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Home Improvement, Home Security, Real Estate

The Correct Way to Remove Laminate Flooring

To remove laminate flooring is a little more involved than most people realize. While laminate is fairly easy to install, it is not something that can be fixed with just any do-it-yourself effort. Laminate flooring has its own system of glues and nails that must be removed in order for the flooring to be removed properly. If you don’t take the time to learn how to remove this type of flooring the wrong way, your flooring will be permanently damaged. If this happens, you will need to replace the entire floor.

The most common way to remove laminates is with some form of chemical glue. Most glues that you see used to install laminates are glue based. Before you even start you must make sure that the floor is completely dry and there are no liquid substances on the floor. Gluing a floor with glue may actually damage the boards beneath it as glue tends to leave a white residue on the boards.

Depending on the type of glue you use, you may need to use a nail or a sponge to remove the excess glue. Nail or sponge based adhesives generally do the best jobs when trying to remove the glue. Once the adhesive is removed you will need to focus on removing all traces of the glue including the boards beneath it. With the help of a power washer, you can then take all of the excess glue and fluff it up. This can be somewhat tricky, but if you follow the right steps, it shouldn’t be too difficult to accomplish.

One of the easiest ways to remove a laminate floor without damaging it is to use an electric floor stripper. These products are basically an electrical version of a floor stripper. The same principle applies. All that is required to remove the adhesive is to put the floor under the stripper. It will work with some models but it may not work for all.

Another way to remove a laminate floor that involves heating it is to place it over a hot pot of water. The floor will get hot and flash to an almost unbearable level. Once the glue on the floor is removed, you will be able to remove it using your knife. Be very careful when you do this process because the floor can become damaged if you are not careful.

If you find that none of the methods described above works for your laminate floor, you may want to try sanding it down. It is possible to purchase special tools that will help you to do this safely. It can also help to talk to someone who is experienced in removing laminate flooring. You may find that they can offer advice which will make things easier for you. The only problem with doing this is that you could cause more damage than if you had not done anything at all. It can be quite expensive to have it sanded if you do it yourself.

Laminate floors provide people with a great choice of styles and designs. However, they are not very hard wearing and durable. This means that if you have a lot of traffic on your floor it is important to use a more durable sealant. If you are having trouble finding one you can buy it from any home improvement store or from the manufacturers. There are also sealants available online that you can purchase to match the type of laminate you have.

To keep your laminate flooring looking its best, you will need to take care of it. Sweep and dust it daily and use a damp cloth to clean any dirt. A little wood polish can help to prolong the life of your floor. When you are done cleaning and polishing, you should allow it to dry fully before using any furniture. If you follow these simple steps you will soon see how good quality laminate flooring can look.

July 2, 2021/0 Comments/by Bryan

Green Energy, Home Security, Real Estate

Green Options for Commercial Construction

Green is good. Even the color green has a positive effect on the eyes. Green symbolizes life and serenity. Whether to cut energy costs, make a sustainability statement, or a combination of both, the encouraging movement toward eco-friendly construction is in demand and on the rise amongst businesses.

Most buildings constructed before the green program instituted by the U.S. government under the auspices of GBCI or Green Building Certification Institute are found lacking many of the standard energy saving and conservation features found in newly constructed buildings. For this reason, many programs have come up like the LEED GA, LEED AP, and other green associations whose job is to audit and rate the buildings and to suggest what changes are needed to bring them on par with the new system of building construction.

Commercial buildings should adhere to building sustainability programs or green programs to make them convenient for the occupants and to make sure they don’t pose any danger to their health as well. Several ways of doing these things is to make sure the building is well insulated; light bulbs should be changed to LEDs, or light emitting diodes, and proper ventilation should be installed. Any waste should be properly disposed of and the buildings should only use eco-friendly materials.

Some commercial building owners complain about the additional cost that these innovations give them and they don’t get any advantages from these; instead, they all go to the consumers. However, the long-term savings makes up for the initial costs. One of the ways buildings can adhere to a positive green evaluation and save money is by using the best commercial roofing systems.

Green roof commercial solutions include solar panels, either using the old photovoltaic panels or newer shingle systems. Several commercial buildings are now using photovoltaic shingles for generating power. They’re not only a very efficient and clean source of energy, but they are beautiful as well.

Roofing materials such as industrial glass are also very useful in conserving energy by allowing sunlight to penetrate directly into the buildings. Skylight roofing was already in vogue before and now it’s even more popular than ever. It supplies the building with natural light, making it healthier for the occupants. Sunlight also helps kill bacteria and viruses common in enclosed buildings.

