Tag: maintenance

  • Professional vs. DIY: How to Choose

    When it comes to repairs and projects within your home, Pinterest boards make it look easy. However, there are some things that you should hire a professional for and others that you can handle on your own, which leads to the inevitable debate: Professional vs. DIY? If you aren’t very handy, crafty, or creative, this dilemma can often be solved with one answer – hire a professional. However, even natural do-it-yourself kinds of people find themselves wondering which route is the best. Here are some things to consider that can help you find the perfect option for all of your projects.

    Professional vs. DIY: How to Choose - bhgrelife.com1. Evaluate Your Skills

    Before starting any home improvements or repairs, the first thing you need to consider is your skills. You may have all the willpower in the world, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that a job will be done properly. You also want to ask yourself if you have the energy and time to take on the project. If not, hiring a professional can get the job done well and in a timely manner. However, if you have the skills required, will enjoy the task, and have time to do it, then some do-it-yourself action may be the better option.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Saving a Waterlogged Lawn

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur! Let’s see what he has to say about saving a waterlogged lawn!

    Waterlogged_Lawn

    Q: I have a large back yard. Most of the time it is waterlogged and mosquito infested, making it very difficult to maintain (hence the overgrowth and weeds). Now there is a very stinky type of mushroom taking over. How can I make my yard more hospitable and owner friendly?

    -Sandra C.

    A: Soil 911! Sandra, you officially have drainage issues!  Surprise!  I know that this isn’t a shock to you after what you’ve described, however it is significantly worse than you probably think. “Oh NO!” The hard facts; that putrid smell and the fact that you are now growing mushrooms means that your soil is starting to rot.  If you don’t get in some proper drainage solutions, then you will eventually end up with a real swamp…and yes, I really mean a true swamp (minus the gators). The inability to dry out your soil is leading to decomposition causing the smell, the fungus and soon probably mosquitoes and frogs.  Unfortunately, its time to get professional help for this. You’re going to have to invest in your yard to fix the problem. There are several options to having it fixed which means you can get a few different quotes, but don’t delay. This problem may temporarily go away if we get a dry summer, but it will keep coming back…and the smell just gets worse

    -Carson A.

    Do you have a question that you would like to ask one of our pros? Simply submit your question by using the “Ask a Pro” form on this page! We will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible!