4 Tips for Building Your Own Home

Written By: Lisa Thomas

Building your own home is exciting. You can design and create your forever home and turn it into a dream come true. Everything can be customized to your preferences and needs, but this process can be quite stressful. There are a lot of tasks, big and small, to complete before you even start building your house. You have to find a lot of professionals to help you build your home, and all that costs time and money. So, before you start, here are a few tips. 

Make a Plan

This is the most important step - creating a plan. Planning is more than just blueprints and development applications. It is also about setting a realistic time frame, planning your budget, planning the work to be done and in what order, finding contractors and so much more. Also, you have to plan the actual physical orientation of your home. Don’t wait until the last possible minute for all this. Rather, start making the plan ahead and it will help you plan all the necessary steps. Start with an outline, and slowly start adding important steps and details. Also, leave some room for adjustments for each step of the plan, because building your house is fun but it can unpredictable. 

Do the Research

Thorough research should be part of your plan, too. To create a plan you have to find all the prices, contractors, and other vital information. Start with researching where you want to build a house and check out properties in detail before you buy one. Also, look into house price trends, learn about local development processes, research contractors, materials, and so on. 

Also, you research the weather in your area, because this will affect the materials and timeframe of building the house. You can also look into insulation and why you might need it. You can easily get quotes and talk to professionals about why and how to insulate a basement or attic because these can be quite vital. 

Don’t forget that getting quotes for all types of contractors is essential. With quotes, you can easily start planning the budget and how much time you will have to wait for the house to be completed. 

Pick the Right Builder

Once the plan is in place, it’s time to choose your builder. This is a person who will be responsible for creating your home, so pick wisely. The process of choosing the right builder will depend on a number of factors:

• The home design you want

• The area you are building in

• Budget

• Service expectations

When looking for a builder, pay attention to their reputation and even ask around what people think of them. You can look at their portfolio to see if their skills match your needs, read online reviews, and check their licensing and accreditation. 

Be Realistic about the Budget

Before you start this big project, you have to know your budget. By knowing how much you can spend on building a house, there is no room for unpleasant surprises. You should also leave room in your budget for approval fees, stamp duty, planning and approval fees, settlement fees, and many other similar costs. So, when planning a budget, it is always better to have a little extra than to lack funds. 

One thing is for sure - choosing a builder will affect your budget. You want a builder that is transparent with their prices because you don’t want to finish the project and find out it is way over budget. 

There is a lot to cover when building your house. It is a fun project, but you will have to make a lot of decisions. So, make a plan, define the budget, get plenty of quotes from professionals and good luck. 

Trucker’s Guide To Preparing The Home For Extended Trips

Written by: Jordan Harris

Truck drivers are usually on the road for days or weeks at a time, sometimes even months, causing them to leave their homes unattended. Preparing your home for these long trips is vital. Having a plan for home maintenance in its various forms becomes necessary. As the old saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

1. Get A Home Inspection

If you are purchasing a new home shortly before your extended trip, you may consider getting your home inspected to protect yourself against any existing or new potential issues that may occur while you're away. A home inspector can inform you what costly repairs may come up in the future and what you should prioritize now. If you’re just getting started, you may already have some loans out, such as if you needed to purchase a truck. Pre-existing loans might make it more difficult to take out future loans to help cover any necessary costs unearthed during your home inspection. However, you can opt to refinance your existing mortgage and choose a cash-out option. This will allow you to get a lump sum of cash that will be added into your current mortgage payment. If your credit isn’t perfectly strong,an FHA loan refinance may be the best option for you. Otherwise, a low-interest personal loan can help cover necessary repairs.

2. Prevent water damage

Water damage can be caused by plumbing issues, flooding, and leaks in your house. It’s one of those problems that you might not see until it’s too late and extensive damage has been done. With this in mind, it’s important to find the potential for water damage in your home and address it accordingly before it occurs.

●     Make sure the gutters are clean and drained properly. Check your roof for any missing shingles, cracks, and damages.

