Category: Residential

This category includes all the posts about residential services. Our services are not only for commercial proposes, and you can know why here.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Gutter Cleaning: Why Being “Basic” During the Fall is A-Okay

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Imagine this. A perfect fall day in Metro Vancouver. Everyone is walking around wearing their Herschel beanies like they invented the style. Pumpkin spiced lattes are flowing in abundance on every street corner. Can you name anything more “basic”?  Yes, we can. Imagine this now: a cleaning company trying to tell you about the importance of getting your gutters cleaned. As if you, a homeowner or council member, have never once seen leaves falling off of trees and into your residential gutters. But there’s a reason why gutter cleaning has become as basic of a fall item as the beloved PSL: because they’re both wildly in demand during this time. The fall season isn’t the time to try to be original and order a matcha tea latte instead because you don’t want to get what everyone else is having. Gutter cleaning is the same: it’s an absolutely essential service that every residential property needs to have on their annual docket. Here’s why gutter cleaning is the ultimate “basic” fall home service: Prevent Water Damage:Here’s a class equation that you don’t need a PhD in math for: clogged gutters = overflow. Large volumes of water pooling around your home’s foundation straight up doesn’t sound like a good time; regularly scheduled gutter cleaning makes sure that your drainage systems are working properly. You want water AWAY from your home after all, not inside of it – unless you’re looking to recreate the classic 1995 film ‘Waterworld’. Maintain Aesthetic Appeal:We all want to say “don’t judge a book by its cover”. But let’s be real – when you’re driving along any neighbourhood, you’re probably judging homes based on how they look. Annual gutter cleaning keeps your home looking spick and span, increasing the curb appeal of your home or giving the impression that you actually give a d#mn about your strata corporation.  Protect your Landscaping:Whether you do your landscaping yourself or hire a professional for your property, a well landscaped property  is a pretty nice flex. But if you don’t take care of your gutters every year, then what’s the point? Not only is your soil and flower beds going down the drain, but your hard earned dollars as well. Keeping up with your gutter maintenance will help protect your landscaping, helping prevent erosion and plant damage. It’s Just Common Sense:This seems obvious, right? But with decades of industry experience, we’ve seen everything. Our general rule of thumb for any property – whether it be a single-detached home or multi unit strata corporation – is that preventative care + maintenance is the best approach. Spending money now, while seemingly more expensive in the short-term, is a wiser decision in the long-term if you want to avoid costly repairs in the future. If you’re ready to embrace your inner Basic B*tch and get your residential gutters cleaned, reach out to Imagine today. We’re here to provide the best property services in Metro Vancouver – simple as that. https://imagineservices.ca/imagine-contact/

Why we do NOT power wash on all decks for strata properties.

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“With great power, comes great responsibility.” This infamous quote from the Spider-Man films doesn’t only apply to superheroes. At Imagine, we take deck cleaning in Metro Vancouver as seriously as Peter Parker takes cleaning up the streets of New York City. We understand that a “one size fits all” solution doesn’t work. While promising the use of a power washer for your deck cleaning needs – whether it be commercial or residential – might sound appealing, it won’t necessarily yield the best results. “More” cleaning power doesn’t always mean a better cleaning job will be done. Here’s why we don’t always use a power washer for our deck cleaning services: Power washing can create a big mess:Using water at a high-pressure, which is why power washing can be so effective in some cases, comes at a cost: it makes a big ol’ mess. While that in of itself isn’t an issue, if our clients are requesting a smaller space (such as a condo or townhouse deck) to be cleaned, it might make more of a mess than actually getting rid of it. The runoff water, dirt and debris are just moved around the space rather than being cleaned, potentially spraying onto your furniture, windows or even your neighours. In these cases, we recommend soft scrubbing as an alternative method of deck cleaning. Power washing might cause drainage issues:Not all decks are created equally. Over the years, our team has cleaned decks of all shapes and sizes and have seen first-hand that not all of them have proper drainage systems or maintenance. Using a power washer on these types of decks can potentially cause clogs if the space isn’t well-equipped to drain off high volumes of water. In the worst case scenario, this could cause water to seep into your building envelope – a much bigger mess to clean than your deck! Power washing isn’t permitted in all buildings:If you live in a Strata Corporation, then your building might have bylaws or rules around how you use your deck space: from BBQ regulations, storage rules and yes, how you can (and can’t) clean your deck. Factors that may influence the creation of these rules include: concerns over noise, mess, neighbour complaints, insurance policies and building warranties. No matter what the reason, if these bylaws and rules exist, and you fail to comply with them, you may be subject to violation fines and penalties. Power washing is a great option for some residential or commercial cleaning needs – but it’s not for all jobs and spaces. At Imagine, we have the knowledge and experience needed to be able to assess your space and provide unique recommendations tailored to your needs. We aim to save you money while also providing excellent service – a combination we’re proud to offer all of our clients.  Contact us today and let’s bring your deck back to life – with or without a power washer.

