Mold Remediation vs Removal: What’s the Difference?

Mold is a fungus that can be found in and around our homes. Once these spores latch themselves onto walls and ceilings they can spread at a rapid pace. The danger that a mold infestation holds for family members are devastating. Neglecting to get rid of the infestation can cause many health risks such as nasal stuffiness, wheezing, throat and eye irritation, and other respiratory issues.  For those suffering from asthma, the exposure to mold infested areas are even more dangerous. 

Many companies claim to remove all fungus and spores from properties, the truth is, in order for it to completely disappear from a home one should invest in mold remediation for a successful outcome. Qualified and experienced mold remediation companies will completely understand the science behind the spread and growth of these microscopic spores. 

A Little Bit About Mold: 

• Spores are very small and can’t be seen with the naked eye. 
• Spores are spread into homes through windows, the air conditioning system, or doors; they can get caught on your clothing and pet’s furry coat or float into the house with the wind. 
• It can be found outdoors and indoors; it’s not confined to a specific space.
• When exposed to moisture or water, mold can rapidly grow and turn into huge colonies. 
• Colonies are grey, black, and brownish of color and are typically found on walls, ceilings, or floors. 
• Moldy areas will have a musty, damp, and strong smell that leaves a horrible stench in a room that’s left untreated. 
• When left untreated, colonies can cause hazardous health risks that has an effect on the respiratory system. 
• Even after remediation, colonies can form again if the core moisture problem isn’t addressed.
• Keeping your indoor space at a humidity level of below 45, will prevent colonies from growing back. 

When this fungus is completely understood, a company can assess the level of infestation and come up with a plan to remove it completely. Not just remove it, but also prevent it from growing back again. 

So, if both of these concepts are basically the same, what exactly is the difference between removal and remediation?

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOLD REMOVAL AND REMEDIATION

Even though these terms are used interchangeably by professionals, they mean two different things. Removal refers to only one part of an entire remediation process. It’s only used interchangeably when spoken to clients, because ‘removal’ is a much better understood concept by common folk. 

Remediation actually involves many different steps within the process that ensure all spores of the fungus are removed from the premises. These steps include: 

• Assessing the area and identifying the severity of infestation
• Communicating with the client
• Containing and preparing the area for removal
• Removing of the spores and colonies in the affected area (known as the ‘mold removal’ step)
• Cleaning and sanitizing the area after removing of spores and colonies
• Implementing other treatments that might include demolition of too heavily affected properties
• Other preventative measures to avoid future growth and spread

As a customer, it’s important that you ask the company about the process they will be following. Asking about the process will clarify the steps that they will be taking. Whether it will be from the assessment through to the preventative measures or will they only be removing? 

Interested in what it looks like when professionals remove mold? Check out this link for an in-depth look: https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-remove-mold/.

WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN DURING THE REMEDIATION PROCESS?

Before you hire a remediation company, you should consider the cleanup process that they will be following. As this will be the biggest indicator of whether it’s only removal or a complete remediation. 

Let’s take a closer look at the entire process step-by-step:

Step 1 – Identifying the Problem

It’s important for a mold remediation company to visit the affected premises first. Not only should the severity of the infestation be assessed but the cause of infection should be identified as well. 

In order for the removal, cleanup, and prevention steps to be successful, the problem should be properly addressed. This will ensure that, after removal, mold won’t return. 

Trained inspectors will use specific tools and measurement machines to assess the humidity levels within the property. If the problem is severe, teams might have to start breaking down walls or look behind building structures to find the source. This will only be done once the area has been properly prepped. 

Step 2 – Preparation and Containment

Before teams start to work it’s extremely important for the remediation company to contain the area. This is important for personal protection, safety of the environment, and preventing spores from becoming airborne and landing on other unaffected areas. 

Quality companies will typically use HEPA-filtered air filtration systems to ensure the environment stays unaffected, clean, and safe. Click here to learn more about how mold can affect you and your immediate environment.

Step 3 – Removal

To remove all fungus from the affected areas, professionals will use HEPA vacuums, and disposable materials. They will also surgically remove fungus and spores from buildings by demolishing it in a controlled manner. 

Other treatments might include the application of antimicrobial and a concentrated hydrogen peroxide mixture that help remove mold roots embedded within the structure’s walls. 

