of compost will do the trick. Always apply fertilizer according to the rates listed on the package; never use more than recommended, as it may burn the leaves of your plants.
  • Mind your mowing.
Cropping your lawn too short in autumn may stress the plants. Long grass can also be a problem: matted lengths of wet grass can promote molds and other diseases in spring, and it may provide winter habitation to unwanted animal pests such as voles and mice. Raise your mower blades slightly higher than your usual summer height — the extra leaf length helps with production of the food stores grass needs to survive the winter. If you have a mower capable of mulching, you can leave the grass clippings on the lawn for added cold-weather protection and nutrition. Contact us at Be Happy Property Services and let us handle the job! Remember, the easiest way to prevent lawn problems once freeze-up and snowfall occur is to not walk or park on your frozen lawn. This helps greatly to reduce the chance of winter kill. Keep in mind that ice melting salts can do extensive damage to your lawn. Be careful when applying salts to your driveway and sidewalk so that the chemicals do not leach onto your turf, or use a more environmentally-friendly product such as coarse sand. As we approach the snow shoveling and snow removing season, make sure to give us a call here at Be Happy Property Services. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services.  One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.

4 Home Updates Every Homeowner Needs

If you’re looking to make some positive changes to your home, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to talk about home updates that you can enjoy and (bonus!) will increase the value of your home.

Fresh Paint

One of the first things that people notice when they walk in your front door is whether or not it looks welcoming. One way that you can make an underwhelming entrance more inviting is by adding new paint throughout the house. Not only will this make your space look clean and professional, but it will prevent the need to repaint in a few years. Check out our paint link to get some inspiration!

Kitchen Island

If you love cooking, but hate the mess that comes with it, then a large and modern kitchen island is great for you. Not only will this space give you more workable space for putting your dishes away, but when it’s finished the end result will be a clean, organized, and wonderfully spacious  area for you to create some delicious meals.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors can make a big difference in the value of your house, and they look beautiful! Hardwood flooring has come a long way and is extremely durable. You can look to this update to help extend the life of your floors.

Light Fixtures

Consider adding some new light fixtures throughout your home to create a more welcoming atmosphere. Decorative lighting is a great way to make a room feel more spacious and cozy at the same time. Placements, tones, and hardware are easy updates that won’t break the bank. From here, you can start to imagine how your house is beginning to look after you’ve made some of the above home upgrades. You’re one step closer to making your home more impressive and attractive. Contact Be Happy Property Services to get started on your updates today! Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services.  One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.

How to Setup the Perfect Outdoor Patio

Do you have an outdoor space where you can relax after a long day at work with your patio furniture? Here are some ideas for creating the ideal outdoor lounge and patio in your own backyard. 

Patios

An outdoor patio is a convenient way to create an outdoor lounge. Patios can only be built on flat terrain and provide a space where you can enjoy the comforts of inside while being outside. Decks and porches can also be used as outdoor lounge areas. Patios can be built with cement, stone, tiles, or pavers. Arrange furniture, décor, lighting, and other elements to create the ideal setting for a view, cookout, and other activities.

Patio Location

Where you will install your outdoor patio is an important consideration. If you intend to cook on the grill or use the space for dinner, keep it close to home in case you forget the plates or any utensils while cooking and eating. Sliding doors can be installed as the entrance to your home for a smooth transition from inside to outside. Build your patio away from the house to create the ideal get-away spot.

Furniture and Structures

When decorating your patio, make sure to use weather-resistant materials such as plastic, stainless steel, or treated wood. Keep storage for pillows, lounge items, and other items nearby, such as benches with storage or small plastic sheds, to keep them in when the weather turns bad. Make an outdoor lounge for you and your family to enjoy in your backyard. An outdoor patio can be built almost anywhere and decorated with pergola structures, drapes, lights, furniture, plants, and other accessories. Make it your own and see what you can come up with. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services.  One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.  

