Licensed.Bonded.Insured Property Service Provider!

Category Archives: residential contractor

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

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!

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.  

Building and Maintaining the Perfect Alaskan Deck

If you are planning on adding a new deck to your home or property or considering repairs to your existing deck, making sure that your plans are in accordance with local codes can help you avoid a fair amount of hassle during this process. Working with an experienced contractor can help you avoid any difficulties with city officials and can ensure the best possible solutions for all your deck needs.

Building Your Dream Deck

We can also design and install a new deck to your precise specifications, allowing you to enjoy the best of outdoor living right at home. Deck additions are a favorite remodeling project. The functionality and value that your new deck will add to your property will surely outweigh the costs. Give us a call today and you'll soon have the deck of your dreams, with a return on investment, that you can't beat.

Maintaining Your Current Deck

Regular maintenance can keep your deck looking great and performing as expected for many years into the future. At Be Happy Property Services we can provide comprehensive deck inspections to identify any issues with the structural or physical elements of your deck. We offer a full lineup of maintenance services that include the following: • Power wash services to clean away unwanted grime and to leave your deck ready for further treatment • Staining and sealing to enhance the beauty of your deck while extending its useful life • Replacing damaged boards and railings to ensure safety and stability for these important elements of your outdoor décor • Complete rebuild projects that can enhance and expand your exterior entertainment spaces while ensuring the most beautiful results for you and your family

The Extras - Entertainment and Lighting

Bringing the indoors outside with covered deck areas, innovative lighting options and audio and video entertainment centers can increase the appeal of your deck throughout the spring, summer and fall. For tech-savvy families, installing a Wi-Fi extender to provide connectivity in your back yard and deck can be a valuable investment in family togetherness in the outdoor setting. To learn more about how we can help you enjoy the most modern and appealing deck possible, contact us today.  We provide services in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, and Wasilla areas, and look forward to providing the best handyman and remodeling services to our communities.

An update to our valued customers and community members

Dear Be Happy Customers: The health and well-being of our customers, employees and the communities we serve are of paramount importance. During these uncertain times related to COVID-19, we feel it is important to update you regarding our commitment to provide service and support as well as safety precautions we are utilizing. Communication and transparency are critical now more than ever, so these are the things we want you to know: We are here for you. Some of our services are considered low-contact, including roof replacements, window replacements, and siding installations. When customers do need to interact with one of our team members directly, we will comply with the recommended social distancing practices and will not approach your front door unless requested. We also require our teams to use hand sanitizer before exiting their vehicles prior to entering a client’s property and deep-cleaning tools and equipment. We also understand it’s tough to feel at ease in a time like this, and we are happy to send any information and invoices digitally via email.
How are we responding as a company to COVID-19? To help keep you, your community, our employees and their families safe and healthy, we are taking necessary precautions to ensure that homeowners and staff stay safe in the coming weeks. How are we are trying to do our part for our communities? We understand that this can be an overwhelming time for our customers. We would like to reach out a helping hand. While our community is experiencing Covid-19 issues we are offering $20 off an hour on 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.
$20 off an hour on all honey-do handyman and remodeling services
We appreciate your continued trust in Be Happy Property Services. For questions or concerns about your particular project, please call us at (907) 336-7434.  Thank you from all of us here at Be Happy Property Services.  
Lawn Care Company in Anchorage

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Lawn Care Company in Anchorage

Caring for your lawn is a lot of work. If you are tired of all the weeding, fertilizing and constant mowing, hiring a lawn care company is a great way to relieve the burden. With the routine care of your lawn out of the way, you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time working in it.
Home Handyman

Spring Handyman Preparation Guide

Winter weather in Anchorage, Alaska, can be wrought with challenges. During an average winter, Anchorage sees over seventy-five inches of snow. That number totals out to over six feet of snow each winter between October (when Anchorage usually sees its first snow of the year) and late March when spring officially arrives. The snow and ice that generally come with winter weather can be very damaging to your home; however, in addition to the damage winter may bring, the arrival of spring can also provide for its own challenges and issues. Spring is right around the corner. One of the best ways to avoid springtime damage is to inspect your home thoroughly for winter damage as the days begin to grow warmer. We are here to provide top-notch property maintenance services that include lawn care, remodeling and handyman services, decks, siding, and fencing.
residential contractor services

Residential Contractor Services

As 2019 comes to a close, many business owners are already thinking about how best they can remodel their commercial properties during the new decade. Have you considered how remodeling your commercial property could help boost the morale of your employees, attract new customers, and retain the interest of existing customers? Here are a few factors to consider to help you determine whether commercial property maintenance may provide you with the return on investment you seek.  

