Collin Dickey's (handycollin) Blog

Handyman Minneapolis, MN “Home Inspection” “Foreclosure Repairs” Board-ups” "Insurance Repairs"

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:39:41 -0700

HandyPro Handyman Services will send a Professional, Honest handyman to Provide the home improvement and repair services you need including: Home Inspections - With an itemized list of recommendations Foreclosure Repairs - Repairs to the home that sat empty with utilities off Board-ups - Secure recently foreclosed or fire damaged property Insurance Repairs - Repairs after fire damage, flood damage, or vandalism Our list of services includes over 1600 categories including: Carpentry, Plaster, Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Interior Paint Home Warranty/Maintenance Interior Doors, Trim, Molding, Cabinets, Shelves, Bi-fold closet doors Bathroom Repairs: Install Tub & Shower, Fix Leaky Faucets & running toilets, Bathroom exhaust fans Kitchen Remodeling: Cabinets, Counter Tops, Sinks, Plumbing, Vinyl Flooring, Ceramic Tile Security: Replace locks, exterior doors, dead bolts, outside lighting Outside: Siding, Windows, Gutters, Garage Door, Exterior Paint We do complete remodeling or handle your miscellaneous "to-do" list of minor repairs including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, switches, light fixtures, squeaky doors, holes in walls, and much more....just ask! Our Honest, Dependable Handyman is Licensed, Bonded, Insured and a Member of the Better Business Bureau, with no reported complaints in over 12 years of service Our Customer-Friendly Handyman cares about your needs and concerns; he will leave your home as clean, or cleaner, than it was before any services were provided. He will listen carefully to what you want and guarantee 100% satisfactory results. HandyPro®'s Customers Receive: Trust - Handyman with a Written Guarantee, Better Business Bureau and Insured. In business since 1996 Time Savings - One hour arrival time Guaranteed. Handyman can complete work at time of free estimate. Convenience - One call does it all - Handyman is a Painting contractor, Carpentry expert, Gutters installer, Tile and Fixture repair and replace, etc. http://www.handypro.com Handyman Service area: Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Roseville, Osseo, St. Louis Park, Richfield, Brooklyn Center, Deephaven, Crystal Bay, New Hope, Chaska, Hamel, Long Lake, Greenwood, West St. Paul, and neighboring cities and communities. Contact: Collin Dickey, President HandyPro Professional Handyman Service Phone: 612-823-8128 Email: cdickey@handypro.com

Handyman Advice for Profitable Home Improvement – Home Seller Program in Minneapolis, MN

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:46:31 -0700

Home repairs and remodeling projects can be very expensive. In today's declining market people are concerned about getting a return on their investment. Some realtors advise homeowners to sell their home as-is and list it at a competitive price for a quick sale. Others are saying it is still better to do some cosmetic repairs and clean up to leave less room for negotiating your asking price down. Many people will buy a fixer-upper to decorate according to their personal taste, but there still people who would much prefer a great deal on a turn-key home. Even in today's economy, there are still several good reasons to remodel your home. If the children have moved out and you're retiring soon, you will be home more. Retirement is a big change for some. While you're adjusting to a life with a lot of time on your hands, remodeling the home to brighten up your living space can be a very rewarding project. On the other hand, if downsizing is the plan, you will want to do some home improvement projects that will be the most profitable for selling your home. Whatever the motivation for improvements are, you need to decide how much you can afford to have done and how much of the work you are able to do yourself. Make a list of things that absolutely have to be done to make your home functional, including plumbing, electrical and heating. Add to the list the cosmetic repairs that you would like to have done and some items that fit into your "dream" category, like a jet tub or glass block shower enclosure. Shop around, get estimates and decide what works with your budget and individual needs. Statistics show that certain upgrades provide the best return for your money. Fortunately, the upgrades at the top of the list are the most affordable and the easiest to do. They include cleaning, painting and removing clutter by creating home storage and organization. Next on the list are premium projects that usually require the help of a handyman service, including kitchen and bathroom remodeling. You will be surprised at the improvement a good cleaning will make. Not just soap and water, but a real cleaning with heavy-duty products specifically designed for surfaces like tile, porcelain, stainless steel, wood, siding, decks and windows to get rid of mold, mildew, rust stains and more. Visit the hardware or home improvement store, read labels and be sure to test all cleaners in an inconspicuous place first to avoid possible damage. Removing clutter does wonders, creating space and giving the appearance of a larger home. Get rid of the items you really don't need. Throw them out, donate them to charity, recycle them or have a yard sale. For the things you just cannot part with, buy some easy to assemble shelving and cabinets or decorative containers. Clean up the yard; remove dead trees and shrubs, broken patio stones and faded yard ornaments. Sealcoat the driveway and deck, repair or replace the old mail box, replace the old rusted porch light and the scratched up, dented storm doors, wash windows and clean the siding. Fresh paint and new carpet are also great improvements that are affordable. Use quality paint and don't be cheap with carpet and padding. You get what you pay for and the job is labor intensive. You don't want to do all this work just to have it fade or show wear after 6 months. Next on the list is the kitchen and bathroom. These are the most expensive and may require the help of a handyman service, but there are affordable improvements you can do yourself if complete replacement is out of the question. If you cannot replace the kitchen cabinets, just replace the doors. Adding a decorative molding, painting and replacing the hinges and handles will also make a difference. If you cannot justify the cost of a new countertop, at least replace the outdated sink and faucet. New or reconditioned appliances will be a nice improvement over the old, ugly gold or avocado ones that were fashionable back in the day. Bathroom remodeling is next on the list of improvements. A new sink, tub, toilet and shower stall, ceramic tiles and new cabinets are a nice change. If all of this doesn't fit your budget, replace the corroded old taps, faucets and showerhead. Re-glaze the sink and tub. Clean, paint and redecorate the cabinets. Remove the bubbling wallpaper, replace the window treatments and buy new rugs. Whether you're selling your home or making it more comfortable for your retirement years, the rewards and profits are well worth the time, energy and cost you invest in cleaning up and remodeling. Increase the long-term value of your home by making the necessary improvements. This article was written by Collin Dickey, owner of HandyPro Handyman Services in Minneapolis, Minnesota. HandyPro offers a home seller program, where they do the cosmetic repairs and you don't pay until you sell your home. Their pre-screened contractors are licensed and bonded, and customer friendly. They guarantee customer satisfaction with quality work and they clean up when the job is complete. http://www.handypro.com services Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Wayzata, Mound, Maple Plain, Rogers, Bloomington, Plymouth, Brooklyn Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Orono, Shorewood, and neighboring cities and communities.

