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Tips To Find The Best Commercial Painting

Posted on by Painter

Commercial Painting – 3 Tips for transforming a Dull Commercial Property into a Dazzling Masterpiece

A good commercial property attracts customers. So, it is important to maintain and paint it beautifully. For painting your office, retail store or restaurant, choose an experienced commercial painting company that guarantees minimal disruption of work and provides you with high-quality results.

Be it a retail office, an industrial factory, a condominium, or any other type of real-estate property, a clean and well-maintained commercial property is essential for business. If you are a businessman looking to update the look of your property, you can hire a commercial painting company and transform a dull commercial property into a dazzling masterpiece.

Why is it Essential to opt for Commercial Painting?

First Impression is the Last Impression

No one likes a dingy hotel, a shabby store or a dilapidated office. When a prospective customer or a potential employee comes to your office, he judges your economic condition on the basis of your commercial property. If it is dull, you will not be able to impress the customers and you will lose business. So, it is important to take good care of your property.

Customers expect Clean Environment

Cleanliness is a virtue that is expected from a product-based business as well as a service-based business. Clean environment assures the customers of your adherence to hygiene standards. It also ensures the employees of safety and security.

Customers believe that if a businessman cannot take care of his office, he cannot take care of his customers. So, it is important that you paint your commercial property and keep it clean.

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

If you avoid the small cost of repairing damaged walls, rotten wood and peeling paint today, you will have to spend a large amount of money on repairs in the future. It will create a significant problem for the financial health of your business. So, repair the damages at the earliest and ensure the protection of your investment.

Today’s commercial painting companies can help you in keeping your commercial property up-to-date. They not only paint your property but also take care of minor repair and renovation work. They will take care of damaged doors, windows, ceiling, stucco etc. and paint them beautifully.

3 Vital Things to Keep in Mind Before Hiring Exterior Paint Service

Read the below-mentioned points to know some important issues you should keep in mind prior to hiring an exterior painting service.

Exterior painting is not only concerned about painting the outer walls of the house. Doors, windows are equally important as walls in exterior painting service in Coquitlam. Therefore, while you are opting for this kind of painting take care of every minute detail. Remember, things such as windows or doors will make a great impact on the final look of the house.

Choosing the right color is one of the most important factors of exterior painting. Color patterns should be in accordance with the architectural structure of the house. But, many times choosing a suitable color becomes truly problematic. Only an experienced painter can help you to solve this confusion. Therefore, make it sure that your hired exterior paint provider is efficient enough to select the most suitable color for your home.

In order to get the most perfect color, testing it in natural lighting, is highly advisable. Instead of this, if you make a decision by testing the color at artificial light, there would be a great mistake. This is because the appearance of the same color at different lights may look totally different and you can become confused.

3 REASONS TO HAVE YOUR HOME EXTERIOR PRESSURE WASHED THIS SUMMER

The Weather Is Perfect

When it comes to any kind of outdoor work, weather is always one of the most limiting factors, and as it turns out, the weather during the summer months is suited particularly well to pressure washing. With the longer daylight hours, we are able to tackle and finish bigger jobs, and accomplish more of them in the course of a single day where it might not be possible at other times of year. In addition, the warmer temperatures ensure that any lingering water left behind is able to quickly dry up, helping to prevent the formation and growth of mold, mildew, and algae on your home’s exterior surfaces.

Longer Lasting Results

With the frequent rains and humidity of spring behind us, the summer months are an excellent time for pressure washing as you can usually count on the results of your washing to last you a bit longer than they might at other times of the year. With rains generally coming less frequently during the summer months, your home tends to stay cleaner for longer, meaning that you can likely expect your home to continue looking great while you prepare to list it for sale this summer, or while you are planning your next social gathering.

Eliminate Mold & Mildew

With all of the moisture your home tends to collect over the spring, it isn’t uncommon for most homes to develop a bit of mold or mildew growth on their exterior surfaces, and if it is left to grow unchecked, they can quickly start to make the exterior of your home look dirty and dingy, and can even wind up doing damage to your exterior materials over time. By having your home pressure washed this summer, you can eliminate these harmful growths at their source, and with the warmer temperatures and lower humidity, it will take them much longer to come back than it would at other points in the year.

Commercial Painting – Tips for Transforming

Why is it Essential to option for Commercial Painting?

First Impression is the Last Impression

Nobody enjoys some office, a store or a lodge. Every time an expected employee or a consumer arrives into an own office, your status is judged by him about the grounds of one’s premises. You aren’t going to have the ability to impress the consumers when it’s dull, and you’ll shed organization. It is very crucial to have the decent care of one’s premises.

Customers expect Clean Environment

Cleanliness is a merit that’s predicted from the small enterprise together with being an organization that is service-based. Environment guarantees that the clients of one’s adherence. Additionally, it ensures that the staff members of security and safety. Clients think that in case your person can’t manage their office, then they can’t deal with their consumers. It is imperative which you make sure it remains clear and paint your residence.

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

The industrial renovated apartments for rent of today will be able to assist you to keep your land up. Your home is don’t just painted by them but take good care of renovation job and repair out. They’ll take good care of ruined doorways, ceiling, windows, stucco, etc., and paint them attractively. You may have to devote a whole lot of dollars In the event you stay away from the price of mending sterile timber, partitions, and stained paint now. This will make an issue that is considered for one’s business’ well being. Fix the damages in the earliest and confirm the security of one’s financial commitment.

Reliable Professionals

Spending some amount of sometime in locating the most suitable painting business for the premises. Deciding upon the most suitable company, a business property will be transformed. Your workplace defines your organization. It is necessary that would be trustworthy. Select a painting business that conducts a history of its painters to be sure the staff, clients, and customers are not secure.

How to Dispose of Paint

Seal it Up

Seal the paint can properly before you put it away to keep the paint from drying up. If any paint has gotten in the grooves of the paint can wipe it with a clean rag. Use a rubber mallet to tap the lid down securely. Don’t use a hammer – it can distort the lid, making it more difficult to securely seal the can. If you don’t have a mallet, you can cover the can with a piece of wood and then hammer the lid closed.

Location

Store paint in a cool, dark location like a basement. If you do store it in the basement, make sure that it’s on a shelf. Moisture from basement floors can rust your paint cans. If you don’t have a basement, place them in a cabinet or closet in your house. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can ruin the paint. Cold weather can cause latex paint to separate, making it unusable. Heat can dry it out. Very hot temperatures can even trigger a fire with oil-based paints.

Space Savers

If you have cans that are halfway or almost empty, transfer the remaining paint into quart cans or large jars. Then use some labels and a marker to list the brand, paint name, date of purchase, mixture number and the room that you painted. Place a small dollop of paint on the top or side of the can too easily identify the color. If you have more than one color for a room (such as wall color and trim), keep them together. If you’re feeling especially organized, you can use a label maker and mark each room on the shelf front.

