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Home Improvement

Benefits of Building Driveways in Front of Your Home

November 15, 2022
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While taking home improvement into consideration, your focus should remain on improving the appearance of your home by increasing its utilization. You might have thought about beautiful lawns, landscaping, and gardens. In case you have forgotten, a driveway in front of your home will boost the outer appearance of your property high. Nice driveways will enhance the aesthetic value as well as the worth of your property. 

The driveway is one of the most important parts of your home. It is one of the first things people see when they arrive at your home, and it can make or break the first impression they have of your home. Besides, it will reduce the risk of slips and falls. It will offer several other benefits too.

driveways
Photo by Zachary Keimig on Unsplash
  1. Enhance Appearance: Have you seen a home with a driveway? What was your first impression? Did you get wowed by looking at the concrete or stone driveway? If yes, you may understand now that the best-looking driveway can create impressive home outdoor space. Your home will stand out if you have used the best material.
  2. 2. Easy Access and Safety Features: If you have more than one vehicle, you need to have enough space to keep them on your house driveways when needed to make them easily accessible. The great driveways can be used as a designated area to park the family car, motorcycles, or bicycles. It also allows your children to ride their bikes safely in and out of the property. Driveways provide space to park safely and unload things from your car. No exposed aggregate driveways can increase the risk of trips, slips, and falls. Having a concrete driveway can enhance accessibility and boost safety for people.
  3. Save Maintenance Time and Cost: Driveways require a little maintenance, unlike the grassed area in front of the property. Besides, it does not need mowing, watering, and constant care and attention. It is one of the reasons why residential or commercial structures are made of concrete. It offers long-lasting strength and durability. Some driveway materials such as concrete almost don’t have any maintenance requirements and last for long years. Therefore, you can save money and time on maintenance and repair or replacement expenses if you install these types of driveways.
  4. Add Aesthetic Value: People spend too much money on building impressive homes with beautiful interior designs and architecture. They also invest so much to make it look good in the market. Some build homes and resale to get a better deal. You can improve the home’s sale value by creating good driveways that complement your build color. Your home will become more visually pleasing, and its value will also increase. You might get potential buyers for your home. 
  5. A Sense of Privacy: One of the main reasons why people choose to have driveways is to create a sense of privacy. A driveway will allow you to store your vehicles away from the street and provide you with a private space to enter your home. It is vital if you live in a busy neighborhood.
  6. The Functionality of your Space: A driveway is a significant investment that adds not only aesthetics but also a functional space to your property. If you have a home with a small driveway and are considering a move, you should consider the implications of a larger driveway. It will improve the functionality and allow you to store more vehicles. This can be especially helpful if you have a lot of visitors or if you have a large family. Driveways can also make it easier to park your car in your driveway. This can make it much easier to get in and out of your car and can make your home more enjoyable to live in.
driveway
Photo by Binyamin Mellish: https://www.pexels.com/photo/lighted-beige-house-1396132/

The Last Thought:

A great driveway can increase the value of your home, make it easier to sell, get a better deal while reselling and make it more enjoyable and convenient to live in. When you love your home, you want to make sure that it is as enjoyable as possible to live in. You can enjoy living in a home more if you have a nice driveway that makes getting in and out easier.  If you want to hire a concrete contractor, our team can help you.

5 Ways the Internet of Things is Making Homes Smarter

November 14, 2022
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Every day, thousands of everyday devices like washers and dryers, thermostats, home security systems, and even baby monitors are connecting and sending data through the internet via a rapidly expanding network known as The Internet of Things, or IoT for short. As a result, the Internet is assisting us a lot in our daily life. We can control our smart devices remotely or in-house using the internet. Here are five examples of IoT devices and systems that can automate everyday tasks and functions in our homes, making them smarter, safer, more convenient, and more secure.  

Personal Assistants

Ever get to work and can’t remember if you put the garage door down? Or is “one-burner, two-burner, three-burner, four-burner” just not enough assurance you turned the stove off before you left home? Home hubs by manufacturers like Vivint, Lutron, and Samsung SmartThings let you control your home by connecting to IoT devices. Connect a voice-activated device like Amazon Echo to your hub and control your household’s fans, lights, televisions, and more with compatible connected devices from major manufacturers like Sony, Samsung, and Philips Hue. 

Internet of Things
Photo by Sebastian Scholz (Nuki) on Unsplash

Home Security

You’re away on vacation and need to let a neighbor in to feed a pet. No problem. Use the app on your smartphone to activate your smart lock to unlock and lock doors remotely, from anywhere. Not sure it’s your neighbor? Check them out first using your home’s front porch IP camera with near unlimited data storage in the cloud. Netgear’s Arlo Pro offers a wireless, weatherproof solution that integrates with Amazon’s Alexa. A burglar is trying to steal your TV? You get a message telling you that someone has unplugged your television. New devices like the Nest Protect smoke alarm can send you alerts over the internet or even be hushed from your phone.