Maximize Your Outdoor Space: How to enjoy the Vancouver Summer, no matter your deck size.

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Vancouver, while known for its beautiful natural landscape, is also known for its notoriously expensive real estate. Having cleaned a deck or two (or a few hundred) at Imagine Maintenance, we’ve seen outdoor spaces of all sizes. But even if you have a smaller outdoor space in your home, you can still enjoy the summer with some planning, thought and maybe some professional help from our property services team 😉 Prep your deck in advance While Vancouver might seem to be covered in perpetual rain, summer does come  – but when it does, it’s a hot one. July and August traditionally see less rainfall than the rest of the year, so you can’t count on nature to wash your deck for you. If you live in an apartment or townhome complex, then it’s likely your strata corporation has rules or bylaws in place around  deck / patio maintenance. Some strata councils designate a deck cleaning schedule in advance, by floor. Why? Imagine you’re on the 1st floor and you clean your deck one day. Then the very next day the neighbour above you cleans theirs, with all the dirty water running down into your freshly cleaned space. So be sure to check with your strata ahead of time to avoid this mistake. Choosing a reputable company that’s fully insured (like ours!) could be a cost-effective option – we’ll be able to determine if pressure washing or soft scrubbing is the best cleaning option for your space. Choose your furniture wisely With less square footage, comes less furniture options – right? Well, that doesn’t have to be the case. Furniture retailers have become savvy to their consumer needs, as they know that not everyone has a large lot. If they weren’t adaptable with their product offerings to suit outdoor spaces of all shapes and sizes, they’d be out of business pretty quickly in Metro Vancouver. Choose pieces that have multi-purpose functionalities, such as a storage deck box that also serves as a bench for additional seating or a folding picnic table to save space. Also consider the materials that your furniture is made of. Pieces made of teak wood, aluminum, wicker or stainless steel are great options that provide both durability and easier maintenance. Get your BBQ ready  The start of the summer season inevitably also means the start of the BBQ season. In Vancouver, popular items to grill include BC wild salmon or locally grown sweet corn from Chilliwack – some of our team’s personal favourites. A smaller deck or patio shouldn’t limit your menu options for your summer BBQ. You don’t need a ton of space to fit a grill that can still cook a meal for an entire family.  However, many strata corporations have rules and bylaws in place around what types of BBQs or grills are permitted. While charcoal might produce delicious results, many buildings prohibit them due to fire risk and safety concerns. Propane and electric grills appear to be more in favour – fortunately, smaller propane tanks are readily available, making it an ideal option for smaller outdoor spaces. Enjoy nature Whether your view is of the Howe Sound in North Vancouver or the lush Fraser Valley fields in Langley, summer is an idyllic time of year for all to enjoy. But even if you don’t have a picturesque view, you can still enjoy everything Mother Nature has to offer.  Bird feeders can be both an aesthetic and functional addition to any outdoor space. If you live in a strata corporation, be sure to check your bylaws and rules first to see if they’re permitted. You can also add plants to your outdoor space to bring nature closer to you instead. If your deck is north-facing or doesn’t get much sunlight, low-maintenance plants like begonias or snake plants don’t need direct sunlight. And if a green thumb isn’t your thing? There are plenty of artificial plants that look like the real deal. No matter how you choose to use your deck this summer, above all else make sure you savour every moment. And if you didn’t get your deck cleaned in time this year? Then there’s always next summer. Do you want to get your deck ready for the summer? Reach out to us today to learn more about our power washing services: https://imagineservices.ca/imagine-contact/

Elevating Home Value Through Regular Exterior Home Maintenance: A Community Effort

