Water Damage Causes: Water Heaters

Sources state that the estimated lifespan of any given common household storage water heater is anywhere from five to fifteen years. Per these assumptions, one could reasonably expect to incur 2 to 6 water heater related issues or replacements within the 30 year lifespan of a typical mortgage. Obviously, this a real yet commonly underestimated potential source of significant water damage.

Aging water heaters will rust and leak. If the property owner catches it in time then the potential for damage is minimal but if the property owner not discover the damage in time, the resulting damage can be substantial. In Florida, due to the high water table, basements are a rarity so heaters are typically located on the same floor as the living area thus maximizing the need to regularly inspect the water heater for wear and rust and resulting damage should a leak or breakage occur. Similarly, apartment and condominium dwellers, depending on the size of the unit, may have the water heater located in an area that is central to the unit thus maximizing the radius of the potential damage.

There are various things you can do the reduce this potential water damage risk. Common wisdom includes regular inspection for any water leakage, regular inspection for rust, turning off the main water source if you are going to be away from your property for an extended period of time, and having a relief valve installed on the water heater - assuming you do not already have one - in order to regularly remove the bottom sediment which promotes deterioration and oxidation. Before you embark on the later, however, and you do so at your own risk, be careful NOT to splash yourself with the potentially scalding water that is coming from the water heater and, similarly, be sure to have a pail stable enough to handle the hot water and hot sediment without breaching. Better yet, have a professional check it out for you.

In a perfect world water heaters never leak and all damage is caught in time or is minimal; unfortunately, in the real world, when the water heater breaks, it is reasonably sudden and the damage is extensive. Since most people do not turn off the water lead in when the leave, as it is not a common consideration most people would do on a regular basis, once breached, the water heater not only dumps the contents of its storage tank but the water continues to flow due to the open water line contributing to extensive water damage. Should this occur, then you owe it to yourself to hire an independent and customer focused water damage restoration company. Only an independent water damage restoration company focuses its interest on customer service and customer satisfaction so that your restoration is its interest and such company will do whatever it takes to restore your asset to its preloss condition.

Home Improvement Contractors - Get More Referrals With These Customer Care Tips

Complaints against home improvement contractors and construction contractors regularly rank in the top five complaint categories of annual consumer affairs surveys, reports the Consumer Federation of America National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators. The most complaints received from customers involve poor construction contractor work quality, and inaccurate completion estimates. Ensuring a positive home improvement experience for your customer leads to future referrals.

To present your company as honest and well run, you'll want to ensure you're providing your potential customers the following information when you have your first formal meeting.

• Copies of your state license and registration
• Correct and current contact information for at least three references in your customers area
• Proof of contractor's insurance
• Copies of any professional certifications you earned

Explain the significance of each item so your customers feel engaged in the construction process and don't feel like you're unnecessarily increasing costs. For example, if presenting a copy of your professional certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), explain to the customer that NARI only awards s certificate to established, professional contractors with a clean background checks who've passed a written comprehension examination.

Providing yours customer with the above items upfront says:

• You and your company are organized and proactive in attitude.
• You and your business are transparent and in compliance with the necessary regulations.

Pricing Transparency

Low-ball price estimates might attract initial interest, but they won't boost your client referral rate in the long-term. Customers are less likely to feel cheated if they understand the pricing details before you begin the project. Review the price estimate with your customers and explain why a specific brand or material type is necessary for the project. Always provide a print-out of your comprehensive estimate along with a basic contract that includes the following information.

• A fully itemized list of estimated required materials including the brand and quantity.
• Estimated hours
• Total anticipated cost
• Also include possible scenarios that may increase costs such as discovering mold or unexpected rotten boards.

During Construction

• Check in with your customers frequently throughout the project. Inform them immediately of any unexpected obstacles and explain how this will affect the project price or timeline.
• Contain your construction-related mess whenever possible. A simple tarp or clear panel over the doorway keeps your customers from inhaling dust and residue. Always ask the customers' permission before moving furniture or altering the home beyond the scope of the project.

After Construction

• A construction contractor with integrity will call customers within a few weeks of completing the project to answer any questions or concerns they have and address them as necessary.
• Provide extra business cards to make referring your services easy.

Distinguishing yourself professionally as one of the best home improvement contractors through superior customer service will ensure future business opportunities.

