Home Maintenance
Tips & Guides

A recent HANDLD project involved removing a TV from a mobile stand, taking down an old wall-mounted TV for disposal, and installing the replacement TV on the existing wall bracket. The completed installation confirmed a secure hang. Two photos were also hung in a bedroom during the visit.

HANDLD recently completed an undermount sink reattachment involving a stainless-steel double-bowl sink that had separated from the underside of a granite countertop. The failed material around the rim was removed, the sink was realigned and reattached, and a continuous waterproof seal was applied around the perimeter. The result was a sink sitting flush and gap-free against the granite again.

A recent HANDLD project followed that sequence. The homeowner had water damage on a bedroom ceiling near a wall. Some roof shingles had already been replaced, although the exact path of the leak was not documented. HANDLD opened the damaged ceiling from below on the first visit to encourage drying. After a couple of days, we returned and completed a drywall patch to a paint-ready finish.

A recent HANDLD repair in the Toronto area provides a practical example. The wall had cracked and chipped plaster around protruding bracket hardware. HANDLD temporarily removed the obstructing hardware, patched and sanded the damaged area, applied primer and reinstalled the bracket. The result was a smooth, paint-ready surface. Finish paint was not part of the documented repair.

A recent HANDLD job involved an undermount stainless-steel kitchen sink that had partially detached from the underside of its countertop. The old adhesive or caulk along the rim had failed, a visible gap had opened, and the basin had dropped within the cabinet opening. HANDLD reattached the sink, and the completed repair showed the basin seated evenly again with the perimeter gap closed.

In the completed HANDLD project, the common areas were repainted rather than relying on scattered touch-ups. The project record confirms the painting work and use of base white eggshell, while after-project images support the clean, uniform finished appearance.

Unlike a drop-in sink that rests on the countertop, an undermount sink is secured below it. The mounting system and adhesive need to support the sink while the perimeter seal helps keep water out of the joint.

HANDLD attended the property, removed the failed bulbs, installed the client-supplied replacements and tested the serviced fixtures afterward to confirm operation. A small wall-mounted device was also installed during the visit at the client's request. The result was simple: the maintenance request was taken off the client's list and the affected lighting was restored.

The front door was not opening properly because the bottom barrel bolt had deteriorated and was no longer functioning as intended. The existing hardware was rusted and loosely fastened with wood screws. The surrounding mounting area also showed signs of wear.

Applying fresh silicone directly over deteriorated caulk can interfere with obtaining a clean, reliable seal. For a proper recaulking job, the old material should generally be removed so the joint can be cleaned and allowed to dry before new silicone is applied.

Unlike a drop-in sink, an undermount sink is installed below the countertop, so separation can be easy to overlook at first. One of the clearest warning signs is a gap developing between the sink rim and the underside of the stone.

A recent HANDLD project involved bedroom and living-area walls with numerous small fastener holes, minor dents, scuffs and several areas where adhesive removal had lifted paint. The completed work included filling the holes, taking a paint chip for colour matching, purchasing matched paint, sanding the repairs and repainting the affected walls.

Small installation and repair needs can accumulate quickly in an active clinic, office or commercial space. A monitor needs to be relocated, a shelf needs to be installed, old mounting holes remain visible, or a new privacy solution is required as the space evolves.

For the HANDLD project, the old, failed caulk was removed rather than covered. A new, continuous bead of white silicone was then applied along the tub-to-tile joints and inside corners. The finished seam was visibly smooth and continuous compared with the cracked and stained joint present beforehand

A recent HANDLD project involved exactly this situation: a homeowner wanted a 65-inch TV mounted on a decorative paneled feature wall above a mantel. HANDLD located the structural studs behind the finished wall, installed and levelled the wall plate with appropriate fasteners, and used a two-person lift to safely hang the TV.

The exact repair method depends on the existing installation and the condition of the sink, countertop and mounting system. In a typical repair, the sink needs to be correctly repositioned, and the bonding surfaces need to be prepared so that a suitable adhesive can form an effective bond. The basin then needs secure support while that bond cures.

On a completed HANDLD project, the dehumidifier's placement relative to an adjacent partition wall prevented the filter from being removed. The solution was to create a service opening from the opposite room and install a removable surface-mount access panel.

A recent HANDLD project involved mounting a new Samsung TV on a concrete wall above an existing console. The completed installation provides a useful example of what homeowners should consider before mounting a TV on concrete.

On a completed HANDLD repair, the kitchen sink had an active drain leak and the P-trap was leaking. During the repair, heavily corroded basket strainer threads were found fused to the tailpiece.

A recent HANDLD bathtub re-caulking job provides a useful example. Before the work, the horizontal tub-to-tile seam had visible cracks, gaps, missing caulk, and multiple areas of dark mold staining.