How to Get Your Deck in Prime Shape for our Alaskan Summer

Deck maintenance can be a daunting task with all the different surfaces and difficult corners to maintain. Here are some tips to keep your deck in pristine condition without spending too much time or effort. If you have a wooden deck, make sure you check for missing, loose, or broken boards before anything else. Repairing these is an essential part of deck maintenance – any more damage will only lead to further deterioration that will eventually need more extensive work down the line. Once that’s finished, take a broom out and sweep up any stray dirt or leaves from your deck before they can cause significant harm. If you have a composite deck, make sure you check for splinters, loose boards, and fading of the color. The best way to do this is to get down on your hands and knees and really get a good look at it. Now that everything is inspected and no major problems are visible, you can set down to clean your deck. If your deck has a lot of wooden furniture like chairs, tables, and benches then there are a few different ways to begin cleaning them all (for example if there is one table that has had an umbrella over it for the past several months then don’t clean anything underneath it. Just get the table and clean it. The boards underneath won’t be affected). If you’re just getting one piece to start with, try grabbing a bucket of warm water and some soap that is formulated for decks. Rinse down the furniture to get any loose debris or dirt out of the way, and then sponge up the surface with your cleaning solution. Rinse with the hose after you are done washing each piece (assuming it has no wooden parts). This method should be used to clean every walkway and any concrete patio furniture as well. If you’re set on making your deck look brand new again, you can apply fresh sealer to the wood. This will help resist water stains, protect it from pests, and ensure that the natural color doesn’t fade away. This is a little more time-consuming, but it can be well worth the effort if you really want your deck to look its best. Before applying any sealer make sure that your deck’s surface is completely clean first. You should use a mild soap and water solution to clean away any dirt or grime that may still be clinging to the wood discolorations or areas where mildew will begin to grow in future seasons. Next, make sure that you finish off the washing process with a thorough scrubbing. Finally, you can use a sander to knock down any rough spots before applying layers of sealer to the surface. Contact Be Happy Property Services Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services.  One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.

The Way to a Beautiful Lawn this Summer

When spring is in the air, the first buds on the trees appear to mark the coming of the season. These early signs also tell to you that it's time to get your lawn ready.

Rake Deeply

Raking is the first thing you need to do to prepare your lawn for new growth. You may still have a few fallen leaves on the ground, however early spring raking is done primarily to remove thatch. Rake deeply and thoroughly to help break up any remnants of turf-grass from the previous growing season.

What Is Thatch?

Thatch is the layer of mainly dead grass tissue lying between the green vegetation of the grass above and the root system and soil below. This layer, if it becomes too thick (1/2 inch or more), can be bad for the health of your grass. Think of this as a spring-cleaning for your lawn. It's best to wait until the lawn begins to green up, which signifies the grass blades are firmly rooted and the plants are actively growing. Instead of using a garden rake with stiff metal tines that can damage young plants, it's better to use a flexible leaf rake. Another good reason for a spring raking is that you can find matted patches of lawn. If you inspect carefully and notice the grass blades are all stuck together, a lawn disease called snow mold may be to blame. New grass may have difficulty penetrating these matted patches, and raking can solve this problem.

Tip

It was once thought that a deep de-thatching was necessary each year. Lawn care experts, however, now believe this causes more damage than good since it tears the roots of new grass plants. Provided the level of thatch is no more than 1/2 inch, this layer helps protect the soil and preserve moisture as it breaks down gradually and supplies nutrients. Lawns that are completely healthy may not ever require dethatching; a simple spring raking is quite sufficient. Ironically, over-fertilized lawns are most likely to experience thatch build-up that requires power dethatching. Let us at Be Happy Property Services take care of your lawn needs, freeing your summer up so you can enjoy all the wonderful Alaskan summer days. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services.  One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.  