Reopening a Can

Opening a paint can after it’s been sealed for a long time can be difficult. But avoid using a screwdriver to open it. The lid can become warped and it will be difficult to seal it in the future. Use a key that’s specially designed for opening paint cans. Lowe’s will give you one for your paint purchase.

Shelf Life

Latex or water-based paint typically has a shelf life of ten years. The solvent or oil-based paint can last up to fifteen years. You can test to see if your paint is still good by doing the following:

Latex – First, smell it. Does it smell rancid? If it does, it’s gone bad. Secondly, check to see if the paint is separated. There will usually be a thin skin on top with a layer of liquid underneath. Remove the skin and using a paint stick, stir the paint. Check to make sure that the paint isn’t hard on the bottom or the sides. If the paint blends together smoothly and appears to be the original color, then it’s OK to use. If you’re still unsure, brush some of the paint onto a piece of newspaper. If the paint comes out rough and lumpy, you need to dispose of it.
Oil-Based – If it hasn’t been exposed to extreme temperatures and was sealed properly, then oil-based paint typically isn’t as susceptible to going bad as latex. Just remove the layer of film across the top and stir it well before painting.

Must Learn How To Make Residential Roofing

Posted on by Roofing

How to Choose a Residential Roofing Contractor

When it comes to choosing a residential roofing contractor, it’s important to select an experienced contractor who can give your roof the quality it needs to keep your family and personal belongings safe from the outside elements. When choosing a roofing contractor for your home, you must seek out multiple candidates with the proper licensing and a great business reputation in your area. Continue reading to learn how you can choose a residential roofing contractor for your home.

Contact three roofing contractors.

Treat this step just as you would if hiring a new employee. Making a bad decision regarding which contractor to hire will be very painful. Give yourself the best opportunity to make a good decision here by including several candidates

Verify that the roofing contractor you hire has the required applicable business licenses for your state or local area

If you are unsure of the business licenses required for roofing contractors in your area, contact the licensing board or Department of Professional Regulation for your area or state.

Verify that the roofing contractor or business is legitimate by asking for their tax identification number, a business address, business website or email address, and contact phone number

Ask the roofing contractor to provide you with proof of insurance, including worker’s compensation and liability coverage

Not all areas or states require roofing contractors to have insurance, but you may want to hire a person with insurance to protect yourself from lawsuits if the contractor is injured while working on your property

Tips for Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

Ask How Long the Roofing Contractor Has Been in Business

You probably wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic who has been on the job for two weeks. And you probably wouldn’t sign up for heart surgery with a doctor fresh out of school. So why pick a roofing contractor that doesn’t have a long track record of doing high-quality work

Double Check Licensing and Insurance

Roofing is a dangerous job, which is why we never recommend homeowners take it on themselves. It’s important to have the right tools, materials and safety equipment. It’s also important to have experience. Reputable roofing contractors hold the requisite permits and licenses for every job they perform.

Look at Past Work

For most businesses that provide a service, reputation is everything. Think about the last time you went to a new restaurant, or even visited a new hair salon or dentist’s office. In past years, you might have asked a friend or relative for the names of a good place to grab dinner or get your teeth cleaned. Today, however, the internet provides unbiased, third party reviews from people who have used a business’s services in the past. In fact, 81 percent of consumers say they research online before they make a purchase. Before you spend money, it pays to do your homework.

Price Isn’t the Only Thing That Matters

If you’ve ever undertaken a home renovation project in the past, you may have been told to “get three estimates.” No one really knows where this so-called “three estimates” rule comes from, and no one seems to be able to say why three is the ideal number.

Get Financing Agreements in Writing

Every aspect of your roofing installation contractor should be in writing, but it’s especially important to make sure you understand the financing terms. A good roofing company will appoint a knowledgeable employee to walk you through the contract and answer any questions you have about payment. No part of the agreement should be confusing or left “up in the air.

How to Choose a Roofing Contractor

Need to Find a Good Roofer

Installing a new roof is one of the most important, and expensive, home improvement projects you’ll run into as a homeowner. It and your siding is the first line of defense for your home against the elements. Whether you need a quick repair or a complete replacement, you’ll want to hire a trustworthy roofing pro. Here are a few tips to help you find — and work with — your contractor.

When Do I Need to Find a Roofer

Remember that these companies, especially independent contractors, often specialize in repairs or replacement. An installer might not have much experience with repair, and vice versa. Make sure that the one you hire knows how to work with the material you have (or want)

New Roof Installation or Replacement

A roof will last 20 to 50 years. Afterward, it usually requires replacement. The cost to replace or install a roof ranges from $5,200 to $10,100. High-end materials may cost more. If you’re hiring a pro to put one on a new home

Roofing Repair

The price to repair a roof runs $350 to $1,300. If it is leaking, sagging or showing other signs of damage, you may need a pro to fix it. Many professionals will perform this work on one they installed. If you need to a hire a pro different from the installer, be sure to look for companies that offer repair

Roofing Maintenance and Inspection

Hiring a pro for a roof inspection or to provide routine maintenance can increase its lifespan. The expense to hire a roof inspector averages about $200. You may want to arrange service every 6 to 18 months, depending on the material. Some companies offer maintenance plans when you get a new one, but many don’t perform this service

Tips for Finding The Right Roofing Contractor

Experience

Experience is a wonderful thing. It cannot be bought and has to be learned, sometimes the hard way. The more experience a contractor has the better the job he should be able to do, although at times it can be a relative thing.

Free estimates

Most contractors offer free estimates, but check before you ask a contractor to come and give you a quote. The expected outcome is that you will be able to compare quotes without any added costs.

Warranty on repairs

Check if the work is warranted. A good contractor is proud of his work and the warranty will back that up.

Certifications and memberships

Checking on what certifications have been awarded to the contractor will boost your confidence in them. A body that is willing to associate itself with a certain contractor means that the contractor has met certain standards prescribed by them

Testimonials

Testimonials and lots of them, not just a few from previous clients, means the contractor is consistently delivering on his promises. Of course an independent forum will also inform you if he is not. That being said a request to the client to complete a survey on completion of the work also indicates that the roofing contractor is confident in the quality of the work they deliver.

Avoid These Mistakes When Choosing a Roofer

Location

Beware of door-to-door roofers. A legitimate, well-established roofing company will have a physical location out of which they operate. If they give you a PO box, make sure you follow up and request their actual address

Read Customer Reviews

There’s no better barometer than the experiences of previous customers. Many residential roofing companies will post customer testimonials on their website, though you should also visit third-party sources like HomeStars

Check out the Company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating

BBB’s database helps people find local, reputable businesses. A company’s BBB profile will include current and resolved complaints and customer reviews.