Local Handyman Serving Minneapolis Offers Tips on Working with Acrylic Plastic

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:44:52 -0700

Plexiglas is a brand name for acrylic plastic, a shatterproof glass replacement material with many uses, including skylights, fish tanks, picture frames and more. Acrylic plastic is impact resistant and only half the weight of glass. It can also withstand a temperature range of -30 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It cleans up easily with mild soap with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Unlike glass, it is not wise to use window cleaners, scouring pads or abrasives for cleaning acrylic plastic. Working with Acrylic Plastic: Acrylic plastic generally comes with a paper masking film on the sheet to protect it from scratches or other damage when working with it. This film should not be removed until your project is finished. Use metal cutting saw blades and drills which are ground for acrylic sheet and be sure all tools are very sharp for best results. Use water or drilling oil as a coolant when cutting or drilling. Do not use saw blades with wide-set, irregular teeth; saw teeth should be of uniform height and shape. Cutting Acrylic Plastic: Acrylic plastic is available in different thicknesses for different uses. There are several methods and types of cutting tools that are acceptable for cutting acrylic plastic. Knife or Scriber: Acrylic sheets up to 3/16" thick may be cut with a utility knife, scribing knife or an awl. Using a straight edge, firmly held in place, draw the scriber several times to score the sheet. Clamp it or hold it very tight along the edge of a table or workbench; apply downward pressure to snap the sheet along the scribe line. Smooth the edges and sharp corners. This method is not recommended for long breaks or thick material. Power Saws: Special blades are available for cutting acrylic, but you may also use blades designed for aluminum or copper. These blades will have very fine teeth of the same height and evenly spaced, with little or no set. Table saws: Use hollow ground high speed blades with no set and at least 5 teeth per inch. Carbide tips will give the smoothest cuts and reduce edge chipping. Circular saw: Clamp the sheet to the work surface and use a strip of wood to act as a fence to guide the saw. Feed the work slowly and smoothly, lubricating the blade with soap or beeswax to minimize gumming from the masking adhesive. Be sure the saw is up to full speed before beginning the cut. Hand Saws: It is very difficult to get good results with hand saws. Be sure the acrylic is clamped to prevent flexing which may cause cracking. Routers and shapers: Use single fluted bits for inside circle routing and double fluted bits for edge routing. Drilling: Use only drill bits specifically designed for use with acrylic. Finishing Touches: Filing and Sanding: Smooth the cut edges by scraping. File the edges to remove tool marks, filing only in one direction. Keep the teeth flat on the surface and allow the file to slide at an angle. For sanding, start with 120 grit sandpaper (dry), then use 220 grit sandpaper (dry). Finish with a 400 - 600 grit wet/dry paper, used wet. For best results, use a wooden or rubber sanding block. Remove scratches by sanding in a circular motion, using a light touch and plenty of water with wet/dry papers. If you're using a power sander, use light pressure and slower speeds. Polishing: A final polishing will give the acrylic a luster. Power-driven buffing tools are recommended. A good buffing wheel for acrylic consists of layers of 3/16" carbonized felt or unbleached muslin. The wheel should reach a surface speed of 1200 - 4000 feet per minute. A commercial buffing compound for silver or brass is the best for polishing acrylic. You may also use a non-silicone car polish with no cleaning solvents in it. Apply tallow to the buffing wheel first to form a base, and then quickly apply the buffing compound. Polish by moving the acrylic back and forth along the buffing wheel. Do not apply too much pressure and keep the work moving to prevent heat build-up. Forming and Shaping: Acrylic can be heated to make it pliable for forming. A strip heater is the best tool for forming acrylic, but it will only form straight line bends. Start by heating the sheet until it begins to sag at the bend line, bending away from the side exposed to the heating element. Sheets thicker than 3/16" should be heated on both sides for a proper bend. Joining: Two techniques for joining acrylic with solvent cement are capillary and dip or soak methods. Capillary cementing is the most popular method. Make sure the parts fit properly, joining them with masking tape or clamps to hold firmly in place. Apply the cement from the inside of a box-corner joint and on both sides of a flat joint with a needle-nosed applicator bottle. The cement is very thin and it will flow into the joint through capillary action and form a strong bond in 24 to 48 hours. Soak or dip cementing is recommended for thick joints. Viscous cements are used for joints that cannot be cemented with capillary or soak methods, either because they are hard to reach or the parts don't fit properly. Viscous cement is thick and will fill small gaps, making a strong, transparent bond where solvents can't. Apply a bead of cement to one side of the joint, then tape or clamp together until set. Acrylic plastic has many uses, including storm door window replacement, children's bedroom windows if they are low to the floor. It is break resistant for safety and it is economical. The fact that is it light-weight also makes it great for large picture frames. Acrylic plastic is a great glass substitute that the homeowner or artist will find many uses for. This article was written by Collin Dickey, owner of HandyPro Handyman Services in Minneapolis, Minnesota. HandyPro specializes in home repairs and seasonal home maintenance projects. They can handle small repairs or do large remodeling jobs. Our pre-screened contractors are licensed and bonded, experienced and customer friendly. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction in doing quality work and cleaning up when the job is complete. http://www.handypro.com services Hennepin County, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Roseville, Osseo, St. Louis Park, Richfield, Brooklyn Center, Deephaven, Crystal Bay, New Hope, Chaska, Hamel, Long Lake, Greenwood, West St. Paul, and neighboring cities and communities.