Save on Energy

High energy usage of your commercial property will only cause you to spend more on higher utility bills. Not only will saving on energy cause you to spend less on utility bills, but your company’s stakeholders will also appreciate your efforts to go green and save our Alaskan environment. Have you considered investing in energy-efficient activities like installation of double-paned windows, insulation, energy-efficient appliances, using solar panels, and programmable thermostats?  

Customize for Community Bonding and Freshness

Commercial improvement projects present you with a chance of allowing your employees and customers to personalize how they prefer for your commercial property to look. You could host social media campaigns and attract interest to your business as your stakeholders collaborate and vote on the upgraded design of your commercial property. Together, you can select the interior design colors you prefer, the perfect flooring, and the landscape of your lawn for that fantastic personality touch.   Alaskan commercial property improvement projects do convey a sense of freshness. Your employees will appreciate the better ventilation and a more luxurious workspace with upgraded bathrooms, kitchens, board and meeting rooms, and employee engagement rooms. Prospective employees and customers will also be more likely to choose your business to help your business grow if your commercial property feels suaver.  

New Commercial Property Trends to Consider in 2020

As time goes by, modern commercial improvement trends are being developed by interior designers and commercial property experts. Here are some of the trending 2020 remodeling techniques you can always look forward to:  

Modernize Wallpapers and Ceilings

A new and exciting commercial improvement trend that is set to become popular next year is more modern wallpapers and ceilings. Your wallpapers and ceiling can add great character and personality to your commercial property while maintaining a professional appeal. You can opt for geometric designs or paper designs; both options will offer you that extraordinary elegance.  

Landscape and Excavate

Perhaps, there is snow and ice scattered around your property which needs to be removed. Protect your company from lawsuits due to your employees falling.   You can also freshen up your commercial property by landscaping, maintaining your lawn, or adding potted plants throughout your commercial property. You can also construct more buildings by excavating.  

Organize and Declutter

Disorganization can impede an employee’s ability to focus and think clearly. Fortunately, adding shelves and purchasing storage baskets will create some space to store personal belongings and to declutter. You can install extra cabinets around your office to keep your files secure and well organized.  

Revamp Your Parking Garage

Do not allow your customers, employees, or other stakeholders to become frustrated and turned away by your parking garage. Do not allow your garage to become disorganized, dirty or rusty with an inadequate number of parking spots. Would your outdated parking garage benefit from thorough modernization, organization, redesigning, and repainting?  

Recommendations for Common Commercial Property Improvement Challenges

Renovating your Alaskan commercial property can present some serious challenges to you as a business owner. The problems can be severe, prompting your project to stall or turn out to be a disaster. Here are some tips from our experienced Alaskan commercial contractors in Anchorage to help you prevent common Alaskan commercial  property improvement challenges. Budget: Setting aside the funds for your commercial remodeling project can turn out to be challenging but is a key business expense for a well worth it return on investment. Contact Be Happy Property Services today so we may offer quotes to help you financially plan for your commercial property remodeling projects.   Hire the Right Commercial Property Improvement Expert: Selecting the best Alaskan commercial contractor or handyman services can be a bit stressful. You may have various options to choose from, hence, causing a selection crisis. But with Be Happy Property Service, you will always find the best commercial property and maintenance services at an affordable cost.   Purchase Products and Materials: The market offers a wide variety of renovation products and materials. Why go through the effort of identifying which products and materials to use? Your experienced Alaskan commercial property contractor can enlighten you about which products and materials would best suit well your commercial property. If you do have particular preferences, then do share as Be Happy Property Services always offers services personalized according to the unique requests of each client.   Use Power Tools and Manuals. You may feel that a DIY commercial property improvement project would allow your employees to bond. You may feel that if you have watched YouTube videos about tutorials or follow the manufacturer’s user manuals then you will be well equipped to use power tools. You may even begin the commercial renovation project and then competing priorities may arise, snowstorms may cause delays, or key employees may take vacations. If you have an incomplete DIY commercial property improvement project or would benefit from additional guidance, then consider contacting a professional Alaskan commercial property contractor. Be Happy Property Services understands the hassle and challenges that commercial property owners face in Anchorage. We also understand the importance of creating a commercial property that is personalized but would also have great resale value at a further date. We offer well-renowned commercial property and maintenance services to help our clients enjoy a modern workplace. We take pride in our pool of experienced commercial contractors as we guarantee every client great value for their money.        
Anchorage Alaska Contractor

Five Elements to Have in Your Contract | Anchorage Alaska Handyman

You have planned and budgeting for a great home improvement project. You are excited for your new kitchen, bathroom or deck. But you are not looking forward to finding, hiring and managing a contractor to do the work. Once you hire a local Anchorage contractor, a good contract will help keep your project on track and help you make sure you are getting the work you pay for: