Posted on

Things To Know Before You Begin Kitchen Remodeling

Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Sizzle

Not everyone has the budget for a designer kitchen or the space for a large, open-plan kitchen, but we can all employ some of the clever tricks designers use to make any space look bigger and better.

MAXIMISE WALL SPACE

You might like the minimalist look of a kitchen with virtually no wall cabinets to clutter the space, but when you’re trying to maximise space and storage in a small kitchen, you simply can’t afford the luxury of bare walls. Mixing up open shelves with top cabinets visually lightens a space, while still giving you plenty of room to store cups, glasses, recipe books, jars of food, etc.

GET SMART WITH BUILT-IN STORAGE

These days, companies have got super clever with storage solutions that make sure there’s no dead space in your kitchen cabinets. There’s slide-out slimline pantries, carousels for a corner cabinet, deep drawers with special compartments, inventive ideas for rubbish and recyclables… It’s worth spending the extra dollars to get tailored solutions that ensure every bit of space is functional and utilised.

LET IT SHINE

It’s not just mirrors that give the illusion of space; any glossy surface will bounce around the light. A mirrored splashback is a surefire way to instantly add a third dimension, especially if you can use it to reflect a leafy garden or courtyard view. Otherwise think about glossy wall tiles, a glass splashback, gloss cabinetry, a polished stone benchtop or polished floorboards – basically any surface that will capture and reflect light.

KEEP IT LIGHT AND WHITE

Dark-coloured cabinetry and benchtops look fantastic in the right setting, but can visually close in a space. In a small kitchen, think light, neutral colours and ways to inject as much natural light as possible, whether it’s a window, glass doors or skylight. When in doubt, take your cue from popular kitchens, which favour blonde timbers and a pale colour scheme.

Kitchen Renovations Tips to Make the Most of Your Space

Even if you don’t think your kitchen is particularly outdated, a design refresh to increase its functionality can greatly improve your living experience – and your home’s value. Reconsidering layout aspects like counter space, cupboard placements and appliances can make massive improvements to your kitchen’s design and usability.

Storage Space!

Making clever use of the space available and placing storage in the right areas will see you gain more floor space, and more efficient storage. Designing your kitchen with adequate and stylish storage options will provide ample space for all your kitchen needs without having to compromise on aesthetics.

It’s important to place your most used appliances in positions where they can be easily accessible, and the rest of your kitchen can be designed around that. Low level shelving and drawers will ensure that all your most used items are easy to reach, while higher level cabinetry can provide storage for the less commonly needed kitchen accessories.

Bold Colour

Introducing bold, modern colours to your kitchen is an excellent way to uplift your whole home. Although light colours are often favoured for kitchens, adding bold statements, dark colours and natural finishings can give your kitchen a really elegant and modern look. Consider trying things like black sinks and appliances, wooden benches instead of laminates and natural stone instead of tiles. These sleek features add volumes of class to any kitchen renovation.

Island Benches

Kitchens are high traffic home areas, and busy places to work. Great kitchen designs make smart use of space that aid in creating efficient workflows. Adding an island to your kitchen area will provide extra bench space and storage, while still keeping an open flow throughout the home. These designs are popular in modern open plan homes as they allow the kitchen to feel connected with the rest of the home, fitting with the theme of the kitchen being the heart of a family home.

Easy and Affordable Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen

It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of a home. That’s because for many families, it’s where you spend most of your time – whether it’s preparing meals, doing homework or chatting over a cup of coffee.

Kitchens are not just for cooking anymore. With the increasing busyness of family life and the popularity of open concept floor plans, the kitchen has slowly become the new living room. But if your kitchen is starting to feel outdated, it may not be your favorite place to spend time.

According to Home Advisor, the average cost of a kitchen remodel is more than $20,000. But luckily, there are some easy – and affordable – ways to give your old kitchen a fresh new look

tips to spruce up your kitchen without breaking the bank:

Paint your cabinets. You don’t have to completely replace all of the cabinets in your kitchen to make it feel new again. A fresh coat of paint can do the trick. If your kitchen is on the small side, use white paint for a clean, fresh look that’s sure to brighten up your space. Dark colors can make a bold statement, but are best for larger kitchens.

Add new hardware. New knobs and drawer pulls will help give your kitchen a new look for a low investment. Your local hardware store should have plenty of style and color options. And if you’re really on a tight budget, you can update your old hardware using a can of bronze or silver spray paint.

Install a new kitchen sink. A new sink can make just as much of an impact as new flooring or cabinets at a fraction of the cost. Just measure your existing sink and buy a stainless, composite or granite replacement that will drop right in. Complete the look with a new pulldown faucet.

Add lighting under your cabinets. A dark kitchen can make your space seem smaller and less inviting. Under cabinet lighting is an easy way to brighten up the entire room. And with battery, plug-in and hard-wired options available, there’s a simple solution for every skill level.

Install a new countertop. Custom granite countertops cost thousands of dollars. But today’s laminate countertops have sharper graphics and better embossing than the laminate of years past. Laminate can be a durable and stylish alternative that can give you an upgraded look for far less. Other materials like soapstone or butcher block can be a bigger investment than laminate, but still make a statement for less than the price of granite.

Add more counter space. Pushing two kitchen carts together is an easy and creative way to give you more counter space. A butcher block island can also give you extra storage space without installing new cabinets.

Revitalize your backsplash. A stylish backsplash can be the focal point of any kitchen. With some DIY skill, a tile backsplash can be relatively inexpensive. If you’re uncomfortable with grout and mortar, consider using peel-and-stick tiles or a solid surface like beadboard.

Reface outdated appliances. That almond-colored refrigerator was stylish when it was new. But today, stainless is the way to go. Bring your old appliances into the 21st century by applying stainless steel contact paper or covering them with appliance paint.

tips for a budget-friendly kitchen renovation

When you meet with a designer in the kitchen department of a big home improvement store be sure to sit down — otherwise the price might knock you over.

Start with your design

Figure out the layout you want for your kitchen. A simple and sleek design will appeal to most buyers and helps to keep your costs down. And remember, keeping your existing layout is always cheaper too.

Moving a gas stove will require relocating gas lines and moving your sink plumbing can create additional problems. They also require additional permits and time.

Determine the scope of work

Once you have a very good idea of what you want, sit down and write up a good detailed list of tasks that you want completed. You don’t have to be technical and you don’t have to use construction terms but just state all the things you want a contractor to do

Try to select the materials yourself

Asking a contractor to supply big-ticket items such as flooring, cabinets, countertops and appliances leaves them with a huge range to guess on and there is a chance you’ll end up paying the contractor an additional fee on top of the supplied costs.

Kitchen Remodeling on Budget: Ideas Between $1,000 and $10,000

When you’re trying to budget for a kitchen remodel, you can spend different amounts of money with different results. A limited budget — one of $1,000 or so — will require a lot of work on your part; and you’ll want to focus on small improvements rather than major renovations. A bigger budget — up to $10,000 or so — will allow for some work to be left to the pros; but it’s still unlikely that everything in the kitchen can be renovated.

Did you know that most homeowners in the U.S. reportedly spent between $18,000 and $27,000 in total project costs to remodel their kitchen? If that sounds too steep, here is a comparison of a $1,000 kitchen remodel versus a $10,000 kitchen remodel

One thousand dollars won’t go far in renovating your kitchen. That’s because professionals who work in cabinet refinishing, flooring replacement and painting–to name a few–will quote at least $400 to $700, which will eat up the majority of your budget

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Focus on the important areas: Keep elements that are in good condition — your cabinets, flooring, or countertops, for example — and focus on aspects that are in serious need of repair or updating. Maybe you need to update lime green cabinets reminiscent of the 50s; maybe you need to replace a few chipped tiles in your floor.  You can make small changes with a big impact without spending a fortune.

DIY, DIY, DIY! You’ll need to do as much of the remodel work around your kitchen as possible to stretch your budget. Watch home improvement shows and online tutorials, read books; do whatever it takes to get the know-how. But never approach doing electrical, plumbing or structural work in the kitchen yourself. These tasks are dangerous and should always be left to professionals. Try your hand at painting, laying tiles, sanding or putting in a backsplash — it’s a great way to learn; and it saves you money while revitalizing your kitchen.

Don’t do everything at the same time: Since you’re on a limited budget and doing a lot of the work yourself, you can break the project into phases over weeks or weekends. This gives you time to rest and see how things are progressing. If you do everything at the same time, you might spend more than you’d like or create a daunting mess in your kitchen. Phasing your project will make it more manageable

Some common projects to tackle in a $1,000 kitchen remodel include:

Painting the walls and ceilings

Adding a decorative backsplash

Refinishing or painting your kitchen cabinets

Replacing your floor with ceramic tile

Installing LED lighting

Remember: Practice safety when doing your kitchen remodel to avoid paying medical bills on top of any remodeling work.

Posted on

Laminate Flooring Cleaners

Creative Ways to Use Laminate Flooring on Walls

The most popular trend in laminate flooring has nothing to do with your floors. More and more, everyone from DIYers to high-end designers are installing laminate flooring on walls. That’s right—walls.

