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17 Divinity St
Bristol, CT, 06010
United States

8605895155

Since 1975, O'Donnell Bros has been providing greater Bristol and Central Connecticut with residential and commercial remodeling solutions. We specialize in roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters, downspouts and so much more. We look forward to helping you with all your remodeling needs. 

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Articles

O'Donnell Bros President, Bob O'Donnell, is a regular contributor to The Bristol Press. Read his home improvement articles here.

 

What to Plant for a Fall Harvest

Chelsea O'Donnell

If you think late summer is the time to give your garden a rest, think again. This time of year is perfect to get late fall and winter veggies into the ground to enjoy a delicious harvest even when the frost sets in. For those of you with a green thumb or even if you regret not making the most of your garden earlier this year, now is a great time to get planting. Let’s start with three basic tips.

First, make a note of the frost dates. A smart cool weather garden will thrive if plants are in the ground and have time to mature well before the daytime temperature starts to settle at around 55 degrees. The almanac has the first frost around the second week in October, which means you have about six weeks to get your crops settled in. 

If you’ve decided on a fall garden, you might want to think about building a cold frame. You can buy one at a local hardware store, or make your own using plywood and plastic with holes for ventilation. For a small garden, a hinged plexiglass box will do the trick but for larger beds, consider heavy-duty plastic sheeting.

Lastly, use this opportunity to give back to your garden and prepare it for next season. If you’re not too picky about what to plant or you aren’t interested in harvesting, consider a cover crop - a species that will improve the health of your soil, enhance your garden’s biodiversity, and keep pests and weeds at bay. Peas and beans are the best choices for veggies while clover, rye, buckwheat, and sorghum work really well as a nutrient-enriching cover.

Once you’ve committed to a fall garden, the only decision is what to plant. Some of my favorite vegetables do really well in the colder months, so luckily you have tons to choose from. In terms of leafy greens, you have your pick with chard, kale, lettuce of all kinds, and spinach. Other tough veggies like broccoli, beets, carrots, and radishes are plenty strong enough for these colder months.  My favorite roasters like pumpkins, fennel, parsnips, turnips, and Brussels sprouts also do incredibly well this time of year. And let’s not forget rhubarb for a delicious late-season pie!

If you love all these veggies but can’t get yourself to commit to a late summer garden, don’t worry. Bookmark this for six months' time and get excited to kick off the spring with early planting. Happy Gardening!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Animal-Proof Your Attic

Chelsea O'Donnell

If you’ve ever had an animal in your attic, you know how annoying it can be. From scratching and scurrying during the night to high-pitched whistles and chatter, having a furry friend invade your home is a surefire way to ruin a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, animals love dark, safe spaces to den, which is why an attic ticks all of the boxes. As bad as it is to have one intruder, the last thing you want is for an animal to bring their babies in or to give birth under your roof. Here are four ways you can reduce the risk of sharing your home with an unwanted guest of the four-legged variety. 

Trim Trees 

Don’t make it easy for an animal to get in. Large trees that are adjacent to your home should be trimmed back to ensure that a squirrel or chipmunk can’t easily get onto the roof. These animals love chewing, so any wiring or piping is at risk once they are in. Forget the noise, a destroyed electrical system is a lot more painful than a bad night’s sleep. 

Inspect the Roof

Animals can squeeze into small holes, so make sure your roof is in great shape with all the shingles intact, especially around the chimney flashing. Most animals will stay in a place with water so a leaky roof actually makes an excellent home for tiny pests like rats and mice. 

Install a Chimney Cap

Speaking of chimneys, you have no idea how many people call me because a squirrel or raccoon has become curious about what’s down that hole in the roof. A simple mesh chimney cap ensures that you can use your fireplace safely while preventing anything from being able to get inside.

Cover Vents

A good roof will have a series of vents that allow your home to “breathe” by letting air in and out to reduce the possibility of mold, mildew, and rot. However, open vents also make it easy for animals to enter. A simple vent cover will still let air in while reducing the possibility of intruders invading the attic. 

If you think you hear an animal in your attic already, it’s a good idea to know what you’re dealing with. Rats will generally gnaw at just about anything they can find and they make a unique squeaking sound. Mice will scurry and actually sound a lot louder than their size suggests. Screams or hisses will likely be from a raccoon and if you have one, you’ll know it. Squirrels are quieter but they’ll love tearing up your insulation. Possums are also common, and they really smell. Regardless of what the animal is, you don’t want to leave it alone and let it get comfortable. An exterminator will help you find the right course of action for your home, including trapping and releasing and one-way exclusion doors. Good luck!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Eight Great Bathroom Upgrades

Chelsea O'Donnell

They are usually the smallest rooms in the house but having stylish and comfortable bathrooms is a remodeling job with one of the biggest payoffs. Not only will you see costs recouped if you’re considering putting your house on the market, but a home with upgraded and fully functional bathrooms will make your family feel much more zen too. Here are eight ideas to give your bathrooms a boost without spending a fortune.

Health & Safety

If your bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation, you will end up with mold and mildew growing on the walls and ceiling. A replacement fan will cost under $100 and you can install it yourself to ensure that the moisture caused by the shower is being extracted properly. Remember, you’ll need to measure the bathroom first to ensure you get the right fan for the job. 

Environmentally Friendly

If you want to do your part for the environment, you can update your bathroom with water-saving fixtures. Many of the big box stores, as well as local retailers, carry energy-efficient models that can cut water flow by upwards of 30 percent, making for a healthier planet and a happier utility bill. 

Neat & Tidy

If you can’t stand cleaning the shower, this one's for you. Today you can find shower doors that are finished with a water-resistant coating that sheds the droplets that leave unsightly little stains. If you’re constantly walking around with a squeegee in hand, this upgrade might just make your weekend cleaning routine just a little easier. 

Semi-Custom

If you’re looking to replace your cabinetry, take a look at some of the semi-custom options available from the major retailers. There are even companies that spruce up IKEA cabinets to make them look more personalized and stylish. If you can’t afford to replace the cabinets, a new lick of paint can breathe new life into old doors.

Get Organized

If your cabinets are in good shape but they are tough to reach or annoying to get into, a cabinet organizer might be for you. Most systems include sliding surfaces which make reaching items in the back a whole lot easier. No more digging in the dark. 

Lights and Mirrors

Dated mirrors or lighting fixtures can bring a bathroom down. Kick it up a notch and keep an eye on the sales flyers for accent pieces to give your bathroom a boost for very little effort. Backlit mirrors are very on trend this year as are soft metallics and mixed metals. 

Counters

Granite countertops are a pricey remodeling project, but these days you can get the look for less by getting creative. Talk to your local countertop expert about where to look for remnant slabs, or consider cheaper options like a preformed laminate finish.

Spa Touches

Make your shower more luxurious by replacing the old head. I personally love a rain shower, but a handheld sprayer can feel great after a long day and it makes cleaning a cinch. You can also replace your old shower curtain with a more modern update for less than $20. You won’t believe how a little change can make a big difference. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.