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Author Amber Categories commercial contractor, general contractor, handyman services, lawncare and landscaping, residential contractor Posted on

Now is the time to get started on those remodeling projects

We are almost done with 2020! Time is flying by (why couldn't summer feel like March and go on forever?) and this year will be ending before we know it. Our team is looking forward to closing the year out strong. If remodeling your home has been on your to-do list for a while, now is the best time to get started! Now is the perfect time to begin your home remodeling project. Winter is at our doorstep and once the trick-or-treaters disappear into the night and the snow drops, everything starts to change. So, why is now the perfect time to begin those remodeling projects?  

Finish in time for the holidays

  Summer is known as the busy season for contractors and remodelers, but it’s not until the fall and early winter that most homeowners really start to think about fixing up their home. The thought of family and friends coming to visit for the holidays can really bring into the light how much work needs to be done around the house! As we are staying home more and more, having a comfortable and safe home is imperative. Unfortunately, waiting until late in the game to start meeting with contractors and planning your project can greatly reduce the chances of completion before the holidays. By jumpstarting the project a few months early, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, more positive experience and allowing for a more realistic timeline.  

There are fewer distractions

  For us Alaskans, the summer months can be hectic – there’s not enough time for family, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. Now that summer is gearing down, take some time to consider the best remodeling options, discuss all of your questions and concerns with your contractor, and take the necessary steps to have your project financed. You also will be able to devote your focus on important design selection items, such as your paint colors, tile, countertops, flooring, and so on. As we have mentioned so many times: there is so much more involved in remodeling than most people realize. While our team of professionals is there to help every step of the way, it’s impossible for any contractor to complete a project if the clients are unable to make decisions when the time comes. The fewer outside distractions you have, the easier it will be to focus on the project at hand. Starting your home remodeling project now can really be a beneficial move. You’ll be less stressed and be able to focus whole-heartedly on the project.  Gearing up your home for the dead of winter is a priority that should be handled now to protect it and your family during the colder months of the year. To get your home prepped and ready, here are some important tasks that you shouldn’t forget.  

Clean Up The Yard

  Before the nastiest of the nasty weather arrives, be absolutely sure to clear away any leaves and debris left behind throughout your yard. Fall weather can be windy, wet, and messy, and those mountains of leaves won’t do you any favors. If debris is left on your lawn or ends up around a storm drain, it can end up damaging your yard and may prevent excess moisture from getting where it needs to be handled by a runoff and drainage system to avoid flooding. If you need help, know that expert handymen are just a phone call or email away; we’re happy to help you tackle your yard work with ease and expertise.  

Clear Out the Gutters

  Do you have gutters? In addition to your yard, the gutters are another priority task to incorporate into your winter prep plan at home. These fixtures prevent all of the moisture from pooling along the roof and close to the foundation of your home, keeping it safe and dry. This leads to a more comfortable, longer-lasting home that needs less maintenance as time goes on. So, if you haven’t already had yours cleaned, now is the time to do so before it’s too late!  

Check Windows, Apply Weather-Stripping

  It is a good time to inspect your windows and doors for any signs of air leaks, damage, or otherwise, as it doesn’t get any easier when it gets frigid out there. Even slight cracks can cause a hefty dent in your utility bills during the winter. If you have any broken frames, have them replaced now before the snow arrives. Also, if your windows require weather-stripping for that extra tight seal, don’t forget to take care of it before the snow hits!  

Repair Stairs, Entranceway & Walkways

  If the stairs, entranceway, or walkways on your property are in any way damaged, it’s a good idea to have them repaired now before the ice and snow arrive. Ignoring these tasks can create a safety hazard for you, your family, and anyone accessing your home. If there are damaged steps or broken interlocking stones beneath a layer of ice or snow, someone can easily get injured. Have any external stairs and walkways fixed before winter by reaching out to experienced experts in clearing away debris and performing proper, reliable fixes,   

