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The Best Tips for Remodeling Safely

home remodel projectIn today’s economic climate, it makes sense to look for every opportunity to cut corners on spending especially when it comes to a large home remodel project. Whether you’re simply taking out a wall or remodeling the entire house, safety is one area that should not be compromised. If you’re considering taking on such a project, read the following safety tips first.

Perspective

As you plan your remodeling project, view the demolition portion of it to be a project in itself. Don’t think of it as something quick that you do just to get it out of the way in order to move on to the ‘official’ project. Demolition work, like anything else, takes time and planning to do it correctly and safely.

So, make sure that you schedule enough time for the demolition set up, the demolition itself, and the demolition clean up. Have the debris bin set up ahead of time as you’ll need somewhere to put the material once you’ve removed it!

Gas, Power and Water

Before you begin the remodeling project, make sure you know what’s behind the walls and under the floors. You don’t want to cut into any gas, power, or water lines, even if they’ve been shut off. Gas and water can still be trapped inside, so proceed with caution, and have a safety plan in place to contend with any unforeseen circumstances.

Of course, that brings up one of the most obvious tip: Make sure that all water and gas valves, as well as the electricity, are completely shut off. Check them more than once since it’s always possible that the valve wasn’t completely shut off the first time. This is critical to the safety of the project.

Protection

Here’s an area where it’s important not to skimp. Spend a little extra when buying safety gear. For example, it seems obvious, but getting the right pair of boots can go a long way in protecting your feet from falling debris, unseen floor hazards, like construction nails and glass, and the traction on the boots will keep you from slipping and falling. If you do get hurt because you failed to properly consider safety, there’s really no recourse, and the job simply stops. It’s not as if a do-it-yourselfer in Missouri who injures himself can call up a personal injury attorney in Kansas City!

Also, invest in a good quality air respirator to ward off potential exposure to lead paint, black mold, and asbestos, among other airborne hazards. The dangers of exposure to airborne contaminants cannot be overstated.

Asbestos

In the case of asbestos, no threshold of exposure has been established as being safe. What this means is that, anyone who is exposed to any amount of airborne asbestos particles for any length of time is susceptible to developing potentially deadly diseases and conditions.

Exposure to asbestos increases the likelihood of developing diseases and severe health conditions, such as mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer), lung cancer, and asbestosis. In most cases, lung cancer and asbestosis don’t appear for 15 years or more after exposure to asbestos, and mesothelioma often isn’t developed until 30 years or longer after asbestos exposure. So, as you can see, the negative health effects continue to progress well after direct exposure to the asbestos has ended.

Black Mold

Black mold, which is called toxic mold because of the damage it causes to living things, is a parasitic substance that can be found in buildings just about everywhere. When the mycotoxin, or poison, that is released by this mold is released into the air, it adversely affects the health of anyone who comes in contact with it, either through touch or inhalation.

The mold spores become lodged in the respiratory system, causing asthmatic symptoms, flu-like symptoms, and nasal drip, among other things. Aspergillus, which is a common type of black mold, can form a fungal ball that will live in the lungs and release potentially fatal carcinogens.

The risk of damage to the nervous system is also widely known. In fact, the mycotoxin of black mold is so damaging that it has even been considered for use as an agent in chemical warfare.

When planning a do-it-yourself remodel, preparation and safety should be at the top of your checklist. That way, you’re sure to come out of it intact and live to enjoy the results of your hard work for years to come.

When in doubt, play it safe and hire a professional home remodeling contractor.  We are experienced in remodeling safety and prepared to handle any problems that may arise! ~ Gary B.

 

10 Home Security Tips to Prepare for the Holidays

10 Tips to Protect Your Home During the Holiday Season:

home security tipsThe holidays are coming and with them an increased need for security in your home. After all, not only are you now concerned with protecting your home and family, but you also have to look after the many priceless presents that you have bought for your friends and family members. Here are some of the best tips for protecting your house this holiday season.

1. Lock Your Door

This might seem incredibly obvious, but most burglaries occur out of nothing more than convenience. What this means is that any time you leave your door unlocked, you are unwittingly inviting intruders into your home. It is such a simple thing to do, but so many people still forget. Make sure you are not one of those people.