Hiring an Unlicensed or Uninsured Roofer

If something goes wrong – whether your home suffers damage or a contractor is injured – you can be left on the hook if the company is uninsured.

Failing to Secure a Written Estimate

Be wary if a roofer doesn’t want to sign a contract in favour of an under-the-table cash payment. A little saving early in the game can mean big problems down the road. Always get all the necessary details – materials, labour, cost breakdowns, and what should happen if anything changes – in writing. This will guarantee your investment and help you compare quotes

Tips To Find The Best Post Construction Cleaning

Posted on by Cleaning

The Necessity of Professional Post Construction Cleaning Services

When you’re planning a construction project of any size, the number of things to consider is mind-boggling. There’s the planning and designing, finding qualified professionals to do the work, obtaining all the necessary permits, monitoring the actual construction services and planning for the inevitable problems that come up. Few people think about cleaning up after all the work is done, and there’s much more to it than just picking up all the tools and lumber.

Here are three reasons why it makes sense to hire a professional company to clean up after a construction project:

It’s safer for everyone involved. The amount of debris left behind by a construction project is staggering. There’s sawdust, nails, broken glass, wire and more bits of building material leftovers that are just waiting to poke into feet or arms. A professional crew not only has experience in cleaning up a construction site, but they have better equipment than just a broom and dustpan.
Debris will be disposed of properly. In many municipalities, you can’t just toss leftover drywall or wood in that week’s trash pickup. Construction materials must be separated for special pickup, and paint and other chemicals must be delivered to a special facility for legal disposal. By using a post construction cleanup company, you know the job will be done professionally and legally.
The job will be completed quickly and efficiently. A professional cleanup company will have all the necessary equipment to do the job fast, like trucks, trailers and manpower.  They can move in and get the job done before you know it, because they’ve done this many, many times. This frees you up to enjoy the results of all your planning and hard work.

Why Hiring a Professional Cleaning Company is Important For Post-Construction Cleaning

If your office, commercial or industrial space has recently undergone renovations, you’ll probably need a post-construction cleaning to get the space ready for employees, clients and customers to re-enter. Construction and renovations can create serious dust and debris that can cause health and safety concerns if not properly addressed. Hiring a professional company to manage your post-construction cleanup is the best way to get the thorough and efficient cleaning you need to re-enter your workplace as safely as possible. Here is some more information about the importance of hiring a professional cleaning company for your post-construction clean-up.

Safe, Effective Service

Professional cleaning companies have the skills, experience and equipment necessary to handle any post-construction messes safely and efficiently. Construction and renovation can result in a significant amount of dust and debris, which can make the post-construction cleaning process dangerous. By hiring a professional cleaning service, you can ensure that you work environment is as sparkling and clean as possible without jeopardizing the health and safety in the process. At Empire Capitol, all of our staff are fully trained and certified in safe cleaning procedures, so you can rest assured that your post-construction cleaning will be taken care of in the safest and most comprehensive manner possible.

Fast Service Guaranteed

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional service to manage your post-construction cleanup is speed. Professional cleaning technicians can clean post-construction spaces faster than untrained employees. This means that you can reopen your space and continue business as usual faster with a professional cleaning service to take care of your post-construction needs. Construction and renovation projects can shut down your office, commercial, space for months at a time, which can negatively impact business. A professional cleaning company will make your space spotless as quickly as possible to prevent any delays from disrupting the operation of your company.

The Final Touches

After the major debris and cleanup has occurred, the final touches to make your new renovation shine need to be completed. This includes thoroughly cleaning every inch of the remodeled area. Post Construction Cleaning Professionals will:

Dust walls
Hand wash all doors
Hand wash all trim
Mop all flooring multiple times (if applicable)
Dust entire house multiple times to pick up residual falling debris
Vacuum entire house thoroughly to pick up debris and dust
Hand wash all cabinets and closets inside and out
Wipe down all reachable lights
Remove all tape and tape residue

Benefits of Hiring Post-Construction Cleaning Services

With the last swing of the hammer, the construction workers begin collecting their tools, loading up the truck, and driving off into the sunset to their next site. Their job is done. You take a step back and imagine a time in the near future when the area will be bustling with your employees, each working hard to grow your business. You become antsy with anticipation and excited to start this new phase.

Here are a few benefits you’ll see when you hire the pros.

Safety

After the construction workers have finished the job, some of the debris and materials left behind can be sharp and pose a serious safety concern for you or your employees if you decide to do it on your own. Our professionals are not only insured for the job but have the knowledge and experience to get it done efficiently and safely. Not only that, but we will also be sure to clean up the site with no damage done to the new workplace.

Proper Disposal

Disposing of waste materials from a construction site isn’t as easy you may think. One is not able to just toss the junk into any given trash can. There are rules and regulations in place to prevent this and without the proper knowledge of local regulations, you’re likely to get in trouble with the law and receive a hefty fine for dumping. Instead of pulling a mission in the dead of night, throwing junk away in separate garbage bins around the city, just let the professionals handle it. We know where the proper areas for disposal are and are happy to do it!

You Save Money in the Long Run

When you think about it, being spared from all the trouble of the cleaning is already worth the money you spend on a professional cleaning service. But you may actually spend less money when you don’t do it yourself.

When you DIY, you have to spend money on cleaning supplies. Then you may have to give some bonuses for your workers who do the cleaning, and you have to get them insured first too. And you may lose more money for your company when you do it yourself and waste precious time.

So when you use professionals for your post-construction cleaning, you pay less and you’re spared the trouble. That’s what you call a good deal.

Tips To Do Good Mold Remediation

Posted on by Home Inspection

Tips To Remediate Mold in Your Home

Monitoring Indoor Air Quality is Key to Mold Remediation

Air quality monitoring is necessary to fight mold effectively. Keep in mind that mold thrives with moisture while releasing spores and VOCs – all three types of pollutants can be detected by sampling indoor air.

Keep Relative Humidity Below 60%

If you visit the website on mold by the US Environmental Protection Agency, you will notice that they emphasize the relationship between mold and moisture. Basically, mold is alive and it requires moisture to stay alive and spread; controlling humidity is easier and more cost-effective than cleaning mold on an ongoing basis.

Prevent Moisture Condensation

The complement to controlling air moisture is preventing its accumulation on indoor surfaces. To prevent this, the following measures are recommended.

If You Find Mold, Make Sure It Is Cleaned Properly

If you find mold growth in your home, the first step is deciding between cleaning it yourself or hiring a mold remediation company. The US EPA suggests professional remediation for any mold growth larger than 10 square feet, of if there has been extensive water damage. Most international standards agree that occupants can clean mold on their own if the area does not exceed 1 m2 (roughly equivalent to 10 ft2).

