Eddie Williams's Blog

Property Maintenance For Commercial Businesses

There are so many different types of businesses you may operate today. While business activities and even the type of property a business operates out of may differ drastically, one thing is for certain. Your place of business will need facility maintenance on a regular basis. Even businesses that have completed their own work as commercial construction companies project recently and are located in a brand new building will need building maintenance on a regular basis.

Depending on the size of your facility and business, you may choose to hire a dedicated handyman (see http://www.premiereworks.com/services/handyman/) or a team of maintenance professionals as employees. Smaller businesses can simply locate a handyman to call on as-needed for repairs and maintenance in their property. The work of a handyman, either as an employee or on a contract basis, can vary significantly depending on the type of facility you operate out of. In some cases, a handyman is needed for regular maintenance tasks like changing light bulbs in high ceiling fixtures, maintaining the integrity of the interior and exterior walls, improving the aesthetic look of the facility with periodic upgrades to fixtures and more. Some handymen will maintain the property grounds as well as the structure itself.

It is important for all business owners to first consider their property maintenance and repair needs. Many larger properties may save money by hiring a dedicated handyman rather than outsourcing repair work to contractors on a regular basis. After making the decision about whether to hire a repair and maintenance professional or to seek out a handyman contractor, you can then look for the right person for the job. Consider checking references of individuals you may hire as well as contractors. You can also check the Better Business Bureau and read consumer reviews posted about handyman or repair contractors.

After ensuring that a handyman is reputable and does quality work, you can then consider how competitive their rate is. Maintaining the condition of your property is critical. It provides employees with a safe, clean place to work. It also projects your business in a professional light with customers and clients that may visit the property. Because of this, quality of work should be considered before the price of repair and maintenance services.

 

Premiere Works
5125 MacArthur Boulevard, NW Suite 13 Washington DC 20016
(202) 618-3099

 

Extermal Links:

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/stormwater_management/vsmp.shtml

http://cfo.washingtondc.gov/cfo/cwp/view,a,1326,q,590614,cfoNav,|33208|.asp

http://dc.gov/DC/

 

In Honor of Earth Day: Eco-Friendly Insulation Options

One of the most important features of a home is its insulation. Insulation protects the home from the elements by moderating the flow of heat into and out of the house, stopping air leaks, and keeping moisture from condensing inside the walls. It is also the least expensive way to increase the energy efficiency of a house. There are a number of eco-friendly insulation options, which allows homeowners to go “green” in more ways than one!

The first option for eco-friendly insulation is formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and makes many people ill, yet it is found in the standard pink fiberglass insulation sold in most home improvement stores. Johns Mansville has a line of formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation. One step further is the EcoBatt insulation, which is not only formaldehyde-free, but is made from recycled glass and does not contain phenol, acrylics, or artificial colors.

Cellulose insulation is another eco-friendly possibility. It is an engineered paper product that is made from recycled newspapers and is blown into wall cavities. Soy foam insulation is another spray-in product. As the name suggests, it is made from soybeans. The foam is sprayed into walls, where it expands up to 100 times its original size, which creates a very tight seal.

Yet another option is cotton fiber insulation. This insulation is made from cotton and comes out in rolls like fiberglass sheets. It is just as easy to install as its non-green counterparts. It can be made from new fibers or even from recycled blue jeans! Bonded Logic makes a line of the recycled blue jean insulation. The one drawback to this kind of insulation is that it is not available everywhere.

Wool is also a green insulation choice. Wool insulation has been popular overseas for several years now, but it is just becoming popular in the states. It can be bought in batts like fiberglass insulation, but it is one of the most expensive types of insulation and tends to available only in limited areas.

All of these are good options to help green a house. Any of them will increase the energy efficiency while at the same time keeping toxic products out of the living environment. A local insulation company will have more information on there products.

Don't forget - Earth Day is on April 29. How will you celebrate?

 

***I recently created an account on twAitter: http://www.twaitter.com/profile/eddiewilliams2.aspx

Has anyone used this service? Have any feed back you would like to share?

Vinyl Siding on a Shoestring Budget

Of all of the exterior siding materials, vinyl siding typically has the lowest installation cost. It is both long-lasting and easily maintained. There are a variety of options including colors, features and durability. Doing some research with a vinyl siding cost calculator in hand will help ensure that you get the highest quality for the lowest cost.