If you’re suddenly having flashbacks to your grandmother’s laminate wood-paneled walls, hold on a second. A lot has changed in the flooring industry since grandma’s day! For one thing, laminate visuals are more realistic than ever. Mohawk has many laminate designs that hit all the trends and can fit any style—traditional, weathered wood, multi-width planks, high-contrast variations and muted neutrals, just to name a few

Stylistically, there have never been more options in laminate than there are right now. It looks real and even feels real. Go for a vintage look with a textured plank, or opt for the sleek modernism of smooth laminate.

Laminate flooring has come such a long way. It’s easy to install, affordable, strong, durable and easy to clean. These are qualities you want whether the laminate lives on your floor or on your walls. Keep reading for five creative ways you can make a big style statement in your home with a little effort and some Mohawk laminate flooring.

Bedroom Accent Walls

Laminate walls look especially awesome in carpeted rooms like bedrooms and playrooms, where the realistic wood visual really pops. Do you have a contemporary bed frame with a big, empty space above it? Install laminate on the wall behind your bed, adding the design feel of a headboard without the bulk.

The ‘Can I Install Laminate Flooring Over This?’ Guide

We’re listing alphabetically all of the flooring types available so that you can easily determinewhether you can install laminate over that specific flooring type. Remember that laminate flooring

is a floating floor — it will expand and contract as temperature and other conditions change. This means that the choice of subfloor (i.e., what you install laminate over) needs to provide the right support.

Bamboo: Not recommended.

Brick: No. Even with a brick floor in excellent condition, there is the potential for too much surface deviance that could stress the laminate-flooring locking system. And if the floor is below grade, moisture migration will be too difficult to control.

Carpeting, tufted: No. Carpet, its padding, and all its staples must be completely removed — down to the subfloor — before you install laminate flooring.

Carpeting, commercial or needle-bond: No. Some types and styles of commercial or “indoor/outdoor” carpeting may look harmless, but it and any adhesive used to glue it down must be removed before installing a laminate floor.

Carpet tiles: No. Everything has to go. Only the subfloor may remain when you install laminate.

Ceramic tiles: Yes, provided the surface of the floor is flat and level (per our laminate subfloor specifications) and the condition of the floor is good. The tiles themselves must be smooth. You must use padding. Check for cracked or loose tiles and grout — these could be signs of a poor floor condition caused by settling that could cause problems for your laminate floor.

Concrete slab (above grade): Yes. An above-grade concrete floor will most likely be in a commercial building. If that’s the case and you’re not the building owner, you’d better check first. If the building is new construction, the concrete must be completely cured for a minimum of 90 days before installation. We would still recommend a 6-mil vapor barrier and, of course, underlayment padding before installing laminate flooring.

Concrete-slab (below grade): Yes, but be careful. These are usually found in residential basements, and you must be careful about moisture migration from the ground through the concrete. We recommend several ways to test this and steps you can take to control it. And, the concrete must be completely cured a minimum of 90 days. You must use a 6-mil vapor barrier and, of course, underlayment padding. Drains of any kind, French or otherwise, are clear indicators that this concrete floor is not acceptable for laminate installation.

Cork: Yes. But just because it’s a cork floor doesn’t mean you can skip the underlayment. You’ll still need that before installing your laminate floor.

Dirt: No.

Engineered wood: Not recommended under floating floors.

Hardwood: Yes. Keep in mind that in many older homes (40 to 50 or more years old) the planks may be in poor condition, warped, etc. Examine carefully. Inconsistencies in levelness and flatness of the floor surface could create stress points for locking joints and that will cause problems later on.

Laminate: Not recommended under floating floors. Instead, take up all of the old laminate flooring. You may reuse the underlayment for your new floor, provided it’s in good shape.

Linoleum: Yes, provided the surface is flat and level (per our subfloor specifications) and the condition of the floor is good. You must use padding.

LVT Floor (tiles or planks): Yes. The surface must be flat and level (per our subfloor specifications) and the condition of the floor good. You must use padding. Some LVT products are floating systems or “loose-lay” and are easy to remove (preferable). If the floor is glued down, be sure you remove all of the adhesive before installing laminate flooring.

Natural stone (marble, travertine, etc.): It depends. if completely smooth and above ground, then yes; if textured or rough, no.

Outdoor floors, porches, patios or decking of any kind: Never. Laminate flooring is indoor flooring for controlled environments.

OSB floor: Yes. Oriented Strand Board is sometimes used as a subfloor in construction. As with all subfloors, it must meet laminate flooring specifications.

Plywood: Yes. Plywood is most-often used as a subfloor in construction. As with all subfloors, it must meet laminate installation specifications.

Porcelain tile: Yes. The surface of the floor must be flat and level (per our subfloor specifications) and the condition of the floor good. The tiles themselves must be smooth. You must use padding. Check for cracked or loose tiles and grout — these could be signs of a poor floor condition caused by settling which could cause problems for your laminate floor, too.

Saltillo tile: No. Saltillo tile is beautiful, but it’s a bit soft compared to ceramic and porcelain and porous because no glaze is fired onto it. True Saltillo tile also has animal footprints and an uneven surface. You don’t want to install laminate over it.

Sheet-vinyl: Yes, provided the surface is flat and level (per our subfloor specifications) and the condition of the floor is good. You must use padding when installing laminate flooring over sheet vinyl.

the best floor mops for tiles, laminate & wooden floors

There’s nothing like a freshly mopped floor to make you feel happy and result in a clean house, a lovely sense of achievement and pride in your home. Forget dragging around a heavy old floor mop and bucket though. Depending on the type of flooring you have in your home, there’s a bunch of hardworking floor mops on the market with accelerated features that can help you make this happen with less fuss, less effort and even a spring in your step as you get the job done.

What to look for in a mop

When choosing a mop check the manufacturer’s instructions against your flooring type and look for good quality materials and construction. It pays to make a longer-term investment and “Buy once, buy well”. Lighter weight plastic and cheap construction often means the mop will snap or break easily with use and need replacement after a short time, contributing to landfill.

Look for removable and machine-washable pads or mop heads and accessories that mean less waste and a longer lasting product, so more affordable in the long run.

In a similar way to how an iron mists your clothing, spray mops incorporate a water reservoir on the handle and a trigger to dispense water ahead of the mop head as you clean the floor. It works just like wiping a bench with a damp cloth so dries within minutes and does away with the need for a bucket of water.

Spray mops are a great way to control the amount of water you use, particularly on natural timber flooring, which can buckle over time with too much water applied through excessive cleaning.

Things You Must Know Before Hiring A Laminate Flooring Installer

Installing your laminate floor is relatively simple compared to other flooring installations, but still requires skill, hard work, and patience. Your installer should have the specialized knowledge and the proper tools and equipment to complete your job expertly and on time.

Buying your flooring separately and contracting directly with a good installer to put it down for you is a very economical way of getting a great new floor. You can save a lot of money doing it this way, but as always, be careful and take the precaution of getting your agreement in writing.

Independent installers often own small companies. They may work for a number of retailers and contractors. You can generally find them in the Yellow Pages, the ad section of your local paper’s Home section or online. You can also ask friends for referrals. Try to get estimates from at least two installers – three is even better.

Once the installer is in your home, show him the area to be covered and go over this list. Your installer will appreciate this because he, like most people, wants to do the job right and end up with you as another satisfied customer. He will certainly have questions and suggestions of his own.

First of all, he should use a tape measure, a rolling wheel, or a laser measure to determine the size of the flooring area you want to cover. He should deduct the appropriate amount of square footage for any cabinets in the room, and then add 10% (give or take) to the net square footage to cover cutting waste and discarding any boards that may have minor imperfections. He will usually then diagram the area on paper, making a drawing of your rooms with all the dimensions figured in.

Next, show him a sample of the flooring you are considering. This will help him determine what transition strips, stair nosing, floor vents, quarter round, base board and other accessories you will need to purchase.

It’s also important to discuss underlayment with your installer. Decide if you will require a moisture barrier, or heat/cold insulation in addition to sound dampening.

Discuss whether or not it will be necessary to remove the existing flooring before putting down your new one. This may be necessary to achieve a desirable height and condition for meeting a floor in an adjoining room.

He will also check the height of adjoining floors, counter tops, cabinets, etc. to make certain that everything will fit properly after the new floor has been installed. It is essential to have all of your materials at the start of your job in order to get a neatly finished job done on time. We like to say that it is best to start the job right in order to finish it right.

Ask him to confirm that the conditions of your home are suitable for the flooring you want to install. He may ask to remove a piece of existing floor or go into the basement or crawl space to check the condition of the basic floor.

Ask for an itemization of any additional charges for flooring removal, repair of sub-floor, cutting of doors and other work related to the finished product.

If you are living in the home, discuss where the sawing of boards will occur. Specify if you want him to seal off the rooms with plastic and identify who will be responsible for final clean up.

Set aside a “slush fund” in your floor remodeling budget. If removing the existing flooring, your contractor may discover damaged or faulty subflooring that was not visible during the initial inspection and measure. It’s a good idea to have a little extra money set aside for unexpected additional labor costs such as this.

Get the proposal in writing and keep your copy of it in a safe place. It may be a good idea to download a copy of the installation instructions and make that part of your contract. If there is a problem along the way, it is always useful to go back to the written contract. Your contract should include, among other things, the number of square feet you’ll need, and a list of any accessories to buy. It should also include his square foot cost of installation and a total dollar amount for the entire job.

