Category: Home Maintenance/Repairs

Home Improvement: When Your House is Telling You It Needs to Be Repaired

Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs

PUTTING THINGS OFF NOT WHAT IT IS CRACKED UP TO BE

 

Photo courtesy of @pawsandwatches

Photo courtesy of @pawsandwatches

Many people follow this advice from Mark Twain, “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done the day after tomorrow just as well.”

This philosophy make work fine for doing your laundry – you might have to re-wear some clothes after spraying them with Febreeze. It also might work well for grocery shopping  – you eat cake for breakfast;  it is made with eggs after all, right?

HERE’S AN EXAMPLE OF WHERE THIS ADVICE CAN HURT YOU IN THE WALLET

Home Improvement - House cracks are dangerous copy

Have you noticed cracks in your drywall or on the exterior of your house?  Are the gaps in the cracks getting larger? Do you have cracking walls that extend from floor to ceiling,  sticking doors, sagging floors or pooling water near a slab foundation? These MAY be signs of problems with your foundation. More advanced or severe damage is indicated by wide cracks in exterior walls or even separation of one section of a house.

IGNORING OR DELAYING REPAIRS ON YOUR HOME CAN LEAD TO DISASTER

Here’s why — the longer you wait to treat visible signs of damage, the more severe the damage can become. Left untreated, minor cracks and leaks can turn into serious structural issues that compromise the value and overall health of your home.

Your home’s structural integrity depends on the strength of your foundation. It supports everything else – walls, windows, floors, doorways, roof — so when your foundation is damaged, it can cause serious problems throughout your home.

WHAT CAN CAUSE THE DAMAGE?

One cause of a sinking foundation is improper compaction of the soil when your home was built. If the soil is not compacted properly, over time i will no longer be able to support the weight of your house and cracks will ensue.

Also, like other things in life, your foundation is subject to environmental stress. Expanding and contracting soil, excessive moisture and inadequate drainage are also threats to your home’s foundation. Over time, environmental stress can cause the foundation to shift, crack or settle unevenly.
Improper drainage: The most common sign of poor drainage is water pooling and forming swampy areas near a home’s foundation. Poor drainage can occur as a result of clogged or damaged gutters, or because the land surrounding a home isn’t properly graded away from the structure.

Water leaks under the slab: Slab foundations conceal sewer lines and water supply pipes; when a leak develops in a hidden line, it can cause the soil beneath the slab to deteriorate. This type of problem may cause moist areas in interior floors, or homeowners may notice a sudden spike in their water bills – but more often than not a slab leak will go unnoticed. Leak isolation testing is the preferred method for detecting slab leaks.

Tree root intrusions: Large trees can cause foundation problems as roots grow through the soil underneath the home. The intruding roots can exert significant pressure on under-slab water pipes and foundations. They can also leech moisture from the ground, causing soil to contract away from the home.

HELP ME I’M SINKING

A homeowner in Wellington contacted Leading Edge Homes because he wanted us to investigate the cracks and separation he was seeing on the exterior of his home.
Unfortunately for him, the investigation determined that the soil beneath the corner of his house was not compacted at all.  The soil engineers gave the compaction a rating of “10” out of 100, where at least and “95” is required before a structure can be built on top of the soil.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE

The exterior remediation includes pressure grouting beneath the foundation under the watchful eye of a structural engineer.  A special concrete mixture is used to solidify the soil beneath the house.  In addition, part of the exterior wall will be opened up to allow the hollow block cells to be reinforced with steel then poured solid with concrete.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN INSIDE THE HOME

Sadly, the cracks allow for water intrusion.  Several years ago Leading Edge Homes had to do a similar repair for another homeowner in Palm Beach County. They ignored a musty smell in a bedroom for a long time, which turned out to be mold. The exterior cracks and sinking foundation allowed water to get inside the home.

In that case, the homeowner had to have specialized mold remediation performed which included removing the drywall, flooring, and even some of the furniture.

Ignoring the warning signs was quite costly.

LESSONS LEARNED

Don’t put blinders on if you see wall cracks thinking that what you don’t look at won’t bother you. Call in the experts at Leading Edge Homes and we’ll determine if the cracks are cosmetic or structural. It is easier and less costly to treat a problem early rather than after severe damage has occurred.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about your home, a home you are purchasing, the design process for building a home, or a project you are considering, contact your local design-build contractor, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. 

