Gutters, Sticky Doors and Caulk: An Austin Home To-Do List

Small Repairs Pile Up

Many homes collect a list of small repairs: a gutter that overflows, a door that sticks, caulk that has cracked or a ding in the drywall. Each job on its own seems too small to call anyone about, so the list keeps growing. Small issues left alone also tend to become bigger ones, and a minor fix put off long enough can turn into a real repair. SixBravo handles maintenance and repairs, and a list of small jobs is exactly the kind of work that service is built for. You can send us your list, and we work through it in one visit instead of you scheduling each item separately. This article covers the kinds of items that end up on a home to-do list and how a visit to work through them goes.

Gutters Before the Next Heavy Rain

Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repair are on the SixBravo maintenance checklist. Gutters only work when water can move freely through them and away from the house. When leaves and debris clog them, a heavy rain sends water over the edge instead, and that water runs down toward the siding and the foundation. That is exactly the water the gutters were put there to carry away, so a clogged gutter is doing the opposite of its job. Cleaning the gutters out and taking care of minor repairs helps keep rainwater moving where it should go. It is easier to get this done before the next heavy rain than to notice the overflow while the storm is already happening.

Doors and Windows That Stick

Door and window adjustments are another item on our maintenance checklist. A door that rubs against the frame, has to be pushed hard to close or will not latch is more than an annoyance, because a door that does not close properly does not seal or lock the way it should. Windows have similar problems, and a window that is hard to open or close becomes a nuisance every time you reach for it. In many cases the fix is an adjustment rather than a replacement, and we look at what is causing the rubbing or the stiffness before deciding what to do. Adjusting a door or a window is the kind of small job that fits easily on a to-do list alongside other repairs. When we are done, the door should swing and latch cleanly, and the window should open and close without a fight.

Caulking and Weatherproofing

Caulking and weatherproofing are on the SixBravo maintenance checklist, because cracked or missing caulk lets water and air in where they do not belong. Inside the house, caulk around tubs, sinks and windows keeps water from getting behind surfaces, where it can cause damage that is hard to see. Outside, gaps around exterior doors and trim let in the air and water that the house is meant to keep out. Caulk does not last forever, and once it cracks, pulls away or goes missing, it stops doing its job. Replacing tired caulk and sealing open gaps is a straightforward repair that fits well on a to-do list. The spots below are the ones worth checking around your home.

• Cracked caulk around tubs, sinks and windows
• Gaps around exterior doors and trim
• Spots where water or air gets in

Drywall Dings, Mounting and Assembly

Drywall patching and touch-up are part of our maintenance work, and drywall is one of SixBravo's core skills. A ding from a door handle, a hole left behind after something comes off the wall or a damaged spot from moving furniture can all be patched and touched up. We prepare the repaired area so the surface is paint-ready, which makes it easier to blend the patch into the rest of the wall. The same visit can also cover furniture assembly and mounting, which are both on the maintenance checklist. That makes it simple to combine putting together a new piece of furniture or mounting something on the wall with patching the old marks. Bundling these small jobs together is exactly what a to-do list visit is for.

How a To-Do List Visit Works

A to-do list visit starts with talking through your list and setting priorities, so the items that matter most to you get done first. Pricing is transparent, so there are no surprises when the work is finished. From there, we work through the list efficiently, moving from each item to the next. Before we leave, we walk through the finished work with you so you can see each repair and ask questions. Regular maintenance visits are also available if you would rather keep up with small repairs on a schedule than let a new list build up. SixBravo works with homeowners in Austin and nearby areas, including Tarrytown, West Lake Hills, Barton Hills, Allandale, Northwest Hills, Circle C Ranch, Steiner Ranch and Cedar Park, and you can reach us at (830) 327-8979 to send your list. In short, every to-do list visit comes down to these steps:

• Share your list and set priorities
• Get a quote before work starts
• Walk through the finished work together