Install And Check Detectors

  With the fire roaring during those extra-cold winter nights, you should always ensure that your fire and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. If you don’t have any installed for some reason, do so immediately, as they become an increasing danger during the winter months. Keeping a close eye on safety and wellness is critical in the winter season!   Our team of professionals can take care of just about any outdoor and indoor maintenance projects you need – big or small. We also perform commercial maintenance and renovations. Contact us today to learn more!   #behappypropertyservices #winterizing #remodelprojects #winterremodel #readyforthewinter #endof2020 #realresults #projectsthatmatter #homeremodeling #landscaping
Author Amber Categories commercial contractor, general contractor, handyman services, property and maintenance services, residential contractor Posted on

Outdoor Maintenance Time

We know that winter can be painful to even think about. Summers here go by so quickly. And, some of us would rather wait until the first snowfall to face the reality of its arrival.   Unfortunately, that’s never a good idea when it comes to winterizing your home.  The reality is that fall is quickly approaching, and along with that is outdoor maintenance time. Once the leaves begin to change, it’s time to face the music and get your home ready for the onslaught of winter weather before it appears. To help ensure you cover your bases, here are the Be Happy Property Services top must-do fall outdoor maintenance tasks.

Store Summer Items

Any garden equipment, lawn chairs, barbeque equipment, and other summer items should be taken down and put away around mid-season and stored until next year. Also, don’t forget to drain any gas-powered tools before putting them away. We also recommend tidying up your shed and garage to prevent mold and rust from developing.

Apply Weather Stripping & Caulking

After the summer season, your weather stripping and caulking can begin to deteriorate, leaving gaps and cracks along the edges of your windows and doors. Make sure you address this before the first frost and winter dampness hits!  Spend a moment inspecting and reapplying weather stripping or caulking to any areas that are prone to drafts to keep your home air-tight and comfortable. That way, you’re better prepared for the colder seasons of the year and also get the most value out of your heating system.

Repair Walkways

Once the ground becomes blanketed in snow and ice, wobbly interlock and paths can become treacherous. If you have any broken or uneven pathways, stairs, or if your porch requires some maintenance, deal with them now before they get buried in snow.  Having the Be Happy Property Services professionals ensure a smooth, safe way to access all entrances and exits on your property is essential to being prepared for emergencies – including safe escapes in the event of a fire, or on a positive note, welcoming family over the Christmas holidays!

Check Ventilation

Leaves and sticks stuck in your laundry room exhaust? Or, has that tree overgrown and blocked an air vent? When that furnace is on and a sideways blizzard is occurring outside, the last thing you want to do is head out and make sure your ventilation is in working order. We’re talking about exhaust pipes, intake vents and the like, which work to ensure fresh, clean air enters your home and stale old air is filtered out. Otherwise, you could encounter various health and wellness issues, and nobody wants that!

Prepare Your Garden

Finally, if you have shrubs and trees in your yard, now’s the time to trim them and apply burlap to buffer them from the weather. Don’t forget to cut any overhanging branches over sidewalks and areas of your home to prevent injury or damage to your roof and surrounding structures. For a maintenance-free fall season, give us a call at Be Happy Property Services instead of tackling that large list of tasks on your own!  Our team of professionals can take care of just about any outdoor and indoor maintenance projects you need – big or small. We also perform commercial maintenance and renovations. Contact us today to learn more!
Author Amber Categories decks, general contractor, handyman services, lawncare and landscaping, property and maintenance services, residential contractor Posted on

Enjoy your summer by letting us handle those home maintenance tasks

Summer is a season that can mean many different things.  Young children usually look to summer as an escape from school for a few months. This has been a stressful year for anyone, and if you are a parent with school-age kids you have had so much on your plate. Alaskan families view summer as the time to take that long-awaited camping trip or a trip to visit family in the Lower 48. So many things have changed for us this 2020 summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy our Alaskan summer! Summer has been the season for going to the lake, taking long drives at 10 pm when it looks like it is 4 pm, and many feel that quest for adventuring and relaxing in the sun call. However, summer can also mean “work as many tasks that need to be done” around the house and yard. How can you enjoy summer while getting all those tasks you’ve put off, telling yourself “I’ll do when it gets warmer out” or “I’ll do when I have time” and here we are, in late July. Many can feel overwhelmed during the summer as the season is short and there is so much fun stuff to do and see, as well as tackle those seasonal projects. Fortunately, hiring experienced handymen from Be Happy Property Services can take a lot of that pressure away.  Here are some summer projects that are perfect for us to tackle for you.
  • One of the areas that see a lot of action during summer is the deck or patio. Such spots are the perfect place for family and friends to gather, especially while grilling some food. Yet decks and patios can become weathered over time and require maintenance. The wood in a deck can become rotten or warped, not to mention the possibility of handrails becoming loose or support posts weakening. Perhaps all your deck needs is some minor work to smooth out the wood and refinish it, while a patio may need some power washing or some minor repairs. Our main goal is always to get your deck or patio ready for the upcoming season and ensure that every party and gathering will be safe and fun.
 
