Tag: home maintenance

Don’t Get Burned by DIY: When to Call a Pro

DIY is great—until it’s not. Learn the top 10 home projects you shouldn’t tackle alone and when to call CHBS for safe, professional help this winter.

DIY projects can be a satisfying way to save money and take pride in improving your home. And there are plenty of small projects that are perfect for a weekend warrior. But some jobs are more complicated—and far riskier—than they look online. One wrong step can turn a “quick fix” into a costly repair, a safety hazard, or a project that stalls out halfway through the winter.

At CHBS, we love when homeowners take initiative. But we also know the value of calling in a professional before a simple DIY turns into a major disruption. As we head into winter, when safety, comfort, and working home systems matter more than ever, here are ten situations where you’ll want to skip the tutorial and bring in an expert:

1. Electrical Work Beyond Replacing a Light Fixture
Anything involving wiring, outlets, or breaker panels requires training and should be handled by a licensed electrician. DIY electrical work risks shocks, fires, and failed inspections—not something you want to discover during the holidays or peak winter power usage.

2. Plumbing That Touches Pipes or Major Fixtures
A loose faucet? Sure. Installing a new shower, replacing a toilet, or dealing with a burst pipe? That’s another story. Errors in plumbing can lead to leaks, mold, and water damage—issues that only get worse in cold weather.

3. Structural Changes to Walls, Openings, or Additions
Even “non-load-bearing” walls can hide wiring, plumbing, or ductwork. Removing or modifying them without the right expertise can compromise your home’s safety and stability.

4. Roof Repairs or Replacement
Your roof is your first line of defense during Kansas winters. A misstep on shingles, flashing, or underlayment can lead to leaks, heat loss, and expensive repairs come spring.

5. Tile and Flooring Installation
Uneven floors, cracked tiles, lifting planks, and awkward transitions are common DIY frustrations. A professional ensures quality and durability, especially important in high-traffic holiday months.

6. Drywall Repair That Requires Texture Matching
Hanging drywall is easy. Making it disappear is not. Matching texture is an art, and poor mudding or taping becomes even more noticeable in winter light.

7. Any Project Requiring Permits or Inspections
Decks, egress windows, basement finishes, and structural changes all require oversight. A pro understands code requirements—saving you time, rework, and surprise failures down the line.

8. Accessibility or Aging-in-Place Modifications
Installing grab bars, widening doorways, adding ramps, or reconfiguring a bathroom requires trained expertise. CHBS provides CAPS-informed guidance to ensure each update meets safety standards.

9. Exterior Work Involving Ladders, Power Tools, or Heights
Painting, gutter cleaning, and exterior repairs are much harder—and more dangerous—than they seem.

10. When a DIY Project Stalls Out
If a project becomes overwhelming, takes longer than expected, or isn’t turning out right, CHBS can step in and finish it quickly and correctly.

DIY When You Can. Call CHBS When You Should.

DIY can be fun and rewarding—but knowing your limits is smart homeownership. CHBS specializes in stepping in when projects become overwhelming, unsafe, or simply out of your comfort zone.

Ready to hand off a project that’s over your head? Contact Complete Home & Business Solutions and let our experts take it from here.

Fall Maintenance Made Simple: 10 To-Dos to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Fall is the perfect time to give your home a little extra care before winter sets in. From cleaning gutters to checking your furnace, a few simple maintenance tasks now can prevent costly repairs later. See our top 10 fall to-dos to keep your home safe, efficient, and winter-ready.

When the leaves start to turn and the mornings feel crisp, it’s a sure sign that fall has arrived — and with it, the perfect opportunity to get your home ready for the colder months ahead. A little preventive maintenance now can save you time, money, and stress when winter weather hits.

Here are 10 simple maintenance tasks that every homeowner should tackle before the first freeze.

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Those colorful leaves look great in your yard — but not in your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your roof, siding, and foundation. Take time to clear out leaves and debris, and make sure your downspouts direct water well away from your home.

2. Inspect the Roof

After a long, hot summer, your roof deserves a checkup. Look for missing shingles, soft spots, or storm damage that could lead to leaks once snow and ice arrive. Catching small issues now can save you from expensive repairs later.

3. Clean Dryer Vents

Cooler weather means heavier fabrics and more laundry. Lint buildup in dryer vents is a common — and dangerous — fire hazard. Clean your vent hose and exterior duct at least once a year to keep your dryer running efficiently and your home safe.

4. Service Your Heating System

Before you turn on your furnace or heat pump, schedule a professional tune-up. A fall inspection ensures your system is running efficiently, safely, and ready for the season. Regular maintenance also helps extend the life of your equipment.

5. Replace Furnace Filters

This one’s easy to overlook but makes a big difference. Changing your furnace filter improves airflow, boosts efficiency, and keeps your indoor air cleaner — especially important when your home is closed up for winter.

6. Drain Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

Before freezing temperatures arrive, disconnect hoses and shut off exterior water lines. Drain any remaining water to prevent frozen pipes that can crack or burst. While you’re at it, add insulated faucet covers for extra protection.

7. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With fireplaces, heaters, and ovens running, fall is the time to make sure your smoke and CO detectors are in good working order. Replace batteries, test each device, and upgrade any that are more than 10 years old.

8. Clean the Fireplace and Chimney

Whether you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, annual cleaning is a must. Have a professional inspect and clean your chimney to remove creosote buildup, improve airflow, and ensure safe operation before your first cozy fire.

9. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Pruning overgrown branches keeps your landscape healthy and helps prevent storm damage. Cut back limbs near the roof, windows, and power lines before snow or ice causes them to break.

10. Check Exterior Paint and Siding

Walk around your home and look for peeling paint, cracked siding, or gaps where moisture could get in. Touching up paint or repairing siding now protects your home from cold weather damage and helps it look its best all year long.

Let CHBS Help You Get Winter-Ready

From gutter cleaning and minor roof repairs to weatherproofing, safety checks, and seasonal prep, Complete Home & Business Solutions can help with all your fall maintenance needs.

We offer expert solutions for every space — inside and out — so you can head into winter knowing your home is safe, efficient, and protected.

Call today to schedule your fall maintenance visit or request a quote for seasonal repair projects.