Handyman Archives

Garden Fencing – We Care about your security

19th June 2020

Does your garden fencing need some TLC?

It’s official – summer is here! It’s felt like a very long year up until now. We’re finally able to enjoy our gardens a lot more now that lockdown is easing and the sun is shining. And the one thing that we at We Care are always thinking about when we get outside is our garden fencing. So now you’re outside, take a look at yours. How is it looking? Starting to slump slowly? A bit of wood rot here and there? Do you even have a fence anymore?!

Now that you’ve had a good gander, you might be looking to replace some of those broken fence panels or to improve the security of your garden. You may even be thinking of changing the look of your garden, or perhaps you just want some privacy back. In any case, we can help you by installing fences that look great as well as protect the security of your home’s boundary.

Let’s talk wood

Fences are generally a lot cheaper to install than having brick walls built up. They are a more attractive option than brickwork too, and a permanent fixture compared to hoarding or woven bamboo. Garden fencing can come in different styles – such as slat style, which is contemporary but offers less privacy, or the more traditional overlap style. If you want to change the look and feel of your garden, there are many options. Wooden panels can be treated then stained or painted to suit you and the vibe you’re going for.

Your garden, your security

If you are looking to keep pets, children or other loved ones safe, it is important to have secure fencing in place, ideally installed by an experienced garden maintenance technician. They’ll be able to give you the best advice on the best type of fence panels for the job as well as complete the installation to the highest standard.

A garden maintenance technician can advise you on the height and thickness you require for the optimal security and how you can section off or partition your garden with panels or metal railings and balustrades if necessary. Let them know what you would like to achieve by having the fence installed. Do you want to be able to see over it? Do you want plants to climb up it? If so, there are options for heights and trellis attachments to meet your needs.

We repair, we replace

If you already have fences in place that just need replacing, then you might be able to use the existing posts for that fencing. However, we can replace them if they are rotten or broken, as part of the set prices that we offer for replacements. Our garden maintenance technicians like to carry out a free site survey in the first instance so that they can have a chat with you, take a look at your garden and current boundary fences, then give you a quote from there.

Have the fence you fancy

The most popular type of fencing is the classic simple overlap wooden fencing, also known as lap panel fencing. If you prefer we can offer you other styles such as panel boards or specialist designs to make your garden stand out – if that’s your thing! The panels will be installed pre-treated, meaning that a protective coat of wood treatment is applied to them before we even arrive at your home. There are a couple of different ways to treat wood, so do ask your maintenance technician about this and any tips they have for maintaining your fence so that it lasts for years to come.

Fence posts can be either made from timber or concrete. Concrete is, of course, a stronger option requiring no further maintenance like treatment. However, it is a more costly option and arguably less attractive. We aim to install wooden posts or work with the current posts you might have installed to keep the cost down and for them to mirror the wooden panels to be installed. Your garden maintenance technician will happily discuss the pros and cons with you during the initial garden survey.

We’re here to help – even after installation

Should your new fences need to be treated annually or biannually or if you’re considering getting them painted too, don’t forget that we can give you all the advice that you need or even do it for you. Our garden technicians have deep knowledge in all aspects of garden maintenance. There’s nothing they like better than having a chat about ways to improve your garden. With decades of combined experience between them, they are ready for you to test their knowledge and skill.

If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you get the most out of your whole garden as well as the garden fencing, don’t hesitate to drop us a message on Facebook or Twitter. You can send us an email at info@wecr.org.uk to enquire about our gardening team or fill out our contact form here on the website. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Getting your home ready for winter

6th November 2019

Get help to prepare your home for the winter months

As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, it is worth making sure your home is ready for the cold winter months ahead. Freezing temperatures, cold rain, hail and snow can all damage your home. That’s why you need to have the exterior checked for any possible gaps in its defences.

Prevention is always better than cure! So it makes sense to hire a trusted handyman or handywoman to do some basic home maintenance to prepare your home for winter. By getting some help now, you can save on potentially costly damage to your home. Plus, you can also ensure that you stay safe, warm and cosy over the season. Having someone check your house could also help to reduce your heating bills, by ensuring that there are no gaps for the cold to get in. Your home needs to be properly insulated to stay warm all winter long.

Our award-winning handyperson service is ideally suited to help with this sort of home maintenance. We have been helping people to protect their homes for the last 30 years and our service is Trading Standards approved.

How to get ready for winter

There are various things to consider to prepare your house for the winter. We can send round a handyman or handywoman to assess what needs to be done. They will look to do things such as:

Clearing the gutters: water in places it shouldn’t be will damage your property, so we can ensure the gutters are clear of all obstructions including leaves and any debris
Check the roof: we will inspect the roof for wear and tear. We can check for leaks and gaps and ensure the flashing around skylights, pipes and chimneys are intact.
External water pipes: we can check these and consider wrapping them in heating tape to save energy and prevent them from freezing.
Fire safety: if you have a wood burning stove we can inspect, clean and make any repairs needed. We can also get chimneys swept.
Attic insulation: we can check your attic is insulated properly.
Check for drafts: we can check around all doors and windows for any drafts. Caulk any cracks or install weather stripping to prevent cold air coming in and heat being lost.
Outside taps: we can ensure that any outside taps are insulated. If you have an isolator valve, we will close the valve and open the tap so that if the water left in it freezes, it has room to expand.
Paths, patios and driveways: damaged paths and driveways are a hazard anyway, but worsened in freezing temperatures, so we can ensure you go into the winter with a smooth exterior and fix any damaged areas. We can also clean patios, paths and driveways with a pressure washer so they do not become slippery when wet.
Outside lights: we can make sure any outside lights are working correctly so you can see clearly on the dark mornings and afternoons.
Tidy the garden: the autumn is the time to cut back any trees, shrubs and bushes. Not only because it’s better for them but also to prevent any damage to the house. We can also pop over during the autumn to clear up the leaves as they drop.

