Water Damage Should Be Handled As Quickly As Possible

There are some people who procrastinate when it comes to getting their water damage issues resolved. It may be due to apathy. It may be because they don't see it as a big deal. It may even be because they don't want to spend the money that it will take to get the issue handled. Whatever the case may be, it's never a good idea to let this type of problem go unresolved for extended periods of time.

One reason that this isn't a good course of action to take is because of how aesthetically unappealing water damage can make a room look. This is especially true if the issue occurs in noticeable places such as the walls, ceilings, or even the floors. A home could be as clean and as nicely decorated as possible, but just one spot or stain could throw everything off.

Imagine going over to eat at a coworker's house for the first time. They live in a nice neighborhood, with manicured lawns. All of the homes are kept and well-maintained. When you finally get to their place, you are even more impressed by their outdoor décor and landscaping. At that point, you can't wait to get inside to see the rest of the home.

After a few moments you are finally able to get inside. Your co-worker leads you to the dining area. As you follow along, you begin to notice their nice furniture and beautiful tile floors. Once you finally get to the dining room and take your seat, your eyes are suddenly led to a basketball sized spot on the wall that was caused by water damage. As much as you were impressed before, you are now just as grossed out. Because the co-worker decided against getting the issue fixed, they have to deal with those types of occurrences every time they have a guest over for dinner.

Another reason water damage should be dealt with quickly is because of the mold that could eventually form. Because mold tends to grow and multiply over time, it's important to get it removed early on or at the onset.

First of all, getting it resolved quickly can help homeowners save money. That's because it's cheaper to get a small amount of mold removed than it is to get a half of wall of it removed. Taking this course of action is also important and beneficial because of how harmful mold can be to people's health.

Not only can water damage diminish the aesthetic appeal of a home, but the mold that it creates can also cause health issues. This is why the issue should be resolved at its onset.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7412450

Fire Damage Cleanup - 4 Reasons the Professionals Should Handle It

Fire damage cleanup is never an easy job to get completed and a lot of people like to attempt it themselves. This shouldn't be done if you don't know how to do it right, but instead should be left up to the professionals that know what they are doing.

There are many reasons why cleanup should be left to the professionals. Knowing what the reasons are will allow you to see why the professionals are the ones that should do the cleanup.

Here are the main reasons you must understand.

One: Fire cleanup can be dangerous - Most people don't realize that after the fire has been put out, there is still danger in your home. Most times the fire will cause damage you can see, but it can also cause damage that you can't see.

This could include foundation damage to your house. If you make one wrong step in your home without understanding the remaining dangers, then you can end up with your home falling down and you getting hurt or worse.

The professionals know what danger and damage signs to look for because they have experience with cleaning up after fires. They also know how to avoid the fumes and smoke that linger in your home after a fire that you may not know to avoid.

Two: Run the risk of causing further damage - If you are inexperienced with fire cleanup, then you have a very real risk of causing further damage. This can do you and your home more harm than good.

The professionals have the knowledge to prevent further damage and will get the job done right in a timely manner so you can resume your life as quickly as you can.

Three: Physical and emotional instability - Fire in your house can be very physically and emotionally hard for anyone to deal with.

Cleanup on your own house and belongings is more than some people can handle because it is very hard to deal with the mess left behind.

You can easily avoid this by letting the professionals handle the cleanup for you. They will do the job right so that the fire can be become a part of your past as fast as possible.

Four: The professionals have the equipment to restore your property instead of having to replace everything. This will allow you to save some money and make sure that any traces from the fire are gotten rid of.

Now that you understand why fire damage cleanup is best left to the professionals, you need to decide for yourself if this is the right thing for your cleanup. Just remember that anyone that doesn't have experience with this will have to learn how to do it before it can be done, so if you want it done right and without delay, then hire the professionals for it.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4901857

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from Easton Construction Group, Inc.!

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!" 

~Hamilton Wright Mabie

How to Choose a Water Damage Restoration Company

Water damage after a burst pipe, rising river, hurricane, overflow, or similar situation often impacts more than the immediate area and also the home's content which might be in its path. The process of restoring a property to its pre-damaged state is referred to as water damage restoration, which many companies specialize in. Any water damage to a home can be a destructive and stressful time, but having it repaired need not be a difficult process.

Here are of the several steps which might help in searching for the right water damage restoration service:

Use the services of a specialist water damage restoration company: In an unfortunate situation like this, it is important that you are able to hire the services of a company that specializes in treating water damaged properties, whether this might be from internal damage (burst pipes) or external damage (floods, storms, hurricanes). It is often the case that certain carpet cleaning companies might claim to offer a water restoration service, however they are likely to lack the required expertise that you would need for such a significant job of this type.

