It is the time of the year when many homeowners find time and decent weather to improve their properties by adding a yard fence, a mailbox post, landscaping or planting trees. These jobs are fairly easy and can save you a lot of money by providing the labor. These types of jobs require digging. Two days before you start the project call 1-800-Dig-Rite or 1-800-344-7483 or 8-1-1. No matter how small the job, call before you dig. There is no cost to you and you can avoid a lot of problems. For more information visit the Missouri One Call website.

Underground utilities are everywhere. Careless digging can be fatal, cause disruption of vital services and cause expensive repairs. Wait the required amount of time (2 days) so that you utility lines can be marked. The spray painted color codes are Red = Electric lines, Yellow = Natural Gas lines, Orange = Cable lines, Blue = Water lines and Green = Sewer lines.

Be extremely carely using a motorized auger digging the post holes for a yard fence. These machines can be rented at Lowe’s or Home Depot. If you have a Red marking (Electric line) anywhere near your spot to put a post – dig this hole by hand with a spade. Hitting a electric line with a metal motorized auger can be fatal. The power line to you home is high voltage. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

For other tips on home improvement projects, continue to read our Blog as we will be writing various articles weekly. Thinking about buying or selling a home North of the River – We would be glad to help!