From a curb appeal perspective, the mailbox is generally the first thing a potential client will see and can often set the stage for expectations of the interior. So if you want to have the very best curb appeal, ensure the simple stuff like the mailbox is in top-shape.

Team H2 is at it again.  This lawn is not up to par and requires a makeover.  Step one is to rebuild the foundation by applying a top dressing of compost.  This gives not only the new seed something to hold on to but will turbo-charge the existing grass to perform.  Once the new seedlings are established, then we'll attack the weeds.  The expectation ....golf course quality for years to come.  If your lawn needs new life, allow us to perform the miracle.

Here is a short video of what you need to do if your toilet flange will no longer secure the toilet to the floor.  If your toilet rocks front to back or side to side, you likely have a problem with the toilet bolts or the flange has deteriorated.  While tackling plumbing issues may sound daunting, it really is rather simple and can be performed by the average person with common tools.  If you don't feel comfortable in performing this task, give us a call and we'll be more than happy to fix this up for you.

How much does it cost to call a plumber? If you aren't suffering from sticker shock, try calling the plumber on the weekend after hours. I  suppose there is a reason I see so much deferred maintenance when it comes to plumbing issues.  I'm pretty handy around the house and absolutely love the challenge of fixing stuff but when I'm faced with a plumbing issue, I know its going to be at least 5 trips to the hardware store before it's all said and done.   Here is a little video I'm sharing with the audience of a simple task that can save you the sticker shock of calling a plumber to fix your toilet. By the way, true-to-form, other issues came up along the way that required more just replacing the tank-guts.  In the event, you do not have the tools and time to tackle these minor maintenance tasks, Team H2 is here to help. 

Do you have a jungle growing in your back-yard or perhaps the front-yard? Here are a few before and after photos for a project where the landscape got out of control. If this happens to you, call in the pros who can tame the wild jungle. Team H2 is the only indoor and outdoor service company you'll ever need. 

Ever wonder why developers spend so much money on a well landscaped entrance? Curb appeal at the entrance makes a difference. Customers are attracted to well-landscaped common areas such as the entrance. If you hate the entrance to a community, it's not likely you're going to spend money to buy or build in that neighborhood. The curb appeal of your home has the same effect if you are trying to sell your home. If buyers fall in love with the community entrance and the curb appeal of your home, chances are they will compromise of some of the home's features. So here's the tip, don't ignore the curb appeal of your property whether you are selling or not. Invest in the outward appearance such that others want to live there.

Have you noticed the gap between your driveway and garage apron? This surface condition is a result of the concrete or asphalt settling thus pulling away from the apron. The gap, if left unfilled, will continue to expand and possibly expedite erosion and possible foundation damage. The materials required to complete this task can be obtained from your local building supply store (i.e. Home Depot, Lowes, Menards). 

Are you the kind of person that loves using tools to build stuff? Some people enjoy working on cars or mechanical projects while others enjoy woodworking or creating products from wood. I'm of the latter where I can work for hours building and crafting things. Because I hate reading instructions, I tend to build miniature models to make sure my building theory is sound. Here is a simple project I completed for our church worship team. They needed a platform for the drum set. After some general measurements and some trial and error, I was able to complete the project without much difficulty. Each time a engage in a project like this, it sharpens my carpentry skills. So the advice for all homeowners who are DYI, make sure you are using the right tool for the right purpose. Its much safer for you the builder and your success in completing the project is much more gratifying.

I know its early but the day will soon come where it will feel like we went from summer to winter overnight. The time is now to get your snowblowers tuned-up. The price of all winter related tools are likely still priced below normal. Of course, if you plan to contract this service, you'll want to select a contractor that will meet your access needs.  Enjoy these photos from a past dusting just to get you in the mood.

These creatures are not your friend when you have invested time and money in maintaining your home's curb appeal. They ignore the plants for weeks then all of a sudden, BAM, they make a late night hit that completely wipes out all of your landscape's finest. I suppose, they lived on this land long before us humans built golf courses and fine homes. 

The crepe myrtle is one of my favorite landscape plants. They are warm climate plants primarily but some report their survival as far north as Wisconsin. You will find their extensive use in both commercial and residential landscape schemes.  Here is a few pictures of the crepe myrtles I have in my yard (Maryland).

