Novak Home and Handyman Services

Novak Home and Handyman Services

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Window Treatment Installation – Venetian Blinds vs. Roller Blinds

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While you may be tempted to get out your drill and ladder to put up your blinds yourself, it is a specialist’s job that requires a professional’s services.

On their own, windows are not always aesthetically appealing. But, dress them in some blinds or curtains and, all of a sudden, the look and feel of your entire house changes. Not to mention, blinds also allow you to control the amount of light you want in a room and give you some privacy.

While blinds can drastically improve your house’s appearance, shopping for them isn’t always that fun. If you have two great options and don’t know which one is better, it can get tiring really fast.

Whatever your issue, Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC can help! Your satisfaction is our priority!

How to Choose Between Venetian and Roller Blinds

Both options have their pros and cons. Ask yourself these questions to find out if Venetian blinds or roller blinds work best for you:

How Much Light Do You Want?

If you want to have complete control over the amount of light that gets in a room, then Venetian blinds are the right answer. You can adjust the slats’ angle and control the amount of light entering a room while also allowing enough air ventilation. You will have to keep in mind, though, that the slats don’t shut off completely, so there will still be some sun rays slipping through the cracks.

On the other hand, Roller blinds don’t provide as much control, but they are better at keeping the light out. When you shut them, you can have complete darkness in your room during the day as they don’t let any sun rays find their way inside.

What’s Your Style?

You may love the way Venetian blinds look, but do they really go with the decor of your house? Venetian blinds add a minimal feel to a house, while roller blinds tend to become the room’s focal point. Choose a type of blinds that completes your design, not clashes with it.

What About Practicality?

There are a few practical aspects you need to consider too before choosing your blinds. For example, how much space do you want the blinds to take up? While you can custom design them to fit any window shape, the reality is that Venetian blinds are bulkier and take up a lot more space than roller blinds.

There’s also the issue of cleaning and maintenance. Venetian blinds are quite straightforward: you have to dust and wash each slat. On the other hand, roller blinds are made from fabric, so you will need to hand wash them with a mild detergent.

Window Treatment Installers in St. Louis

If you are considering having new blinds or other window treatments installed, Novak Home Services can help! While you may be tempted to get out your drill and ladder to put up your blinds yourself, it is a specialist’s job that requires a professional’s services.

Installing blinds and shades yourself is a time-consuming job that you may not have time for. And if you don’t have the right tools, it can end up costing you a lot in the long run. Finally, if your windows are tall or high up, doing it yourself can be a dangerous job as well.

Call Novak Home Services Today

Whatever your project, trust Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC to bring new life to your home.

(314) 279-8300 

Kitchen Handyman – Are You Considering An Induction Stove?

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With over 30 years of experience in the construction and remodeling industries, we can have your new stove installed correctly.

Buying a new stove can be quite the process given how many options there are available these days, but when you’re also considering switching to an induction stove, you may have many questions.

Induction stoves are basically flat surfaces equipped with heaters. The coils are powered by electromagnetic energy that activates when the iron in your cookware touches the surface. As the iron particles agitate, it causes the pan to heat up quickly. It’s an incredibly energy-efficient and safe way to cook, but is it right for you?

Induction Stove Pros

  1. It’s Faster – Unlike gas or electric stoves, induction stoves heat up fast because you don’t have to wait for an outside heat source to start warming up the pans and pots. It happens from within, in a sense.
  2. It’s Energy-Efficient – Induction stoves are a lot greener than their alternatives. With gas or electric stoves, some of the energy is lost during transmittance, which is a waste for all intents and purposes. Not only is that not very Earth-friendly, but it also drives up your bills quite a bit.
  3. Fewer Fire Hazards – As long as it’s not iron, you can put virtually any other materials on the surface without worrying that it will be ruined or, worse, catch on fire.
  4. They Are Easy to Install – You can fit them on higher surfaces, or even lower ones, so finding a spot for them in your kitchen isn’t a problem. Their versatility also makes them accessible for people with disabilities, who may not have a stove in a conventional location.

Induction Stoves Cons

  1. They Are an Investment – They can save you money long-term, but they are a bit more expensive than gas or electric stoves since the technology is fairly new. As it becomes more popular, however, prices are bound to drop.
  2. You Need Special Cookware – Many people don’t know what their cookware is made of, but if you are going to purchase an induction stove, you are about to find out. By design, you can only use iron cookware. That’s not usually a problem with newer models, such as stainless steel ones, but for the older ones, you can test them with a magnet to see if they’re induction-friendly!
  3. They Have a Learning Curve – Induction stoves heat up a lot faster, which means they take some getting used to. You may have some trial and error in getting your food not to overcook at first!

