Installing Dryer vent in Oakville

Have you seen this?

CBC Marketplace recently aired this episode on repairmen and some of the results were quite interesting to see.

For us at Lakeshore Home Maintenance, it was heartening to see that many of the people profiled saw the problem and fixed it, unfortunately, some took advantage of the situation, or did not spend enough time diagnosing the real issue.  While some honest mistakes were made, (after all we are human), the less experienced and/or the opportunistic in the bunch, created situations that were unfair for the homeowner.

Our take on this?

Lakeshore Home Maintenance will continue to provide excellent and honest service at a fair price.  When we get a call for a leaky faucet, for example, we would ask a series of fact finding questions to determine over the phone, the possible problems, based on what the homeowner tells us is happening.  At this point, we would decide if it makes sense to send in a licensed plumber, or whether one of our qualified technicians (who has extensive plumbing experience) would suffice.  This call is made so that we can keep prices down for our client.  A service call charge for a licensed plumber is significantly higher than a service call charge for a technician.  Some jobs require a licensed plumber and in those cases, there is no option, where there is an option, we always explain this option to our client.

Specialty Trades – Are they necessary?

For many repairs that we undertake on a day to day basis, the answer is no.  However, when certain jobs require an expert in a specific field (Masonry, electrical, Roofing, HVAC, etc.) we always send licensed, insured and experienced technicians.  When we send these technicians, our pricing reflects their specialty.

What are your thoughts?  Please comment below.  Watch the video here

If you have called us about replacing a window crank, these are the instructions to measure the crank.

If your window can be opened and closed (manually), take a tape measure and measure the long arm and of the crank as below:

How to measure window crank for replacement

And if there is a short arm, measure as below:

How to measure a window crank short arm

Some cranks only have one arm, and some will have different configurations.  Information that is helpful is:

1. Whether the window opens to the right or to the left

2. Wood or vinyl windows

3. Quantity of cranks that need to be replaced (volume discount for 3 or more windows)

4. Age of house and windows

Call us at 289-242-8439 and we can coordinate the replacement of your cranks.

The pictures on this page are courtesy of our valued clients, George and Glenna.  Thank you so much for your great photography skills!

Raccoons getting in your attic?

They are cute as a button, have opposing thumbs, and can destroy your home.

Raccoons – Tips on prevention, life cycle, and repair for these potentially harmful creatures.

Lifecycle -

Raccoons breed in February and March and will seek a suitable place to nest during these months.  Typically, this is when they find a way into your home/attic through the soffits, roof vents or loose chimney caps.  Preparation and maintenance is the key to reducing the likelihood of them finding a safe haven in your attic or chimney.  Ensure that soffits are not loose, chimney caps are secure and your roof shingles and vents are in good condition.  A roof inspection will cover many of these details.  Check all soffits for any potential entry points, trim all trees and shrubs close to your home to reduce the points of access to the roof.

Young are born in April and May, if, at this time the raccoon has taken up in your home, it is necessary to have a Wildlife Control company come in to safely remove them all.  Local laws in our area (Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga) allow for humane trapping and relocation of the raccoons.  We recommend contacting Animal Control Oakville for all your pest control needs.

Repairs -

After the safe removal of the raccoons, it is imperative to ensure that the point of entry is sealed up properly to ensure that they will not come back.  From reattaching new chimney vent covers to repairing/rebuilding soffit areas and roof repairs, to reinsulating attic spaces, Lakeshore Home Maintenance is your trusted Oakville professional to take care of these repairs.  We have qualified technicians available to repair these areas and put systems in place to reduce the chance of a reoccurrence.   In addition to damage done by raccoons, we also repair damage from squirrels, mice, and rats.

If you live in the Oakville, Burlington or Mississauga area and are experiencing a problem with pests in your home, call us today for a free over the phone consultation to discuss how we can help rid you of the problem, and get your home back into top condition.  Lakeshore Home Maintenance – 289-242-8439.