HandyPro “Facility Services” “Commercial Building Maintenance” Minneapolis, MN

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:26:14 -0700

Reduce Your Maintenance Expenses Ease Your Maintenance and Building Improvement Issues Extend the Life of Your Property Asset With our current clients such as Starbucks, T-Mobile and McDonalds HandyPro can help you too! With over 10 years experience, HandyPro Facility Services is an affordable, full service repair and improvement company for building owners and managers. If you're frustrated with your search to find quality contractors for the smallest repair or the largest improvement for your building, Handypro can provide a solution. Handyman and Maintenance Service Roofing Plumbing Electrical Carpet Paint ...and many more, just ask Offering cost effective services to maintain or enhance your asset. If you have a building maintenance need and would like more information or a free quote, contact us now. http://www.handypro.com Service area: Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, St. Anthony Village, West St. Paul, Highland Park, Eagan, Lakeville, Otsego, Monticello, Medina, Corcoran, Dayton, Falcon Heights and neighboring cities and communities. Contact: Collin Dickey, President HandyPro Professional Handyman Service 4805 Colfax Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55419 Phone: 612-823-8128 Email: cdickey@handypro.com

“Handyman” Tips to the “Painting Contractor” St. Louis Park, Minnesota: Don’t Reuse Old Spackle!

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:12:16 -0700

When preparing walls to be painted or wallpapered, you might find it necessary to patch some holes. A good handyman knows the importance of using the right product on the right surface. If the walls to be repaired are plaster, then the old-time spackle is fine to use on minor holes. Painting Contractors prefer to use a softer, lighter weight product is better to use on drywall such as Durabond. It is best to use a new container of spackle or drywall mud, but most people try to be conservative with products they pay for. Maybe you have some left over from the last time you patched some holes. Most likely, this was some time ago and you will find that the spackle has dried and thickened. The professional handyman knows to just throw this out, but the average homeowner will want to try to rejuvenate this product by adding water or mixing in some new spackling. This will be like adding sand to the new product. The product will be less effective; it will lose strength and smoothing ability. It will come off the trowel lumpy and be difficult to smooth out. The old-time spackle isn't as workable as newer, lighter weight products that are available today. It doesn't smooth easily and it dries very hard. This is OK on plaster walls, but on paper-covered drywall, one is likely to tear the paper as they try to smooth the spackle. A newer age, lightweight spackle is a more workable product that dries quickly and can be painted within 30 minutes. Very small nail holes that you run across while painting can be filled and painted immediately. In addition to patching holes, the rest of the surface must also be prepared. Before painting on a surface previously painted with latex paint, use a deglosser or liquid sandpaper to remove the gloss and clean the surface. This will make the next coat of paint adhere more firmly to the surface with minimal, if any, sanding required. The tackiness will normally disappear within an hour. Oil-based paints should be lightly sanded or primed with a quality primer like Kilz, before applying a fresh coat of latex paint. Your freshly painted or newly wall papered room will look great for years if the surface is properly prepared. The extra time and effort spent on preparing the surface is well worth it in the end. The paint goes on smooth, covers evenly and adheres to the surface, for a durable finish that looks great. The same applies to wallpaper. With these tips you will be proud to have a freshly painted or newly wallpapered room that looks like it was done by a professional handyman or a painting contractor. This article was written by Collin Dickey of HandyPro Handyman Services. Handypro's painting contractors will properly prepare and freshly paint a room or home so it looks great for years. The handyman sent to do all jobs is licensed and bonded, experienced and customer friendly. Our handyman will provide 100% customer satisfaction in doing quality work and cleaning up when the job is complete. http://www.handypro.com services Hennepin County, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Roseville, Osseo, St. Louis Park, Richfield, Brooklyn Center, Deephaven, Crystal Bay, New Hope, Chaska, Hamel, Long Lake, Greenwood, West St. Paul, and neighboring cities and communities. Handyman, Commercial Maintenance, Home Seller Program, Home Inspections, Foreclosure Repairs, Board-ups, Home Repairs, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Carpentry and more!

