Category: Painting & Handyman Blog

Ceiling fans can make your home a more comfortable place to live in every season. These machines are comparatively simple, but they still have the potential to develop mechanical or electrical problems. Here’s what you can do if the blades stop spinning:

Controls

Many units are controlled by a pull chain as well as a wall switch. Confirm that both controls are turned on. The chain usually switches power on and off in addition to setting the rotation speed.

Lights

Do the ceiling fan’s built-in lights still work? If not, you probably have an electrical problem. Check to see if this fixture has blown a fuse or caused a circuit breaker to trip.

Although this isn’t very likely, it’s feasible that a major power surge has damaged your fan or a necessary part of your electrical system. Find out if any other devices in your home have also stopped functioning.

On the other hand, perhaps the blades won’t spin but the lights remain usable. This likely indicates that there’s a problem with the motor or mechanism. You may need to repair or replace the equipment.

Warranties

When you can’t find a way to make a fan start spinning again, look at its documentation to see if it remains under warranty. You might be surprised to learn that some home warranty providers also cover these fixtures.

If your equipment is no longer protected by any type of guarantee, think about replacing it. Repairs usually aren’t economical, and a high-quality new unit may last two to three decades. It might also look better and produce less noise.

Our professionals supply and install dependable ceiling fans with attractive designs. We can also set up a unit that you’ve already purchased. Please contact our helpful staff to learn more about our affordable pricing and top-notch customer service.

Bathrooms are living zones of frequent use and necessity. Remodeling your bathroom can not only greatly increase the functionality of the space, but it can also prevent costly maintenance in the future. There are key signs that show it’s time for bathroom remodeling. Check them out below.

Funky & Outdated Colors

In the 70s, people thought pea green was a great color for walls, even in bathrooms. In the 80s, one of the biggest design trends included obnoxiously colorful wallpaper (think hot pink and electric blue) featuring giant flowers or abstract designs. And the tile colors of the 50s? Let’s just say they weren’t always the best choices compared to the modern options we have nowadays.

Funky, outdated colors stand-out a lot in small spaces such as bathrooms. While there are design masterminds who can work well with just about anything, starting over with a clean, efficient, modern remodel is often the best option for those who don’t want to pay a fortune.

Mildew & Mold

If you’re frequently having to wipe away, or scrub, mildew and mold from bathroom surfaces such as floors, walls, cabinets, and ceilings, it’s probably time for a remodel. From compromised seals on old toilets and leaky faucets to poor ventilation and lighting, an outdated bathroom is a key cause of mold.

If you don’t see mold, but your bathroom still smells musty and dank, or your old cabinets are moist to the touch, it’s likely that mold is hiding and growing somewhere in your bathroom. The quicker mildew and mold are addressed, the less damage it will cause to your bathroom (and your health) over time.

Dingy, Worn & Discolored Surfaces

Eventually, older bathtubs and sinks will lose the shine and sleekness of their ceramic coatings, becoming dingy, dull, and oftentimes discolored. They become nearly impossible to clean, always looking dirty. Bathroom flooring can also become dingy from constant use and moisture, creating whitish-gray patches of wear and tear, as well as scratches, peeling, and even loss of attachment to the sub-flooring.

Addressing these issues with a bathroom remodel is a great way to enhance the appearance of your bathroom, as well as the overall market value of your home.

To explore bathroom remodeling options, Excellent American Painting is here to help. Contact us today!

There comes a time when you need to think about replacing the windows in your home. There are several reasons why you may need to replace your windows, but in any situation calling a professional and having them remove them and install the new ones for you is the best way to go. Here are three important reasons to replace your windows.

They Are Leaking 

If you notice that your windows are leaking whenever it rains, snows, etc., then this is a big sign that they need to be replaced. When a window begins to leak, the seal is no longer in place like it needs to be. The frame around the window may also be warped so that it doesn’t seal off like it is supposed to. In either case, replacing the window with a new one is a great way to solve this issue for you.

They Are Letting The Cold In 

If your windows are letting a great deal of cold air into your home during the winter, this is a sign that you need to have them replaced. They may no longer be sealed properly, or the single pane window may simply not be thick enough to keep the cold air out. Replacing these windows with double or triple pane windows that are properly sealed, will help to stop the cold air from coming in and can also save you a great deal of money on your energy cost. This makes installing a new window a very cost effective option.

They Are Cracked

If you notice any amount of cracks in your window, then you should definitely have it replaced. These cracks will often become worse and splinter out whenever there is a change in weather from warm to cold, or vice versa. This can make your window unsafe and doesn’t allow it to function like it should. Replacing this window allows you to have a safe and functional window once again.

To learn more excellent reasons to replace your windows, or to have one or more of your windows replaced today, visit us at Excellent America Painting.

If you are in need of some home repairs, then you may be tempted to try and do them yourself. However, this is often not the best option for you. Instead, you should consider hiring a professional for your general home repairs. Here are three excellent reasons why this is your best option.