The removal process usually follows a specific protocol that should be followed by licensed companies. This ensures that the entire process is done safely. 

Step 4 – Prevention

To avoid future contamination and re-growth a professional will take necessary preventative measures. This will include removing the core problem and applying a mold-proof coating to the affected areas. 

Because the terms removal and remediation are used interchangeably in the industry, it’s important that you look at the finer details of the process before booking with a company. Don’t be fooled by thinking your fungus problem will be something of the past only because a company claimed to have removed it completely. Ensure that the service will follow all steps within the remediation process and you’ll have a guaranteed successful outcome. 

Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations Coquitlam

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Do you sometimes feel that your bathroom has lost the stylish touch and appeal that it used to have? Or that your kitchen lacks enough space for you to move around freely? 

The solution lies in a renovation. Things change over time hence the need to remodel according to your new needs. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes all you need is to rearrange and organize various items in a better way. 

Depending on the type of task to be done, there are lots of factors to be considered. Here are some of the most important tips that might help you for kitchen renovation in Coquitlam.

Factors to consider to ensure successful renovations

• Amount of work required
  
  If you are in need of extra space around the room then most of the time reorganizing the items to free up space will do just fine. This is a one-person job that you can do by yourself within a day or two.
  
  On the other hand, if it entails tearing down cabinets and other structures then it is best if you hire professional contractors to do the job. They’ll certainly have the labor force required and skills to do the job without interfering with other parts of your house.
  
  Before you hire them make sure that they are experienced and well-trained to handle the job effectively.
  
  
• Estimated total cost
  
  Proper planning entails estimating the total cost expected to be incurred. This includes the prices of materials that will be used and the fees charged by the workers.
  
  It will allow you to adjust your budget accordingly and avoid surprises. Make sure to cater to any additional costs that may arise in your plan. You should also use the locally available resources to save some money.
  
  For example, if done properly, some of the materials from torn-down structures can still be re-used. If you have to buy new materials do so from the local market if possible to avoid importation costs.
  
  
• The reason for revamping
  
  There are plenty of reasons to do so. For instance, you might be in need of new items that provide better functionality than your current ones or that are more desirable.
  
  Therefore, you must make sure that whatever you go for will satisfy the need. This makes the process a bit easier since it serves as a guide.
  
  Otherwise, using the trial-and-error method can cost you a lot of money and waste your time. Click here to see a few reasons why you  might consider doing some renovation.
  
  
• Your taste
  
  Perhaps this can be considered as the most important factor when it comes to interior designing. The interior of your house should depict who you are as a person right from the walls to the floors.
  
  For instance, if you like the modern aesthetic appeal then the type of tiles you use on the surfaces should be sleek and modern.
  
  If you are more of a vintage kind of person then you can go for the classic traditional look which usually entails wooden and marble surfaces with intricate pattern designs. In all, make sure that your renovation doesn’t interfere with your personal style.

Tips to help you with your renovations

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of it.

• Utilize your space effectively
  
  One of the most common reasons why people renovate is to create space. Whether in your bathroom or kitchen, you need to be able to move around freely without any obstacles getting in your way.
  
  Most of the space is consumed by storage. Therefore, once you find a way around that you will definitely have ample room. A good way is to utilize the wall storage units. Wall cabinets come in handy and will help you organize your things properly.
  
  Avoid throwing things all over the room as they will eventually pile up and take the much-needed space. See this link for some ideas on how you can create more storage space in your kitchen https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/70161/spacesaving-ideas-for-small-kitchens 
  
  
• Choose your colors wisely
  
  They tend to affect perceptual vision and can also influence your mood. Dark colors have been found to make the room feel small. Most people like light colors, especially, white. For other items such as toilets, sinks, and bathtub you should consider warm colors that radiate positive energy within you. For such equipment, some people dislike white color because it gets stained easily.
  
  
• Get good lighting
  
  When preparing to start with the renovation, you should include proper lighting as well. In the bathroom, in addition to the general bulb from the ceiling, you should have some on the walls and around the mirror to be specific.
  
  The latter should provide just enough light to enable you to look yourself in the mirror comfortably. As such, it should not be very bright.
  
  The central lighting, on the other hand, should be able to illuminate the whole room but also have a dimmer switch for when you want dim light. In general, the lighting should blend in smoothly with the colors of the room.
  