For all of your new home, home remodeling and inspection needs, contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

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HOME REMODELING: I MADE A HOMEOWNER CRY

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Builder, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs

TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A REMODELING CONTRACTOR:  MAKING A HOMEOWNER CRY

Nothing is worse than having to tell a homeowner they have been scammed.

Nothing is worse than having to tell a homeowner they have been scammed.

 

MAKING A HOMEOWNER CRY

This has been one of the toughest month’s for me as a home remodeling contractor.

Two of the potential clients that I visited with were brought to tears and another one was strong enough to hold back the tears but realized they threw away money.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The first of my heart breaking experiences happened in Palm Beach Gardens.  A woman, had a leak, which unfortunately led to mold.

But… the people she hired to “fix it” removed anything and everything that they could, down to the metal studs that were part of her exterior walls.

There is no easy fix to put her home back together, especially because it is part of a quadruplex. The homeowners association won’t let her rip down what is remaining from the exterior walls and now they are in danger of collapsing, her insurance company is denying the claim, and the “friends” that helped her weren’t licensed.

WARNING:  ALWAYS VERIFY THAT THE PEOPLE YOU HIRE TO WORK ON YOUR HOME ARE PROPERLY LICENSED – read more – 

The only remedy she has is to hire a public adjuster to help her navigate the insurance company process and to hire a construction attorney to help her recoup her costs from the work that was done improperly.  Until she gets the homeowners association to grant her permission to fix the exterior walls, she is in limbo.

The next of my heart breaking experiences happened in Wellington where work was done without a permit and the second contractor is no where to be found.

A homeowner needed work done on his home. The “contractor” who only could work weekends was caught doing work on the home without a permit. The Village of Wellington issued a stop work order, fined the homeowner, and had the electric meter pulled from the house as a safety precaution.

The homeowner, after paying fines, hired another contractor. But, this contractor is now missing in action. I advised the homeowner that I could not do any work on the home unless the permit was closed. Like the previous homeowner, this job will remain in limbo until the legal ramifications are solved.

WARNING: FAILURE TO GET A PERMIT CAN CAUSE YOUR JOB TO BE SHUT DOWN! – read more 

The last my heart breaking experiences this week also happened in Wellington.

A homeowner wanted to remodel their kitchen and have an addition put on their home. They hired a draftsman to draw up the plans. The plans did not reflect what the homeowner wanted! The plans were what the designer wanted to draw.

As a design-build contractor I have seen this time and time again. Some draftsmen or architects don’t understand the big picture and don’t understand how things are tied together. The homeowner, throughout our meeting, kept saying “but that is what I wanted.”

It is very frustrating to me that homeowners waste money on plans that won’t work. It is not that every designer/draftsman does a poor job… but I have seen it way too many times that plans are not usable because they are incomplete, don’t meet the homeowner requirements, or they are drawn incorrectly.

I’D LIKE TO SCREAM FROM THE ROOF TOPS – HIRE A DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTOR! IT GIVES YOU A CONTRACTOR THAT CAN NOT ONLY DRAW YOUR PLANS BUT ALSO BUILD THEM TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS! – read more

 BEFORE YOU CHOOSE TO DO A REMODEL

Think about how your change will effect the look of your home. Realize that the newer things may alter how the rest of your home looks. That doesn’t mean you don’t make changes.  But… think about how your changes can affect your vision of your home.

If you are changing the floors, do you want to change the doors, their thresholds, the moldings? If you are adding additional cabinets, how are you going to tie the cabinets together?  Will you need to resurface the old cabinets, change out all of the hardware, or replace everything?

Making all the cabinet pulls the same may not be so easy. How the new handles get installed may not cover old holes. The old hardware may not easily be removed.

When you do choose to remodel, look for someone with good listening skills who shares your vision for what your home should look like. Feel free to ask for references. Then, before you sign on the dotted line, check with your state to ensure your architect or custom builder is licensed in his or her field.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING YOUR PROJECT

If you have questions about the design process or a project you are considering, contact your local design-build contractor, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

For all of your new home, home remodeling and inspection needs, contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

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HOME MAINTENANCE: When There is A Hole Under Your Foundation

Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs, Home Safety

WHEN AN ANIMAL DIGS UNDER THE FOUNDATION

A hole dug under the foundation of your home can cause major damage.

