Add Value To Your Home With A Professional Remodel

One of the best ways to boost your home's value is by remodeling it. Remodeling the home will update the interior setting and can also boost your home's curb appeal. Bathroom remodeling is the best way to add value to your home, but there are also other steps you can take. When you want to increase your home's property value, here's what you should do as a homeowner.

New Garage Door

Most people don't assume that they can increase their home value with a new garage door, but the feature will transform the look of the exterior setting. You can spend $1,500 to $3,000 on a new garage door and get a return on investment of 83 percent. Choose a feature that complements the surrounding architecture and color scheme of the home to allow it to blend in well with the house.

Bathroom Remodel

Replacing the fixtures, installing a new shower, adding new tile, and a porcelain tub will increase your home's value with changes that are made. Bathroom remodeling can cost up to $16,000 but will update the home and reduce the risk of repairs that are needed in the future.

Add a Second Floor

A second story on your home not only makes the building stand out on the market but will also add extra square footage to your property that can significantly increase its value. The average cost of a second story is $155,000 but will provide you with a 71.8 percent return when it's time to sell it.

Wood Deck

A quality wood deck will make it easy to spend more time in the backyard where you can entertain and lounge outdoors. The project will cost under $10,000 to build with a return of 87 percent. You can even add a place to barbecue or cook when you want to have guests over. This new addition to your home adds a brand new dimension to the original construction while adding an exterior entertaining concept.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is known as the most important room of the home where the residents spend the most time each day. The room can be updated to look stylish and help make the home more in line with the modern construction trends all around the country. Kitchen remodeling can mean replacing the cabinets, adding new countertops, and installing energy-efficient appliances that look sleek. Expect to spend an average of $18,000 and get 82 percent back. Making minor changes will transform the setting without overdoing it to ensure that it still blends in well with the interior setting.

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What Are the Steps Involved in Water or Flood Damage Restoration Work?

When it comes to water damage, the major issue is that you usually can't see the full extent of the problem with the naked eye. This is where a professional water or flood disaster restoration team comes in. With their specialized tools, equipment, and knowledge, these experts will be able to properly assess the situation, fully dry and restore your home, and check in afterward to make sure the restoration is complete. That means that you don't have to worry about lingering dampness, mold, or bacteria growth. Instead, you can get back to enjoying your home in comfort.

If you've experienced water damage in your home and you call on a water and flood restoration service for assistance, the first thing they will do is to perform a moisture assessment. Your restoration company will determine the location or source of the moisture and the extent of the area affected. This part of the process ensures that all the damage is taken into account--even the parts not visible--before the restoration process begins. Once the assessment has been made, your restoration professionals will use specialized equipment to remove standing water, complete drying with air movement, and clean any carpeting thoroughly. With these different steps, your restoration professionals will be able to totally dry your home and sanitize the area.

After the core drying out work comes the most important part of the water damage restoration process: the follow-up. Water damage is a very difficult problem to deal with because it can be so hidden. Even if you get the most thorough flood or water damage remediation company in to take care of the problem, it's possible that there will be a lingering issue or dampness somewhere. However, most restoration professionals offer follow-up services because they know of this potential. After completing the restoration and drying work, and depending on the severity of the damage, they will either come back for a post-job assessment, or you can call them if you notice any issues. This crucial stage in the restoration process should not be skipped. If there's any chance that some dampness may have gone untreated, get it taken care of immediately so that it doesn't lead to more serious issues down the line.

Experiencing flood or water damage in your home is unpleasant, but it does not have to be an impossible situation. With assessment, restoration, and follow-up services provided by a professional water restoration company, you can get your home back to normal in no time.

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Restoration After Water Damage

We sometimes take for granted the things that are most important to us like our home. Some of us may never be prepared for a devastating weather to occur. Some even fail to buy homeowner's insurance and may suffer consequences in times when harsh, unexpected weather may occur. One problem that can occur is water damage. Thousands of people are often affected when strong storms move through their areas. Some of these storms, depending on the nature, may leave behind serious damage leaving so much to repair and some temporarily homeless.

So, if water damage finds you, where do you begin to restore the damage and how does it work? There are many local restoration companies to rely on if it is needed. It is a good idea when looking for these companies is to check certification and experience. This will ensure that the job will be done. With water damage to certain elements in a home or business, the damaged areas must be treated immediately to prevent mold and mildew, like with carpet, for example. If restoration is an option, the company you choose for repair may start from the floor up.

