America’s Master Handyman Glenn Haege broadcast his radio show live from Ortonville for the first time last Saturday.
Haege’s Handyman Show can be heard on 147 stations in 46 states and on Sept. 28, he was broadcasting from Ace Hardware, 440 N. Ortonville Road. Locally, the Handyman Show with Glenn Haege can be heard from noon-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays on WJR, 760 AM.
The Groveland Township store was chosen in a lottery for Haege’s broadcast, during which he advised both callers and store visitors on how to handle various home improvement projects and offered maintenance tips.
‘In Ortonville, there are people that truly conserve,? said Haege, noting one resident had bought a home built in the 1830s and wanted to know about insulation and wiring upgrades.
With fall here and winter right around the corner, Haege, who has more than 30 years experience in the home industry, suggests that now is a better time for certain projects or repairs.
‘For many decades, I do what is called manage by walking around,? he said. ‘Go out with pen and paper and a pair of binoculars, and walk around your home three times documenting. From the ground level, you can see if there are roof or gutter issues. Check for mortar cracks, look at the caulking around windows. Things that Mother Nature in the summer tried to undo, you can catch in the fall.?
One of those things may be checking to make sure your garage door will operate in winter. Haege recommends using a product called Dry Lube on hinges and springs of the door, but not the wheels. It can also be used on deadlocks and doorwalls.
While now is also the time to do the basics such as checking the furnace filter and humidifier, it is also a good time to paint, clean carpets, and refurbish hardwood floors with the holidays coming.
The most powerful tool in your toolbox, said Haege, is your checkbook and homeowners need to learn to operate it effectively, whether they are doing the work themselves, or hiring a contractor.
‘The most common mistake people make is incorrect budgets and not enough time,? he said. ‘People make budgets first, not knowing what they want. They set a budget and then try to get what they can within it. Figure out what you want first.?
Another mistake often made, Haege said, is thinking that the home improvement store is the be-all, end-all. Less expensive products may be found elsewhere, such as a lumberyard. He adds that product knowledge is also the best defense for home improvement. Haege recommends going directly to manufacturer websites and thoroughly acquainting yourself with the use of a product before starting a project. Proper prior planning is essential. Have all the products necessary and know how long a project will take to complete before starting.
‘If you’re not listing your house, you’re loving it and you want to maintain it,? Haege said. ‘It’s an investment.?