HandyPro, A "Handyman" You Can Trust Minneapolis, MN Offers Advice: Plumbing-Faucet Installation

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:07:32 -0700

Installing a new water faucet is not the plumbing nightmare it used to be. These days, new faucet installation may only require an adjustable crescent wrench and a little physical flexibility when working under a sink. The most difficult part for the handyman is often removing the old faucet. The single-handle kitchen faucet with a sprayer attachment is the most commonly used type. Many common faucets used are Delta and American Standard faucets. The handyman tips offered in this article also apply to bathroom faucets, which usually come with a new pop-up stopper assembly to match. Looking up from under the sink, you will see the sprayer hose to the left and a faucet mounting bolts with a wide washer and nut. Between the two mounting bolts are three copper connections; the hot and cold inlet tubes and the spray hose nipple. Of course, there are many different styles, depending on the age of the faucet, so there could be variations. The trickiest part for the handyman is working in a cramped area, which is probably one reason plumbers charge so much! Disassembly would be so simple if it could just all be right in front of you, where you could work on your feet instead of laying on your back, reaching above and behind you as you work. Removal problems include shut-off valves that don't shut-off properly and corroded mounting hardware. We'll address these problems. Completely clean out the clutter from under the sink and spread a thick towel. Things happen, so have a bucket handy too. Wrap rags around the base of the pipes coming up through the floor to keep water from leaking under the cabinet or to the room below if you're working upstairs. Eye protection or a full-face shield is not a bad idea as you are looking up and working right above your face where debris or nuts and bolts can fall in your eyes, nose and mouth. It is preferable to turn off the water from the shut-off under the sink, if they work. You could turn off the main shut-off to the house too, but there is a potential problem of draindown. Draindown occurs when someone opens another faucet or flushes a toilet that is located higher than the shut-offs you are working on. Once the vacuum within the pipes is broken, water quickly drains down, through the open shut-offs, spraying and flooding the room you're working in. Even if no one else is in the house, there will be some leakage from an open shut-off valve. If the leak is slight and you're a quick worker, you might be OK, but for best results, try to turn off the water at the point where you are working. Most shut-offs are only used when faucets are being replaced and believe me; lack of use does not mean longer life! Formation of scale, a hard plaque on the metal parts from minerals in the water, causes shut-offs to become tight and sometimes inoperable. This is one of the biggest problems for the handyman or plumber. Vice grips or pliers for leverage on the handles can turn most shut-offs, but be careful you don't break or bend the line they're attached to. Turn the shut-off counter-clockwise first to attempt to free it up. Sometimes turning it back and forth a few times will loosen it up. Loosen the packing nut located at the base of the stem where it enters the shut-off body. Some plumbers over-tighten these to quickly stop a leak, making them impossible to turn. The main water should be turned off to do this, or it will drip or spray. Use two wrenches for this; one on the packing nut and one on the faucet body to avoid putting too much pressure on the pipes. Do not forget to tighten the packing nut before turning the main water back on. Just tighten it about a quarter turn tighter than necessary to stop the dripping around the stem. Repairing or replacing the shut-off may be necessary. Repair requires disassembling, lubricating, replacing the packing and the washer, and then reassembling. Or, just take the assembly to a plumbing store and get a new shut-off and change the stem which will contain the new packing and a washer. In some cases, you may have to replace the old shut-off. Removing the old sprayer is easy. Don't' bother unscrewing any connections; simply cut the sprayer at its lowest point, keeping a bucket under it. Then, hold each end over the bucket and open both the hot and cold faucet to activate the old sprayer and drain all the water from the hose. That was easy! Now it's time to disconnect the faucet from the plumbing. A good handyman or plumber will recommend changing the inlet tubes as well, even if they appear to be in good shape. If you have an all-copper supply unit, it may be difficult to remove. Cut the tubes, close to the shut-off and allow them to drain into a bucket with the faucet open to break the vacuum. Unbolting the faucet from the sink is often the hardest part. Newer sinks are installed using rust-proof plastic fasteners, stainless steel or quality zinc-plated fasteners which don't corrode. Older fasteners could be corroded and tough to remove. A long-term, slow leak may have caused hard mineral deposits to form around the faucet mounting gasket and the connections, covering them with rock hard mineral deposits. You might need to get aggressive at this point. Use a drill to carefully make a small pilot hole in the nut, then use a large enough bit to break the nut. You may need to do this in two or more locations to free it. Pull the faucet out and clean up the mess before installing a new one. The ring around the faucet, caused by putty or caulk can be removed by scraping. You may soften it up with a hair dryer or heat gun. Use a mild abrasive cleanser to finish the clean-up. Most faucets come with instructions. Even the professional handyman or plumber will admit that it is necessary to refer to the instructions in case of changes in materials and procedures that they may not be aware of. Install the new sprayer first. It will be more difficult to attach once the faucet is in place. Put soft plumber's putty around the base; use plenty of it to avoid water leaking. Insert the faucet end of the sprayer hose through the base and back up through the center of the three faucet holes. Wrap the threads with two or three overlaps of Teflon tape and attach the hose to the faucet. Don't forget to place the plastic or rubber gasket on the faucet before attaching the sprayer hose, if it has one. Tighten firmly. Now for the inlet tubes, special supply lines used to make the final connection between the shut-off and the faucet. If possible, attach them to the faucet before you position it on the sink. This is easier than doing it from under the sink, especially if you have a very deep sink. Some faucets use the same threaded nipples to attach the faucet to the sink and to attach the water supply tubes, leaving no choice but to attach the inlet hoses, from underneath the sink, after the faucet is in place. Attach the faucet to the sink using a ¼ inch bead of plumber's putty under the rim of the faucet, if the manufacturer requires it. Some require silicone caulk. Do not use latex caulk! This is much more adhesive than silicone, making it difficult to remove and replace the faucet again in the future. Use the hardware supplied with the faucet; attach the faucet body to the underside of the sink. Come out and do a final check for proper alignment of the faucet before tightening. When attaching the faucet to the plumbing, you can save yourself a lot of aggravation by using flexible type hoses. Some are plastic covered; others are a stainless steel type. The stainless steel is a little more expensive, but better because they are more burst-proof. Do not over-tighten the nuts on the inlet hoses. Turn them till they're hand-tight, then an additional ½ to 1 full turn. As you have probably discovered by this point, even a simple plumbing job can be difficult. Buy the best of everything to avoid doing this job again in the near future. You get what you pay for; don't try to be conservative when choosing plumbing supplies. Test for leaks by turning on the water supply, slowly. If you see leaks, turn it off and tighten the connection just a little. Repeat as necessary until full pressure causes no leaks. Remove the aerator from the faucet and run water through it to clear any debris that may have entered the lines during installation. Test the sprayer. Remove the head to flush out the line, just like you did with the faucet aerator. Reattach the aerator and sprayer head, clean up and you're done! If this proves to be too much work, you may want to hire it done. You can call a plumber, but he will charge a lot. Plumbers have a special rule they live by: Hot on the left, crap flows down and charge as much as you want! And they typically do. A new faucet doesn't necessarily require a specialist. Maybe you have some other odds and ends type of projects to do around the house, like a door that sticks, an unfinished project requiring some trim work or a hanging gutter. Make a to-do list, and then call your local handyman to come in and fix everything at once. Persistence and determination are a handyman's best qualities, especially when it comes to plumbing. Look at all the choices of faucets available and pick the one that fits your budget and looks nice in your kitchen or bathroom. Be sure to choose the highest quality faucet affordable so that you don't have to repeat this job again in the near future. This article was written by Collin Dickey, owner of HandyPro Handyman Services in Minneapolis, Minnesota. HandyPro specializes in home repairs and seasonal home maintenance projects. They can handle small repairs or do large remodeling jobs. Our pre-screened contractors are licensed and bonded, experienced and customer friendly. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction in doing quality work and cleaning up when the job is complete. http://www.handypro.com services Hennepin County, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Roseville, Osseo, St. Louis Park, Richfield, Brooklyn Center, Deephaven, Crystal Bay, New Hope, Chaska, Hamel, Long Lake, Greenwood, West St. Paul, and neighboring cities and communities. Handyman Services, HandyPro Commercial Maintenance, Home Seller Program, Home Inspection List, Foreclosure Repairs, Board-ups, Home Repairs, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Carpentry and more!