The first step is to determine how much vinyl siding you will need. When measuring the exterior of your home, don't forget to include areas such as soffits and porch ceilings. Write down the square footage in your notes to have easily available when obtaining bids from contractors.

Source: http://kingsvinylsidingandconstruction.com/images/Vinyl-Siding-New-Construction.jpg

You will want to choose quality siding that will endure various types of weather without requiring constant maintenance or replacement. Examine your neighbors' homes, flip through magazines, and cut out pictures of what you want to help you visualize the end result. Visit several vinyl siding suppliers in your area to check out your options. Inquire about warranties and guarantees. See if the color is one-sided or goes all the way through. Ask about the required maintenance or anything extra needed for installation. Find out about how each type of vinyl siding is suited for your particular climate. Lastly, ask about any available rebates or incentives.

The next step is to obtain installation bids. You will want to meet with at least three vinyl siding contractors in order to compare pricing. Most contractors will give free estimates. Request that contractors give their bids in writing, noting exactly what is included in the installation. It is also a good idea to ask to see a portfolio of that contractor's work; don't be afraid to ask for references. Read customer reviews of the workmanship and quality. Don't forget to inquire about the contractor's experience with your specific roofing material. You may want to ask if the contractor will remove your old siding if applicable.

As you add up the costs of materials and services on your vinyl siding cost calculator, compare the notes of the various bids. After you have chosen a contractor, create a contract that outlines the specific work to be done as well as cost, deposi, and payment plan. Include a start date and estimated date of project completion. You will also want to state whose responsible for ordering materials and hauling trash from your home during or after the siding has been installed.

Following these simple steps will ensure quality results at an affordable cost.

Selling Your Home? Do These Three Things First!

Selling your present home to buy into a larger, better or additional one may be a good investment or plan for you and your family, but it requires preparation. If you want to optimize your home's value and aesthetic appeal, there are three crucial elements that need to be considered:

• Roof
• Landscaping
• Kitchen

The roof is one of the most important elements of the house. If the roof is in bad condition, it not only reflects poorly on the general condition; it will also, with near certainty, kill a potential buyer's enthusiasm immediately. That's presuming that any reliable realtor will even introduce their most promising buyers to your property listing. If your home requires a new roof, it would behoove you to call a contractor and schedule a roof installation as soon as possible.

The landscape in the closest area to the house should be clean and trimmed, as this suggests to the buyers that you care about the property and have taken good care of it. If there are bushes or shrubs close to the house, make sure they're trimmed so that they don't touch the house's siding. Greenery that rubs up against the house may damage the material and could reflect an impression of neglect to the buyer. Buyers also like neatly trimmed lawn. An accessory like a hammock hung between two trees in the summer presents a nice, homey atmosphere. Sleds in the winter also add to the charm, implying the family element.

The kitchen is the room that gets the most daily usage in a home. Meals are prepared and often served there. People congregate there for a number of reasons. The expenses of running the home and other bills are often paid there along with performing other paperwork tasks. People go there when they wake up to start their day. This room, above all others, needs to be clean, pleasant to look at, and comfortable. If the paint is not bright, repaint the room. If the wallpaper is peeling or aged, it would be best to either repaper or paint the room. Make sure the floors, walls and ceiling are clean and fresh.

If your pre-sale efforts address those three items, your home will be prepared to sell.

 

Additional Resources:

• Roof Installation in Potomac MD
• Home Landscaping Tips
• Kitchen Design Trends

A New Side to Vinyl

For a homeowner who desires the look of a fresh, contemporary style for the exterior of their home, vinyl siding is the perfect choice. Functional and visually appealing, installing vinyl siding is the total solution for today's home.

Vinyl siding is the best value on the market. The initial cost of vinyl is typically half the cost or less of wooden siding, but that is only the beginning; vinyl guarantees a lifetime of savings. Choosing vinyl siding means that you will never have to worry about the rigorous maintenance that comes along with other types of siding.This is an important detail when factoring in cost and time analysis for the extent of time you plan to live in your home.

Vinyl siding is long-lasting, durable and will never need to be painted; which is an important long term consideration since repainting an entire home is a substantial financial investment. In addition, vinyl requires very little cleaning; surface cleaning can be performed on a do-it yourself basis with a garden hose or sponge. Routine needed repairs on vinyl siding are dwarfed by the potential cost of repainting, cleaning and repairing damaged or worn wooden siding alternatives.

