Mar
26
If you’ve been thinking of remodeling for a while, but afraid to get started because of the horror stories of breaking the budget, maybe now is the time. Instead of forgoing your remodeling project, there are simple ways you can stay on track with your dollars, and still get the dream kitchen or bath you’ve been wanting. 
1. Focus on efficiency, not size.
Just like spending a little extra here and there adds up to big money over time, saving a little here and there also provides you with a great way to save costs. A good remodeling contractor can help you make the most of every dollar you spend. Instead of bumping out a wall, maybe it’s possible to invest in more efficient cabinet space. Be willing to talk about different options, and flexible to get what you want at the most reasonable cost.
2. Be flexible in choices.
Had your eye on granite countertops? Maybe you can achieve the same look at a lower cost with a different countertop material. Have your ideas ready for how you want your completed project to look, yet leave your options open. A good remodeling contractor will be able to bring several ideas to the table, and help you choose the right ideas for you.
3. Look at the total cost.
Choosing appliances with a higher efficiency rating may cost you more upfront, yet save you more over the coming years. Make your decisions based on how they will affect your remodeling budget today, and your energy costs over the coming years.
4. Ask for resources.
What websites or stores would your remodeling contractor recommend? Are there any bargain places he or she can suggest? If your remodeling contractor knows you are flexible and looking for ways to cut costs, they can make a lot of suggestions along the way. Good feedback will let him know he’s on the right track, and meeting your requirements.
5. Limit your recessed lighting.
Recessed lighting may be your first choice, but wall or ceiling mounted lighting may give you better coverage, reducing the amount of light fixtures needing to be installed.
6. Do it yourself projects.
Will your contractor let you share in some of the work? Pick up a paintbrush and paint it yourself. Or sweep up the sawdust at the end of the day. A little bit of cost savings in one area may mean you can splurge on a really desired addition down the road.
7. Stay with the same floorplan.
Instead of moving the kitchen sink or refrigerator to a new location, stick with the floorplan you have. Work within your current area to make it more efficient without having to relocate plumbing and wiring.
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Mar
25
A Guide To Mold Abatement and Remediation
Filed Under Mold | 2 Comments
Mold is a natural part of our environment. You’ll find mold growth all through nature as dead organic matter like fallen leaves and dead plants break down. Yet indoors, mold should be avoided because of its risks. Mold starts as tiny spores, and quickly replicates by floating, landing and growing on any surface that is moist or stays wet for indefinite periods. 
Molds have the potential to cause health problems as they take hold and begin growing. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxic substances that can cause allergic reactions when inhaled or touched. It may start in the way of sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, or even a skin rash, and quickly progress to more severe reactions.
Keep in mind that it is impossible to get rid of molds altogether. Mold is a natural part of our environment, and therefore will always be a part of our living arrangements. The key is to not give molds an environment to grow in. If you have standing water, you will experience mold. So the key is to eliminate the water problem, and thus eliminate the mold.
Mold abatement and remediation is necessary whenever you discover mold growth. While some people choose to handle it themselves, keep in mind that mold can and will grow back if it gets the chance. The only way to stop it is to be thorough in your cleanup. There are certain government guidelines you must meet throughout the process, and verify that the entire area is safe for living in. Painting or calking over even the smallest amounts of mold can prolong the effects and add danger to your families living environment.
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Mar
19
Fire and Water Mitigation Services
Filed Under Fire Restoration, Water Restoration | Leave a Comment
Coping with any kind of property loss can be a devastating experience. Not only do you face losing your personal property and treasured assets, but you also deal with the emotional level of loss and personal security.
Responding quickly to a property loss is more than just fixing the damage, it’s also about assurance from a company that understands all levels of facing this type of experience.
Fire and water mitigation services is set up exclusively to help you deal with all aspects of a loss. A true professional experienced in mitigation services can work with you from beginning to end, helping you get back to your normal lifestyle. Helping you with things like:
Understanding how to work with your insurance provider
Saving as many of your personal belongings as possible before you begin with the repairs
Choosing comparable materials from your home environment before the damage occurred
What to do before, during and after the mitigation process
Because mitigation services are a highly personalized process, it’s important to work with experts. A company without the experience may not be able to provide you with the complete guidance you’ll need to quickly move through the process. Ask for experience and references, and select the right company for you.