Garden roofs are very beautiful and they’re as green as you can get, both in color and effect. They’ll no doubt make the building very agreeable for human habitation. Plants have a dual effect. They produce much needed oxygen, while absorbing carbon dioxide for their food production process.

PVC systems are one of the coolest types of roofing. Quite literally! They don’t absorb heat, are durable, beautiful, and keep your house neat looking. However, you should be careful about using PVC. Unfortunately, some systems may still contain amosite asbestos, a deadly material known to cause mesothelioma cancer.

Reflective roofing systems containing aluminum or stainless steel help reflect the heat back to the atmosphere to keep the inside of buildings free from high temperatures. There are also reflective roofs made of tiles and PVC.

Another type of roofing, one of the oldest and safest kinds, is the BUR system. It’s a combination of several components including tar, bitumen, polyester, and fiberglass. This type of roofing is very efficient for buildings with flat roof designs.

Most of today’s newly constructed buildings are already certifiably green. Aside from adhering to construction standards they also use recycled woods, steel, glass and more. Some commercial projects even opt for organic paint, glues and other materials that are non-toxic to the occupants. The windows are bigger and recycled glass walls are used, where it is possible, to allow more sunlight to enter the house. Ventilation devices are either installed on the walls, ceilings, and/or roofs.

Overall, environmentally conscious businesses are becoming more popular. Even hotels are adhering to the green revolution and many of them have received green certificates for their efforts. Pre-existing buildings, like former franchises, are still popular because they’re cheaper and ready for occupancy. Furthermore, sustainable condominiums and casual studio type buildings have never waned in their popularity. This popular movement is becoming a new standard for commercial buildings everywhere.

July 5, 2020/0 Comments/by Bryan

Blog, Home Security, Real Estate

Moving Your House Or Renovating It in A Recession

There are many home decorating tips which can be used during a recession to effectively help maximise the potential of your home whilst keeping a tight reign on your expenditure. With a little `know how` you can rejuvenate your living space, credit crunch your style cobwebs and achieve a fantastic home makeover whilst budgeting and saving money along the way.

Clear the clutter! Make your mantra `Out with the old and in with the new`! You will be amazed at how much better your house will look when you get rid of all the clutter and nik naks that time (and style) forgot and go for a minimalist approach. However, do not throw your old stuff away, as in a recession you need to save money every step of the way, so….

Accessorise on a budget! Put your old stuff up for sale on EBay, or do a car boot sale. Whilst you are at it you may be able to pick up some fantastic bargains for yourself and you new stylish home. If even EBay is out of budget then try sites like Free cycle, where you literally can get something for nothing (however, it is best to respect the gods of Karma and offer up something on there yourself!).
If you have a little cash, make it go a long way by bargain hunting in `pound stores`. You can often find great accessories for rooms, such as small mirrors or canvas art, which when carefully placed in multiples of three upon the wall, go from drab to fab!

Paint is your new BFF! Paint is an inexpensive way to refresh every and any room! A splash of colour on an accent wall can revolutionise the dullest of rooms. A light colour can lift a room, magnolia can freshen and is great as a base upon which to build, red can add drama and blue can evoke feelings of peace and tranquillity. Do not be afraid to experiment and to use stencils or different paint effects to achieve different looks.

Great lighting can do as much for a room as a new lick of paint. Open up windows and allow as much natural light as possible into your rooms. Remember tip one and de-clutter window spaces. If you have limited natural light sources then fake it by adding artificial floor, wall and table lighting. Adding a dimmer switch is a budget friendly way to create ambiance and bring a whole new look to a room.

Spice up the old! Cannot afford new curtains? Dye the old ones! Rearrange furniture, move a rug to a different room, check under carpets for wooden floors, paint old chairs, varnish old tables… Use your imagination to salvage, reclaim, reuse and rejuvenate!

You have decided that your home feels cramped and you need more space. You also want a better kitchen and you’ve had it with the lilac bathroom fixtures which are nearly four decades old and showing it.

Still, you love your garden and your home’s location. The school is nearby and your kids have their friends in the neighbourhood. It’s a real dilemma. Do you but another home, or do you renovate?

Not so many years ago, people generally sold a house when they became tired of it or found it no longer suited their lifestyle. But today, with construction and land costs so high, more and more people are taking a look at their existing home and deciding to transform it into the home of their dreams. By renovating, they get a different house without ever changing their address.

To move or renovate – what’s right for you?

Begin by considering how you feel about your current home’s location. Does it meet your needs? Can you picture yourself continuing to live there for many more years?

