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Category Archives: property and maintenance services

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.

Renovate Your Bathroom into Your Own Spa Oasis Sanctuary

Luxury master bathrooms resemble expensive resort spas in many ways, but they don’t have to be extravagant. For example, you can choose between a jetted tub and an old-fashioned soaking tub, install a steam shower with a bench or a zero entry glass enclosed shower and a rain-forest spray head. There are budget-friendly options for additional storage and fog-resistant lighted mirrors. You can even integrate smart technology into your master bath—for a lighting, sound, or multimedia experience! Your bathroom should, of course, cater to your individual needs and be compatible with your home’s current architecture and design. But it should also delight the senses, calm the spirit, and refresh the body. A bathroom renovation can make it possible for you to enjoy a personal spa retreat that is functional and pampering at the same time! Think of it as an investment, not only in pleasure but also in value. Sophisticated spa bathrooms do not have to be overly large. Instead, they should be calming, attractive, and uncluttered. Focus on your unique preferences, and the result will be a timeless example of your personal taste. Personalize your bath as an efficient bathing and grooming center, and add the extras that will allow it to serve as a soothing retreat from the demands of a busy lifestyle.
Make no mistake, with proper planning, your remodeled bath will perform well on both counts.
Here are some design ideas to consider as you plan your spa-inspired bathroom renovation:

The Perks of a Second Vanity

Even if there’s no need for two people to use the bathroom at the same time, there’s no question that having a personal sink, with ample countertop and storage to accommodate individual items, is a bonus for any couple sharing a bath. Much of the time, it’s possible to create room for an additional vanity without altering the footprint. However, if necessary, it is possible to gain space by relocating a closet, reconfiguring the existing floor plan, or moving a portion of a wall to steal some space from an adjoining room.

Tub and Shower Dilemma

Although a tub/shower combination is functional, there is something much more appealing about having both. It’s unnecessary to incorporate a room-size steam shower and a jetted tub into your space, especially if it doesn’t fit into your budget. A modest-sized shower paired with a deep soaking tub can be every bit as appealing. With the availability of ceiling mounted flexible shower-heads and standard-size jetted tubs, it’s possible to gain an at-home spa in almost any master bathroom.

Long Term Sensible Improvements

While efficiency and aesthetics are frequently cited as reasons for wanting to redo a bathroom, sometimes physical needs and health concerns are the primary reason for planning a remodel. Think not only about special needs but also about the wisdom of planning for the future. Consider adding a bench in the shower, or a full-body array of water jets to massage aches and pains and aid circulation. Hydro features are some of the best options to consider for enjoyment right now and in the future.  We aren’t getting any younger - investigate aging-in-place options for your bathroom remodel. A little preplanning for our future needs, such as curbless showers, walk-in spa tubs, comfort-height toilets, grab bars, blade-handled faucets, and motion-activated lighting can be tastefully designed into your space without looking like a hospital room. Many of these fixtures and amenities are not only aesthetically pleasing but add comfort, security and safety to your bathroom space.  You might also want to consider mood-altering and multi-level lighting fixtures, a panic button connected to an in-home or monitored alarm system, wider doorways, and easily accessible electrical plugs and switches. Current trends indicate that more and more homeowners want to remain in their own homes as long as possible. Incorporating these features or similar amenities in your home now, will make prolonged comfort and safety in your home easier. 

Lighting is Life

Bathrooms with large windows or skylights (or even outdoor access) are considered the ultimate indulgence by many homeowners. Physicians and mental health specialists confirm what us Alaskans know is true - that natural light and outdoor views have both physical and emotional benefits. If you cannot bring natural light into your existing bath, today, you can simulate that light with modern electrical fixtures. You can even incorporate changeable, mood-altering lighting into your shower, and take your pick of soft-pink, bright white, or natural golden light bulbs for fixtures. Like other home spaces, a bathroom will benefit from different “layers” of lighting: clear and bright for shaving and makeup needs, softer ambient lighting for overall illumination, and dimmable mood lighting that encourages relaxation.

Material Matters

Functional master bath improvements are all critical, but so are the materials and finishes you choose. Forego the trendy, and opt instead for organic, natural materials that will stand the test of time. As an alternative, investigate newer composite materials that mimic the look of natural stone or wood but are easier to maintain. Tile may be a traditional choice for showers, but seamless shower enclosures require minimal upkeep. As an option, glass enclosures open up a small space are also easy to maintain. Whether your style tends toward rustic, modern, industrial, classic or eclectic, know that you can find vanities, tubs, faucets, flooring, and lighting that will speak to your design preferences.