LAMINATE FLOORING – WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

The look and feel of high-quality laminate floors make them virtually indistinguishable from real wood. Unlike parquet floors, however, they aren’t made from solid wood. Instead, they consist of an engineered wood core layer covered with a decorative layer. Laminate flooring comes in various widths and lengths. Large formats with surrounding V-joint and nature-identical embossing are now especially popular, as they replicate genuine country house-style plank floors more convincingly than ever before. Laminate flooring that is embossed in register – in other words, with the embossing closely following the colours of the grain, a technique that is known in some countries as “synchronized laminate” – looks astonishingly like real wood. Good laminate flooring is also robust, lightfast, easy to clean, and characterised by low emissions.

Laminate Flooring – Flooring with an Eco-Friendly Profile

Laminate flooring is made primarily from wood, in other words from a natural raw material. Despite this, many people still believe that it is plastic. In actual fact, this type of flooring consists of a core of high-density fibreboard (HDF) to which a layer of décor paper is applied. The HDF panels consist to about 90% of wood fibre and 10% of environmentally friendly bonding resin

A Wide Range of Decors for Creatively Pepping Up Your Rooms

A huge range of laminate flooring styles and decors is available for creating an attractive ambience in any room: from classic wood looks, including reinterpretations of eternally popular oak styles, across unusual stone styles, to unicolours and fantasy patterns. Whether you prefer a minimalist atmosphere or trend to a cosier style, whether your favourite décor is oak, beech, maple or nut wood or you get more excited about the look of country house-style planks or a style that’s reminiscent of a ship’s deck, no matter whether you like it sleek and elegant or lively and colourful – with laminate flooring there are practically no limits to what you can do.

Laminate Flooring – Where Can It Be Used?

In private homes, high-quality laminate flooring can be laid just about anywhere. Some varieties are even suitable for kitchens, for which decors that emulate tile or stone are especially popular. Laminate flooring is also often installed in commercial establishments, including hotels, restaurants, offices and shops. These floors naturally take more of a beating than in homes. So make sure that you choose a product of an appropriate utilisation and abrasion resistance class so you can continue enjoying it for a very long time to come.

New Decors – from Idea to Plank

We spoke with our product manager, Achim Scholz, to find out where he gets his inspiration, where new decors come from, and what exactly happens on the way from the idea to the product

Posted on

Protect Your Exterior Painting Like The Pros

Things To Know Before Painting Exterior Of Your Home

Home exterior painting is likely to be one of the most significant home renovations you may face. You need to figure out many things before you get started, whether you just need to touch up some areas or need a comprehensive paint job for your exterior. Selecting the right painting company for the job is one but not the only important decision you have to make.

Don’t cut Cost on Materials

Get paint, primer, and caulking compound of higher quality as they last longer, blends, and covers properly than paint of lower quality. Make sure the paint you purchase has a long-term warranty against problems in the finish. Most house paint gives you your money’s worth, and the best painting materials are costly

Consider the Weather

Always make advance planning when painting. You likely identified the list of things to be done after winter. Starting right away is not always easy, but you must pick a date during the dry season of the year with little rain and humidity. Adhesion of paint to wet surfaces is not possible, and enough drying time is required.

Selecting the Ideal Color for Exterior Paint

You have a few important factors to note when selecting the exterior paint for your home. Firstly, are there any by-laws from your home owner’s association? If yes, make sure you check and follow the rules as it might involve following a specific color pattern.

Locating the Ideal House Painter

Professional house painters can bridge the gap between a beautiful home and several frustrations and problem fixes. Do remember what you pay for is what you get. If you find a painter that offer a lower price to others, be sure to ask why. Make sure the painter you are hiring is trustworthy and well insured.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

With plenty of warm and sunny weather during the summer people in our neck of the woods are coming to us for all of their exterior painting needs. It is, after all, the perfect time of year to make a change and boost your home’s curb appeal!

How to Choose the Right Color Scheme For Your Home

First of all, consider the feeling you want your home to give you. Your home is the place you go for rest and relaxation, after all, and it just makes sense to have a home that welcomes you in the way that you prefer at the end of the day. There’s nothing in the world quite like turning the corner, seeing your home, and pulling into the driveway.

Calm

If you’re going for a home that provides you with a sense of serenity choose cooler colors. Blues are often the way to go if this is the mood you’re looking to foster. These are popular colors as well because there are so many shades that give off different vibes. Homes with these color schemes often feel classic (and classy) making them a great option for someone who prefers to keep things traditional. These calming and inviting colors work well when paired with white trim.

Exciting

Reds, yellows, and oranges make for great options if you desire a home that is inspiring. Generally speaking, creatives and those who find themselves working from home might prefer to have colors that excite the senses. These colors can also seem happy and revitalizing, making them perfect for anyone who loves getting things done around the house.

Elegant

Purples, pinks, and greens can provide an air of elegance. They are often known for providing homes with luxurious feels and show that you are an ambitious person who doesn’t mind taking a few risks from time to time

PAINTING THE EXTERIOR

I realize I’m going to get some flack for this and some people are going to shake their heads and raise some eyebrows. I don’t follow the rules for auto-body painting and maybe not even for camper painting.

THE “RIGHT” WAY

I always assess a project before diving in and using any one method. I will always inspect the decals and attempt to remove them first. Generally, I follow the rule that if the camper is less than 20 years old, I’ll remove the decals before painting.

The proper way to paint an exterior involves removing decals, power washing, taping and covering windows and then spraying on an automotive grade paint with a paint sprayer. This might be the correct way to do things, but I honestly believe it’s not the only way. I’m all about using whatever method you can confidently execute. If rolling on paint is in your wheel house and the idea of using a paint sprayer is too intimidating, then let yourself off the hook

WHEN NOT TO PAINT

If a good power washing transforms your and gives it new life, skip the paint job! If you can successfully remove decals and find your looks remarkably better, then skip the paint. If your is less than 10 years old, chances are you shouldn’t paint it

WHEN YOU SHOULD PAINT

If your motorhome looks like a rolling meth lab, you should paint. If you’re embarrassed to go anywhere because of how bad your looks, you should paint. If the exterior is damaged and you’ve had to do repair work that left obvious patches, you should paint.

About Paint

Since preparation is just as important as the paint job itself, set yourself up with some must-have painting accessories. Take a few moments to repair small holes in the walls and fill in cracks and crevices around doors and windows. Then, smooth down the rough spots and create clean edges by applying masking tape around windows, doors and where the walls meet the ceiling and floor

When you’ve chosen your paint color and finish, there are a few standard painting tools to have on hand. You’ll need enough paint trays and brushes per painter and a few extra if you’re applying more than one color. Many tools will help speed up paint application including step ladders to help you access sports that are out of arms reach.

About Exterior Paint

Though the distance between paint jobs varies based on climate, the material of your home’s facade and a few other factors, exterior house paint applications should generally last 15-20 years. Whether painting you home, garage, storage shed or fence, using an exterior paint that has paint and primer in one will cut down on the number of coats required for quality coverage.

you’ll also find additional varieties of paint to withstand the elements of the great outdoors. Choose from rust-resistant paint to touch up yard décor such as lamp posts and outdoor furniture; marine paint, to spruce up boats and other water equipment and even high-heat enamel to touch up your trusty grill.

Paint

Paint is any pigmented liquid, liquefiable, or solid mastic composition that, after application to a substrate in a thin layer, converts to a solid film. It is most commonly used to protect, color, or provide texture to objects. Paint can be made or purchased in many colors—and in many different types, such as watercolor or synthetic.

Paint is typically stored, sold, and applied as a liquid, but most types dry into a solid. Most paints are either oil-based or water-based and each have distinct characteristics. For one, it is illegal in most municipalities to discard oil based paint down household drains or sewers. Solvents for clean up are also different for water based paint than they are for oil based paint

Water-based paints and oil-based paints will cure differently based on the outside ambient temperature of the object being painted (such as a house.) Usually the object being painted must be over 10 °C (50 °F), although some manufacturers of external paints/primers claim they can be applied when temperatures are as low as 2 °C (35 °F)

Paint was one of the earliest inventions of humanity. Some cave paintings drawn with red or yellow ochre, hematite, manganese oxide, and charcoal may have been made by early Homo sapiens as long as 40,000 years ago.

Paint may be even older. In 2003 and 2004, South African archeologists reported finds in Blombos Cave of a 100,000-year-old human-made ochre-based mixture that could have been used like paint

Posted on

Benefits Of Enlisting The Aid Of Criminal Defense Lawyer

Charged with a Crime? You Need an Aggressive Defender

If you are facing a criminal charge, you no doubt are under intense stress. You may face a costly fine, jail time, or extended imprisonment. Having a conviction on your record can seriously damage your job prospects and financial future. An attorney who pays attention to your concerns and advocates aggressively for you can make a big difference.

You may be embarrassed about your circumstances, confused about the court system, and fearful about the penalties. But remember: You are considered innocent until proven guilty. This means that a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the acts of which you are accused. And you have a number of important legal rights guaranteed by state and federal law

Criminal Defense Law FAQs

Criminal matters are not problems that will just go away when ignored. Early intervention in criminal matters may achieve outstanding results, and is instrumental to a successful outcome in your case. It takes an attorney with confidence and experience when it comes to defending you against criminal charges

Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

The penalties for first time offenders include fines and fees, jail time of 48 hours to 30 days, public service, and suspension of your driver’s license for a minimum of six months. But this doesn’t even begin to cover potential damage to your job, your finances, and your future.