Make contact with several local companies: In the process of searching for the right contractor to hire it is important to contact two or three different companies to determine the type of services that might be available to you. Even in such a distressful situation like this, it is still important to invest the necessary time to establish whether a company is a good hire or not. If able, get personal referrals from family members or friends who might have been in a similar situation, or go online and search for local companies that have a good number of positive comments next to their business name. Finding the right highly trained staff is imperative to having a property dried and restored to a high standard.

Obtain multiple estimates: after receiving several estimates for the repair work, you can compare each of those are side by side to establish which he is able to offer a high standard of work at a reasonable price. A temptation might be there to opt for the cheapest estimate; however it is important to consider all factors in the decision-making process, as it is important that the company is able to offer a qualified team that is able to get the job done the right way.

Don't delay in getting repairs carried out. If placed in a situation where significant water damage has been caused to property, it is important that the work is carried out as soon as possible. Water damage if left is only likely to worsen, which can lead to damage to the integrity of a structure as well as the development of a mold infestation.


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Christmas Holiday Fire Safety Tips : Fire Prevention

Christmas always sees an increase in the amount of house fires reported due to things like lights and trees. Get Christmas holiday fire safety tips with help from a goal-oriented health care provider in this free video clip.

Why You Should Repair Water Damage Quickly

It is an unfortunate reality that many people underestimate the potential damage water can cause with even limited exposure time. Chemistry teaches that water can be a base or an acid depending on environmental factors meaning that in high acid environments, water acts as a base and in low pH environments, water is slightly acidic. The mutable nature of water affords water the ability to carve through solid rock to create beautiful natural wonders but this same ability can also destroy drywall, plumbing materials, and other common building materials. This point, however, is often forgotten when people deal with water damage.

When dealing with water damage, many people simply focus on the top layer of water and neglect to do anything for the layers of water that have penetrated the subsurface or been absorbed in to the gypsum board (aka drywall and sheetrock) and sill plates usually due to the double whammy of they do not understand the risks and they do not have the proper extraction equipment. Wikipedia reports that gypsum board is "easily damaged by exposure to water" and "supports the growth of mold." While gypsum board is treated to make it more water resistant, should the gypsum board be punctured or should water, as in the case of water damage, collect around the unprotected area of the gypsum board, the porous gypsum board will then readily absorb and hold the water. The longer this absorbed water stays inside the gypsum board the more damage it causes.

Unlike fire damage that leaves a visible and generally static path of damage, water damage can be subtle and can manifest its destruction over a period of time. Opposed to the immediate destruction caused by fire, water, similar in many ways to stress, can slowly chip away at the host until it requires extensive repair at a cost that is MUCH higher and over an area MUCH larger than initial exposure would have been required to treat. The subtle nature of water is what causes water damage to be regularly underestimated and, therefore, undertreated in real world case scenarios.

Unfortunately, despite the best intention and valiant effort of many honorable do-it-yourselfers, their efforts are for naught as they simply lack the equipment needed for remediation and such equipment is not commonly available at your local rental shop. At best these people may have access to a commercial carpet cleaner which can effectively remove the top layer of water but does little to penetrate the subflooring or remove the absorbed water so they will stop when the area feels dry and will leave a fan on. This method is very similar to the method employed by remediation professionals in the infancy of the water restoration profession but this was soon sent to pasture as it was quickly shown to be ineffective, at best, and a catalyst for decomposition and mold growth, at worst.

The best way to combat water damage, and to prevent the short and long term devastation caused by water damage, is to call a professional water damage restoration company as soon as the damage is found. While the honorable do-it-yourselfer will have the unrelenting urge to break out their equipment and assist the professional water damage restoration company, the best way a do-it-yourselfer could assist the company is by disabling the source of the water damage (if possible), ensuring the area is free from electrical risks, and ensuring the affected area is free of debris and physical hazards (if possible) so that the professionals can extract the water as quickly as possible to minimize the restoration time.

Proper timing is essential for the fastest restoration. Now you know.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6586823

Home Construction - 15 Reasons Why Being Your Own General Contractor Is a Bad Idea

Unless you are a professional builder/general contractor or you have a close friend or relative who is and would be willing to work with you at all times, acting as your own building contractor, more often than not, can have disastrous results.

Countless times we have seen homeowners who have chosen to do their own home construction contracting with the intention of saving money only to spend far more on the construction budget than they would have spent had they hired a builder to handle the whole project in the first place.

