Before selling our home last year, a realtor told us our home would qualify as a smart home because of all the technology installed. “Smart” additions included Lutron Caseta light switches in our basement to turn off lights by voice command or app, an Echobee thermostat for remote temperature control, and an app-based video camera for the driveway so we knew when package deliveries arrived. We also used Google Echo Dots around the house to set alarms, ask silly questions, and broadcast messages like a two-way radio. If you have them in two different rooms, try saying “Broadcast Good Morning.”

According to Coldwell Banker and CNET, a “smart home” is a “home that is equipped with network-connected products (i.e., “smart products” connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or a separate system within the home itself.”

It’s one thing to install the devices and make sure they are working correctly and quite another to leave the home ready for the next homeowner. To install them, see our video on Echobee thermostats and our video series on the Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting including an introduction, installation of its Smart Bridge, and using the app. On our Handyguys YouTube channel are a number of other videos on integrating smart devices and installation tips.

If you are looking to buy an Echobee thermostat for your home, Amazon is currently selling ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control, SmartSensor Included, Alexa Built-In. Yes, you can directly order more paper towels from Amazon through your thermostat using the Alexa connection. Pretty cool, huh? Well, until random music starts playing through your house and you can’t find it until you stand close to the thermostat and realize where it’s coming from. You can turn off these feature if it creeps you out too much.

But, seriously, what do you do when it’s time to sell? It depends on what is included in you agreement of sale. You do need to exclude things that are attached to the house if you are taking them with you, even like brackets for surround-sound speakers. We excluded the video cameras but are leaving the Echobee thermostat and Lutron switches. Each has their own reset and “Set to Move” features. Check the instructions from each manufacturer to make sure you leave it in the proper setting for the next owner to set-up themselves.

For resetting Lutron Caseta Smart Light Switches to their original factory setting, check our post detailing the process step-by step.

The post Moving Out of a Smart Home first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Moving Out of a Smart Home appeared first on The Handyguys.

When we moved out of our house last year, we chose to leave behind the Lutron Caseta Smart Light Switches installed throughout the basement.

These switches allowed us to connect our lighting choices to our Google home device to be able to say things like “Hey, Google, turn on basement lights” or “Hey, Google, turn on ‘watch movie’ ” which would direct all the lights to go out except the left and right wall sconces that would dim to the perfect amount of light. Even more helpful, when one of us would leave a light on in the far corner of the basement, we could simply press the switch at the top of the stairs and all lights would go out. We could also control them on an app on our phones or on our laptops.

Then, we sold the house and had to figure out how to leave the whole system so the new homeowners would be able to tie these switches to apps on their phones and computers not ours. It took some digging but here are the steps we found to do the trick. The steps are easy and you can move through them quickly in less than 5 minutes.

1. Open the Lutron app on your phone or computer. If you have these light switches and never took the time to create an account to use them digitally, you might not need to do anything but if you want to make sure, you can download the app now and set them up by creating a new account as indicated starting in Step 8 below and then un-set starting with Step 1 to make sure. You only need steps 1-7 to remove yourself. Start by clicking on ‘wheel” icon in top left corner to open ‘Settings”.

2. Within “Settings,” select “Account”.

3. Within “Account”, select “Edit Account” — “Change your account password.”

4. You will be prompted to enter your login information to make these changes.

5. Create a new password.

6. Change your email.

7. You should get this message. “Your account has been updated.” Now you can walk away.

8. If you want to regain access or someone else new to your home needs to get set-up in the app, they would start here. Go to the homescreen on Lutron app and click “Get Started.”

9. You will be prompted to “Install Devices”.

10. Create a new account with the email and password for the new user.

11. Follow these steps with the hardware shown below. Plug the Caseta Bridge into a power outlet and the WiFi router.

12. Tap the button on the Bridge as shown below.

13. You should see the blue wheel below indicating that the bridge is “Discovering your Lutron system”.

14. The next message should indicate that “Your Lutron System is ready!”

15. Press the button on the back of the bridge a second time.

16. You will receive the following message: “This Lutron system has another account. Would you like to remove the old account? Other users will need to sign into the new account.” Select “Confirm.”