Soothing Accessories

Bright colors and too many patterns can be distracting in a space meant to evoke calm and relaxation. Earth tones are soothing and grounding, but that doesn’t necessarily mean beige. Consider soothing greens and blues, the golden hues of wheat fields, and the misty tones of early morning skies or fading daylight at dusk as prime choices for a comforting, relaxing ambiance in your spa retreat. Keep accessories minimal — maybe just candles and a favorite painting on the wall. Add fluffy towels and your favorite personal care products in pretty containers, and your spa oasis will be complete.

How Be Happy Property Services Can Help

Every remodeling project begins with a plan, and evaluating your existing space. Start by prioritizing your pain points, and consider how much you can afford. Be ready to discuss what you would like to change, add, or improve. We invite you to schedule a conversation to explore ideas with us, Anchorage’s first choice for design-build remodeling. Looking for financing options? We have you covered with Acorn Financing. Apply for Financing on Your Project Today!  Tags: bathroom remodel, Bathroom Renovation, Anchorage construction, Spa Bathroom, Spa Features for Alaskan bathrooms, Anchorage bathroom remodel, Be Happy Property Services

Top home improvement projects with the best return of investment (ROI)

If you’re looking to invest back into your home, you’ve probably already considered several possible remodeling projects.  Renovating your home can boost its value, make it more attractive to prospective buyers. It also transforms it into a better place for you and your family in the present. Let's discuss the home improvement projects with the highest return-on-investment.

First, focus on any essential projects

Right from the start, you might be tempted to jump right into a kitchen or bathroom remodel. After all, you’re in your kitchen every single day—you know just how much it needs a makeover. Before you invest in this type of remodeling, you should really prioritize spending your money, time, and attention. It might sound boring, but replacing your failing garage door or fixing a leaking roof should come first.
Looking for a quick fix to feel motivated? Here are some great ideas to add instant curb appeal.
Most essential home projects have a high ROI, because many of them make it possible for you to sell your home. Major home issues like structural damage or a bad roof should be fixed before listing a home for sale.

If your home’s cooling and heating systems need to be replaced

Take care of that project before you invest in other areas of your home. Yes, a seemingly mundane furnace replacement isn’t going to stand out when people tour your home, however, you’ll have a much easier time selling it when they start looking over the finer details. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy a more comfortable and efficient home until then.

Refresh your kitchen and bathroom

Once you’ve completed any essential items, you can move onto the fun stuff: remodeling your kitchen and bathroom. Not surprisingly, these two spaces are typically at the top of most homeowner’s to-do lists. Generally speaking, kitchen and bathroom remodels have a high ROI and can have a major impact on your home’s value. The key to getting the most possible value out of your renovation is setting a scope and staying within your budget. Yes, you can build the kitchen of your dreams by putting an extra ten thousand dollars into the project. But, if you’re not going to get that money back when you sell your home, that might not be the wisest investment. Any successful kitchen remodel involves new cabinets and countertops. Be Happy Property Services is here to assist you in recommending high-quality materials and expert installation: cutting corners on granite, quartz, or cabinetry can lead to a shoddy finish and reduced value. You’ll likely spend up to half of your total budget on these materials, but there are ways to save money.  In either room, limit the scope of the project to contain your total overhead. For example, you may not have the budget to replace both the tub and the shower, so just replace the shower and put your remaining money into new floors, a bathroom vanity, and new lighting fixtures. If you’re planning on staying in your home for at least a little while, you can also break the project into phases. Some homeowners remodel most of the kitchen first, and then wait a bit before buying new appliances and putting the finishing touches on the project.

Change your backyard for the better

The backyard is really a major selling point of so many homes. The right backyard can be an inviting space that connects the home to the beauty of the outdoors—especially in the nicest times of the year. A new deck can add significant value to your home. If your home isn’t built for a deck, instead re-imagine your patio. A built-in grill, a gas-lit fire pit, and a cooking prep area can transform your backyard into the place to be in the summer, while also making your home more attractive and valuable. When it comes to value-boosting home upgrades, the list is nearly limitless. Give us a call for a free estimate.  We are more than happy to point you in the right direction, showing you what other local homeowners are doing. With our help, you’ll be able to prioritize what projects you should take on first. 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.

