Dec
31
Top Ten Restoration and Remodeling Posts for 2009
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As we bring 2009 to a close, and head forward towards 2010, I wanted to share with you our favorite posts here at Paul Davis.
Tips For Recovering From Water Damage
Water damage can be hazardous to your health, and can put your home in danger. When water damage occurs, cleaning it up and getting to the root of the problem as quick as possible is imperative. If treated quickly, you can minimize the damage, prevent the growth of mold and other harmful contaminants, and reduce the amount of restoration needed to be done.
Can I Use Bleach To Kill Mold?
Mold. It’s something we always live with, yet may never give much thought. As long as we clean regularly and avoid water damage, we’ll never have trouble with mold. Right?
Pets and Water Damage
When most people think of water damage, they instantly think of their property. Can your personal items be restored or replaced?
But how does it impact the things most precious to us? How does it impact our pets?
Identifying Molds In Colorado: Are Some Molds More Hazardous Than Others?
Exposure to mold isn’t healthy for anyone. Yet for some people, the risks of mold exposure are increasingly higher.
Denver Water Damage Restoration Tips: Do’s and Don’ts
When you walk into your home or business, and see flooding and signs of water damage, the first instinct is to begin cleaning. As a Denver restoration expert with more than 18 years of experience, we know there are certain things you should do. And certain things you shouldn’t. Here is our list of do’s and don’ts for restoring your area to its originally condition.
Fire Damage Restoration Tips For Your Colorado Home
Colorado is known for its dry climate. And as we come into the dry, hot summer months, many things can make the area we love dangerous and ready for fire.
Remodeling Projects – Top 10 Project Paybacks
If you’re thinking of remodeling your home, what is the best project to undertake that offers the best return on investment when you resell your home?
Aging In Place Design – A Checklist Before You Begin Your Remodel
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.
Home Interior Design for the Disabled
Since the passing of the American Disabilities Act, industries are becoming more aware of the needs of people with disabilities. While much is said and written about commercial and public interior design, it is more difficult to find information regarding private residences. While having accessibility in commercial locations is highly needed, so to is the ability to have a fully functional home; one where comfort and safety is equal with functionality.
Basement Flood Damage – 10 Things That May Affect Your Home
Whether you have on inch or one foot of water in your basement, proper cleanup is necessary to prevent more problems down the road. Here are 10 things to check as you are cleaning up your basement flood damage.
Dec
29
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 85 percent of all fire related deaths occur inside the home. Half of all these occur at night. While its easy not to think “fire prevention” as you move about your every day tasks, it should be a top priority for every family, especially before retiring for the evening.
The top 3 leading causes of fires in the home are:
1. Cooking
2. Heating equipment
3. Electrical
While the leading cause of fire related deaths are:
1. Smoking
2. Electrical
Here are a series of tips to help you cut down on the fire hazards in your home.
- Keep flammable objects, such as potholders, dish towels, and curtains at least three feet from burners.
- Keep appliances clean and free from spills and stains. Clean stove surfaces and ovens on a regular basis.
- Keep clothes away from burners when cooking over the stove.
- When cooking with grease, keep a tight fitting lid close by. In case of fire, carefully slide the lid into place, removing the chance for the fire to spread. Allow to cool completely before removing from the burner, and removing the grease from the pan. Never use water as water causes the grease to splatter, taking the fire with it.
- Inspect all cords and electrical devices regularly. Replace or repair and loose or frayed cords, and discontinue use if you notice any fraying.
- Avoid extension cords if at all possible. Inspect extension cords if you do need to use them, and never attach too many plugs to one cord, especially for extended use.
- If circuit breaker trips or fuse blows occur frequently, cut down on the number of appliances on that circuit, or consider having an electrician rewire certain areas of your home.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Be especially careful with ashtrays and trashcans. Cigarettes can smolder for hours before turning into a fire, so be certain cigarettes are completely out before going to bed.
Dec
23
Denver Water Damage
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What if you return home to Denver and find water damage in or around your home?
While it’s the last thing any of us want to have happen, especially after spending a peaceful holiday with family and friends, when winter hits in Denver it can bring many things.
If your indoor pipes aren’t properly insulated; your heat drops too low, causing pipes to freeze; or your outside pipes have been left exposed, you may come home to several inches of water.
As a locally owned restoration company, we’ve been helping many Denver residents recover from water damage of all types.
We start by assessing the problem. In order to avoid further problems down the road, it’s important to locate and correct the original problem.
Then we remove water, saving as many of your personal assets as possible. We realize that different items need different care; we work with many types of disasters and can refer you to the best help possible.
After the water is removed, its important to analyze your house for structural damage, and to determine if mold has penetrated through to your walls, floorboards, baseboards, or carpeting. Mold can be difficult to find by non-experts until it does extensive damage both to your home, and possible to your family through medical complications. The quicker it’s found and removed the better.
Whether you have an emergency this holiday season, or come back to Denver to find water damage within your home, call the experts at Paul Davis Restoration to help you get back on track.