Once you have decided you want to stay in the area, look for homes in your neighbourhood that are larger or have already been renovated. Would any of these suit the lifestyle you now want? If so, what are they worth and how do they compare to your home’s current value. Your best help in this area will come from a local REALTOR.

Once you have a rough idea of what it will cost to purchase the kind of home you want and what your current house is worth, you will have an idea of what it will cost you to move. Don’t forget to include real estate, legal and other fees for selling and buying, as well as moving expenses, when you are comparing the costs of renovating and moving.

You may find there is no significant difference between the cost of renovating and the cost of selling and buyer a larger, already remodeled home in the same neighbourhood.

Renovating has a lot of advantages. You avoid the stress and inconvenience of moving, especially if it’s to a different neighbourhood. You get to remodel your home the way you want it, not the way someone else has chosen. You get to choose the materials and colours that suit you. And you have the advantage of renovating as much or as little as you want.

Remodeling has its share of disadvantages as well. You have to chose the right contractor. If you make a bad choice, the result could turn a dream into a nightmare. Ask friends, colleagues and relatives to recommend names. Knock on the door of a renovation project you like and ask about the contractor. Get at least three to submit estimates.

Once a renovation is underway, be prepared for some inconveniences. If the project is extensive, you may have to move out of your home for several weeks until much of the major work is completed. Also be prepared for extra costs. If you decide you would rather have hardwood flooring instead of the vinyl you were originally quoted on, be prepared to pay more money.

The total renovation cost is a big factor in deciding whether to go ahead or sell and buy elsewhere. Renovation prices vary considerably, so do your homework. In making your decision, be sure to consider the kind of renovation you require. A second-storey addition, for instance, will cost less per square foot than a rear addition which requires a foundation. Renovations to the actual house can also be quite costly per square foot; that’s because you have to consider the cost of taking the house apart, disposing of materials and installing new parts and materials.

Despite the inconveniences, renovation can be a worthwhile project, especially if it gives you the house you want at the price you can afford.

June 6, 2020/0 Comments/by Bryan

Blog, Home Insurance, Home Security, Real Estate

Burglar Proof Your House With These Measures For Your Home

Unless you turn your home into Fort Knox, opportunities will always exist for burglaries and break-ins. No home is absolutely burglar-proof, or even fire-proof. But there are measures you can take to protect your family and your valuables.

Whether you are going on an extended vacation or simply leaving your home unattended for a couple of hours, do so with peace of mind by taking the following precautions.

Be aware

In about the time it takes to read this sentence, someone can burglarize your home. Be aware that break-ins can happen anywhere, anytime. Don’t wait until it happens to you or your next door neighbour.

Install an alarm system

Research has shown that homes with some form of alarm system are 15 times less likely to be broken into. In addition, homeowners with alarm systems can often get security-related discounts on their home insurance premiums.

It is important to understand what these systems can and can’t do. They work best when other precautions to prevent break-ins are taken, as even the most sophisticated electronic system can give false alarms, by by-passed by an expert or be worthless if they aren’t activated.

Check out a number of systems to determine which is best-suited for your home -one that protects boundaries, one that detects motion, one that is monitored centrally or hooked up to a police switchboard, or one that offers a combination of these features. Most homeowners should aim for a system that doesn’t necessarily catch the burglar in the act, but helps prevent major losses and damage and is easy to maintain.

Think like a burglar

Occupied homes are rarely ransacked. Burglars often stake out homes before they break in and avoid homes that look occupied all the time, prominently display alarm system decals or where occupants come and go at unpredictable times.

Your average burglar will target homes with windows and doors that are easy to break or enter, especially if they are camouflaged by overgrown shrubbery, high hedges, other landscaping or low lighting. Most will try to ensure no one is home before they enter. The true professional is the best equipped, least common and tends to hit only very expensive homes in affluent areas. This burglar is a pro at disabling alarm systems and breaking in whether the home is occupied or not. Fast and efficient, this thief does minimum damage and concentrates on lightweight objects of value.