17. Name your home and select “Next”.

18. You will be asked “Allow Lutron to access this device’s location?” Select first option: “Allow only while using this app.”

19. Make sure you are in the right time zone.

20. Now you can have some fun playing around with setting scenes and schedules for your needs.

And, there you have it. If you have additional questions, you can always check support out information on the Caseta Wireless website.

The post Restoring Factory Defaults in Lutron Caseta Smart Light Switches first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Restoring Factory Defaults in Lutron Caseta Smart Light Switches appeared first on The Handyguys.

When you are prepping your house for sale, there’s always several big debates for chronic DIYers like us: how much to paint, how much to do oneself, how much to hire out, and who to hire. For a recent project, hiring college kids on Spring Break worked well and gave them some needed spending money but we did have to do some finishing details afterward, like going over the quarter inch of bright green paint that showed above the realtor’s favorite “Amazing Gray” when our good-hearted amateurs taped just shy of the ceiling.

Once you have decided to do what you can yourself (because paint is cheap and labor is not), there are decisions like whether or not to use painter’s tape, what nap of roll to pick, which drop cloth to use (versus an old sheet which either leaks through to the floor or an outdoor tarp which can be slippery) and of course, which length and brand of paintbrush. We are a bit of brush snobs because a little extra money on brushes goes a long way in keeping bristles from being painted into your walls. Soooo many choices, so little time. Oh, and let’s not even begin to mention the paint itself.

Fortunately for you, we did mention paint and painting tools in our podcast on How to Paint Like a Pro. You can also read about picking paint colors in Picking Paint Colors with a professional.

As all good product manufacturers, we found a few new items on the shelves when prepping our house for sale this year. FrogTape now has a yellow Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape with PaintBlock, 1.88″ wide. This is especially helpful when you are trying to get your painting done in a tight time frame and you are painting the wall soon after the trim is dry. You heard me right. Pros told us to paint the trim, especially complicated trim, first. We’ve done it both ways – wall, then trim, but it worked out surprisingly well to do the baseboard first this last go around.

Leave us comments about your favorite story of painting “challenges”. What worked? What didn’t?

Click on the image below to buy your own yellow painter’s tape and any other painting supplies you need!

The post Painting to Sell first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Painting to Sell appeared first on The Handyguys.

When you’re hanging something heavy, a simple nail probably won’t do the job. Whether it’s an heirloom family mirror or a large painting, you want to be confident it will hang securely on your wall for years to come.
The right method for hanging your object depends on the type of wall you have and where you want to hang it. There are several ways to approach this task, depending on whether your wall is plaster, drywall or brick.
If your home was built before World War II, it likely has plaster walls, BobVila.com says. Most newer homes are made with drywall, though homeowners may opt for plaster if they’re looking for a textured or glossy finish. If you’re unsure, you can try pinning a tack into an unobtrusive portion of your wall. If it’s easy to push the tack into the wall to hang up a picture or a poster, it’s likely drywall, BobVila.com says. Plaster is brittle and can’t usually be pierced in this way.
Before trying any of the following methods, check the guidelines on the hardware you purchase to make sure it will be able to withstand the weight of the object you’re trying to hang. If you’re unsure, you may want to hire a professional handyman to hang your picture or mirror.

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring this show.

The post How to Hang Heavy Objects on a Wall first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post How to Hang Heavy Objects on a Wall appeared first on The Handyguys.

Over 70% of the country has been classified as abnormally dry, or worse. What about the oasis in your own backyard?

Lawn Care Do’s and Don’ts During a Drought

DON’T water your lawn at night.

Grass left wet overnight, or for long periods of time, can encourage fungal diseases that cause discoloration. Water in the early morning so your lawn isn’t damp for long periods, when the sun isn’t high enough to evaporate the water before it penetrates the soil.

DO raise your mower deck.

Cut at the maximum height to enhance stress tolerance. Mowing on the high side encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, absorbing water from the insulated soil. As a rule of thumb, remove only about 1/3 of the grass blade each time you mow. If you cut too much at one time, the long clippings can cause stress on the grass, inhibiting healthy growth.