When hiring a lawyer

The biography doesn’t tell you how much he cares about his clients, that he frets about them and has sleepless nights worrying about their cases. It doesn’t tell you how highly regarded he is by others. It doesn’t tell you that based on 30+ years of practicing criminal law with the utmost integrity, the judges before whom he appears, like and trust him. It doesn’t give you insight into the relationship he has established with the Deputy District Attorneys, based on years of honesty and fair dealing, which translates into better dispositions for his clients. And it doesn’t tell you that his fellow criminal defense lawyers consistently refer complicated cases to him, knowing he has the skill to handle them.

that of Certified Criminal Law Specialist, is held by very few criminal defense lawyers. There’s a reason for that. It is very difficult to meet all the requirements to receive that honor. In order to be certified

how that he has had extensive experience in all facets of criminal law such as a large number of misdemeanor and felony jury trials, appeals, motions and courtroom experience. He had to undergo peer review, where judges, DA’s and other defense lawyers were asked to evaluate his ability. This designation must be renewed periodically ensuring you that an attorney who has received that certification truly is an expert and is allowed to call himself that.

The biography doesn’t tell you what a really nice guy he is. It doesn’t enable you to see the pride he takes in his work, and that he is a perfectionist who isn’t satisfied with a half way job. The biography doesn’t tell you that his extensive preparation, along with years of experience and a superb knowledge of the law is the reason he can get such great results for his clients.

CRIMINAL LAWYER

FAMILY LAW

When it comes to family law cases, we know how difficult and stressful things can get for our clients. The parties involved are often some of the people you know the best, including your spouse, children, and parents, and trying to view your situation objectively can be particularly difficult without an experienced family law attorney to guide you through your case

CRIMINAL LAW

When facing criminal charges, you are also facing serious consequences that may have a permanent impact. Regardless of the severity of your charges, all criminal cases should be taken seriously and require an experienced criminal defense attorney to properly navigate the legal proceedings

PERSONAL INJURY LAW

When you sustain a personal injury, every facet of your life may be affected. Your physical ability, your financial situation, and, ultimately, your ability to live freely and pursue the activities that you enjoy. When somebody else’s negligence leads to your injury, you are entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering that you’ve endured. When you have an experienced personal injury attorney representing you, you can take comfort in knowing the legal issues surrounding your case will be handled so you can focus on healing properly

BEST PRICE GUARANTEE

firm is committed to providing excellent legal services to all those that are in need of an attorney, which is why we provide a “best price guarantee” to make sure that those legal services are affordable

AGGRESSIVE AND PASSIONATE

treat each of cases with the passion, care, and tenacity necessary to get you the successful results that you deserve. clients can find comfort in knowing that will fight tirelessly when it comes to providing the best possible legal services.

Criminal Defense Attorneys

Being arrested and facing the criminal justice system without a legal advocate on your side can be personally, professionally, and financially devastating. A conviction can lead to major repercussions, including jail time, fines, loss of a professional license, civil liability, and a blow to your reputation, so it is vital to have strong and aggressive legal representation from the very start of your case.

criminal defense lawyers are well-versed in the continuously changing criminal laws, bringing integrity and experience to each and every case. Your criminal defense lawyer will be your ally every step of the way, from informing you of your rights and duties to constructing a strong defense strategy and negotiating the best possible deal for your case.

No client is ‘just a case’ — your legal charges are a direct threat to everything you hold dear. With this in mind, your criminal defense lawyer will take time to get to thoroughly know you and your legal situation. work hard to understand your concerns and the uniqueness of your case, and you can always expect us to provide you with sound legal advice. Your lawyer will never pressure you to take a plea deal or settlement — whether to proceed to trial will always be your decision.

Criminal Defense Attorney Today

A criminal conviction can destroy your life in an instant. If you are being investigated for criminal charges, it is vital that you do not talk to the authorities. In spite of what officers might say, they are not there to help you. Instead, contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

know that when you are faced with criminal charges, it’s all too easy to get entangled in a complex and challenging process that can have instant and pervasive impacts on your life

Criminal Defense Attorneys

While criminal allegations and charges vary significantly across different types of crimes and even between states, each one carries with it serious consequences if a conviction is secured by the prosecution. Fines and imprisonment can completely turn someone’s life upside-down and ruin their livelihood. In many situations, simply the act of being arrested can bring about negative, life-changing consequences. When accused of a crime of any sort, the best option is usually retaining a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

criminal defense lawyers provide experienced and resourceful representation when clients need it most. Having served communities throughout Connecticut for more than 35 years and being backed by nearly 100 years of total legal experience, know the local courts and procedures and have an in-depth understanding of the law. leverage this insight to protect clients’ rights at each phase of the legal procedures. goal remains the same from day one to the final moments in court: protect clients’ rights as much as can.

Criminal Defense Cases Can Handle for You

As someone accused of a serious crime, it can seem like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, especially if investigators and the prosecution have been adamant about labeling you as guilty. By retaining the services of criminal defense attorneys, you can remove some of the stress of the situation and stand up for yourself. No matter the criminal violations of which you have been accused, from infractions to misdemeanors to felonies, have the legal experience and tenacity needed to make a difference in your case.

Early Intervention for Criminal Accusations

You might be able to prevent the tarnishing of your good name by reacting immediately to any mention of a pending criminal investigation. legal team can be retained to act as legal counsel even before you have been charged or formally accused of a crime. Using advanced pre-file intervention techniques, such as conducting own investigations of the alleged crime, might be able to negotiate with law enforcement and prosecutors to dismiss the potential charges before your name is ever defamed.

Three of your most important rights as someone who has been accused of a crime in Connecticut are:

Presumption of innocence: The right to be treated innocent until proven guilty is the foundation of our criminal justice system. When charges are levied against you, you have the right and opportunity to defend yourself, state your side of the story, and directly challenge the government’s version of the facts. It is their burden to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Right to remain silent: Your Fifth Amendment right is an essential tool for protecting yourself when stopped, investigated, or being questioned by law enforcement. Remember, you have the right to decline questioning or conversations with police and you should in most situations. Talking to law enforcement will not likely help your case, and could potentially provide incriminating evidence that can be used to connect you to a crime. Let an attorney communicate with law enforcement on your behalf when in doubt.

Right to legal representation: You have the right to work with an attorney to help defend yourself against the allegations you face. Although you may obtain a Public Defender, PD offices are notoriously overburdened, underfunded, and commonly staffed by young and inexperienced lawyers. criminal defense attorneys understand the important role we take when clients place their trust in our team, and we leverage our time, resources, and extensive experience to conduct thorough investigations into the unique facts of an arrest and create effective, customized defense strategies. This allows us to pinpoint critical errors made by law enforcement or holes in the prosecution’s case that can be leveraged for a positive outcome.

Posted on

Why Accountant Forecasting Is Critical To Survival

How to start an accountancy business

Wondering how to start an accounting business but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re starting from scratch or you have experience working for someone else under your belt, this guide covers the basics – from qualifications to how to market your business.

Know your day-to-day job

The National Careers Service says that private practice accountants usually have the following day-to-day duties:

preparing financial statements, business plans, and budget reports

producing accounts

auditing

managing clients’ spending and costs

filing tax returns and giving tax advice

forecasting profits and performance

helping businesses that may be in financial difficulty

investigating fraud (forensic accounting)

How much can you earn running an accountancy business?

It depends on factors like whether you’re working on your own or taking on staff, your qualifications and experience, the region you’re working in, the hours you work, and how much time and energy you’ve put into building up a client base.

Get the right qualifications

If you’re starting from scratch, you don’t need a degree to become an accountant, although it can give you useful theoretical knowledge. There’s a range of vocational qualifications you can take, and in fact people who have studied at university often need to take these too

The professional bodies to consider for your qualifications include:

AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians): these qualifications are the minimum you need to start a general career in accountancy

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): these qualifications let you become a qualified accountant, meaning you can give the full range of accountancy services

How To Study Accounting

While there are several rules for studying accounting effectively, learning accounting starts with desire and hard work. If your heart isn’t in it, studying accounting can be pure tedium. Once you’re heart is in it, and you’re ready to give it your all, it’s time to learn how to make maximize your study time and learn how to learn accounting more efficiently.

Studying accounting from a textbook is different than studying other subjects such as history, economics or biology

When reading a history textbook you can get by if you’re able to understand 90 percent of the information or if you come away with a general idea of what’s going on. Not the case with accounting. Read your textbook for understanding. And if you don’t understand it, read it again. If you understand a concept being introduced, then it’s okay to skim the text or skip ahead. But make sure you understand the concept(s).

Similar to math, accounting concepts build upon one another. What you learn in chapter 2 builds on what you learned in chapter 1. What you learn in chapter 3 builds on what you learned in chapters 2 and 1. If you didn’t really grasp the concepts taught in chapter 1, you’re going to have a difficult time learning the concepts in chapter 2 – and you’ll most likely be lost by chapter 3. It’s imperative that you thoroughly understand the concepts being taught in each chapter before moving on to the next chapter.