Energy Management

One of the most popular features of IoT-connected devices is smart thermostats, like Nest, Ecobee, and Hive. With a smart thermostat, there’s no more getting up from a cozy sofa to fool around with the thermostat. In addition to allowing you to control your home’s temperature remotely, some of these devices can learn the temperature you like and create a cost-effective schedule based on your lifestyle. A few even integrate with voice-activated systems like Alexa for even more convenience.

Photo by Vecislavas Popa: https://www.pexels.com/photo/turned-on-gray-flat-screen-smart-tv-1571459/

Lighting & Illumination

Economical plug-in devices connect between your lamp and wall outlet to deliver the convenience of app-controlled lighting in any room. Smart bulbs, light strips, and lamps connect to bridges, motion sensors, and dimmer switches for easy control from mobile devices. Wi-Fi light bulbs include IP-enabled lights that you can control from any IoT-enabled device and LED lights that can send data using Visible Light Communications technology, a convenient option when wireless transmissions are not possible. Lutron, Leviton, and Logitech provide the best smart home systems to control all devices in your home by using Wi-Fi on your smartphone.

 In-home Networks

As a result, a home Wi-Fi network can connect a wide array of IoT devices for whole-house solutions to control your home’s HVAC, smart locks, cameras, smoke alarms, and even small appliances. Many major cable electronics manufacturers offer residential IoT systems, as do many major electronics manufacturers, including Comcast Xfinity, Samsung’s SmartThings Hub, Belkin’s WEeMo, Lowe’s Iris Platform, and Apple’s HomeKit. With the cost of smart devices decreasing each year, the smart home of the future is right around the corner. The current data-driven approach to technology means that our homes will soon become personalized hubs delivering unprecedented levels of convenience. IoT devices will permeate every part of our daily experience from our homes to our offices and forever change our connection with the world around us.

Diahann Young is the Director of Digital Platforms and Innovation at Pulte Homes Orlando, one of the largest home builders in Florida and the United States. She specializes in discovering innovative ways of developing products for home building. Her role with Pulte has strengthened her passion for homes, design, and all things real estate.

7 Mistakes Homeowners Make During Home Renovation

November 14, 2022
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Does your home require renovation? There are many reasons to renovate one’s house, like improving functionality or enhancing visual appeal. 

Renovation can be a hectic, time-consuming, and cost-expensive procedure. However, homeowners can make the whole process much simpler and easier if they avoid making some common renovation mistakes. This article explains seven mistakes homeowners make during renovation and how to avoid them.

Unrealistic Budget

It is easy to get carried away with your budget during renovation; you might keep it too constricted or elaborate, making the renovation process that much harder. The key to an effective budget is ensuring it is sufficient to provide all the required changes without compromising security while not adding extra pressure on your financial well-being. 

Furthermore, when renovating your house, it is important to first focus on necessities such as potential water damage or leaks. Once the cost is covered for important issues, you can move on to budgeting other factors that add to the appeal of the house, for example, repainting the walls or adding a bathtub to your washroom. 

Moreover, it is important to remember renovation expenses frequently exceed expectations. To be better prepared for potential shocks and have a smoother renovation experience, it is advised to add 20% more to your budget.

Not Preplanning

If you plan to renovate your house, you must first decide where you will put your furniture and belongings when your house is under renovation. You might find yourself stuck in a position with nowhere to go if you do not plan this before starting the renovation. However, if you live in Melbourne, we have good news; Careful Hands Movers provides moving and storage solutions. They are a full-service removalists Melbourne centered business that will tackle everything from packing and moving to store your belongings in their facility for safekeeping. 

There are many benefits to storing away your belongings. Not only does this prevent potential breakage or damage to belongings from dust, paint splashes, etc., but it also ensures smooth working as furniture does not come in the way of workers in high-traffic areas during renovation. 

Not Getting a Permit

There is a misconception that many homeowners believe; they think that since it’s their house, they don’t require a permit if they plan to make any changes to the property. However, this is far from true. Different states have different requirements for house improvement licenses, so it is necessary to check with the local authorities and get the required legal permit for renovation. 

Failure to secure a legal permit can result in the work being stopped or asked to be torn down by the authorities. This can cause delays and incur extra costs. In addition, it can also affect the value of the property. 

Not Finding the Right Contractor 

Not thoroughly vetting their remodeling crew is one of the top errors people make while renovating their homes. You should refrain from hiring the first contractor you come across right away. An ineffective screening process for your remodeling team might lead to a costly and unsatisfactory renovation. 

You need to interview several contractors when trying to find the right professional for the job. Before you interview them, prepare a list of questions you want to ask and plan for what exact changes you want in the house. This will ensure that the contractor you choose knows what you are looking for.  

A further step you can take is contacting previous clients of the contractors and getting feedback from them about the work. As in the start, contractors might make false promises to persuade you to hire them. However, by gaining insight from their past projects, you can find out how true they are to their words. 