Honest, Affordable "Handyman" Minneapolis, MN "Carpentry" "Doors" "Windows" "Remodeling" "Kitchen" "Bath" "Plumbing" "Electrical"

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:13:51 -0700

Handyman HandyPro Services: We provide Professional, Honest Handymen to complete everything on your To-do List. Our list of services includes over 1600 categories including: Carpentry, Plaster & Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout Tub, Fix Leaky Faucet, Home Warranty/Maintenance, Paint Home, Caulk Bathtub, Replace Locks, Garage Doors, Cabinets & Countertops, Fix Running Toilet, Repair Squeaky door, Install Molding and Trim, Security Services, Stained Glass, Door Repair/Install, Wall Repair, Painting Kitchen, Insulation, Concrete & Masonry, Repair Gutters, Remove Wallpaper, Replace Ceiling Fan, Caulk Awnings and Siding, Install Shelves, Organizers, Ceramic Tile, Window Well Covers, Replace Bathroom Fan, Draperies, Blinds and Shades, Glass & Mirror, Decks, and much more just ask!! Licensed, Bonded, Insured and Member of the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints. HandyPro®'s Customers Receive: Trust - Written Guarantee, Better Business Bureau and Insured. In business since 1996 Time Savings - One hour arrival time Guaranteed. Have work completed at time of free estimate. Convenience - One call does it all - Painting, Carpentry, Gutters, Tile, Fixture repair and replace, etc. http://www.handypro.com Service Area: Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Mound, Roseville, Maple Plain, Osseo, Rogers, St. Louis Park, Bloomington, Richfield, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Chanhassen, Deephaven, Excelsior, Crystal Bay, Golden Valley, New Hope, Hopkins, Chaska, Hamel, Orono, Long Lake, Shorewood, Greenwood, Coon Rapids, St. Anthony Village, and West St. Paul, Highland Park, Eagan, Lakeville, Otsego, Monticello, Medina, Corcoran, Dayton, Falcon Heights Contact: Collin Dickey, President HandyPro Professional Handyman Service 4805 Colfax Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55419 Phone: 612-823-8128 Email: cdickey@handypro.com Website: http://www.handypro.com

Tips from "Handyman" Collin: Save on Heat Bills this Winter with Proper "Weatherizing" and "Insulation"