Take these precautions:

Make your home look occupied at all times. Put lights, a radio and the television on timers.
If you are away for more than a day, arrange for someone to pick up your mail, clean the snow or cut the lawn. Ask a friend or neighbour to park their car in your driveway.
When you leave for an extended period, have someone re-set the times in your home periodically so that they activate at different times.
If you use a telephone answering machine or service, never reveal your name, whereabouts or any other personal information on the recorded message. Say simply that you can’t come to the phone right now.
Trim any shrubs or bushes near windows and doors. These may increase your privacy, but they make ideal hiding places for burglars. se outdoor sensor lights to illuminate the property and any possible hiding places.
Secure all exterior doors and windows. A burglar can kick in a weak door. Locks should be good quality deadbolts. All windows should have some form of anti-slide lock, especially if they are located near ground level.
Do not leave any ladders outside and ensure that any stored in the garage cannot be accessed by burglars. Keep your garage door locked.
Put some signs on windows and doors warning of a guard dog, high voltage, alarm system, no large amounts of cash or valuables inside. These warnings don’t have to be true. The idea is to get the burglar to reconsider the risk.
Remove any large, decorative outdoor signs with your family name on them. These invite burglars to look up your telephone number and see if you are home.
Keep large amounts of cash and jewelry in a safety deposit box at a bank. Don’t hide these in your home, thinking a burglar will never guess the spot. Never underestimate a burglar.
Make your valuables harder for thieves to sell and easier for police to find by engraving all your valuables with some sort of code or identification.

June 5, 2020/0 Comments/by Bryan

Home Improvement, Home Security, Real Estate

Your Credit Report is Determined By Your Banker

You may think you have a marvelous credit report, be cautious of the mistake factor. Just as you receive mail with your name and address misspelled, your credit report can have errors just like anything else. Whether it is someone’s typing over site, out of date info or even mistaken identity, errors go on more regularly than we all can imagine.

According to the FTC, both the credit reporting agency and the establishment that provided the information to the credit reporting agency have duties for correcting wrong or incomplete information in your credit report.

While checking your credit report, if you locate incorrect information on your credit report, without hesitation notify the CRA in writing directly:

1. Tell the Credit reporting agency what information you believe is incorrect on your credit file. Send copies, never originals of documents that support your position.

2. Be sure to providing your entire name and address, your letter should clearly describe each entry in your credit report that you question. Tell the facts and why you are challenging the information. Sending a copy of your credit report with the items that are not correct highlighted can be help full.

3. Although you may imagine your grounds for writing is self explanatory, be certain to ask that the over site be fixed.

4. Send off your correspondence by certified mail, return receipt requested so you can document when the credit reporting agency received your letter. Be sure your letter is dated, and never forget to keep copies of everything you send.

Credit reporting agency must look into the item(s) in question, generally within 30 days unless they assume your dispute is trivial. They also must send on all relevant data you send them to the company that gave them the information for your credit report.

After the establishment receives notification of a dispute from the credit Bureau, it must review and go over all relevant information rendered and report the final result back to the credit reporting agency.

If the company finds the disputed information to be wrong, it must advise all nationwide credit reporting agency so that they can change this information in your credit file.

Disputed information that just can’t be affirmed must be erased from your credit file.

Inaccurate information must be fixed by the credit reporting agency.

Incomplete information must be corrected by the credit bureau.

Any item that belong only to another person must be erased by the CRA.

NOTE: Credit repair can be long and unexciting, the significance of being well-informed of your rights can’t be emphasized enough so be sure you take time to digest this information.

Many home buyers assume that “mortgage companies” are banks that lend their own money. In fact, that is not always the case; you may find that the company is a mortgage broker, a lending institution or a bank.

A banker is a direct lender; it lends you its own money or the money of people who have deposited into the bank, although it often sells the loan to the secondary market. If you walk into you local bank and talk to the loans officer or Mortgage Specialist, they’ll be loaning the banks money and working to create a profit from the loan.

A mortgage broker is a middleman; he does the loan shopping and analysis for the borrower and puts the lender and borrower together. Many of the lenders through which the broker finds loans do not deal directly with the public (hence the expression, “wholesale lender”). However, they will also shop the banks as well to find the best rate.

A bank can give you direct loan approval, whereas a broker gives you information second-hand. However, many banks are limited in what they can offer, which is essentially their own product. You’ll also find you need to do the leg work to find the best rate. You will need to apply at multiple banks and be approved by several, bringing offers back and forth to get the best interest and terms. In addition, if you present your loan application in a poor light, you’ve already made a bad impression.

A mortgage broker charges a fee for his service, however they rarely charge you the borrower, it is usually the lender who pays the fees and therefore the service is free to you. Mortgage brokers have access to a wide variety of loan programs. He also may have knowledge of how to present your loan application to different lenders for approval. As a borrower it is wise to have both a mortgage broker and a banker on your team.

Only you can answer what is the best choice for yourself. If you have a good relationship with your bank and the mortgage specialist you may not need the services of a broker. However, if you do not, then using a broker to shop for the best mortgage for you could save you thousands of dollars without cost a cent upfront.