A hole dug under the foundation of your home can cause major damage.

Last Thursday I got what may go down in history as the most unusual home repair request I have ever received.  A client of mine asked for my help with damage to the dirt beneath their addition foundation which was caused by their “free” rabbit.
It turns out the bunny dug a hole about 8″ in diameter and 42″ long beneath the footer and under the main portion of the house with an even larger area at the end!
I will be solving the structural problem by pumping concrete into the hole, and the homeowner has put their very expensive “free” rabbit back into her enclosure so she can do no further damage.
While this is a very easy structural repair to make, I have solved far more difficult ones for other clients.  From a sinking house corner, to termite eaten posts and beams, to roof joists hanging on by a wing and a prayer, I have repaired them all.

 

If you, or someone you know, suspect(s) that you or they have a house with a structural issue, please call me at 561-795-2551 and I will be happy to look at it and give you my professional opinion on how to solve the problem.

For all of your home remodeling and inspection needs, contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

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Kitchen Maintenance: FLOOD THWARTED BY ANTS

Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs, Kitchen Ideas, Water Damage / Mold

GARBAGE DISPOSAL LEAK THWARTED BY ANTS

Garbage Disposal Leak Thwarted By Ants

 

 
Over the weekend, to my mother-in-law’s displeasure, were hundreds of ants walking along her ceiling, around her family room, and into her remodeled kitchen.
She had not remodeled by choice a year and a half ago… but because her ice maker line sprung a pin hole leak that turned into the flood of the century for her. Her cabinets, made out of particle board, immediately swelled up and the cabinets were a total loss.
If it were not for those pesky ants, this could have been an instant replay two years later.
While searching for ant killer (sorry ants) in the cabinet under the sink, she reached in only to find every package was wet… but the ant killer was NOT leaking. Lucky for her, the ant killer was in a bucket, so the water did not damage the cabinets.

WHERE WAS THE WATER COMING FROM?

Under-sink leaks can do a lot of damage.  The water can be coming from the drainpipes, the supply hoses, the garbage disposal or even the faucet itself. The source is usually apparent as soon as you crawl under the sink with a flashlight.

In my mother-in-law’s case, it was her garbage disposal.

DISPOSAL COULD HAVE MULTIPLE LEAK LOCATIONS

While the water draining from your disposal may look like it’s coming out right from the bottom, sometimes that’s not the case.

The leak could be coming from one of 5 common areas, as pictured here:

Garbage Disposal in a Lake Havasu City home

  1. The sink flange — where the sink and the disposal unit directly connect
  2. The dishwasher hose — where the hose and the disposal connect
  3. The drain — where the drainage pipe and the disposal connect
  4. The bottom — water actually draining from the very bottom of the disposal
  5. The sides – if the disposal has rusted or corroded

FINDING THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK

  1. Unplug your garbage disposal. If the area around the electrical socket is in any way damp, turn off the breaker for that section of the house beforehand. Don’t risk getting shocked.
  2. Remove everything from under the sink and place a bucket, deep-bottom pan, or small trash can underneath the disposal to catch any water that may come out. No sense cleaning up twice.
  3. Get the plug for your sink and place it in the drain.
  4. Fill the sink with water until it’s a little less than halfway full (not even close to a majority of this will be coming out of the leak, don’t worry). Then, place a few drops of food coloring in the water. The color doesn’t matter, just so long as it makes the water stand out against the black of your disposal unit.
  5. Observe if there are any leaks coming from under the sink. If there are, you’ve found the problem: the sink flange.
  6. If there are no visible leaks, remove the plug from the sink and use a flashlight to observe where the water is coming from (checking the 4 places in the image above).

PROBLEMS AND FIXES

1 THE SINK FLANGE 

Likely problem: If the leak is visible before you unplug the drain, it usually means the seal between the sink and disposal has broken.

Fix: You need to detach the disposal from the sink, remove the plumber’s putty and then reseal the flange.

2 & 3 THE DISHWASHER HOSE

Likely problem: The seal between the disposal and one of these lines is likely broken.

Fix: You’ll need to replace the seal. This will vary depending on the disposal unit you have and the plumbing in your home.

 

4 DISPOSAL BOTTOM

Likely problem: Broken seals inside of the garbage disposal itself.