DON’T water a little bit every day.

The water will not be able to penetrate deep enough into the soil to maintain moisture and promote greater root depth. This will also encourage weed growth and spread of disease. Instead, water infrequently, but deeply, to encourage a strong root system. Aim to apply about an inch of water to the soil each week – but always be mindful of local watering restrictions if in place.

DO let it go dormant.

During drought, always follow local water restrictions when applicable. It is ok to let your lawn go dormant, as most turf species can tolerate some periods of time without water from rainfall or irrigation. Most species will recover relatively quickly when water is applied from rain or irrigation. During any period of dormancy caused by drought, monitor the turf to ensure that it shows some sign of green color, though it may be faint. During this period, waterless frequently for longer periods of time, as possible and as allowed by any local watering restrictions. If you have questions about your type of grass or its drought tolerance, the local university extension service or landscaper are great resources.

DON’T fertilize your grass.

Though it may seem like it needs more nutrients at this time of year, putting fertilizer down on dry soil can actually burn the grass. Improper fertilization can also help promote disease, so always follow proper fertilization practices for your area and the time of year.

DO plan for next year.

In the fall however, one of the best practices to follow is proper fertilization. If you have a cool season lawn that is breaking dormancy from the summer stress, fall is a great time to prepare it for the potential stresses of next summer. Similarly, early fall is also a good time for a final fertilizer application on warm season grasses for the same reason. Regardless of your turf type, be sure to follow recommended fertilization practices for your specific grass and climate to provide the best possible benefit. If needed, your local garden center can be a good source of advice on how fall fertilization can promote root growth and dense turf coverage to help it withstand any potential stress in the coming year.

Thanks to our friends at John Deere for these  lawn care tips during a drought!

The post Drought Lawn Care first appeared on The Handyguys.

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In this audio podcast The Handyguys discuss building an Azek Cellular PVC deck. The Handyguys discuss when to DIY and when not to DIY, design considerations, choosing a contractor and materials selection.

To DIY or not to DIY a Cellular PVC Deck

Handyguy Paul decided not to DIY this Cellular PVC ceck. Listen to the podcast for why.

Design Considerations

Think about how you will use your new deck. Plan for the space. Think about furniture and traffic flow. Materials such as Cellular PVC are a great, low maintenance choice.

Choosing a contractor for a Cellular PVC Deck

Handyguy Paul picked a contractor that was highly respected in his area. He was able to inspect several decks built by his contractor up close. When he met with the designer he was able to see pictures of almost exactly what he had in mind. Listen to the podcast for more on the contractor, Decks-R-Us, and what set them apart from other builders.

Materials Selection

Handyguy Paul went with an Azek Cellular PVC Deck. The material is low maintenance and was also what his contractor was most familiar with.

The post Building an Azek Cellular PVC Deck first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Building an Azek Cellular PVC Deck appeared first on The Handyguys.

A primer on when to prime

Much of the cost of a paint job actually comes from the labor, that is why it is important to know when to prime. When having a repainting job done, it involves scraping the old paint, priming – spot priming or priming the entire surface – and then painting. So, when a contractor specifies re-priming the entire house for a painting job, that also means having to double your budget.

In this audio podcast, Handyguys Paul and Brian respond to a question sent in by one of their listeners via e-mail about the importance of priming, what and how much you prime and when to prime the entire house.

Mike writes:

I have a question about painting and when to prime. I’m having the exterior of our house painted. The house is already painted (11 years ago) and it doesn’t have any real paint issues, like cracking and peeling (some but not much). I’ve gotten a couple of bids and each contractor has a different approach to painting. One will scrape and spot prime, then paint the house. The other says they will scrape and prime the whole house, then paint.

The question is do you need need to prime the whole house, if the existing paint is still in “good” shape?

Peeling paint, in this case, was cause by improper preparation and lack of primer. The person painting this wall should have removed any joint compound dust and then applied a primer before painting.

When to prime is a great question Mike.