  
• Use a pot filler
  
  Instead of going to the sink every time you need water then coming back to the cooker, you can use an adjustable tap that can be swung all the way to fill the pot while it is on the cooker. This saves you time and makes your cooking more enjoyable.
  
  
• Use racks 
  
  There are plenty of stylish racks that you can use to store your cutleries in an organized way and conserve space too.
  
  
• Maintain the plumbing configurations
  
  This will save you both time and money. Trying to change the plumbing can also interfere with the whole system and result in leaks. Only allow professional plumbers to do this. Click here to see a few bathroom renovation tips.

Conclusion

Renovation can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to begin. If you do it wrong you might end up having an even more messed up room. For this reason, proper planning is key. You have to determine the amount of work required and plan your budget based on this. It is also very important that you only deal with qualified experts to ensure satisfactory work. As much as you should invest in good quality, take care to avoid overspending. Also, feel free to experiment and try out different things.

Anxiety Over Home Improvement Projects? Take Control and Start by Making a Plan

Home improvements are exciting, but they also come with a certain level of nerves and anxiety. You're anticipating great changes for your home, but these usually come at a heavy financial burden and/or worries about the way they'll turn out. However, there are ways to manage these overwhelming feelings by incorporating a plan for your home and yourself. Keep reading to learn how to implement a plan with your specific improvement ideas, and how to manage your feelings throughout the course of these changes.

Make a plan.

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A very obvious first step since, as with any big changes, planning ahead alleviates a certain level of anxiety. Part of this plan includes pinpointing exactly what you're going to renovate. This can be anything from a big kitchen to something more specific, like an item of furniture within a room. Once you decide on an area or specific thing to renovate, you have to consider what kind of funds you have to work with. Money is a large stressor for many Americans and maintaining an affordable renovation is key to keeping stress levels low.

By staying within your budget parameters, you'll ensure that you'll feel comfortable with the amount you're spending, instead of feeling overwhelmed that you're going outside of your comfort zone on your renovations.

Let the professionals handle it.

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If there's one assured way to relieve some of the stress from renovations, it's to leave it up to the professionals. This means letting the experts handle the jobs that you might not be able to complete. For example, when dealing with concrete, consider this company for mass concrete in Flushing, NY. They are leading concrete professionals that can create large concrete projects. They also complete concrete projects for residential buildings, basements, driveways, patios, and even pools. No matter your concrete needs, they'll be sure to get you great quality service so that you can rest easy in the knowledge that this aspect of your home renovations are in good hands.

Manage your feelings throughout renovations.

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When it all feels like it's getting too much to handle, find other ways to get help for yourself. There's no shame in getting mental health counseling. Around 59 million people attend therapy in the United States. You're not alone in the search to minimize your anxiety. Consider searching the term therapist NYC to find a mental health professional that will help you manage and adapt to these changes. This group of therapists in New York City has all of the tools to help with any mental health concerns, or desire for change. Therapy is a safe space to let out your worries and frustrations. It's not something taboo, but rather a great thing to have in your tool belt so that you can effectively manage stress as it comes, instead of blowing up or becoming so overwhelmed that you can't function.

Obviously, your specific needs for therapy can surpass home renovations. Although, it's worth noting that big changes like these can trigger a lot of feelings that you'll want to unpack with cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. It's also a great outlet to deal with any anxiety disorders, phobias, and other mental health concerns by simply talking and finding the right methods to manage your wellness. Even with the current pandemic and social distancing measures, you can stay quarantined and get teletherapy sessions. This way, you get the same mental health care from the safety and comfort of your own home. You'll have access to high-quality therapists that meet their client's individual needs to create a game plan for long term management, while you focus on the road to achieving your best self. Keep in mind that this ideal version of yourself is possible with the assistance of mental health professionals.

In the meantime, your potential therapist will give you coping tools to manage your stress and anxiety during your home renovations. In turn, this helps your overall health and wellness for this life transition, and for years that follow.

How to Use Your Couch in Different Areas of Your House

In recent years, the parts of a home that used to be so strictly defined have started losing their rigidity.  People double bedrooms as home offices, the dining room is also a study room, and living rooms have become home gyms.  This option comes to mind, especially when it comes to furniture.  Our couches have lived lifetimes in our living rooms, saved for use only when we're watching tv or reading a book and wanting to lounge.  They don't have to be left for this!

