Moving In, Moving Out or Spring Cleaning? How does Junk Removal work?

Tis the season to get rid of some unwanted items in your home or office. Whether your spring cleaning, moving into a new home or office, out of an existing space or cleaning out the dorm room, junk removal services can dispose of furniture, appliances and even yard waste easily.

How does it work?

Junk removal companies will come to your home or office and remove any unwanted items, determined by you and haul them away in one of their trucks. Some companies charge by the hour, by the ton, by the item or by volume. When talking to the junk removal representative, make sure you list all of the items you would like them to haul away and if there are any special circumstances such as no elevators, excessive stairs, certain hours they can come or even any obstructions that might cause extra steps for removal.

What do they do with the unwanted items?

Disposal of your unwanted furniture, appliances and yard waste for example, varies by company. Some companies will take the items to the landfill; some will donate useable items to local charities or recycle them. Most junk removal companies offer a combination of disposal methods in an effort to help others in need and to help reduce the impact on the environment. Appliances specifically have to be disposed of per waste removal requirements and cannot just be dumped into a landfill. If items are donated to a local charity, most junk removal companies will furnish a receipt for the donation.

Talking with a junk removal professional is important to find out how their process works, how they charge and what disposal methods they use. Some important questions to ask are:

1. Are you licensed, bonded and insured?

During the removal process, if your home or office gets damaged, you want to ensure they are bonded and insured to repair or replace the damaged items or area.

2. Do you donate items and if so, how do you determine what can be donated?

Finding out if your unwanted furniture, clothing, toys or appliances for example can be donated is an important part of junk removal. Most junk removal companies will take gently used items to their local charity partners to help those in need. Make sure you ask if a donation receipt will be provided to you.

3. How do you charge for your service?

In order to eliminate any payment questions the day of service, discuss how the company charges for the removal and what payment methods are accepted. A conversation prior to the day of removal will ensure that everyone’s expectations for service and payment are met.

4. Will you remove Hazardous Materials?

There are strict guidelines on how to dispose of or even recycle hazardous materials such as oil, batteries, paint and pesticides. Some junk removal companies will dispose or recycle the material for you. Others will not. Make sure to talk with a junk removal professional to see if they will remove hazardous items and how they will be disposed of or recycled in accordance with county, state or federal guidelines.

Junk removal companies can help make moving or cleaning out unwanted items effortless for a homeowner, property manager and contractor or office personnel. As the old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Make sure you talk to your junk removal professional about item donation and recycling.

Author: Carolyn Dobson, QuoteMyContractor.com

Tankless Water Heaters – Get into Hot Water!

How many times have you tried to fill up your bath tub to only find out that you don’t have enough hot water to fill the tub completely? With the installation of a tankless water heater, everyone can get into hot water!

The tankless water heater provides hot water on demand. It is electronically lit; meaning there is no pilot light thus saving you money on your gas or propane bill. You can actually customize the exact temperature you want for your shower and so can the rest of your family with a programmable thermostat. Because the tankless water heater is never reheating the water, using this system can reduce your energy bills, while still providing the amount of hot water needed to operate your home. The tankless water heater runs on the exact amount of gas or propane needed to provide hot water while reducing your carbon footprint. Your average tank type water heater is roughly 60% efficient, while the tankless option is approximately 83 – 94% efficient. It also takes up less space as a traditional water heater by mounting it on the wall.

When talking to a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor, there are some questions you should ask:

1. Do they have experience with natural gas or propane and in running new gas or propane lines?
You have to have natural gas or propane in order to operate most tankless water heaters.

2. Will an independent electrical circuit need to be installed for the tankless water heater?
A typical tank type water heater does not require an independent electrical circuit, while a tankless type does.

3. What affect could the installation of a tankless water heater have on my furnace?
Make sure you talk to the HVAC company to ensure that your furnace and tankless system work in tandem since both units could be pulling from the same natural gas or propane line. If the gas or propane line is not sized large enough to accommodate the larger gas requirement, it will not function properly.

4. Where will it be vented?
Determination of the venting must be specific distances from doors and windows per your local county building code.

Tankless water heater systems not only will provide hot water, save you money on your energy costs, but they typically have a lifespan of 20 years while most traditional water heaters last 6 to 10 years. When you are ready to get into hot water, it is recommended to contact a heating and air conditioning contractor to talk to you about options, installation and show you how the system could work in your home.

Author: Carolyn Dobson, QuoteMyContractor.com

What surfaces can be Pressure/Power Washed? A Spring Clean for the Exterior of your Home.

Summer is quickly approaching. As we sweep off the deck or patio, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy outdoor living, what can be pressure or power washed to remove dirt and mildew?

Wikipedia defines pressure/power washing as, “a high pressure mechanical sprayer that can be used to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles, concrete surfaces, brick, wood etc. The volume of a pressure washer is expressed in either gallons or liters per minute, often designed into the pump and not variable. A pump’s pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch and is also designed into the pump but can be varied by adjusting the valve.”

What exterior surfaces can be cleaned?