Kitchen Handyman – Stove Installation

If you need your new stove installed, Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC can help. With over 30 years of experience in the construction and remodeling industries, we can have your new stove installed correctly.

Call Novak Home Services Today

Whatever your project, trust Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC to bring new life to your home.

(314) 279-8300 

5 Things a Professional Interior Painter Never Does

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As interior painters with over 30 years of experience, we at Novak Home Services know all too well what can happen when a paint job is done unprofessionally.

Most people underestimate the amount of work that should be put into an interior painting job. Expert interior painters make many preliminary preparations and educated choices on the colors, types of paint, and other details to achieve a professional result that lasts for years and matches the owner’s initial vision.

If you want to evaluate a paint job done by an interior painter you hired, there are 5 things a professional would never do.

Not Testing What They Are Painting Over

One of the first steps to take before the whole painting job begins is determining what they’ll be painting over. A simple test patch with rubbing alcohol will tell them if the old paint is oil or latex-based. The type of paint they are dealing with is crucial in the preparations that follow.

Painting Without Proper Cleaning and Preparing of the Wall

Applying paint on a wall that wasn’t cleaned and repaired properly can compromise the entire process. Dirty walls will cause the new paint to chip, crack, or be patchy. Proper preparation includes deep cleaning with proper products, repairing any uneven areas, cracks, or holes, stripping the old paint off, applying the right kind of primer, and leaving enough time between the steps to allow the walls to dry completely.

Skipping the Second Layer of Paint

As homeowners, we get it: you want your painting job to be finished as soon as possible. Having a house full of masking tape, plastic, and paint cans are unpleasant, but your interior painter has to be strict about the paint job’s quality.

If the second layer of paint is skipped to save money, time, or effort, the final result will not be satisfying.

Using Cheap Tools and Products

Finding an affordable interior painting service is any owner’s intention, but compromising the paint job’s quality for a few extra bucks is not worth it in the long-term. Cheap tools can create streaks and uneven layers of paint, which will show in the end result.

Cheap paint is also problematic, as it might need extra layers for being pigmented enough, and it won’t perform as well as higher-priced paint.

Skipping the Taping

You might think that a professional interior painter doesn’t need taping before applying the paint. While they will surely have a steady hand with their painting tools, the tape is still needed to protect other surfaces from splatter and give a perfect finish.

Interior House Painting Services

As interior painters with over 30 years of experience, we at Novak Home Services know all too well what can happen when a paint job is done unprofessionally. To ensure that every one of our clients is satisfied with our work, we treat every step with respect and patience.

Call Novak Home Services Today

Whatever your project, trust Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC to bring new life to your home.

(314) 279-8300 

Preserve Your Outdoor Space – Maintenance Tips For Natural Wood Decks

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We provide high-quality deck cleaning services. You will be amazed by how new and clean your deck, patio, or fence will look after we are done cleaning it!

A natural wood deck is a gorgeous addition to any home. But unlike some alternative materials like composites, wood requires a bit more care and attention to ensure it looks great and lasts for years to come.

Here are a few maintenance tips from Novak Home Services that you should follow to preserve your natural wood deck.

Sweep the Deck Every 2-4 Weeks to Remove Debris & Inspect It

It’s a good idea to sweep your deck every few weeks, particularly during the spring and the fall, when a lot of debris may fall onto the deck from various trees, plants, and other sources.

This also gives you a good time to inspect the deck. Among others, you should look for things like:

  • Pulled-up, exposed, or rusted nails
  • Rotted or damaged boards
  • Loose railing sections

Routine cleaning helps you identify any areas that may need repairs – prolonging the overall lifespan of your deck.

Have Your Deck Power Washed

A pressure washing service is delivered by a machine that expels a high-powered jet stream of water that is strong enough to remove any type of grit and dirt that has built up over time. While you may be tempted to rent a power-washer and do it yourself, this often ends up being a costly and frustrating endeavor. We can provide a high-quality deck cleaning service. You will be amazed by how new and clean your deck, patio, or fence will look after we are done cleaning it!

Have Your Deck Refinished Every 2-3 Years

Wood decks need regular refinishing to ensure they last a long time. This usually consists of 3 steps:

  • Power washing – The deck should be thoroughly power washed using high pressure to remove dirt and grime buildup and remove most of the previous deck stain layer.
  • Sanding the deck – Sanding the deck eliminates surface defects, removes any remaining stain layers, and prepares it to absorb a new lawyer of stain during the refinishing process.
  • Staining the deck – A new coat of deck stain will revitalize your deck’s appearance and help preserve the wood and prevent it from being damaged by water, moisture, and parasites.