There are dozens of other places in your home that could use a couch- these are some of them!

Home Offices

Although we know better than to let ourselves lounge and be comfortable when we're trying to work, since it can risk us wanting to nap,  Still, having a couch in your office can give you a huge advantage.  When you need somewhere to sit on your breaks, but don't want to go too far from your computer, a couch can help.

Another great tip is that you can double your office into a guest room if you don't have enough rooms in your home.  This plan can help you avoid putting a bed into your office or make your guests sleep on an air mattress. Instead, you can find a couch that doubles as a bed.  Make sure to choose carefully when you select your couch, or you could end up with a two in one that's not great at being either.

Bedrooms

Our bedrooms are made to be palaces of comfort, yet we often don’t have any comfortable surfaces besides our beds!  We deserve more places to sit and enjoy our rooms.  A couch could offer a place to sit and put on your socks in the morning, or a sanctuary to slip away from the world and read.  

Take the time to dig around for a couch or sofa to make you comfortable, check out materials, or look at different sofa reviews to find the perfect choice for your room.  A sofa can reimagine how you enjoy the bedroom and make it into more of a suite than a simple place.  If you live with roommates or a family and need time to yourself- a couch in your bedroom can make it so that you don't have to spend all of your time in your room in a bed.

Some bedroom sets have a loveseat option you can get to go with the group, but don't be afraid to be bold with this piece!  You can make it the one jewel tone item in your room, or get a dark couch for a mostly light place.  Don't be afraid to be bold with it!

Guest Rooms

Guest rooms are often just a bed, a chair, and a small desk.  Instead of just doing that, you can look instead of what can make them comfortable.  A guest may need time to themselves while they stay in your home.  Offer them the comfort of a space where they can relax, keep their bags, and spread out when they want to enjoy time to themselves.  A comfortable and happy guest is more likely to come back and visit, plus everyone wants to make their guests and family happy and satisfied.

If you want to double your bed count for guests, you can also utilize this couch to make a second bed.  Making this couch a pullout couch will let more than one guest stay, without making them remain in the same bed.  As mentioned before, make sure you get a high-quality pullout couch so that your guests will get to be as comfortable and happy as possible.  You don't want to skimp on this and leave someone with back pain or a terrible night of sleep.

Laundry Room

This laundry room isn't the first place much think of when considering where to put a couch, but hear me out!  Almost a third of American families often end up with a pile of laundry they stash somewhere and dig out of when they need clothes.  When you have kids, that laundry pile is unavoidable.  Make folding and doing laundry something you want to do by making the room more comfortable.  A small sofa or loveseat is all you need; you can even read or work on a laptop while you wait for the dryer to finish.  It may sound like a bizarre idea, but the more comfortable you make a room, the more likely that you'll end up using it.  Allow yourself to catch up on laundry without having to feel like you're undertaking a monumental task.

Sunroom

Sunrooms are beautiful rooms that not every home has.  Like screened-in porches, these areas allow you to feel connected to the world outside of your home, while also enjoying the comforts of staying away from bugs or rain.  Many people use patio furniture in these rooms, but it doesn't have to be like that!  Depending on the area you live in, a sofa or couch could happily live in your sunroom.  

Look at brands that call themselves mildew or mold-resistant, and then work out from there.  These days you can find a couch in almost any style or price point that matches what you want, so don’t be afraid to look!

Our couches don't need to live only in our living rooms, they're versatile pieces of furniture that can be put to use in most rooms of our home that need a little comfort.  If you have a place that needs a little more space and somewhere to sit and have time to yourself or with others, think about putting a couch there!

6 Useful Pest Control Tips For Homeowners

Are you suspicious of pest infestation in your home? Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to notice the presence of these destructive creatures until they’ve invaded every single corner of the house. Therefore, even before seeing a minor sign of infestation, one is advised to take precaution measures to deny entry to these unwelcome guests. 

As long as homes are regularly cleaned, food is stored correctly, garbage is regularly disposed of, and moisture is kept minimal, there’s no reason to feel threatened by pests. However, if things get out of control, you can always count on professional assistance. Homeowners can choose from the myriad of pest control specialists, like http://pestaid.com.au/, offering comprehensive inspections and custom pest control services. 