●     Check bathtubs, showers, and sinks for leaks. Seal and replace as necessary.

●     Weatherize the exterior of the home by sealing gaps in windows, doors or other openings.

●     Adjust landscape grading to ensure that water will flow away from the house. In the event of heavy rains, foundation or siding can be damaged.

●     Check for leaks and ensure sealants on the water heater are in good shape. Turn off the electric or gas supply to the heater and drain the unit if the house will be subjected to sub-freezing temperatures. Not doing so could cause hydrogen sulfide to build up in the water causing an unpleasant smell.

3. Check Your HVAC system.

Ensure the HVAC unit is in good working order and air filters don’t need to be replaced, especially if you plan on leaving it on while you are away. Make sure that the condensation drains are clear and functioning properly, and turn down the thermostat to 50 or 60 degrees. This will reduce energy consumption and ensure that the pipes don’t freeze.

4. Arrange for a House Sitter

On shorter trips, most people ask a friend or a neighbor to do simple things like take out the trash, check the mail or mow the lawn. Because truckers are usually gone for a longer period of time, it may be beneficial to hire a house sitter.  Here are some tasks you can assign your house sitter while you are away:

●     Give your house sitter the names and numbers of service and municipal companies, and if comfortable, the names of family members or friends in the event of an emergency.

●     Check and monitor the security system.

●     Park a car in the driveway.

●     If water is on, flush toilets regularly. Not doing so may allow sewer gas to enter the home.

5. Prep the kitchen

So much activity occurs in our kitchens on a daily basis that it can be easy to let certain things go under the radar when preparing for a long trip. Besides checking for leaks in the pipes under the sink or in the washing machine, there are a few other things to be aware of before you leave.

●     Remove all perishables from your refrigerator, especially things that could smell when you return. Doing so will avoid attracting pests like rodents or cockroaches. Determine if you want to leave the unit plugged or unplugged. Either way, consider adding odor absorbers like baking soda or charcoal to your refrigerator.

●     Freshen up your garbage disposal. You can do this by dropping ice cubes in and running the disposal. This will remove rust that may have accumulated from low or no usage and keep the impellers running without hindrance. You could also pour a mixture of vinegar and water into the chamber to combat odors.

●     Take out the garbage and clean the trash can. Food that may not have made it into the trash can and ended up in other places will attract bugs and other pests. Giving the kitchen trash can a good scrubbing will prevent this as well as unpleasant odors from occuring when you’re gone.

Embarking on a career as a truck driver can be exciting if you enjoy being on the road for long periods of time and sightseeing. Detroit Training Center offers programs that will help you obtain the proper CDL. As with any trip it is important to make sure that not only you are prepared but your home is prepared as well. Hopefully these tips will give you an idea of what you need to do before leaving and while you’re gone.

The Importance of Filtration in Air-Conditioning System

The Importance of Filtration in Air-Conditioning System   

Via DelAir.com

Whether in residential or commercial establishments, the comfort and safety of everyone within the premises is your main priority. Installing air conditioning systems provides quality air and significantly reduces a room's humidity. An establishment with high humidity can lead to dust mites, mold, heatstroke, and dehydration.    

Regardless, if you already have air conditioning systems installed in your building, you need proper maintenance to ensure continued functionality and prevent respiratory diseases such as allergies. Installing access panel allows professional ac technicians to regularly check your AC whenever you notice any noticeable changes, such as temperature changes or unusual rattling coming from the device.    

However, even if you don't notice any changes in your air conditioning system, you should still regularly change the air filters to improve air quality.   

What are Air Filters?   

An air filter is a material that filters particles from the air. As with any filter, experts manufacture air filters with a porous structure through which large and coarse harmful particles cannot pass through. These filters do not let harmful allergens and pollutants enter your establishment. For this reason, air filters significantly affect your health and well-being.   

