Seasonal Cost Guides

When spring comes around, it's time to activate your sprinkler system. This process entails much more than just turning on the water main and hoping for the best. Your professional will follow several steps in order to ensure that it is turned on properly, has the correct pressure and that there are no leaks in the system. They will also clean and check the filters on poorly performing sprinklers and adjust any heads as necessary.

Pricing will vary based on the size of your yard, but make sure that you ask what types of services are included. Some include more services than others which might account for variations in pricing. You have to ensure you are comparing apples to apples when you hire someone to work on your sprinkler system.

Swimming Pool

Summer months mean opening your pool to enjoy the fun of swimming outside and of course, the fall means it's time to close your pool up and make it safe while it's dormant over the cooler months. Hiring someone to do these two major tasks for you can ease your mind about doing things the right way - and keeping your pool in working order.

Again, pricing will vary based on the size of your pool and what accessories you have, but make sure that you ask what types of services are included. Some pool contractors will include additional "perks" when readying your pool and some may not include something you might think is "standard". Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Winterizing your home

Make sure your heating system is serviced in the fall so you won't be left out in the cold. Seal your door and window with weather-stripping to eliminate drafts. The less your furnace has to run while you're away, the lower that January utility is going to be. A cozy fire burning in the fireplace is the best way to cozy your home. Unfortunately, the creosote buildup found in unmaintained chimneys is a leading cause of dangerous house fires. If you're a heavy user of the fireplace, book a chimney sweeper service every fall. Cleaning your ducts has big impact in that not only will your heating unit run more efficiently without all the obstructions, but this will also greatly improve the air quality in your home; the perfect project for people with respiratory problems.

Cleaning Gutters

One of the more dreaded tasks about owning your own home is cleaning your gutters and downspouts. Most people only do this when they have to - or in other words, when there is a problem and they notice the gutters not working properly. However, your gutters should really be cleaned twice a year, once in early spring and once again in the fall. Another reason for hiring someone to clean your gutters is that they often include other services with the cleaning. Some services will make sure that your gutters are pitched properly and level in order to drain properly. They may also tighten any loose hangers to make sure that the gutters are securely fastened to your home. Gutter cleaning services are well worth the price when you consider the cost of new paint, windows or siding due to damaged or clogged gutters.

Snow Removal

Whether you are needing snow removal provided on a regular basis for your home or you would like to hire someone to come on a one-off basis to shovel your driveways and walks or if you need to get that heavy snow off your roof before it collapses, hiring a snow removal professional is the safest and most trouble-free way to go. It will keep you and your neighbors safe, reduce your risk of serious injury or illness and let's face it, it is no fun to shovel during and after a snowstorm!

TIPS: Did you know that hiring a professional snow remover can be a tax deductible property expense? Winter is a high-risk time for people to fall on your property so protect yourself by having someone remove snow and ice on a regular basis during the snow as well as after the snow has stopped. Mark the date and time you did snow removal at your property and have your contractor do the same. If you are sued for a slip and fall, you can use the dates and times the property was serviced as a defense with your homeowner's policy.