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Category Archives: decks

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.

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

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!  

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!

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.