Using Cheap Materials

A common mistake homeowners make is cutting down costs by using cheap materials. This might save cost initially at the time of construction; however, the cheap knock-off supplies will start to show effects once you start living in the house again. The cheap materials will wear-n-tear easily, and soon you will find yourself in need of renovation again. This will not only cost you time and money, but you will have to go through the entire process again. Furthermore, using cheap materials can compromise safety. 

Using cheaper construction materials is not a good idea; therefore, it is best not to consider economizing on the material. Purchase the greatest materials and components you can afford. In addition to lasting longer, they will appear finer and enhance the overall quality of your house. Moreover, this will also increase the value of your property. 

Doing too much

This is a psychological mistake, the inability to resist doing more than required. Once the work begins, it is easy to fall into the trap of making more changes than you planned. You might start the project with the only objective of making additional storage space; however, mid-way, you might realize that a new paint color for your wall would be nice. You need to be able to resist this urge and follow your initial plan. 

Concentrate on one project at a time and ensure that that project is finished on time, within budget, and according to your liking. Once one project is finished, you can start planning your next one. Furthermore, this is essential to make sure the renovation stays budget friendly. 

Unrealistic Expectations

Even in ideal situations, renovation and construction work can be chaotic and inconvenient. Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that everything will go smoothly. As with almost every endeavor, renovation might not always go as planned. Therefore, be prepared to be flexible and make changes as they come along. The ability to adapt to challenges as you face them will make the whole process of remodeling much more effective and efficient. 

Another common unrealistic expectation that homeowners keep is in terms of time. Renovation is a time extensive procedure. You can contact local construction firms and gain knowledge about the timeline of your desired projects. This will help you be more prepared for what you are getting into. Furthermore, timing your project is also a vital part. In Australia, many contractors are booked all year round. Therefore, you need to plan and contact firms ahead of time to ensure your renovation project is finished in time. 

Conclusion

If you don’t prepare and prevent typical mistakes, you might have difficulties renovating your house. But renovation can be a smoother ride if you develop a solid strategy and assemble a top-notch team of experts to bring your idea from conception to reality. 

To be fully prepared for what to expect during and after renovation, carry out the necessary research.

Is monthly house cleaning worth it?

October 26, 2022
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For many of us, the idea of hiring a maid or a home cleaning service might seem like the height of decadent indulgence. However, considering that your time is worth money and that the time you spend washing the kitchen floor may be spent somewhere more profitable, a monthly house cleaning service will come in handy.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Maid?

As of the year 2022, a house cleaning service cost would set you back anywhere from $40 to $65 per hour, on average, depending on where you reside by cleaning company. The whole price may be anything from $90 to $120 for a little apartment to $150 to $250 for a home that is 2,000 square feet or more for a weekly cleaning service by house cleaners. While some choose their rates according to the total square footage of the property, others charge by the hour for a deep clean of your home. In most cases, you will be eligible for a discount of 10% per visit from your cleaning service if you have them come more often. When hiring a professional cleaning service, visits once every week will be less expensive than visits once every month. The costs shown above are for professional advertising agencies only. A local freelancer who is discovered via word-of-mouth may charge much less or significantly more as per the cleaning schedule. On average, an hourly rate for professional cleaning services ranges from $45 to $65.

How much do you think your time is worth?

There is always a price to pay for the decisions we make in life. Some of our choices are plainly just concerned with our finances, while others force us to forego the use of other resources, such as our time. You may evaluate the value of your time by considering the alternatives, sometimes known as the opportunity cost. If you make $45 or $65 per hour at your job, you could believe that your time is worth that much money. If your time is worth $65 an hour and the maid costs $45 an hour, you could decide that your time is better spent doing something else rather than hiring a maid for cleaning tasks. If, on the other hand, you value your time at $30 per hour and the cleaner costs $45 per hour, you should definitely clean your own house rather than hire someone to do it for you. It simply results in lower overall costs.

monthly house cleaning
pexels-karolina-grabowska-4239007

Do You Wish to Have a Tidier Home?

Do you clean your house often? If You are not satisfied with the results, hiring a maid for professional house cleaning may be something you want to consider doing. It’s merely a fact that some individuals are more skilled at cleaning than others. There is a decision that falls somewhere in the middle with the hours of cleaning required. You can decide to restrict the number of times per month that you hire a professional cleaner to once or twice, and make a pact with yourself to keep the space somewhat tidy in the time in between cleanings. Investing a few minutes out of each day in general clean-up won’t do any harm. And if you get some assistance from a trained expert for weekly house cleaning, your house may be cleaner than it has ever been.

Consider Your Budget

If you have any outstanding amounts on your credit cards or high-interest loans, you should prioritize paying them off before spending money on a cleaning service or any other kind of discretionary purchase. The same principle applies to achieving other goals, such as essential living expenses, saving for emergency situations, and saving for retirement. No matter how you break down the costs, having a maid is not a must; rather, it is a luxury.

