HANDYMAN TALK

We recently helped a homeowner who had been quietly managing a sewer issue for years without realizing how severe it had become. Like many sewer problems, it didn’t start with a sudden failure. It developed slowly and, for a long time, appeared manageable.

Gas leaks are one of those issues homeowners often sense before fully understanding them. A faint smell that comes and goes. Something that does not feel urgent, until it suddenly does.

The start of a new year is usually when people reset routines. Calendars get updated. Old habits get reconsidered. Things that have been “good enough” suddenly feel worth addressing. Your home’s plumbing deserves the same kind of reset. Not because something is failing, and not because you need a major project, but because many plumbing issues quietly become part of daily life without anyone realizing they do not have to be.

When people think about hiring a contractor, they often imagine something big. A remodel. A major repair. A disruptive, expensive project that takes over the house for weeks. But that’s not how most homes actually work. In reality, the majority of homes don’t need one massive project. They need a series of small, practical fixes that make daily life easier, safer, and less irritating. And that’s actually good news.

A McCray’s Home Systems Review gives homeowners and agents that advantage — a simple, proactive step to stay ahead of inspection surprises and safeguard their investment before it’s on the line.

Slab leaks are one of those hidden problems that can quietly grow into major headaches. The warning signs are subtle, the pipes are buried beneath concrete, and many property owners don’t discover them until the symptoms add up.

A Whole Home Plumbing Evaluation gives homeowners a clear picture of their plumbing system’s condition. It identifies early warning signs and helps prevent expensive repairs.

Sometimes, it’s the small projects that make the most significant difference. This West Sacramento homeowner wasn’t dealing with a leak or a remodel — they just wanted their kitchen to feel fresh again. The old sink and faucet worked fine, but after years of use, they were ready for an upgrade that looked as good as it functioned.

Most people never give much thought to choosing a toilet — until they realize how much comfort, convenience, and even independence it can add to daily life. Whether you’re replacing an outdated fixture or upgrading during a remodel, there are more factors to consider than most homeowners expect.

When a local homeowner recently had a pest inspection, the inspector discovered something more troubling than pests — leaking pipes in multiple places beneath the home. It was time for a pipe and main liner rebuild.

Some bathroom remodels are about freshening up a space. Others are about finally finishing a long-awaited dream. This bathroom in West Sacramento had been waiting years for a proper remodel, with walls left open and a makeshift setup in place. While the space was functional, it wasn’t finished — and our customer was more than ready to finally see her bathroom transformed.

In August 2025, our team at McCray & Sons Home Services had the opportunity to complete a full refresh at a modular home on a family farm in West Sacramento.

We’re proud to share some exciting news with our community: Mason and Warren of McCray & Sons Home Services have each earned official Certificates of Completion from Navien, covering Level 2 and Level 3 training in installation, operation, and service of Navien tankless water heaters.

Before you hire a contractor: what every homeowner should know. We will talk about contractor licensing, construction deposits and budgets, understanding construction cost, getting to know your handyman, and the importance of communication.

When a concerned homeowner noticed water seeping from a joint in her water main, she knew something wasn’t right. Wasting no time, she reached out to McCray and Sons Home Services to get a professional opinion and solve her plumbing failure.

Don’t overlook these 5 home maintenance issues that are often neglected by homeowners! McCray & Sons Home Services emphasizes the importance of roof and gutter care, crawl space inspections, HVAC system cleanings, and proper sealing and painting. Plus, regular water heater maintenance can save you from unexpected surprises.

One of the most critical and often overlooked upgrades is installing an ADA-compliant toilet.

Burned out irrigation controls. With Summer arriving this month, it is time to ensure that your irrigation system is intact and not in...

A local homeowner had grown increasingly frustrated with her outdated kitchen lighting. The space was lit by a large boxed fluorescent fixture, complete with aging plastic panels that dulled the light and cast an uninviting glow.

Customer reached out for home repairs after water intrusion caused damage to the area in and around her back patio door.