How We Care Home Improvements can help

Our handyperson service is set up to help with exactly this kind of home maintenance, and we have been helping people with their homes for over 30 years. You can completely trust our handymen and handywomen, who are all Trading Standards Approved.

Get in touch

Our customer service representatives can often provide a quote over the phone. If not, we will arrange for a Handyman or Handywoman to visit you for a free survey.

Give us a call on 0300 323 0700 for a no-obligation chat with our team. We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Or, ask for a free quote and we will get in touch with you.

Keeping your gutters clear – an essential part of home maintenance

10th September 2019

The importance of keeping your gutters clear

Gutters aren’t something we spend a great deal of time thinking about. However, they are a very important part of the house as they exist to protect your home from rainwater. During a storm, the rain runs off the roof into the gutters and down the drainpipes into the drains below. By doing this your windows, doors and foundations are all being protected from water damage.

So gutters play such a crucial role in protecting your home. You need to keep them clear of any debris that will prevent them from working effectively. Experts recommend clearing your gutters twice a year, in both spring and autumn. You should consider doing it more frequently if your roof is directly beneath trees or you live in an area prone to storms.

It is important to do this piece of home maintenance because not clearing your gutters regularly can lead to serious problems.

Slippery walkways

Excess water can end up sitting on walkways and driveways if it’s not being channelled into the drains by your gutters. This has the potential to create a dangerous slip hazard. Algae that forms from moisture can make paths slippery, and in winter, water turning to ice can also make surfaces difficult to walk on.

Roof damage

Gutters that are blocked can actually cause roof damage too. That’s because the water sits against the edge of your roof and can damage both the surface and underlying materials. Many instances of roofs rotting are due to blocked gutters. You should avoid it getting this far at all costs because roof repairs can be expensive and a major inconvenience.

Walls, windows and doors damage

Your gutters protect your walls, windows and doors from the rainfall. If they are not protected they are susceptible to damage. They are not designed to sustain prolonged and direct rainfall. You can tell there is a problem if you see any warping or rotting.

Getting your gutters cleared professionally

Gutter clearing handyman — We Care handy person service

You can avoid all of these problems by hiring someone to clean your gutters twice a year. Someone regularly maintaining your gutters means that they should be straightforward to clear.

If it is raining and water is running down the side of your house then your gutters are blocked and you need a professional to clear them quickly. Equally, if you notice leaking or sagging gutters, be sure to get them looked at as soon as possible.

How We Care Home Improvements can help

Our handyperson service is set up to help with exactly this kind of home maintenance, and we have been helping people with their homes for over 30 years. You can completely trust our handypeople. They are all Trading Standards Approved, as well as Trusted Assessors.

If you have any concerns please call us to talk to one of our friendly experts. You can book our handyperson service to clear your gutters, or you can arrange for a free survey for any major repairs.

Get in touch

Call us on 0300 323 0700 for a no-obligation chat with our team. We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Alternatively, you can send us a message and we will get in touch with you.

About We Care Home Improvements

We’re a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to improve the homes of older people and those with disabilities. Our aim is for people to live comfortably and independently at home for as long as they choose. We specialise in accessible bathrooms, home adaptations, handyperson services, occupational therapy and home independence products.

Our handyperson service is Trading Standards Approved. We are an approved supplier to Bristol, Bath & NE Somerset and Gloucestershire councils, so you can be sure that our work is of a very high standard. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust us to keep your home in tip-top shape.

6 tips for choosing a reliable handyperson

15th April 2019

Handyman

Are you looking for a reliable handyperson to do some jobs around your home?

Whether it’s fixing a leaking tap, cleaning out the guttering or changing a light switch it can be hard to find a reliable handyperson you can trust to do the work. And if the work is for an elderly close relative and you don’t live in the area it can be even harder. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to minimise the risk and keep stress levels to a minimum.

1. Get more than one quote

But remember cheapest is not always best. Three quotes will give you an idea of the market price and is a good way to ensure you are not being overcharged. At the same time be wary of any quote that is suspiciously low as you don’t want someone who is going to cut corners or use cheap materials. Which takes us to our next point…

2. Do your research

Ask friends or relatives if they can recommend a reliable handyperson. You can also check what people are saying online. Most organisations will have been reviewed by previous customers on Google or Facebook.

3. Look for independent approval

Choosing an organisation that has been assessed and approved by an external body such as the Buy with Confidence scheme from Trading Standards Approved or Which magazine can give you some reassurance as to the good standing of the organisation. Some organisations such as ourselves have long-standing relationships with local councils which can also be a mark of trustworthiness.

4. Don’t be intimidated and do ask questions

If the handyperson or customer service representative is using language you don’t understand then tell them and ask can they give it to you in layman terms. An organisation that cares about its customers will understand this and adjust their lingo accordingly.

5. Go with your gut instinct

If someone makes you uncomfortable either over the phone or face to face, then it’s unlikely you’ll be able to relax when they doing work are in your home. And it is your home. It’s important that you feel at ease in your own residence.

6. Don’t pay until the job is done

This is an important one and one you should absolutely stick to. Never pay a handyperson in full up front unless you know they are trustworthy from experience. However, there may be times when a deposit or an advanced payment for materials is appropriate.

How we can help

We Care have been in the home maintenance business for over 30 years and we’re pleased to say that our handyperson service is Trading Standards Approved and our handymen can handle a multitude of different jobs. We are an approved supplier to Bristol, Bath & NE Somerset and Gloucestershire councils, so you can be sure that our work is of a very high standard.

To find out more visit our Handy Person service page. Or call us on 0300 323 0700 for a no-obligation chat with our team.