Vinyl siding is truly the calling card of a modern, updated home. A good percentage of new home constructions are fashioned in vinyl siding. It makes for a fresh, crisp look. Buyers have a lot of control over the look of their home when they make vinyl their home siding choice. It is available in a rainbow of attractive colors and a myriad of different styles. Because the color is infused onto the siding rather than applied on the surface, the color of your house will stay true against aging and fading even as the years go on. If you have been exploring wooden siding as an option based on appearance, there are even vinyl sidings that mimic the shade appearance of popular wooden siding options.

Vinyl has come a long way since its introduction and initial popular usage in the 1950's. It is time-tested, dependable and gives houses a polished, finished look. By making vinyl your siding of choice, you as a homeowner can enjoy the satisfaction of having a new, fresh looking home and the peace of mind knowing that it is going to stay looking that way well into the future.

Three Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Increasing the energy efficiency of your home can both help the environment as well as save you significant amounts of money. The following are a series of three steps that will help you to do just this:

Step #1

Conservation is certainly the cheapest way to be energy efficient. Turning off lights, unplugging appliances that are not being used, lowering the thermostat, and switching off the TV are great places to begin. Sewer and water bills are continuously becoming more expensive as well. A simple way to reduce these costs is to purchase and install aerators in order to reduce the flow of water in the sinks and showers.

Step #2

Replacing old light bulbs with more energy efficient options along with the replacement of old appliances can also be extremely beneficial. Although this might seem like an inordinate initial expense, it usually does not take long before the exchange becomes worth it. In the long run, the purchase and replacement of old bulbs and appliances can be incredibly beneficial to both your pocket as well as the environment.

Step #3

If your budget permits you to achieve this, you should try to improve the envelope of your home. Perhaps the simplest place to begin working on this is the exterior of the home or building. The replacement of windows is a great place to start, as this can decrease the amount of energy which is lost. If the energy is simply going to escape from the building when the air conditioning or heat is being used, there is little point in installing geothermal systems, solar panels, tankless water heaters, and wind turbines. These are great additions to your home but should not be installed until the basics like window replacement are taken care of.

The penetration of air can increase the amount that is spent yearly on energy bills. This is a great initial step in trying to save money and energy, and it is particularly useful in homes which are older and most likely do not have energy efficient windows. When you install replacement windows, it is probably also best to replace the exterior wall insulation. It has been proven that the replacement of windows can have an enormous impact on increasing energy efficiency as well as saving money.

In short, making your home more efficient can benefit both the environment as well as your pocket. And, although the price of replacing light bulbs, appliances, and windows may seem high, they are certainly worth it in the long run.

When Windows Become a Pane: Clear Benefits of New Windows

Does the cold weather seem colder than it used to? Do you find yourself cranking up the thermostat more than you think you should? Before you decide that your sinking into old age, here’s a more likely possibility: maybe you need new windows.

While replacing windows may not be as exciting as a trip to Hawaii, the good news is that replacing your tired old windows has several immediate benefits:

Energy Efficiency

Today’s windows are much more energy efficient than ever before, and thanks to Uncle Sam, finding the most energy efficient windows has become as simple as looking for the Energy Star emblem. This decal indicates that a window has met the government’s standards for energy efficiency.

Tax Credits

The US government allows up to $1,500 in tax credits for replacing old windows with Energy Star windows. This credit can substantially lower the final cost of window replacement. Visit here for more information on tax credits and choosing the right windows.

Home Value

Window replacement increases the value of your home. Most home buyers don’t want to spend additional money on updating a new house. New windows not only save buyers money, but it tells them that the previous owner took good care of the house and kept up to date with maintenance.

UV Protection

Most new windows are treated with a substance which protects the interior of your house from damaging UV rays. Protected from UV rays, your furniture, carpets and drapes won’t fade and will last much longer, saving you money.

Comfort

Probably the most tangible result of window replacement is that you will be more comfortable in your home: warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Imagine being able to sit next to the window on a cold day and not have to reach for a sweater or shawl.

Style

Window manufacturers have really come a long way in window design. So many styles are available that sometimes the most difficult part of replacing windows is choosing the right style. If you haven’t visited a showroom lately, you’re in for a delightful surprise.

5 Interesting Home Improvement Tips from 2010

I'm feeling a little contemplating or retrospective today, so I thought I would share a couple interesting articles over the last year.