Scanning text for main points doesn’t work in accounting. Accounting textbooks are meant to be read. Almost everything that is included in your accounting book is important. So when you read… read everything.

Read your accounting textbook to understand “WHY.”

Accounting doesn’t require you to memorize as much information as other subjects do. It does however require you to understand “WHY.” Accounting is all about “WHY.” As you read your textbook discover the “WHY” in what you’re reading. Try to understand the logic behind what is being taught.

When you finish studying a new topic from your textbook, try to put it in your own words. Explain the new concept to yourself or someone else. Putting concepts in your own words and explaining them aloud is far more effective than reading a text over and over again.

Discover the “HOW.”

Once you understand the “why”, it’s important to discover the “how”. It’s not enough to understand why an accounting principle or concept works, if you can’t apply it. You must understand how accounting concepts work and be able to apply them.

In order to discover how accounting principles work and how they are applied, work the problems included in your accounting textbook. Most chapter problems are designed specifically to help you discover how to apply the principles or concepts being taught in that section. Work each problem before checking your answer.

Review as you go.

Any subject is easier to understand and remember if you thoroughly learn it the first time through. But if you’re unable to remember everything you’ve learned, you’ll just start reviewing a few days before finals, right? This may be an acceptable strategy if you’re studying history or sociology, but not when you’re studying accounting. The most effective way to learn accounting, and retain what you’ve learned, is to “REVIEW AS YOU GO”.

If it’s a bad idea to cram for a history exam the night before a test, it’s a very bad idea to cram for an accounting test. Never postpone reviewing your accounting until examination time.

As you review, visit previous chapters in your textbook and rework problems you struggled with. Find other accounting problems similar to those that were difficult for you and work those problems too.

At the end of each week take some time to review your notes (1) to refresh your memory and (2) to make sure you understand everything you studied during the week. Remember, information that is forgotten must be relearned. The time required to relearn information is often the same as learning it for the first time. It’s far more efficient to review as you go than to attempt to relearn forgotten information at the end of the term or semester.

Ask questions and get answers to your questions throughout the semester. Your professor, or teacher’s aid, isn’t going to be anxious to sit down with you for several hours at the end or the term to answer all your questions and re-teach you concepts you should have learned along the way. AND when your professor asks you what you don’t understand, don’t say “everything.” Statements like this suggest you’ve made very little effort on your own to try and understand. Before asking questions, pinpoint exactly what you don’t understand. Make sure your questions are specific.

Accounting basics

Whenever you make a business decision, you should always have figures to back it up. On this page you’ll find accounting basics to keep your business on track and encourage investors.

Improving your financial position

Review your business finances with your financial advisor or accountant. Look at whether you met your targets last financial year and what you can do differently this year to help your business grow.

Checking your registrations and licences

Your business operations may have changed during the year. Review the current licences, permits and registrations your business holds.

Reviewing your bookkeeping system

Keeping good records:

makes running your business much easier

may be needed to comply, depending on your industry

helps you to keep track of how your business is going financially

Updating your business and marketing plans

Take time to set yourself up for the year ahead. Updating your business and marketing plan can:

help you review your goals and priorities

assess whether your business strategies are working

Career in finance

here to help.

Whether you’re new to finance or want to develop your existing skills, you’ll find everything you want to know about job roles, salaries, progression opportunities and things to think about before taking that next step

Starting your career

Deciding what career to set off on is such an exciting time. But it can also be a little overwhelming. We’ll help you understand what it really means to be an accountant or bookkeeper so you get an idea of whether it interests you, and if it will take you where you want your career to go.

Growing your career

If you’re already working in finance you’ll have an idea of the opportunities available to you. But what’s the best way to gain the skills and confidence to take the next step up? Grasp these opportunities and you could soon be climbing the career ladder.

Changing your career

If you’ve got a passion for numbers and have been thinking about changing to a career in finance, what’s stopping you? We’ll take you through the things to think about, and how to get where you want to be. Whether that’s working in a finance team or running your own bookkeeping business, the possibilities are endless.

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to Financial Accounting

Master the technical skills needed to analyze financial statements and disclosures for use in financial analysis, and learn how accounting standards and managerial incentives affect the financial reporting process. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to read the three most common financial statements: the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows

Accounting is sometimes counterintuitive and this course does not alleviate that. Expect to spend twice the recommended weekly time on the course, especially if you have no background in accounting. Expect to have to retake the quizzes multiple times to get a pass. (The scoring approach for quizzes means that getting 2 of 3 selections correct in a 5 selection question will still result in a zero score for that question.)

The lecturer tries to add humor with cartoon characters, puns and songs. This takes up valuable time that would be better spent explaining the reasons behind some of the counterintuitive aspects (e.g. a debit will increase a cash account); or offering some approaches to assist in memorizing the key equations and relationships.

Suggest you print out the quizzes before you watch the videos (Note: the questions will change each time you submit an attempt, so be ready for new questions!). The printout will let you try to identify the answers as you go. Also, make notes of equations and do your best to relate them to the entries in the spreadsheets to try and identify the impact of low level alterations on high level entries.

Stick to the fundamentals and get rid of the animations—they distract from the material. Stress the importance of learning the “grammar”—the types of accounts. Lessen the amount of “curve ball equations” and test at the introduction level to make sure we really learn the basics.

Posted on

Transmission Repair Fluid Change Service

TRANSMISSION REPAIR

believe the key to a successful business is the way interact with customers and the community. It may be a business centered on cars, but the truth is that this industry is a people business. look to treat every person that steps through doors exactly like would family, with honesty and integrity.

services — which are available to all makes and models — include general repair, preventative maintenance, performance and hot rod tuning, electrical services, transmission repair, off-road services, and more. facility is home to a state-of-the-art chassis dyno, that can test your vehicle’s performance and power by replicating real-world conditions.

EXTENSIVELY TRAINED, HIGHLY EXPERIENCED

understand how stressful auto care can be. Along with the problems you’re currently experiencing, you’re having to trust people to perform the proper repairs. If the job is done poorly, that could leave you with a bigger problem and fewer dollars in your wallet.

understand just how stressful this process is, and work diligently to ensure you’re provided with the peace-of-mind you deserve. service advisors help provide that, as they’ll happily chat with you to understand your situation, provide proper services, and answer any questions you may have. They’ll also set you up with free shuttle service and send you status updates via text or email while you’re away, so you always know what’s going on with your vehicle

facility is home to some of the finest techs in the industry, with all of them carrying an ASE Certification and one tech also holding the distinction of Ford Master Tech

Transmission Repair Services

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmissions shift between gears automatically to optimize driving, and changes gears based on the driver’s throttle pedal, vehicle speed, engine speed, and vehicle load. Typical automatic transmissions have 4-5 forward gear ratios, a Reverse, Park, and Neutral gear. Shifting gears occur automatically once the car is in Drive and there is no need for a clutch pedal or gear shift like there is in a Manual Transmission. Automatic transmission repair is complicated based on all the components that make it up, and you need to have any automatic transmission issues properly assessed by auto mechanics

Clutches

There are clutches in both automatic and manual transmission cars, and different types of clutches. When shifting gears, the clutch engages and disengages from the flywheel and transfers the torque through the transmission. Clutches should help your vehicle start and shift gears smoothly. The clutch in your car receives a lot of wear and can eventually wear out

Four-Wheel Drive Transmission

A four-wheel (4×4) drive vehicle has differential gears, both front and rear axles, and a transfer case attached to the transmission. Four-wheel drive vehicles demand maintenance on the transfer case, front differentials, rear differentials, and transmission fluids.

Front-Wheel Drive Transmission

If your vehicle has Front-wheel drive, the engine drives the front wheels only. The power is routed through the transmission to the final drive where it is split and sent to the two front wheels through the drive axles. The engine, transmission, and additional hardware is all located in the front of the car.

Manual Transmission

Driving a vehicle with a Manual Transmission requires using the clutch pedal and gear shift to manually shift gears based on the speed of the vehicle. Manual transmissions have been built with anywhere from two to eight gears. Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are the two main configurations for manual transmissions. Typically, manual transmissions require less maintenance then automatic transmissions

Replacement

In motor vehicles, the transmission usually refers to the gear box, which uses gears and gear trains to transmit speed and tourque from a rotating power source to another device. You can have your car’s transmission replaced with a new, rebuilt, remanufactured, repaired or used transmission.

Transmission Repair Services

Transfer Cases

A transfer case is a part of a four wheel drive system found in four wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles. The transfer case receives power from the transmission and sends it to both the front and rear axles. This can be done with a set of gears, but the majority of transfer cases manufactured today are chain driven. The transfer case is connected to the transmission and also to the front and rear axles by means of drive shafts

Service, Diagnose and Repair

Transmission repair is not something to take lightly. The transmission is connected to key parts of your vehicle and needs to be working properly for your safety. Transmission services include replacing filters and draining fluids to prevent transmission damage. Typical transmission issues that may lead to repair may include shifting issues, slipping, stalling, fluid leaking, and the service light turning on

Replacement

In motor vehicles, the transmission usually refers to the gear box, which uses gears and gear trains to transmit speed and tourque from a rotating power source to another device. You can have your car’s transmission replaced with a new, rebuilt, remanufactured, repaired or used transmission.