  • A couple of summer projects that impact the exterior of a house are gutter cleaning and power washing. The warm climate of summer is the perfect time to get such troublesome chores out of the way. The experienced crew at Be Happy Property Services are old hands with such tasks. Cleaning gutters is necessary to ensure that excess rainwater continues to be safely moved away from your home, but it can be a hassle. Even worse, quite a few people injure themselves every year by falling off their ladder while attempting to remove debris from their gutters. We are often called to do this job for older homeowners who are now physically unable to perform the task.
 
  • Another end of the summer project is painting and staining. Summer is the perfect time to paint or stain the interior and exterior of your home, including any decks, porches, garages, sheds, and patios. Summer allows the home to be fully opened up to take advantage of any breezes while any interior painting or staining is being done.
What are the home improvement tasks you have been putting off? There are many summer projects that are perfect for Be Happy Property Service to tackle for you. From fixing the deck to maintaining/upgrading your home’s ventilation, to landscape design and lawn care, the fully licensed and insured professionals at Be Happy Property Services can help make your summer something truly memorable.  Why attempt such tiresome projects yourself? The summer is meant for relaxation, for enjoying every last bit of that midnight sun we can, with friends and family.  Call us at Be Happy Property Services so you can fully enjoy the days of summer and not stress about the small stuff.
Author Amber Categories residential contractor Posted on

8 Ideas for Renovating Your Kitchen

No one can deny that the kitchen is one of the essential parts of a home. The hub. The epicenter, depending on how much you enjoy cooking. Often, it is a place where everyone in the family gathers to enjoy their meals. Renovating a kitchen is not a piece of cake. Be Happy Property Services wants to make this as easy as possible and we’ve taken the time to put together a list of eight simple ideas that can help anyone upgrade their kitchen.  Keep reading to learn more!

Repaint the Walls

No matter what room of the house you are renovating or remodeling, one of the first things you should consider changing is the paint on the walls. Walls cover the most landscape inside a room, and can instantly change up the appearance of a room.  Repainting the walls is a comparatively cheap upgrade that has a very noticeable impact on the decor. Select a modern and vibrant color pallet and repaint the walls.  Though shades of white have been predominant when it comes to tones inside the kitchen, however, this year the trend is changing, and we are seeing a lot more shades being used. A common, yet easy and fun theme, is going for a vibrant color on one wall, while the others remain in a neutral color.

Upgrade the Cupboards

If you are remodeling the kitchen, you have to upgrade the cabinets. Like the walls, the cabinets also cover an important part of the kitchen’s landscape, and improving them can have a more visible effect. If you are on a budget, simply repainting the cupboard in color the accentuates the tone of walls is a good idea.  residential contractor servicesOn the other hand, if you can afford it, you should go for some modern cupboards with glass doors. Metallic cupboards made from aluminum are also crisp and modern, and they can add a relatively sleek look to your kitchen.  The cupboards are also your primary storage solution in the kitchen, and if you are buying any new appliances or dishes, you may need to expand the storage space in the cupboards as well. This can be achieved by making shelves inside the cupboards. You can also add larger cabinets, and build a center island, which will increase both storage and working space.