It feels kinda weird to hire a lawn service when you own a lawn service.  One thing for sure, I can appreciate the work that this crew puts in each and every day.  They are in the neighborhood 7 days a week doing something for their customers. Guess that's why they've been around for years and continue to gain new customers every season. Thanks a bunch you guys!!!!

The supply of Stella Daylilies were rather slim at the nursery. I suppose the heat of the summer makes it difficult for the nurseries to hold ad maintain large supplies. While spring is the best time to plant new flowers, this is also the time when prices are at their peak. Buying plants off season can be a great way to offset the cost of upgrading or adding to your landscape. 

This might be the question you have as a home or property owner. While you might be tempted to go down the repair road, consider the cost of making the repair and still end up with a used product that will nickle & dime you to maximum frustration. Granted, some components of your home will definitely require repair. On the other hand, some items will cost you as much or more to repair than a complete replacement.  The items that come to mind are the following items I have recently replaced w/o considering the cost to repair: dishwasher, microwave, and window air conditioner.  Yes, it hurts but save yourself the heartache and consider replacing it.

If you are not a do-it-yourself(er), have you locked in your snow removal contractor? Once a contractor has a full route that maximizes the crew and equipment, they are no longer available to service your property. Now is the time to solidify your place on the route.

The Stella Daylily is one of the most beautiful yet hardy plants you can have in your landscape scheme. Combine the natural stone with ole Stella and the results are nothing short of heaven on earth. 

Are you getting water and insects inside your house? Re-caulking around windows, doors, and utility penetrations of the wall are all likely places where water and insects enter your home. Depending on the size of the gap or space, small rodents and animals can enter as well. Caulk over time will dry-out and pull away from the surface thus creating this point of entry.  Silicone caulk last much longer than regular caulk so its important to know what you're buying. A simple inspection around some common places at your home will likely yield the need for new caulk or additional caulk.

One of the most expensive maintenance items you will encounter as a property owner is replacing a roof. The avg sized home will command a roof replacement cost between $8-10K. To prolong the life of your roof, it will require frequent inspections after a significant wind or hail storms and the trimming of tree branches and limbs away from the roof line.  Furthermore, assess the condition of large trees on your property such they don't become a liability than an asset.

Incorporating rocks and stone in your landscape scheme can really make a big difference and increase your property's value. The options are almost unlimited for both natural and manufactured stone. Whether you are starting from scratch or adding to your existing scheme, consider incorporating stone in the design. This is probably the only portion of your landscape that does not require maintenance and never requires requires replacement.

Nothing is more effective to a landscape scheme than the use of the hydrangea trees and bushes. The blooms against the large dark-green leaves are an impressive combination that can set your landscape apart from the rest. Consider using this plant to "pop" your landscape design.

One of our customers wanted a deck refresh by replacing all of the surface boards on the deck. While we could have completely demolished the deck and rebuild, this was not necessary. Furthermore, by replacing the surface boards, significant time and cost were reduced by only doing a refresh. We investigated the possibility of flipping the deck boards but some of the boards were soft and springy. Significant to this deck design is the diagonal installation of the surface boards. What makes this so significant is the custom angle cuts to each board. This design requires additional material and time to complete so if you are considering this design, account for the added material cost and labor. We found ourselves wishing we had paid more attention in trigonometry class (so there is a need for higher education). The final product turned out phenomenal and most important, we delivered what the customer asked for.

All great operations start with pre-combat checks. The H2 team is prepping for contact. 

Do you have a healthy lawn? There are a few signs to gauge good turf. Consider the following characteristics: deep green color, thickness, even growth, and the softness under foot. If you desire the perfect or near perfect lawn, we are the team who can deliver. 

The insects and weeds have taken over the planet. Well, it's not that bad but almost. If you have a similar problem, there is a solution. While the action and techniques are different in dealing with this nuisance, timing makes a difference. Spring is the best time to get ahead of weeds and insects before they gain a foothold. If you wait till summer, the time a cost to eradicate them both goes up. Checkout this short video to see how we are addressing the issue now.