Manual Transmission

Driving a vehicle with a Manual Transmission requires using the clutch pedal and gear shift to manually shift gears based on the speed of the vehicle. Manual transmissions have been built with anywhere from two to eight gears. Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are the two main configurations for manual transmissions. Typically, manual transmissions require less maintenance then automatic transmissions.

Front-Wheel Drive Transmission

If your vehicle has Front-wheel drive, the engine drives the front wheels only. The power is routed through the transmission to the final drive where it is split and sent to the two front wheels through the drive axles. The engine, transmission, and additional hardware is all located in the front of the car

Auto Repair Services

A well-functioning transmission is integral to the smooth operation of a vehicle. Over time, this important system requires tune-ups to keep it functioning properly. Transmission repairs can be costly, so stay on top of your vehicle’s transmission maintenance

What Does My Vehicle’s Transmission Do?

Basically, your transmission is what allows your car to move. It takes the power created by your engine and delivers it to your wheels so that you can move. To generate enough energy to move a car, your engine’s internal components must rotate very quickly. The transmission tones down all that power to a manageable speed so that you maximize your engine’s efficiency and remain in firm control of your car as you drive.

How Does a Transmission Work?

Modern car transmissions have many gears inside them to deliver the right amount of power at the right time to the car wheels. Based on which gear your car is in, your car will operate at different speeds efficiently.

Automatic Transmission vs. Manual Transmission

Manual transmissions rely on the driver shifting through the different gears by hand using a stick-shifter and pressing a clutch pedal. It’s up to the driver when the car shifts gears.

Maintaining Your Transmission System

Both automatic and manual transmissions need the proper amount of fluid in their systems, which should be changed out every 48 months or every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. This is especially true if you drive up a lot of hills or frequently tow with your vehicle.

ASE Certified Technicians can help with regular transmission flushes, as well as with complex transmission repairs.

Bearings

Entire Transmission Systems

Seals and Gaskets

Torque Converters

Transmission Filters

Transmission Flushes & Fluid Exchanges

Transmission Repair Services

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmissions shift between gears automatically to optimize driving, and changes gears based on the driver’s throttle pedal, vehicle speed, engine speed, and vehicle load. Typical automatic transmissions have 4-5 forward gear ratios, a Reverse, Park, and Neutral gear. Shifting gears occur automatically once the car is in Drive and there is no need for a clutch pedal or gear shift like there is in a Manual Transmission. Automatic transmission repair is complicated based on all the components that make it up, and you need to have any automatic transmission issues properly assessed by auto mechanics.

Four-Wheel Drive Transmission

A four-wheel (4×4) drive vehicle has differential gears, both front and rear axles, and a transfer case attached to the transmission. Four-wheel drive vehicles demand maintenance on the transfer case, front differentials, rear differentials, and transmission fluids.

Manual Transmission

Driving a vehicle with a Manual Transmission requires using the clutch pedal and gear shift to manually shift gears based on the speed of the vehicle. Manual transmissions have been built with anywhere from two to eight gears. Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are the two main configurations for manual transmissions. Typically, manual transmissions require less maintenance then automatic transmissions.

Transfer Cases

A transfer case is a part of a four wheel drive system found in four wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles. The transfer case receives power from the transmission and sends it to both the front and rear axles. This can be done with a set of gears, but the majority of transfer cases manufactured today are chain driven. The transfer case is connected to the transmission and also to the front and rear axles by means of drive shafts.

Posted on

Get Mold Remediation Free And Stay Mold Free With Help From Specialized Mold Companies

Mold Remediation

Mold Inspection & Remediation

“Mold” is a substance that strikes fear in the hearts of many individuals. Mold isn’t just unsightly and foul smelling. It’s also something that can potentially interfere greatly with human health and ease. It can be especially alarming for individuals who have preexisting health concerns that relate to their respiratory systems. If you suffer from allergies, asthma or anything else along those lines, you may be particularly concerned about the development of mold.

Indications That You Have a Case of Mold on Your Hands

Cases of mold are sometimes hard to miss. That doesn’t mean that they’re never “sneaky” in nature, however. If you want to defend yourself and the members of your household from all kinds of concerns that involve mold growth, then you need to be aware of typical indications of the substance. If you have mold anywhere on your property, then you may notice an unusual degree of condensation

Your nose may pick up on an odor that’s dank and fusty. Other clues that should be on your radar are inordinate humidity levels, issues with wood, issues with drywall and rusting. If you notice a strange degree of rust development throughout your home, it could be the result of condensation. Remember, too, that the presence of mold can in many cases make human beings experience malaise. If you feel unwell but simply cannot explain why, the growth of mold could be behind things. Mold may make you sneeze a lot. It may make your throat feel strangely sore all of the time. It may contribute to shortness of breath, splitting headaches, eye watering and stubborn itchiness, too. Mold removal is no joke.

Matchless Mold Removal Company

Mold isn’t exactly the safest substance. In many cases, it can contribute to significant respiratory hazards. There have actually been many people who have passed away due to being around the substance for significant spans of time.

Commercial Mold Removal Services

The Signs of Commercial Mold

In a commercial environment, mold is typically caused by a recent roof leak or plumbing leak. The most common signs of mold include:

Recent flooding or water damage.

Burst pipe, leaking air conditioning, or plumbing leaks.

Musty odors.

Discoloration or water stains.

Commercial Mold Remediation Process

While each mold damage ordeal is unique, there’s a common solution. The commercial mold remediation process is key in reversing mold damage and re-opening your business to the public sooner.

Understanding Commercial Mold

Your business runs smoothly with you at the helm, but even your best abilities cannot always prevent mold or water damage. Disasters happen when you least expect them.

When it comes to mold, there are a few helpful things to understand:

Mold is found in every environment — indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and may enter your business through an open door, window or via the HVAC system.

For mold to form a colony, water or moisture must be present.

To fully treat commercial mold damage, the source of the problem must be dealt with promptly.

Mold produces a strong, musty odor that worsens the closer you are to the mold infestation.

Mold Remediation & Inspection Services

How Do You Get Rid of Mold?

Mold can be costly, difficult to remove, and dangerous for your health. Improperly handled water damage can lead to mold. If the mold is left unchecked, it could further result in reduced indoor air quality and an unsafe environment. If your home or commercial building has a mold problem

experts have been thoroughly trained in the most advanced mold remediation techniques. Their training includes safety measures, engineering controls, containment methods and how to use standard approved work practices and professionalism. Needless to say

Causes & Risks of Mold

Moisture and mold go hand in hand. To get mold out of the home, you have to address the moisture problem as well. Any of water damage services will immediately address mold issues and attempt to prevent mold before it appears. However, in the case that mold does appear, team of specialists certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) can remediate the problem.

Those with asthma may be especially sensitive to the presence of mold. If you are not sure whether you have mold in your home, professionals can use a simple machine to test the mold count in the air. Even if you haven’t experienced significant water damage, a problem as simple as a leaky window could lead to mold damage

Residential Mold Remediation

Mold found in residential homes can lead to respiratory issues, long-term illness, and even death. Though these conditions are rare, it is not a risk worth taking. If you spot even the smallest sign of mold in your home – whether in the attic, basement, or elsewhere

Mold Remediation-What is it?

People often ask the question, what is mold remediation? Those who do not work in the mold industry may not know what mold remediation is or the procedures needed to properly get rid of mold.

It is first important to know that mold spores exist naturally just about everywhere. If you have an industrial hygienist come to your property to complete mold testing, they will test the air outside and in different areas inside your property. When the hygienist performs testing, they are looking to see what the spore count is in certain areas and what types of mold are present. Based on the testing, it can be determined what exactly needs to be done in order to remediate the mold in your home or business.

When performing remediation, it is important to follow proper procedures. First, you want to make sure the underlying problem causing the mold growth has been stopped. If your property has a moisture problem, you can remove the areas of mold that are currently present. However, the mold will continue to grow and further remediation will be necessary.

The affected area should be contained. Often to contain an affected area we set up a plastic containment barrier specially created to keep mold spores from exiting the affected area. Containment barriers should be set up around any openings in the room such as closets, hallways and doorways that lead to unaffected areas. Vents should be covered so that the spores to not get into your duct system.

What type of materials the mold is growing on determines the methods taken to remediate the mold. Some of the methods used for remediation are:

Removal of the material

Dry ice blasting

Mold stain remover

Mechanical steel grinding

What Happens When the Home You Want to Buy Has Mold?

Spring has sprung and as temperatures rise, so do the temperatures in VACANT homes that are closed up and listed for sale. The presence of a water source, warm temperatures and stagnant air make perfect conditions for the quick growth of mold

Mold Policy for when home buyers are considering a renovation loan and the need for remediation or the abatement of MOLD is warranted. This is not a legally binding document. It’s a set of guidelines for our mortgage consultants. However, it’s full of great information for home buyers who fund a house where mold is present.

You’ll explore a house that’s quite the nightmare with mold. As you’ll hear the expert tell you, even with mold this bad there are things you can do get rid of it – but it’s going to be a huge project. So hope may not be lost when there’s mold (but sometimes it might be best to move on to the next house, too).

“Excessive Mold” – Determining whether or not mold is excessive can be subjective, open to interpretation and often times will require a “common sense” approach.  The following guidelines will be used in determining what is excessive.

