Had Water Damage in the Past and Now Have Mold? Start Here!

1097257_some_water_dripsWater damage and mold go hand in hand unfortunately. If water damage isn’t properly cleaned up and dried it can easily lead to mold. We found this article with tips on how to remove it.

======================
SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Denham Springs townhomes cleaning dryer vent services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

Do-It-Yourself
Depending on the extent of the water damage, you may be able to take care of it yourself. Small water problems call for basic do-it-yourself tips, (3 must know tips for do-it-yourself mold removal) like drying out the area and using products that are specifically designed to destroy mildew. Fans directed at the wet area can help it dry quickly and efficiently. So can running the heater in the house, because it dries out the air. You can also try using a hair dryer on the area if it???s a small space, so you can dry out the carpet, baseboard, or drywall.

There are products designed for protecting an area from mold and mildew, as well, including sprays and paints. Even if you dry out the area thoroughly, you???ll still want to consider using one of those products to make sure you don???t let mold start to develop.

Repainting the area with a mold-stopping paint can be a good plan, depending on the size of the area. You can always do that, allow it to dry, and repaint over that with a color that matches the room. For very small areas, or for treating carpeting and soft furniture, there are anti-mold sprays that can be purchased and used to stop mildew growth.

Hire a Professional
If these things aren???t enough, they don???t seem to do the job, or the area is very large ??? such as your house getting flooded ??? it may be in your best interest to hire a professional restorer. A mold remediation specialist (How to Choose a Mold Remediator) can make sure that any problems are resolved before they get started, or can treat them once they develop. It???s better to catch mold problems early, but a professional can treat advanced issues, as well.

What to look for and where you should go when locating a mold remediation specialist is similar to finding any kind of worker for your home. Make sure you find someone who???s insured, and who???s properly licensed. If they make a mistake, you???ll be compensated. All reputable companies will meet these requirements.

You should also get some estimates. Just because two or three companies perform the same service doesn???t mean they all charge the same price. You don???t want to end up paying too much when you could???ve gotten the same quality for hundreds or thousands less. Ask questions of the people who you???re considering working with.

Make sure you understand the process they???ll be going through, what it means for you and your family, and whether you???ll have to stay somewhere else while the work is being done. The mold damage might???ve been a surprise, but the remediation process doesn???t have to be.

——————–
Need more information about mold? Checkout this article with more information about mold that could be of interest to you.
——————–

Read the entire article here: http://moldblogger.com/how-to-remove-mold-after-water-damage/

Increase the Value of Your Home With These Ideas!

paint-int08This article lists things you should focus on if you want to increase the value of your home. It also includes areas not to improve upon to increase the value of your home. It is filled with great information that we’re sure will help you in planning the next phase of your home!

======================
SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Baton Rouge condos dryer vent services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

Some home improvement projects that add value to a home include:

1. Remodeling the Kitchen
Most people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home, and because of this, updates in this room pay off. According to HGTV, you can expect to recoup 60%-120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel, as long as you don???t go overboard. You should never make your kitchen fancier than the rest of the house, or the neighborhood.

A Little Paint Goes a Long Way
When it comes to how much you spend on a kitchen remodel, prices can run the gamut, from $5,000 to $75,000, or more. Get the biggest bang for your buck on a kitchen remodel by looking at color. Fresh paint, in modern colors, can go a long way towards updating the look of your kitchen. Plus, paint is relatively cheap.

Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Energy Star-rated appliances are better for the environment, and they also help you save money, because they use less energy. Potential buyers often look for ways to save money when shopping for a new home.

2. Bathroom Addition
If your home only has one bathroom, you can recoup a large chunk of your investment by adding another one. HGTV estimates that you can recoup 80%-130% of whatever you spend adding a bathroom.

3. Reinventing a Room
Adding more square footage to your home with a new room can be an incredibly expensive project. Although you can recoup some of your investment, anywhere from 50%-83%, this project???s costs can quickly spin wildly out of control. Just turn on any of those home remodeling TV shows; projects that start off with a $15,000 budget quickly turn into $30,000 or more when homeowners and contractors run into unexpected problems.

Reinvent the existing space in your home to save money. Finish a basement, or convert the attic to a bedroom. Many homeowners can also add small apartments in, or over, their garages ??? which they can then rent out as a room.

4. Adding Energy-Efficient Windows
These days, buyers shop for homes with energy efficiency in mind. Old, drafty single-pane windows are a major turn off. Energy Star claims that adding Energy Star-rated windows can save you up to $500 a year in heating and cooling costs by making your home more energy efficient.

According to HGTV, you can expect to recoup 60%-90% of your costs when you invest in energy-efficient windows. You can also receive a green energy tax credit of 10% for this upgrade, as long as you install Energy Star-rated windows. You might also qualify for additional credits from your state, or even your utility company.

5. Deck Addition
Adding a deck increases the value of your home. Outdoor living spaces have become more desirable, especially since more people stay home for vacation (i.e. referred to as a staycation). If you make your deck and your backyard more appealing, your house will be more appealing to prospective buyers when you decide to sell. HGTV claims that homeowners recoup 65%-90% of their investment by adding a deck.

??????????????????
Interested in more tips to increase the value of your home? Checkout this article for homeowners with more home improvement tips that could be of interest to you.
??????????????????

To view the entire article click here: http://www.moneycrashers.com/7-home-improvements-to-increase-its-value/#ixzz2Sor0bGaR

Improve the Look of Your Home on the Weekends!

977713_georgian_doorLooking to remodel your home but don’t have a lot of time to devote to a long project? What about doing weekend projects that will transform your home in a short period of time? We found this recent article that should help you pick just the right projects for your home.

======================
SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Lafayette homeowners associations vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

Add Storage to Your Entry
If a traditional entry closet or a beautiful built-in shelving system is not an option in your home, refashioned furniture can achieve a look that’s equally stylish and storage-savvy. This small-scale table is a perfect size for beside the front door. Though compact, the table’s drawers and shelf make the piece super functional for busy drop-zone items. A wall-mount shelf above the table hangs keys within easy reach.

Make Your Entrance Inviting
A cheery front-door color and a touch of landscaping can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal — and make a lasting impression on guests. Dress the door with new hardware, and add a welcome mat and potted plants near the entrance. Consider installing outdoor lighting to enhance your home’s architecture and illuminate the walkway.

Light Up the Kitchen
Dress up an eating area with a fresh light fixture. Replacing an existing fixture is your easiest option: Just turn off the power at the breaker box and connect the wires.

Give Your Yard a Boost
With flagstone, you can easily make an outdoor patio in a weekend — no mortar required. Add potted plants and outdoor seating, such as a bistro set or an eclectic mix of colorful chairs, to create a quaint backyard escape.

Add Molding
Living room, dining room, great-room: Any common area looks better with the finishing, defining touch of crown molding. If you live in a historic home, make sure your molding choices complement your home’s architectural style.

??????????????????
Looking to redo your home office? Checkout this article about home office ideas for homeowners that could be of interest to you.
??????????????????

Read the entire article here: http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/remodeling/budget-remodels/weekend-home-projects/