The idea of saving money by being your own general contractor is a myth

General contracting is a serious undertaking which requires the services of a licensed professional. The following often overlooked but very important reasons contribute to costly and unfavorable home construction results when homeowners undertake the duties of a professional general contractor themselves:

1. Lack of knowledge regarding up-to-date building code rules and regulations can result in code violations, failed building inspections and the need for costly reconstruction delays.
2. Inexperience with the building process and construction procedures will adversely affect scheduling of subcontractors. Work performed out of sequence can result in poor quality and often require the need for expensive fixes and reconstruction.
3. Inability to schedule subcontractors in a way that optimizes work conditions can be very disruptive. Too many different subs working at once can cause confusion and make supervision more difficult. Workers stumbling over each other and getting in each others' way can result in expensive mistakes and costly damages many of which are not discovered until it's too late.
4. Unfamiliarity with the in-between job prep necessary to optimize each sub-contracting project can cause construction delays. Each sub-contracting job needs to be properly completed and ready for the next construction phase. Not handling all the intricacies properly can cause delays and unnecessary extra expenses.
5. Lack of knowledge regarding the proper building materials and supplies can result in delays and re-stocking fees when re-ordering the correct supplies.
6. Inability to coordinate timely delivery of building materials can also result in delays and rescheduling sub-contracting work.
7. Poor command of job-site logistics will result in materials being off-loaded to improper strategic areas. This can make access for workers difficult and inconvenient, further adding to the delays and construction budget.
8. As a non-professional, pricing discounts are not always available from suppliers for a one-time only job. As repeat customers, general contractors and builders receive much better pricing and billing advantages which are then passed on to the homeowner.
9. As a one-time only job, subcontractors will not provide the same discount pricing to homeowners that they give to their builders. Professional builders can offer their subs a continuous flow of jobs and income.
10. As a non-repeat job, subcontractors will not provide the same favorable treatment to homeowners that they give to their regular general contractor. It's only natural that they would give preferential treatment to their regular employer, showing up at those jobs first and going the extra mile.
11. Although they may get recommendations for subcontractors from good sources, homeowners will not have firsthand knowledge regarding the quality of work. Professional builders with at least several years of experience will have weeded-out poor quality subs.
12. Along the same lines, homeowners will not be familiar with the personality and behavior pattern of a subcontractor, something that is just as important for a good working rapport.
13. Homeowners don't generally have all the equipment and tools that builders have which are necessary to properly carry out the entire construction project. This can result in the need for expensive purchases and rentals.
14. For the inevitable call-backs and repairs for which your general contractor is responsible only one phone call will be needed.
15. General contracting is a full-time job requiring a major commitment of attention and energy over a period of at least six months to one year. Homeowners would certainly have to abandon their regular duties or employment to properly deal with such a significant commitment.

For these reasons the tempting desire to save the customary contractor mark-up by acting as your own general contractor can end up costing you much more money and headaches in the long run. Consider other safer methods such as smaller, value-engineered house plans that use simplified construction techniques to save on building costs rather than put your new home at risk of becoming a disaster.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5680017

Fire Restoration Companies - Do it Yourself Or Let the Professionals Handle It?

Fire is a devastating thing that can happen to any family and if it does, then the cleanup process needs to be done right away. Before this can be accomplished, you have to decide whether to hire one of the fire restoration companies do it for you.

Before you can make this important decision, you have to understand why cleanup has to be done right away and why it is necessary that it is done right.

The following are the main reasons that fire damage can't be ignored if you want to get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

1. Fire is the cause of other damages besides burning. The smoke that goes with it can also cause damage to your walls and belongings. Structural damage is also an issue when a fire happens. Your home will not be safe to live in if you don't get this repaired right away.

2. Smoke and fire damage requires more cleanup than just washing down the walls. Smoke can get into hard surfaces like your floors and walls and can linger for years if it is not treated correctly and quickly.

The experts have the equipment that will help rid your home of the smoke damage that will be left behind in your house. This is something that most people will not have a way to access. It is essential that the smoke is cleaned up right so that you can get rid of all traces of the fire from your home.

3. Soot also causes damage that need to be cleaned up. It can cover many areas and cleanup needs to be done using special equipment. This will get rid of the soot and any smells. Again, getting access to special equipment for fire cleanup is not easy for individuals to do, but for the professionals it is easy. One thing to realize is that if the soot is not cleaned up right, then you may end up having to replace whatever items it is on and this can get to be very expensive.

4. Structural damage is another thing that many individuals don't have any clue how to fix. This damage has to be done right or other problems could occur.

The professionals have the skills and knowledge needed to do it right for you. If you don't know how to do it, then you would have to take time to learn and this can delay cleanup which is definitely not good.

