Month: April 2024

The 9 Most Common Home Services

Do you Want to know the top home services that most homeowners are looking for each year?

Whether it is the lawn needing a fresh cut, the gutters needing a solid cleaning, or the annual chimney sweep before winter – homeowners have a lot on their plate regarding home maintenance. They want to maintain the resale value of their home, but the upkeep can be quite a bit of work for the everyday person.

Put another way -the time, energy, and knowledge involved in maintaining a home can be burdensome for homeowners. However, what does that mean for you if you’re in the service industry? Well, it means an opportunity for your small business!

Below, we share the most common home services people are searching for that can help local small business owners and contractors!

9 Most Common Home Services

Below, you will find a list (Not in order) of some of the most common home services homeowners look for annually!

Whether you already do some of these or if you happen to be in the process of adding a service to your repertoire, this list is for you!

1. Plumbing Services

plumbing home service

Ready for the most common home service call?

If you hadn’t caught on already, plumbing is typically the most commonly used home service when it comes to homeowners needing some help!

Whether it is a leaky faucet or clogged garbage disposal when the water drips – homeowners call like crazy! The following are some of the most common homeowner plumbing problems:

  • Garbage disposal issues
  • Leaky faucet
  • Water Heater issues
  • Clogged drains
  • Frozen pipes
  • Leaky pipes
  • Running toilet

On another note, if you’re a plumber, be sure to let your clients know to never put these types of things down their garbage disposal!

2. Gutter Cleaning

Who knew those leaves piling up each fall around houses would also pile up in a homeowner’s gutter?

Each year, leaves and fall foliage are found just about anywhere – from the home’s entryway to the downspout of a gutter. And when the leaves start to fall, leaves and other debris make their way into gutters. This is when drainage issues can arise!

Homeowners who understand the importance of clean gutters are always quick to grab a ladder (be safe on that ladder) or call a service provider for their annual gutter cleaning. Keep in mind that if you don’t regularly clean your gutters or install gutter guards, you can run the risk of your gutters breaking.

New gutters cost several $1,000, and an easy way to avoid this expense is to clean/inspect them each fall!

3. Paint & Drywall Repairs

Nail pops, cracks, water damage, or an ugly yellow bathroom—you name it—homeowners constantly need painting and drywall services.

Some homeowners might try to patch and repair drywall like this guy.

Typically, most quickly realize patching and mudding drywall is not as easy as the camera makes it seem like! The same can be said when a homeowner decides to paint their kitchen.

It’s only a matter of hours before they wish they called someone!

4. Cleaning

The last thing anyone wants to do on a Friday after a long work week is clean, which is why you see the growth of home cleaning service companies nationwide.

With more and more families spending time at work, children’s activities, and so on – the busy schedules have led to more homeowners who need cleaning.

Most homeowners are looking for someone to clean the interior of their home on a bi-weekly or monthly basis. However, many companies offer as-needed cleaning services, too!

5. Landscaping

Just like cleaning or painting, it’s only a matter of time before filling up a Saturday with yard work becomes tedious.

Numerous landscape companies scatter just about every significant city area,, offering services ranging from weekly mowing to full landscape architecture projects.

As a home service industry provider, I know that landscaping is a niche continuously growing! Landscape companies provide a multitude of services, including:

  1. Lawncare
  2. Shrub & tree trimming
  3. Mulching
  4. Hardscapes
  5. Ornamental landscaping

6. Chimney Sweeps

A typical chimney sweep will cost a homeowner somewhere in the neighborhood $125, according to an Angie’s List article, but it’s worth the cost.

Chimney sweeps are vital to having a safe chimney before burning logs or using a gas fireplace. As the NFPA puts it;

Unclean chimneys are a leading cause of structure fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association, which recommends an annual chimney inspection.

National Fire Protection Association

That being said, in addition to having a clean chimney that is safe for the winter, here is another reason a chimney sweep is vital:

A chimney expert can spot structural damage to a chimney that a typical homeowner may miss.

chimney home service

What might seem like an innocent crack to a chimney’s crown or a slight compromise within the liner of a chimney, can actually be a huge deal!

Similar to not wanting the gutters to get backed up, which can lead to significant water damage to a home, a compromised chimney may need repair or restoration in a hurry.

Chimneys are an item homeowners don’t want to wait around getting repaired or refinished, depending on the chimney’s need.

7. Siding Repairs

A single piece of siding is a pain to replace because it is interconnected with the other pieces in an interlocking fashion. This is typically why homeowners don’t experience just one missing piece – they experience quite a few, and similar to shingles, it is hard for them to replace it independently.

Siding repairs are no easy feat for a homeowner, and they typically need to be done by a professional siding installation company! Without proper siding repairs when needed, they can lead to significant issues such as water damage and more.

Homeowners know the importance of their siding, so it is commonly called for exterior service.

8. Cracked Concrete

Perhaps you have seen some cracked concrete in a driveway, on a sidewalk, or worse… on the foundation of a home. Concrete can crack because of erosion issues, foundational settling, or other complications.

No matter the reason for the cracking concrete, there is only one sure thing—the crack will get bigger in most cases. Sometimes, minor cracks are preventable and manageable with epoxy garage flooring or similar solutions, but significant cracks must be handled quickly.

Depending on the location of the crack, cracked concrete can be caused by various things and need urgent repair or not. It all depends. However, most homeowners are not privy to repairing concrete cracks, so they typically call on this one!

Note: If the cracked concrete is within a chimney, Fireguard is one of the top bets for helping with the crack!