Using Pillar Candles and Tea Lights - Tips to Decorate Your Home for Special Occasions

Pillar candles and tea lights are a very convenient and inexpensive way of doing up a home because they are very versatile. They are indeed beautiful by themselves but they can also take on entirely different aspects when you use them with other decorative elements. With a little bit of creativity you will be able to do up your home beautifully and at very little cost.

Pillar candles are an absolute must if you wish to create a lovely table centerpiece. They stand perfectly well on their own but look absolutely stunning when paired with a floral centerpiece. You can get these candles in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors which enables you to come up with almost innumerable combinations. Many people think that white or ivory are the only suitable colors for formal occasions but nothing could be further from the truth. The candles do not have to match the color of the flowers exactly but there should certainly be some harmony in their colors. You can use a few candles of different heights around each centerpiece.

If you want to keep the decoration simple you ought to try placing the candle in a beautiful bowl filled with water in which you float a few blooms. You could also array fresh flower petals around the candles in order to brighten up a table or a corner of the room. Another idea is to use tea lights along with the tall candles in order to create a more beautiful look. The smaller candles can be placed in crystal goblets in order to increase their height and to give a better sense of drama. These tiny candles can also be placed in specially decorated holders for a very special look. You can keep changing the lights in the holders as and when they burn out.

You can choose scented Pillar candles and tea lights if you want an added dimension to your home décor. However, be careful to not overdo the fragrances to the extent of being overpowering. They usually last quite a while if you haven't used them but make sure that you use them before they get discolored or bent. Candles do not cost too much money and you can pick them up whenever you have a special occasion coming up. You can give your dinner table a completely different look every time you entertain if you use these candles creatively!

Get useful ideas on how to use Pillar candles to do up your home. Find out how you can use them with tea lights and flowers to make your room look absolutely lovely.

Six Top Home Improvement Tips For Your New Year

Most people have the impression that home improvement is difficult. Every day across the country there are people taking on home improvement jobs that start out showing great promise. However most of these have very disappointing results. At the end of the day, home improvement is not all that hard. Here are a few easy ways to improve your home.

When you select a contractor, do your homework by getting references of past projects they have completed. This little bit of due diligence will save you the heartache and aggravation of a job gone wrong. The best case scenario being that you must live in a house that makes you unhappy, the other side of the coin being that you must live in a home that is unsafe. The small investment of your time to check the contractor out properly will be time well spent in the end

You might be considering getting a new steel front door. Have you considered giving it a coat of paint? You could even use one of those paints that have interesting effects or you could apply a faux finish to the door which would give it the illusion of being quite expensive.

A quick and simple way of bringing new life into an otherwise dull and boring bathroom is to put in a new set of metal bathroom fixtures. Things like cabinet knobs, toilet paper holders and shower curtain rods can be obtained in many different styles. home improvement stores will have these available in style and color coordinated packs that can be fitted within a day.

There is a saying "A wise man seeks counsel", this could never be more true than in the home renovation industry. A stitch in time saves nine so see out the advice, whether it be online or in person of those more experienced in this type of work than yourself. Even though you know you can do the job yourself, of you just stand back for a minute and listen to these people you may find there is something you never thought of.

Each year it is a good idea to assess your home and make a list of the things that you need to get done. You can categorise these projects into short medium and long term projects. Spend a little time working out roughly how much time and money each of these tasks will take. Now you can systematically go through all of them as the year progresses. A few years of this and you will have your dream home. Don't think of these things as hard work, the fact of the matter is that you have to live in the home so why not increase its value at the same time - A win win situation.

Here is a far simpler and small improvement tip yet one that delivers great satisfaction and pleasure once its done. Clean out your kitchen and pantry. Throw away out of date canned foods and spices. Wash the shelves and put in new fresh liner paper. Now pack like items together so that you dent have to search endlessly when you are in a rush to prepare food.

So keep these tips in mind when tackling home improvement projects and you will find that more often than not the end result will be more satisfying and successful.

Do Basement Waterproofing Before The Big Storms Hit

Insurance companies are reporting surges in recent years in lower level water damage claims. These claims are often due to basement flooding, and the sad fact is, many people find out after the fact that the damage is not covered. The reason is that many water damage claims from external flooding are disallowed because the homeowner did not carry the proper flood insurance policy. Though having the right insurance is important, basement waterproofing before the storm hits can prevent this nightmare scenario from ever occurring in the first place.