Restoring carpet and other flooring is by all means, cheaper but may not be saved without a fast response. In some extreme cases of water damage regarding carpet, the carpet may be removed and treated with fungicide before re-installation. There are options to research techniques and facts about water damage restoration on websites and it may be a good idea in the event that your home, businesses, or commercial property suffers.

Many wonder, how some things are to be restored after taking in a large amount of water. Many companies across the country have created special techniques to help those who pay this consequence. Another common problem, seen often after flooding has occurred is mold. We all know that mold can create numerous problems including exposing us to dangerous bacteria. We should all take precaution not to allow this to happen. Water damage restoration can in fact aid this problem.

Trained technicians can sometimes remove mold using scrubbing and sand blasting techniques, not only from large areas but the hard to reach as well. There are even treatments for hard wood floors and tile, debris removal and odor control techniques for that terrible smell left behind by water. To learn more or find information about water damage restoration, check local water damage restoration companies and websites. You never know when you may come in contact with water.

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Fire-Water Restoration Companies: Why It Is Important To Hire One?

Fire-water restoration companies offer highly specialized services to bring your residential or commercial property back to pre-loss condition. Taking care of fire and water damage is skilled as well as a dangerous job. Don't risk personal safety or the value of your building with a DIY effort or inexperienced services.

Why you need an experienced fire-water damage restoration company?

• Gets the repairs done properly: Fire and water damage threatens the structural integrity and the safety of the building. A professional service knows what to look out for and has the necessary training to get the job done correctly. This is crucial to restoring the look, safety and value of your property.
• Helps avoid future remediation expenses: You might think your fire or water damage is minimal and doesn't warrant professional restoration-only to discover hidden problems and be faced with huge remediation expenses in the future. It will cost you, even more, to have everything redone. Getting an expert service provides peace of mind and protects your investment.
• Has the right training, experience and safety equipment: This is absolutely essential to the fire or water restoration process. One of the more important chemicals used in cleaning smoke damage is trisodium phosphate - TSP, an extremely powerful and harsh compound that can irritate the skin and eyes severely. Professionals have the training and equipment to get the work done without compromising the health and safety of their customers or staff. In the case of water damage, there is always a risk of mold, another health hazard. Unnecessary exposure can make you seriously ill while inexperienced handling will only cause it to spread. Can you really afford to take that chance?
• Can deal with your insurance company directly: Fire and water damage is often covered by your insurance. The insurance providers, however, require that you work with approved fire-water restoration companies in order to process your claims. The benefits of working with such a service far outweigh the costs. Being experienced in insurance procedures also means they can save you the stress of navigating the complex claim process as well as help expedite your claims. Industry recognition also offers some assurance of work quality and money well spent.

Look for certified fire and/or water restoration companies in the event of a disaster. It means they have the necessary credentials to do the work. Recognized companies are also less likely to risk their reputation with bad service. They will use the right techniques and equipment to restore a clean home or office. Most also offer a free written estimate. It is important to document the scope and cost of your project. This will avoid any hidden charges and nasty surprises when the bill arrives. Try and select a contractor one that offers 100% satisfaction on every job for total peace of mind.

Fire or water damage repair doesn't have to be a traumatic experience. An established fire and water restoration company has the expertise to get it done quickly, smoothly and to your absolute satisfaction. Don't settle for anything less.

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California Wildfires Update

Over 9,400 firefighters continue to battle three large wildfires currently burning in California. These wind-driven fires have burned more than 242,000 acres and destroyed thousands of structures. Here’s the latest on the California Wildfires.

FEMA Official Offers Tips to Camp Fire Survivors

Brock Long, Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, offers advice to survivors of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California.

Video by Jane Tyska and Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group

Alltek Restoration Provides 24/7 Emergency Services

Emergency Services

We are here to help when you need it. Providing first response to your needs 24/7. Our team will be dispatched to your loss, will assess the damages, explain the course of action required and with your approval start immediately preventing further loss and damages.

The post-loss condition of a structure or dwelling can vary and is specific to each type of loss and the severity of the damage that has occurred. Determining the cause of the loss and the affected area is the first step and often most important. How and what steps are taken can have a significant impact on further damages and what is necessary to prevent or limit further damages to a structure. Alltek Restoration, Inc. provides all emergency or temporary services which your property may require.