The use of a home inspection with photographs and commentary and/or the use of a HUD Consultant acting in the capacity of an inspector in performing a property review to determine the requirements for the property to meet HUD Minimum Property Standards can be helpful in the determination process of the extent of the mold when this is in question. It is wise to have them break out the mold clean-up to be completed and provide photos for review prior to ordering the appraisal so the full extent of the mold issue is known.

Posted on

How To Get Rid Of Bats In The Attic And Other Areas Of A Home

Why Old Houses Appeal to Bats

Bats are particularly attracted to old houses because they offer so many potential entry points. Chimneys, cracks or holes in the siding or soffits, louvered vents with loose screening, separating flashing, and just about any place where materials have shrunk, warped, or moved apart will invite bats to enter and make themselves at home. Bats need just a tiny crack-about 3/8 by 1-to enter a house, and can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter. That’s not much space.

In truth, bats are important to a healthy environment. They are extremely good at keeping down the bug population, with a single bat consuming about 3,000 insects a night. However, some species of bats commonly roost in buildings today due to loss of natural habitat.

According to Barbara French, a biologist with Bat Conservation International, many people have a few bats in their attic and never know it. But a large colony of bats can become a noise or odor nuisance. And bats should not be allowed to enter interior living quarters.

What should you do if there’s a bat in your house?

  • Don’t try to net it or catch it. Bat wing bones and membranes are fragile, easily damaged and very difficult to repair.
  • If the bat is flying inside the house, turn down the lights, turn off your ceiling fan, open doors and windows, and keep your pets away. The bat will usually find its own way out.
  • If it is roosting, call a wildlife rescue organisation with expertise in bats

Exclusion

Bats can gain entry through surprisingly small openings. Use caulk to seal cracks, crevices, and holes. Repair or replace damaged siding, trim, and molding. Cover larger openings such as vents and louvers with quarter-inch hardware cloth. Install a chimney cap to exclude bats and other animals. Repairs should be made only when bats are absent.

If bats are already present, watch the outside of the building during the last half-hour of daylight and note where they emerge. Especially note such places as attic louvers, jointure of chimney and house, and gable ends. The next day, tack a 12-inch-square piece of denim or other heavy cloth over each opening (tack only along the top edge). That evening the bats will push their way under the cloth to exit but will be unable to locate the opening when they return. Wait two to three days to ensure that all bats have vacated and then make repairs. Young may be present during May, June, or July (varies by species), so delay any action until they can exit with the adults.

In some instances bright lights can evict bats from a roost area. It may be necessary to illuminate the area for several days before all the bats leave.

Getting Started With Bat Exclusion:

Determine where the bats are getting in. Examine your house’s exterior in daylight, identifying any cracks or holes, then sit outside on a balmy, clear summer evening and stare at those spots, looking for bat activity.

Be sure to watch each side of your house, since bats often have more than one entry point.

The entry points may have somewhat greasy brown marks around them comprised of a mix of urine, feces, and body oils from the bats. Professionals often look for these bat tracks or signs to help identify entry points.

Using Bat Boxes

One of the consequences of a successful bat eviction is that all those of displaced bats—the ones once sheltered in your rafters—will need a new place to live. Installing a bat box on your property makes it easy for them to find one.

Bat boxes can come in many shapes and sizes, but all have one thing in common: They are designed to provide cozy quarters for a colony of bats. From the outside, a bat house often looks like a boxy birdhouse on steroids—with one difference, entrance holes are at the bottom. Nonetheless, they can be adorned with clever detailing—we even discovered a bat box with Folk Victorian styling.

Inside, all feature several crevices so bats can roost in layers. Installing a bat box in the corner of your yard gives newly excluded critters a place to go, while keeping them close enough to provide major insect control on your property. With a single bat chomping down about 3,000 bugs a night, that’s a lot of pest protection for your al fresco dining.

Posted on

Home Remodeling Projects That Require A Pro

Thinking About Home Remodeling? Start Here

Sooner or later you may join the millions of people who remodel their homes each year. Perhaps it’s at that moment when you realize that avocado green and harvest gold are no longer the “in” colors for today’s trendy kitchens. Or maybe you have an epiphany one day as you stand in line to use your own bathroom. Whatever the impetus, the thought crosses your mind: Maybe it’s time to start a home remodel. The reasons for home remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake.

Some of these include:

Adding more space

Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances and fixtures

Creating a floor plan that’s customized for your lifestyle

Improving energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation, and climate control systems

Increasing the resale value of your home

Where to Begin

The first step is to develop an idea of what you want to do with your home remodel. Write a prioritized list of your needs and wants. There are many sources to find design ideas for your home remodeling project. Look at magazines and websites and collect pictures of homes or remodeling projects you like. The more clearly you can envision the project and describe it on paper, the better prepared you’ll be in making your decision.

Think about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space. If your decision to remodel involves creating better access for someone with limited mobility, you may want to consider contacting a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.

Can you do it yourself?

Once you have created your list of priorities, you’ll need to decide how to accomplish that vision. For the handyman or woman, a do-it-yourself project can be both rewarding and cost-effective. However, more than 30% of all jobs home remodelers perform come from failed DIY projects

Insanely Cool Remodeling Ideas For Your Home

Level up a window seat by adding a trundle bed

Whether your child is having a sleepover or you’ve got some relatives in town, this extra bed has got you covered.

Lower your living room to create a conversation pit.

The bi-level living room will give your home an incredibly spacious yet cozy effect.

Dogs are people, too, which is why your dog should probably get his or her own little haven underneath the stairs.

Make space for two dishwashers instead of one

You can load one while the other washes. KitchenAid also makes a double drawer dishwasher.

Install an in-wall pest control system.

Pest-tube installation means that all the exterminator has to do is inject some stuff into one end to keep insects and rodents away

Tips for Remodeling Your House When You Have Kids

Does the difficulty go up with kids involved? You bet. Will their routine be disrupted? For sure. Will there be tears? Yes. (Probably yours!) But with planning you’ll get through it, and it’ll be worth it—we promise.

Two years ago my husband and I gutted and rebuilt our kitchen, living room, and foyer while staying in the house with our three small children. Less than a year later, we sold that house and bought a fixer-upper that we’re currently in the process of overhauling. In other words, I know from experience that renovating with kids won’t kill you (although living with my parents for two months almost did).

Consider the time of year.

I polled parents around the country who’ve renovated, and they all concur that spring and summer are the best seasons to remodel. Your kid’s routine is already shaken up, vacations are easier to take, it’s warm enough for al fresco grilling and dining, rinsing off after the pool can count as a shower, and there are no big holidays to work around.

Plan for what kids will need later, not just what they need now.

If you’re redoing spaces for your children, think about the future. “Don’t design anything to be mini, like a tiny built-in desk or bed,” says Melanie Rosen, a mother of three, who has renovated three homes. She made this mistake when she redid her boys’ bathroom: “It has a slanted roof, so we put in a little shower stall under the low ceiling. Our boys are on the shorter side, so I thought it’d be okay, but our oldest already has to bend down to shower—whoops!”

Let them make some small décor decisions.

“It’s important to give kids a room that reflects their personality,”. I let my 8-year-old have a super-subtle glitter finish on her bedroom walls, which went a long way to make up for the fact that I didn’t approve hot pink. Rosen swears by the rule of three: “Narrow it down to three wall colors, three rug options, or three duvet covers, then let them pick their favorite so you’re not opening the door to an entire PJ Masks–themed bedroom for the next few years.”

Home Renovations That Will Not Increase the Value of Your Home

While getting your house in tip-top shape before listing it can push up the selling price, it’s also easy to go overboard with renovating. Some upgrades simply aren’t worth the expense and time

Is your outdated bedroom decor inadvertently putting you to sleep? These easy, budget-friendly bedroom ideas will help you add some much-needed zing back into your favourite space.

Sure, you can plunk in a basic cabinet that houses a sink and plumbing hardware and be halfway done with your bathroom reno — but what’s the fun in that? These va-voom vanities showcase the power of creativity. A repurposed antique washstand. A unique cylindrical floor-standing model. A bold, bright colour.

Things That Can Go Wrong With a Home Renovation

Almost everyone has a nightmare story about their home renovation or has at least heard one or two. The truth is that people often cause their own nightmare by hiring the wrong person or undervaluing the project

You Get Multiple Quotes But Every One is Too High

This one is easy. Too many people believe what they see on TV or what they hear in the neighbourhood about what a home renovation should  cost. If your budget is too low, you can’t expect someone to do the work. Do your own research. Talk to professionals. Above all, be reasonable. You don’t work for $50 a day – you can’t expect a qualified tradesperson to work for less

You Start Your Renovation Without Municipal Permits and Get Caught

If you try to bypass the permit process and enter into a renovation without following the law, you will most likely get caught. When you do, you will have to pay fines and your renovation will take a lot longer than planned. DON’T DO IT. Permits are in place to protect you. They are not just a money grab from “Big Brother”. Most permits relate to fire codes or seismic requirements. You wouldn’t want to live in a house that was made unsafe by an illegal renovation, would you? Contact your City Hall and ask them if what you’re planning is legal and what permits you need to complete the work. They will work with you so you can start the project legally. Later, city inspectors will come to ensure the work is done properly

The Guy You Hire Doesn’t Show Up

This is pretty common, especially with smaller jobs like painting or home maintenance. Often the homeowner thinks the project is too small to get quotes from larger, more established companies. The little guy is small because he doesn’t have a track record of successful jobs to establish a clientele. This may even mean that he is restarting his business over and over. You may get lucky with a small business but you take your chances. It’s best to meet with a few different contractors to hear what they have to say about your project. Always check references and research reviews.