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:48:49 -0700

Energy costs are constantly rising, creating strain on budgets and drain on bank accounts. Here are some things you can do to now to prepare for winter: 1. Check for drafts around doors and windows. Check the caulk around thee windows. If it is dry, brittle and crumbling, scrape it out and run a new bead of caulk. This will keep heat from escaping and the cold from getting in. Check the weather stripping around the door to be sure it isn't torn; replace if necessary. 2. Install a programmable thermostat. Studies have shown that people save up to 20% on their heating bill by turning back the thermostat when they go to sleep or are out of the house for the day. A programmable thermostat will always remember to do this for you. This will also be a great savings in the summer if you have central air. 3. Check your attic insulation. Heat rises, so be sure you have adequate insulation in the attic. An attic fan and proper ventilation is also important for the summer to keep the rafters from over heating. 4. Adjust your heat registers. Close the vents in rooms that are rarely used to reduce the amount of energy used to heat the home. 5. Replace your furnace filter. Be sure to replace the furnace filter every month to keep the furnace working efficiently. A clogged filter creates extra strain on the blower motor and restricts air-flow. Also, have the furnace professionally inspected and cleaned periodically to be sure it is safe and efficient. 6. Check your Humidifier. A home with the proper level of humidity will feel warmer than one that is too dry. Humidity also helps prevent health issues including dry mouth and skin, and upper respiratory problems. Be sure the humidifier is working properly and there are no leaks. Taking care of these items will help to conserve on energy used to heat your home this winter. The cost of doing all the above will quickly pay for itself in energy savings. This article was written by Collin Dickey, owner of HandyPro Handyman Services in Minneapolis, Minnesota. HandyPro specializes in home repairs and seasonal home maintenance projects. They can handle small repairs or do large remodeling jobs. Our pre-screened contractors are licensed and bonded, experienced and customer friendly. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction in doing quality work and cleaning up when the job is complete. http://www.handypro.com services Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Wayzata, Mound, Maple Plain, Rogers, Bloomington, Plymouth, Brooklyn Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Orono, Shorewood, and neighboring cities and communities. Handyman, paint, drywall, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, gutters, downspouts, seamless gutters, floor tile, home repairs, home improvement, affordable handyman, handyman services, handypro, power washing, cabinet install, cabinet repair, carpenter, ceiling fan install, counter top install, deck repair, deck work, door, door bell install, door repair, drywall repair, drywall company, faucet install, fixture install, interior painting, molding install, painting, wood repair, building inspection, concrete repair, handy man, painter, wall repair, roof repair, contractors, building contractors, tile repair, tile install, exterior repairs, concrete, masonry, sidewalks, porches, patch cracks, repair concrete steps, replace doors and hardware, sliding doors, doorwalls, windows, replacement windows, insulation, blown in insulation, insulate attic, furniture assembly, chimney repair, yard work, trim trees, edging, floor grout, shower/tub grout, sprinkler system, repair broken line, replace sprinkler head, laminate flooring, pressure washing, repair wood fences, parking lot repairs, insurance repair, foreclosure repairs, repairs for new homeowners, commercial repairs, facility services

HandyPro "Handyman Services" Expands – Awards Franchise to Collin Dickey in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:00:24 -0700

They began as a local handyman service; now they are opening up franchises across the US as their popularity grows for being honest and dependable Minneapolis, MN - They began as a local handyman service, HandyPro Handyman Service, Inc. of Plymouth and they are expanding, opening franchises across the US. There is consumer demand for honest, affordable handyman services for the small repair jobs. HandyPro is expanding, opening up franchises across the US. One recent franchise was awarded to Collin Dickey, who will be servicing the Minneapolis area. HandyPro opened its first franchise in Ann Arbor in March 2001. They also have franchises in Michigan, Texas, Louisiana and Hawaii. HandyPro specializes in handyman services, small repairs and maintenance jobs for homeowners and commercially owned buildings. HandyPro provides nearly everything from carpentry, drywall, painting, remodeling, minor electrical and plumbing for home improvements and repairs in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties. It offers free estimates and guaranteed 24 to 48 hour, on-time service for all work that is bonded and insured. HandyPro is a member of the Better Business Bureau with no complaints and participates in CARE, the BBB's Customer Assurance Program. It was voted one of the "101 Best Companies to Work for in Detroit" in 2002. "We are a home repair franchise that strives to give the best quality workmanship at a fair price with a personal touch," said Carl Ravey. Collin Dickey services Hennepin County, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Mound, Roseville and neighboring communities. HandyPro can be reached at 1-800-942-6394 or by visiting http://www.handypro.com on the web. Contact: Collin Dickey, President HandyPro Professional Handyman Service Phone: 612-823-8128 Email: cdickey@handypro.com Website: http://handypro.com Handyman, paint, drywall, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, gutters, downspouts, seamless gutters, floor tile, home repairs, home improvement, affordable handyman, handyman services, handypro, power washing, cabinet install, cabinet repair, carpenter, ceiling fan install, counter top install, deck repair, deck work, door, door bell install, door repair, drywall repair, drywall company, faucet install, fixture install, interior painting, molding install, painting, wood repair, building inspection, concrete repair, handy man, painter, wall repair, roof repair, contractors, building contractors, tile repair, tile install, exterior repairs, concrete, masonry, sidewalks, porches, patch cracks, repair concrete steps, replace doors and hardware, sliding doors, doorwalls, windows, replacement windows, insulation, blown in insulation, insulate attic, furniture assembly, chimney repair, yard work, trim trees, edging, floor grout, shower/tub grout, sprinkler system, repair broken line, replace sprinkler head, laminate flooring, pressure washing, repair wood fences, parking lot repairs, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Mound, Roseville, Maple Plain, Osseo, Rogers, St. Louis Park, Bloomington, Richfield, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Chanhassen, Deephaven, Excelsior, Mound, Crystal Bay, Golden valley, New Hope, Hopkins, Chaska, Hamel, Orono, Long Lake, Shorewood, Greenwood, Coon Rapids, St. Anthony Village, and West St. Paul, Highland Park, Eagan, Lakeville, Otsego, Monticello, Medina, Corcoran, Dayton, Roseville, Falcon Heights