[Fire. Water. Smoke. Mold. For all your mitigation and repair needs, Paul Davis has been helping clients just like you for over 18 years.]
Mar
18
Carbon Monoxide Testing As A Part Of Your Spring Cleaning
Filed Under Carbon Monoxide | Leave a Comment
Think carbon monoxide poisoning occurs mainly in the winter months? Think again. Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by a variety of different things, and can occur just as easily in the summer months as the winter. As the weather warms up here in Colorado, keep these tips in mind.
Charcoal gives off carbon monoxide. Never bring your charcoal grills indoors on a rainy day, and keep them away from open doors and windows. You should never leave a charcoal grill going near enclosed places, such as your garage, vehicle or tent.
Never use unvented fuel burning camping equipment in an enclosed location. Avoid bringing them into your home, garage, tent or vehicle while in use.
Never leave a vehicle running in your garage for any length of time. Always pull the vehicle out into the driveway or street. Even with the garage door open, carbon monoxide can get trapped and make its way into your home through open doors and windows.
Do not use or repair gasoline powered tools and engines indoors or in an enclosed garage. Always make sure the area is well ventilated during and after servicing.
When carbon monoxide is inhaled, in bonds with your red blood cells, resulting in a lack of oxygen to your blood cells. Both your brain and heart require large amounts of oxygen, so even a small shortage in oxygen can quickly impact your health. Because carbon monoxide reduces your oxygen supply, it can make you sleepy and not thinking clearly, making it harder to recognize the warning signs. And because high concentrations of carbon monoxide can kill in as fast as five minutes, its important to take safety features seriously.
[Worried about possible carbon monoxide poisoning in your home? Paul Davis can help you with carbon monoxide testing and mitigation to ensure the health and safety of your family.]
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Mar
12
What should be your top two requirements when hiring a contractor to remodel your home for a disabled family member?
1. Finding a contractor here in Colorado that understands accessibility requirements, and can offer tips and strategies to give your redesign function and beauty.
2. Finding a contractor that has experience in designing a home to meet disability requirements, and can help you make the right decisions for your home and family.
Remodeling is not an easy or inexpensive task. It’s one that you may plan and save for months or even years. And once its completed, you know you’ll be living with your choices for many years into the future. 
When you combine your remodeling plans with creating functionality for a disabled member of the family, it adds to the stress. Are you making the right choices for everyone? Will your home still look and feel like a home as opposed to a medical center? Will your home still have a high resale value if and when you decide to put it on the market?
With the general population aging, things like universal design are becoming more popular than ever. And because of the need, products are becoming more in tune with helping you live a busy life, and allowing everyone the ability to live comfortably within the home.
Also work with a contractor who can design for the future. Is the disability permanent? Will the condition worsen in the coming years? The answers can modify your remodeling requirements. If you’ll be designing for a condition that will worsen over time, a contractor can make suggestions that will allow you to grow and change over time. Countertops and shelves can be made full adjustable, giving you freedom to move them to where you need them. A shower can be built with a sit down bench for use today, and a roll-in doorway for when needs change, and you may need wheelchair access.
The important thing to keep in mind during the entire process is flexibility. Be honest with your contractor, and ask for recommendations. He can make your entire process fun and stress-free – just ask.
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Mar
11
Choosing a Water Restoration Company in Centennial Colorado
Filed Under Water Restoration | Leave a Comment
Have you recently experienced a flood in your basement? Or maybe a broken pipe while you were away on vacation? We never choose to deal with the aftermath of a flood – yet the quicker you handle the situation, the quicker your life can return to normal. Here are 5 tips to choosing a water restoration company in Centennial Colorado.
1. Is the company well regarded in the community? Head online and do a 
quick search. Do they have a web presence? Do you recognize their name? While every company has to start somewhere, it is nice to find one that has experience here in Colorado, and has established themselves within your neighborhood.
2. What is their area of expertise? Do they handle restoration regularly? Water restoration is different than remodeling, and requires skills in many different things, including securing your area from potential mold growth. Find a contractor that is experienced and can offer referrals of homes he’s worked on in the past.
3. Are they fully insured and bonded? The last thing you need is more work and stress after you’ve already experienced water damage. Verify the reputation of the company ahead of time, and understand the process from beginning to end.
