Category: Contractor

Updates

10/10/2012

Just though I would throw some updates on here, things have been very busy since the last post. Just built and installed a tv mount for the Innovation Center. The interior design is industrial/innovative, so I used 2" sqaure tubing and 1/4" plate and went from floor to ceiling. supporting 30 lbs of tv.....no problem. Also, just finishing up privacy issues in an office for another commercial client. Black out flim on glass doors and installing verticle blinds in front of 9 foot tall windows, that should do the trick.
The entry wall in my house has been framed and drywalled, currently waiting for mud to dry so I can sand and apply the next coat. I'm thinking of putting marble on the floor for a grand entrance. Over the summer I have also installed some new windows and insulation and removed alot of plaster and lath.
A couple of large projects still in the works and I'm hoping these will come through to get us through the winter. Keep checking here or an FB or Pinterest, or LinkedIn for updates and project info and even pics.

Contractors

3/12/2011

I have read a few articles on msn.com lately about contractors and home projects. These articles are good thought provokers and bring to light some good points, but maybe some that don't apply to your particular area, county, or city. Obviously if you are doing a home remodel project on a house you plan on selling, you want to make sure the project will add value to your home as well as functionality. If you don't plan on selling the home, then adding value may not be as important as funtionality or "want to". It's your decision and your home, take your time and make lists.
In these difficult times there may be some shady contractors or even fly-by-night guys out there. If you want quality work there is a price to be paid. Here's a good saying: "Cheap work isn't good and good work isn't cheap." Not always the case, but something to keep in mind. I know statistically the price of work has come down, but the price of material has not. So you might find the contractor cheaper, but expect to pay the same if not more for material. Many contractors out there are willing to discount their work just to get the job and there's nothing wrong with helping those in your community out. The things I would watch out for are guys you charge not only for material used on the job, but all the material they bought and maybe even contractors who charge by the hour. In remodeling you don't know what you are going to find behind drywall or plaster or under the floor or in the pipes until you get into it. There's nothing worse than under estimating and over paying. For me it's just easier to charge by the job and then however long it takes is on me. It also may be a good idea to check with your local Chamber of Commerce to see if the contractor is a member. The guys who invest in their community are the ones you can normally count on. Also, if something should happen to be wrong or go wrong after completion, a good contractor will come back and fix it at no cost.
There may be some unique situations also. If you know a contractor personally or have a good relationship with one, there may be times where some "experimentation" comes up. New systems or new materials may be introduced or maybe it's just gain some experience, the contractor may approach the home owner with this idea. I guess the home owner may approach the contractor with this idea, who knows it's a crazy world. If this situation does come up you ,the homeowner, could possibly get the work done for the price of materials. Just saying, if you don't mind being the guinea pig it might be a worth while venture.
All in all, remodeling and renovation don't have to be scary or bad projects. Make some lists, decide what you want and start asking questions. Contractors may not have all the answers and may have questions themselves. It's going to take time, life isn't a one hour tv show, it going to take some money, and there will be dust. Remember, the lowest bid isn't always the best and the job will only be as good as the material you are working with. Don't expect a million dollar bathroom for two thousand dollars. Happy remodeling!

Sunday

14/8/2011

It's one of those lazy Sunday afternoons and I decided to do some research. I'm looking at ways to build radiused wall (walls with curves) and completely new custom shower systems. Like all things, construction materials are getting lighter and more composite, in a shower situation this is good. Traditional materials are subject to water and mold in a wet environment, but the new systems are impervious to water, at least in theroy. The ease of use has also improved over time. The new shower systems now have a styrofoam cored board covered in a water proof membrane and these can be used on concrete walls, cinderblock, and even over studs. Then the tile is installed the same manner using thinset. This foam is even structure to the point that benches and seats can mbe made out of it and installed in the shower. No 2x4 studs or concrete board, just lightweight styrofoam. For those that like warm floors, manufacturers even make a floor warming system to be used in conjunction with this light tile backing material. Although, a fire rating has not been established by the manufacturer, so maybe putting this off is a good idea. How does a radiused wall come into play? The foam board can be cut in such a way that it can be bent around a radius and therefore making your custom shower design a reality. So far I like Kerdi board and Wedi products for shower systems. There are not any local distributors of these materials, but regional contacts. So, if you are looking to get a high end design with cutting edge construction technology, what are you waiting for? I have requested price lists and catalogs and I am looking far anyone who is wanting to experiment.....

IS REPORTING AN RRP VIOLATION YOUR RESPONSIBILITY?

17/6/2011

Perhaps it is like reporting any public hazard—if you don’t do it, someone could be injured or killed. When an untrained worker does renovation on buildings containing lead, he exposes himself, his client, and his family to a lead hazard. He may spread lead dust throughout the home he’s working on, and he can carry lead dust home on his clothes, face, and hands. The lead safe practices used by certified RRP contractors minimize this possibility—thus protecting the residents of the building, the construction worker, and his family.