AC filters are mostly made of a fine fiberglass thread, spun on a frame or from fine paper wrapped on a cardboard frame. Here are some of the particles which an air conditioner filter can help protect you against:   

• Pollen   

• Mold   

• Pollutants present in the outdoor air   

• Dust   

• Fur from pets   

• Dead skin    

Importance of Regularly Changing AC Air Filters?   

We know that air filters trap dangerous particles & allergens from the air and provide fresh and clean air to travel into the establishment. Over time, these hazardous pollutant particles can gather within the filters and reduce the total volume of air passing through the air filters. Less air traveling through your AC's air filters means that you would have to turn your air conditioner's fan settings higher than the regular to achieve the same effect, and in some cases, even that might not work.   

This results in higher energy costs at the end of the month and degraded air conditioner efficiency, which you don't want. Clogged air conditioner filters can raise energy bills to 15% higher than usual. According to experts, replacing dirty filters can reduce energy consumption by 5% to 10%.   

Another disadvantage of clogged AC air filters is the recontamination of harmful particles into the air. Because of the large number of contaminants gathered in the air filter, when an air conditioner reverses airflow, some pollutants will probably make their way back into the air, resulting in even dirtier air than before.   

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Filter   

Regularly cleaning your air filters is a must, but how often you should clean them will depend on how long and much you use your air conditioners. It is best to clean air filters every two weeks, around 200-250 hours of use & get them replaced every 3-4 months. Changing air filters is crucial before the start of the hot seasons.   

Different Types of Air Filters   

Fiberglass Air Filters   

Perhaps the most common type, these filters are designed for single use only. Manufacturers create this by spreading the fiberglass fibers over a cardboard or metal frame. This fiberglass acts as a barrier to hazardous particles. According to MERV ratings, this type of air filter is on the lower end of the options, but it's a popular option among establishments and homeowners due to the low cost.   

Pleated Air Filters   

Similarly, with fiberglass filters, pleated filters utilize polyester or other cloth material to function as filters. They are usually much more capable of blocking dust flow into a room.   

The polyester cloth is set in an accordion shape, giving them a much larger surface area than flat filters. The larger surface area presents less resistance to airflow and makes for longer-lasting filters.   

Washable or Reusable Air Filters   

Manufacturers create washable filters out of cloth that can be washed and used again. These are relatively cheap filters, and experts designed these for low-intensity use. This is due to their MERV rating of 1-4, which doesn't make them suitable for high pollutant environments.   

Proper care while washing air filters is necessary, so they do not get damaged easily. It would help if you dried them before using them thoroughly, or mold and fungi can quickly grow on them.   

How to Change and Clean Air Filters   

Dirty AC filters significantly cause air conditioners not to heat or cool properly. If this is the current situation of your air conditioner, check the air filters out first, and have them cleaned or changed.   

First, you must conduct a visual inspection. Open your air conditioner and locate the filter. Hold the filter against a light source. It is still in good condition if you can see through the filter. If not, you must schedule a replacement or cleaning.   

AC filters for ducted systems are placed outside furnace units and can be quickly removed by unclipping and pulling the air filters out of their holders. Technicians install air filters within the indoor unit for ductless systems; you can easily take them out by removing them.   

You can clean air filters with a gentle blow with an air hose or a vacuum cleaner. You can wash washable air conditioner filters with running water, but dry them thoroughly before inserting them inside the AC.   

To get the best quality out of your purchase, you can consult an AC technician to know what type of air filter is suitable for your Air conditioner. At the same time, you can also ask for tips on how to use your AC efficiently to reduce the amount of maintenance and filter replacements or cleaning.    

Conclusion   

Air filters are not just a tiny part of an air conditioner. It is one of the most critical materials for providing healthy and fresh air. But, after prolonged use, you must either replace or clean your air filters to avoid spreading polluted air throughout your establishment or home. Doing so can prevent discomfort during the dry or humid season and eliminate the instances of contracting unwanted respiratory diseases.  

Written BY: REYLORD Ayop

How To Choose The Right Type Of Excavator For Your Project

Do you need to hire an excavator for a construction project? If so, it's important to choose the right type of excavator for the job. There are many different types of excavators available on the market, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of excavators and help you choose the right one for your project!