• Five Lessons Learned From Home Improvement Projects
• Kitchen Cabinets and Remodeling: How to Give Your Kitchen a Facelift
• Thinking About Remodeling Your Kitchen? 3 Things To Keep In Mind
• Three Things to Consider When Choosing Replacement Windows
• Three Types of Replacement Windows

Do you have any other articles about home improvement that you would recommend? Share them below.

Have a happy New Year!

Three Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows

It's not the inconvenient truth Al Gore likes to talk about, but it's all one in the same: windows don't last forever, and eventually, you will need to go through the hassle of replacing them. But when is it time? What signs can you look for to know when it's time to replace your windows?

1: When they don't look right.

Trust your instincts on this one. If your windows are old, caked under layers of paint, or plagued by wood decay, chances are they won't function properly either. Windows should be kept in prime condition to function. Always maintain the cleanliness of your windows, and always replace a window once it's cracked - they can't repair themselves and it's only a matter of time before a small one becomes a big problem.

2: When they aren't keeping the weather out.

Feeling too warm in the summer? Too chilled in winter? Is your windowsill wet after if rains? If you have to battle the elements within your own home, it's a clear sign that your windows aren't doing their job. Look for frost or condensation on the glass where the windows aren't ventilating properly. Also look for mold or wood damage around the trim where a build-up of moisture might have affected the natural foundation. If you spot any damage, don't waste time - poor insulation can affect not only your health, but your energy bills as well.

3: When they aren't functioning as they should.

These signs are the most obvious. If your windows are "sticking," or they won't stay up on their own, it's time to bring in replacements. (If only one of your windows has this problem, you might be able to starve off a full replacement by simply lubricating the tracks.) Too much condensation might mean seal failure. Even things like too much noise can be indicative of a problem - older, single pane windows aren't as soundproof as modern ones, so if you're bothered by excessive noise from the outside, it may be time to upgrade to double pane.

These are just a few ways to tell if it's time to invest in replacement windows. Poorly functioning windows are not only an inconvenience, they can be a major safety hazard as well. Make sure you regularly evaluate the window condition in your home to keep yourself protected.

Personalize Your Kitchen Cabinets with the Latest Trends

One of the best ways to update your kitchen without spending too much money is by redoing your kitchen cabinets. As one of the most used things in the kitchen, updated kitchen cabinetry can help you feel as if you are standing in a whole new kitchen, for a fraction of the cost. Some of the new trends are even quick projects that can take next to no time, and you may even be able to implement some of the new trends by yourself.

One new trend that is really catching on fast is updating your kitchen cabinets by simply repainting them. Most of the time, this is for a kitchen that has had something else done recently—granite countertops put in, floors redone or changed, or new appliances added. However, in the last couple years, it has been done by anyone who is simply looking for a big change for a small cost. Usually, people repainting their cabinets are bold and go for a drastic change. They may paint their previously black cabinets white, or vice versa. Sometimes it is to match a new color scheme, and the cabinets are painted a color instead—red, brown, white, yellow, blue, and more, are all popular colors. Since you can do this yourself and will just be out the cost of the paint, this is a great way to make a large change. And if you don’t like it, it is easy to fix.

Another trend sweeping through kitchens everywhere is the staining and refinishing of kitchen cabinetry. Often the kitchen cabinets are overlooked when parts of the house are redone. This may even be true of kitchen renovations—the cabinets are usually left until the very end. But many people are finding that refinishing their wood cabinets is giving their kitchen a bright new look without a lot of inconvenience. Depending on what types of cabinets you have, this may even be easier than repainting your cabinets.

Lighting has always played a large part in the kitchen, and it is no different regarding the kitchen cabinets. Lighting is something that is a little trickier to redo, but when it is finished it can make a world of difference in your kitchen. Lights on top of your kitchen cabinets can make your room feel more spacious, or highlight décor on top of the cabinets. Light in the cabinets can make you smile each time you reach for a plate or a spice, and light underneath the cabinets can add a practical and functional touch to your kitchen space.

Changing the door handles or pull knobs is a great way to really personalize your cabinetry. This project can’t be beat as a quick and easy way to make your kitchen cabinets fit your style. Door handles or knobs can be found in many different stores, and all you have to do is buy the hardware and switch it out. Taking advantage of these new kitchen cabinet trends can help you make your kitchen a more enjoyable and personal space for you and your family.