"Handyman" for Homeowners in Minnetonka, Minnesota Acknowledged for Superior Customer Service in Affordable Home Repairs and Seasonal Maintenance

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:58:47 -0700

The demand for honest, affordable contractors for homeowners continues to grow as HandyPro opens franchises in new locations across the US Minnetonka, MN-HandyPro Handyman Services began in 1993 as a referral service for home repair contractors. They now have franchises in Louisiana, Texas, Hawaii, Michigan and Minnesota. Collin Dickey has serviced the franchise in Minnesota for over 5 years. Through his experience, he strives to make improvements to keep very high customer service ratings. HandyPro lives up to their slogan, "every home needs a handyman" and "let us finish your ‘to do' list. "We believe in being very efficient in doing even the smallest jobs according to our customer's best interest in an honest fashion," said Collin Dickey, owner of HandyPro in Minnesota. "We listen carefully to the customer's concerns, perform quality work, clean up, bill promptly and follow up with the customer to be sure they are happy." HandyPro provides many services including carpentry, drywall, painting, and remodeling, minor electrical and plumbing repairs for homeowners in Hennepin County. They offer free estimates and guarantee on-time service for all work that is bonded and insured. They also do gutter repair and install seamless gutters with year-round, 1 to 2 day gutter installation service. HandyPro is a member of the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints, and they participate in CARE, the BBB's customer Assurance Program. They were voted one of the "101 Best Companies to Work for in Detroit" in 2002. HandyPro offers franchise opportunities to operate a proven, professional handyman service. The business franchise is developed for entrepreneurs with a drive to succeed using a complete turnkey operation. Find out more at http://www.handypro.com Contact: Collin Dickey, President HandyPro Professional Handyman Service Phone: 612-823-8128 Email: cdickey@handypro.com Website: http://handypro.com Handyman, paint, drywall, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, gutters, downspouts, seamless gutters, floor tile, home repairs, home improvement, affordable handyman, handyman services, handypro, power washing, cabinet install, cabinet repair, carpenter, ceiling fan install, counter top install, deck repair, deck work, door, door bell install, door repair, drywall repair, drywall company, faucet install, fixture install, interior painting, molding install, painting, wood repair, building inspection, concrete repair, handy man, painter, wall repair, roof repair, contractors, building contractors, tile repair, tile install, exterior repairs, concrete, masonry, sidewalks, porches, patch cracks, repair concrete steps, replace doors and hardware, sliding doors, doorwalls, windows, replacement windows, insulation, blown in insulation, insulate attic, furniture assembly, chimney repair, yard work, trim trees, edging, floor grout, shower/tub grout, sprinkler system, repair broken line, replace sprinkler head, laminate flooring, pressure washing, repair wood fences, parking lot repairs, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Mound, Roseville, Maple Plain, Osseo, Rogers, St. Louis Park, Bloomington, Richfield, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Chanhassen, Deephaven, Excelsior, Mound, Crystal Bay, Golden valley, New Hope, Hopkins, Chaska, Hamel, Orono, Long Lake, Shorewood, Greenwood, Coon Rapids, St. Anthony Village, and West St. Paul, Highland Park, Eagan, Lakeville, Otsego, Monticello, Medina, Corcoran, Dayton, Roseville, Falcon Heights

Professional, Honest "Handyman" in Minneapolis, Minnesota Brings New Life to Home Improvement Projects, Fix-it Jobs and the ‘Honey-do’ List