Add New Countertops

The next thing you should consider upgrading is the countertops. Most kitchens have wooden, marble, or metallic countertops. However, for a stylish and lavish look, stone countertops made of granite are the best option. They have an exceptional appearance, and they can spice up the overall decor of any kitchen.  If you are aiming for a restaurant kitchen look, metallic countertops are quite suitable. Metallic and granite countertops can be quite expensive, but if you are on a budget, you can get vinyl covers that make wooden countertops look like they are made from stone.

Add a Backsplash

The part of the walls behind the sink is bound to get some splatter on it, which can lead to watermarks. When you are preparing food on the stove or prepping it on the counter, the walls over the counter can get dirty because of spilled and splattered food.  Modern kitchens add a backsplash on walls. Some people use the same granite they chose to use for the countertops, while others, who want more versatility, opt for tiles. Both applications look great and serve the purpose of keeping the walls over the countertop and sink clean.

READ ALSO:  Your dream deck

Upgrade the Lighting

Lighting is an essential part of any room, decor, and design. Bad light can make even the most elegantly designed and decorated rooms look boring and dull. Add some modern and exciting lighting features to the kitchen to amplify its decor.  Consider adding some under cabinet lighting. These lights won’t only show off your elegant countertops and backsplash, but they will also be quite useful and preparing meals. Refrain from using overhead LEDs or fluorescent lights. Instead, think about wall sconces to light up the kitchen.  While we are on the topic of lighting, try to think about creating a balance between natural and artificial light. Make sure that there is a decent flow of natural light during the day; this can cause the kitchen to look bigger and more open.

Buy Some New Appliances

The renovation of your kitchen isn’t complete until you add some modern appliances to it. Renovating a kitchen isn’t just about the visual appeal. A renovated kitchen should also be more functional and more comfortable to use. Adding new appliances is a great way to increase both the decor and the practicality of the kitchen. 

Add Some Open Shelving

Open shelving is an increasingly prominent element that is featured in modern luxury kitchens. Not only do open shelves increase your storage, but they are also easier to access than cupboards, and you can use them to display your elegant dinner sets and other utensils as a part of the decor.  Let Be Happy Property Services create some vertical open shelves to maximize the storage and functionality of your kitchen.

Consider an Open Floor Plan

According to various interior design experts, an open floor plan is the most critical requirement of a luxury home. For a kitchen, you can create an open floor effect by taking down the wall in the middle of the kitchen and the living room.  Renovating your kitchen is a hefty task, and for people who don’t know much about interior design, it can be even more daunting. However, if you follow the ideas in this post, you can easily add elegance to your kitchen and improve its performance as well.  We hope that you find this post helpful and you look to Be Happy Property Services to assist you in your remodeling and home improvement projects. We are a full-service handyman and maintenance company. Responsive and reliable, providing services when you need them! Contact us today for a free estimate. We are Alaskan owned and licensed, bonded, and insured. Be Happy Property Services 907-336-7434.   kitchen remodel, cabinets, kitchen, remodel, cupboards, easy kitchen remodel ideas, kitchen lighting, shelving, minor updates that have big changes, paint ideas
Author Amber Categories commercial contractor, decks, general contractor, handyman services, lawncare and landscaping, property and maintenance services, residential contractor Posted on

Looking for Instant Curb Appeal?

For those of you that are in the process of selling your house, first impressions go a long way. The outside of your home is the first thing potential home buyers will see so it’s important to make it look as visually appealing as possible. Below are a few inexpensive projects you can complete that will provide your home with instant curb appeal:

Give your front door the attention it deserves

Updating your front door is one of the easiest—and most satisfying—ways to boost curb appeal. Here are a few ideas to try, starting with the simplest first:

  • Scrub any accumulated gunk and grime from the front door, screen door, and entry area.

  • Polish tarnished metal fixtures to shine.

  • Replace the lightbulbs in the overhead or sidelight fixtures.

  • Trim any wayward plants or scraggly bushes.

  • Hang a wreath on the door—there are good options for all seasons.

  • Add two potted plants on each side of the entry for an asymmetrical look.

  • Select and install new light fixtures.

Paint the front door 

  • Giving your front door a blast of color can provide excellent curb appeal. Your choice of color is very important so it might be a good idea to get the advice of a professional.

  • Add contrasting molding to make the entrance pop.