The Handyguys share these tips on when to prime when repainting your home:

When you are doing a major color change

Basically, a primer helps you get the correct color that you want, especially if you are shifting from one “wild” color to another. Handyguy Brian explains that the old color can bleed through to the new paint if not first primed.

Changing from one kind of paint to another

Handyguy Paul suggests against changing from a latex-based paint to a oil paint as this can ruin the quality of the finished paint job. Doing it the other way around, from oil to latex-based paint, should be okay, but it does require you to prime the surface you’re going to paint.

Painting over a glossy paint

To help the new paint adhere to the surface well, Handyguy Brian advises to prime when painting over a glossy paint. Although the traditional way is to de-gloss by sanding priming is an easy way to put down a low gloss base before you paint.

Bare wood

You always prime bare wood, new wood and areas where old paint has been scraped off.

If you have additional questions about when to prime or anything else for The Handyguys, simply go to the Contact Us tab of www.handyguyspodcast.com. Additionally, you can view some of our videos in our YouTube channel and subscribe to the show in iTunes.

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Handyguys Brian and Paul bring in HVAC (Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning) expert and the co-owner of Interstate Air Conditioning and Heating, Raymond Kishk, to talk about energy efficient air conditioning systems.

This information will help you choose an energy efficient air conditioning system and keep your current unit running efficiently.

Invest in Energy Efficient Air Conditioning with Higher SEER Rating

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) simply indicates how much energy is required to run the unit. Many appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators have SEER ratings. The higher the SEER rating the more efficiently your appliance runs. According to Raymond, the lowest SEER rating is about 8; but some states require a SEER rating of at least 12 or 13.

He adds that although two different brands may have the same SEER rating, you may want to compare the features that each has to offer. An air conditioner with a timer, for example, also contributes in saving energy.

Consider an Energy Efficient Air Conditioning unit with VRV system

Air condition units with VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) system are especially advantageous if you’re looking to provide air conditioning to several rooms in one house or building.

Raymond explains that this system has one condensing unit and allows you to set up 10 to 15 blowers for different rooms, which lets you adjust the temperature individually. Plus, if one blower breaks down, the air conditioning in the other rooms will not be affected.

Maintain, maintain, maintain for “Energy Efficient Air Conditioning”

No matter how high the SEER rating of your air conditioning unit, failing to perform proper maintenance will still add expenses. Raymond mentions that a dirty filter adds at least five dollars a month to your bills. A dirty coil makes your air condition work 30% harder.

The good news about the new energy efficient air conditions we have today is that maintenance is not any more difficult than old units despite the new technology that it has. With proper maintenance, you can keep your costs at a minimum.

Hopefully Raymond  has shown you that it is cost-effective to purchase an air conditioner with a high SEER rating.

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The post Energy Efficient Air Conditioning appeared first on The Handyguys.

The Handyguys discuss chainsaw safety in this audio podcast.

If you rent, borrow or buy a chainsaw, you will still need to be aware of proper chainsaw safety. In the summer, many areas are affected by thunderstorms. In the late summer and fall, some contend with hurricanes, others tornadoes and may need to put a chainsaw to use for cleanup of debris. Other people may be cutting and splitting wood for heat, some people are clearing their property. Regardless of how and when you use a chainsaw, safety must always come first.

We can’t cover every aspect of chainsaw safety in this show. Please read, understand and follow all the safety precautions outlined by the manufacturer of your chainsaw. Use common sense. Do not push yourself or your chainsaw beyond what you can handle.

WARNING! A chain saw is a dangerous tool If used carelessly or incorrectly and can cause serious, even fatal injuries. It is very important that you read and understand the contents of your operator’s manual.

Here are the basics of chainsaw safety:

Common sense

• It is not possible to cover every conceivable chainsaw safety situation you can face when using a chain saw.
• Always exercise care and use your common sense.
• Avoid all situations which you consider to be beyond your capability.