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:56:10 -0700

HandyPro has made customer satisfaction their number one priority since opening business 1996 Minneapolis, MN--Having a professional bring new life to home improvement projects, fix-it jobs, and the occasional ‘honey-do' tasks is the main appeal of HandyPro Handyman Services, Inc. servicing Hennepin County and surrounding areas in Minnesota. Owner Collin Dickey has made customer satisfaction his number one priority since purchasing his franchise. Collin believes that homeowners deserve to have work done on their homes by honest, experienced, and reputable people. That's why it is important to gain the trust and respect from every customer. After all, HandyPro contractors are invited guests into people's homes and they take that responsibility very seriously. HandyPro employees are carefully screened and go through an intense training session, including hands-on and classroom training. Collin and the other franchised HandyPro Handyman Services in Louisiana, Honolulu, Michigan and Dallas are licensed builders and everyone who works for them are approved by the states they work in. All franchisees are fully bonded and insured. The success of HandyPro Handyman Services is shown in the recent sales figures. July 2007 was the company's best month in their history. That's an interesting statistic considering the slumping economy. But Collin believes that a down economy is often good for business. "Since people are not selling their homes, they're fixing things up," he said. "They are putting in new doors, drywall repairs, shelving, bathroom remodeling, shower tiling, painting, etc." But if customers plan to sell their homes, HandyPro Handyman Services is also the place to turn to. Collin said that cosmetic fixes to a home are "the best thing you can do. Painting is usually the best return on your investment. New fixtures, ceiling fans, updated lighting, and even ensuring that every door opens and closes can be very important, too. He added that his same customers will call 2-3 times each year with requests for something as simple as hanging a picture to remodeling a bathroom. HandyPro Handyman Services' customers are given a one-year guarantee with every job, too. With the fall season approaching, Collin will be busy remodeling bathrooms and basements, painting, making them ready for the customer's holidays. HandyPro offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of building repairs and maintenance. They offer convenience to homeowners at a level of service they deserve- Guaranteed!! Find out more at http://www.handypro.com Contact: Collin Dickey, President HandyPro Professional Handyman Service Phone: 612-823-8128 Email: cdickey@handypro.com Website: http://handypro.com Handyman, paint, drywall, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, gutters, downspouts, seamless gutters, floor tile, home repairs, home improvement, affordable handyman, handyman services, handypro, power washing, cabinet install, cabinet repair, carpenter, ceiling fan install, counter top install, deck repair, deck work, door, door bell install, door repair, drywall repair, drywall company, faucet install, fixture install, interior painting, molding install, painting, wood repair, building inspection, concrete repair, handy man, painter, wall repair, roof repair, contractors, building contractors, tile repair, tile install, exterior repairs, concrete, masonry, sidewalks, porches, patch cracks, repair concrete steps, replace doors and hardware, sliding doors, doorwalls, windows, replacement windows, insulation, blown in insulation, insulate attic, furniture assembly, chimney repair, yard work, trim trees, edging, floor grout, shower/tub grout, sprinkler system, repair broken line, replace sprinkler head, laminate flooring, pressure washing, repair wood fences, parking lot repairs, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Mound, Roseville, Maple Plain, Osseo, Rogers, St. Louis Park, Bloomington, Richfield, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Chanhassen, Deephaven, Excelsior, Mound, Crystal Bay, Golden valley, New Hope, Hopkins, Chaska, Hamel, Orono, Long Lake, Shorewood, Greenwood, Coon Rapids, St. Anthony Village, and West St. Paul, Highland Park, Eagan, Lakeville, Otsego, Monticello, Medina, Corcoran, Dayton, Roseville, Falcon Heights

About HandyPro "Handyman" Services of Minneapolis, Minnesota

Collin Dickey (HandyPro Handyman Services) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:54:03 -0700

HandyPro is a professional handyman service - "The Handymen You Can Trust". We are a licensed residential contractor, carry full liability and Workers' Comp insurance and are bonded. We strive to offer our quality services in a flexible fashion to meet the needs and budgets of our customers. We do a great deal of business with both residential and commercial customers. Services provided - HandyPro does a broad range of services including all types of carpentry, drywall and repair, painting, light plumbing repairs, ceramic tile, doors, locks, windows, etc. We have licensed electricians and plumbers we work with when needed. Rates - Generally we give fixed price estimates for most jobs. If we are doing a number of smaller jobs which are difficult to estimate, we may give a range or charge by the hour. HandyPro has been in business over 5 years (since March of 2003). We are a member of the Better Business Bureau. Our office is in south west Minneapolis, but we serve all of Hennepin County, and most of St. Paul and suburbs. Policies - We strive to show up on schedule, do quality work, clean up after ourselves and treat our clients professionally. All workers have gone through criminal and drivers checks. Differentiators - Professionalism, quality, flexibility and customer satisfaction. We strive to be the Handyman service you can trust. Here are some websites you can check us out on: BBB Company Report for HandyPro: http://www.mnd.bbb.org/commonreport.html?bid=96007094 HandyPro's website: http://handypro.com/pages/MN Best of Citysearch: Best Home Repair 2006: http://twincities.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/2006/home_repair Best of Citysearch: Best Home Repair 2007: http://twincities.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/2007/home_repair Specialties - We specialize in smaller residential and commercial improvements and repairs. In addition to thousands of residential customers, we have many commercial customers we repeatedly work for at retail stores, offices, restaurants and rental properties. I hope this information is useful to you. Please give us a call if you have any questions or would like to schedule the job. We look forward to working with you. Go to our website for more inforamtion about us: http://www.handypro.com Thank you, Collin Dickey President HandyPro Professional Handyman Service 4805 Colfax Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55419 cdickey@handypro.com 612-823-8128 Servicing the following areas and neighboring areas: Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Mound, Roseville, Maple Plain, Osseo, Rogers, St. Louis Park, Bloomington, Richfield, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Chanhassen, Deephaven, Excelsior, Mound, Crystal Bay, Golden valley, New Hope, Hopkins, Chaska, Hamel, Orono, Long Lake, Shorewood, Greenwood, Coon Rapids, St. Anthony Village, and West St. Paul, highland Park, Eagan, Lakeville, Otsego, Monticello, Medina, Corcoran, Dayton, Roseville, Falcon Heights Handyman, paint, drywall, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, gutters, downspouts, seamless gutters, floor tile, home repairs, home improvement, affordable handyman, handyman services, handypro, power washing, cabinet install, cabinet repair, carpenter, ceiling fan install, counter top install, deck repair, deck work, door, door bell install, door repair, drywall repair, drywall company, faucet install, fixture install, interior painting, molding install, painting, wood repair, building inspection, concrete repair, handy man, painter, wall repair, roof repair, contractors, building contractors, tile repair, tile install, exterior repairs, concrete, masonry, sidewalks, porches, patch cracks, repair concrete steps, replace doors and hardware, sliding doors, doorwalls, windows, replacement windows, insulation, blown in insulation, insulate attic, furniture assembly, chimney repair, yard work, trim trees, edging, floor grout, shower/tub grout, sprinkler system, repair broken line, replace sprinkler head, laminate flooring, pressure washing, repair wood fences, parking lot repairs