What is Basement Waterproofing?

Basement waterproofing is the process by which the lower level of a home is refurbished in a way that prevents external moisture from coming into the basement. Depending on the condition of your lower level, this could be a multi-step process. It begins with removing all moisture and its effects from the lower level. This may include some kind of mold and mildew removal if warranted.

Once the basement is completely dried out, then the basement sealing process begins. Basement sealing usually refers to sealing up any cracks in the walls, floors and ceilings where moisture may be coming into your basement. Once complete, there will be very little chance of moisture coming into your lower level under normal weather conditions.

One thing to keep in mind about basement sealing, it should be done at the first sign of cracks in the walls and floors. The reason is that even though a tiny crack may seem like no big deal, these cracks can grow in a hurry and, if left for too long, will not only allow a lot of moisture into your lower level, but it will make the basement sealing process twice as difficult and twice as costly. However, if you get to these cracks early, you can stay on top of the situation before it gets out of hand.

After the moisture removal and basement sealing processes are complete, there's one more thing to make sure of-that you are properly prepared for adverse weather conditions like heavy rain and flooding. This means having a reliable sump pump. There are a few things you can do in this area. They cost a few hundred extra bucks, but they can be very worthwhile. First, have a backup sump pump. This will insure that if your first one fails, they'll be another one that will kick in and kick the water back out of your basement.

Second, have your backup sump pump run on a battery. In the case of a power outage due to a bad storm, a backup battery will keep your sump pump working and your basement dry. Third, make sure that the sump pump hose runs far enough outside that the water will not easily come back into your basement.

Once all these basement waterproofing measures are taken, you'll be able to rest easy knowing you've done all you can to secure your lower level from moisture. This will allow you to make use of that extra space downstairs for some fun things like a game room or entertainment center, without the worry of moisture ruining all the fun.

Different Ways in Which PVC Panels Can Be Used in Home Improvement - Other Building Materials

Most building materials and techniques have come a long way in the last decades, so it is safe to assume that more and more people are trying to learn and to apply certain information regarding some of the best, cost-effective home improvement solutions. It has never been easier to get great quality at an acceptable price, thus making it possible for everybody to have their dream house.

One of the most common materials you can come across is PVC (short for Polyvinyl Chloride), which is generally used in construction due to its cost effective and highly durable characteristics. Even if used for everything from construction to clothing, PVC is still a rather controversial material due to the chemicals used in manufacturing it (even though non-toxic chemicals are used for drinking water PVC pipes etc.) but the most relevant health disadvantage is that PVC liberates a lot of toxins when incinerated.

This material can be found in the form of pipes, isolation for electrical wires and very often as PVC panels (used for commercial signs or ceiling tiles) which, depending on their intended use, are treated with additives such as UV stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers, processing aids, impact modifiers, thermal modifiers, fillers, flame retardants, biocides, blowing agents and smoke suppressors, and pigments. As can easily be seen from the large variety of chemicals used, PVC panels (or any kind of PVC product) can be adapted for different specifications but they are also quite dangerous for the environment (mostly due to the fact that they do not decompose).

Another highly used (can be found into everything from plastic bags to bulletproof vests) plastic product is polyethylene. Generally found in the form of polyethylene sheets (or films), this is a material used in many commercial and industrial activities. A polyethylene sheet is usually used for weatherproofing, remodeling projects, retaining moisture but can also be used in agriculture. Polyethylene is also manufactured in the form of panels, which are extensively used in construction.

As with PVC panels, environmentalists are not really pleased with the use of polyethylene (or any other kind of plastic for that matter) due to the fact that it takes centuries for it to decompose.

Even if all plastics are controversial building materials, there has been a constant development in the field of environmental protection, the future holding many surprises for those who consider plastic not be biodegradable (a bacteria that can consume about 40% of a polyethylene bag has already been developed in China).

Home Security-Motion Detector Alarms - Reviews

Home security is a growing concern for millions of people. Even though the housing market is in the tank, the average value of a home these days is still $200,000. Not exactly chicken feed! It is still the largest investment most families will ever have. Yet more people have their cars alarmed than have their homes protected. Part of the reason for that is because of cost concerns.

And it is true that you can spend a ton of money on all kinds of home security systems and devices. Here's a review of four of the best motion detector alarms that are meant to improve your home security and provide some level of home invasion prevention and home burglary prevention.