Avoid Wasting Time and Money with Ineffective Measures

When dealing with mold, avoid measures that don’t address the problem effectively. They are just a waste of time and money.

Tips For How To Handle Mold Remediation

Understand Moisture’s Role in Mold Formation.

Evaluating mold in home infestation involves more than a visible check for mold growth behind wall, flooring, or in corners. For that reason, any commercial mold damage assessment requires analytical approaches. Understand that the presence of free moisture affects mold growth significantly. Secondly, familiarize yourself with how moisture originates and gets into your home. As a homeowner you must determine the sources of moisture in your property and use its presence to locate mold growth; SERVPRO of Lynnwood specializes in providing these services at competitive prices.

Create an Appropriate Remediation Plan and Documentation.

Document your mold situation in writing, video, or photography. Documentation assists cleanup experts to develop an appropriate mitigation strategy. Details of the plan include what renovations or repairs are scheduled, necessary evaluation tests, or tenant relocation during remediation. A mitigation plan helps you manage liability and identify mold growth trends.

Identifying Mold Contamination Extent

As indicated before, growing mold in home can be deceptive, so it is necessary to determine the extent of contamination in your home. Determining your level of contamination influences the approach used in addressing mold damage within your home and lets you avoid exposing others to contamination.

Mold Mitigation

Mitigating mold growth involves a combination of various methods inclusive of Level 1 and Level 2 remediation practices. Both levels comprise the following listed steps: Fixing leaking plumbing. This approach significantly reduces mold growth, black mold, fungus, mildew as well as using deodorization to eliminate smelly odor. Isolate contaminated areas; this entails closing all windows and doors on contaminated doorways, and other access conduits. These help to avoid the spread of black mold, fungus, mildew, dry rot, and mold spores to other locations within the home as well as reduces smelly odor. Use misting and deodorization to reduce smelly odor caused by growing mold. Discard all mold-infected, black mold, fungus, mildew, dry rot, and other materials using appropriate disposal bags. Entrust the removal of contaminated material to a certified restoration company; such as the team at SERVPRO of Lynnwood. Ensure that you clean all wood surfaces and nonporous materials of any mold damage, dry rot, mildew, fungus, or black mold. Perform a visibility test. Inspect all infected areas of any visible contamination and mold debris, dry rot, black mold, fungus, mildew.

Evaluate the Mold Removal Plan The last step in this activity is determining whether the mold removal project achieved its objectives. Pay particular attention to any mold growth behind wall. You should implement a comprehensive mold mitigation strategy to avoid future issues.

Mold Removal And Remediation: How To Get Rid Of Mold

What Is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that reproduces by expelling microscopic spores into the environment. When these spores land in a damp environment, they grow and spread and can potentially cause rot. Mold thrives in damp environments, such as bathrooms, kitchens, attics, basements and crawl spaces.

Identifying Different Types Of Mold

Mold comes in many different forms; in fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are probably tens of thousands of types of mold, if not more. While many types of mold are harmless—and in nature, mold even plays an important role by breaking down dead leaves, plants and trees—in your home, harmful types can lead to respiratory distress, manifesting itself in symptoms that include stuffy noses and wheezing. The effects will be more intense for those who are allergic to mold or have asthma.

Alternaria

This type of mold, which can cause asthma-like symptoms in the upper respiratory tract, is frequently found in showers and tubs, beneath leaky sinks, and in homes that have recently suffered flooding or other water damage. It has a velvety texture with dark green or brown hairs.

Aureobasidium

Typically found behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces, this mold starts as a pink, brown, or black hue, then turns to a dark brown as it ages. This type of mold can cause eye, skin, and nail infections.

Black Mold (Stachybotrys)

This mold appears slimy and black or dark green and is commonly found in organic materials such as wood, hay, and cardboard. It is also known as “toxic mold” because it releases mycotoxins that can cause a host of medical issues, including difficulty breathing, sinusitis, fatigue, headache, a burning sensation in your airways, a persistent cough, nose bleeds, fever, and even depression.

Mold Removal Tips You Should Know About

Find The Source

First, you have to find the source of the mold. The most common culprits include leaky pipes and cracks in the foundation. Not having windows and doors properly sealed are often the source of mold, and so is damage to the roof, condensation, and poor ventilation. If you have mold in your home, the chances are it’s because of one of those.

Perform Inspection To Find Mold

You want to perform a thorough inspection of your property. The objective is to find visible signs of mold. Even if you’ve found the source and have found a tiny amount of mold, you still want to do an inspection. Mold can quickly spread, so simply finding the source and removing the small traces of mold near the source probably won’t be enough.

Use Mold Removal Methods

You’ll want to mix a bit of baking soda with water and use the mixture to clean away the mold. Bear in mind this is only recommended if you have a small amount of mold that needs to be removed. While you’re at it, use a dehumidifier, as this will remove moisture from the room and the area where the mold has developed.

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CLEAN-UP & RESTORATION

Mold prevention

Mold needs moisture and oxygen to grow, which means mold can grow on virtually any organic substance. While it is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in an indoor environment, moisture control is the key to mold control. Some steps to thwart mold include.

Signs of mold

Indoor mold growth may not be obvious. It can grow unnoticed on hidden surfaces—on the backside of dry wall, underside of carpets or pads, or hidden within utility tunnels.

Taking care of mold

Mitigating the risk of mold and exposure to mold is relatively easy, if property managers handle the problem correctly. Here’s how to find a mold expert.

Learn About Home Builder Before Use It

Posted on by Home Improvement

How to Find a Custom or Luxury Home Builder

Setting out to find a new home has its challenges, especially if there’s no new homes on the market that totally satisfy what you’re looking for in a new home. If this is the case, then finding a custom home builder to create your perfect home is a great approach for you.

So how do you find the custom homebuilder that will bring your dream home to life? It’s imperative to find the right custom builder as this person or group will be charged with creating the home you’ve always wanted in precise detail. With that in mind, it’s best to have a detailed list of things to consider while selecting a custom home builder.

Determine what you want in a custom home

The first part of the process is to jot down exactly what you want in your custom home. It can range from having a different layout for one or two rooms in the home or having a more intricate home plan.

The key thing to consider is that as you grow, your house should grow with you and be able to accommodate you and your family in that process with a consistent quality. If you do this ahead of time, when you sit down in interviews with custom home builders, they’ll be able to provide you better estimates based off your drawings and list of what features you’re aiming to have in your custom home.