Corporate and Independent Cleaning Services

There are a few distinct routes you might go if you want to employ a maid after determining that you have the financial means to do so. The choice between an individual maid and a house cleaning business is one of the most crucial considerations to make. In general, independent maids cost less, and the whole amount of money you pay goes directly to the person providing the service. It’s possible that a close friend or a neighbor may propose an excellent candidate. On the other side, working with a professional services firm could come with insurance, the necessary background checks, and a higher degree of dependability. Because of the large number of workers these businesses have, scheduling is often quite flexible.

Do you want to hire a cleaning service on a monthly basis?

It is common for a homeowner to find that it is financially beneficial to have visitors come to their house once a month. It is worth the financial commitment to have their house cleaned since you will get the advantages of doing so without adding any more burden to your plate. Do you want to employ a cleaning service that comes once a month? Make sure to get in touch with us now!

 

Seven Tips to Ensure Your Construction Project Goes Smoothly

October 26, 2022
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A construction site is a wild place to work, and it entails planning and organization to keep projects on schedule, within your budget, and ensure the safety of everyone on-site. As the construction industry is constantly progressing, finding a balance between everything you can do to make your project successful is challenging. 

Although there is a fine line between completing your project successfully and efficiently, in almost every scenario, being efficient with resources, time and money are vital. With that in mind, we have compiled some tips to ensure your construction project moves without hassles.

Budgeting Efficiently 

Construction project managers frequently overspend their budgets, and because of that, you must keep your budget in mind, cover all of the costs and stretch it as much as possible so you don’t go overboard. Make your budget realistic and anticipate additional unforeseen costs. It would help if you found a reliable supplier willing to work within your budget.  

Set daily targets for every Team member 

Setting daily targets for individual team members to achieve will help to establish a clear understanding of what is expected from everyone. Once a list of tasks and instructions is given, and everyone is on the same page, there will be less ambiguity, and it will be easier to avoid mistakes and experience setbacks. 

Moreover, to increase the productivity of the workers who are putting in hours after hours of manual labor, you can provide incentives like free meals and drinks after work whenever daily targets are met; this will help to increase productivity at work. 

On-site Office and Storage Facility 

A safe space for project managers, office staff, and other necessary personnel involved in project planning and other administrative tasks is needed. A ventilated and equipped area for the accommodation and storage of paperwork, tools, and equipment is necessary to avoid damage and loss. 

In these circumstances, a shipping container purchase would be an excellent idea. It can serve as a restroom for construction crew which will help them work in harsh environments. 

Second, give proper safety training, especially if the workers are working at high heights, and training to use machinery safely is also crucial to avoid minor or major injuries. Finally, use clear signs and posters for potential dangers like falling objects, gas, and chemicals to make everyone more cautious and avoid accidents.

Practice good communication and build relationships 

Maintain a good flow of communication with your team and investors; avoiding mistakes, confusion, and surprises is vital. Being open to suggestions and ideas and responding appropriately to complaints will help you to build transparency within the team which is essential to gain trust and to maintain a good relationship with the team. 

Spending time with your team apart from work will help you to connect with them, and treating everyone equally is also crucial, so no one feels left out. That does not mean you should lose your assertive edge, be a team player and get things done. 

Use a 3D model to calculate QTO (Quantity Takeoffs)

If you want to make plans, calculations, and drawings, you should eliminate old tools like pens and paper. Switch to a 3D model to help you gather valuable data. Create a comprehensive construction design covering all the information you and your team will need to complete your project impeccably. 

This will help you calculate your quantity takeoffs and the correct material required. You will also be able to play different approaches, like using a different material for the same area to complete your project and choose the most efficient one. 

Construction Site Safety 

You mustn’t compromise the safety of your workers to save costs. There are several ways you can ensure everyone’s safety, First, invest in appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets, goggles, footwear, etc. 

Automate repetitive processes 

Time is of the essence for any construction project. Automating repetitive and monotonous tasks can save you and your crew time. Automation can also help you reduce the risk of injuries by taking on riskier jobs and providing more precision in work. 

One such example of automation is the use of flying drones to perform surveillance duties. Another example is project management solutions which help you assign tasks, give reminders, announce, and help you track the project’s progress. 

The time saved from automating processes can be used to exercise critical thinking and creatively find solutions for other problems.  

Conclusion 

To effectively complete your construction project, you can follow some simple tips. You can use a shipping container as an office, storage, and rest space, as it is crucial to protect the equipment and paperwork from harm and theft. 

Try not to go overboard with your budget; it is important to get a reliable supplier who can work within your budget and always expect unforeseen costs. Moreover, setting daily tasks for everyone will help to clear out any ambiguities and avoid setbacks. 

This is important; never compromise the safety of your workers. Please provide them with protective gear and training for safety, especially while using machinery. Keeping the flow of communication is vital so there is transparency and everyone is on the same page. This will also help you to build a better relationship with everyone. 

Using a 3D model to design your construction plan is more effective as it lets you experiment and calculate quantity takeoffs. Automating riskier and tedious processes will speed them up and provide more precision. 

Therefore, having a great team and being a good leader will always get you great results, even though construction work can sometimes be challenging. Following the tips we mentioned will help ensure your construction project goes smoothly.  

