When To DIY and When To Get Help

Homeowners can see expenses add up quickly. From home improvement projects to ticky-tack repairs, people are looking to avoid additional costs for their home. But what projects make sense to take care of on your own, and which ones need professional assistance? Here are some examples that will help guide your plans and know which projects to DIY and when to get help!

DIY Projects 

Clogged pipes

You can often fix these with plungers or commercial drain cleaning products.

Broken toilet handle

If your toilet doesn’t flush, remove the tank lid and see if the chain is detached from the lever.

HVAC maintenance

You can easily change your system’s filter yourself. 

Blown fuse

Simply throwing the switch in your circuit breaker could get your power back on.

New light switches

It’s fairly easy to replace a switch. Just make sure you turn off the circuit breaker before touching any electrical outlet. home improvement 101 When to DIY and when to hire help Trained Professional Required

Trained Professional Required

Major electrical work

Anything involving wiring can be extremely dangerous and should be left to a licensed electrician. ÄExtensive plumbing replacement— Replacing any fixtures can cause extensive flooding if not done properly.

VAC installation

Since these are some of the more expensive pieces of equipment in your home, don’t try installing units yourself, as it may void the warranty.

Remodeling Projects

Don't start knocking down or building new walls without discussing the idea with a maintenance or remodeling professional.

Do it yourself or Hire a Professional?  You have to make that call depending on your confidence.  I have many resources if you are in need of a plumber, electrician, or remodel contractor.  Feel free to reach out to me for a professional.  Or a move-in ready homes or new construction homes.  Please reach out to me for any help.  970-672-6069  Margaret Herdt at Turn Key Realtyhttps://www.turnkeyrealtyco.com/.

Smart Device Ideas & Basic Need Resources for the Disabled

There are seasons to the year, with fall officially started, but there are no seasons when it comes to assisting people with disabilities. Disability in the senior community can start with a fall, a stroke, a heart attack, disease, or many other factors.  Depending on the disability, these "smart devices" could be a comfort to those in need.  

Echo

In the home, an Echo is a voice command devise that can be used to add a reminder for taking medications, or as a second timer for baking a casserole. This hands-free device can help compose a shopping list or do an internet search, all from the comfort of the chair or bed.  Just "ask it"  and it will do about anything you ask it to do.  

Ring Smart Doorbell

A Ring Smart Doorbell has a motion-sensor camera and will show who's at the door, so you can decide whether to answer or not.  If the disability makes it hard to get up out of a chair or you are wheelchair-bound, this could make a huge impact by causing you less pain and stress trying to get to the door when it's not important to you.  

Smart Thermostat

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night because you are cold?  A "smart thermostat" can be adjusted from an i-phone.  Don't get out of bed to turn up the heat.  Stay under the covers and turn up the heat.  You will be toasty soon.  

Echo Connect

The Echo Connect can call emergency services for you.  All you need to do is say "Alexa, call 911"  You don't have to wear a device around your neck if you "fall down and can't get up".

These products can be found on Amazon but there are many brands and styles to suit your taste and budget.  I do not promote these brands nor do I work for the company.

Basic Need Resources

These are just a few electronics that can help seniors with disabilities, but did you know that consumer's lives can be impacted by working with Disabled Resource Services.  Even the basics can be a huge need for some.  

Bet You Didn't Know

Top 5 Requests for Toiletries

Did you know they keep a supply of (primarily) sample-size toiletries at our Fort Collins and Loveland offices for their low-income and homeless consumers? Here are the 5 products most in demand:

1. Toothbrush                  4. Razors                           
2. Toothpaste                  5. Bar soap

3. Toilet paper

Personal hygiene is an important aspect of self-esteem and self-confidence. If you have unopened toiletries or extra toilet paper that you can spare, please consider donating them by dropping them by either of the DRS offices. Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact them.  To learn more or to donate to Disabled Resource Services, please visit the website.

Fort Collins office: Terry, 970-482-2700

Loveland office: Denise, 970-667-0816

If you know a senior who could benefit from one of these devices or has a basic need, please reach out and pass the information on.  We all need to do our share to make sure our seniors are cared for and able to stay in the home they choose.  

If you know of a senior who needs to downsize or has passed, please reach out to me for resources.

Margaret @ Turnkeyrealtyco.com

Patio Home In Secure Neighborhood

Patio homes in secure neighborhoods are hard to come by in Colorado.  The sought after neighborhood of Four Seasons, in Fort Collins, is the perfect location for you or mom, and this one is for sale!! 

Mature trees adorn the neighborhood making for a warm inviting entrance.  It is a community in a community where your neighbors look out for each other.  Some of the owners have a monthly social gathering and visit often. 

900 Arbor Ave #6, Fort Collins, CO  $388,500

900 Arbor Ave #6, Fort Collins, CO  80526

The home features include:

• main floor master bedroom
• main floor laundry
• a newly remodeled kitchen
• a second bedroom on the main level for guests or an office
• a fully finished basement with recreation room, 3/4 bath, and a third bedroom
• newly poured fenced-in patio for your animals and privacy
• newly poured and driveway with rebar
• roof if 2 years old
• newer stainless steel appliances - even washer/dryer
• exterior paint is 2 years old
• Central air

The living room has vaulted ceilings and a door that leads to the patio.  Warm your bones with the cozy gas fireplace that can heat the room up in a hurry.  

The kitchen is a galley kitchen with enough room for a small table.  You can enjoy the south windows and watch the birds while you have your morning coffee.  The pantry has added pull-outs which make it easier to get to those foods that are in the back.   There is an additional pantry area for larger items such as mixer, paper items, etc.

What better way to spend your day than in this new kitchen.  It has new flooring, sink, faucet, back-splash, counters, lighting, and appliances. 

If you are interested in a showing, please call Margaret at 970-672-6069 - Turn Key Realty
margaret@turnkeyrealtyco.com

https://cutt.ly/Swdswqc

Your Senior Resource