Health and Safety: Giving Your Home a Checkup

by responsiblecontractors

Remodels can be fun. Updating and redesigning gives your imagination room to run wild! Amidst all the fun, it is a good opportunity to go through a checklist on your home’s well-being, and make the necessary changes. There are still plenty of homes today that contain safety hazards and code violations. These are often overlooked due to a lack of knowledge. Thankfully, some of them are easy fixes. If your home hasn’t been given a checkup recently, here’s what you should look for:

1)   Not Enough Windows

This is especially common in basements. Any room that will be turned into a bedroom or is considered a “sleeping room” requires an egress window that’s a minimum of 20 inches wide and 24 inches high. What is an egress window? It’s a fancy title for a window that allows an exit. Why? It must be large enough for an adult to crawl through in case of emergency evacuation. If you have a den or a converted basement without a window, it should find a different use than as a bedroom. It’s not just about keeping up to code: It’s about keeping your family safe!

2)   Improper Ventilation

Bathroom and kitchen vents exist to circulate and dry the air, in order to prevent moisture from accumulating or settling. Sometimes, vents are installed and the air is circulated into an attic. This can go unnoticed for a long time as the effects are not immediate. The problem is that overtime, moisture that is sent into the attic will make the air increasingly humid. This leads to mold and rot, and eventually can damage the structure and the roof. If your vent leads into your attic, have it rerouted outside.

3)   Cleaning Products

This one is entirely in the hands of the homeowner, and is especially pertinent in households with children. It is also one of the easiest and quickest fixes. If you do have children or pets, keep the cleaning products locked away, or store them out of reach. Cleaning products are great for keeping your house sparkling, but are deadly when accidentally consumed! Additionally, make sure they are always labeled, the lids are on tight, and they are never mixed together. When using cleaning products, always use a vent to prevent inhaling fumes.

4)   Steps and Stairs

Stairs are necessary and helpful, but have the potential to become a safety hazard if allowed to regress. If your stairs are carpeted, make sure the carpet never tears or loosens. If you have wooden stairs, you may want to install non-slip stair pads, or use an anti-skid sealer. If your stairs have a banister, check it periodically to prevent it from becoming loose.

5)   Appliances

Everyone knows we are supposed to change the lint in the dryer, and yet clothes dryers are still responsible for thousands of house fires every year in the United States. In addition to changing the lint, the ventilation and gas lines should be properly installed. Check the exhaust hose regularly, as blockages can become a fire hazard. If you installed your own dryer and are not sure how to check these, have a professional check it for you. Refrigerators are another perpetrator of health and safety hazards. You should keep the temperature monitored. If it rises above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it will invite food-borne pathogens that are dangerous to your family’s health. Certain bacteria can also survive in lower refrigeration temperatures. Because of this, your refrigerator should be regularly cleaned.

6)   Air Quality

Air contamination is a frequent offender when it comes to home health hazards, and it is very hard to spot. Many things can cause the air to become polluted, including pets, insects, cleaning products, chemicals, excess moisture, illness, appliances, building materials, and lack of cleaning or dusting. These can go unnoticed, however, will contribute to poor air quality, and can cause your family to become sick, develop allergies, asthma, and more. There are a few practical steps you can take to improve your home’s air quality, though. Leave a window open during the day to circulate fresh air throughout the house. Clean regularly, and clean with as few toxic chemicals as possible. Prevent moisture buildup, which includes proper ventilation and airflow. You can also use a dehumidifier or air conditioner, and make sure your plumbing and roofing is current. Also consider natural air fresheners. For those who love a house that smells like flowers, vanilla or fruit, use a natural alternative to commercial air fresheners. Commercial air fresheners frequently contain chemicals and toxins that only contribute to the pollution in your home.

These are several of the commonly found health and safety hazards lurking around homes. Keeping your home up to date, giving it care and attention, and watching for these unwanted contaminates will do great things for your family’s health and safety. If you find that your home is in need of updating and repair, call a professional. For a list of contractors we trust to help your family, visit us at responsiblecontractors.com. If you need a specific recommendation, reach out to us! We are here to connect you with the professionals who will make your home its best.