Now that you understand why cleanup needs to be done right away and done right from the start; you just have to make up your mind about whether to do the cleanup yourself or let the experts from fire restoration companies complete this for you. Just don't take too long to decide because cleanup needs to start immediately to be done right.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4944887

Professional Restoration Of Damaged Property

When significant damage occurs on a building or home, the restoration process needs to account for numerous things. It does not matter if the home was just mildly destroyed in a minor fire or if there was so much water damage that the foundation is cracked. The work to fix up the space needs to be methodical and thorough to ensure the property is suitable for people to live in again or to work in if it is a business. There are no shortcuts to take here. Rather, the process needs to address all of the concerns of those who will use the facility.

Managing Fire Repair

One of the most common realms where restoration work is needed is where a fire has occurred. A fire can be devastating not just because of the actual burnt areas, but also due to the smoke it leaves behind. The process begins with removal of the damaged elements. Then, the professionals will need to clean out the space thoroughly to remove harmful ash and debris. Once that is done, then a treatment option is necessary to remove the smoke damage. This includes removing the odor that is present.

Water Damage Concerns

In situations where there is significant water damage to a property, it is even more important to call in professionals to handle both the clean up and the repairs required. First, any water present must be removed. Then, debris from the structural damage must be taken into consideration. Only after all of this is done can the process of cleanup really start. Water damage often causes structural damage to various components of the building. There is always the risk of mold being present, too. This is especially necessary in situations where there is any length of time when the surfaces were left wet.

Other Repairs

There are other times when a team is called to restore the damage. For example, if the home needs to be boarded up, this is a time to call in a pro. If there is sewage backup, that could also warrant the help of a professional team. You may or may not have an insurance company to work with in these situations. The right team will work with you and your insurance provider to get the job done properly.

In many cases, restoration work can bring the home or building back into a usable condition. However, this is only possible if a professional team does the work, or at least someone who has ample experience in the area of handling these types of problems. Your health and that of your family or customers is on the line if the wrong steps are taken to improve the conditions.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7335819

Water Damage From Storms, Floods and Other Sources

Water damage from storms and floods often appears very minor upon first glance, but can quickly escalate into needless, extensive damage to not only property but also your health. When water travels over the ground and enters the home, rising higher than floors, it is considered Category 3 damage - the highest level of contamination, sometimes referred to as black water. Examples of black water includes sewage backflows, rising water from rivers, streams, runoff and seawater that enters a structure.

When dealing with black water - Category 3 water damage, it is important to quickly contact a professional, certified remediation company.

To clean water damage from flooding, several steps will generally be taken to handle the property damage.

First, it is important that all occupants of the property are safe. Flood water can contain harmful organisms such as viruses, parasites and harmful bacteria. If timely decontamination doesn't occur within 24 to 48 hours, fungi and mold can quickly spread.

Next the professionals will remove any excess water and contaminated porous items such as carpeting, drywall and upholstered furniture. These items will most likely be properly disposed of since it can be nearly impossible to remove all contamination from the flooding.

Finally the environment will be restored to its dry state using several methods. Depending on the level of damage several tools such as a negative air machine and an air scrubber will be used. The restoration company will clean and sanitize all remaining surfaces and materials using approved cleaners and disinfectants.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4857304

Signs That a Home Needs a Remodel

Remodeling a room in a house has many long-lasting benefits. It can increase the functionality of the room, raise the resale value of the house and provide an updated look. Professional custom remodeling contractors are available to help every homeowner walk through the steps of a remodel.

Kitchen
One of the most popular rooms to be remodeled in a house is the kitchen. Kitchens can become out of date and can lose their functionality as the family grows. A small kitchen may suit the needs of a new family, but as the number of kids increase and the children grow up, the kitchen can become too small. Kitchen remodeling contractors can help a homeowner find solutions to the overcrowding. Taking out a wall or moving cabinets are some of the solutions that can be utilized to increase space and function.

Bathroom
The bathroom is another popular room to get a makeover. New and better bathroom fixtures are coming on the market all of the time. The features of these new items can make a big difference in the bath experience. Additionally, a bathroom that was built as part of a spec home or first time home may not have all of the amenities that are desired by homeowner. Adding a new bathtub or tile to the bathroom is a good way to remodel the bathroom that will make it feel like a spa inside of the house. Professional contractors are familiar with the applicable codes and construction methods to ensure that the bathroom remodel is done correctly and quickly.

Living Room
The room used the most in the house is typically the living room or den. The family gathers in that room to enjoy each other's company. The amount of use the living room receives can quickly wear out everything in the room such as the furniture or television. Also, as children grow they will start having more friends over to use the living room. The additional number of people in the room can make it feel crowded. When a homeowner finds themselves avoiding a particular part of the house due because it is unattractive and worn or if the room is becoming over-crowded with nowhere to sit, it may be time to remodel the living room.

Eventually, the homeowner will want to make changes to modernize and renovate the house. The best way to get professional results in the least amount of time is to hire a contractor to handle the home remodeling project.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6977249