4. What guarantees do you have? When the job is finished and complete, what guarantees do you have for future problems? Sometimes its easy to overlook a potential problem on sight. Only after you live with something for a few weeks do you notice a problem with a product or service. Make sure the restoration company you choose stands behind their work, and will fix problems you notice in the future.
5. Will you work well together? Restoration in many cases is a remodel of the rooms affected. If your kitchen cabinets were destroyed in the process, and they are 10 years old, you will be choosing new materials for your kitchen. Do you see eye to eye with the contractor? Can he make suggestions that suit your taste and budget? It’s important to see some previous work samples to know you are both on the same track.
[Paul Davis has been helping Coloradoans with restoration services for over 18 years. They can help you restore your home to original condition quickly – give them a call today for your free estimate.]
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Mar
5
8 Places To Check For Mold
Filed Under Mold | Leave a Comment
Even though Colorado is a dry, cold climate, it doesn’t prevent it from being the 9th in the U.S. for incidence of mold and mold intrusion. Mold isn’t always caused by standing water, or humid conditions – things you normally associate with mold buildup. Watch these 8 areas in your home to keep your family safe against mold.
1. Leaky or dripping pipes.
When a pipe bursts, it’s pretty obvious you have a problem. But a slow leak or drip may not be noticeable for weeks or even months. We’ve faced some severe temperature dips these past few months and have had low temperatures remain for weeks at a time. If your pipes aren’t insulated properly, a bursting pipe might not be your problem – it may be the slow leak. 
2. Leaky roof.
After a fresh snowstorm, do you find dry spots on your roof where heat is escaping? Lack of insulation can allow your heat to slip into the cold air. It can also allow a slow leak to creep into your attic or wallboards.
3. Damp basement.
Unfinished basements are a perfect source for mold. They are cold and not well ventilated. And you stack and store things in piles, making it difficult to see every wall and corner. Do a thorough check a few times per year.
4. Damp crawlspace.
While a basement usually provides some structure with cement and boards, a crawlspace is even more susceptible because of the exposure to natural surroundings. Check under plastic covers, and watch for stains on the plastic and wood surroundings.
5. Houseplants.
Do you have a plant in a large pot in your family room? If you haven’t moved it in a while, it’s a perfect place for mold to hide. Just a little overwatering can cause water to settle under the pot, and begin eating its way through your carpet, padding and floor.
6. Tiles, paneling and wainscot.
We all put tiles and paneling into the bathroom, or use wainscoting to add character and personality to a room. But if they aren’t installed correctly, they are perfect hiding places for water – and ultimately mold.
7. Clothes dryer.
If your clothes dryer isn’t properly vented inside to allow heat and humidity to escape outside, you risk the chance of mold buildup along the path.
8. Refrigerator.
Love the automatic ice and water feature in your refrigerator door? While it is a great convenience, it’s also a potential mold threat. Maintain the refrigerator water line to prevent leaks and cracks from allowing small amounts of water to spill down your walls, and puddle onto your floor.
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Mar
3
Grilling and Fire Safety Tips
Filed Under Home Safety Tips | Leave a Comment
Spring is almost upon us here in Denver, which means grilling season is right around the corner. As you dig out your grill from the snow, and fire it up for the first time, keep these safety tips in mind. 
Many people assume gas grills are safer than charcoal grills, and don’t contemplate the safety factors as much when using them. Yet statistics show that gas grills are involved in five times as many fires as their charcoal counterparts. On average, gas grills are involved in 6,400 home fires, including 2,100 structure fires and 4,300 outdoor fires. No matter what type of grill you use, keep it well away from siding, deck railings, eaves, wooden furniture, and away from landscaping such as branches and shrubs.
Almost one in three of the home structure fires that involve a grill are started on an exterior balcony or porch. Enclosed spaces need to be monitored closely when grilling – never leave a grill alone in an enclosed space. If you are using propane, remember they pose both a fire hazard and a risk of exposing you, your family and friends to toxic gases, and the risk of potential asphyxiation.
Keep extra tanks of flammable or combustible gas or liquid a safe distance from the grill, as this is the first item ignited in over half of the grill-related fires.
Always maintain your grill, and check for the small things at the beginning of the season, and throughout the summer. Check hoses and cracks and leaks. Make sure you turn the grill completely off after using. If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are completely out before leaving the grill alone.
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