Dec
18
Kitchen Restoration Services In Colorado
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Have a grease fire while cooking this holiday season?
Or maybe you returned from a trip away for the holidays, only to find Colorado’s latest cold spell froze your pipes, causing your kitchen pipes to burst and flood.
After speaking with your insurance company, the next phone call should be to a reputable kitchen restoration service that can 
help bring your kitchen back up par, maybe even adding a few updated items along the way.
Instead of focusing on the loss, work with your contractor and concentrate on the improvements.
What is your budget? Your insurance company will be paying to restore what was damaged, minus your deductible. Are you able and willing to upgrade during the restoration process? Depending on how old some of your furnishings are in your kitchen, replacement may not be possible with exact duplicates. Which may mean you need to choose new materials. Your contractor can help you choose from a variety of items, and offer you suggestions on quality and durability.
What is your style? If you haven’t thought about upgrading your kitchen, chances are you aren’t aware of the styles and looks that are popular. Don’t rush into anything. Yes, you may be in a hurry to get your kitchen and your life back in order, but you will be living with the results for years. Make sure you plan first, and choose materials that you are willing to live with for many years into the future.
What is realistic? Thanks to the many makeover shows on television these days, it’s easy to expect instant results from a remodel or restoration. In reality, it can take weeks to move through the entire process. Ordering specially cut countertops, finding cabinets that fit your measurements, and gaining required permits can all take time – sometimes longer than expected. The important thing is to keep the communication lines open with your contractor, and understand the process the whole way through.
Dec
17
What Should You Look For In A Home Improvement Contract?
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Planning a home improvement project in 2010? Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few choices in contractors, take a look at the contracts. Contracts can tell you a lot about a company and their work ethic. Here are 7 things you should focus on and make sure you understand before the work starts.
1. Create a contract for the entire scope of work to be completed. List out 
everything that will be completed during the project, including type and quality of materials to be used, equipment that will be brought in, and plans for the entire area, including foundation, framing and extra work. Disputes often arise when the contractor and homeowner don’t agree on the course of action; the more it’s spelled out, the less likelihood for disputes.
2. Understand the timeline and project schedule. Things often arise that delay projects or make them fall behind schedule. But have realistic expectations set upfront, especially if you need the project completed by a certain date.
3. Schedule of payments. Different companies collect in different ways. Understand how the payment process works, and make sure you agree with jobs completed before paying and moving to the next level.
4. Building plans and permits. The contractor should guarantee that he will get all required permits, and submit and building plans to stay in compliance with city codes. He should also schedule any required inspections, and make sure items are corrected to meet the inspectors guidelines.
5. Verify required licensing and insurance. Find out how the contractor will cover you in different circumstances. Your contractor should have proof of required insurance, including general liability and worker’s compensation for his or her employees.
6. The unexpected. What if you need to cancel the contract? What if a conflict arises between you and the contractor? Make sure you read all statements in the contract, and understand how each situation is dealt with.
7. The details. Will the workers clean up each day? Will they keep their equipment on your property? Will they pay for damage for bringing heavy equipment onto your property? Who is responsible for debris removal? Will the workers be able to use bathrooms onsite, or do you require portable toilets? Contractors with years of experience usually have these stipulations in place, and can speak directly to any comments or questions you have. Just ask – their goal is to make you happy with the finished results.
Dec
11
Holiday Decoration Safety Tips
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Before you finish up your holiday decorating this holiday season, you need to know that according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, almost 13,000 people are treated in the emergency room every year for holiday related injuries. In addition, over 12,000 fires are started due to Christmas trees and candles left unattended.
Here are some holiday decoration safety tips for you to help keep you safe this holiday
season.
Candles
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit, and forget to extinguish candles before heading out shopping or to a party, or even going to bed for the evening. Always double-check every room with a candle before leaving for any length of time.
Never use lighted candles on a tree, or in evergreen arrangements. Always use non-flammable candleholders, and place them in a safe area where they won’t be knocked over or come in contact with flammable items.
Decorations
Make sure all decorations are non-combustible or flame-resistant when placing on or near the tree. Choose tinsel or icicles made from plastic or lead-free metals. In homes with small children or pets, take special care to decorate in a safe way for daily living. Avoid decorations that easily break, are sharp or breakable, or have small moving parts that are easily to swallow or inhale. Avoid decorations that look like candy or food, and may tempt children to eat them.
Keep wrapped gifts, boxes and bows away from candles, fireplaces and wood stoves. Also follow guidelines when decorating with spun glass “angel hair” or with artificial snow. Take proper precautions to avoid lung irritation while using these in a small, confined area.
Lights
All lights are marked for indoor, outdoors, or combination of both. Used only as directed to avoid fire potential. Also verify that all lights meet and conform to safety standards. Check all light strands, old and new, for broken sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Never use a strand if they show any signs of damage.
Never overload an extension cord. Use no more than three standard light sets per single extension cord. Check wiring and sockets on the extension cord, making sure its up to date for safety standards as well.