1. Crawler Excavator

A crawler excavator is a type of excavator that is mounted on an undercarriage with crawler tracks. This type of excavator is typically used in construction projects where the ground is too soft or unstable to support the weight of a wheeled excavator.

Crawler excavators are also often used in mining applications because they can maneuver easily around obstacles and rough terrain. You can also read more here and get to know more about this type of excavator and its uses. Many different manufacturers produce crawler excavators, and each one offers a different set of features and options. When choosing a crawler excavator, it's important to consider the specific needs of your project. For example, if you need an excavator that can operate in tight spaces, you will want to choose one with a compact design.

2. Long Reach Excavator

A long-reach excavator is perfect for projects that require extra reach and digging depth. If you're working on a construction site with limited space, a long-reach excavator can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. When choosing a long-reach excavator, it's important to consider the type of project you're working on. If you need extra reach for demolition or excavation, a long-reach excavator is a perfect choice. If you're looking for an excavator with more digging power, a standard or compact excavator would be a better option. Also, be sure to check the weight and size of the excavator before making your final decision.

3. Wheeled Excavator

A wheeled excavator is a type of excavator that is mounted on a set of wheels instead of crawler tracks. Wheeled excavators are typically used in construction projects where the ground is firm and stable. This type of excavator is also often used in agricultural applications because it can maneuver easily around obstacles. When choosing a wheeled excavator, it's important to consider the specific needs of your project.

For example, if you need an excavator that can operate in tight spaces, you will want to choose one with a compact design. Many different manufacturers produce wheeled excavators, and each one offers a different set of features and options.

4. Backhoe Excavator

A backhoe excavator is one of the most versatile machines on a construction site. It can be used for digging trenches, excavating foundations, and loading trucks with debris. If you're working on a large construction project, a backhoe excavator is an essential piece of equipment. Here's what you need to know about choosing the right backhoe excavator for your project. There are three main types of backhoe excavators: wheeled, tracked, and crawler.

Wheeled models are the most common type of backhoe excavator. They're easy to maneuver and have good traction on paved surfaces. Tracked models are more powerful than wheeled models and can handle rougher terrain. Crawler models are the most powerful type of backhoe excavator and are designed for use on very rough terrain.

5. Hydraulic Shovels

Hydraulic shovels are the most common type of excavator. They are used in a variety of applications, including construction, mining, and forestry. Hydraulic shovels have a bucket that is attached to a boom using a hydraulic cylinder. The bucket is operated by a joystick that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the cylinder. There are two main types of hydraulic shovels: wheeled and tracked. Wheeled hydraulic shovels are typically used in construction applications, while tracked hydraulic shovels are typically used in mining applications. Both types of hydraulic shovels have their advantages and disadvantages.

6. Demolition Excavator

A demolition excavator is a type of excavator that is specifically designed for the demolition industry. This type of excavator has several features that make it ideal for demolishing buildings and other structures.  One of the most important features of a demolition excavator is its ability to generate a lot of torque. This is necessary to break through concrete and other materials that are often used in construction projects.  Another feature that makes demolition excavators different from other types of excavators is their ability to operate at high speeds. This is necessary to quickly remove debris from a building or structure that is being demolished. Moreover, if you are looking for a company that offers a wide range of heavy demolition services, look no further than Bella Contracting Services where our experienced team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to efficiently and safely handle heavy demo projects of any scale

As we saw, many different types of excavators are available on the market. Each type of excavator has its own specific set of features and benefits. When choosing an excavator for your project, it's important to consider the specific needs of your project to choose the right type of excavator. Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful.

Simple DIY Brick Repair Tips

Written By: Jordan Harris

Historically, bricks have been considered a durable and reliable building material. They’re generally resistant to pests like termites, ants, and squirrels, and don’t succumb to rot. This, however, doesn’t prevent them from becoming cracked or damaged. Assessing any damage and repairing affected bricks or mortar are both relatively easy with the right know-how. Keep reading for some tips to complete your own brickwork repairs. 