Learn About all of Firesafe Inc’s Chimney products

9. Roofing Repairs

Similar to one piece of missing siding turning into twenty, a missing shingle can lead to many missing shingles in just a few wind storms. While most new roofs have factory and install warranties, depending on the type of shingle or the roof’s age, roof repairs are standard service calls homeowners make.

It’s typically clear when a shingle or two goes missing by the exposed plywood. However, there are instances where homeowners won’t always see missing shingles. If you do, be sure to get a roof repair ASAP!

If you’re an exterior home service provider, encourage homeowners to check their roofs after the winter and each fall with binoculars!

Final Words:

At the end of the day…

Home services are one of the most common small (And big) businesses found in the United States.

Just look around when driving, and you will see pest control vans, trucks, painting companies – you name it – offering various home services.

So if you’re in the home service or commercial construction industry, this article hopefully sheds some light on the top calls about home service requests!

☑️Enjoy what you read. Firesafeinc is a subsidiary of NECS. For more information about chimney supply products, be sure to visit us here!

Ensuring Warmth and Safety: Essential Chimney Safety Precautions

As a leader in chimney manufacturing products, the team here at NECS always wants to provide valuable information regarding your home’s chimney. That includes chimney safety precautions and ideas to make sure your chimney is safe!

Chimneys are not just a functional component of our homes; they also add a touch of charm and warmth. However, ensuring their safety is crucial to prevent potential hazards. Numerous chimney-related accidents occur yearly due to negligence or lack of awareness. To help you enjoy the cozy ambiance without worry, we’ve compiled a list of essential chimney safety precautions.

10 Top Chimney Safety & Maintenance Tips

chimney safety

1. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

One of the most critical aspects of chimney safety is regular inspections and maintenance.

Just like regular roof inspections, HVAC tune-ups, and plumbing maintenance – having your chimney professionally inspected at least once a year can identify issues such as creosote buildup, blockages, or structural damage. These problems can lead to chimney fires or carbon monoxide leaks. Regular cleanings and maintenance will keep your chimney in tip-top condition.

2. Install a Cap and Screen

Chimney caps are essential for keeping out debris, animals, and rain. Installing a cap with a mesh screen also prevents sparks and embers from escaping the chimney and igniting nearby flammable materials. A well-maintained cap and screen act as a first line of defense against potential chimney fires.

Additionally, if a cap and screen can help prevent issues with your home’s roof! If your chimney is poorly maintained or constructed, it can cause issues with your home’s roof system.

3. Use Seasoned and Dry Firewood

Burning dry, seasoned firewood reduces creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires. Wet or green wood produces more smoke and releases harmful chemicals into your home. Ensure the wood you burn has adequately been seasoned for at least six months to a year to minimize the risks associated with moisture content. You can reach out to local landscaping companies near you or mulch supplies to see if they have dry firewood!

4. Practice Safe Burning Techniques

Proper fire-building techniques are essential for chimney safety. Use kindling to start the fire and gradually add larger logs. Avoid overloading the fireplace, as this can lead to increased creosote buildup. Use a fire screen to prevent sparks from escaping and landing on flammable surfaces.

5. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced during combustion. It can be lethal if it accumulates in your home. Installing carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home and near bedrooms can provide early warnings in case of CO leaks from the chimney or other sources.

6. Be Wary of Creosote Buildup

Creosote is a highly flammable substance that accumulates in the chimney over time. Regular chimney cleanings can help remove creosote, but you can also reduce its buildup by using dry wood, avoiding smoldering fires, and maintaining adequate airflow in your fireplace. You can heat your home without running the risk of fire issues by ensuring you don’t have any creosote buildup!

7. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

If you have a wood-burning stove, chimney, or fireplace insert, adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation and maintenance. Why is this important? It ensures you’re using the appliance safely and efficiently. You wouldn’t leave other appliances/systems in your home unkept/maintained – such as your furnace or air conditioner – so why would you do that with your chimney?

If your HVAC system says change the furnace filter every 90 days, you should. Well in the case of any chimney components, it is vital to follow the guidelines put forth by the manufacturer.

8. Keep Flammable Items at a Safe Distance

Flammable materials should be kept well away from the fireplace or wood-burning stove. In other words, don’t keep the old magazines and newspapers nearby! This includes:

  • Furniture,
  • Curtains,
  • Magazines
  • Decorations, and
  • Anything else that could ignite if exposed to sparks or heat.

9. Properly Dispose of Ashes

Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep this container away from flammable materials and structures to prevent accidental fires. Obviously, any homeowner will tell you never to bring the container of ashes inside; always leave it outside, just in case!

10. Create an Escape Plan

Growing up, you always heard, “Stop, drop, and roll.” Nowadays, they have added down and crawl. And while these seem a bit silly as an adult, the reason they were stressed to as kids is so we would know what to do in the event of a fire emergency.

Well, if you have a chimney, it is wise to have an emergency plan in case of a chimney-related emergency. Ensure all family members know how to evacuate safely and where to meet outside the home, including elements of stop, drop, and roll and proper safety in the event of a fire. Having working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor of your home is vital, too!

The Verdict –

Chimney safety precautions are essential for the well-being of your home and family. While the chances of an issue arising are few and far between, it is better to use regular inspections, proper maintenance, and responsible burning practices to help prevent potential disasters.

By following these guidelines along with the other tips above, you can continue to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace while ensuring a safe and cozy environment. Remember that chimney safety should not be taken lightly, as it can make all the difference in preventing accidents and protecting your home.

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