You Hire a Family Member or Friend to Help

I don’t know about you but I like my family and friends. I would never want to put them in a position where I might lose the relationship. Home renovations can be very stressful. The last thing you want to do is involve someone you love in a situation where you have to pay for their mistakes or, worse, fire them for theirs. Keep it professional. Hire someone you trust to do the work properly and pay them fairly when they do.

Posted on

Don’t Underestimate Ceiling Fans Installation Impact

Tools Needed to Hang a Ceiling Fan

New ceiling fans come with instructions explaining how to install them yourself. Doing so requires standard tools you probably already have around the house. Reading the instructions ahead of time allows you to mentally walk through the installation process ahead of time, comparing illustrations in the manual to their respective parts on the fan and preparing tools for the job. A friend is also a great asset during the installation process, as a fan can be quite heavy and difficult to hold up as you secure it to the ceiling.

Screwdrivers or Driver Bits

One of the most important tools is also the most basic: a screwdriver. If the fan arrived unassembled, a screwdriver may be needed to attach the blades to the blade housing on the motor assembly. It’s also used to attach the fan’s ceiling plate to the support mechanism in place on the ceiling. A fan’s weight requires more support than a standard light fixture, so if adding a support or junction box rated for ceiling fans, you’ll need a screwdriver

Drill

A power drill is used to drill pilot holes and driving screws to mount a new ceiling junction box to ceiling joists or for installing and mounting to blocking between the joists. Fitted with a screwdriver bit, a drill allows for speedy attachment of the fan motor hardware to the ceiling, reducing the amount of time and strain that would be experienced if using a standard manual screwdriver. A cordless power drill offers freedom from a cord getting in your way during fan installation

Wrench

The down-rod pipe, a pipe that protects and houses electrical wires coming out of the fan, requires a wrench to tighten the locking screw which holds the pipe in place within the fan assembly. An adjustable wrench tightens this, as well as smaller nuts that may be part of your fan assembly; specific sizes, screws and nuts vary by manufacturer

Electrical Tools and Supplies

Wire strippers allow you to both trim wires to size and strip the plastic coating off wire ends, exposing them to create electrical connections. Wire strippers may be needed on both existing wires within the ceiling, as well as the wires protruding from the fan motor assembly. Electrical tape and wire connectors secure fan wires to house wiring. An electrical tester allows you to test wires within the ceiling after shutting off power to the area, ensuring that power really is off before doing the electrical portion of this project.

How to Install a Ceiling Fan With a Handheld or Wall Remote

Many new ceiling fans come equipped with remote control, especially higher-priced ceiling fans. The receiver part of the remote is nestled inside the fan body itself, while the control mounts either on the wall or into the wall as a switch. If you’ve been thinking about replacing your existing ceiling fans, it is relatively easy to do this project yourself. If you can change an electrical receptacle, you can install a ceiling fan. Here are more details for this DIY home improvement project.

Before You Buy a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans can improve home energy efficiency and provide a decorative upgrade. However, don’t run out to buy the first cute ceiling fan you see.

Ceiling Height

Ceiling heights below 9 feet might require a fan that hugs the ceiling, known as a flush mount. Find out the distance between the ceiling and the bottom of the fan, referred to as the hanging depth. Allow at least 7 feet from the bottom of the fan to the floor to avoid getting hit when walking under spinning blades.

Blade Sweep

Experts say the number of blades isn’t as important as the size of the motor and the length of the blades. Larger motors cost more than smaller motors. Blades that measure 52 inches work better in rooms that are greater than 15 feet in length, whereas 44-inch blades are made for smaller rooms. If you are replacing a smaller fan with a larger fan, make sure the blades will not hit another object in the room, such as a door. Allow a minimum of 18 inches from the tip of the blade to the wall

Lighting Options

If you choose a light fixture requiring a fluorescent lamp, it is unlikely to be compatible with a dimmer switch, and you may need to replace your light switch beforehand. Consider whether you want the light to flood the room or to illuminate the ceiling.

Can I Install Ceiling Fans In Every Room?

Ceiling fans can improve your comfort during hot or cool weather by lowering the perceived temperature and helping your HVAC system to circulate heated or cooled air more efficiently. If your home doesn’t currently have ceiling fans installed, this is a simple electrical upgrade that your electrician

Ceiling Fan Installation

Ceiling fans can be installed in any room in your home, such as living rooms, dining areas, offices, and bedrooms. These fixtures make a great addition to rooms in which you spend a significant amount of time, as they can augment your home’s heating and cooling system all year round for improved comfort and energy savings. Ceiling fans can even be installed in outdoor living spaces, such as covered patios, porches, and pergolas. Ceiling fan installation is a task that should always be handled by a professional electrician, as it requires changes to the electrical wiring and, in some cases, the addition of a wall switch or breaker circuit. If your home’s electrical system is outdated, you may want to consider a panel box upgrade at the same time to handle the increased electrical usage. Your residential electrician will let you know the process involved in ceiling fan installation for your home, based on the number of fans you wish to install and where you would like them placed.

Ceiling Fan Considerations

If you do choose to install ceiling fans in one or more rooms in your home, there are a few considerations you should take into account. First, you’ll need to choose a ceiling fan with the appropriate size for the room in which it will be placed. The diameter of a fan affects its air circulation capacity, so you’ll need a larger fan to achieve the comfort levels you want in a larger room. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the aesthetics of the fan—it’s best to choose a ceiling fan that meshes with your home’s style and décor to create a seamless transition between your home and your new fixture. Finally, consider whether you want a ceiling fan with additional features, such as a light fixture, wireless control, or a high-efficiency electrical motor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ceiling Fans

There are a few types of wired controls with no receivers. The most common are Single/Dual Slide Controls, or Rotary Knob Controls.

A Single Slide control will control ONLY the fan speeds, and requires a two-wire setup (One Hot – Positive, and One Negative/Neutral). The same as an on / off switch.

A Dual Slide control will control the fan speeds and light, and requires a three-wire setup (Two Hot – Positives, and One Negative/Neutral).

Most Wall Controls with Receivers are wired. Wired wall controls require a two-wire setup and speak with the Receiver via Dip Switches. Dip Switches are tiny little switches (typically 4-8 switches with on/off abilities) within the Wall Control and often on the Receiver (unless the Receiver is a Learn-Receiver, where the Wall Control must be programmed or ‘burned’ into the receiver to speak with each other). The Dip Switches on the Receiver and the Wall Control must match each other in order for the fan to function. Wireless wall controls work in the exact same fashion, but require a tiny battery to operate. (Typically a 12 Volt A23 Battery, commonly found in local stores / hardware stores.)

Most Remote Controls with Receivers speak via Dip Switches. Dip Switches are tiny little switches (typically 4-8 switches with on/off abilities) within the Remote Control and often on the Receiver (unless the Receiver is a Learn-Receiver, where the Remote Control must be programmed or ‘burned’ into the receiver to speak with each other). The Dip Switches on the Receiver and the Remote Control must match each other in order for the fan to function. Most remotes require a tiny battery to operate. (Typically a 12 Volt A23 Battery, 9 Volt Battery, or Two / Four AAA Batteries. Commonly found in local stores / hardware stores.)

Most controls that speak to receivers function via Dip Switches (explained previously). Though, on the other hand, some Receivers are learn-receivers and require a specific command from the Remote / Wall Control to function. Every manufacturer has a different set of commands required for the receiver to listen.

Controls in conjuction with CFL Bulbs.

Most controls come with a dimming function capability. While most light fixtures are transitioning or come with CFL (Compact Fluorescent Bulbs) these however do not having the dimming function capability and in conjunction with the controls that do may not work properly or have a slight hum noise, to the extent of burning out the receiver / computer board

Things to Consider When Buying a Wall Mounted Fan

If floor space is an issue, you may find that a wall mounted fan works best for your situation. Wall mounted fans are increasingly becoming more popular, as they are frequently found in homes, home gyms, garages, greenhouses, and outdoor patios.

While not all wall mounted fans are created equal, the assortment of brands on the market allows you to make the best decision and select a fan brand that is suitable to the environment where it will be used.

How Do Wall Mount Fans Differ from Ceiling Fans?

Ceiling and wall mounted fans both provide plentiful circulated ambient air throughout any environment, keeping you comfortable in summer and winter. While both provide adequate air flow, they vary in their operation.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans provide comfort in the summer, as the fan circulates air throughout the living space. During the winter, ceiling fans can pull and circulate warm air trapped at the ceiling by setting them to circulate in the clockwise position. This will help to redistribute warm air throughout the living space.

Wall Mount Fans

Wall mounted fans tend to work in a different fashion. While fans circulate air, the wall mounted fans push air horizontally throughout the space and not down like ceiling fans. Depending on size and placement, the air circulated may not always be felt at a distance, and they cannot circulate warm air trapped at the ceiling.