5 Ideas To Expand Your Home’s Living Space

Over the time living in your home, you may begin to feel your space getting cramped. Whether the reasons are that your family increases in size, you amass more belongings, or you need more space to move around at home, it happens. Whether you live in a small or a big house, over time, you’ll find yourself wanting to spruce up your home’s living space. If that holds true, why not turn that desire into reality as your home improvement project for this summer?  There are so many different ways—both minor and major upgrades—for you to expand your home’s living space effectively. Soon, you’ll start to feel more organized and put together in your newly designed space. With that said, below are some home expansion ideas so that you can widen up your home’s living space. Read here for 2022 Top Trends if you need inspiration and feel overwhelmed.

1. Enclose A Patio

This first idea applies if you have a patio in your home. This outdoor space can easily turn into an extension of your living space once you enclose it. When done correctly, you’re adding more useful square footage to your home. Enclosing a patio means at least putting a roof over it. This enables you to better use your patio, even during rainy days. You no longer have to be constrained by the weather. Whenever guests come over, you can also use that newly-enclosed patio to entertain. This allows you to expand your living area literally, so you’re not just limited to your home’s indoor area. 

2. Plan A Second Floor

You can also do this tip if you don’t have a second floor yet at home. Just be sure, however, to double-check your original blueprint first. First, you have to ascertain that your home’s foundation can withstand an added floor. That way, you know for sure that adding a new floor won’t weaken your home’s foundation. This project, however, can be an expensive one. Be sure that it’s something you can afford at the moment. The second floor doesn’t necessarily have to be a room. You can add a new living room on that floor, too. This can serve as your family room or entertainment area, so the first-floor living room can be reserved for your guests and relatives who’ll come over. 

3. Take Advantage Of All Your Walls

If the second tip is not possible, take a good look around your current living space. Are there still bare walls you can maximize? This is what it means to make use of vertical space. Taking advantage of your walls means adding more cabinets without eating up more floor space. Installing cabinets is something you can easily do on your own or with the help of a professional cabinet contractor. The choice as to style is yours, too. You can opt for vertical shelves if you don’t want to conceal your belongings or want those things to be full-on display. If you want something cleaner, you can also have closed cabinets.

4. Add Mirrors

If there is no opportunity for you to create an expansion, at least build an illusion of it. The bare walls in your home can also double as a place for you to add mirrors in. This is an effective strategy to make your living space look and feel bigger—without doing any major renovation at home.  Here’s a bonus, too. When positioned right, mirrors can make your living space look brighter. The reflection of natural light from the windows can give off that airier and less claustrophobic feeling, even when you’re in a small and tight space.

5. Finish A Room

Do you have a room in your home that’s unfinished? You may have intended for that room to be your guest room. Or, at the moment, your attic and basement are serving no other useful purpose than as extra storage. Why not grab this chance to furnish that room? You can make many uses out of an extra room apart from a bedroom.  Some ideas include:
  • Turning it into a home office, if you’re now working from home and you’ve previously only used the dining table as your office;
  • Transforming it into a homeschool room, if your kids are also homeschooling;
  • Creating a family room or an entertainment area;
  • Using it as a playroom for your kids so the toys aren’t all over your living space.

Conclusion

Have the ideas above given you enough inspiration on how you can potentially expand your home’s living space?  Are you just looking to spruce up so you can sell? Read about our top ROI tips here. You don’t have to feel so limited and tight in your current living area when you have Be Happy Property Services here to help you with your remodeling plans.  Yes, the ideas above won’t dramatically turn a small house into a castle, but once those are materialized, you’ll be surprised at the extra square footage your home will now have. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services.  One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.  