Fix: You can replace the seals inside of the disposal. However, if one is broken now, it won’t be long before another wears out and needs to be replaced. So it’s usually more economical and easier to replace the garbage disposal.

5 CORRODED DISPOSAL

 Fix: You’ll need to replace the disposal
DO NOT ATTEMPT REPAIRS YOURSELF IF YOU ARE UNSURE WHAT TO DO!  CALL A LICENSED PLUMBER!!!

PREVENTING A FLOOD

If you can, place the items under your sink in a bucket or water proof container

My mother-in-law averted a disaster because her items were organized in a water proof container. Yes, it had water in it, but the water never touched her cabinets.

Periodically check for leaks.

Every month (or week) check under you sink to make sure there are no leaks. This is as simple as looking with a flashlight, running your hands under the cabinet, or checking the bucket (see the above suggestion) to ensure there is no water in it.

If you are not as lucky as my mother-in-law was and have a flood:

  1.  Turn off your water
  2.  Contact your insurance company and call a water extraction service
  3.  If need be, contact a public adjuster

and then, when you are ready to have your house put back together and want a professional remodeling experience, contact your local design-build contractor, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

For all of your home remodeling and inspection needs, contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

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HOME REMODELING: STEEL STUDS vs. WOOD STUDS

Home Improvement, Home Improvement Pricing, Home Maintenance/Repairs

Interior Partition Wall Steel Studs VS Wood Studs:  Which Is Better?

Home Improvement - Metal Studs vs Wood Studs

Often, when I am doing a remodeling job, I am asked why am I using steel studs instead of wood studs. Although the price may be slightly higher, the real costs can be lower – and that is better for you!

Cost of Metal Studs Can Be Lower Than Wood (even though the price is higher per foot)

There are some nuances to this area. Steel framing can cost three to 15 percent more than wood studs, based on Steel Framing Alliance calculations, but metal studs offer cost advantages in other areas that can offset this price difference.

Steel does not shrink, split or warp. As a result, there are no nail pops or drywall cracks to fix after the structure is completed.

Consistent quality means that scrap is drastically reduced (two percent for steel versus 20 percent for wood), which also reduces costs for hauling off and disposing of discarded material.

Most importantly, steel framed walls can be erected faster than wood ones saving on labor costs

Potential Problems with Wooden Studs

With wooden studs, you have to worry about problems like rotting, warping, shrinking, cracking and splitting. Termites, other insects and mold can also quickly destroy wooden studs under the right conditions.

Finding quality lumber to use as studs can also be difficult; it varies widely depending on where the wood is grown. Lumber also has to be sorted carefully and you can’t use any pieces that aren’t straight or have knots, cracks or other imperfections.

As much as 20 percent of the lumber bought for studs ends up wasted, and since wood prices can fluctuate, trying to budget for a construction project is challenging.

 

Metal Studs Are More Convenient

Metal is lighter than wood. Steel framing is easier to handle because the studs weigh a third less than wood and can be installed at 24 inches on center.

They take up half the space of lumber because of its hollowed shape. This makes for easier transporting and storage.

Metal studs can be cut with aviation snips, which means no sawdust.

They also are attached with screws, so moving studs is simple if you make a mistake.

Metal Studs Are More Stable

Wood is prone to twisting and warping; metal is not so walls are straighter. Wood also wicks moisture, which can lead to mold growth and rot, while metal is immune.

Metal Studs Are The Environmentally Responsible Choice

Metal studs are made from recycled metal – they could have been a car fender in a previous “life”. Once a tree is cut down, it’s gone.  It takes years for a new one to grow in its place.

 

 

Knowing your what materials are better for your home remodeling projects will add value to your investment. “Cheaper” is not better, you need to know the true costs.

If you are considering a home improvement project or you need some maintenance advice, contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

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Home Improvement: AIR CONDITIONERS OLDER THAN 2010 HAVE LITTLE LIFE LEFT

Air conditioning, Air Conditioning Leaks, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs

WAS YOUR AIR CONDITIONER BORN BEFORE 2010?

If your air conditioner was born before 2010 it is obsolete.

If your air conditioner was born before 2010 it has five years until it is obsolete.

GOOD-BYE FREON – HELLO R-410A (Puron)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with the environmental agencies of many other nations around the world, joined together to enact a Freon phase out.