2. Don’t Hide A Spare Key

You might think that you are doing the right thing by storing a spare key under the doormat or in a fake rock. However, burglars are well aware of these techniques and it is the first thing that they will look for when they try to break in. A far better option is to install a keypad entry that requires a code. If you don’t want to do this, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor instead of hiding it.

3. Protect Your Windows

Most break ins happen through windows and doors on the ground level. Protecting these windows is important. You can do so with alarms and sensors, or even by just inserting a piece of wood in the window track to prevent it from being slid open.

4. Install Motion Detectors

As the ground floor is where burglars enter, it is also a good idea to put motion detectors in rooms around the first floor of your house.

5. Install Security Cameras

Security cameras not only allow you to see when someone is trying to break into your home, but they are also one of the most powerful tools to prevent it from happening in the first place. If a potential burglar sees a security camera, they are likely to decide that your house is not worth the effort. As a result, even a dummy camera can be enough to deter them.

6. Let People Know You Have Security

home security

As with cameras, new home security systems in general can be enough to deter a criminal. So if you have a system, make sure that people know that your house is protected. You can do this by displaying a sign or even just making your alarm visible.

7. Don’t Broadcast Your Whereabouts

With social media being as prevalent as it is these days, you can find just about anything that you want online, including where a person is at any given time. You can see why this would be a security issue. Try not to let the entire world know when you are out of the house.

8. Hide Your Presents

holiday security

Just as you don’t want the world to know when you are not at home, you don’t want them to know exactly what goodies you have stored in your house. Keep your presents out of plain sight, and even if someone does break in, it might be harder for them to find them.

9. Secure Every Door

A lot of people neglect their garage doors and back or side doors to their homes. This could provide an easy entrance for an unwanted intruder.

10. Install a Home Security System

Obviously the best way to increase home security is to invest in a home security system. It can raise the value of your house and protect everything that you love. It is a big decision, but if you make it, you will not regret it.

Home fire protection equipment

fire extinguisherMany people don’t even think about fire safety at home. But the bad news is that there are many injuries and deaths caused by fire at people’s homes. Most of the accidents start from the kitchen as a result of unattended cooking. There are also many fatal cases caused by forgotten burning cigarettes or heating equipment. The reasons could be many but what is important is to start thinking about fire safety at home and not let such awful accidents happen. There are ways to protect your home and family from fire, considering fire equipment that will help you feel safer at home.

Smoke Detectors

These little tools are more important that you can imagine. They have been saving thousands of people every year. It’s essential that there are smoke detectors in every house or apartment, at least one per floor or preferably one in every room. Make sure the detector in the kitchen is not attached to the ceiling right over the oven and that you turn your kitchen extractor on when you cook. Otherwise the smoke detector might be triggered for no reason.

Batteries of smoke detectors run out pretty fast sometimes, so make sure you check and change them regularly.

Fire extinguisher

Having a fire extinguisher at home is not compulsory but it’s surely recommended. It’s important to know in advance how to work with it, otherwise you might end up trying to handle both a fire extinguisher and panic at the same time, which can’t normally result well. Make sure it’s in a proper shape and good to use.

There are different types of fire extinguishers, so when you buy one, make sure it’s appropriate. For example, you don’t want to use a water fire extinguisher on a fire caused by electrical items. The most suitable ones for domestic use are foam or powder extinguishers because they cover all the classes of fire danger.

Fire Plan

It’s necessary for every home to have a fire plan. Every member of the family should know how to get everyone out of the house in case of a fire. A fire plan should be practiced every once in a while in order to make sure everyone can handle a terrible situation like this.

First Aid Kit

Not just in case of a fire, a first aid kit is more than compulsory to have at home. You might need one in multiple situations, so it’s necessary to have at least one kit at home. A first aid kit won’t prevent fire but it’s an important part of an escape plan in case there is a huge fire and you have to leave your house or apartment. Somebody might need help and a first aid kit might be essential at some point.

Home Sprinkler System

These days such systems have become less expensive, which makes them easier to afford. It’s a good idea to have an automatic home sprinkler system that sprays water in case of a fire and thus keeps you and your family safe and calm. This is perhaps the most effective way to protect your home from fire.

