Jul
31
Thinking of remodeling your basement? Here’s a list of 12 ideas that will get you started on your plans
1. Start with a plan in mind. Visit the bookstore or library and 
page through magazines to get ideas. It’s easier to work with a contractor when you have likes and desires in mind. Don’t ignore your dislikes – they can also help a contractor avoid things you don’t like.
2. Plan for your basement. Have you had water issues in the past? Don’t ignore them because they haven’t show up in a few years. Let your contractor no ahead of time to solve the problem before it happens again.
3. Decide what type of living space is most important. How will your family use the space? Is a game room the most important feature? Or would you prefer bedrooms and bath?
Jul
29
Aging In Place Design – A Checklist Before You Begin Your Remodel
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Are you thinking about remodeling your home, and using an aging in place design concept as your plan? Here’s a checklist to consider before you begin construction. Make sure you hire a quality remodeling contractor that has experience in designing age-in-place floor plans.
Overall Home Design
· Create a main living area, with access to all usable rooms on one level: kitchen, sleeping area and full bath
· Eliminate all steps within the main living area, and from the inside to outside area
Hallways
· Minimum of 36 inches wider, wider preferred
· Provide adequate lighting, both from above and at floor line for evening use
· Non-slip flooring, or carpet with low pile that allows wheelchair access
· Handrails, if appropriate
Jul
24
Rebuilding After The Fire
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Returning to a fire damaged home is a difficult thing to do. It’s hard to put aside the emotion of the moment, and visualize getting life 
back to normal.
But there are ways to rebuild your home safer, stronger, and more resilient to future fires.
Here are 7 ways to make your home safer from future fire damage.
1. Choose fire resistant roofing materials, such as Class-A asphalt shingles, slate or clay tile, metal or concrete products.
2. Build exterior walls from fire resistant materials such as stucco or masonry. Vinyl siding softens and melts during intense heat from a fire.
Jul
23
For many people, as they move from one phase of their lives to another, they choose buying a new home that fits more with their routine. Yet for others, moving isn’t the right option – they would much rather stay in the home and the community they are familiar with.
Aging doesn’t mean its time to move. Instead, consider home remodeling with seniors in 
mind.
In many areas, living space isn’t on one level. The bedrooms and baths are up a flight of stairs; the laundry and recreation areas are down another flight.
While there’s little you can do to eliminate the stairs in these situations, there are some remodeling techniques that can make you home more livable.
Front Walkway
As a home ages, the cement walkways and stairs can begin to wear and crumble. Consider replacing it with new walkways, and incorporate curves and ramps instead of stairs. Re-grade the front porch to make it more accessible.
Jul
17
Instead of moving to a new home, many Colorado residents are remodeling instead. If you like your neighborhood, love your home, but just need some updating or expansion, remodeling is the perfect choice.
Yet you’ve probably heard the horror stories that go along with remodeling. Contractors that take the money and don’t do the 
work. Contractors that quit before the work is complete. Less than quality workmanship. Where do you start looking to find a quality, reputable remodeling company?
Start by analyzing your needs, and deciding which home remodeling projects are best for your circumstance. In Remodeling Projects – Top 10 Project Paybacks we looked at the most profitable projects; projects that would give you the most return on your investment.
Jul
16
Mold is the last thing we ever expect to find 
in our homes. Is there a way to watch for it and catch it before it creates a lot of problems?
Here are 10 warning signs your home may have a mold problem.
1. Watch for pipe leaks. Every home has normal wear damage just from normal use. If your faucets start dripping, or you notice wet spots underneath sinks or next to appliances, have them checked out and fixed.
2. Listen to your nose. If you enter a room that has been closed up for awhile, what does it smell like? Do you notice a musty odor? This can be the first sign of a problem.
3. Watch for areas with high humidity. In Colorado, we rarely think about humidity problems – we’re usually so dry this time of year. But with the increase of rain comes higher levels of humidity; and more chances of mold formation. Monitor the different areas of your home that are susceptible to different levels of heat and cold.
Jul
10
According to the United Stated Fire Administration, around 412,000 residential fires take place each year, resulting in about $7 billion in property damage. Which means on average a home that sustains fire damage will result in about $17,000 worth of damage.
In Colorado, we often here the stories of homes being caught up in wildfires in the mountainous areas, or the occasional lightening strike out on the plains. While there is little you can do to 
prevent these types of house fires, there are things you can do to plan ahead for the just in case, and make sure you can quickly recover your loss, and get back to your normal lifestyle.
Think protection. Always have smoke detectors on every floor of the house. Also place them in all sleeping areas. If possible, you may also want to consider home sprinkler systems. They can provide additional safety, especially in homes where young children or senior citizens live and may have additional trouble getting to safety.
Jul
9
As we begin to age, safety becomes a bigger concern for overall well-being. Even a simple fall can have detrimental impact on the way we live from that time 
forward.
In order for seniors to remain within their homes, the first place to begin work is with a bath safety remodel. Here are 7 tips to get you started.
1. Widen the doorway. Standard doorways are too small for some wheelchairs, or for an assistant to help someone in and out of the bathroom. Simply adding a few inches can create a much safer atmosphere.
2. Add more space. Many home bathrooms are tiny, and don’t allow much room for movement, or for an extra set of hands. Widen the bathroom, and give more space for mobility.
Jul
3
Growing old doesn’t always mean leaving your home.
Aging in place is becoming more commonplace, especially as in home safety features continue to improve.
In home safety is more than a few quick products. In home safety means converting existing living conditions into fully functional areas that allow people to move freely, whatever their disability or circumstance.
Start by assessing the entire living area, inside and out.
Jul
2
7 Tips To Cleaning Smoke Damage
Filed Under Fire Restoration | 1 Comment
After a fire, no matter how large or small, smoke damage can be one of your biggest problems. Smoke and soot can travel and penetrate beyond the room suffering fire damage. It can creep along wallboards and through ceilings, and affect paint, draperies, carpet, upholstery, clothing and other personal belongings, as well as the wallboards and ceilings themselves. 
1. Start by separating damaged items from non-damaged. Remove or discard any items that are beyond repair. Move non-damaged items to a secure location.
2. Soot must be cleaned before smoke damage. Soot is the fine, powdery substance made up of mostly carbon, which is formed by the incomplete combustion of the materials within the fire. Clean soot immediately to prevent it from being ground in while work is done on other areas.
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