Tip of the Day #8
I remove my shoes in your house. 4 reasons. It's cleaner. It's cultural (I'm half Italian). Many customers request it and it quiets the dogs.
Tip of the Day #9
Grouting is a tedious job. Make it easier on yourself by following a few rules. If you're using the trowel and sponge method, only work on a few square feet at a time.
The other method uses a grout bag which is similar to a pastry bag. You squeeze grout into the lines between the tiles and smooth with a wet fingertip.
Tip of the Day #10
Recent horror story. You sold your house in a day. While you're away for the weekend, the home inspector stops by to check out things. He forgets to plug your sump back in and the basement floods. The home inspector and the realtor both lie and won't accept blame. What do you do?
I think seller real estate agents need to accompany anybody in the house to prevent dishonest realtors and home inspectors from creating a terrible situation.
Tip of the Day #11
Be careful when purchasing countertops and other products from the big-box stores. A friend purchased a granite countertop that is too heavy for the existing cabinetry underneath. Now the cabinets are cracking. The store told them the granite will crack next.
The main problem is the big-box stores hire third-party installers (from Jersey??) When there is a problem, they're quick to tell you to call the installer who may or may not return your calls. Legally, you're in a lot of trouble, especially with companies out of state.
Hence the expression, "tailgate warranty." Once the tailgate disappears over the hill, there goes your warranty.
So stick with local carpenters and installers. I know a bunch to recommend. Many cost less than the big-box companies as you're dealing direct with the installers. And you won't have a problem with their warranty. The cabinets should've been shored up prior to installation of the granite.
Tip of the Day #12
There is only one chihuahua whisperer.
Before/After
I've really enjoyed helping with handyman requests ever since I was a kid helping my dad with our neighbors requests.
Here is a list of some of the services I provide:
- Residential & commercial services provided.
- Carpentry, closets, shelving, furniture repair and assembly
- To-do lists. Punch lists. Honey-do lists. Whatever you call them, I love doing lists of projects.
- Roofing and repairs
- Landscaping and fencing
- Home decorating, curtains and blind installation
- Lights, ceiling fans, appliance installation and removal
- Deck repairs, cleaning, and power washing
If it isn't listed above, please ask! Text Mike Ellis at 484-682-5493. Send photos too.
HandyMike's
Tip of the Day #1
When you're hanging something on your wall, remember there are wires and pipes hidden inside your wall. Don't just stick big screws in there or you'll create a huge issue.
Tip of the Day #2
I compete against handyman franchises (I'm not a franchise) that can be very expensive. Mr. Handyman is a local franchise in Malvern. He charges $250 for the first hour (or first 20 minutes ) and $190/hour thereafter. They charge $75 to go to Lowes plus a 20% markup on purchases. They want your credit card and signature up front before they'll consider helping you. Most other handyman franchises are at least $100/hour with a 2 hour minimum.
Other typical charges. Closet companies charge $1,500 to $5,000 for simple systems.. Many local general contractors have $1,200 to $2,000 minimums.
My rates are much more reasonable and I'm glad to discuss with you anytime at 484-682-5493. I'm licensed and insured, I don't have a contract to sign nor do I need your credit card to get started. We can shake hands and come to an agreement.
10% discount available to all veterans and senior citizens.
Tip of the Day #3
When your electric goes off during a storm, make sure you unplug anything sensitive like computers and televisions. When the electric is turned back on, the surge can ruin your hardware. Doesn't matter if you have a surge protector. Filing a claim with insurance is a hassle you can avoid by simply unplugging things.
Tip of the Day #4
When you purchase anything from a retailer, pay attention to the packaging. If it's heavily taped, it was probably purchased, something was stolen from it, then returned. Very frustrating to get home to find a package with missing parts. People have no shame.
Tip of the Day #5
When you go on vacation, turn off your water main valve. Don't come home to a flooded house. If your homeowners covers the damage, your house gets listed on a mold registry since the flood got water and mold in your walls, ducts and everywhere.