Just about any exterior surface can be cleaned. Pressure or power washing are one in the same. A licensed contractor will come to your home and will use different degrees of high pressure water and chemicals to clean the dirt, mildew, paint and mud off the exterior of your home.

If you have Aluminum, Vinyl Siding, a Stucco façade, brick or painted brick, a low pressure exterior home wash can help eliminate what dirt and grime has been left behind from winter. Low pressure refers to the degree of psi (pounds per square inch) coming out of the pump and the cleaning chemical that is used. Low pressure is used to ensure that the water does not “cut” into the veneer it is cleaning.

For your wood decks, siding or fences, a low pressure wash is also recommended to remove the mold, mildew and fungus that your wood surfaces can grow. Depending on the degree of wear and tear on the wood surface, a chemical will be used with the low pressure water to remove excess dirt and grime, while not splintering the wood. It is also recommended to seal the wood, once dry, to help extend the life of your deck, siding or fence.

Even concrete or stone patios and walkways can be pressure washed. Over time, they become dull and faded from the sun and weather throughout the seasons. With the right chemicals and degree of psi, concrete and stone can look like new after a power wash.

Turning to the professionals to give you an estimate and a consultation for your specific need and surface is highly recommended. Depending on the material, age and corrosion of the surface, will dictate the amount of water pressure used and what chemicals will be needed to treat and clean the exterior surface. Most power washing companies will use biodegradable, environmentally friendly chemicals to clean the surface and not harm the grass or plants that surround them. Be sure to ask prior to any work being done.

As you prepare for a great summer, mow the grass, clean off the grill, and evaluate if your home or exterior surfaces could use a spring cleaning as well.

Author: Carolyn Dobson, QuoteMyContractor.com

To Clean or Not to Clean? Questions & Tips for contracting a Cleaning Company.

Whether you are looking to contract a cleaning company to come to your home on a schedule, or need them for a one time clean, there are several questions you should ask any possible cleaning company before you hire them. Setting expectations on your end and on theirs will make for a successful and clean start.

First and foremost, find out if they are bonded and insured. Why?

If something breaks or is damaged in your home while they are cleaning, you want to ensure the company you have hired can replace those items easily.

Tip: If you have INVALUABLE items, items that cannot be replaced easily or at all, during your walk-through or initial conversation with the cleaning company, point them out, email them pictures and descriptions so those items are on the “Do Not Touch” list.

How do you price your service? Per room, per level, per square foot?

Most cleaning companies will structure their pricing on the size of your home; the total square feet.

Tip: If you are looking for a cleaning company to clean JUST the bathrooms or JUST the main floor, see if the company offers this service. If they do, the price might be based on an hourly rate or a three hour time block for example instead on the size.

One of the most important things to discuss is to find out if they bring cleaning supplies with them or if you as the homeowner need to provide anything.

Most cleaning companies will bring their own cleaning supplies, vacuums, rags, dusters, mops and scrubbers. It is important to ask what types of chemicals they use if you have marble or stainless steel in the home for example and if you have children or pets.

Tip: If you want a company that is Green Cleaning, find out the names of the different supplies they use, if they are effective but still safe for the environment and if they are okay for children and pets. Also, if you want the cleaners to use your vacuum for example, just let them know prior to the clean and leave it out the day of for them to use.

Two other items that can vary depending on the cleaning company is the use of contracts and if the same cleaning crew will come each time.

Contracts are used by some but not by all cleaning companies. Many cleaning companies rotate cleaning teams and others will have a dedicated team to your home. It is all what you are comfortable with. But get clarification so both you and the cleaning companies are comfortable with the terms you have spoken about and the people that will be cleaning your home.

Tip: To make it easier for the team to clean your home, pick up clothes, toys, paperwork, etc. off the floors and countertops so they can concentrate on the clean; not just the straightening up.

Entering into any relationship with any contractor, setting expectations on both ends will make for a much smoother partnership, and get you to a common goal. A good conversation with your potential cleaning company will give you both clear directives to achieve a clean start!

Author: Carolyn Dobson, QuoteMyContractor.com

Happy Mother’s Day! A Tribute to Mom – The Original Contractor

Webster’s 1913 Dictionary online defines a mothers as, “a female parent; especially one of the human race; a woman who has borne a child.” But mothers are so much more than that. You mom, are the original contractor.

When you become a mother, it is exciting, scary, nerve wrecking and the best “job” in the world. You will never sleep well again.

Not only are you mom, you are a teacher, a best friend, a nurse, a therapist, a mechanic, a general contractor, a plumber, a gourmet chef (and yes mac & cheese, chicken nuggets and PB&J ARE gourmet), a coach, a chauffeur, a dry cleaner, a house cleaner, a seamstress, a disciplinarian, a hair stylist, a bear protecting her cubs, a veterinarian, a volunteer, an event planner, a beauty queen and you have the magic touch where you can make ouchies and boo boos feel better with just a kiss and can diagnose a fever with the touch of your lips. You mom are the glue that keeps the household in running order and make it look effortless.