9 Things to Do to Your Home Before Fall Starts

It would be amazing if all you needed to prep your home for fall was hang a wreath and light a bunch of pumpkin spice candles. While yes, those are a crucial part of getting ready for the change of seasons, there are more important (and not exactly fun) preparations that come with being a homeowner. Consider everything you need to know before your house transitions from warm summer days to cool nights to freezing temperatures.

1. Clean, or possibly replace, your gutters.

Real talk: You're so used to your gutters working properly — and draining gallons of water from your roof yearly — that you forget they could use a little TLC. If they're clogged, you can end up with a flooded interior and damaged exterior. So clean them, and if necessary, replace them. A little prevention can save you headaches and money. 2. Check for drafts. Heat loss through windows is responsible for 25-30 percent of heating energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But it doesn't have to be that way, because weatherstripping is simple and probably the most cost-effective way to keep heating costs down. Pro tip: To check if you have a draft issue, close a door or window on a strip of paper. If the paper slides easily, you need to update your weatherstripping.

3. Drain your outdoor faucets.

Say it with me now: "I will turn off all outdoor faucets before winter!" Drain and disconnect all garden hoses from outside spigots to prevent any water freezing. Not doing this can result to pipes bursting, so yeah, do this.

4. Bring your outdoor furniture in.

Yes, your furniture is outdoor furniture. No, that does not mean you should test the label by leaving it outside through freezing weather and snow drifts. It costs you money and time to set that outdoor space up, so if you want to get another summer season out of it, store it in a garage or shed. If you don't have anywhere to store the items, cover it with waterproof covers.

5. Fix any cracks in your driveway.

I know, I know — this seems tedious and is one of those things where you're like, "eh, it'll be fine!". But, it could very easily not be fine. When water gets into cracks it freezes, expands, and can make the crack even bigger. Enough small cracks can turn into big cracks, and eventually, the concrete will crumble. Plus, you'd probably prefer a driveway without a giant pothole. So, use a concrete crack sealer, fill it up and be done with it.

6. Change your filters

Ouch! Another thing in your house that might be costing you more money then it should be. If your filters are clogged, it's harder to keep your home at the temperature you want it to be, which will increase your heating bills. Clean these filters monthly, not just before the fall, and thank me later. FYI: Disposable filters can be vacuumed one time before you replace it, and foam filters can just be vacuumed and not replaced.

7. Fertilize your lawn.

You know what they say: The best offense is a good defense. If you want to keep your lawn looking great in the spring and summer, you need to prep it for the fall and winter. Roots are still active when the grass isn't growing, so applying fertilizer will prevent winter damage. Doing this will also help your lawn turn green faster in the spring, which is crucial, because who wants to look at a sad lawn once it gets nice out?

LEARN MORE ABOUT WINTERIZING YOUR HOME

8. Test winter equipment.

Hi, I'm here from the future, where your snow blower isn't working and you're stuck inside and can't get your car out to buy a new one. Seriously, just check it all now, and make your life easier later.

9. Change your batteries.

Once a year you should be checking to make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices are working. Since you're already testing everything else out, you might as well add this on. Hope this helps and adds something to your fall/winter checklist. Feel free to contact us for all your home and 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.

Spring Renovation Ideas

Freshen Up Your Home with a Spring Renovation

In the winter, we tend to hibernate a bit, dreaming of what the next season holds. It is an excellent time to gather ideas and plan a spring renovation for your home. After all, the spring offers beautiful weather to work on the house and blooming flowers to welcome you home. If you are looking for a spring renovation for 2021, you have come to the right place. Be Happy Property Services can help you with all of your renovation and remodeling needs.

Begin with Curb Appeal

There are so many exciting ways to upgrade your curb appeal in the spring. Little tweaks here and there can breathe fresh life into the front of the home.  Here are a few thoughts.
  1. Give the mailbox a new coat of paint.
  2. Plant a few pieces of flowering landscaping or add potted plants to the front porch.
  3. Pressure-wash the house, patio, driveway, and sidewalks.
  4. What about a new front door color and a fresh seasonal wreath?
  5. Replace lighting at the door and around your garage door for a more contemporary style.
All these ideas and more will add a bit of pizazz without too much money or time investment.

Resurface your Driveway

Let’s face it; our driveways can take a real beating. Don’t underestimate the aesthetic and investment value of a welcoming driveway. Spring is a great time to resurface your driveway or have the entire thing replaced. Why not try something other than the traditional concrete look? You can have pavers installed around the edges or instead of the concrete. Additionally, there are driveway resurfacing techniques today that will have your driveway looking like pavers or stone with significantly less time and money invested. 