CHOOSE YOUR ARCHITECT AND HOME BUILDER

When you build a custom home, you can either alter an existing floor plan or create a one-of-a-kind home to include everything on your list, but both options require a skilled architect and a reputable home builder. Do extensive research to determine which architect and home builder is the right fit for you. Find professionals that already build residences that match your style. Take a tour of any models homes available so you can see the quality of their work, pay attention to the architectural details, and ask questions about their process. Architects and home builders need not only look good on paper, so schedule a meeting with them so you can get a feel for the people behind the name.

REVIEW YOUR CONTRACT THEN REVIEW IT AGAIN

Anyone with a basic knowledge of contracts knows you should read every word before signing, but reviewing your luxury home building contract is more about learning what to expect during the home building process and making sure none of your specifications have been missed. Have a list of everything you discussed with your realtor and with the home builder so you can be sure it is all included in your contract. Your contract will also provide vital information, like an estimated date of completion and any processes the builder has for when there are delays because, let’s face it, many things can occur during the construction of a new home. The key is having a homebuilder that can handle it efficiently and effectively.

Works as a Partner with you

A quality custom home builder will work with you and the design team to review the lot you have selected, how much of the lot will be used for house space, and then develop the layout, room sizes, elevations and design recommendations that meet your personality and goals to deliver the custom home that you want.

Has a Reputation for Quality – There is no substitute for getting it right. Top custom home builders only work with subcontractors accustomed to doing custom work. They make sure all are insured and have proven track records. Most quality custom home builders will provide a list of their preferred trade partners for your convenience.

Forming a budget

Your budget will help determine every feature added, from custom high-end fittings, to electronics. What you don’t want to happen, is to get near the end of your project and find that you’ve depleted your budget.

Take your time in figuring out what you absolutely can’t do without in your luxury home, and how much you’re planning on spending. Making a list of your “must-haves” lets you choose where to allocate your budget.

Designing Luxury HomesPutting function first

Have you been in a luxury home that feels a little empty? You want a home that oozes warmth. If your builder doesn’t plan to make each space functional, a luxury home can easily feel unwelcoming. It’s up to you and your builder to plan how to make the most of each space, so your entire home feels warm and inviting.

The true definition of a custom luxury home is a home that provides a great family setting. At the same time, you need a friendly and engaging space for entertaining guests. Talk to your builder about how you’ll spend time in your home, to ensure your home functions the way you want it to.

Decide on Your Location

Whether you’re building your very first luxury home or crafting a holiday house for relaxation and recreation, you need to make some solid decisions before the build begins. You might have a number of suburbs and neighbourhoods in mind and need to narrow down the perfect block of land. Consider its proximity to amenities and areas that you frequent. If you’d rather be close to the centre of the action, a more metropolitan block of land will work best. If a remote and relaxed lifestyle is more your speed, a rural block could be your oasis.

Create an Electrical and Lighting Design

Day and night, your home will be powered by electrical and lighting systems. When it comes to designing a functional and appealing system, it’s important to work with builders and experienced electrical contractors. You’ll be guided through the possibilities and your design will be tweaked to accommodate your electrical and lighting vision; from simple and sleek to grand and extravagant.

Build with Custom Home Builders

Ready to bring your dream home to life? Work with experienced custom home builders to execute your designs with precision.

Trick To Know More About Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on by Legal

What You Should Look For in Personal Injury Lawyers

How do you know you’ve found the right attorney to take on your case? Where do you even begin your search? Hiring the right person to handle your legal case is a daunting task. Whether you have been injured in a car accident or are having trouble after a hip replacement surgery, you want to ensure that the lawyer is the best for the job.

Anyone can make a slick and professional website, so how do you know who’s really qualified? And where should you begin the search? We asked a number of attorneys in the Enjuris network how they would recommend searching for, vetting and hiring a lawyer. Here is what they said.

Ask friends and family to refer their injury lawyer

Word of mouth is not going away. The preferred way to find a good personal injury lawyer is to ask friends and family for a referral to an attorney who represented them in the past.

Select an Attorney with a Track Record

Your personal injury case is important to you because it affects you and your family. Your case is the opportunity for you to get fully compensated for your damages. It is important to choose an attorney that has a record of accomplishment and can deliver a full and fair trial verdict or settlement.

Select an Attorney with the Necessary Resources

Many personal injury cases require serious investigation and are expensive to prepare. Your attorney will need to devote not only time to your case but the resources to hire medical experts, accident reconstruction experts or vocational rehabilitation experts, if necessary. The lawyer should have staff dedicated to your case. It is important to choose an attorney that has the resources to fully prepare your case.

Trust and confidence are critical

If you have been injured, or lost a loved one because of wrongful death, you have one chance to obtain justice. One chance to get the compensation you need for medical care; to replace lost income from a job you can no longer perform; to get the services you need to make your life whole again.

You need to be confident your personal injury lawyer has the ability to understand your story, and convey it in a way that inspires others to give you justice. If you and your lawyer do not have a trusting relationship, and you are not confident in that lawyer’s ability, sincerity and motive, your chance of success will be negatively impacted.

Selecting the Right Lawyer to Assist You

When it comes to your personal injury claim, it is vital you have a professional with the right level of experience and expertise on your side. This can make all the difference when it comes to your claim and means that you could have a better chance of getting the compensation you are entitled to. In addition, it can have an impact on the amount of compensation you receive, with a good, experienced lawyer able to boost the chances of a higher compensation amount.

You can learn more about the lawyer’s experience with personal injury cases by checking out the website or by getting in touch and speaking to one of the professionals. It is important to make sure you do find someone that has specific personal injury experience, as they will be familiar with all the latest laws and up to date information. This can help to boost the chances of your claim being successful.

It is also important to make sure you look at the reputation of the lawyer to ensure they have a solid track record when it comes to personal injury claims. This is something that is far easier to do these days because you can go online and check out reviews from other people who have also used the same lawyer for personal injury claims. By doing this, you can get a better idea of the number of personal injury claims the lawyer has dealt with as well as getting a better idea of what their success rate is like.

Is This Lawyer A Member Of Legal Organizations That Specialize In Representing Injured People?

There are both national and state organizations comprised of lawyers who are dedicated to the representation of injury victims. These organizations sponsor legal publications and legal education programs. They also conduct lobbying activities for the rights of consumers. The most prominent national organization is the American Association of Justice (AAJ). In the State of Indiana, the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) is a statewide organization of plaintiff attorneys dedicated to the rights of injured persons. You can certainly find a lawyer who doesn’t belong to any of these groups, but why would you want that lawyer to represent you in a serious injury lawsuit?

Must Know Type Of Carpet Flooring

Posted on by Flooring

Types of carpet

Carpet

Carpet needs no introduction or explanation. It is an attractive option for many builders because it comes in so many colors and styles, it installs quickly, and it looks great when it’s new. Carpet is also warm, soft, and quiet, which is why it’s preferred by many homeowners for bedrooms and living and family rooms. Carpet’s quiet also makes it a great choice for upper-level rooms in multistory homes.