They Have Specialized Skills 

One awesome reason to hire a professional for your general home repairs is because they have such specialized skill sets. They know what is needed to properly perform your home repairs, and they will make sure that they are done right the very first time. This helps you to make sure that the problem doesn’t occur again and can make for a very positive experience for you.

They Know What Permits Are Necessary And What Codes Must Be Met 

When you hire a professional to perform your home repairs for you, they have a big advantage because they know all the necessary permits that are required to finish your repair properly. They will also make sure that all the repair work is up-to-code, so that you don’t have any issues with home safety or other protocols.

They Get You The Best Quality Materials For The Best Price 

A professional is going to do all that they can to not only get you the best quality materials, but also get them for you for the best price possible. They are able to do this because they can buy the materials in bulk amounts to complete all of their different projects, thus saving you money. They may also have access to other discounts because of their profession.

To learn more reasons why you should hire a professional for your general home repairs, or to hire a professional today, visit us at Excellent American Painting & Handyman Service.

If you are looking to create a gorgeous farmhouse kitchen in your home, the great news is that this is totally possible for you. A kitchen remodel can help to completely redo your kitchen, to make it look exactly how you’d like. Here are three great kitchen remodeling ideas to create the perfect kitchen.

Add An Apron Skirt Sink 

One of the staples of a farmhouse kitchen is an apron skirt sink. This type of sink is large like a basin, which resembles the sinks of older times. The skirt on the front of the sink sticks out further than your cabinets and has a gorgeous ripple design. They are also made out of a gorgeous white porcelain that makes them unique from other sinks. This makes the sink a statement piece in your kitchen, which also helps to make it a focal point.

Paint Your Cabinets White 

Another great remodeling idea to create a farmhouse kitchen is to paint all of your cabinets white. The white cabinets are traditional of the farmhouse style of kitchen, and they help to really open up the space. If your cabinets are currently darker, they will need to be professionally sanded down and then painted with a gorgeous, glossy white paint color.

Install Wood Floors 

The final touch to this type of kitchen is the installation of your wood floors. Using real hardwood is reminiscent of the floors that were installed in the farmhouse kitchens long ago, and going with a lighter color can help to keep your kitchen bright and open. If you’d like to add more wood to your farmhouse kitchen, you can also consider building a wooden bench, or going with wood countertops.

To learn more kitchen remodeling ideas to create the perfect kitchen, or to start your kitchen remodel today, visit us at Excellent American Painting & Handyman Service.

The latest trends in bathroom vanity and sink installation can make spending time at home more pleasant. Here are 5 ways to do something nice for yourself by upgrading your bathroom.

Use Neutral Colors:

Gray, white, and other neutral colors are attractive and practical. They’re easy to work with when you redecorate or want to sell your home. While black is also fashionable, you may want to use it in small amounts if you have a small bathroom.

Install Double Vanities and Sinks:

Doubling up on bathroom sinks may cost a little more, but it will make getting ready in the morning so much more pleasant. That’s especially true when you and your partner always seem to need the bathroom at the same time. If you’re concerned about losing storage space, try a single basin with 2 faucets so you only need one drain underneath.

Switch to Open Shelves:

A vanity with open shelves can transform your bathroom into a luxury spa. It doesn’t take much effort or expense to keep your toiletries in stylish containers, and display some flowers and objects. You may even want to fold your towels into cute animal shapes like a boutique hotel.

Install Floating Vanities:

Update any bathroom quickly with a floating vanity. They make cleaning easier, and they make your bathroom look bigger because of the added floor space. You can even adjust the height for maximum comfort.

Choose Nickel Hardware:

Nickel is holding strong as a popular choice for faucets and other hardware. Satin or brushed, it’s relatively inexpensive and has a durable finish that’s easy to clean. On the other hand, stainless steel is still a winner too. It’s shiny, low maintenance, and easy to match with other products.

Contact us at Excellent American Painting & Handyman Services for the one call solution to all your home improvement needs. We provide quality workmanship at affordable prices in the Frisco, Texas area.

TO PAINT OR TO STAIN

Painting can be a tricky area. No one homeowner has the same taste in color and there are thousands of possible combinations to choose from. Stains are another good way to change the color of your cabinets, but it depends on the type of material your cabinets are made of. If you have fine wood with little knots, consider staining it. You can give your cabinets great character by letting the stain show off your wood’s grain. If you have a lot of knots, consider sticking with paint. A thick paint can make even the worst of wood look great.

PROPERLY PREP THE AREA

Clear the area of any items. Paint splatters, spills and drip, so you should definitely move your stuff to a safe distance or to an entirely different room altogether. Always use drop cloths wherever your cabinets are, otherwise you run the risk of having the paint permanently stain your carpet, tiles or whatever surface you have. You can mitigate a potential disaster by having a damp rag nearby.  If you’re working near glass and the paint dries up before you could get to it, don’t panic. Make sure you have a scraper handy and just lightly get the paint off. Don’t use too much force, otherwise, you run the risk of scratching the glass.