June 4, 2020/0 Comments/by Bryan

Blog, Home Security, Interior Design, Real Estate

Plan for Interior Design Remodeling For Energy Efficient Home Renovation Projects

One of the most satisfying projects one can undertake is interior design remodeling. We all like to be masters of our living space whether at home or at the office and designing your space is a great way to flex control and creativity. While designing may seem easy, the actual steps involved can be a little involved. It all boils down to planning.

While hiring a professional interior designers is a choice for many, there are many more who decide to take on the project themselves. While there are many benefits to a professional, those who choose to do it themselves swear that the flexibility and control over all aspects of the project more then makes up for the added work.

What many fail to realize is the amount of planning that actually goes into each design session. An accurate floor plan is the backbone to any interior designing project. You need to place all windows, doors, outlets and anything else that can either be in the way or that should not be blocked.

A tape measure is the best tool along with paper and, of course a pencil. You will want to jot down the proper location of electrical outlets, phone jacks, windows, doors, and what you want to use as walk ways. You might think that you know where these things are you will still do well to put it down on paper. This will limit the mistakes possible.

Of course, a professional will undertake the measurements on their own. While you may think that you will be able to remember certain measurements, take nothing by chance. You may even want someone to go behind you to double check the measurements you took. While you may think it will hurt your pride you will be grateful for that extra set of eyes if a mistake was actually made.

Once you have an accurate blue print of the floor space you may want to make copies. This will save time should you make any mistakes. Instead of drawing up another plan you can just grab another copy. Another helpful tip is to use movable furniture templates that you can easily move around in order to see all the possibilities available.

Now comes the fun part, the realization of your ideas. Brainstorming ideas, shopping for items, and recreating your living space into something new, unique, and fresh will surely make all that planning worth your while. Inspiration can come from the internet, design shows, and magazines, an abundant source for those not using professionals.

Bring your blueprint with you along with your tape measure as you shop. The blue print will keep your inspiration in perspective. So you might be tempted to go with that grand piano, you might not actually have room for it and you will be able to tell that by checking your blue print.

While redesigning your space is fun it does take a certain amount of planning. Short cuts can not be made when coming up with your blue print so take care and take time as you map it all out. Interior design remodeling is perfect for home owners and office workers just make sure to take the time, effort, and care to do it properly.

In this age of environmental protection and green living, many people find themselves faced with home renovation projects which can help reduce their environmental impact. These are excellent things to do and, apart from potential tax breaks now, can reward you over the years. Most people choose to renovate homes they have planned to stay in for many decades, since the costs will eventually pay for themselves. However, there are little things that even renters can do to help.

One common, though initially expensive, procedure is to install solar energy and thermal panels on your roof. These are costly to make and install, and therefore costly for the consumer. This is definitely something for a long-term abode because they will reduce your heating and electricity bills enough to pay for themselves over the years.

They take heat and energy from the sun and convert it into heat and energy for your house. It makes the consumer far less reliant on fuel and regular electricity. They require little-to-no maintenance and can barely be noticed on your roof. You can get huge tax credits for installing something so good for the environment.

One can also put in energy-efficient insulation. Most people put in fiberglass insulation which is both good and bad. It is good because it keeps a house very warm and therefore does not require as much energy or fuel to heat. The bad component is that fiberglass is not biodegradable. Many houses that have been demolished or repaired cause insulation to be thrown away. It has a very negative impact on the environment it ends up in.

A smarter option would be to research what other products are available in your area. Mineral wool, for example, is a natural product made of minerals that conducts heat extremely well. The downside is that it does not protect as well against fires. There are countless options you can use. Ask your contractor or do your own research to figure out what might work best for you.

Pellet stoves are great for green living. They use wood pellets instead of actual logs and can get just as much heat out of far less wood. This not only keeps more trees living, but it allows people to use less heat. This is another device which can get you a tax write-off. It is not wasteful, either. Modern pellet stoves come with sensors so they can automatically shut off or turn on when certain temperatures are reached. In this way, no heat is wasted.

Wind turbines are huge structures which harness the power of the wind, just as windmills did. Only wind turbines feed their power to homes and businesses. Keep an eye out for turbines in your area. They are still to large and costly to be logical options for each individual home, but scientists are working on making their benefits reach every person.

There are also small things you can do to conserve your own energy. Use energy efficient lighting. Make sure that all windows and doors are draught-proofed so you do not lose heat. Create a good recycling center in your home to make separation of recyclables easier. Have timers on your appliances so they can be sure to be turned off every morning, in the event that you forget when you are running late to work.

June 3, 2020/0 Comments/by Bryan

Blog, Green Energy, Home Security, Interior Design, Real Estate

Energy Efficient Home Renovation Projects