Spotlight on: Countertop Solutions

We have talked a lot about kitchen remodels this year. Some of you may still be dreaming, and perhaps some of you have put the kitchen remodel on your list. One of the key pieces you will be deciding upon is the kitchen countertop. With so many options out there, how can you choose the best one for your home, your family, and your lifestyle? That’s exactly were Countertop Solutions comes in to help! Founded in 1998, they are a local solution for Quartz & Acrylic solid surfaces. They specialize in countertops, however their services include sinks, showers, cabinets & more. 

What exactly does being a fabricator and installer of solid surface products mean for you? It is customizable. Accessories can be built-in to include drainboards, towel bars, toothbrush holders, light switches, outlet covers and more. It is versatile. From your home kitchen or bathroom, to commercial establishments such as restaurants, hospitals and banks, to custom furniture, and even windowsills and store fixtures, a custom solid surface comes with many applicable options. Solid surfaces are non-porous, which means they won’t suffer any deep-set stains, and all surface stains are easily washed out. Solid surfaces are durable. They will withstand most daily tasks, and stay in good condition in most environments. When the time comes, they can be easily refinished to take care of cuts and scratches. Thus, solid surfaces keep a beautiful appearance for many years. In fact, Countertop Solutions offers ten to fifteen years warranties to ensure this!

Countertop Solutions comes with over twenty years of experience, and a desire for good customer service. Their happy customers have thanked them with remarks such as: “You should be very proud of your business – it’s quality all the way.” and “It was a pleasure working with you and everyone on your staff that we encountered so please pass on our thanks to your team for their assistance, customer service, attention to detail, project completion and quality of workmanship.”

Choosing a contractor is never a task to be taken lightly, and when it comes to your home or business’ surfaces, we are proud to recommend Countertop Solutions, knowing that you will be in good hands. At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. To read more about Countertop Solutions and find other contractors we recommend, please visit us at http://www.responsiblecontractors.com.

Spotlight on: Compass Plumbing & Drain Services, LLC

When it comes to topics no one wants to think about, broken plumbing or overflowing waste are at the top of the list. What happens after you flush the toilet is of little to no interest. You just want to know that everything works. Unfortunately, there may be a time when your plumbing system lets you down. How do you know when it’s time to install new plumbing? Where do you begin? Thankfully, Compass Plumbing & Drain Services is only a call away to answer those questions!

Compass Plumbing & Draining Services was founded by Nick and Stephanie Mondrut in 2010. Nick started this company with 14 years of plumbing experience under his belt, and a desire to continuously improve the plumbing industry. He and his President of Business Operations, Dillon Eugenio, work together to take care of those needs which families don’t want to handle themselves. Whether installing new plumbing, remodeling a kitchen, maintaining existing plumbing, you can depend on Compass to take care of your needs.

Their core values are the foundation that they operate on: adding value to the customer, personal accountability, continual improvement, personal & professional growth, and happy clients! So when would you call them? Emergency services, such as clogged drains, broken fixtures, and leaking pipes, which can be discovered through flooding or a bad smell, would be the first. Repair, replacing and general updating of your household or business systems such as disposals, sinks, showers and tubs, drains, and water heaters would be next. Preparation for changes in season is also something they help with! Did you know your pipes need to be weatherized for the changing seasons?

Compass gladly serves the greater puget sound. From Sea Tac, to Graham, to Dupont, to Gig Harbor, they are only a call away. For those who come skeptical or have previously experienced dealing with a plumber, you can have confidence that Compass is the company that is trustworthy and reliable. A recent customer noted: “Before we found Compass Plumbing & Drain Services LLC, we hired several plumbing companies who were all rotten. We finally found a reliable company we can count on…Compass fixed our plumbing problems…imagine that! We have decided to keep them as our permanent plumber!”