Outdoor lighting

Having good outdoor lighting is a huge plus. Consider placing lighting along the sidewalks or driveway. Low-voltage lighting can dramatically improve your home’s nighttime curb appeal, and by lighting walkways and dark corners, it can improve safety and security as well.

New mailbox 

A new mailbox can easily add a little curb appeal.  Hanging plants or planting flowers around the mailbox is a nice touch and can help to make the mailbox stand out.

Set the scene with beautiful landscaping

Plant a tree and cut back large or overgrown bushes. Whether it’s a lush green lawn, a native flower garden, or a beautiful old oak tree, the landscaping surrounding a home accentuates its best features. But if your lawn is run-down, your plants dried up, or your branches close to toppling, it’s time for an update.

Here’s where to start:

  • Trim, prune, weed, and mow everything that’s crying out for attention.

  • Give flower beds some oomph with an attractive stone border.

  • Plant fresh flowers or install a colorful container garden.

  • Plant new trees if you have the room—it’s an investment that will pay off with time.

  • Add outdoor art like sculptures, wind chimes, or a fountain.

Treat your walkway to an elegant upgrade

A neglected, cracked walkway can be transformed into an elegant path with just a little work. Here’s how to give your walkway extra curb appeal:

  • Remove weeds sprouting in the cracks, and fill them in.

  • Illuminate the walkway with low-voltage landscape lighting.

  • Add an attractive stone or flower border.

  • Replace a concrete walkway with contoured brick or stone.

Just remember that no matter how small the update is, it’s likely to have a big impact on your home’s curb appeal.

The only way to get results, though, is to get started!

Completing the projects above can help provide instant curb appeal to your home. 

Contact Be Happy Property Services at 907-336-7434 for an estimate on what you can do to create instant curb appeal. We are happy to help!

#behappypropertyservices #instantcurbappeal #realresults #projectsthatmatter #homeremodeling #landscaping
Author Amber Categories decks, general contractor, handyman services, property and maintenance services, residential contractor Posted on

8 Summer Must Do Home Improvements That Save You Time And Money

Be Happy Property Services is an Alaskan business, locally owned, serving  Anchorage, Wasilla, and Eagle River.

We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Contact us today for an estimate (907) 336-7434 and let's get your next project scheduled! Regular home property maintenance is important and necessary. Don't wait until an emergency happens, take care of the small simple things that can make a big difference. Look to the longevity of your home by doing simple updates and repairs that can give you more than just a comfortable and inviting home. Lessen the chance of a costly emergency repair and give yourself the optimum return of investment with small changes if you are thinking of selling.

1. Re-stain your deck and fence

Protect the life of your exterior wood from the elements with deck and fencing maintenance.

2. Replace siding

Update the look of your home by replacing siding. Your home's siding doesn't last forever. Well-performing siding helps ensure that your house stays in the best condition possible,

3. Install a ceiling fan

While inexpensive, ceiling fans provide energy-efficient cooling.

4. Drain your water heater

Clear the sediment to get more hot water. Simple maintenance makes all the difference!

5. Remodel your kitchen

The return of investment for kitchen remodels averages 74 percent for major redos and nearly 83 percent for minor remodels, according to the “Cost vs Value” report published by Remodeling Magazine in 2014. Increase the value of your home by updating your kitchen.

6. Build an outdoor kitchen

Outdoor living spaces provide a place to cook and entertain. Plan your dream grill patio, meditation oasis, or she-shed with the help of Be Happy Property Services experienced and dependable contractors.

7. Be proactive 

Be proactive, don’t wait until a costly emergency happens. Get a checkup on those plumbing problems or faulty electrical before they keep you up at night and dip into your savings.

8. Invest in new windows

Old windows can leave you feeling a draft, while new ones can drastically cut your home energy costs in summer and winter. Such an easy fix, with such big savings! Contact us today for an estimate or call us at (907) 336-7434.

Be Happy Property Services is an Alaskan business, locally owned, serving  Anchorage, Wasilla, and Eagle River.