Personal protective equipment for chainsaw safety

• Approved protective helmet
• Hearing protection
• Protective goggles or a visor
• Gloves with saw protection
• Trousers with saw protection
• Boots with saw protection, steel toe-cap and non-slip sole
• Always have a first aid kit nearby

Machine’s chainsaw safety equipment

Your saw will have several chainsaw safety devices built into the design. These will vary by manufacturer. Ensure they are properly attached and operational.

• Anti-kickback features, bar tip, safety chain
• Throttle lockout
• Chain catcher
• Hand guards

 Fuel handling

• Do not smoke and do not place any hot objects in the vicinity of fuel.
• Never refuel the machine while the engine is running
• Always stop the engine and let it cool for a few minutes before refueling.
• When refueling, open the fuel cap slowly so that any excess pressure is released gently.
• Tighten the fuel cap carefully after refueling.
• Always move the machine away from the refueling area before starting.

Starting and stopping a chainsaw safely

• Never start a chain saw unless the bar, chain and all covers are fitted correctly.
• The chain brake should be activated when starting.
• Never start the machine indoors.
• Observe your surroundings and make sure that there is no risk of people or animals coming into contact with the cutting equipment..
• Always hold the saw with both hands.
• Start the saw on the ground. Grip the front handle with your left hand. Hold the chain saw on the ground by placing your right foot through the rear handle. Pull the starter handle.

Chainsaw safety working techniques

• Look around you, and above you. Ensure nothing in the area will affect your control of the saw.
• Do not use the saw in bad weather.
• Make sure you can move and stand safely.
• Take great care when cutting a tree that is under tension.
• Understand the causes of kickback so you can avoid it.
• Two hands, always.
• Never use the saw above your shoulders.
• Always cut with a sharp blade, properly fitted for your particular saw.

The chainsaw safety information in this post and in the podcast is never a substitute for professional skills and experience. If you get into a situation where you feel unsafe, stop and seek expert advice.

Here are some helpful links to manuals containing chainsaw safety information.

Most manufacturers will have their manuals online. If you do not have a manual you should find one.

Husqvarna

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/forest/support/download-manuals/
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/support/how-to-videos/chain-saw-videos-how-to-use/

Stihl

http://www.stihlusa.com/manuals/product-instruction-manuals/

Craftsman

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/ (good luck, I had trouble finding manuals online)

Echo

http://www.echo-usa.com/Support-Help/Technical-Documents?sm=true

The post Chainsaw Safety first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Chainsaw Safety appeared first on The Handyguys.

While planting and growing grass is not difficult–I once heard that it could be planted on concrete–there are strategies for successfully planting grass seed to ensure the most success. Listen to this audio podcast to hear the discussion about all these topics.

When planting grass, you have several decisions to make:

When is the best time for planting grass seed?

Fall – The best time for planting grass seed is fall. Early enough so it becomes established before the first frost bot not too early that the heat will hinder growth.

What variety to seed to plant?

Plant what grows best for your part of the country and the site conditions. Your local seed supplier will carry what you need. Companies like Pennington Seed ship different varieties to different parts of the country.

What brand of seed to plant?

Yes, brand does matter. You want a quality seed that will have a deep root system and look nice.

Do grass mixtures matter when planting grass seed?

Yes, a blend of varieties will offer multiple benefits. Some grasses take a long time to germinate, others germinate quickly. Some spread and some are bunch grasses. Using a blend when planting grass seed gives you benefits of multiple varieties.

How much fertilizer do you need?

As little as possible. Deep roots from quality seed will lower the need for fertilizers.

How often to water when planting grass seed?

As needed, follow the instructions for the variety you plant and keep well watered until the grass seed is established.

Handyguy Brian discussed some of the things he learned about Pennington Grass. He visited Pennington’s R&D facility in Oregon earlier this year and has some interesting insight into seed varieties.

Pennington® Smart Seed Hands-On Experiment

At Pennington’s “Seed for Yourself” Summit, Handyguy Brian was given the opportunity to try planting grass seed in a small plot using Pennington® Smart Seed to learn about the benefits of using a high-quality, pure seed product. Seed products are most appropriate for use when planting grass seed for a new lawn or re-seeding large areas.