Why won't your homeowners's insurance cover? They'll claim it wasn't a sudden event and deny coverage.
Not only is it much more difficult to sell your house when you're listed on a mold registry, but your policy may be cancelled forcing you to renew and buy a more expensive policy for houses listed on the mold registry. Your real estate broker has access to this datebase if you're buying a house.
Go find the shutoff valve right now if you're not sure where it is and show everyone in your house how to shut it off. My friend's pipe froze last month and it took them 40 minutes to locate the shutoff valve in the basement, all the while flooding their house.
Tip of the Day #6
Don't assume the breaker panel is correctly labeled. After you turn off the breaker, check the circuit is off with an electrical sniffer.
Tip of the Day #7
Overbuild your projects and you'll sleep well at night.
Phoenixville Handyman. Locally owned and operated by Mike Ellis, resident of Phoenixville for over 15 years and a former elected Phoenixville school board director. Before you pay a handyman franchise $250/hour, please text me at 484-682-5493 for free quotes and to answer all your questions. Send photos too.
Happy Grandmother
Making stairs safe for everybody.
Happy Grandmother
Click on the leak detectors above
to purchase at amazon.com
Handyman Mike Ellis, Phoenixville, PA
Text your requests to him at 484-682-5493
This is the sliding, Victorian dog gate. Phoenixville 1880 model.
The bridal suite turned out very nicely.
Some new projects I've been working on.
Commercial Handyman Services
For all your commercial requests, Phoenixville Handyman is your reliable and trustworthy service. Licensed and insured. Satisfied customers include Ann Taylor, Reardon Dental, Remax and many others.
Requests include all types of maintenance, installations, repairs and improvements such as carpentry, tiling, painting, storefront design, soundproofing, etc.
Before you pay Mr. Handyman $250/hour for third-party help, please call or text me to discuss your needs and come up with an equitable solution for all your handyman requests.
Mike Ellis, Proprietor, Phoenixville Handyman, text him at 484-682-5493
mikeellis3@yahoo.com. Send photos too.
Before
- Weather stripping, insulation and home sealing
- Painting, caulking and drywall repair
- Pressure washing and gutter cleaning
- I am also available as a second set of hands for do-it-yourselfers.
- References available. Fully insured.
Painting the kitchen cabinets really brightens up and modernizes your kitchen.
Time to update your 1950s tiled bathroom?
No need to demo the tiles. $300 in materials and a few days labor.
Modern, fresh bathrooms add value to your home and make it easier to sell.
Please text for more information. 484-682-5493
Puppy whisperer
too.
Licensed and insured. PA HIC # 122101
Phoenixville TC House of Style
112 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA | Theresa Brewer | 484-927-4764
Phoenixville Handyman. Licensed and insured. HIC # PA1221101. Residential and commercial services provided. Locally owned and operated by Mike Ellis, resident of Phoenixville for over 15 years. Before you pay a handyman franchise or contractor over $250/hour, please text me at 484-682-5493 for free quotes and to answer all your questions. Send photos too.
Serving Phoenixville and all surrounding communities like Kimberton, Spring City, Royersford, Collegeville, Oaks, Chester Springs, Yellow Springs, Exton, Malvern and the Main Line.
Tip of the Day #13
Get yourself a leak alert/water detector. My customer had a pipe that froze overnight. Fortunately, I gave them a leak alert. It freaked out the dogs when it got wet and sounded a loud alarm. The dogs woke them up and saved them a lot of money.
They're great near your sump pump, underneath the sink, next to the hot water heater. Just about anywhere there's water. Well worth the ten bucks. Click on the detectors to get a nice deal at amazon.
Tip of the Day #14
Gutter Guards are questionable. On a very sunny side of your house, they may work fine. But a shady side of your house that melts and freezes, you could see ice dams back up into your house.
After