This phase out was created due to scientific evidence that Freon destroys the ozone layer that protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet sun rays and it contributes to the phenomenon of climate change.

In January 2010, air conditioning system manufacturers stopped producing equipment that utilizes Freon as the coolant.

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU

Scenario 1 – A True Story

Last week, I went to look at a house that someone bought at an auction. The condenser (outside unit) was stolen and now has to be replaced. The problem is, manufacturers no longer make condensing units that are compatible with the air handler that still uses Freon. The buyer will have to purchase both an air handler and a condensing unit – a cost that he did not know about before placing a bid on this house.

Scenario 2 – What If?

If your air conditioning system that uses Freon as the coolant develops a coolant leak or another mechanical or electrical problem, you must make a decision between repair and replacement. As Freon becomes more expensive and increasingly difficult to obtain, the cost of recharging the system will continue to rise. It may mean an A/C upgrade is a better choice.

DO I NEED TO CHANGE NOW?

Unless you are having a problem, I would not recommend changing your system now.  But, the newer air conditioning systems are more efficient and by installing one, you may save money on your electric bills.

HOWEVER – IN FIVE YEARS FREON WILL NO LONG BE AVAILABLE

The phase out of Freon, which began in 2010,  is taking place over the course of about 20 years. In existing air conditioning systems, Freon can be used to recharge the equipment until January 1, 2020.

Due to the decrease in the supply of Freon, the cost of Freon has significantly increased and the number of companies that have access to it is getting smaller and smaller. Homeowners who discover that their air conditioners have a Freon leak may end up spending several hundred dollars for a recharge of the system.

Who would have thought that something installed five years ago may only have a life expectancy of another five years.

Knowing your options now, will help you be prepared in the future. If your home is aging and you need some maintenance advice, contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

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Home Improvement: HOMEOWNER’S NIGHTMARE — WHERE DO WORKMEN GO TO THE BATHROOM?

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs

Home Improvement Contractors Have to Go to the Bathroom Too…

 

We don’t like to talk about it, but everyone needs to go to the bathroom at some time. But, what happens when you have workmen working on your house?

No... you don't need to hang toilet paper from your trees if you have workmen at your house.

No… you don’t need to hang toilet paper from your trees if you have workmen at your house.

There are many horror stories such as “workmen have been using my yard as their toilet! I just caught one urinating and told him my yard is not a ‘toilet’.” In another case, I heard about workers asking if they could go behind the garage to go to the bathroom. I can only imagine what else they might be doing in the yard.

Rules and Regulations

These workmen should not be using your yard, garage wall, or anything else other than a toilet!  According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Toilet facilities shall be provided and maintained in a sanitary condition during construction. An adequate number of facilities must be provided for the number of employees at the construction site according to the following

1 to 20 workers- 1 toilet
21 to 200 workers- 1 for each 40 workers
over 200 workers= 1 for each 50 work

The toilet facility can be yours or one provided by your contractor.

Your Bathroom or a Port-A-Potty?

Do you want the workmen to use your facility or a port-a-potty provided by the contractor?  Of course that is a personal preference.

You have hired a contractor that you trust. Perhaps you can extend this trust to using your bathroom.  But, not everyone is comfortable having strangers use their bathrooms nor do they want to clean up after them.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. doesn’t want to put your privacy at risk and never wants a customer to feel obligated to allow workmen to use their bathroom. Employees and subcontractors are instructed to use a port-a-potty that is delivered to the job site.

If possible, Leading Edge Homes, Inc. builds a temporary shroud around the port-a-potty in an attempt to make it less unsightly for your neighbors.

 

Before you hire a contractor you might want to ask what are their employees instructed to do in the event that they need to use the bathroom.  Furthermore, if the job will take more than a week, does the contractor provide a port-a-potty? If he is unwilling to spend about $100 a month for your safety and privacy, what other corners will he cut?

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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HOME IMPROVEMENT: MOLD CLEAN-UP

Home Maintenance/Repairs, Water Damage / Mold

I FOUND STEAL OF A DEAL FOR PURCHASING A HOME…  

BUT IT HAS SOME MOLD…

This is NOT a DIY job! Mold is not just on the surface!

Just Clean it With Bleach?