We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Contact us today for an estimate (907) 336-7434 and let's get your next project scheduled! #remodel #updates #anchoragehandyman #energysavingcosts #outdoorspaces #behappypropertyservices #updatesthatincreasehomevalue
Author Amber Categories decks, property and maintenance services Posted on

Why renovate this summer?

Why renovate this summer?

Home renovation is always a great feeling. You are rebuilding your home to suit your needs better and make it a more pleasant living space. Completing your renovations in the summer allows you to be outside enjoying yourself. As our Alaskan days grow longer and temperatures get warmer, we gravitate to the outdoors to relax and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Make the most of your backyard and personalize your outdoor living space with the experienced professionals at Be Happy Property Services, with options to suit every type of lifestyle and any size of yard.  

The Deck and BBQ Area

Whether you're a new couple who just moved into your first house, or a full family with teenage kids, everyone needs a place where they can spend the Alaskan summer days relaxing with friends and having a great time. A beautiful deck and BBQ area may be the finishing touches you are needing.  Have you been dreaming about a large wooden deck to place some comfortable benches and couches? Or maybe a sweet outdoor set up is more your style, with a dedicated grill area and an enclosure to keep the kids or animals safe.  Whatever it is you are looking to add to your home can be built in time to fully appreciate our Alaskan summer sun and the fall and winters to come.

Accommodating the family

As your family grows, so must the house you live in, this could mean adding a nursery or renovating a grown child’s bedroom once they have left. Home renovations don’t have to be a massive inconvenience. Many put these off because of the inconvenience of construction materials taking up space and the possibility of less room to use during renovations.  Not with Be Happy Property Services! We put our customers first and are dependable, reliable, and get the job done to your satisfaction. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Contact us today to start on your home renovations this summer. For help with all your home renovations contact Be Happy Property Services at (907) 336-7434 today!  
Author Amber Categories decks Posted on

Tips on Choosing the Best Deck Designs to Match Your Property

Tips on Choosing the Best Deck Designs to Match Your Property

The exterior of a property should be as carefully considered as the interior when it comes to renovating a space. Deck design goes beyond aesthetic requirements for your property, as the style of this area can either clash with or complement your interiors. Choosing something to suit both your tastes and functional requirements is an important step before building your deck area. Another important factor to consider in deck design is the maintenance and durability of the materials and area you plan to use. Will the deck be fit for purpose in a few years? Is your deck area suitable for your family needs? These are all questions you may ask when implementing deck design into your exterior space. When building a new deck, it’s easy to focus solely on its style, but there are other things to consider. Be Happy Property Services is here to help you with any questions you may have, and bring years of expertise and dependability to assist you in deciding which deck would best fit your needs. Take a look at some of the ways to choose the best deck to match your property, personality, and style.

Functionality and Practicality of Deck

There are many reasons to install a decked area into your exterior space. Decks are perfect for outside entertaining or providing the perfect transition from your interior to your exterior. It can also give you an outside-in feeling with your garden space. Determining the functionality of deck railing can also be determined by your family dynamics.

Create Space

Deck designs are ideal for creating extra space, or the illusion of it. If you already have a large garden, a decked area can complement your garden space with sophisticated design. For smaller exteriors, decks can help create the illusion of more space in your garden. Smaller areas can benefit from natural-looking decks that work with the surroundings whilst complementing the design with deck railing. Deck railing systems offer unobtrusive options so the area doesn’t appear cramped or restricted.  

Choosing the Best Materials

When choosing the best materials for your deck design, it’s a good idea to think about future maintenance and replacement costs. These costs can mount up over time so choosing a low maintenance option can save time and money in the long term. A great way to implement design and practical materials is by installing deck-railing systems. There is a range of choices from stainless steel cable railing or glass railing that offer good quality materials that can match your property’s architectural style. Materials such as stainless steel offer corrosion resistance, durability, and easy cleaning, making it an ideal choice for deck designs. Be Happy Property Services brings years of expertise and dependability to assist you in deciding which deck material would best fit your needs.

