Choosing A Plumbing Expert

[ad_1] Whether you're looking to sell your home or just want to spruce it up a bit, there are times in every remodeling project when you need to call in the experts. In the case of some kitchen and bathroom jobs, this means hiring a plumber. Getting the right person for the job can be a bit difficult, but knowing what to ask for can make the process considerably easier on both your nerves, and your wallet. First, look at the overall job, and figure out exactly what you need the professional to do. Then, check with friends, family members, co-workers to see who had a similar task to complete, and which plumbing company they chose to handle it. If that doesn't work, you can always check the local phone book and call around until you find one to your liking. Once you find a company or individual that meets your needs, have them quote you a price, to make sure it's within your budget. If you have a specific set of instructions, such as brands you'd prefer to use or colors you want, provide that information along with details on where you found the items. Also, make sure that if they have to remove any existing items, such as sinks or toilets that cost is included in the estimate they provide. For a large project, such as a complete bathroom renovation, you might want think about paying for the plumbing fixtures (bathtubs, sinks, etc), and have the company provide things like the piping, to keep costs reasonable. If the estimate is acceptable, there are a few more things to check out before the work begins. Find out how long the person or company has been in the plumbing business, and are they licensed and insured. Ask if they have any references that you can speak to regarding their work; if so, find out if the previous customers were happy with the job done, were there any problems and how were they resolved and would they use this person or company again. Also, make sure that the company you hire can provide someone to come out with little notice, in the event of an emergency. Most professionals should have a 24-hour emergency service of some sort available. Finally, after everything has been checked out, draw up a contract that specifies what they are to do, how much it will cost, the types/brands of materials they will use during the project, when the work will begin and an estimated finish date. [ad_2] Source by Andrew Stratton https://4awesome.streamstorecloud.com/choosing-a-plumbing-expert/?feed_id=37518&_unique_id=6491b8da86f25

The Importance of Regular Home Improvement

[ad_1] Home improvement, by definition, is making changes to one's home by making improvements on the house's looks. Home improvement is usually done by professional contractors, handymen, and even the house owner himself. Home improvement is important because real estate's value appreciates more if a property is well-maintained. Home improvement is seen by many as unnecessary cost. However, losing value of a real estate is usually caused by neglect in a property's maintenance. Therefore, in the long run, regular maintenance is crucial for the property's value to appreciate. Regular home improvement jobs and renovations will surely make your current living conditions more favorable. People do not easily notice that some areas of the house need improvement. In the long run, regular maintenance will reduce the serious structural damages to your property. It is also important to note that there are different maintenance schedules for different areas of your house. For instance, plumbing should be checked monthly. Ovens, heating systems, smoke detectors, and the like should also be checked monthly to prevent unfortunate disasters. The garden area should be maintained regularly and should undergo rigorous maintenance every four months. This is to prevent insects and termites infestation which can cause significant damage in infrastructure. The landscape of a house should also be in good appearance to help preserve your property's value. Refrigerators should be checked every three to four months. Check for faulty or loose wiring and avoid energy overload. The roof, on the other hand, should be checked at least every six months. Check for shingles and leaks and take care of them right away. Watch out for blocked gutters as this can lead rainwater to go inside your house. If your house is made mainly of wood, have a regular termite exterminator team visit your house. Aside from these standard areas in the house that need improvement, remodeling or renovating is also a good idea. It can also add value to real estate. Remodeling can be as simple as changing the paint color in your living room or laying a different color of carpet in your bedroom. Something this simple can make significant changes in your house's ambience. Renovating can be as major as tearing down the common wall of two rooms to make them one big room. Tearing down walls creates a bigger space which can be used for many purposes. Additional extensions can also be done. Additional space that can be used as garage space is useful. Home improvement tasks that require massive construction should be done by professional contractors. Make a list on what you want changed inside your homes and consult with a team of contractors. This way, you will have an idea on the costs that will be incurred as well as the extent of the repairs and improvements you can do. Home improvement is important because essentially, it is considered taking care of your home. Aside from the additional value it gives your property, preventive maintenance and remodeling is always good to decrease future damages in your property. [ad_2] Source by Jaxson Smith https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/the-importance-of-regular-home-improvement/?feed_id=37123&_unique_id=64727400d1584

A Few Home Inspection Plumbing Basics

[ad_1] When a home inspector inspects a home, plumbing is one of the critical systems he examines for his report to you. Naturally, one of the first things he will do is to check faucets and fixtures, looking for leaks. According to the American Water Works Association, almost 15 percent of all the water used in a typical household is wasted through plumbing leaks, leaky faucets and wasted water. Finding and fixing leaks will save money on water and energy bills. Furthermore, water damage to floors and the foundation is all too common and must be dealt with to prevent further problems. Also, though it sounds silly and unnecessary at first, your home inspector will make sure cold water comes from the right side and hot water from the left when faucets are turned on. That's the conventional standard. You wouldn't want anyone to be surprised by getting scalded in the shower because they thought they were turning on the cold water. Your inspector will check the type and condition of water pipes, which are usually made of copper, brass, or galvanized steel. Copper is the most desirable material, with brass next, and galvanized steel the least desirable. Copper is best for water distribution piping. It lasts the longest and is usually trouble free. As for brass pipes, mineral content in the water affects their durability. White mineral deposits on brass pipes means there are pinhole leaks. This shows the pipes are deteriorating and may need replaced at some point in the future. Galvanized steel pipes corrode on the inside which constricts water flow. It's like trying to merge three lanes of highway traffic into two or even one. When these pipes are in poor condition, using more than one water fixture at a time causes problems. For example, if someone is taking a shower, avoid flushing the toilet, using the dishwasher or the washing machine because the shower will either become very hot or cold. When you're purchasing a home, your inspector should tell you what material the plumbing pipes are made of and what condition they're in. Replacing water distribution piping is quite costly, should it be necessary. Your inspector should also let you know about the water supply pipe that brings water into the home. Again, copper is the best material because, if the pipe is made of galvanized steel, it could have the same corrosion problem noted above. If this pipe is made from lead, excessive amounts of lead may be leaching into the water, which poses a health hazard. The best solution is to replace this pipe. However, this costs thousands of dollars. If contaminants such as lead are coming into the home's water supply, consider adding a water filtration system where water enters the building. Also consider adding a water treatment system in the kitchen where water is used for drinking and cooking. The water heater is another important item your inspector will check. If it's a gas water heater, it must be installed properly and allow for good ventilation. A metal flue pipe must let toxic gases flow up and out of the home through a chimney. Improper ventilation will result in accumulation of toxic and deadly carbon monoxide. If the flue pipe slopes downward it should be repaired and replaced. Heat from the water heater's gas combustion must rise upward, as it is meant to do. These are just some of the plumbing issues your home inspector's report will address. A home's plumbing is one of the most important areas in need of attention before a home is purchased or sold. Spotting and taking care of problems now will keep many problems in the future at bay. [ad_2] Source by David Haigh https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/a-few-home-inspection-plumbing-basics/?feed_id=36948&_unique_id=6466dfcf52ab4