Wall Paper Removal Tricks

I have been removing wallpaper for years and here are my top suggestions:

1. get one of those wallpaper scuffer things. They can now be found with three heads on them.

2. bucket of water

3. a tile sponge with abrasiveness on one side.

4. putty knife or two

5. garbage can - with liner

6. spray bottle for water

7. spray bottle for wallpaper remover stuff

I first quickly peal off as much of the paper that will come off. Each is different, but some come off really easily. Others not so much.

Then I use the scuffer tools. Apply water next and let it get soggy. Peal off as much as you can.

Work in small areas you can keep you with or it will just dry up and you have to rewet and work it again.

For stubborn areas use the wallpaper remover stuff spray. It is stronger in smell than water and does tend to dry faster.

Good Luck and have lots of fun.

Home alert emergency response systems

Recently I was contacted by the family of an elderly woman just returning from a short stay at the hospital. They were concerned for her well-being and were brain-storming ideas to allow her to remain in her home alone, which were her intentions. During her stay she acquired a roommate who had fallen in her home where she also lived alone and was unable to move for a few hours prompting the discussion of a life line system she could contact in an emergency. The family of my client initially utilized the services of the hospital emergency alert system which came with a fee of $30/mo. After doing some research of their own on line they discovered a one-time purchase system that offered many of the same features but required the home occupant to respond to a daily alarm test or friends and relatives would be called automatically to check up on her. The system needed to be installed next to her phone and also had to plug into a source of electricity and also had a battery back-up in case of a power outage. After the initial installation and a couple of call-back follow-ups, my client is very content and feels much safer. As our parents age and wish to stay in their homes by themselves such a system is a great guard against accidents and I highly recommend you investigate that option if you are facing a similar situation with your family.

By Tom Furnstahl - Handyman 2 Your Rescue

Spring cleaning

Spring has arrived and now is a good time to walk around the exterior of your home and inspect for any damages caused over the winter. If you need some minor repairs, I can be of help. Also, take the time to properly store your winter equipment, whether it be shovels, snowshoes, skiis, skates, snowmobiles or snow blowers. Regarding the latter, either empty the gas tanks and dispose of the contents properly or stabilize the fuel. Also, don't forget to fog the cylinders to prevent rust and corrosion. If you are storing a snowmobile, it is recommended that you unhook the drive belt from one of the pulleys to keep it from stretching in the warm temperatures of summer. Take the time to do it now and don't procrastinate or you will get caught up in summertime activities and forget the seasonal change-over.

By Tom Furnstahl - Handyman 2 Your Rescue