Every bag of Pennington® Smart Seed contains pure seed and no filler. The seed varieties used in Pennington® Smart Seed are some of the most advanced varieties available and have been developed for their drought tolerance. At least 60 percent of the seed in every bag of Pennington® Smart Seed has been qualified by the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) for its drought tolerance. Pennington Seed is one of the three founding members of the TWCA, which works with state university systems and private research enterprises to develop turfgrasses that use less water.

In addition to using only the most advanced varieties, each seed is further enhanced with Pennington’s exclusive MYCO Advantage seed technology, which helps to introduce beneficial micro-organisms that attach themselves to the emerging seed roots for a denser, deeper root system.

After minimal soil tilling, Brian evenly spread fertilizer and Pennington® Smart Seed across his plots. Over the next several weeks, each plot received regular watering as appropriate.*

DAY 1

*Watering requirements can vary dramatically between germination, establishment and ongoing maintenance. During germination, homeowners should water to keep the soil moist. Following the first two weeks, homeowners should then water their lawn every third day for 15-20 minutes until established. As part of ongoing maintenance, watering should occur every fourth day for 20-30 minutes. At this stage, the main goal is to maintain a healthy lawn. This can be primarily accomplished by monitoring for color changes. A lawn does not need water until the color falls by 50 percent, at which time one inch of water should be added. To determine the length of irrigation, place plastic cups or small tins to observe waterfall in a given area.

 DAY 14 AND DAY 28

During the first days of planting grass seed , the seed absorbs water but has not swelled to the point of bursting open. Depending on the variety of grass, germination is not typically visible until at least 8 days, with some varieties taking well over 14 days.

At 14 days, germination is visible with a number of seeds having sprouted. Germination progresses over the next few weeks.

DAY 35 AND DAY 49

Through day 35-49, the grass continues to thicken across the seeded area. While full establishment for Pennington® Smart Seed takes longer than Pennington® 1-Step Complete, the grass grows beautiful and thick.

Pennington offers specialized variety blends or mixes of Pennington® Smart Seed. Pennington® Smart Seed comes in both traditional variety blends/mixes (Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue and Fescue/Bluegrass), as well as specialized mixes that are customized to specific regional climates – taking the guesswork out of selection. Varieties include: Sun & Shade, Dense Shade, Northeast, Midwest, Pacific Northwest and Pennsylvania State.

The post Planting Grass Seed, Strategies for Success first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Planting Grass Seed, Strategies for Success appeared first on The Handyguys.

On this episode, Handyguy Paul brings two topics to the podcast pertaining to preventing wood rot and to wood and ground contact.

Preventing Wood Rot on Door Jambs

Paul asks Handyguy Brian about the best way to deal with rotting door jambs and in particular the garage door jambs.  Brian discusses this problem in general as it relates to any exterior door. Exterior jams should be primed and painted on their end grain before installing to help prevent the absorption of moisture. The wood end grain acts as straws, soaking up moisture  over time. Once rot sets in, the best repair is normally a replacement of the entire jam. Paul talks about the complications of having the garage door track structurally attached to the jam.

This door jamb is in the beginning stages of wood rot. The paint is peeling but the wood is still stable. To repair this and prevent damage to the jamb, scrape all loose paint, sand smooth, caulk, prime and paint.

Preventing Wood Rot on Deck Posts

In the second half of this episode, the Handyguys discuss the pros and cons of having deck support posts in the ground verses on top of concrete piers. Decks builders often insert deck posts into the ground which can add stability but may lead to excessive rot over time. Listen to the podcast for more details.

This deck post is on a concrete footer using a post base to prevent the post from touching the concrete. The pressure treated post is rated for ground contact and the cut end was treated with preservative during installation.

This post was set in the ground, it is unknown if the cut end was treated, it is unknown if the pressure treatment is rated for ground contact. This pressure treated post is showing signs of deterioration after 6 years.

Thanks for checking us out. If you enjoyed this audio podcast, don’t forget to subscribe. You can listen to these shows on your smartphone, iPod, iPhone or other media player.

The post Preventing wood rot on door jambs and deck posts first appeared on The Handyguys.

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