Complementing Your Exterior and Interior Style

Matching style and aesthetics are key to complement your property. Choosing decking and deck railing that coordinates with your property creates the foundations for your design ideas. For traditional settings, deck railing matched with natural wood is a great way to incorporate into a garden or landscaped area. For properties featuring modern and contemporary style, pairing stainless steel cable railing or glass railing offers a sleek, industrial aesthetic.  

Admiring the View

Decking and deck railing is an ideal choice for properties that have spectacular views. The use of a railing system offers unrestricted barriers and beautiful fluidity between your property and the surroundings. Cable and glass railing are both fantastic materials that complement a range of decking areas. The unobtrusive nature of deck railing paired with its robust and secure structure creates a safe space, without the confines of obstructive barriers. Extend your interior living space with these deck ideas, and create a relaxing oasis where your family and friends can come to unwind, celebrate, and make a lifetime of memories. Be Happy Property Services dependable and customer-first service is here to assist you in all of your property service needs. Contact us to learn more about our wide array of residential and commercial services or call (907) 336-7434 to schedule a free estimate today!
Author Amber Categories commercial contractor, general contractor, lawncare and landscaping, property and maintenance services, residential contractor Posted on

Outdoor Landscaping Ideas

Outdoor Landscaping Ideas

As our Alaskan days grow longer and temperatures get warmer, families gravitate to the outdoors to relax and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Make the most of your backyard and personalize your outdoor living space with these creative landscaping ideas from the experienced professionals at Be Happy Property Services, with options to suit every type of lifestyle and any size of yard or budget.  

Backyard Landscaping Ideas

 

Install a Fire Pit

A custom outdoor fireplace or fire pit is the perfect combination of beauty and functionality which provides light, warmth, and ambiance to your patio or backyard. Choose from a multitude of design and material options such as brick, stone, or concrete and a fuel source that best suits your needs and lifestyle.  

Build a Raised Vegetable Garden

Poor soil conditions, space limitations, and physical restrictions can be a deterrent to vegetable gardening for many, but a raised bed is the ideal solution that can be configured to suit any backyard landscape. Loose, rich, easily accessible soil stays warmer above ground for an extended growing season with fewer weeds and minimal bending.  

Add Hardscaping

Hardscape is any non-living component of a landscape made from either man-made materials or natural elements such as stone or wood. Whether decorative or functional, hardscaping can help to provide a focal point or add definition to your outdoor space.  Options include:
  • Retaining walls
  • Stone, concrete, or brick patios
  • Walkways
  • Fencing
  • Decks
  • Gazebos
  • Pergolas
  • And more!
 

Be Creative with Lighting

In addition to highlighting key features of your landscape, a well-designed lighting scheme also provides safe secure passage around your property year-round. Choose a variety of different lighting types and styles for best results including string lights, pendant lights, floodlights, and more.  

Create an Outdoor Kitchen

Live the Alaskan summer life to the fullest! An outdoor kitchen lets you join in the fun with the tools and equipment you need to prepare and serve delicious food and drinks from the comfort of your backyard. Choose your components based on your budget, space, and lifestyle, with options that include:
  • Outdoor grill
  • Cooktop
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Wine fridge
  • Sink
  • Bar seating
  • Storage space
  • Task lighting
  • And more!
 

Install Terracing Garden Beds

Turn your sloped yard to your advantage by adding one or more terraces filled with flowers or vegetables. Reinforce the structure with a retaining wall constructed from wood, stone, concrete blocks, or other materials, and complete the look with a set of steps for easy access.

Extend your interior living space with these outdoor landscaping ideas, and create a relaxing oasis where your family and friends can come to unwind, celebrate, and make a lifetime of memories. Contact us to learn more about our wide array of residential landscaping services or call (907) 336-7434 to schedule a free estimate today!

Author Amber Categories commercial contractor, general contractor, Home Improvement, property and maintenance services, residential contractor Posted on

4 Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a clean house, but what if your home isn’t as spick-and-span as you thought it was?  Your floors are spotless and even your baseboards are bright and dust-free, but what about the areas you don’t see every day? Unfortunately, HVAC ducts, the metal conduits that pipe cooled or heated air through your house, are a favorite hiding place of dust, dirt, and other allergens. Ductwork is hidden, after all, and because central air conditioning systems draw air in from outside to cool and circulate through the house, contaminants easily make their way indoors.