Add On a Room

The addition of a new room can be an exciting time. With so many moving to a work-from-home day, we need extra space. Perhaps you have the office but need an outdoor space to capture the fresh air.  Is the mother-in-law coming to stay? Perhaps the college student is moving back in?  Never fear. In most cases, a new room can be added to the exterior of your home with some creativity.

Open Up an Existing Room

Now that we have come through 2020, are you feeling a bit pent up? You are not alone. But what if you knocked out a wall or two to create a more open plan for your home? If there is a wall between the kitchen and dining room, consider having it removed. Is the kitchen closed off? Maybe you’ll want to open it up to the main living space. The design is up to you.

Freshen Up with a New Interior Paint Color

A great way to welcome spring is with a pop of fresh new color. Whether you paint an entire room, one wall, or just add some fresh new throw pillows as a pop of color, this can be refreshing. Visit your local paint store and gather some paint swatches to hold up around your home and see which one makes you feel like spring has sprung.

Contact a Professional for Your Spring Renovation

Simple spring fixes to your home will freshen it up and remind you why you love your home. And if you have a larger budget, consider a more extensive renovation like one of the following.
  1. Finish out a basement or attic.
  2. Add on a screen room.
  3. Change out the old windows for new energy-efficient windows.
  4. Give the entire home a new paint color and brighten all the trim.
  5. Replace old appliances for a fresh new look.
  6. Remodel the whole kitchen.
  7. Redesign the master bathroom to a spa look.
With our team of professionals at your disposal, allow Be Happy Property Services to dream with you. If you can dream it, we can build it. Contact the experts at Be Happy Property Services to bring your spring renovation to life. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Look to us for all of your residential and commercial property service needs.

Prepare for the Upcoming Cold Season with our checklist of Winter Basics

Prepare for the Upcoming Cold Season with our checklist of Winter Basics

One of the most beneficial home maintenance tasks this month is just double-checking that your home is weatherproofed and ready for what Mother Nature has in store for us. It’s clear that fall is here and while there are still a few sunny days, the rain is settling into the area. With the changing of the seasons, here are a few suggestions to ensure you and your home make the transition well. 

Check for groundwater seepage in and around your home

Cracks in the foundation or concrete can offer easy entrance to water. Seal any cracks. Whether you’ve found a crack in your caulk, door or window seals, or foundation, now is the time to address it. Fall and winter are prime for bugs, wind, and water to try and infiltrate.  Save yourself time, money, and a headache by heading off any potential issues.

Do you worry about frozen pipes with the impending cold snap? 

If so, get those pipes insulated and ensure that you’re proactively addressing any needs before this winter, such as leaving a slow drip in a faucet to keep water moving through on the coldest of days.

Check your insulation

This is the perfect time to ensure that you have enough insulation to keep your house warm and dry before the frigid temps hit. How do you do that? Do the touch test. The interior ceilings, walls, and floors in your home should feel warm and dry. When drywall and paneling inside a home feels damp or cold, there is not enough insulation. Alternatively, when touching an exterior wall, it should feel cold because the insulation is keeping warm air inside a home.
Stock up on salt or kitty litter to improve the walkability of your sidewalks and front steps

Check your filters

Before the temperatures drop more, ensure your filter has been replaced so that you’re not pushing dust and dirt around the house. Your heater is likely running almost constantly, so the filter could be full of dust and dirt. If you notice that the filter needs changing, there’s no time like the present.

Clean those gutters 

It’s that time of year where dirt and falling leaves (combined with rain) can become an impediment for moving water swiftly away from your house. Don’t let full gutters create an issue at your home. Give them a good cleaning now and then check again in early November to be sure everything is draining properly.
Keep back-up batteries and functioning flashlights in case they’re needed

Check for unwanted guests

We’re not talking about your cousin Bobby. Rather, we’re suggesting you take a trip into the attic or basement to see if you have any unwanted wasp nests or mice setting up shop at in your home. Need a few or all of these projects taken care of? Give us a call at 907-336-7434. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. If you have a remodel on your mind, start talking to your favorite remodeler: Be Happy Property Services, of course. Be Happy Property Services does it all - remodeling and handyman repairs are our specialty. Now is the time to start the conversation and get a free estimate by our knowledgeable staff on how to make your vision a reality! Read this as you get started on that remodel. Best Alaskan Handyman Services #behappypropertyservices #behappyremodel #Anchoragehandyman #behappyhandyman #remodel #winterization #readyforthewinter #homemaintenance #insulation

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!

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.

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

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