Carpet should never be used in bathrooms or kitchens, where it is quickly ruined by frequent moisture, spills, and stains and is generally unsanitary. When choosing a carpet for a home for sale, consider the color and style carefully.

The color should be neutral and appropriate for the house, and the weave and material should be suitable for versatile use. Carpet can be a good option for rental properties because it can be professionally cleaned, but it’s also prone to permanent damage from stains and pets.

What is Carpet Made of Anyways?

Carpet is made of woven nylon, polyester, olefin, or wool fibers. To ensure a long-lasting and quality carpet, consider a higher twist number of the fibers and a higher density volume of the tufts.

Each of these fibers offer individual benefits.
Choice of fiber depends on what you would like to achieve in your space.

What Are the Different Types of Carpet Fibers?

There are four types of carpet fiber; nylon, polyester, olefin, and wool. In order to select the perfect carpet fiber, you will want to consider the function of each room, and how you live in it.

Nylon is the most durable and stain resistant carpet fiber, and is ideal for homes with pets and children. Nylon is perfect for heavy traffic areas, such as hallways and stairs.
Polyester offers a luxurious look and feel, and is ideal for rooms that see a normal amount of traffic.
Olefin has great stain and moisture resistance, and is recommended for commercial use.
Wool is well constructed, has natural soil resistance qualities, and looks great for a long period of time. If appearance is important, make note that wool is favored for its beauty!

What Are the Benefits of Carpet?

Carpet offers amazing softness and beauty to a room.
There is a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from.
Carpet is made in a variety of fibers, each one offering different qualities that are suited for your space.

Disadvantages of Carpet

Maintenance: Depending on your lifestyle, carpet often requires a high level of maintenance, such as occasional deep carpet cleaning and regular vacuuming.
Sensitivity: Carpet is a very sensitive floor covering material, due to its ability to easily attract dirt and stains.
Allergies: Carpet is highly susceptible to allergens such as mold, dust mites and pet dander. If you or a family member have an allergy or respiratory problems, hardwood or tile are other suitable flooring options.
Longevity: Most carpets are manufactured synthetically, which tend to have a shorter lifespan than other flooring choices. Unlike carpet, flooring such as hardwood can last multiple generations.
Style & Trends: While carpet remains a popular flooring choice, hard-surfaced floors continue to rise in popularity – also adding increased value to homes.

Environmental Benefits

Carpet Is A Sustainable Choice

The carpet industry is minimizing carpet’s impact on the environment through the “3 Rs” – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. When carpet reaches the end of its long life, it is reused to make new carpet or is recycled into a variety of products, including roofing shingles, railroad ties, and automotive parts.

Following NSF/ANSI 140

The industry supports NSF/ANSI 140, the Sustainability Assessment for Carpet (NSF/ANSI 140). NSF/ANSI 140 was created for designers, facility managers, and government purchasers who want to ensure their carpet purchases have the best sustainability performance.

Taking extra CARE

Environmental stewardship is also seen through the work of the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE). With over 400 industry members, CARE has helped divert over 4 billion pounds of carpet from landfills since the group organized in 2002.

What Need To Prepare Before Long Distance Moving

Posted on by Movers

Tips to Help You Find the Best Movers Every Time

Don’t Look for the Best Movers; Look for the Best Movers for You

It is complicated to pin down what you should be looking for in your move because, depending on your needs, the answer for the best mover changes. Choosing the best movers starts with one thing: you. You should feel comfortable with your moving company choice. Getting moving quotes and listening to what equipment and services the moving company can provide is the right start. But choosing affordable professionals to get your belongings from point A to point B is the ultimate goal.

Agent of a National Moving Network

All good movers need the right equipment and resources to pull off a job. If a moving company is part of a larger franchise or a moving network, then there is a great chance have the right equipment no matter the moving job. If you are moving locally, this might matter less since the moving company should have all the tools they need at their location.

Ask About Their Moving Equipment

There can be a huge variety in the services offered by different moving companies. There are national franchises that can pool heavy equipment and resources from other franchisees or their franchisor, as well as independent owners that might rent out a truck for a single job. To get an idea of what company you are inquiring about, ask about their equipment.

Find the Company’s Service Area

Checking whether the moving company services your area is important. To verify this, moving companies will have a map of areas served or a list of areas they serve. If a moving company is well-reviewed but is unwilling to travel the distance to perform your move, then they won’t be the right moving company for you.

Check Their Reviews Online

Reading reviews from former customers of a moving company is a great way to research your options. Depending on the company, you can usually go to the BBB.org, Google, Facebook or Yelp to find reviews from customers. The star rating is normally out of 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. Companies with 4 stars and above are usually great to work with. You also can check to see if they’re a certified professional mover by the American Moving & Storage Association.

Choosing the Best Long Distance Moving Company

Look for any other red flags!

Planning a long distance move doesn’t seem like it should be so complicated, but unfortunately, there are those who would take advantage of your logistical needs to scam you. Be wary of any company that requires a cash or an unusually large deposit prior to the move, particularly if they ask it to be wired online. Steer clear of companies that don’t have an accessible record of business, show up in a rental truck or unmarked vehicle, or who insist on doing all planning and business over the phone. Make sure all communications, commitments, and payments can be easily tracked!

Is your mover well-reviewed?

Good service inspires good reviews, so look for an interstate moving company that has a good track record according to their customers. The FMCSA website will offer safety reviews, and the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and these days even Google will provide customer experience information. Keep in mind that no company can escape a bad review or two, but they shouldn’t be the majority!

Does your mover offer a detailed quote, estimate, or guaranteed price?

A verbal estimate holds no weight in the world of moving services, so when comparing the costs associated with each long distance moving company, make sure you know that you’re comparing apples to apples. The best-rated cross country moving companies are clear and transparent about the cost of moving long distance and provide a line by line breakdown of what they are quoting. Movers want to just give you a number without telling you what it includes? Time to look elsewhere.

Are your movers licensed and insured?

This should be a no-brainer, but the best national moving companies should be able to quickly and easily provide proof of their licensure and insurance with zero runarounds. You can check a mover’s license on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website, but you shouldn’t need to do that research yourself. Ideally, the company has its FMCSA license number displayed in plain sight and offers you a full explanation of their insurance and options for additional insurance when you request your quote.

Are your movers an established, experienced company?

The best long distance movers didn’t get that way overnight – they have spent years fine-tuning their process, training their staff, and getting those early “learning mistakes” out of the way. When it comes to interstate moves, there are quite a few more details that a company needs to consider that aren’t involved in a local move. Crossing state borders, for one, requires additional licenses and paperwork. Your belongings also have further to travel, so the company must be certain that everything is well secured and stable for the haul. Don’t leave your move up to newbies!