Board Up Services

Are very common requirements after storm or fire losses. The damages caused by the actual fire and tactics use to extinguish can leave your property with broken or blown out windows, burnt doors or broken doors, ventilation holes in roofs, and structural deficiencies all of which leaves the property open to access, in distress, and insecure. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Temporary Weather Proofing

Your property may require temporary weatherproofing as a result of a loss. Both storm and fire damages can leave your property exposed or vulnerable to weather elements which will cause further damage to your property. Preventing additional damages is key as secondary damages can exceed the preliminary damages.

Content Services

Depending on the type of loss and severity will determine what needs to be done.

Services can include the following: manipulation, both salvageable and non-salvageable / total loss inventory, packing for on or off-site storage, cleaning and restoration, and pack back after repairs.


Mitigation Services

Includes initial loss assessment, determination of cause and source, water category / classification, moisture mapping, and determining the affected areas that require structural drying. Removal of both salvageable and non-salvageable building components, and the placement of required drying equipment as well as monitoring the drying progress until completed. After the drying process, repairs may proceed.

Temporary Utility Services

After a loss, a structure's utilities can be interrupted or shut off until safe operation and use can be confirmed. All utilities are subject to interruption which can make your home uninhabitable or unsafe. After a fire, if the electrical system is damaged emergency personnel will have the utility provider interrupt service to prevent the risk of injury and further structure damages. We can provide emergency repair or provide temporary utilities that are required so repairs may begin.

An Overview of Water Damage Classifications and Categories

Water damage comes in a variety of forms that can be merely annoying or potentially dangerous, depending on the source of the flow. Today, we will go over the general categories of water leaks, the type of damage they can cause and the recommended steps to treat them. Water damage is split up into various categories and classifications according to standards set by the IICRC.

Category 1 (Clear Water)

This type of water damage occurs when a pipe or appliance springs a leak or overflows when left on unattended. Fortunately, in these types of situations, the water is usually clean and does not pose any real risk to you immediately. Clean water damage typically is an issue for the surrounding environment, such as carpets, books and other belongings which are not waterproof and may need restoration work done if the flooding happens over a long period of time. Additionally, water damage can potentially lead to more severe issues such as mold growth that will need the attention of a professional mold inspector and remediator.

Category 2 (Grey Water)

Gray water damage involves some degree of contamination, whether it's physical, biological or chemical. In layman's terms, gray water is dangerous but not hazardous and needs some form of remediation in order to ensure that the environment is properly restored for human inhabitation. The most common household gray water situations come from toilets, dishwashers and washing machine leaks, where detergents or food particles are mingled in with the water supply. Gray water, like clean water, may also cause mold damage in unattended situations and can also potentially lead to other structural issues depending on the type of contaminant in the water.

Category 3 (Black Water)

This is the most uncommon form of water damage as well as the most dangerous. Black water contains extremely unsanitary agents including bacteria and fungus, and contaminate all surfaces it touches. Black water damage is usually caused by natural disasters such as storms and floods, where debris is washed into the water, or from ruptured sewage lines or septic tanks. This type of water damage must be handled by a professional restoration firm and potentially the state environmental protection agency, as the consequences of leaving the situation untreated or improper treatment can be devastating to many others besides the property owner.

In addition to the types of water damage, there are also various classifications to specify the rate of evaporation for a water damage scenario. This information is subsequently utilized by the technicians to determine the proper method of dryout and an approximate timeline.

Class 1 (Slow Evaporation Rate)

This is the most benign level of water damage in which only a part of a room or area is affected, or the materials involved are relatively low permanence or porosity such as particle board, structural wood or plywood. In these situations, there is usually a minimal amount of moisture absorbed by materials and restoration time is typically fast.

Class 2 (Fast Evaporation Rate)

This class generally involves an entire room, or flood damage where water has wicked up to 24 inches on the wall. Moisture can be present in the structure as well. These scenarios are middle of the road as far as the work and time involved.

Class 3 (Fastest Evaporation Rate)

Class 3 situations commonly involves water that comes from above, either from an upstairs room or outside during heavy rain. In these scenarios, water has saturated more than 24 inches above the wall, posing severe structural risk and potential damage if not immediately addressed.

