Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about home care, registration process, and our practical advice services. We're here to help you maintain your home efficiently.

We offer comprehensive guidance covering all aspects of household maintenance. Our advice spans from daily cleaning routines and seasonal maintenance tasks to preventive care strategies that extend the lifespan of your home systems and appliances.

Topics include kitchen and bathroom upkeep, floor care for different materials, furniture maintenance, appliance troubleshooting, energy efficiency improvements, pest prevention, and organizing storage spaces. Each recommendation is tested and practical, designed for homeowners and renters alike.

The current registration period is limited because we're launching a new seasonal home care program specifically designed for autumn and winter preparation. This program includes personalized advice, monthly maintenance checklists, and priority access to our consultation services.

We limit registrations to ensure each member receives individual attention and quality support. After this period closes, the next enrollment opportunity won't be available until spring, when we launch our warm-weather home care program with different focus areas.

Registration for our basic membership is 29 лв per month, which includes access to our complete library of home care guides, weekly maintenance tips via email, and participation in our online community forum where members share experiences and solutions.

We also offer a premium tier at 59 лв monthly that adds personalized consultation sessions (one 30-minute video call per month), custom maintenance schedules based on your specific home type, and priority response to questions submitted through our support system. Both plans can be canceled anytime without penalties.

Within 24 hours of registration, you'll receive a welcome email with login credentials to your member dashboard. The dashboard contains organized sections for different home areas, searchable guides, video tutorials, and your personalized maintenance calendar.

You'll also get an onboarding checklist to help you assess your current home maintenance status. Our team sends a brief survey to understand your specific needs, home size, and priority concerns. Based on your responses, we customize your content recommendations and maintenance schedule to match your situation.

Our guidance works for both apartments and houses. While some maintenance tasks differ between property types, the fundamental principles of care remain consistent. We provide specific sections for apartment dwellers that address common challenges like limited storage, shared building systems, and restrictions on modifications.

Apartment-specific content covers balcony maintenance, dealing with humidity in smaller spaces, noise reduction techniques, organizing compact areas, and navigating building management relationships. House-specific advice includes yard maintenance, exterior care, roof inspection, and foundation monitoring.

Mold prevention starts with controlling moisture. After each shower, run your exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes or open a window to reduce humidity. Wipe down wet surfaces like shower walls and doors with a squeegee or towel to remove standing water where mold spores thrive.

Check and clean your exhaust fan filter monthly, repair any leaking faucets or pipes immediately, and ensure grout lines are sealed properly. If you notice early mold spots, clean them with a solution of one part vinegar to one part water. For persistent problems, a dehumidifier can help maintain humidity below 50%, which inhibits mold growth.

For daily maintenance, sweep or vacuum hardwood floors using a soft-bristle attachment to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface. Avoid vacuum beater bars which can damage the finish. For weekly cleaning, use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop with a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner.

Never use excessive water, steam mops, or harsh chemicals like ammonia or vinegar on hardwood, as these can dull the finish or cause warping. Place mats at entryways to trap dirt, use furniture pads under chair and table legs, and trim pet nails regularly. Refinishing is typically needed every 7-10 years depending on traffic and care.

Standard 1-inch air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days, depending on factors like pets, allergies, and system usage. Homes with multiple pets or family members with allergies benefit from monthly replacements. Thicker filters (4-5 inches) can last 6-12 months.

Check your filter monthly by holding it up to light. If you can't see light through it clearly, replace it immediately. Dirty filters reduce airflow, making your HVAC system work harder, increasing energy bills by up to 15%, and potentially causing equipment failure. Set a phone reminder or mark filter change dates on your calendar to maintain this routine.

Spring: Clean gutters, inspect roof for winter damage, service air conditioning, check exterior paint and caulking, clean windows inside and out, test sump pump if applicable.

Summer: Inspect and clean deck or patio, check foundation for cracks, trim trees and shrubs away from house, clean dryer vents, inspect attic for proper ventilation.

Autumn: Clean gutters again, inspect and clean chimney, service heating system, seal windows and doors, drain outdoor faucets, store garden equipment.

Winter: Check for ice dams, inspect insulation, reverse ceiling fans, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, monitor humidity levels indoors.

Start with no-cost changes: adjust your thermostat by 2-3 degrees (lower in winter, higher in summer), use natural light during the day, unplug devices when not in use, run dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads, and close curtains at night for insulation.

Low-cost improvements include LED bulb replacements (saving 75% on lighting costs), weatherstripping for doors and windows, programmable thermostats, and low-flow showerheads. Larger investments like improved insulation, energy-efficient windows, or modern appliances pay for themselves over time. Members receive detailed energy audit checklists to identify specific savings opportunities in their homes.

Essential tools: Hammer, screwdriver set (flathead and Phillips), adjustable wrench, pliers, tape measure, level, utility knife, flashlight, and cordless drill with basic bit set.