Tips to Find Long Distance Moving Companies You Can Trust

Make sure you’ll have a dedicated move coordinator

What’s the secret to a successful long distance move? Big, burly men in overalls? We kid, but the truth is that long distance moves require far more coordination than the initial loading and final drop-off.

Add a few relocation services to help make your move smooth

It’s common knowledge that you hire movers to get things from point A to point B safely and quickly. While your move begins and ends with a moving truck, many long distance moving companies also offer an array of relocation services to those in need of them. Movers then charge you for the services provided after they complete your move.

Get an in-person cost estimate

How long distance moving companies calculate their costs and how much they charge their customers varies, but most major operations will send a relocation specialist or moving coordinator to your home for an estimate.

Collect more than one estimate at no cost to you

Long distance moving companies should offer free estimates, so take advantage of the chance to shop around and collect more than one quote for comparison. The quotes should include estimates for both general moving costs, included services, and extras that you plan to tack on.

Check or negotiate for the ‘guarantee-not-to-exceed’ estimate

There are three types of estimates you can get from a long distance moving company.

Tips for a Successful Long Distance Move

Plan Ahead

Long distance moves are a major life event, and the best way to make sure yours goes smoothly is to make sure you plan ahead. Reach out to moving companies in your area about 3 months before you are planning on moving. Especially in the summertime movers reach capacity, and by planning ahead you won’t have to worry about finding a mover at the last minute. Plan ahead to make sure you aren’t forgetting anything important before your move

Get In-Home Moving Estimates

With an in-home moving estimate, a move representative from the local moving company will come to your home to do a visual survey of all the items you are moving. This allows them to give you an accurate price for your move. It also helps you get a feel for the moving company you are considering selecting.

Research Moving Companies

Not all moving companies are created equal. It is a good idea to do some research about your mover to make sure they are a high quality company. Good places to check include the BBB, Yelp, Angie’s List, and movingscam.com. For long distance moves it is also usually a good idea to move with a large established van line, like United Van Lines or Mayflower Transit. These van lines have significantly higher hauling capacities than a mom-and-pop mover would, and so they are much more likely to be able to get a well-trained moving crew to your house on move day.

Downsize

With a long distance move, the cost of your move is going to be based on the weight of the items you ship. The more you ship, the more you will end up paying. It is usually a good idea to take the time to go through your belongings and decide what you still use and what you can get rid of. Consider holding a garage sale before your move or donating unneeded items to the Salvation Army. Also take a moment to consider if you will no longer need certain items at your new home. If you are moving from Michigan to Florida, you most likely don’t need to move your snow blower, and you can probably donate that box of old sweaters as well.

Consider Furniture Placement Locations

Plan where you want all of your furniture will go once it gets to your new home, and make sure everything will fit. If your new home is smaller than your current home, there is a good chance everything will feel crowded if you bring all your furniture. Plan what items will go into each room. If you don’t have a place for an item get rid of it before you move it. If you have large or oversized furniture make sure it can fit through the stairwells and around tight corners. Older homes often have tight stairwells that cannot accommodate all types of furniture. King size beds for example often will not fit upstairs in older homes.

How to choose long distance movers

The reputation check

The best long distance moving companies will have an excellent reputation both in the moving and storage industry and among former and current users of relocation services (customers). One good way to check just how reputable cross country movers are is to read reviews about their services on specialized moving company reviews websites.

The reliability check

All long distance moving companies – that is, interstate moving companies – must be licensed by the U.S. Government, and more specifically – by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). A quick check at the USDOT website will give you access to the electronic record of each licensed long distance mover, along with the USDOT number they have been awarded.

The affordability check

Most of the times, your initial instinct will be to choose a long distance mover based on the price they have offered on the moving quote. That’s understandable – after all, money doesn’t grow on trees so you’ll definitely want to spend as little as possible on your long distance move.

Tips To Use Mold Remediation In Your Home

Posted on by Home Inspection

Tips for Finding the Best Mold Remover Company

Regardless of whether you live in an apartment building, a suburb, a mansion, a boathouse, or any other conceivable residence, you run the risk of having mold. It is not a pleasant thought, but it is a stark reality. Mold develops when conditions are just right, damp, warm, etc. and every building can potentially develop a mold problem at any time. When this happens, it can be difficult to know how to handle the situation. Should you simply clean it, buy special products, or call a professional? Unless the problem is incredibly minimal, the answer is almost always to call a professional. Now the question is, how do you find a mold removal company? Because it can be difficult to find a great mold remediation company, many people simply choose one at random. Thankfully, there are ways to better choose a company that will be the best choice for you and your situation. This is exactly what you will find here, a list of tips and advice to help make a better, more informed decision.

When you discover a mold problem, it is always recommended to call in a professional; however, the first thing you need to do is attempt to determine if there is an underlying cause. Mold grows and flourishes in very moist conditions, therefore a mold problem may be caused by a leaky roof or water pipe leak. If this is the case, this will need to be addressed every bit as much as the mold itself. If the underlying problem is not dealt with, the mold will come back. If the problem is a leaky roof, look into repairing or replacing the roof. If the problem is a burst or leaking pipe, call in a plumber as soon as possible

Tips on Mold Removal, Testing, Prevention and All Other Things Mold!

Speaking of our health, so called “Black Mold” typically refers to molds that can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), such as groups of molds known as Stachybotrys. Mycotoxins will not always be produced when these types of mold are present. To put it another way, the presence of mold does not necessarily mean mycotoxins are present. The conditions needed for mycotoxins to be produced are not fully understood. Further, mycotoxins can be produced by other types of molds besides Stachybotrys and these molds are not always black. But all visible molds, regardless of color, should be removed. (We discuss removal tips in the next section, “Mold Remediation and Mold Removal.”)

Mold is a natural organism that serves many useful purposes in daily life. It breaks down dead organic matter, helps make certain cheeses and antibiotics like Penicillin. Mold only becomes a problem when it is found in elevated levels. Then, mold removal and remediation should be performed.

Molds reproduce by releasing microscopic airborne spores that find their way to a habitable surface. Molds can grow on almost anything, including most building materials such as drywall, insulation, wood, etc. If enough water is present on these surfaces, the mold grows into active colonies and releases spores into the air.

While mold grows most easily on porous organic surfaces such as drywall and unfinished wood, it can also grow on inorganic surfaces such as metal, plastics and glass when organic nutrients such as dust and debris are along with moisture.

You can be exposed to mold by breathing in mold spores or touching and/or ingesting moldy items. And under ideal conditions, active visible mold colonies can grow in as little as one or two days.