There are many ways to protect your home from fire, providing your house or apartment with the right fire safety equipment. Taking care of this equipment is essential too, since it would be useless if it doesn’t work properly at the moment you need it the most. Having the proper equipment and also being cautious about your safety by making sure you don’t forget your home appliances are on and you don’t leave burning cigarettes, the risk decreases significantly.

Author Bio: July Minor knows a lot about home improvement. With her job at http://www.shinylondon.co.uk/deep-cleaning-earls-court-sw5/  she has a lot to share with her readers.

Be safe and implement these tips today! – Gary B.

Weather-Proofing Your Home

Exterior home improvement project includes replacement windowsThe roof is perhaps the most important part of a home. It requires continual maintenance and upkeep to prevent mold growth, cracks and leaks. Insect infestations can easily occur if a roof is not treated and sprayed with proper chemicals. Some insurance providers will pay for roofing repairs and replacement due to weather damage, but it depends on the location of your home. Regardless, here’s what you need to know to ensure an effective and protective roof.

Weatherproofing Basics

Many people look for ways to save money on energy costs but do not realize they need to focus on weatherproofing their home to lower their bills. Windows and doors should have plenty of weather-stripping around the interior side to reduce drafts. When air is able to escape through these small holes, it increases energy costs. Check the exterior of your home and add extra caulking to the window sills and door jambs. This will help to prevent small leaks that allow air to exit or enter. It can also prevent problems with pests.

Roofing Repairs

Every homeowner should regularly check on the roofing of their home, making sure shingles are intact to prevent leaks and other serious problems. Leaks and cracks in the sheathing can cause water damage problems. Based on the reason your roof is leaking, an insurance company may not pay the costs. You need to check your insurance policy to find out what exactly is covered. Most homeowners will need to pay for additional policies to cover roof repairs due to weather-related problems. Routine problems such as an aging roof will not typically be covered under an insurance plan. The additional costs for water damage, wind damage and other weather-related issues will vary based on your insurance provider and your specific plan. For some, the cost can be an extra $1,500 on top of their deductible.

Protecting Your Home

Since it can be expensive to deal with the insurance company and pay out of pocket for repairs, the best thing a homeowner can do is focus on maintaining their home. Mold caused by water damage can cost you serious money and could lead to health concerns. If you have any water damage, contact a professional water damage restoration company. They have all the right equipment to properly clean up water damage and prevent mold growth.

Hire a professional roofer to inspect and maintain your roof once a year. They will check for signs of roofing damage and repair problems. They can also treat a roof with chemical sprays that will prevent leaking and extend the lifespan of the roof.

As a homeowner, you can help maintain your roof by cleaning out the gutters. This will allow water to correctly move off the roof and through the downspouts. Use a power washer to help move any mud out of the gutters. Gutter guards are another effective way to keep the gutters free of leaves and other debris.

While weatherproofing and maintenance can be time consuming, they are effective in preventing serious problems and expensive repair bills!

This  article was provided by Chase Roberts, home and garden expert. If you’re looking to repair damages from past weather related incidents, and need services like hail damage roof repair, Chase recommends choosing Quick Roofing.

Tips For Staying Cool This Summer

summer diy projects

Homeowners who enjoy taking care of minor DIY projects around the house are often stymied in the summer. For families who take an active role in their homes upkeep, summer brings along with it an intense heat that can be difficult to manage.  However, there are solutions to this issue that have been designed by others with similar concerns. With the following tips in mind, homeowners who want to work on some light home improvement projects no longer have to give up because of the heat.

Find Those Pulse Points

This is a straightforward solution that can be immediate relief for individuals. It revolves around the idea of cooling down your “pulse points”. These are areas where the heart beat can be felt as the blood is being pumped throughout the body. For example, the wrists are one such area that should be continuously cooled.

Why the pulse points? These are areas that have a significant impact on the heating and cooling of the body because of how close the blood runs to the surface. By cooling down these specific areas, the chances of persevering through the intense heat increases tenfold. How does one go about cooling these pulse points? Chill your pulse points by running cold water over your wrist for a minute or so. This is a simple solution to a conundrum that tends to perplex and frustrate many home owners and can be repeated as often as necessary.

