Bye, Bye Woodpecker

 To me, the only thing funny about woodpeckers is watching them in cartoons.  When woodpeckers choose our homes as drilling sites, all humor is lost to noise and nuisance.  These birds drill for a variety of reasons: to attract mates, to forage insects, or to create storage and nests.  Generally, they drill on homes made of wood or with wood siding, especially of redwood or cedar.   Typically, holes in homes or buildings are caused by only one or two woodpeckers.  Once a woodpecker claims your home as its territory, getting rid of it can be very difficult.  While we may find their behavior a nuisance, woodpeckers make many beneficial contributions to nature.  Since woodpeckers are non-game birds protected by law, keep in mind that your goal is to move them, not destroy them.

 First on your to-do list should be to have your house checked for pests (ex. termites, hornets and bees), which attract woodpeckers.   Woodpeckers also eat fruits, berries and nuts.  If you have a fruit bearing tree in your yard, make sure it is trimmed away from the house.  In the past, I have tried banging on the inside of the wall opposite where the woodpeckers drill without much luck.  Here are some other ideas that may help get them to stop:

• place strips of reflective tape or aluminum foil on the guttering
• scare the woodpeckers by hanging a colorful wind sock, a scare eye balloon, or aluminum pie pans near the area they are drilling
•  purchase a model owl or hawk and place near the area of concern
•  hang plastic, metal or nylon mesh sheets over the drilling area
•  use a squirt gun or water hose to spray the woodpeckers with water
•  attach metal or plastic sheeting over the drilling site
•  nail or staple chicken wire or wire mesh over pecked areas
•  frighten the woodpeckers away with a toy cap gun
•  camouflage metal, plastic or nylon deterrents that you've place by painting them the same color as your house           

Most damage from woodpeckers is too extensive to repair with just a patch.   Many times, homeowners neglect repairing woodpeckers' damage and another creature takes up residence in holes drilled by the woodpecker.  Replacing the damaged portions is really the only way to prevent wood rot, deterioration and infestation.

It’s important to note that there are over 200 species of woodpeckers in North America, and all are protected by federal law.  Shooting or harming them is forbidden, and trapping is discouraged and usually not successful.  Try outsmarting your woodpecker and you’ll be the one doing all the laughing!

10 Spring Kitchen Clean-up Tips

Spring is the time for baseball, blooms, and of course cleaning.  These ten tips will guide you through this year's kitchen clean-up. 

1. Harsh, expensive chemicals aren't needed to bust dirt and grime.  For a natural, healthy alternative use lemon juice, baking soda, cake soap and vinegar as substitutes.

    

2. Clear out your refrigerator and give it a proper cleaning.  Use water and baking soda to remove stains and deodorize.  Discard any expired food and add a fresh, open box of baking soda.  Scrub the outside with soap and water.  Finally, unplug the unit and vacuum the condenser coils to remove dirt and dust.

    

3. Ovens, stoves and vent hoods can get filthy fast.  Use soap and water to clean the cook-top, burners and knobs.  Remove the knobs first to get all the dirt behind them.  Next, deep clean the over, as described in your owner's manual.  Finally, wipe the outside of your vent hood with hot soapy water, then remove itÃ�¢ï¿½ï¿½s filter and soak in hot soapy water to remove grease.  Rinse and dry before replacing.

    

4. Wipe cabinets to remove grease.  Use a sponge and warm soapy water to clean hinges, handles and pulls.   For stubborn muck, use a toothbrush to loosen and then wipe clean with sponge.

    

5. Remove dishes and utensils from drawers and cabinets.  Wipe clean and then replace lining if needed.  Run any items rarely used through the dishwasher.

    

6. Clean crevices around your faucet and sink with a toothbrush and white vinegar mixed with water.  Buff dry with a soft cloth.  Re-caulk if needed.

    

7. Deodorize your drains and garbage disposal.  Pour Ã�½ cup baking soda, Ã�½ cup ice and Ã�½ sliced lemon into the disposal.  Run until dissolved.   For drains, pour in Ã�½ cup baking soda and Ã�½ cup white vinegar, cover drain and let stand for 5 minutes, then flush with warm water.

    

8. Dishwashers get dirty fast.  Wipe surfaces clean with warm soapy water.  Run one cycle with 2 tablespoons of citric acid and Ã�½ cup vinegar.