However, staining and finishing a deck is not as easy as some homeowners think. It’s easy to damage a deck by vigorously power washing it, applying stain to wood that is already rotten, or by staining it before it is completely dry.

Need Help Cleaning Or Maintaining Your Deck?

If you are short on time or would just prefer to relax while your deck is maintained, cleaned, or repaired, Novak Home Services is here to help. With more than 30 years of experience in every aspect of home construction, repair, and maintenance, our team is here for you in St. Louis. Contact us online or give us a call at (314) 279-8300 to get started today.

Call Novak Home Services Today

Whatever your project, trust Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC to bring new life to your home.

(314) 279-8300 

Winter Handyman Home Maintenance – Is Your House Ready for Winter?

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To ensure your home is ready this winter, make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs and maintenance needs.

Now that fall is officially here, we’re enjoying the cool weather and the beautiful colors on the trees. But soon, snow, ice, and below-freezing temperatures will be here. Is your home ready for winter weather? Now is the time to prepare your home for the winter, and we can help!

With over 30 years of experience in the construction and remodeling business, our goal is to help our clients with the small tasks they can’t get to or don’t have the “know-how” to complete.

Home Maintenance Checklist

Here are some of the maintenance and repairs we can assist you with:

  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Heating is the cause of 27% of structure fires in the winter, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be working properly. We can replace the batteries for you and install any detectors that you may need.
  • Check Windows and Doors – Heat can escape your home, and cold air can come in through the tiniest gaps around your windows and doors. Most of these gaps can be fixed by caulking around windows or installing weatherstripping.
  • Insulating Plumbing and Pipes – During a cold snap, pipes can freeze and burst. A few minutes of prevention before winter sets in can save hundreds of dollars on costly damage and repairs. We can insulate pipes for you or use heat tape to prevent damage.
  • Replace Screens with Storm Doors – Simply replacing screens with storm doors will keep the cold out and keep the heat in. We can easily replace these for you.
  • Clean Gutters and Downspouts – These are the first line of defense in keeping your home dry on the inside. If the gutters and downspouts aren’t clear of debris, water can run towards your foundation, causing major problems. Clearing your gutters will also prevent ice dams from forming. Getting on a ladder can be dangerous. Let us help you with your gutter maintenance.

St. Louis Handyman Services

Whatever your maintenance project, trust Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC. We can maintain your home to save you money. During one visit, we can take care of everything on your to-do-list. To ensure your home is ready this winter, make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs and maintenance needs.

Call Novak Home Services Today

Whatever your project, trust Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC to bring new life to your home.

(314) 279-8300 

Do You Need Repairs Made in Your Kitchen?

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Your kitchen is one of the most utilized and functional rooms of your home. Therefore, it’s very important to keep it up-to-date with regular and proper maintenance.

The kitchen is a complex room in a home. There are so many different components that need to work to keep life functioning normally. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, minor electrical work, or new cabinets, Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC can help.

Types of Kitchen Repairs

Your kitchen is one of the most utilized and functional rooms of your home. Therefore, it’s very important to keep it up-to-date with regular and proper maintenance. For the installation and repair of fixtures and other kitchen features, let us help you keep them functioning and looking their best.

Some of the most common kitchen repairs include:

  • Cabinet installation and repair
  • Backsplash and countertop installation
  • Faucet repair and installation
  • Light fixture repair and installation
  • Sink installation and repair

Over time, hinges break and laminate peels, but our home improvement experts will get your cabinets working and looking as good as new. Whether you want new cabinets installed or need current ones repaired, we will make sure the job is done right!

Installing a new backsplash and countertops adds a finishing touch to your kitchen. There are a wide variety of options to choose from. Whatever materials you choose, our professional handymen have plenty of experience installing all types of backsplashes and countertops.

St. Louis Kitchen Handyman

With more than 30 years in the construction and remodeling business, our goal is to help our clients with everything from the small tasks they just can’t get to or don’t have the “know-how” to complete, to achieving their complete vision for their home or business.

Your kitchen is the heart and soul of your home. Let Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC help you find budget-friendly kitchen solutions. Call us today at (314) 279-8300 or fill out our contact form.

Call Novak Home Services Today

Whatever your project, trust Novak Home and Handyman Services LLC to bring new life to your home.

(314) 279-8300