Wear Light Clothing

The worst decision to ever make while working in the heat is to wear darker shades. The sun gets absorbed more readily by these colors and intensifies the heat. The best course of action is to put on lighter cotton clothing with a more tropical feel. Essentially, the goal should be to wear lighter colors that are made for the heat. These colors will not attract the sun and ensure the body is kept cool.

Stay Hydrated

It sounds obvious but it is frequently overlooked by homeowners working on home improvement projects. Water is a must in these situations as the body is losing fluid constantly through sweat. If the body starts showing signs of dehydration, the heat will worsen the situation. The body will not be able to produce an adequate amount of sweat to cool the body down.

Cool water can help provide short and long term relief. Make sure to drink plenty of water but make sure you don’t flush out all the electrolytes in your system. Snacking on some fruit or veggies during the day should help.

Implementing These Solutions

The solutions listed in this piece are easy to follow and should be implemented by all homeowners working on DIY projects in the heat. Home improvement is already a difficult task and the heat of the summer only makes it harder. If you’ll be working outside this summer, make sure to stay cool!

Guest author Jasmine Bosworth enjoys staying cool while taking care of pesky home projects. In hopes of making the interior of her home more comfortable this summer, she is currently pursuing a complete home window replacement with help from local contractors. 

Updating Your Home for Extreme Weather Conditions

Updating Your Home for Extreme Weather ConditionsWith all the news about powerful hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, unstoppable tornadoes, destructive hails, and damaging strong winds and gusts, it’s not unreasonable to start thinking about protecting your home from storm damage. You can’t just sit and do nothing about unpredictable weather disturbances that are yet to come. Every state in the U.S. is at risk of severe weather conditions, with some experiencing more of such undesirable conditions than others. It is therefore important to be prepared and to do something to make your home more resistant to extreme weather conditions.

Enhancing Structural Integrity

This sort of sounds like you are preparing for war: a war against nature’s wrath. It is a basic step to prepare the structural integrity of your home to withstand strong winds and other weather-related damages. Enhancing your home’s structural integrity primarily covers three aspects: water flow control, irrigation, and window integrity.

Roofs should be made ready to handle destructive gusts and hails. If there are small cracks or leaks, they should be immediately repaired. Roofs are estimated to have a typical life span of 25 years. If your roof is older than this, it is advisable to have it replaced. Additionally, based on a New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) research, it is better to have roofs with multiple slopes, as they do better in withstanding strong winds.

When it comes to home water flow control, it is advised to have backflow valves installed on toilets and sinks to prevent floodwater from getting into the house. Likewise, it is advisable to have waterproof veneers around a house to keep even shallow floodwater from seeping in. This also prevents moisture and the possibility of mold and mildew infestation.

Windows should also be given attention. They need to be replaced if they are already old and dilapidated. Having window shutters is recommended. Additionally, windows have to be checked to make sure that they can provide full insulation during the winter. If windows have cracks or holes in them, they will make it difficult for a home heating system to maintain the desired temperature. This can mean high electricity or heater fuel costs.

Building a Storm and Tornado Shelter

If you are in a place that is frequently struck by tornadoes and powerful hurricanes, having a storm and tornado shelter is a must. It is becoming increasingly important to build this section in every house. It is not a very expensive investment, but it is bound to provide the right kind of protection against destructive weather phenomena. It does not have to be an underground room. It only has to be a well-reinforced structure that can provide temporary shelter against tornadoes and destructive winds that are strong enough to uproot trees and tear down homes.

Power Supply

As you upgrade your home, it helps to integrate an emergency power supply system you can easily tap into. This power supply system can be a set of high capacity batteries (like automotive batteries) or a generator. You will need this emergency power backup to keep essential electronic devices running when there is power outage. Losing your heater during a freezing winter, for example, can be disastrous. Likewise, you would need a way to call for help in case you are trapped inside your home. You will need emergency power supply to run your vital electronic devices.

It is always better to be prepared. However, you shouldn’t limit your focus to emergency kits and basic preparedness. It is also important to make your home more resistant to severe weather conditions since your home is your primary form of protection against the unpredictable destructive forces of nature.