Cost-Effective Ways to Enhance a Bathroom with Fixtures

Cost-Effective Ways to Enhance a Bathroom with Fixtures Bathrooms are often ignored when it comes to interior design; they usually remain untouched, with the exception of a new coat of paint. However, providing your bathroom with fixtures that are cost-efficient provides more than just an aesthetic update. Once you have added your new fixtures, you will have something wonderful to show off and use. These affordable additions can even save you money in the long run by going green with eco-friendly products and saving space in your home. Here is our rundown of some cost-effective ways to enhance a bathroom with fixtures. Start with the Faucet One of the most important parts of your bathroom is the faucet. A good faucet can help you save water, especially if you get a low-flow faucet. A faucet that looks great could be all you need to update your bathroom to a modern style. If your plumbing isn’t working well or there is trouble with the valves, schedule Be Happy Property Services to take a look before you purchase anything new for your sink. Replacing an entire sink just for cosmetic reasons is usually not worth it unless it is broken and needs to be replaced anyway. Get an Energy Efficient Sink Energy-efficient faucets aren’t just for the bathtub. A sink with an energy-efficient faucet can help you save water and money on your bills. If you are looking for a more affordable option, try getting a sink with a smaller basin.anchorage-bathroom-remodel There are so many options. You may want to consider choosing a white porcelain sink instead of installing granite or marble. White porcelain sinks are much cheaper than other exotic materials and they are still durable. Renovate Your Toilet If you have a toilet that is difficult to use, you might want to consider replacing it. Luckily, there are many economical options for toilets. There is a toilet for everyone! You can get a toilet with an elongated bowl and seat lid that is perfect for people who lose their coordination every time they sit down to use the toilet. Another option is a bidet toilet seat that will create water streams in front of the user. If you are looking for something even more cost-effective, look into the aesthetic version of the bidet – a spray toilet. This device saves water but you cannot use it to wash yourself. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services.  One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.

The List of Home Repair Jobs You’ll Want to Leave to the Pros

Being handy can save you a lot of money around the home. Dealing with small repairs is an efficient way to get things done, and fun. How many of us are guilty of spending time (hours) watching Youtubers or DIY shows transform bathrooms, kitchens, even whole houses, in a span of 20 minutes? However, you need to know when things are beyond your skill set and out of your wheelhouse. If you try to take on something beyond your means, you could end up doing more harm than good, or you could even get hurt. In these cases, it’s better to bring in a professional to handle the job and ensure it is done as safely as possible. Here are the BIG THREE home repair jobs that you should leave to those with the right experience.

Electrical Work

Your home’s electrical system is crucial to just about everything you do. It helps you see in your home, run and charge devices, cook food, and so much more. Most of us don’t think much about it, until something stops working or starts showing signs that something is wrong. Unless you are experienced in electrical work, it is not advised to take on any electrical tasks on your own. While you can do simple things like changing an outlet cover or adding a new light fixture, things like rewiring a home or adding a dedicated circuit should be handled by a pro. If you do-it-yourself, you risk not only doing it incorrectly, but potentially shocking or electrocuting yourself or someone else. The good news is, our local area likely has plenty of qualified electricians that you can contact to get the ball rolling on your electrical work. They will ensure everything gets done safely and successfully, which can’t always be said for DIY electrical work.

Foundation Repair

Your foundation is without a doubt one of the most important parts of your home. It is crucial to the structural integrity of your home, and it is what prevents it from sinking or becoming damaged. If it begins to show signs of damage or wear, it could be dangerous – not only the home, but also the people and contents inside. While the cost of foundation repairs can be high at times, it is better to invest in quality repairs, rather than trying to fix it yourself. If you make the foundation worse or do things incorrectly, not only can it further damage your home, but can drastically increase the costs you will be responsible for paying. It can turn something that may have only cost a few thousand dollars into something that can easily surpass tens of thousands of dollars to fix.

Roofing Repairs or Replacement

Roofing is another type of work you should leave to the professionals. Whether it is a simple repair or a full replacement, it should always be handled by those with experience. Your roof is a crucial part of the safety, security, and comfort in your home, and you want to ensure it is installed and maintained properly. Doing this type of work yourself without any experience can also be very dangerous. There are many rooftop hazards that exist like unstable roofs, improper ladder placement, or even slippery surfaces that makes this work best left to the professionals. They have the experience and training, as well as the right tools and materials to do the job safely. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services.  One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.
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