Trees
Purchase artificial trees with the label “fire resistant”. When purchasing live trees, look for fresh, green trees where the needles are hard to pull from the branches. When setting up your tree, keep them away from fireplaces, wood stoves, and radiators. Heated rooms, especially here in Colorado with the dry climate, can make trees dry out quickly, so be sure to keep the stand filled with water.
Dec
10
Every year in the United States, almost 4,000 fires occur in the laundry room of the home due to lint buildup when people fail to clean their dryer vents. Dryer exhaust fires now surpass chimney fires in frequency, and cause in excess of $75 million in property damage each year.
As a fire safety tip, it’s important to remember your dryer, and clean it properly on a regular basis.
Dryer fires are usually caused by one of five things.
1. Overheating of the motor caused by a lint buildup.
2. Failure of the thermostat.
3. Missing or damaged lint screen, allowing lint to buildup with the dryer.
4. A crushed or blocked hose behind the dryer.
5. A bird’s nest or other debris blocking the vent.
Several warning signs will start appearing if lint is causing problems with your dryer. If you notice the dryer is taking longer to dry clothes, especially large loads of jeans or towels, you may have a blockage. Also, if clothes come out damp or hotter than normal after a regular cycle, it may also be an indication of a blockage.
The only way to prevent a dryer fire is to perform regular cleaning, once a year at a minimum. Your dryer may need more attention if you use it frequently, you have a vent system with a lot of turns, or if you have an older dryer. Aslo clean the lint screen each time you use the dryer, and vacuum the lint inside, behind and around the dryer frequently. These simple steps will not only help you reduce your chances of a dryer related fire, but will also help you keep your dryer in top shape, allowing your clothes to dry faster, and ultimately use less energy.
Dec
4
Clean Up After Pipes Freezing
Filed Under Water Damage | Leave a Comment
Hello wintertime here in Colorado. The first dip in temperatures helps us realize we are truly in a cold climate. While it may help you get into the mood of the holidays, it can also wreck havoc on your pipes if you aren’t prepared.
If a pipe isn’t properly insulated, or is subjected to severe cold like we’ve been getting here this week, there’s a possibility of it freezing. When water freezes within a pipe, it expands the pipe. A pipe typically will not burst where it freezes. Instead it blocks the pipe, causing water pressure to build up downstream from the ice blockage, somewhere between the blockage and a closed faucet. If enough pressure builds up, it will burst the pipe, allowing water to spill out. If you are home and know the burst occurred, you can shut the water supply off quickly, and 
begin cleanup immediately. However if you aren’t home and don’t realize the breakage occurred for several hours, or worse, several days, you may be in for a huge mess.
Once you discover the problem, start by shutting off the water supply as quickly as possible.
Also turn off power to any electrical outlets and appliances in the affected area. Only then is it safe to start assessing the damage.
If you end up with several inches of water in the room, instead of trying to remove the water and clean up the damage yourself, in may be time to talk with your insurance company about using a water restoration company. A water restoration contractor can help you assess the damage you can see, and the damage you can’t.
While it’s easy to see water stains on the wallboard, or drapes and furniture damaged by water, its what you can’t see that can cause you the most damage.
- Damage to the structure of your home
- Mold caused by sitting water
- Damage behind the walls, under carpeting, or within the ceiling
While you might not see this type of damage immediately, it may be there and will continue to spread until it’s fixed. What started out as a relatively small problem could easily snowball to a potentially devastating problem.
Dec
3
Christmas Lights Safety Tips
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The first set of Christmas lights was invented by Thomas Edison, and strung outside his Menlo Park Laboratory during the Christmas season of 1880. However Christmas lights took many more years to make it to the mainstream. President Grover Cleveland had the White House family tree lit with hundreds of light bulbs in 1895. And President Calvin Coolidge began the country’s celebration of 
lighting the National Christmas tree in 1923.
With the onset of Christmas lights came increased safety within the family home. Candles on trees were a major fire hazard; electrical cords offered a solution to the problem. Yet even with Christmas lights, there are safety factors involved. Lights can get hot enough to ignite other decorations. Or cords can fray, leading to a short.
When you put up your Christmas lights this holiday season, keep these tips in mind.
Choose Christmas lights that are tested and deemed safe. Most major retail locations will only sell tested lights, but check the box to sure.
Inspect each set of Christmas lights before you use them. Return or throw out any set with frayed or bare wires, loose connections, or cracked or broken sockets.
Replace burned out bulbs with bulbs with the same wattage.
Use indoor lights indoors, and outdoor lights outdoors. Packaging will note whether lights can be used indoors, outdoors, or both.
Use extension cords properly. Do not overload extension cords or sockets – too many things plugged into one location can get hot enough to burn.
Never leave Christmas lights unattended. Turn them off if you leave your home, or when you go to bed at night.
Store lights loosely wrapped. If they become tangled, don’t pull on them to separate. Pulling can cause tension in the wires, and possibly break or stress the connections.
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