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

The causes for cracking in bricks range from something as simple as age or could reflect a foundational or structural issue caused by movement, soil erosion or weather damage. You’ll first want to take a close look at the area in question to see if you can find a suitable, cost-effective solution or if you need to hire a professional. Two of the most common solutions that you can do yourself to repair cracked or broken bricks are mortar repair or brick replacement. 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Eye Protection

• Leather or Nitrile Work Gloves

• Plastic Buckets

• Sponges

• Shop Vacuum

• Pointer Tool

• Jointer Tool

• Matching Bricks

• Mortar Mix

• Mason’s Hammer

• Chisel

BRICK REPLACEMENT

Before you begin, study the area you’ll be working on and take note of the joints between the bricks. In order to replicate their color and shape, you may need special masonry tools. Using a hammer and chisel, break the damaged brick into manageable pieces and remove them. 

Chisel out the old mortar and use a shop vacuum and brush to clear the opening of any dust or debris. Using one of the buckets, mix fresh mortar with water until it reaches an oatmeal-like consistency. 

After that, you can use a pointer or masonry trowel to spread the mortar on the bottom and sides of the opening. Moisten the replacement brick and spread mortar on its top and sides, then insert the brick into the opening, making sure that it’s flush with the other bricks in the wall and the joints are full to the face. Add more mortar if necessary. 

Using the jointer tool, adjust the joints so that they match the others on the wall. Once it’s close to dry, brush away any leftover mortar from the face of the bricks. Be careful not to disturb the joints that were already tooled.

Lastly, keep the new repair moist by spraying it with water over the course of three days. Cover the area with a plastic sheet if needed in order to help the repair retain moisture. This will allow the mortar to cure and harden correctly.

MORTAR REPAIR

The first few steps to mortar repair are similar to brick replacement. However, instead of clearing out the openings, you’re clearing out the joints of old mortar. This step may require more than a hammer and chisel as mortar rarely comes out easily. In this case, you can also use a rotary hammer and a tuck-point grinder on the vertical and horizontal joints, respectively.

When mixing the fresh mortar you’ll want to make sure that color is consistent with the mortar on the wall. You may need to experiment with this in order to get the right match.

Once this is done you can fill the joints with new mortar using a pointer tool. Depending on the size of the joints, you may need different pointer tools for this. As with brick replacement, you’ll want to make sure that the joints are filled to the face of the brick wall to prevent water and other elements from getting in and causing damage.

In order to make simple repairs for cracks in the bricks themselves, wait until after the joints are repaired and then try to find a dyed mortar that matches the lightest colored brick or the majority of the bricks on the wall. Once the crack is filled, use a trowel to spread out the excess mortar.

WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL 

If you’re working with a load-bearing brick wall, great care should be taken to avoid serious accidents or injuries. Minor repairs to a few bricks or patches with mortar can be made, but any project that requires you to work higher up on a wall or with a chimney is better left to a professional masonry contractor. 

If you’re worried about the affordability of hiring a professional, or your home improvement budget needs to be allocated elsewhere, a fixed rate HELOC can provide you with the necessary funds for any structural or foundational changes your house needs. Borrowed against your home’s equity, you can take out as much or as little money as the project requires. Because making a mistake in brickwork will be highly noticeable and potentially difficult to fix, it may be best to opt-out of DIY and leave things to a professional.

CONCLUSION

Working with bricks can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Luckily, with minor cracks and damage to mortar, there are relatively easy fixes. These tips should help you get started in making simple repairs to cracks, bricks, and mortar, but remember to take care when working with older homes and contact a professional as needed. 

Hidden Health Risks During DIYs by Stacy G.

Could Asbestos Be Hiding in Your Home?