When a lead-safe certified contractor drives by a pre-1978 project that he bid on and sees the work being done by non-certified renovator, just how is he supposed to feel? He is obeying the law and doing business in safe manner, yet he is losing income needed to pay his employees and support his family to the renegade renovator.

A contractor in Maine shot a video of a non-compliant renovator sanding the side of an apartment complex without containment, PPE, or any safety precautions. Then he posted the video on YouTube. Although it took several months, the non-compliant renovator was eventually cited and fined by the EPA.

CONCLUSION
The EPA admits that without people bringing RRP violations to their attention their enforcement efforts are diminished. They are hoping that the majority of contractors have a willingness to report misconduct by non-compliant renovators. When compliant contractors have their livelihood jeopardized by what amounts to criminal activity, reporting RRP violations is not vicarious snitching but only good corporate citizenship.

Composite Decking

16/5/2011

I had the opportunity to go out and look at a deck that was damaged by fire today, for the purposes of fixing it. This deck was constructed of a treated wood frame and a composite shell. What is "composite" anyway? It is a combination of recycled wood, dust or fibers, and a plastic or some kind, like PVC. When I thought of "composite", I knew it was a recycled product and normally maintenance free, that's part of the draw. I thought that this product was somewhat superior to wood, it ought to be for the price. After looking at the deck today, I'm not so sure. The fire started on an outside corner and spread to the entire underside of the deck, driven by wind. All of the joists were burnt and the flooring charred. Though the top of the decking wasn't affected, I'm not sure of the structural integrity of it after being burned on the bottom and subjected to intense heat. This got me wondering what the fire rating of composite decking was. After some research most of the decking available locally has a fire rating of "C". That is the same as wood, but unlike wood this has a plastic in it. A plastic fire seems to be a little harder to put out and not to mention the smoke and toxic fumes released when burned. The house the deck is attached to definitely has smoke damage from the burning composite. My hope is that others would not falsely assume that because this product is a "composite" that it is somehow more fire resistant than regular wood. The ease of use and low maintenance make this a good product, but the same care should be taken as with traditional materials and the cost of replacement taken into consideration.

Small kitchen remodel & Bank Contract

12/4/2011

Well, it's finally spring and the weather is starting to come around. We just finished up a small kitchen remodel, replacing everything from the plumbing to the cabinets and counter tops. We had to kill some mold on the subfloor before we built it up and removed some lead paint on the walls. I'll get some before and after pics up. Also Property Serv just landed a contract with a local Bank to go and rewire and re-plumb a house. It's fixing issues the previous owner created after the house was foreclosed on. It will be a couple of weeks worth of work, but I'm happy for it.

Countertops

25/3/2011

Have you ever went to your local home improvement store for a counter top and just didn't like what they had in stock? Then the sales person wants you to special order something, but come to find out it's four times as much as the off the shelf stuff. Well, if you're not installing granite or some other natural stone or exotic product, why not fabricate your own. As most of you know, I'm renovating a house from 1890 (though there isn't anything from that time period that I have found) and I have put in new kitchen cabinets and flooring. All of the "stock" counter tops that I found had back splashes on them and to special order was about four times as much. So, I decided to fab my own. Nothing extravagant right now, just particleboard with a laminate covering. I'll add the back splash later (I'm going to use some of the split stone granite all the way across), the thing is it will be custom and the way I want it to look without having to spend hundreds and have to wait weeks on the factory. It's also good experience and a useful skill. Joining the pieces may prove a challenge (over 11 feet of base cabinets on one side), but I'm sure I have it figured out. I get pics up soon.

Financing Options

9/3/2011

Property Serv LLC now has financing options available for your projects. Here is how it works; when a home owner hires Property Serv, but does not have enough cash to cover materials, let's say. The home owner can fill out a loan application from PCCU Credit Union, fax it in or drop it by, and can have an answer quickly. The loans can be broken down into manageable monthly payments with great rates and the work can begin. This is a great option to get alot now without breaking the bank. Protecting your investment and your nest egg is important to Property Serv LLC and PCCU Credit Union.

Coming Soon

31/1/2011

In the near future we will be offering granite pavers, floor tiles, and split face tiles in a variety of colors and shapes for very good prices. We're talking like $7 per square foot for the material (plus install if you like). This is all recycled material, so when you buy, you're keeping this from the landfill! Really this is a win win for everyone and a responsible application of a high end product for affordable prices! Stay tunes and look for granite in the Re-Store.

UPDATE: 1890 Remodel

29/1/2011

Just a quick update on the 1890 house, I have managed to get the screen door mounted despite the weather and the front door is also in. I have the kitchen apart and the old plaster removed from one wall so that I can update some electrical and insulate. There will be a new kitchen window installed and new wiring as well. I do have a few more pics to upload and I will get those on soon. There has been alot of work done in the last two weeks, keep checking back for more updates. Don't forget, if you have a project that you need help on, call me or shoot me an email. Also, you can schedule a time from the "contact" page.