Class 4 (Specialty Drying Situations)

In this class, the surrounding structure and materials have very low permance/porosity, causing water to remain in saturated pockets throughout. Examples include hardwood, brick, concrete or other materials that do not have a high amount of absorption rate for moisture. These scenarios require very specific low humidity and ventilation solutions in order for water to be effectively removed.

While the class and categorization of a water emergency can usually be quickly inferred, be sure to double check with your water technician when they arrive on site to get the full scope of the situation after a professional inspection has been conducted. Your technician should be able to provide you with an approximate estimate of the timeframe, as well as details on the exact work that needs to be done to bring everything back up to speed. We will cover the various methods of water damage restoration in our next article so be sure to stay tuned!

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What Are the Steps Involved in a Water or Flood Restoration Service?

Water or flood damage can lead to a range of issues, from excessive house humidity levels to structural damage to mold growth. Find out how a professional disaster restoration specialist can help you get your home get back to normal after severe water damage.

Water damage is never a good thing for a home, but severe damage from a flood or a major leak is even worse. The good news, though, is that professional water and flood restoration pros are available to help you through the steps of a successful cleanup process. From initial assessment to professional humidity control procedures, these experts will be able to get your home dried out and restored to a stable state in a timely and thorough manner.

When your home has been severely damaged by water, the first thing to do is to get a water damage restoration professional into the building to perform a comprehensive assessment of the situation. These experts have both the knowledge and the tools to catalog the full extent of the damage, especially when it comes to issues that you can't see. They will also be able to identify burgeoning problem areas--such as a compromised structural element--and will be able to create a restoration plan that targets the most vital areas first so that your home does not sustain any more damage.

Once your restoration team has assessed the situation and designed a plan, they will proceed through a targeted process of water extraction, drying, and home humidity control. The various steps of this water removal process are key. Not only will they get rid of any standing water that has collected, but they will also extract water from porous materials (drying) and from the air (humidity control). A restoration team won't just get rid of the water you can see--they'll use every resource at their disposal to remove all excess moisture from your home in a comprehensive way.

Once the moisture removal steps are dealt with, the actual water restoration work can start. Your restoration pros will do everything they can to make sure your home looks and feels as close to its original state as possible, including:

* Disinfection and mold cleanup
* Deodorizing
* Stain removal
* Contents pack outs and storage

Restoration work means much more than just water or moisture control. It actually means restoring your home to its pre-damage state. Once your home water damage restoration professionals are done, you should notice almost no difference between your home before and after the damage occurred.

The first step in water or flood damage restoration services is assessment and planning, followed by water extraction, dehumidification, and then comprehensive restoration work. When your restoration pros are through, your home will be as close to its original state as it can possibly be.

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Minimizing the Damage - Tips For Handling a Home Flooding Emergency

Homes can get flooded for a variety of different reasons: natural disaster, broken water pipes, snow melt, and many more. Regardless of how the water got there, it is absolutely essential to get it out as soon as possible. Here are some tips that will help you handle a home flooding emergency with a minimal amount of damage.

Safety First

Make sure that all family members are safe and accounted for: no matter how much you value your belongings, your loved ones are the only things that are absolutely irreplaceable! If you have small children, make arrangements for them to live elsewhere while you tend to clean-up efforts. Even if your water damage is confined to just one area (such as the basement), you need to turn off your gas and electrical supply immediately for optimum safety. Once your gas is turned off, do not attempt to start it up again yourself: leave it to a utilities professional.

Ventilate

To minimize dangerous and possibly toxic mold and mildew growth, start ventilating your house as soon as possible, even while you still have standing water. Open all the windows in your house and let as much air in as safety allows.

Photograph Everything Then Salvage

Before undertaking salvaging efforts, make sure to take plenty of photographs to use as proof for your insurance company: proper documentation will be essential if you plan on filing a claim. Prioritize the importance of your belongings, and start salvaging the most important hard-to-dry items first such as photographs.

Call a Disaster Cleanup Service Immediately

Most experts agree that severe water damage sets in within 48 hours, so it is critical to contact a disaster cleanup service in your area immediately. They will get rid of standing water using the latest technologies, repair and restore existing structures, and advise you on how to best salvage your precious possessions. They will dry and disinfect your home, making it a safe sanctuary for your family again. Cleaning up after a flooding incident can be overwhelming as well as dangerous: a disaster cleanup service will be a valued ally in helping you get your life back to normal.

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