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In the ever-fluctuating real estate market of cities like Vancouver, where the dynamic is as variable as the weather, maintaining your home goes beyond mere upkeep—it’s a strategic investment in your property’s future value. However, this strategy isn’t limited to the interior or the immediate exterior of your home. Services such as gutter cleaning, window washing, and sidewalk power washing play a pivotal role in not just preserving but significantly enhancing your home’s curb appeal and, consequently, its market value. The Impact of Exterior Maintenance on Home Value A home that shines with cleanliness and structural integrity naturally stands out, attracting more interest from potential buyers and, in turn, elevating its market value. Consider gutter cleaning: it’s not just about preventing water damage; clean gutters contribute to the overall aesthetic of your home, signalling meticulous care to prospective buyers. Similarly, sparkling windows and well-maintained sidewalks offer a visual appeal that speaks volumes about the homeowner’s attention to detail, further boosting the property’s attractiveness and value. The Power of Community in Real Estate Value The concept of enhancing home value through maintenance takes on a new dimension when applied on a community-wide scale. When neighbours collectively commit to regular maintenance of their exteriors, the neighbourhood as a whole becomes more appealing. This shared commitment to beauty and upkeep doesn’t just elevate each individual home’s value; it enhances the desirability of the entire neighbourhood, making it a sought-after location for prospective buyers. In competitive markets like Vancouver’s, a well-kept neighbourhood can be a decisive factor for buyers, potentially increasing property values across the board. A Strategic Contribution to Financial Health This collective effort in home maintenance transcends aesthetic benefits, morphing into a strategic investment in the community’s financial health. Regularly employing services like gutter cleaning, window washing, and power washing sidewalks and decks ensures that homes not only maintain their value but also contribute to the overall appeal and marketability of the neighbourhood. It’s a cycle of care that rewards not just the individual homeowner but the entire community, showcasing how shared values and actions can lead to mutual financial benefits. Imagine a Stronger Community and Higher House Value  Investing in regular maintenance tasks such as gutter cleaning, window washing, and sidewalk power washing is a proven strategy to increase your home’s resale value. More importantly, when this practice becomes a community-wide effort, it significantly boosts the attractiveness and financial standing of the entire neighbourhood. It’s a clear indication that when homeowners come together in the pursuit of maintaining their properties, the result is a stronger, more desirable community that stands out in the competitive real estate market. Contact IMAGINE Maintenance for a free estimate on all of your exterior house cleaning needs. Ask us about our Value Bundles (something to consider for you and your neighbour!) and save time and money! 

Are Gutter Cleaning Services Necessary?

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A quick look outside lets you know we are well into the fall season. The dazzling colours of fiery reds, yellows and orange that litter your yard and roof. It’s definitely a great time of year, but it’s important to be prepared for the rain that will inevitably hit us here in Vancouver. Those leaves on your roof will eventually turn into a brown sludge that stains your home and clogs gutter drains. It can cause quite a lot of havoc if not cleaned. Gutter cleaning is an important part of home maintenance that is often overlooked by many homeowners until it becomes an obvious problem. Having a professional team clean them can save you big money in the long run. Protect your home The main purpose of your gutters is to direct water away from your house. Clean gutters can easily manage this flow but when leaves, twigs, and debris clog them, they won’t function properly. The clogged gutter causes water to overflow, which then drains into your house, rather than away from it. Leaky roofs, flooded basements, and damage to your home’s foundation can all be attributed to having plugged up gutters. Simply keeping them clog free can prevent these problems, consequently saving you money with expensive home repairs down the road. Protect your health The piled up debris can become a breeding ground for bugs, rodents, and other pests. Pooled water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies which could potentially carry harmful viruses. The overflowing water drips down the side of your home, finding its way into the walls. When this happens mould and mildew builds and spreads. It’s much easier to prevent mould from starting than fixing it after it has invaded your home.   Protect your yard Overflowing water can pool in your garden beds, essentially drowning your plants. The uncontrolled water can cause soil erosion to the rest of your yard as well.  Pooling water wears away the foundation around your home, forcing the flow of water into your home rather than away from it. Regular gutter cleaning, especially in fall, can save you expensive home repairs in the long run and keep your home (and self) healthy.  To have your gutters professionally cleaned with Imagine, send our gutter cleaning experts message or give us a call! After all, your home was made making memories, not spending time cleaning it.