Your plumbing problem doesn’t have to turn into a nightmare! Remember the next time you need to call someone, that at Compass Plumbing, they care about you. At Responsible Contractors, we exist to bring you the best in each industry. We will gladly give our recommendation to Compass Plumbing & Draining Services for all plumbing needs. To read more about them and see other companies we recommend, visit us atwww.responsiblecontractors.com!

Basements: The Need-to-know

Many homes are built with basements, and it is not uncommon to find an unfinished basement turn into storage. You may have seen pictures of beautifully finished basements. Perhaps basements that have been turned into beautiful entertainment spaces, mother-in-law apartments, or master bedrooms have caught your eye. If you’re wondering what you can do with your basement, feel free to start dreaming! Here’s some of the basics you should know when it comes to converting an unfinished basement into a beautiful addition to your home!

1)   The Floor

One of the important qualities a floor must have before it is ready to be built on is to be leveled. Basements have an undesired habit of being un-level. Because of their material, adjacency with the foundation, and tendency to collect water, they settle easily. Before you can build upon a floor it must be cleaned, filled, sealed and leveled. This project is not for the first-time do-it-yourselfer! The contractor you use to convert your basement should be able to take care of this for you.

2)   Insulation

Unfinished basements often lack the necessary insulation. While you may be able to get away without it, insulating your basement is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make.  Without proper insulation, your basement will have a difficult time holding heat. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy: “Heat loss from an un-insulated basement can account for up to one third of the heating cost in an average home.” Yikes! If you plan on having any heat in there, make sure you get it properly insulated.

3)   Mold and Mildew

Basements that haven’t been given much attention in a while are likely to have problems with mold. This is partially due to water intrusion and the cold temperatures that come with being surrounded by earth. Mold grows quickly: 24-48 hours after water has started to leak. Mold is more than annoying: it is a health issue. Before refinishing your basement, make sure all the mold is scrubbed away. Also find the water culprit, to prevent it from growing back in the future. Along with this, make sure you ask your contractor about moisture proofing, to keep it safe for years to come!

As with every project, make sure you have a contractor you can trust to walk through the process with you. Once these three areas have been addressed, you will likely be well on your way to a basement transformation! On average, refinishing a basement can run up to $25/sf, making it an economical choice for a family wanting additional space. When you’re ready to start, contact us for a referral or visit www.responsiblecontractors.com. We will be happy to connect you with a professional you can trust to get the job done right the first time!

The Weekend Project: Home Improvement Ideas

The weekend is here, and you’d like to take some time to work on your home. What to do? Where to start? More importantly: what will keep your costs down and make a good budget project? Allow us to help by providing you a few ideas! Here are some weekend projects that cost under $500 and you can have completely finished before work starts again on Monday morning!

Install New Faucets

New faucets will not only look good, but will improve your water flow. Especially for those who have had troubles with leaks and bad water pressure, this is a project well worth the weekend it’ll take to complete. New faucets generally run between $100 and $400, depending on the style you prefer. Installation can take a few hours depending on experience. Make sure you choose a faucet that fits the sink you have, unless you plan on replacing both!

Update Kitchen Hardware

Updating your kitchen’s hardware can be a great way to give it an uplift on a budget! A small investment and a few hours can go a long way. Make sure you have the tools you need ahead of time, and pick up enough handles for your cabinet style.

Patch Walls

Purchase a little putty and patch holes in the walls. Our homes tend to take a lot of (loving) damage as we live in them. Walls have holes, indents, scratches and sometimes cracks. Patching them up will take a couple hours, and putting a fresh coat of paint over them will make your walls look brand new!

Give your Fireplace a Makeover

This is a great project for your living room! An old fireplace can sometimes be cleaned and stains washed out to make it look new again. Depending on the depth of damage and age of your fireplace, you may consider painting it instead. If you want to give your room a redesign and bring some light in, try painting it white! Another makeover your fireplace can get is to add or replace a mantle, and the wall space above it.