With one out of six homes annually the victim of home burglary, home burglary prevention and home invasion prevention are uppermost on the minds of homeowners not only to improve their home security but to protect their family and their personal possessions.

1. The homeSafe home security system. It includes: one base unit with programmable keypad and 105 dB alarm siren; one window and door sensor that's wireless with a range up to 300 feet; a wireless motion sensor with the range up to 25 feet; and one key chain remote that can be used to arm and disarm the unit and a panic button. If motion is detected when the unit is armed. It will call up to five preset phone numbers with a prerecorded message. The system can be used for invalid elderly people who live alone as a caretaker emergency notification system.

2. The Voice Alert System. This system includes a base unit and up to six wireless sensor transmitters that can transmit up to 1000 feet in open space and 300 feet through walls. Each area is protected by a sensor and each zone has its own prerecorded message to alert you when activity is in the area. The annunciator system not only protects areas but can activate up to four relays to operate equipment like outdoor floodlights. This system can be used for commercial applications as well.

3. The Laser Sensor Alarm includes a transmitter and receiver that transmits an invisible IR light between them that can extend to 60 feet long. When that beam is penetrated a loud alarm or pleasant chime sounds. The volume on the chime can be set to low, medium or high and is a perfect application for a retail store to announce customers.

4. The "Electronic Watchdog" is a wireless system that uses PIR technology. When somebody enters the protected area up to 20 feet away the sound of an angry barking dog starts. A remote control unit allows you to arm and disarm the watchdog. The barking dog alarm can also be used for commercial purposes to protect warehouses offices and fenced in areas.

Home Remodeling Tricks to Avoid

There comes an occasional time when you and your contractor don't see eye to eye. Either there was a lack of communication on someone's part or, who am I kidding it's always a lack of communication. But, those types of problems can get resolved even though sometimes they have to end up in court.

But, there are scam artists out there who will rob you like a thief in the night. Sometimes, there is no course of action because you don't have enough information to nail them. You think you've asked all the important questions and have everything you need. But, the scam artist who flees town after taking your money won't leave tracks behind.

Outrageous New Scam

When you need a job, you might go through references and it makes a lot of sense. But, some people like to start the bidding wars and that's where they get in trouble. Bidding wars start substandard bids, which are too good to be true.

In this economy, it's easy to want a very low bid to be feasible. But, you'll get substandard work or no work done at all. Once the bid is approved and a bidder is awarded the job, they might take the advance and run. They might do poor work or use cheap materials and take short cuts. You have to be weary when it comes to substandard bids because you never know what type of mess you are going to get. Then, you have to pay someone else double to clean up the mess.

Typical Old Scams

When disaster strikes, you have to be alert about it striking twice. Contractors who come from out of town to "help" when disasters strike might offer you a good price on your yard clean up or water damage. But, they come out of the woodwork and are only using your misfortune to their advantage. If they don't know what they are doing, you'll end up with an even bigger mess.

Make sure you check their licensing and make them get permits for any work they offer to do. That way you can let the system weed out those individuals who are trying to hustle you. They'll disappear on you quick. But, at least they won't disappear with your money.

When someone comes to your door offering to do work for you at a discounted cost, you have to ask why. They'll tell you that they just completed a job in the area and they have supplies left over. It's a scam. Never accept unsolicited work unless you know who it is.

Most legitimate contractors have their business logo and name on the side of their truck. It's a great promotion tool. This isn't the only way to mark a hustler, but an unmarked vehicle is normally a sign that should make you weary. Ask for a business card and some references. Do some checking at the BBB or the court house, where you might find some lawsuits that will get you in the loop.

High pressure sales tactics are another way to spot a scammer. In this economy, some legitimate contractors might offer some discounts or give you a great deal if you act fast. But, they will let you think about it and might give you a week or two to make a decision. A hustler wants you to make that decision right now and they use other high pressure sales tactics as well. They will make you think your house will fall apart if you don't fix the problem yesterday. Get a second opinion. That's one way to make sure you have accurate information.

Scam artists will always be around. They are like roaches. They will keep knocking on your door and coming at you for every ounce of money they can get. But, there are some sure fire ways to protect yourself. Just make sure you use them and don't hesitate to back off from an offer that sounds too good to be true. It normally is!