How to Choose the Best Mold Remediation Company for Your Home

Licensed and Insured

There is simply no excuse for a mold removal company not to have the appropriate licenses and insurance for your area. Ask for this documentation right up front, and if it is not provided, move on to another option. You shouldn’t accept any kind of excuse for the lack of these items, as any reputable company will have them in place. There are too many good companies available to take your chances on one that is not licensed and insured.

Collect at Least Three Quotes

While you do want to have this work completed quickly, you don’t want to rush into the job so fast that you hire the first company to come along. Make it a goal to ask for quotes from at least three different remediation companies. Most contractors will be happy to provide you with a free written estimate for their services. You don’t necessarily want to go with the lowest quote every time, but price is obviously a factor which will be taken into consideration, as well as the timeline which is offered.

Ask for References

As a last step before you make your choice, ask all contractors you are considering for references from past customers. Any good contracting company will have at least a few references which you can check on to make sure they live up to their promises. Don’t just ask for the references and then let them sit on your desk – actually make a few phone calls to gather opinions. Also, you can check reviews which have been left on the web to get an idea about the reputation of each remediation company in the running.

HOW TO FIND THE BEST MOLD REMEDIATION COMPANY

Experience Is Crucial

The mold remediation process is tricky, which means you need to work with a company that has years of industry experience. This ensures they have the equipment and know-how to remove mold effectively.

Check for Industry Certifications and Licenses

It’s important the mold remediation specialists you work with hold licenses and certifications. This means they’ve gone through the proper training and are highly educated.

Ask About Insurance

In addition to holding certifications, the company you work with should also carry insurance. This protects you if any damage occurs during the mold remediation process.

Read Customer Reviews

It’s now commonplace for consumers to check online reviews before buying products or hiring a company. This is a great way to get a firsthand account of the type of work a business does.

Ask for References

When trying to find the best company for your needs, there’s nothing wrong with asking for references. Any reputable business won’t mind providing you with some.

Mold Remediation: How to Remove Mold

How to Get Rid of Mold Overview

Mold is a major-league nuisance. It blackens the grout lines in your shower, discolors drywall, shows up as black spots on siding, darkens decks, and grows on and rots damp wood everywhere. Even worse, it can be bad for your health. Mold releases microscopic spores that cause allergic reactions, runny noses and sneezing, as well as irritating, even injurious, odors. We’ll cover how to remove mold, how to get rid of black mold, how to kill mold on wood and what kills mold in a few steps.

How to identify mold

Mold is everywhere. It’s a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air. It can grow almost anywhere that spores land and find moisture and a comfortable temperature, between 40 and 100 degrees F. Typically that includes about every damp place in your home.

Removing large infestations requires precautions—and work!

You can scrub away the surface mold common to bathrooms, decks and siding in a matter of minutes with a 1-to-8 bleach/water mold cleaner solution as one way on how to remove mold. But often mold grows and spreads in places you don’t notice, until you spot surface staining, feel mushy drywall or detect that musty smell.

Cleanup and repair

Complete the initial cleanup by vacuuming up the debris. Thoroughly clean the wet/dry vac afterward by disposing of the filter and washing out the tank, hose and attachments with the bleach-and-water solution.

Use Tax Planning To Make A Better Company

Posted on by Accounting

How to Pay Less Taxes

The idea of tax planning is to arrange your financial affairs so you ultimately end up owing as little in taxes as possible. You can do this in three basic ways: You can reduce your income, increase your deductions, and take advantage of tax credits.

How to Reduce Taxable Income

Your adjusted gross income (AGI) is the key element in determining your taxes. It’s the starting number for calculations, and your tax rate and various tax credits depend upon it. You won’t be able to qualify for certain tax credits if it’s too high. The more money you make, the higher your AGI will be and the more you’ll pay in taxes. Conversely, you’ll pay less in taxes if you earn less.That’s the way the American tax system is set up. And it all begins with that magic number—your AGI.

Feed the IRA, lower your taxes

One reason that financial advisers consistently recommend contributions to a retirement plan as the best way to reduce a tax bill is that most of those contributions—depending on the type of plan—are essentially tax write-offs that don’t require itemization.

Because the money you contribute to a traditional IRA is a pre-tax contribution, it lowers your total taxable income. This means you will owe less in income taxes, regardless of whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. And because in recent years contributions made until the tax deadline have been applied to the return for the previous year, they have been popular among people who scramble to soften the blow of a large tax bill.

Invest in Municipal Bonds

Buying a municipal bond essentially means lending money to a state or local entity for a set number of interest payments over a predetermined period. Once the bond reaches its maturity date, the full amount of the original investment is repaid to the buyer.

Municipal bonds are exempt from federal taxes, and may be tax exempt at the state and local level as well, depending on where you live. Tax-free interest payments are what make municipal bonds attractive to investors.

Municipal bonds historically have lower default rates than their corporate bond counterparts (for investment grade securities, the default rate is 0.1% for municipal bonds versus 2.28% for corporate).However, municipals typically pay lower interest rates. Because of the tax benefits, bondholders must understand their tax equivalent yield. The higher your tax bracket, the higher your tax equivalent yield.

Deduct Half Your Self-Employment Taxes

The government assesses a 15.3% Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax on all earnings to pay for the Social Security and Medicare programs.

While employers split the cost with their workers, self-employed individuals are responsible for paying the entire amount themselves. To compensate for the extra expense, the government will let you deduct 50% of the amount paid from your income taxes. You don’t even need to itemize to claim this tax deduction.

Itemize State Sales Tax

Taxpayers who itemize their deductions can include either their state income tax or state sales tax on their Schedule A form. The state sales tax break is a great option if you live in a state without income taxes.While taxpayers can use a table provided by the IRS to easily claim their sales tax deduction, remember to add on the sales tax from any major purchase such as a car or boat.

The federal tax deduction for state and local taxes is capped at $10,000 from all sources.

Make a charitable donation

Making donations to charity is tax-free. Either yourself or the charity can claim the tax back through Gift Aid. If you pay higher or additional-rate tax, you can also claim back the difference to the basic-rate on any Gift Aid donations. To do this, you need to claim on your self-assessment tax return or ask HMRC to adjust your tax code. As a basic rate taxpayer, a £1.25 donation will cost you a pound. For higher rate taxpayers, you’ll pay just 75p. Keep records showing the date and amount you have donated.

Maximise your personal savings allowance

In 2020-21, you can earn £1,000 of interest on savings tax-free if you’re a basic-rate taxpayer. If you’re a higher-rate taxpayer, your tax-free allowance is £500. You’ll only pay tax on savings income that exceeds this threshold. This will no longer be deducted automatically by the savings provider. If tax is due, you’ll need to pay it via self-assessment or have it deducted via PAYE. Keep in mind that you won’t have a savings allowance as an additional-rate (45%) taxpayer.