As you sit watching your favorite television show or dream up your next big home improvement project, have you ever wondered if there are toxic health dangers hiding in your home? Probably not, but if you are planning on doing a little renovation work or a home remodeling project on your own, it is important to know the dangers of asbestos exposure before you get started.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals made up of thin, microscopic fibers. Asbestos offers heat and chemical resistance, fireproofing, and strength. Because of these qualities, it was a popular additive to a variety of products before its dangers became known. Individuals exposed to asbestos face health risks including cancer and other illnesses.

Asbestos is found in naturally occurring deposits around the world. Its deposits are located across the United States, mainly in the western U.S. and eastern coastal states. Although asbestos mining was prominent throughout the mid to late 1900s, its use in new products was ultimately banned by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1989. This is an important time frame to note if you are working around materials that may have been in place before then.

Where is Asbestos Typically Found?

Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance, asbestos was used in a variety of building construction materials for its fire retardancy and insulation capabilities. Asbestos has also been used in a wide range of manufactured goods—mostly in building materials—such as floor and ceiling tiles, paper products, asbestos cement products, heat-resistant fabrics, gaskets, packaging, coats, and friction products (e.g. automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts).

Use caution when working around any of the following areas in your home:

●     Attic and wall insulation;

●     Siding and roofing shingles;

●     Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets;

●     Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring/adhesives;

●     Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings;

●     Hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket and/or tape; and

●     Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation.

Safety Precautions to Reduce Asbestos Exposure

No amount of asbestos is ever considered safe. Once it is disturbed, it becomes dangerous due to its ability to break down into microscopic fibers and become airborne. Asbestos fibers can linger for days, making them easy to breathe in. Once these fibers are inhaled, they can travel deep into a person’s lungs where they may eventually lodge in the lung tissue. Once it is in the lung tissue, asbestos fibers can cause several serious diseases, including various cancers. For example, peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. Unfortunately, mesothelioma cancers take a long time to show up in the system and someone may not receive a diagnosis until years after initial asbestos exposure. This is why it’s critical to take the necessary safety precautions when working with asbestos.

Always wear required protective clothing such as coveralls or similar full-body clothing, gloves, head coverings, and foot coverings when working near areas where asbestos may be present. Goggles, face shields, and other protective equipment are also necessary.

Follow these safety measures to reduce your risk of asbestos exposure:

●     Do have major repair and removal done by people trained and qualified in asbestos removal. It is highly recommended that sampling and even minor repairs still be handled by asbestos professionals.

●     Do take every precaution to avoid disrupting asbestos material.

●     Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.

●     Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.

●     Do not saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.

●     Do not brush or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos flooring needs to be replaced, install new floor covering over it.

●     Do not use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor.

●     Do not track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area—or if a large area must be cleaned—call an asbestos professional.

Hire a Professional

Unless it is labeled, you will not know whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. When starting a new home improvement or renovation project, treat the material as if it contains asbestos by following the above guidelines or contact an asbestos professional in your area to have it sampled and analyzed. Asbestos professionals are trained in handling asbestos material.

The type of professional will depend on the type of product and what needs to be done to correct the problem. You may hire a general asbestos contractor or, in some cases, an asbestos abatement professional trained to handle specific products and remove it for you. Abatement professionals are highly trained to follow federal and state laws. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires abatement specialists to receive thorough training and accreditation.

Certified asbestos professionals can conduct home inspections, take samples of suspected material, assess its condition, and advise what corrections are needed and who is qualified to make those corrections. A professional abatement contractor can then repair and/or properly remove asbestos materials.

Home improvement projects are a fun and rewarding investment, but it also comes with risks. Knowing the hazards before starting your next project ensures that you stay safe and healthy. As tempting as it may be to want to start right away, always ask yourself if you are sure the project is safe to tackle on your own or should you be calling a professional for help and guidance.

** If you are a contractor in Michigan and interested in becoming a certified and licensed asbestos abatement professional, Detroit Training Center can help you. You will receive the highest quality instruction with the most hands-on training for obtaining your certificate for licensing, along with the 8-hour refresher course that is required once a year to maintain licensure.

Additional Resorce: Asbestos.Com