Home and Garden Blog

Archive for November, 2010

When you need to hire a contractor for any remodeling work, you need to do a little research to be certain that you are hiring the right contractor for the job. You want a contractor that is experienced, reliable and does the work to meet the quality standards of the city housing codes. It does not take as much time to check someones references and work history as it does to try to reclaim damages because of poor work. Checking with the license board in your community may tell a story about the contractor. Do not forget about the Better Business Bureau when checking for complaints.

The contractor should have experience doing the type of work you require. Don’t hire a carpeneter to install chain link fencing or an heating contractor to do plumbing. If you need a bathroom remodeled and they have never done a bathroom project, this will not be the contractor for you. They need to have experience in the line of work you need to have completed.

Before you even consider a contractor, take at least three bids on your remodeling project. After going over the bids and checking references and licenses as well as history, you can decide on which contractor will receive the job. Keep in mind, you should ask for proof of insurance before hiring the contractor. The bids need to include all work you need completed. Do not take bids that have prices for something you do not need or want. Stick to your plans and go over the bids according to your original plans.

You want to inquire about the contacts that the contractor uses to buy the materials for the job. This includes any names of sub contractors as well. You want to make sure you are receiving quality materials and that the sub contractors have a good work history as well. You should always verify credit standings of the contractor with the suppliers they plan to use. What you do not want is a contractor that pays his debt with your money to make more charges for your project.

The last step is a contract that is completely written with the cost of everything, the time it will take and the suppliers that will be used as well as subcontractors. Never sign anything if you are missing information. Only give half of the money upfront if this is required. Never pay the full amount upfront for any project that you are having done.

Window replacement is no small undertaking; you can expect to dig deep into your buildings coffers to fund the project and to have your chosen contractors work crews entering the building for several weeks before all is said and done. Window replacement is a big investment, and one you’ll live with day in and day out for as long as you own your home. It is one option that can increase the value of your home while saving you money on energy bills. Experts agree that window replacement is one of the absolute best home improvements you can make.

Energy
Energy efficient windows have better insulation for heat and keeping homes cool in the summer, experts said. Energy Star windows, doors, and skylights can reduce your energy bill up to 15 percent. Vinyl windows provide good quality, and are also energy efficient and very easy to maintain. “For maximum energy efficiency, windows should generally be replaced every 15-20 years. Proper installation of your new windows is essential to increasing the energy efficiency of your home. With the continued rising costs of energy and the environmental concerns we face today, energy efficient windows are helpful to everyone.

Contractor
First you need a contractor that can balance energy efficiency with budgetary restraints. Another factor in window replacement is an experienced contractor that is trained in the latest AMHA requirements to correctly remove old windows and insure that the new installation is weather tight and structurally sound. Speak with your contractor, remodeler or authorized installing retailer regarding their installation and labor warranty. The best way to help you make decisions on your replacement windows is to contact a window contractor who will be able to help you with choosing the styles, materials and budget that will fit your needs.

Window replacement is a no-brainer if you’re replacing them for maintenance or aesthetic reasons. More homeowners are switching from traditional single and double-paned windows to state-of-the-art, triple-paned vinyl replacement windows for comfort, cost and energy savings up to 50 percent per year. Whether you choose quality wood, fiberglass, or vinyl, window replacement is not only an excellent investment, it adds tremendous aesthetic value. When in doubt, note that window replacement is generally necessary if your current windows are old. Because windows do so much, window replacement is important to many consumers. Whether you’re replacing one or all of your windows, window replacement is a significant investment.

According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, coliform bacteria are common in the environment and are often not harmful in of themselves. However, the presence of these bacteria in well water or spring water can indicate that the water may be contaminated with disease-causing agents such as parasites, viruses or bacteria. Since testing for pathogens such as the bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that make people sick can be difficult, total coliform bacteria are tested for instead. Total coliforms are indicators and are more common and easy to grow.

Coliform bacteria are organisms commonly found in soil or vegetation and in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals. This group of bacteria has long been an indicator of the contamination of water and possible presence of intestinal parasites and pathogens. The coliform bacteria are relatively simple to identify, are present in much larger numbers than the more dangerous pathogens, and react to the natural environment and treatment processes in a manner and degree similar to pathogens. By observing coliform bacteria, the increase or decrease of many pathogenic bacteria can be estimated.

E. coli is a type of fecal bacteria that originates from human and animal wastes. During rainfalls, snow melts, or other types of precipitation, E. coli may be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or ground water. When these waters are used as sources of drinking water and the water is not treated or inadequately treated, E. coli may end up in drinking water. A presence of E.coli usually indicates a more serious contamination condition than the presence of total coliform alone.

Properly constructed and maintained water wells usually do not test positive for total coliform or E.coli. A presence of coliform in a deep water well usually indicates that the well is under the influence of surface water, or is being contaminated by septic systems, or other industrial or commercial waste water systems.

In some cases new wells or wells that have recently had work performed such as a pump repair, can test positive for coliform due to improper sanitizing of the tools and equipment used during the repairs. If this is the case it is advisable to shock chlorinate the well and pressure system and repeat the test for coliform.

In many cases the water is not contaminated at all but the sample taken was accidentally contaminated during the sampling, producing a false-positive. It is relatively easy to accidentally take a contaminated sample. If you think your water is safe and your well is in good condition, you might consider re-testing the water. Use a sterile bottle and take caution to avoid contaminating the sample by touching the inside of the cap or bottle with your hands, or allowing foreign particles to accidentally get inside the sample bottle.

If your water is contaminated and tests positive for total coliform and/or fecal bacteria you can take one of the following steps:

Boil all water intended for consumption or use a filtration system that can remove bacteria to safe levels.

Disinfect the well, pressure tank and household piping and fixtures thoroughly with chlorine bleach. Wait several days to a week until all chlorine is gone from your system and repeat the coliform test.

Monitor your water quality to make certain that the problem does not recur.

Try to identify the source of the problem (such as a defective well seal, or cracked casing) and fix it.

If the well is too expensive to repair, investigate the feasibility of drilling a new well or install a disinfection unit, which can use chlorination, hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet light, or ozone to kill bacteria and viruses.

If your water source is a community system on well water there are federal and state laws that apply. All community public water systems, as well as non-community public water systems (public systems that do not serve a residential population such as a gas station or restaurant on a private well), must submit samples for coliform bacteria testing on a regular monthly basis. Failures to submit samples, meet the maximum contaminant level (MCL), and report non-compliance are all violations of the total coliform rule.

The maximum contaminant level is based on the presence or absence of total coliforms in a sample. A very small water system may have one coliform positive sample per month and still remain in compliance with the regulation.

Each state may have its own unique requirements for disinfection and water quality monitoring of public or private water systems. Check with your state water agency to determine what is required in your state.