Frequently asked questions

Late spring through early fall—typically May through September. We need dry weather, daytime temps above 50°F, and no rain forecast for 24 hours after application. Stain won't penetrate or cure properly in cold or damp conditions. Most deck staining happens June through August when weather is stable. If you're planning deck work, call early—the schedule fills by May.

Every 2-3 years. Nevada County's UV exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and snow load break down stain faster than lower elevations. If the wood is graying or water no longer beads on the surface, it's time. Waiting longer means more sanding and prep work because the wood deteriorates. We've seen decks that went five years between stains—the prep work doubled because the grain raised and the surface weathered.

If water stops flowing but the pipe hasn't burst, open the faucet and apply heat—space heater aimed at the wall, heat tape, or a heat gun on low (never a torch). If the pipe has already burst, shut off the main water supply and call us at (925) 705-0607. We'll thaw it if it's intact or cut out the damaged section and splice in new pipe. Prevent freezing by insulating exposed pipes, leaving cabinet doors open during cold snaps, and letting faucets drip when temps drop below 20°F.

Yes. California requires permits for water heater replacement. Trokay Handyman pulls the permit, installs the heater to Title 24 standards (proper venting, combustion air, seismic strapping, expansion tank), and coordinates the inspection. It's same-day work for the install, but permit processing adds a few days to the timeline. We handle the paperwork so you don't have to.

California law requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in wildfire zones. That means removing dead vegetation, trimming tree branches within 10 feet of the roofline, clearing needles and leaves from gutters and roofs, and maintaining spacing between trees and shrubs. Trokay Handyman handles annual clearing and documents it for insurance and fire inspections. It's typically a 1-2 day job depending on property size. We haul debris to the dump or chip it on-site.

We use roof rakes and manual clearing—no metal shovels that damage shingles. When snow depth hits 2-3 feet or ice dams form, it's time to clear. Ice dams happen when heat escapes through the roof, melts snow, and refreezes at the eave. The ice backs up under shingles and leaks inside. We remove the ice carefully and recommend addressing the heat loss source—usually inadequate attic insulation. Roof clearing takes 3-6 hours depending on size and snow depth.

Yes, but it takes testing. Knockdown, orange peel, and skip trowel all require different techniques. We test on scrap before applying to the wall. If the existing texture is heavy or unusual, we sometimes retexture the entire wall so the repair blends. Matching texture is harder than most people expect—it's part art, part experience. A bad texture match is more visible than a small patch, so we'd rather do the whole wall than leave a noticeable repair.

Cabinet replacement means removing old cabinets, installing new ones, and replacing countertops—no layout changes, no moving plumbing or electrical. That takes 2-3 weeks. A full remodel includes layout changes, moving sinks or appliances, adding islands, relocating electrical, and sometimes opening walls. That takes 4-8 weeks and requires permits and inspections. Scope determines timeline and cost—we walk through options before you commit.

2-4 days for a single room, 1-2 weeks for a whole house. That includes removing old flooring, prepping the subfloor, acclimating the wood for 48 hours, installing, and cleaning up. Hardwood refinishing—sanding and applying 3-4 coats of polyurethane—takes 3-5 days and the room is unusable while the finish cures. We check the subfloor for squeaks and soft spots before installing anything new.

Yes. Trokay Handyman handles turnover work, trash removal, yard cleanup, defensible space clearing, firewood splitting and stacking, and ongoing repairs for vacation rentals and long-term properties across Nevada County. We coordinate with property managers, respond quickly between bookings, and handle the work that keeps rentals rent-ready. Rental properties get harder use than owner-occupied homes—things break more often, and we respond quickly so properties aren't offline longer than necessary.