3 Ultimate Tips For Professional Kitchen Remodeling

October 24, 2022
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The kitchen is the heart of your house; it is the one place where everyone likes to gather around you and help you cook a hearty meal. You share wonderful moments prepping meals and cooking them for your loved ones. So, when it comes to renovating the kitchen, you want the best results. When you have the best appliances, your cooking experience is enhanced. But, like any renovation project, kitchen remodeling requires careful planning. Continue reading this article to learn valuable tips about kitchen renovation. 

Create A Plan

 The first step of every renovation project is to create a suitable plan. It isn’t easy to bring that vision to life when you don’t have a clear vision. You are tired of the dingy floors, stuffy cabinets and old appliances, and you want a fresh start. But you cannot move forward with your plan unless you know what that first new look is. 

Make sure you create a budget for the project and stick to the same. At times, it is hard to stick to a predetermined budget as people often go overboard. Just because it is easier to give into temptations doesn’t mean you should. If you splurge on one aspect of the project, make sure to cut down on other sections. For example, if you purchase expensive fixtures and appliances for the kitchen, you might have to compromise on the selection of tiles. 

It is at the beginning of the project when you decide whether you want to take this renovation work as a DIY project or if you hire professionals. If you have what it takes to do such a massive project all by yourself, you will save a ton of money that you can further invest in beautifying the space. However, if you are not well acquainted with hammers and nails, it is better to hire experts who know what they are doing. 

Plumbing and Electrical

The workers must pay attention to the plumbing and electrical plugs while renovating. Make sure they do not block the plumbing area with new building blocks. It would be best if you had proper plumbing in your kitchen to work properly. You may think that the workers know where to put the plugin and how to manage the water piping solutions. But every house is unique. You cannot depend on the builders to know everything. Don’t hesitate to intervene and let them know how you plan to utilize the space. They can navigate the space better when you tell them where you wish to install the dishwasher and the fridge. 

Floor and Tiles

When it comes to kitchen floors, you want a flooring material that will withstand rough treatment. Wooden floors are definitely a big NO-NO for the kitchen. The wooden floors are hard to maintain when things get spilled on the floor. Marble flooring is a better option for the floor. The same goes for countertops, as most people opt for marble kitchen countertops. You must also select a backsplash material that complements your countertops. Adhesives Technology Corporation (ATC) has launched new lines of products that are perfect for your kitchen renovation work. These adhesives are strong and help you glue down the marble tops and tiles. Make sure the builders use the best materials for plastering the tiles to the walls.

What is residential post-construction cleaning?

October 21, 2022
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The ultimate aim for any construction contractor is to pass over the key to a freshly constructed work or refurbished facility to any customer that they will be servicing. However, after the construction project itself, not to mention the tears and sweat that they must endure, the task of a construction business is not complete until it is completed. Before the final key is turned over, there are a few more tasks to accomplish before the building is complete. These extra activities include complete facility cleaning with a construction cleaning checklist for deep cleaning, sometimes known as post-construction cleaning.

POST-CONSTRUCTION CLEANING IS A SERVICE PERFORMED ON NEW OR RENOVATED BUILDINGS.

The term “post-construction” implies that this cleaning is done after the building phase. A building contractor may clean up waste in general, but specific cleaning is no longer part of their work. This kind of cleaning involves cleaning the whole facility from top to bottom, not only sweeping the floor and washing the carpet and other visible surfaces.

 The following are some of the cleaning standards that must be met:

  • The walls are clean and devoid of markings, grime, and smudges.
  • Power washing and window and frame cleaning.
  • Remove plastic/stickers off furniture, windows, and doors.
  • Wet and dry dusting of ceilings, lighting, fans, and heaters
  • Clean and polished floors that are free of clutter, particularly on edges and corners
  • Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner.

Trimming clean

  • Cleaning the threshold
  • Internal and external cleaning of all appliances, cabinets, and shelves
  • Proper waste and debris disposal
  • Addressing any safety concerns, such as unsecured wires and leaks, with the building contractors

Once the cleaning is finished, do a last thorough inspection of all the spaces, corners, and interior surfaces.

THESE CLEANING REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETED ONE STEP AT A TIME THROUGH THE THREE POST-CONSTRUCTION CLEANING PHASES.

Photo by Monica Silvestre: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-standing-in-room-with-unfinished-walls-4249477/

PHASE 1: ROUGH CLEAN

The first phase begins once all essential electrical, plumbing, and framing installations have been completed. The first and most important stage in this phase is to remove big things such as garbage, trash, leftover materials, and other items that cannot be cleaned.

Then there will be general sweeping or vacuuming. This step also includes the removal, but not the cleaning, of stickers from doors and windows.

PHASE 2: CLEAN LIGHT

This is the most labour-intensive step of post-construction cleaning, requiring a large amount of cleaning equipment and materials. Restrooms and kitchens, which serve a specific function, are receiving special attention.