PREP THE CABINETS

Always remove whatever doors, handles, hinges, or drawers that come with the cabinet to ensure a more even paint job. Then, you sand or scrape the cabinets down. If you decide to scrape the cabinets, use a good carbide scraper when removing paint or a stain. If you want to sand it down, use sandpaper anywhere from 80 to 150 grit, it depends on how many Orbits your sander makes per minute (typical ranges are from 11000 – 15000). If you must use a power sander, have a shop vac running in one hand and the sander in another. Some sanders have a bag attachment which collects dust. This can be removed and have an shop vac attachment instead, you can even get an adaptor if the shop vac and sander don’t match size. When cleaning the dust off the cabinets, use tack cloth. Then it’s time to change its color!

This type of project is not for the faint of heart, for most it is advisable to hire a professional to do it. If you have any questions, please give us a call

It is very important that your sprinkler system functions as it should in order to ensure that your grass stays thick and green. If your sprinkler systems are not working properly, then you are going to have issues with your grass growing as it should. Thankfully, there are professionals who can help you when something goes wrong with your sprinkler system. Here are three signs that you need professional sprinkler system repair.

Your Sprinkler Head Is Cracked

If your sprinkler head is cracked, you will notice that it doesn’t spray out of the head as it normally would. The water will instead shoot in random directions, often missing the spot that it is supposed to water all together. If this has happened to one or more of your sprinkler heads, it is a good idea to call a professional right away. They will be able to replace your sprinkler heads for you and get them functioning as they should once again.

Poor Water Pressure

If you notice that you have poor water pressure when you turn on your sprinkler system, this could be a sign of a more serious issue going on underneath the ground. You may have a pipe that is cracked, or you may have a clog in your irrigation pipes, such as a rock, dirt, etc. The longer this is left unchecked, the more damage that can occur. The best course of action in this situation is to call a professional and have them come and discover what the issue is and then fix it for you.

Your Irrigation Clock Isn’t Functioning Properly

One of the most important features of your sprinkler system is your irrigation clock. This is the clock that regulates your sprinklers and controls when they turn on, in what order they turn on, and how long they water. If you notice that your sprinklers aren’t functioning as they should, this may be a sign of an issue with your irrigation clock. Calling a professional to repair your clock is the best way to get it functioning as it should as soon as possible.

To learn more, visit us at Excellent American Painting & Handyman Service.

Having a hardwood floor in your home is an amazing investment. You have a beautiful floor that lasts you for many years. However, overtime your hardwood floor may need to be repaired. This is quite normal and hiring a professional allows you to get your floors looking as good as new once again. Here are three signs that you need to have your hardwood floors repaired.

You Have Warped Boards

If you notice that one or more of your hardwood boards have started to warp, then this is a sign that you need to have them replaced. This warping is often caused by water damage to the wood and can cause the wood to become both unsafe and unsightly. A professional will be able to replace all the wood boards that have become warped, which will leave your floor looking beautiful again.

Your Floor Is Over 20 Years Old 

If your hardwood floor is over 20 years old, then it is likely time for you to have it refinished. The finish on your hardwood floors protects it from a great deal of damage and deterioration, so you want to make sure that you have a strong finish in place. A professional can refinish your entire hardwood floors for you and give your floor new life once again.

Your Hearing Creaking Sounds When Walking

If you notice that your hardwood floor makes a lot of creaking noises when you walk on it, this is another sign that repair is needed. The boards tend to become creaky when they are loose. The solution to this problem is to have a professional come to your home and tighten all the loose boards for you.

To learn more signs that you need to have your hardwood floors repaired, or to hire a professional today, visit us at Excellent American Painting & Handyman Service.

All too often we ignore little repairs that come up in our homes. We think, “It’s just a little thing, it can wait…” However, those little repairs can turn into big repairs. We all know how stressful a massive repair is, so it is better to take care of the problem when we first spot it.

How Do Drywall Issues Arise?

One type of issue you shouldn’t ignore is the drywall in your home. Sometimes we may overlook these little issues, but they are important. Let’s take a look at some reasons you may need drywall repairs today.

There are several reasons why you may need drywall repairs done in your home. One of the most common reasons is simply time. Over time houses settle and the natural placement of the house shifts causing the drywall to crack.

Sometimes it’s something as simple as a nail you put into the wall has caused the drywall to crack open. These cracks, though small at first, grow over time. This is why it is so important to start the process of fixing it right away. You will only have bigger problems down the line once those little cracks turn into big ones.

There are other reasons, too, that cause drywall to become damaged. They can range from plumbing issues to wallpaper, and everything in between.

Why Should You Get Your Drywall Repaired

So why should you get these repairs done? The problem with cracks and holes in your drywall is that they make it easier for moisture to get inside the walls. Moisture inside the wall is detrimental. It will eat away at your house, and nobody wants that.

Drywall repairs should not be ignored, so if you see something wrong with your drywall be sure to call a professional who can take care of the issue quickly. This will save you numerous headaches in the future. By taking care of your drywall issues when you first spot them you are preventing any further damage from happening. Instead of dealing with several issues you’ll only be dealing with one: the drywall.

If you need help, or want more information, please contact us! We use our expertise to help you through this process and to fix all the issues you may have. We can’t wait to hear from you!