Supplies: Various screws and nails, picture hanging hardware, duct tape, electrical tape, super glue, wood glue, sandpaper, paintbrushes, caulk gun with tubes, and WD-40.

Safety items: Work gloves, safety glasses, dust masks, and first aid kit. Store everything in a portable toolbox or designated area for easy access. As you gain experience, add specialized tools based on your home's specific needs and the projects you tackle most frequently.

For minor clogs, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let the mixture fizz for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water. This method breaks down organic material without harsh chemicals.

Prevention is more effective than treatment: use drain screens to catch hair and food particles, never pour grease down drains, run hot water after each use, and monthly maintenance with the baking soda method keeps pipes clear. For stubborn clogs, a plunger or drain snake usually works. If these methods fail repeatedly, the issue may be deeper in your plumbing system and require professional assessment.

Call professionals for electrical work beyond replacing switches or outlets, gas line issues, major plumbing problems, structural repairs, roof work above single-story height, HVAC system repairs (beyond filter changes), and anything involving asbestos or lead paint.

Consider your skill level honestly. If a task requires specialized tools you don't own, involves safety risks you're uncomfortable with, or could cause expensive damage if done incorrectly, professional help is worthwhile. Our guides clearly indicate which tasks are suitable for homeowners and which require licensed contractors. Many seemingly simple jobs have hidden complexities that professionals navigate efficiently.

Start in October by inspecting windows and doors for drafts, applying weatherstripping where needed. Check your heating system, clean radiators, and bleed them if necessary. Reverse ceiling fan direction to push warm air down. Insulate pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing.

Clean gutters before leaf fall completes, check roof tiles for damage, and ensure attic insulation is adequate (at least 25cm depth). Store outdoor furniture, drain garden hoses, and shut off exterior water taps. Stock emergency supplies including flashlights, batteries, and blankets in case of power outages during severe weather. Sofia winters can be harsh, so preparation in autumn prevents costly problems.

Maximize vertical space with wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and tall storage units. Use furniture that serves multiple purposes: ottomans with storage, beds with drawers underneath, fold-down desks, and nesting tables. Keep only items you regularly use or truly value.

Organize by category rather than room. Use clear containers so you can see contents without opening, label everything, and store seasonal items in hard-to-reach places. Under-bed storage, over-door organizers, and corner shelves capture wasted space. Declutter quarterly by asking if each item has been used in the past year. Our apartment organization guide includes room-by-room strategies and product recommendations for Bulgarian homes.

Deep cleaning should happen quarterly (every three months) at minimum, tackling tasks beyond regular maintenance. This includes washing windows, cleaning behind appliances, scrubbing grout, washing walls, vacuuming under furniture, cleaning light fixtures, and organizing closets.

Break deep cleaning into manageable sections rather than attempting everything in one day. Focus on one room per weekend, or dedicate 30 minutes daily to one deep-cleaning task. Spring and autumn are ideal times for thorough cleaning as you transition between seasons. Our members receive detailed deep-cleaning checklists that break tasks into time blocks, making the process less overwhelming and more systematic.

Yes, you can cancel anytime without penalties or fees. Simply log into your account dashboard and click the cancellation button, or email us at [email protected]. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period, and you won't be charged again.

We don't believe in locking members into contracts. If our service doesn't meet your expectations, you're free to leave. That said, we encourage members to use the service for at least two months to fully experience the benefits and implement some of our recommendations. Many find that consistent application of our advice leads to noticeable improvements in their home maintenance routine and overall household comfort.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is ready to help you with any concerns about home care or registration.

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About HouseTips

HouseTips home care expertise

Our Story

HouseTips was established in 2018 by a group of home maintenance specialists in Sofia who recognized a gap in accessible, practical advice for homeowners. What started as a small consulting service has grown into a comprehensive resource platform serving thousands of households across Bulgaria.

Our founders brought together 15 years of combined experience in property management, renovation, and household maintenance. They understood that homeowners needed more than generic tips – they needed tested solutions tailored to local conditions and building standards common in Bulgarian homes.

Professional home maintenance guidance

Mission and Vision

We provide homeowners with practical, actionable advice that saves time and prevents costly mistakes. Our mission is to make professional-grade home care knowledge accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background or budget.

Looking ahead, we aim to become the primary resource for home maintenance education in Bulgaria, helping families maintain their properties efficiently while building confidence in handling everyday household challenges.

Core Values

Practical Focus

Every recommendation we share has been tested in real homes. We prioritize solutions that work in typical Bulgarian households with standard materials and tools.

Transparency

We clearly explain what works, what doesn't, and why. Our advice includes realistic timeframes, actual costs, and honest assessments of difficulty levels.

Accessibility

Complex maintenance tasks are broken down into manageable steps. We use clear language and avoid unnecessary jargon, making home care approachable for everyone.

6 Years Serving Homeowners
12 Certified Specialists
500+ Practical Guides Published