Sinks, toilets, windows, and cabinets are just a few of the installed things that will be completely cleaned during this period. One of the reasons people employ a professional cleaning service is during this phase.

Clients can depend on Dirt2Tidy to deliver the most effective and up-to-date cleaning equipment and products, ensuring that these regions and most inside surfaces, such as air ducts, are thoroughly cleaned.

Additional cleaning of the locations with removed stickers from the first phase is also being addressed here; areas such as windows, glass areas, doors, walls, and so on. This phase brings us one step closer to the arrival of customers.

This kind of cleaning involves cleaning the whole facility from top to bottom, not only sweeping the floor and washing the carpet and other visible surfaces by a commercial cleaning crew in the newly built to remove dust and debris.

Photo by La Miko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cleaning-supplies-3616735/

PHASE 3: COMPLETE CLEANING

The last cleaning process is known as touch-up cleaning. This occurs several days after the second phase since dust and dirt may still settle; as a result, the cleaning staff will have more time to focus on the final dust removal.

This step takes less time than normal since the common items that are cleansed at this stage are smudges, fingerprints, and other defects from the regions cleaned in previous rounds.

Builders Clean

Post-construction cleaning requires full time and attention and may take many days to complete. This activity is difficult to handle for a building contractor that has a lot on their plate.

Construction contractors are already preoccupied with erecting the structure, and the extra duty of cleaning up their mess is a significant hardship. As a result, employing expert cleaners, whether via the building contractor or on your own, is highly recommended.

If the building contractor does not provide extra cleaning services, some customers may elect to forego hiring professional cleaners and instead handle their own cleaning, but this must be done with caution.

Inner and concealed portions of the building that most people are unaware of might be missed if cleaning is done by customers rather than experts. This is too dangerous since it might endanger the safety and health of the individuals who will inhabit the building.

Photo by Matilda Wormwood: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-a-protective-suit-disinfecting-inside-the-house-4099260/

HERE ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF HIRING PROFESSIONAL CLEANERS

The safety of everyone who will use the venue will be prioritised. There’s no need to be concerned about a nail left on the garage floor or dust that might create lung difficulties.

Professional cleaners have the necessary abilities and equipment, therefore they are expected to provide professional results, such as no paint spatters, unremoved stickers, or dust.

The whole facility will be fully cleaned and ready for occupancy.

Professional cleaners will determine the top place that requires extra attention based on their years of expertise and training.

Nothing will be left behind; the outdoor area will also be cleaned and given care.

Cleaning will be completed one at a time, in accordance with the three stages of post-construction cleaning.

Restrooms, kitchens, office spaces, conference rooms, stairwells, elevators, utility rooms, and storage facilities are just a few of the places that we focus on.

Furthermore, Dirt2Tidy may provide the following cleaning services. Dirt2Tidy constantly ensures that all of their customers’ post-construction cleaning criteria are satisfied and that nothing can surpass what they can achieve.

 

6 Tips to Carry out a Smooth DIY Home Improvement Project

October 17, 2022
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The satisfaction of tearing down warped drywall or expanding a too-tight closet is hard to top. But accomplishing a do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement project on your own is a different story. It takes a lot of patience, a heavy dollop of motivation, and, most importantly, a solid game plan.

A lot can go haywire if you don’t plan and prep properly, from picking the wrong tools for the job to not ordering enough tile when you’re revamping your kitchen backsplash. (Trust us, we’ve been there.)

To help you avoid a total DIY disaster, we chatted with home improvement experts to get their best tips on carrying out a smooth home improvement project. Read on for their helpful hints—and get ready to take your space to the next level.

Move the Unwanted Out of the Way

Home renovations mean caked-on dust, piles of debris, and a lot of trip hazards. Top that with a cluttered work zone; you’ve got a recipe for injury.

The first step in preparing for any home improvement project is to clear the area of as much clutter as possible. It includes removing furniture, knick-knacks, pictures from the walls—anything that will get in the way or become a potential safety hazard.

But where to store all that stuff? The perfect place to keep all your valuables safe is in a storage unit in your region. For instance, if you are in Grande Prairie, approach a storage facility to ensure your belongings are kept in a safe space. So, check out Grande Prairie storage units and carry out the DIY project without worry. 

Ensure to label everything, so you know where it goes when moving back in.

Evaluate and Re-evaluate Your Plans

You might have a clear vision of your dream kitchen in your head, but that doesn’t mean it will fit in your space. And that new island might look good in the catalog, but it might be too big for your kitchen.

Before you start any demo, it’s important to take measurements of your space and create a floor plan. It will help you determine what changes you can and cannot make.

Budgeting is another no-brainer when it comes to home improvement projects. Determine the precise amount you can realistically afford to spend on your project, and then consider financing options. Home remodeling or repair loans are available for those who qualify.

You should also always have a contingency fund for unplanned expenses—you never know when you’ll run into an issue or make a mistake. Having to halt your project in the middle because you can’t afford to fix an error will only add more frustration (and costs) in the long run.