Replace Bathroom Hardware

Your door knob, towel racks, shower rod, and shelving are all things to repair or replace. Maybe you want to add some flair with a unique piece. Maybe you don’t have anywhere to hang a hand towel and it’s time to add a small towel rack. Is your shower rod rusting? Bending? A new one might be in order! You can replace all of these in an afternoon and give your bathroom an instant boost.

Window Treatments

Window treatments are a great way to spruce up any room of the house. Are your curtains outdated? Do you have plastic blinds? Purchase curtains that will provide a new, updated design. Window treatments make a huge impact. Not only will they influence the overall look and focal points of the room, they have a huge impact on lighting. Properly lighting a room is one of the best ways for it to live up to your space’s potential.

Replace Switch plates

Only have three or four hours? Purchase some decorative switch plates for your light switches and power switches throughout the house. This seemingly small detail can add a touch of elegance, and eliminate another commonly found outdated element.

Repaint Baseboards

Don’t have time to redo all your trim? Floor looking a little dull but you’re not ready to replace it? Painting your baseboards and re-caulking as needed can keep it looking decent. Because of their location, baseboards take a beating. From pets, vacuums, furniture, and more, they’re bound to be bruised and scratched. Less than a gallon of paint can take care of a room or two!

Add Shelving and Storage

This is a great project for those who tend to let clutter accumulate. Especially in bathrooms and home offices, adding shelving is a great way to add storage and make room. Have fun with this one! Get inspired and look for shelves that will be a great design for your space. Choose walls with blank spaces and high ceilings. Once the shelves are installed, use decorative bins to create more drawers and reorganize. You may find this is both a great decorative piece, and that you now have more space for your stuff.

Install a Pet Door

For those pet owners and animal lovers, a pet door is something both you and your furry friend will appreciate! If you have a fenced backyard you can install a pet door into either a standard wooden door or a sliding screen door. Your cat or small dog will love being able to let himself out, saving you some time, and possibly saving your carpet some unwanted surprises!

These are just a few ideas to improve your home in small, but effective ways! If you start with one of these projects, you may be inspired to jump to the next! If you come to a project that you need a hand with, we are always happy to help! Contact us for a recommendation or visit responsiblecontractors.com to find a contractor that can help with your particular project. That’s why we’re here!

Spotlight on: Americool Heating & Air Conditioning

For those residents of the Pacific Northwest, it is no secret that our weather has a mind of its own. We joke about Washington being the state that can go from warm sun, to cool rain, to snow in a day. Depending on the mood our weather finds itself at in a given hour, we may find ourselves constantly adjusting the thermostat; bundling up and kicking the blankets off. So for those of us who live in this weather, it’s important to be able to rely on our heating and air conditioning systems. This is where Americool comes in!

Run by Lincoln and Norm, they use their combined eighty years of experience with heating and cooling to bring a higher level of service, professionalism and knowledge to their industry. They have built a solid reputation and it shows! In addition to winning awards such as the prestigious Diamond Dealer award, being recognized as the top dealer in their five-state region, their lineup of testimonials is overwhelmingly positive! 

Americool covers a large array of products and services. Heaters and furnaces, air conditioners, humidifiers, air purifiers and filters, even repair and maintenance on existing systems are all offered!

Your home’s heating, cooling and air is an investment not only for your comfort, but also for your well-being! It is estimated that the indoor pollution level is as much as two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Homes are built to keep bad air, dirt, dust and debris out. Because of this, air purification has become more needed, as air trapped inside the house becomes polluted. More people today suffer from allergies, asthma and similar respiratory diseases than we have in years past.

If your comfort wasn’t enough, and your health still isn’t, consider it can be an investment for your pocket book long term! A better system and regular maintenance can result in lower utility bills, longevity of your equipment, fewer repairs, and improved capacity.

So who is Americool? They are the ones who improve your air quality and your family’s health, bring you comfort, and provide long-term savings. They are there for you 24 hours, just a call away! At Responsible Contractors, our goal is to bring you the best of each industry. We proudly recommend Americool Heating and Air Conditioning for all your home air needs! To see them and more contractors we recommend, visit us atresponsiblecontractors.com.