Do You Need Window Cleaning? Consider Curb Appeal.

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Scheduling somebody to clean your windows, then your awning, and then your driveway can be a hassle. This is why our Curb Appeal offering allows you to book everything in one go whether your building is residential or commercial. Next time you go to book us to clean your windows, consider whether your awning, driveway or gutter could need some attention too. Our team are experienced in all areas of exterior maintenance so can easily see to all the work your building needs to improve its curb appeal. We are able to combine all of the following services into one visit, window cleaning, awning cleaning, pressure washing, exterior cleaning (includes roof cleaning), gutter cleaning (Vancouver gutters can get very full in fall so think about planning ahead). Simply contact us to discuss your property and its needs and we’ll schedule you in for a visit from one of our friendly team members. A single visit from IMAGINE will leave your home or building spotless!

Imagine a Moss-Free Driveway and Patio

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Our simple pressure washing service will make you feel proud to invite friends and family over to enjoy the last of summer in your moss-free yard. Get Rid of Moss and Algae Moss and algae cannot only be unsightly but can also become slippery and dangerous. Our pressure washing service gets rid of all of this to leave you with a beautiful, safe yard. Hard surfaces such as driveways, stairs, ponds, sports courts and stone sculptures are often the victims of moss and algae growth. The power of the tools we use, wipes the area clean quickly and often without the need for added chemicals. How To Keep Moss Down If part of your home or building is experiencing moss growth, we recommend booking a pressure washing appointment now and then a follow up maintenance appointment during winter. Moss grows in moist shaded areas and the Lower Mainland’s amount of winter rain leads to a lot of moss growth. You can prevent some growth by trimming foliage. Moss can’t grow in direct sunlight so to stop it growing back, stop giving it shade. There are of course going to be areas where you can’t remove the shade and these are the areas that are more in need of pressure washing. In between pressure washing visits you can scrub the areas where moss tends to grow with a hard brush. If you are leaving it a long time between pressure washing sessions, you may want to consider buying moss and algae killing chemicals to apply. We are very thorough when pressure washing Vancouver homes and buildings. Our valued customers have rated us 4.5 out of 5 on Facebook, Google + and Yelp. Contact us to arrange a pressure washing visit at your home or building and find out why we are so highly rated.

Easy ways to improve your home’s curb appeal

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There are a million ways to improve your home’s curb appeal – where do you start? From awning cleaning to de-mossing, here are some easy ways to improve your home’s appearance. Doorstep Plants A simple potted plant at the entrance of your home can make a big difference. The contrast in colour against your painted or bricked walls gives your house a sense of style. A Pheasant’s Tail Grass (anemanthele lessoniana) is a great year-round option. The evergreen grasses thrive in sun or shade. Try two or three different plant pots to give the impression of a mature garden. Outdoor Lighting Lights aren’t just for Christmas. An outdoor light fitting on your home’s wall can look very stylish whilst also being a good security measure. Movement sensored lighting gives your home an added layer of security, although more often than not, it’s next door’s cat or a pesky raccoon that activates it. Path lighting can look very attractive and help you whilst you’re fumbling for your keys on a dark winter night. Clean Awning After a few years, glass or canvas awning can look tired and dated. A simple clean can make it look like-new again. Remember, pressure washing awning can damage it. If you have any doubts, simply book your awning in for a clean next time you get your windows washed. Our professionals have been restoring Vancouver awnings for years and know how to avoid damage. Fences Fences aren’t just for defining boundaries, they can be used decoratively. Try lining the pathway to your house with a short fence. Or a slightly taller one if you’d like to create an enclosed area for your pet to run around in. Front Door When you no longer feel happy with how your home looks, replacing the front door can make you feel as though you’ve completely renovated. Perhaps be brave and opt for a brightly coloured door. Maybe a regal red or pastel pink. De-moss Moss builds up very quickly on paved driveways and moist shaded areas. It can make your home look older than it is. Our exterior cleaning service gets rid of all moss surrounding your home. If you spend time making the outside of your home look nice, it would be a shame for that to be spoilt by some troublesome moss. Gutter cleaning is another good way to get rid of, or prevent, moss. A few small purchases and exterior maintenance will turn your home into the idyllic suburban home that will be the talk of the town. Never thought about getting your home’s gutter or awning cleaned? Get in touch with us to find out about our outdoor cleaning solutions.