Load Your Arsenal with the Right Tools

You were able to get away with using a butter knife to remove the old caulk around your bathtub. But chances are, you will require more than that for your home improvement project. Make a list of all the tools and materials you’ll need for your project, and then purchase them or rent them ahead of time.

Some essentials to have on hand include:

  • A toolbox 
  • An impact driver (if you’re working with screws)
  • A saw (hand or power)
  • Cordless clamps (great for holding pieces together while you work)
  • Cordless vacuum (to clean up as you go)

Depending on the project you’re working on, you may also need more specialized tools. For example, if you’re tiling your bathroom, you’ll need a tile cutter. And if you’re painting your kitchen cabinets, you’ll need a sprayer.

Most importantly, research before you start the project to know which tools you need and how to use them. 

Don’t Take the Media’s Word for It

Just because you watched it on HGTV doesn’t mean it will work in your home. That new design trend may look great on a TV show, but it might not be practical for your lifestyle. Similarly, gutting the entire bathroom for a new masterpiece all by yourself isn’t as simplistic as the pros make it look.

There’s always some level of misguidance when watching home improvement shows. The takeaway should be inspiration instead of a how-to guide. So, set realistic goals and accept what you can’t do before starting your project.

You’ll soon realize that hiring a professional for certain tasks is worth it to save yourself the headache—and, sometimes, the hospital bill. Anything that involves gas or plumbing should be left to the professionals. Also, don’t mess with your roof unless you want your insurance rates to go up.

Be Careful with Permits

You might get away with a little bit of a demo without a permit, but most home improvement projects will require one. Depending on the work you’re doing, you may need the following:

  • Building permit – covers most structural work like adding a room or deck
  • Electrical permit – crucial for any electrical work, including outlets and fixtures
  • Plumbing permit – needed for anything that involves the gas lines or water lines

If you’re unsure whether you will need a permit, your best bet is to contact your city or county planning department. They’ll be able to tell you which permits are required for your project.

Not pulling the proper permits can result in some hefty fines—and could even get you arrested. Usually, a general contractor will take care of pulling the necessary permits for you. But it’s always good to know what’s going on.

Give Equal Importance to Your House’s Exterior

The house’s exterior is just as crucial as the inside—maybe even more so. That’s because it’s the first thing people see when they pull up to your house. If the outside is in disrepair, it can negatively impact your home’s curb appeal—and, ultimately, your home’s value.

So, don’t neglect your house’s exterior when planning your home improvement projects. If your siding is cracked or faded, replace it. If your gutters are falling off, fix them. And if your front door looks a little worse for wear, give it a fresh coat of paint.

Landscaping is also a significant way to improve your home’s curb appeal. Something as simple as trimming your hedges or planting some flowers can make a big difference.

 

Conclusion

Home renovations are exciting. The fresh coat of paint, the new countertops, and the updated appliances add to a brand-new home without the price tag. So, it’s natural (and justified) for you to be tempted to start your project by jumping right in and tearing everything out, but trust us—that’s not the best idea. Research all the aspects of your project, make a plan, gather your supplies, and then—and only then—should you start working. And always remember to take safety precautions.

7 Reasons Why You Should Use Solar Power

October 17, 2022
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Inflation is a global phenomenon. People from around the world are finding it more and more difficult to manage routine expenditures. Countries that rely exclusively on traditional energy sources like fossil fuels, water, and nuclear for power production have increased electricity costs exorbitantly for domestic and commercial consumers. Owing to high prices and the economic situation, the demand for energy alternatives like solar panels has considerably increased at every level; be it domestic or commercial.  

Cost saving is just one benefit of solar energy. Read on further and understand why solar energy is the best way forward. 

Renewable Energy Solution 

Solar energy is one of the most sustainable forms of power generated by sunlight. Solar panel installation not only supports the lowering of carbon emissions but also reduces the aftermath of global warming, such as acid rain, soil erosions, and environmental pollution. 

Solar panels convert sunlight into renewable energy without emitting greenhouse gases; carbon-di-oxide, poisonous monoxides, nitrogen, sulfur, etc., hence not causing any damaging environmental effects.

Solar Panels = Money Savers

Solar PV panels are super money savers! Users only need to incur an initial cost that pays back within three to four years. This excellent saving capability with an exceptional ROI coupled with a clean power supply drives large populations around the globe to shift to solar power. 

The primary advantage of going solar is 50% reduced electricity bills, and if there is a connected battery backup, users will get 100% relief in power bills and become more energy-independent. 

Another benefit is feed-in-tariff or net metering that enables solar power users to return the excess energy to the public power grid and receive government compensation for that clean power addition generated by their solar panels.

Low maintenance

Another remarkable advantage of diverting to solar power is that installed solar panels do not need much maintenance. Many solar PV systems come with 10 to 25 years of warranty, which ensures their durability and efficient flat design. As solar panels do not have any portable parts, they do not wear and tear as well. Only the inverter requires replacement after 10 to 15 years. 

