Blog | Hamied The Handyman

Trash Enclosures: How to Build Your Own Trash Enclosure & Free Plans

admin — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 00:05:30 +0000

A trash enclosure solves more than a few problems. Let’s look at the reasons to have one as well as the tools and materials required to build it. We’ll even point you toward free resources to help with the project, or you can assign the task to yourprofessional handyman.

Reasons to Have a Trash Enclosure

Garbage containers are not the most attractive items. They usually are large and bulky, and they only seem to come in drab colors. Garbage containers also get dirty and worn with use. An enclosure allows you to hide the unsightly items. Trash enclosures also are a must in areas of the country with pesky wildlife. If bears are an issue, the last thing you want to do is leave food waste out that will attract them. While not as dangerous, raccoons, possums and coyotes like to get into garbage containers. Even a loose neighborhood dog can make a mess if determined enough.

Tools and Materials Required to Build a Trash Enclosure

The tools and materials needed to build a trash enclosure for your home will vary by plan. The following are common items on a to-buy list:

Saw
Drill
2-by-4 lumber
Corner posts
Nails and screws
Construction adhesive
Heavy-duty hinges and latches
Handles
Metal flashing to cover seams
Stain
Shovel
Landscaping fabric
Gravel or concrete

The scope of the project will increase significantly if you plan to create a concrete base for the trash enclosure. It’s a good idea to do so, though, in areas of the country that see lots of wet weather. Wheeled garbage containers will get stuck in mud or create a mess down your driveway every time you put the trash out after a soaking rain.

Free Plans for Trash Enclosures

Whether you decide to tackle this project yourself or have your professional handyman take it on, it helps to have a plan in mind. Check out these free options:

The Renovation Headquarters website offers free, downloadable plans for trash enclosures and also for combo enclosures if you would like to add firewood in the same storage area.

Canadian Home Workshop offers a detailed project plan for a trash enclosure that covers materials, tools and step-by-step instructions. You can even print the plans to keep with you as you work. You wouldn’t want to get sawdust on your laptop, after all.

The City of Anaheim, Calif., also posts its requirements for trash enclosures online. It helps residents understand what is and is not allowed, but it also serves as a blueprint for anyone want to build an enclosure.

The Garden Path offers this video, which gives you an overview of a more involved trash enclosure projectthat features a concrete slab. Before getting started on the project yourself or hiring help, check with the appropriate department in your city to learn whether there are any rules you must follow. As with all home projects, whether you take the DIY route or hire a professional depends on several factors. Ask yourself the following questions:

Do I have the skills necessary to do a quality job?
Do I have the tools needed, or will I need to purchase them?
Do I have the time this project will take?

You also should do the math. Ask your professional handyman to provide a quote, then add up the cost of tools and materials you need to purchase. Don’t forget to factor in your time. It has a monetary value, too! Also keep in mind that it will take you much longer to do a job once that a professional does on a regular basis. If you decide to tackle the project yourself, it still doesn’t hurt to ask your professional handyman for advice during his or her next visit.

Hamied The Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.

Pool Safety: Fences and Enclosures Secure Your Pool & Protect Kids

admin — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 00:03:23 +0000

Swimming is a popular activity for both children and grown-ups. Having multiple levels of safety around your pool is the best thing that you can do to help your family stay safe this summer. Preventative tips for pool safety include never leaving any child unattended near water, life vests, pool alarms, swimming with a buddy, and creating a barrier between your child and the pool.

Many pools, especially those that are in-ground, attract children to have unsupervised access to the water. Pool fences or enclosures are key components that prevent small children from being unsupervised in a swimming pool.

Pool fences should be at least 4-feet high, have a self-closing gate, and a latch high enough that a small child cannot reach. Several different types of pool fences are available. These include glass, aluminum, steel, wood and mesh. Though many options are available to home owners most choose mesh fencing for its safety and appearance. This type of pool fence was created for the use around a swimming pool as a preventative measure to keep children out. For this reason the fence is difficult for children to climb, open or crawl under.

The mesh fencing sections range from 6′ to 15′ in length. Each section consists of a number of poles mounted into plastic or aluminum inserts that are drilled into a patio or deck surrounding the pool area. The mesh stretches across each support pole which is normally made of either aluminum or fiberglass. Once installed the fence is made sturdy by the extreme tension it is manufactured and installed under. These fences are easily removable and come in a variety of colors including black, white, green, tan, and brown to blend into or compliment any landscaping. Given the mesh itself is nearly transparent the focus can still be the pool area but allows parents to feel safe with small children around.

Another option to create a safe barrier for children from your pool is an enclosure. Currently there are two main types of pool enclosures. The first is the retractable enclosure and the other is the non-retractable enclosure. These enclosures are limited in color but act like a roof system that can encompasses the entire pool.

You can build a year round pool enclosure with glass or plexi-glass panels or you can build a seasonal enclosure that has the framework with mesh or screen panels. The year round variety will be more expensive, but will also allow you to swim all year round with comfort and safety.