So today on this special day, we say, Happy Mother’s Day Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma, Mother, Grandma, Grammy, Gram, Aunt, Auntie or whatever name the special people in your life call you. You are the glue, the contractor that keeps us all in line, on time and looking perfect.

Put your feet up mom, let the kids tackle the laundry, and enjoy this day. You have earned a break, to be pampered and share such a wonderful day with the kids and all those that are special to you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Author: Carolyn Dobson, QuoteMyContractor.com

How clean are your carpets?

Quality carpet that has been well maintained can last 10 to 15 years according to the Carpet and Rug Institute. While we vacuum regularly, treat spots as they happen, how clean is your carpet?

Did you know that your carpet acts as a “filter” for your home? Dirt, allergens, pet dander, germs and dust can all be trapped in your carpet. According to Barty Phillips who wrote The Secret Life of Germs; Observations and Lessons from a Microbe Hunter, air blown from a running vacuum cleaner is one of the five places in the home that has the highest number of germs.

So when do you call in an expert?

On average, most homes should have their carpets cleaned by a professional at least one time per year according to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. If you smoke in your home or have pets, the Institute recommends having a professional cleaning at least twice per year. This will remove the allergens, dirt and germs that your carpets hold, even after vacuuming.

What method is used to extract the harmful substances trapped in your carpet fiber?

Steam cleaning your carpets or hot water extraction is the most popular way to really get a deep down clean and remove the bacteria that your carpets hold. Most carpet manufacturers will have instructions on daily cleaning and also what method to use for a more thorough cleaning. Most manufactures will recommend hot water extraction, steam cleaning, as a safe, effective way to get rid of the dirt, germs and allergens left behind even after vacuuming.

This method of professional cleaning is not only affective on removing the bacteria and odor, but is also an environmentally friendly way to clean. Most professional carpet cleaning companies use a non-toxic cleaning solution in conjunction with hot water to make your carpets and home healthy and remove any odor that emanates from the carpet.

When looking for a professional carpet cleaning company, there are several questions to ask.

1. Have your technicians been trained in hot water extraction?
2. What types of cleaning solution do you use?
3. Is it environmentally friendly, safe for pets and children?
4. How long will the process take?
5. How long before the carpets are dry?
6. What happens in the case of “over wetting” the carpets?

Daily vacuuming and immediate spot treatment for stains will help maintain the life and look of your carpet. This alone will not remove the hidden bacteria and germs that your carpet or “house filter” will trap inside the carpet fiber. Talking with a professional carpet cleaning company on a yearly or biannual maintenance program will help ensure that your carpets and home are healthy.

Author: Carolyn Dobson, QuoteMyContractor.com

Air Conditioning 101: How your home cools down in the hot summer.

What is an air conditioner?

Your air conditioner is a device that transfers heat from an undesirable area to a desirable area. In the summer, you are removing the heat and humidity from inside the house and transferring it to the outside. Scientifically speaking regarding air conditioning, there is no such thing as cooling; only the removal of heat.

What are the 4 main components of every air conditioning system?

1. The Compressor: This is the heart of your air conditioning system. Just like your heart pumps blood through the veins in your body, the compressor pumps refrigerant through the system. Refrigerant is a substance such as Freon or Puron (brand named refrigerants) that is used to transfer heat.
2. Condenser Coil: The coil around the outdoor unit that releases heat into the outdoor air.
3. Evaporator Coil: Transfers heat from inside the home to the refrigerant and removes the humidity.
4. Metering Device: Takes the refrigerant in its liquid state and regulates the amount of refrigerant that enters the evaporator coil so it transfers into a fine mist.

When you turn your air conditioner on, what happens?

When the thermostat calls for cooling, it turns the air conditioning system on. The indoor fan removes the hot, humid air from your home through the return vents. In modern constructed homes, there is typically one return vent (the larger vent) per floor. Next, the hot, humid air passes across the evaporator coil which is very cold due to the refrigerant flowing through it. Two things occur at the evaporator coil:

1. Heat from the indoor air transfers to the refrigerant and boils the refrigerant; changing it into a gas. Thus, the reason it is called an evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is not cooling, but extracting the heat and humidity from the air.

2. Humidity from the inside air will condense into water, draining out of the house and removing the humidity. For example, when you take a cold beverage into the hot summer air, the glass will “sweat”.
The refrigerant from the evaporator coil transfers outside into the condenser coil. Heat is then transferred from the refrigerant in the condenser coil to the outdoor air. This is done with the fan in the outdoor unit when it pulls air across the condenser coil; transferring the heat to the outdoor air and then typically out the top of the air conditioner. For example, put your hand over the air conditioner and feel how much hotter the air is than the air outside. That is the heat that has been removed from your home. The refrigerant enters the compressor to be pumped back to the indoor unit, and the cycle starts over again until the thermostat is satisfied and the system turns off.

When you put your hand over the smaller vents (supply vents) throughout your home this summer, the air you feel isn’t really cool, it is air that has had the heat and humidity removed.

Author: Carolyn Dobson