Solar energy is a constantly evolving technology, and the latest solar panel systems are more efficient than previous ones. These systems now do not lose efficiency after dirt build-up or other environmental factors.

Increase Property Value 

Solar energy is the future, and due to global warming and associated factors, people are shifting to eco-friendly energy alternatives. Nowadays, masses of the population prefer to update their property with solar power as property value is a significant factor for real estate investors and homeowners. Solar panel installation is the most practical way for all property owners to get 10x or more profits on their investments. Several real estate companies vouch that people are paying 20% to 50% more for solar power properties than traditional power sources.  

Government Support

Many developed countries that exclusively relied on fossil fuel power, like Australia, are now shifting to solar energy. Australian governance facilitates its people to install solar panels by offering rebates and feed-in-power incentives. For domestic homeowners, Australia offers STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) as a part of their renewable energy target to decrease the concentration of greenhouse gases in the power sector.

Solar Power is Sustainable

In the current geo-political uncertainty, aggressive environmental factors, and scarcity of fossil fuels, solar power is the best sustainable option as a clean energy alternative. Solar power is evolving technology, as it is getting better and more efficient with time. Such enduring power options empower people to become energy-independent and generate inexpensive, eco-friendly, and renewable power from the sun.  

Solar Power Is a Pocket-Friendly Option

In the previous five years, the installation price of a solar PV system has decreased by 50%, thanks to public sector support, rebate offer, and incentives. Thus, all these factors make solar power an economical option for upcoming years and pledge to stay an inexpensive alternative for domestic and commercial sectors around the globe.

Final Thoughts

Annually, fossil fuel energy users pay thousands of dollars in electricity bills. On the contrary, solar-generated power reduces this cost as soon as PV systems get installed. Now is the right time to shift to solar power for long-term savings, as it is a free and renewable energy source. 

Solar panels also significantly increase property resale value because most real estate investors understand the worth of pre-installed PV systems as they save initial installation costs. With the increasing demand for solar power worldwide, the sector also creates numerous job opportunities for diverse workers. Solar PV systems diversify traditional electricity grids, offer more efficient energy and help the domestic and commercial sectors to employ optimal electricity solutions.

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Concrete Resurfacer

October 14, 2022
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Concrete does not age gracefully and that is for certain. Whether it’s your walkway, driveway, rear patio, or another place, the concrete around your house will undoubtedly begin to show its age. To swiftly repair a cracked concrete surface, most individuals typically fill cracks and “spot patch” certain areas. Your concrete will lose some of its attractiveness as a result of frequent crack and patch repairs over time. 

If this describes the situation around your home or the home of a customer, you should consider concrete resurfacing. It’s one of the simplest, most effective techniques to restore the new-looking appearance of concrete. Some of the best companies offering concrete resurfacing are present in Aurora, IL

All resurfacers are not created equal. Their drying times, bonding abilities, and abrasion resistance can all differ greatly, making them acceptable for some projects but unsuitable for others. Continue reading to discover more about these and other important qualities of the best concrete resurfacers. 

Temperature Tolerance 

Knowing what temperatures concrete can withstand during installation is crucial because most concrete surfaces are outside. To guarantee that the concrete resurfacer dries properly, most manufacturers stipulate that the temperature must be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit both during installation and for 24 hours after. 

The amount of time the user has to work with the concrete before it sets and becomes dry enough to move depends on the temperature. Concrete will typically dry more quickly as the temperature rises. Use cold water to slow down drying if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Most manufacturers advise using warm water to decrease the drying time if the temperature is below 60 degrees. Before applying the resurfacer, be careful to review the recommended temperature range on the packaging. 

Bonding Properties 

A concrete resurfacer must adhere strongly to the surface it will be applied over in order to prevent displacement and the need for subsequent repairs. The majority of concrete resurfacers adhere to concrete extremely well. When restoring a subfloor, bonding properties are crucial to ensure that the new flooring laid over the resurfacer will stick.   

Drying Period

When selecting a concrete resurfacer, ensure the drying time is appropriate for the project. Fast-drying concrete may be convenient since it allows the paved area to be put back into use more quickly, but it also necessitates that the user works more quickly before the concrete becomes too hard to spread. Consider the amount of time it takes for the concrete to set and dry, so that it may be used for traffic.The drying time is often indicated by concrete manufacturers as minutes or hours. Although the concrete is too hard to modify once it has hardened, it is not yet ready for usage. Within 1 to 2 hours of mixing, the majority of concrete resurfacers set. To receive foot traffic, a resurfacer may need to wait 6 to 24 hours, and many days to receive car traffic. 

Application 

There are two varieties of concrete resurfacer: dry, which needs to be combined with water before use, and premixed. Premixed resurfacers are more convenient than dry resurfacers, but they are often more expensive. You can also modify the cement’s consistency with dry resurfacers to meet your demands. 

The most common method of applying concrete resurfacer is to mix the product with water (if necessary), pour it on the old existing concrete, and distribute it using a squeegee. To ensure strong adhesion between the old and new concrete, carefully clean the surface before applying the resurfacer.