This past month I received a phone call from a Realtor who had a house his client was interested in buying, but it needed water damage repairs done to it. He wanted a price to “just use some Clorox on the moldy areas” as a quick and inexpensive fix.

Repairs Are Not So Simple

I explained to him the repairs would not be so simple or inexpensive. First, Clorox is mostly water and that’s what caused the damage to begin with so other products are used. Second, killing the mold on the surface does nothing for the mold that might be on the back side of the drywall or on the wall studs.

Third and most importantly, I explained the correct way to handle water damage: a mold assessor must identify all affected areas and identify what type of mold exists; a mold remediator must seal off the affected area(s), demolish, remove, and properly dispose of the mold affected building components, scrub the air of mold spores, and clean all affected surfaces based on the type of mold; and the mold assessor must return to test the air and surfaces to assure that no mold remains. Only then can the mold assessor issue a clearance report which the building department will require before issuing a permit to rebuild the affected areas of the house. All of these steps cost money, often thousands of dollars.

Liability for Cleaning Mold

I further explained that this protocol must be followed to protect the Realtor and Leading Edge Homes from exposure to unnecessary liability. He thanked me for my honesty and the education I provided him. He decided he was going to tell his client that the house would cost too much to properly repair and continue their search.

Repairs Should Be Done Correctly the First Time

I have always maintained that all repairs should be performed correctly, the first time, so they never need to be performed again and so you never have to worry about repercussions. I may not win every job but I sleep well at night!

If you ever suffer water damage in your house, please call me at 561-795-2551 before doing anything or calling in even a water extraction company. I can recommend an excellent public adjuster who will ensure you are fairly compensated by your insurance company, a highly reputable mold assessor and mold remediator, and of course Leading Edge Homes performs restoration work to put your house back together again.

 

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

HOME SAFETY: Fire Safety Tips

Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs, Home Safety

Home Fire Safety Tips

Jack-o-lanterns, turkey fryers, Christmas lights and trees – oh My!

Today, it officially feels like Fall in South Florida and it is a signal that the upcoming months pose many fire hazards.

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape?

According to the Red Cross, 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

Before the merriment and frenzy of the holiday season begins…

Now’s a great time to dust off your home fire safety plan: test (or install!) smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers and review your family’s fire evacuation plan.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:

Replace the batteries and test by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (like a blown-out candle) near the unit.

Fire extinguishers:

Make sure it’s rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating). Review the indicator on the pressure gauge to make sure the extinguisher is charged. Ensure that the lock pin is firmly in place and that the discharge nozzle is not clogged. Fire extinguishers should be replaced every six years.

Also, make sure nothing is blocking the fire extinguisher and you can access it easily.

Fire evacuation plan:

Determine an exit path for every bedroom, and make provisions (rope ladders, etc.) for bedrooms that are not on the main floor of the home. Establish a location away from the house where everyone should meet. Having a family’s fire evacuation plan could save your life!

Now that you are safe… let the fun begin.

We hope that you never need us to help restore your home after a disaster, but Leading Edge Homes, Inc. has done it many times. If you need help after a disaster or if you have questions about how to improve the safety of your home, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

 

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional: 1 in 5 Seniors Victimized By Scams

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs

DON’T BE A VICTIM OF FRAUD

Nothing makes our blood boil more than seniors, or anyone else, be scammed by “contractors.”

1 in 5 Victimized by Scams

According to a recent article in the Palm Beach Post, 1 in 5 seniors have been victimized by scams… including home improvements.

The Knock on the Door Scam

One story sited in the article talked about a 92 year-old woman who was “offered what sounded like a good deal to repave her driveway.” She was told, by the woman who knocked on her door (RED FLAG) that her family’s business was finishing a job down the street, had materials left over, and could give her a low price.  But all they did was take up front fees and did no work.  This story is a common one.

The Pay Up Front Scam

Here’s another one about a woman who paid for her kitchen to be remodeled by an unlicensed contractor who paid up front and was left with nothing in her kitchen. The victim paid everything up front and then was asked for more money. This is what she was left with.

Press on the picture below to hear the victim’s story!

 

Unlicensed contractor arrested

Only Hire A Licensed Contractor

For your safety, financial well-being, and to get your home remodeling project done properly… only hire a licensed contractor. 

 

 

If you have questions about any home improvement project, please call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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