WHAT’S HIDING IN YOUR DUCTS?

  • Dust

  • Insulation

  • Fungus

  • Pet Hair

  • Pet Dander

  • Bacteria

  • Dust Mites

  • Mouse Droppings

  • Mold

  • Pollen

Cleaning your home’s air ducts isn’t something you should attempt on your own. It’s a complex process that requires advanced knowledge of HVAC systems as well as specialized tools, so always rely on professionals so that your job will be done correctly and according to the most up-to-date methods and processes. If you’re not entirely confident that you’d know when your air ducts need cleaning, keep reading to learn the telltale signs of dirty ducts!

Giveaways of Dirty Air Ducts

Since your home’s ductwork is hidden behind layers of flooring and sheetrock, you’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for these four signs that your air ducts are getting a little grimy.

 1. Mold has been found in your furnace or air conditioning system.

Your HVAC system needs to be cleaned and serviced periodically—in fact, most manufacturers and HVAC service professionals recommend scheduling two service visits per year. Because both air conditioners and furnaces can develop condensation, mold growth is a possibility, especially if you live in a humid climate. Mold found on your furnace, air conditioner, or air handler unit isn’t a guarantee that your ductwork has been affected, but it certainly increases the chances. 

2. Your home was just built or has undergone a major renovation.

Construction is messy. Even when contractors are diligent about cleaning up and closing off work areas to keep the rest of the house tidy, dust and debris will always find its way in. And unless the HVAC system is not turned on and kept completely covered during the entire construction process (which isn’t realistic for most homeowners), that dirt and dust will make its way into your ductwork. Construction dust can contain some pretty nasty particulate matter that you don’t want to breathe, so don’t wait until you experience respiratory problems to call in the pros.

3. Your home is very dusty, no matter how often you clean.

Dusting isn’t the most entertaining task, but it’s something we all have to do from time to time. If, however, you notice that every flat surface in your house is coated in a layer of dust almost immediately after you’ve put away your cleaning supplies, you probably need to have your ducts cleaned. Take a look at both the supply and return vents around your house. 

Are they visibly dirty and dusty? 

Carefully remove a vent cover and look into the ductwork. 

Is the metal covered in dust?

If your answer is yes to both questions, give Be Happy a call so we schedule an air duct cleaning.

4. You’ve noticed your heating and/or cooling costs climbing. 

Your heating and cooling costs are relatively predictable from year to year. If you receive a bill that is noticeably high, however, or if you look at your records and note that your utility bills are much higher now compared to the same time a year ago, your home’s ductwork might be (partially, at least) to blame. In extreme cases, ductwork can become so dirty that air isn’t able to flow freely and efficiently through your home’s HVAC system. When this happens, your furnace and air conditioner are forced to work harder (use more energy, in other words) to maintain the temperature you’ve set at the thermostat. This extra energy expenditure translates to higher utility bills for you. Beyond removing airflow-obstructing dirt and debris, your air duct cleaning technician will also keep an eye out for leaking ducts. Ductwork is usually installed in a home in sections, and these sections are sealed to prevent air leakage. Over years of use, however, these seals can deteriorate, which reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system. Imagine trying to fill a small cup using a fire hose: You’ll get some water in the cup, but ultimately, most of the water will end up on the floor. Leaky ducts have a similar effect on your home. You’ll still have air moving through your ductwork, but some of that heated or cooled air will end up in the attic, walls, or basement. The bottom line is that when your ductwork isn’t sealed properly, you’re paying for heated air that you don’t get to enjoy. Residential vacuum cleaners and cleaning attachments simply aren’t powerful enough to do the job correctly, and a DIYer runs the risk of doing serious damage to the ductwork.  We understand that this can be an overwhelming time for our customers. While our community is experiencing Covid-19 issues we are offering $20 off all honey-do handyman and remodeling services. We utilize all safety precautions while we serve you and your family. Be Happy Property Services provides safe services you can have confidence in. Call us today for an estimate. New and returning customers, we appreciate you and are here for all your needs.  
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