The following tips will prove handy when protecting your home against these awful creatures.

Clean your home regularly

One of the most effective tips for a homeowner to avoid pest infestation is keeping its home pristine by cleaning it regularly. Residents are advised to pay special attention to the cleanliness of their kitchens and bathrooms, as these destructive insects thrive most in damp conditions. For instance, dirty dishes should be washed daily, not left in the sink for days. Also, kitchen counters, drawers, and other surfaces should be wiped with a disinfectant cleaner to minimize the risk of infestation. 

Moreover, it’s paramount for the bathroom to be kept clean to reduce the level of dampness. Consequently, the sink should be washed as much as once a week, whereas the shower curtain should be kept dry most of the time to prevent moss. You’re also advised to keep the drain unclogged by conducting regular inspections for the presence of hair, grime, and soap. 

Additionally, every homeowner should vacuum and mop the flooring regularly to ensure no debris is left for pests to feed on. While performing these chores, there’s a chance for you to locate the homes of these annoying bugs or ruin their plans of making one. 

Minimize moisture

Pests are particularly fond of dampness and standing water, which is why residents need to minimize moisture as much as possible. Start by inspecting the outdoor faucets for potential leaks, as well as check the direction of the water flow coming out of the rain gutters. It’s paramount for the water to drain away from the house to prevent stagnant water. Also, wood mulch is supposed to be kept far from home in order not to attract insects indoors. Click here for some handy tips about drawing water away from the house. 

Furthermore, your home has to be properly ventilated to discourage pests from finding entry points, particularly the basement and the attic. Make sure you use dehumidifiers in those parts of the house you consider most susceptible to moisture. Apart from ensuring proper ventilation, you aren’t supposed to overwater your houseplants, as these are an often neglected source of dampness. 

Store food properly

Another useful tip for homeowners to prevent pest infestation is storing food in containers and leaving no food source for these destructive insects to find. Your pantry should be cleaned regularly, as most residents fail to check this room for spoiled food. Every food should be sealed in a reusable container in case the original package can no longer be 100% sealed. 

In addition, overripe fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be stored in the fridge for longer periods, particularly when cut, as these appeal to cockroaches and ants. Also, homeowners with pets are advised against leaving their companions’ food in a bowl throughout the day. Keep in mind that your pet won’t be the only one feeding on the food. Make sure your companion eats the entire meal shortly after you’ve placed the bowl on the floor. 

Leave no entry points unsealed

Another effective method of preventing pest infestation is sealing all the entry points that enable these destructive insects to access your home. In order to locate such points on your property, you need to perform a detailed inspection of all doors, windows, pipes, and wires. Bear in mind that most of these annoying creatures are tiny enough to squeeze through gaps and cracks. 

It’s vital to seal any holes and gaps that you find in your roof or utility pipes, which pave the way of pests into your house. Broken doors and windows should be immediately repaired, as well as any foundation cracks. Use no expanding caulk or foam when sealing the gaps, as these destructive bugs are likely to make holes through them via chewing. 

Dispose of garbage regularly

Garbage accumulation is an inviting sign for pests to invade your home, especially rodents and cockroaches. Therefore, homeowners are highly recommended to dispose of their household garbage on a daily basis. Since most of the rubbish ends up in the garbage bins in your yard, these are supposed to have close-fitting lids. 

Moreover, your yard should be kept rubbish-free, as well. Apart from looking unappealing, a messy yard is a paradise for pests. Hence, make sure you cut your grass and weed your garden regularly, as well as remove fallen branches and leaf litter. All tree branches should be adequately trimmed in order not to come in contact with your home. These are the perfect way for insects to cross over and find a shelter in your house. 

Secure nets on your windows

Pests can be impeded from entering one’s home by attaching nets to all the windows. These nets are capable of stopping cockroaches, mosquitos, and spiders from making themselves welcome on your property. 

Besides denying access to these ruinous creatures, nets are an excellent ventilation method. When the weather is warm, you can leave your windows wide open without fearing unwelcomed guests will invade your property. Additionally, inspect all windows around the house for broken glass or panes, as these are a common entry point for these noxious bugs. 

Final thoughts

Doing your regular household chores minimizes the chances of pest infestation. 

Hire professionals if the situation gets out of control!