Byline: Logan Wheeler is a DIY-minded home improvement author currently residing in Houston, Texas. He enjoys sharing his tips on construction and plumbing in Houston with an online audience.

 

Most Important Things to Repair & Replace on a House

Have your roof inspected today!At one point or another, your home will need to undergo some repairs. No matter how much you try to prevent wear and tear, there is always something that will break down and require repairs. By undertaking timely repairs, you maintain the value of your home and also ensure that it is a safe environment for your family to live in. Here are some of the items that you need to keep an eye on since they are the ones that usually experience the most wear and tear.

Air Conditioning System

You should keep an eye on your air conditioning system to ensure that it is clean and will not blow spores and other aerial contaminants into the house. A system that has a lot of dust and motes will cause your family a lot of discomfort. Regular cleaning of this system will prevent the growth of mold and will increase its efficiency.

Peeling Paint

This can be quite an eyesore, and a child can inhale or swallow some of the paint chips. Peeling paint is brought about by the presence of moisture in the walls, so you should first ensure that you have found the source of the leak and fix it before you apply any more paint.

Flickering Lights

At one point or another, you will find a light fixture that starts flickering. This can be annoying, but it can also be an indication of a serious problem. Usually there is a loose connection or something else easily repaired, but to be safe you should call an electrician.

Breezy Doors and Windows

Since they are constantly being opened and shut, doors and windows tend to become lose at their hinges. Once this happens, there will be a lot of space for the breeze to get in and out of the house. You should identify the doors and windows that have this problem and have them refitted so they stop letting in gusts of air.Window replacement project

Broken Glass and Screen

Any home with children will have a broken window or torn screen at one time or another. If you want less maintenance costs on the windows, you should choose metal frame windows, which are easily slotted into the frame, rather than wood frame windows that will require the use of putty. Torn screens may require a complete replacement, since repairing them may not be that effective.

Roof Damage

Due to the exposure of the roof to the elements, you will have to repair it at one point or another. Heavy rain or snow can lead to leaks, and you must repair these or moisture will enter the home and this could lead to the growth of mold in the walls. You should hire a contractor to complete the repairs for you since it can be dangerous.

These are some of the home repairs that occur commonly in most homes and regular inspection and maintenance of your home will ensure the condition and value of your home.

This article was contributed by Chase Roberts, home & garden connoisseur, personal decorator, and all-around handyman. If you are a Texas resident looking to do some home improvements of your own, Chase recommends Houston Window Experts, offering affordable expert advice and innovative window installation. Check them out at www.houstonwindowexperts.com/replacement-windows-houston/.

 

Burglary by the Numbers

Burglary_by_the_Numbers

Infographic courtesy of:  http://www.supercircuits.com/

We stumbled upon this infographic and were shocked by the number of burglaries that occur in the United States.  We hope you will find it helpful and, hopefully, prevent this from happening to you.  Knowledge is Power!

Everybody Hurts: The Most Common Household Injuries

first-aid-kitWhile we think of our homes as a place of safety and comfort, there are some common household injuries that you or your family may experience at some point. Below is a list of some of the most common household injuries, what you can keep on hand to treat them, and some preventive measures you can take to avoid them.

Cutting Yourself While Chopping Vegetables

This is an injury most of us are familiar with. If you do cut your hand in the kitchen, run cold water over your cut, apply pressure with a clean dry bandage and raise your hand above heart level until the bleeding stops. Keep the wound covered and change the bandage daily. You can use an antibacterial ointment to aid healing time and to prevent infection. If the bleeding will not stop or your cut is deep, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Follow the steps below to reduce your risk of a kitchen cutting mishap:

–Only cut on a flat, dry, sturdy surface; ideally a cutting board.

–Cut away from your body, not toward it.

–Chop vegetables with your fingers curled under instead of in the direct line of cutting.

–Do not try to cut frozen foods.

–Do not use knives for things you can use scissors for—like opening a tightly sealed package.

–If you drop your knife accidentally do not try to catch it, instead take a large step backward.

–Sharpen your knives regularly as dull knives cause more injuries.