Deciding which barrier option is best is not an obvious decision. We suggest that you decide what will work best for your family and your budget.

How to Build a Window Flower Box for Mother’s Day!

admin — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:07:46 +0000

What mother doesn’t like flowers? One gift that you can give any mom for Mother’s day is the gift of a garden. No matter where you live, whether it be an apartment or house or a condo, most homes can accommodate a window box so you may enjoy a flower garden or an herb garden.
First decide on where you want to place the window boxes. Where your windows are located will determine the amount of available light and the size boxes you can have. You will also want to take this into consideration when choosing what to plant in the boxes.

Once you know where to place the window boxes decide on what type of wood you would like to use. Keep in mind characteristics that will make these long-lasting and look appealing in your landscape. Many wood planters can also be sealed or treated to prevent fading or graying of the wood, so almost any type of wood can be used to build a planter. A few suggestions may include redwood, cypress or pine.

Next, determine the size of the box your window can hold in length, width and depth. The width of the windows determines the final length of the planter. The depth and height should be large enough to hold pots or an amount of dirt that will retain moisture for a few days.

After determining the full width of the planter, cut the front, back and bottom boards to the appropriate length along with the end caps. Lay the bottom piece of wood (bottom of your window box) onto a flat surface. Place the back of the window box flush against the back edge of the bottom piece and secure with glue and nails. Place one end cap of the window box inside making sure to have a perfect angle. Then glue and nail the pieces together. Repeat the same process with the other end cap. Secure the last piece of wood (front of window box) onto the front with glue and nails. Drill a few holes in the bottom of the planter to allow drainage. Sand away any and all rough edges until the box is perfectly smooth on all sides.

If desired, attach a finished piece of finish molding around the top of the box to give it a more polished look. Stain or paint the box the color desired. Finish off with a protective clear acrylic coating that is resistant to the elements.
Line the planter with landscape cloth to keep the dirt from sifting out. Attach the flower box to the house with screws. Add gravel to the bottom of the window flower box to assist in drainage. Fill the box with planting soil and add flowers.

Outdoor Fireplaces | Warm Up Your Deck or Patio with a Gas Fireplace

admin — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:33:36 +0000

Throughout the country, homeowners are increasing their usable living space by finishing outside areas, such as with decks and patios. Some even add the heat of a roaring fire for when temperatures drop at the end of the day. If you wish to do the same, learn more about the different fireplace and fire pit options, then discuss your plans with a professional handyman.

Check Local Laws

Construction of a permanent outdoor fireplace or firepit may fall under city building codes, depending on where you live. There also may be guidelines in place to control the size of the fire, its location, what gets burned and monitoring of the fire. Air quality and burn bans may apply on certain days. Consult your city planning department and local fire department to find out what rules exist before making any decisions.

Decide on a Fireplace or Fire Pit Design

When choosing among the many options, first consider space and budget. A large back yard with finished patio may lend itself to a freestanding fireplace set toward the rear as a focal point. This allows to you set up a living room – complete but for the walls and roof – outdoors. You also may have space for a built-in fire pit. Brick, concrete and/or stone typically make up the materials for permanent fireplaces and pits. In terms of design, the options are seemingly endless and limited only by safety considerations.

If your outside area does not have room for a larger, permanent structure, consider adding a portable fire pit. They come in a variety of materials and designs. Copper and cast-iron fire pits are a common sight in stores, with circular shapes the most common. The housing and grate lid can be simple or ornate in design.

In terms of cost, a permanent structure requires the most investment. These can be simple in design or feature elaborate stonework that increases the cost. Keep in mind, though, that as permanent structures on your property, they can increase the value of your home. Portable fire pits are the least expensive option and also range in price greatly. Expect copper to cost more than cast iron, as copper offers more appeal both in terms of appearance and longevity.

Gas vs. Wood

If opting for a permanent structure, you also must choose what you use to fuel the fire. Let’s look at the pros and cons of gas and wood.

Gas Pros:

You start fires and put them out in most cases with the press of a button.
They burn clean and leave behind no residue.

Gas Cons:

Gas-fueled fires are smaller.
They require installation of a permanent structure, including a gas line if opting for natural gas, which can be cost-prohibitive to many homeowners.

Wood Pros:

Wood-fueled fires are larger.
Wood can be burned in permanent fireplaces and firepits as well as portable fire pits.
Portable fire pits cost must less than permanent structures.

Wood Cons:

Starting fires requires much more than the press of a button, as does putting out the fire.
The smell of burning wood lingers on the structure and people.
Smoke can be bothersome.
Regular cleanup involves disposing of ashes and cleaning out fireplace or fire pit.
Wood storage outside can attract bugs and wild animals.
Burn bans apply.

Once you decide the scale of your fireplace or fire pit project, consult your professional handyman. He or she can guide your plan, helping you make best decisions on location, design and type of fuel. Your handyman also will know the local laws regarding building permanent structures and help you avoid unknowingly breaking the law because you did not fully understand the codes and regulations.