    

9. Small appliances get grungy, too.  To clean your spice or coffee grinder run Ã�½ cup of uncooked rice through to collect oils and particles.  For particularly dirty grinders, run a second cycle with one tablespoon of baking soda.  Wipe completely.

    

10. Soak your garbage pail with Ã�½ cup lemon juice and 1 quart of hot water.  Rinse and dry thoroughly.

     

Even the cleanest of homes needs a proper spring clean-up.  Regardless of the size of your home, there are cleaning details that shouldn't be overlooked.  Remember, spring time is the best time to get your home in tip-top shape.

Knowing how to get the most from your contractor and the types of questions to ask will ease your stress and increase efficiency.  These few tips will guide you in working with your contractor.

1. Price isn't everything.  A contractor with a low price isn't a deal if the product or workmanship isn't at the level you expect.

    

2. Feel free to ask what type of guarantee the contractor will offer on your improvement project. 

    

3. Only use contractors that are properly insured.  If the contractor is not properly insured, you run the risk of liability if an accident occurs. 

    

4. If the contractor you use has employees, be sure they carry workman's compensation insurance so you are not liable for an injured employee.

    

5. Get an estimate in writing and specify that all changes must be in writing and signed by both the homeowner and the contractor.

    

6. Never pay the entire estimate upfront.  On large jobs it's fair to pay 25-50% to cover materials.  Only pay the remainder when the work is complete and you are satisfied with the finished project.

    

7. Keep a daily journal during your project.  Include notes on the progress of the work, conversations and times, and attendance.

    

Every home needs repair services from time to time and there are many details to cover when planning your project. Regardless of the size of your project or the value of your home, working with the right contractor can make all the difference.

Working with your contractor...

Often, homeowners think they've planed everything for their remodeling project in advance: a budget has been prepared, materials selected, and a contractor has been chosen.  But even with all this planning, living through the project can be difficult.  House Help has put together some helpful tips to help ease your stress and provide a better living environment for you and your contractor.

1. Know the earliest time workers will arrive and how late they may stay.  Make a note on your family calendar so everyone will know when to expect your guests.
2. Instruct your workers where they may park and which entrance to be used.  Also, don't forget to identify exactly which person on the crew will have the keys to your home.
3. If you have small pets or children, discuss how you will handle things like open doors and nap times.
4. Most remodeling is messy; ask your contractor where materials, tools and equipment will be stored and when cleaning will take place.  Communicate any expectations or concerns you may have regarding the mess or supplies.  If you would like the job site cleaned at the end of each day, be sure to specify this with your contract.  Also, ask your contractor what tools and materials will be left on site during the project.   It may be necessary to designate a space in your garage or home for material storage during the remodeling.
5. Cover all home basics with the workers, such as telephone access, which bathrooms they may use, where they may take their lunch breaks, and which areas of the home are off limits. 
6.  Protect your valuables!  During your remodeling project consider renting a storage unit or taking valuables, antiques and other personal items to a friend's home.  Most contractors will use protective coverings for your furniture and carpeting free of charge,  but double-check before the project starts to avoid any extra costs.
7. Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.
8. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
9. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
10. Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.
11. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
12. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
13.  Protect your valuables!  During your remodeling project consider renting a storage unit or taking valuables, antiques and other personal items to a friend's home.  Most contractors will use protective coverings for your furniture and carpeting free of charge,  but double-check before the project starts to avoid any extra costs.
14. Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.
15. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
16. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
17. Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.
18. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
19. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
20. Cover all home basics with the workers, such as telephone access, which bathrooms they may use, where they may take their lunch breaks, and which areas of the home are off limits. 
21.  Protect your valuables!  During your remodeling project consider renting a storage unit or taking valuables, antiques and other personal items to a friend's home.  Most contractors will use protective coverings for your furniture and carpeting free of charge,  but double-check before the project starts to avoid any extra costs.
22. Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.
23. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
24. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
25. Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.
26. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
27. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
28.  Protect your valuables!  During your remodeling project consider renting a storage unit or taking valuables, antiques and other personal items to a friend's home.  Most contractors will use protective coverings for your furniture and carpeting free of charge,  but double-check before the project starts to avoid any extra costs.
29. Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.
30. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
31. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
32. Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.
33. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   
34. Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   

Well, that's all for today.   Thanks for listening, and if you have any comments about the show, or ideas for future episodes, please send House Help an email:  podcast@freehousehelp.org.  To learn more about how House Help connects homeowners with reliable quality contractors, logon to our website, www.freehousehelp.org.