Burns

Burns are most common while cooking in the kitchen or from the faucet in the bathroom. If you or a burnsloved one has burned themselves immediately submerge the affected area under cold water or run it under cold water. If you burn your face and the area blisters or the cold water does not adequately reduce the pain after a few minutes, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Follow the steps below to reduce your risk of a burn:

–Always use real oven mitts when taking things in and out of the oven or when working with a hot pot or pan. Napkins, dishtowels, and aprons are not oven mitts.

–Avoid the temptation to “check” or move things with your fingers. Instead, use kitchen tongs designed for heat.

–When taking the lid off an item that has been on the stove or in the oven, make sure your face and body are not in the direct line of its steam and heat.

–Make sure the handles of your pots, pans, and utensils are not left exposed to heat. If they are, use your oven mitts.

–When frying things in grease use tongs and wear long, but not loose or bulky, sleeved shirts.

–Wait until hot foods have sufficiently cooled prior to serving such as coffee, tea, and soups.

–Install anti-scald devices on the faucets that your young children can reach.

–Reduce the temperature of your water heater to below 120 degrees.

Falls

Falls are the leading cause of fatal home injuries. Most falls happen while in the bathroom where it is wet and slippery. If you fall in the bathroom, carefully get up if you are able. If you feel like it is unsafe to move, call for help or bang on the wall or floor to attract someone’s attention. Call 911 if it is not safe for someone who has fallen to get up independently—don’t hurt yourself attempting to help someone up. Follow the steps below to reduce your risk of a fall in the bathroom:

–Place slip resistant mats inside your bathtub, even if it does not “feel” slippery to you. When soap grab bars in the bathroomsuds combine with water that can change in an instant.

–Place a bathmat with a rubberized bottom outside of your bathtub. This will reduce your chance of slipping by having something absorbent and rubberized to step onto.

–Add grab bars to your bathtub. While this may not be the most attractive addition it is a highly recommended bathroom safety feature.

It is wise to keep a first aid kit in your home so that you are prepared for any in-home injuries that unexpectedly arise. Being properly prepared can be the difference between a minor injury and a major injury.

This article was contributed by Samantha Greenbaum, health nut, marathon runner and weekend backpacker. For those in the Pearland, TX area looking for quick, efficient urgent care, Samantha suggests checking out Prime Urgent Care.

A Guide To Sound Testing Insulation

sound testingSound insulation testing is required on all house conversions or New Build developments where two or more dwellings are connected either by a party wall or party floor.

The testing needs to be carried out by an Independent Acoustic Consultancy with either A.N.C or UKAS Accreditation. Without this Accreditation, any test report produced could be refused by the Local Authority Building Control as invalid, meaning that the properties will need to be re-tested at additional cost to the developer.

Not all dwellings need to be tested however. In fact, it is the party floor or party wall that is tested; not the dwelling as such. One set of tests is required for every 10 dwellings. A set of tests would normally consist of:

• Two Airborne Wall Tests
• Two Airborne Floor Tests
• Two Impact Floor Tests

Obviously, party walls can only be tested if the dwellings are connected horizontally. Additionally, for any walls or floors to be tested you need to have habitable rooms on both sides of the partition. The test rooms also need to be a minimum of 25mᶟ in volume.

Where the residential unit is above a commercial unit, then Impact Tests are not required as the noise risk is perceived to be from the commercial unit into the flat; not the other way round.

Where the commercial unit is perceived to generate a larger amount of noise such as a music shop, public house or night club, then an increased level of acoustic performance is deemed necessary. This would normally be controlled by the Planning Department or Building Control Department.

Please see below for a range of sound insulation testing scenarios:sound testing

3 storey building

• Two Airborne Floor Tests
• Two Impact Floor Tests

2 storey building

• Two Airborne Floor Tests
• Two Impact Floor Tests

1 storey building

• No tests required

Connecting 1 storey buildings

• Two Airborne Wall Tests
• No Floor Tests

Connecting 2 storey buildings

• Two Airborne Floor Tests
• Two Impact Floor Tests
• Two Airborne Wall Tests

Connecting 8 storey buildings

• Four Airborne Floor Tests
• Four Impact Floor Tests
• Four Airborne Wall Tests

Sound testing is a fundamental part of home improvement and understanding the basics can allow you to improve your home.

Guest Post By:
Louise Orr

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