A Crash Course in Hiring an Exterminator

It doesn’t matter if it’s insects or rodents: pest invasions are never fun. Unwanted critters can wreak havoc on your home, spread diseases and give you a serious case of the shivers. If you wind up with a big pest problem, it’s important to call an exterminator rather than ignoring the issue or trying to deal with it yourself. A professional will be able to safely and fully restore your home to its former pest-free glory.

But choosing an exterminator can be intimidating. What traits should you look for? Are you getting a fair price? Can they really and truly get those racoons out of your basement? It’s important to be informed, because pest control can be expensive. Here’s what you need to know when hiring an exterminator:
1. Ask for credentials. Don’t be shy – you have the right to see the exterminator’s license! Before you hire, ask how their technicians are trained and what certifications they had to receive before being hired.
2. Check their history. Do some research to find out how long the exterminator has been in business. If a company has been serving your community for years, chances are they’re a trustworthy organization. Another great way to find a reputable company is by asking neighbors and friends who they used in the past (and whether or not they were satisfied). You can also use sites like Yelp for recommendations.
3. Get an estimate. Depending on the pest, different strategies for removal (i.e. chemical spray vs. setting traps) can vary widely in price. Make sure you get an estimate for each strategy, and then weigh the costs and benefits. For larger projects (like termites), it’s a good idea to get estimates from multiple companies so that you can choose who is best to tackle your problem. Note: Most professional exterminators should offer you some sort of guarantee for the pest removal – be wary if they don’t!
4. Demand thoroughness. A professional exterminator should inspect your home, confirm the specific pest problem and then present you with several possible solutions. Ask them to explain the pros and cons of each extermination method. Note: An exterminator who doesn’t seem very knowledgeable is a red flag! They should be able to explain the pest’s habits, why the invasion may have happened in the first place and how each extermination method will affect you and your home.

A special thanks goes out to Brightnest.com for this article.
And for assistance with all of your home repair needs, Pro-Fix Home Repair stands ready to help.  Contact them by calling 770-575-2533.
Give us a call @ 770-575-2533 or www.ProFixHomeRepair.com

Never Run Out of Hot Water Again

Chalk it up to first world problems if you want, but a cold shower can throw a serious wrench in your morning routine. To make matters worse, Murphy’s Law and Plumbing 101 both dictate that the time you rely on hot water the most – when guests are visiting – is when it’s most likely to go frigid.

Whether your water heater is powered by gas or electricity, if it has a tank, it will run cold if it’s overused. But that doesn’t mean you need to resign yourself to an icy-shower fate! With a little bit of planning, it is possible to prevent cold showers. Here’s how:

Know Your Limits

Take a look at the capacity of your water heater. Tank heaters will generally only deliver 2/3 of their capacity as hot water (this is because cold water enters the tank and dilutes it). So, a fully heated, 50-gallon tank will deliver roughly 33 gallons of hot water at any given time. The average shower uses 2 gallons of water per minute, so that same 50-gallon tank is good for a little less than 17 minutes of hot water. Tip: As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for a tank capacity of 10-15 gallons per adult in your house.

Know the Refill Time

If, when calculating your average shower time, the numbers come up shorter than you’d like, you don’t need to go shopping for a bigger water heater just yet. A 50-gallon water tank will require about 20 minutes to refill and another 20 minutes to heat (call it 60 minutes to be safe). So if Uncle Bob drains all of your hot water, plan on waiting an hour before taking your turn.

Separate Shower Times

If water-heater math and waiting to shower isn’t your style, simply dividing showers between a.m. and p.m. slots will help ensure everyone stays warm. This can require a little planning ahead if you have a full household, but it’s probably the simplest solution. Tip: Use a paint chip calendar to keep track of your schedule.

Check for Other Issues

If you try all of these things but are still plagued with icy cold interruptions, there may be a problem with your water heater. Some red flags to look for include:

• A rotten egg smell with gas-powered water heaters can indicate a faulty aluminum rod (this smell can also indicate a gas leak!).
• Uneven pressure or spurts of water could mean there’s clogging in your water heater.
• Popping or cracking sounds coming from your water heater are signs of sediment buildup.
• Puddles or mold surrounding your water heater mean there’s probably a leak.

If you discover any of these issues, the best thing to do is contact a qualified professional to come properly diagnose and solve the problem.
A special thanks goes out to Brightnest.com for this article.
And for assistance with all of your home repair needs, Pro-Fix Home Repair stands ready to help.  Contact them by calling 770-575-2533.
Give us a call @ 770-575-2533 or www.ProFixHomeRepair.com

HVAC Air Duct Cleaning: Necessary or Not?

A popular HVAC "maintenance" item that seems to get a lot of attention is that of duct cleaning. It seems like a logical maintenance activity but cleaning the air ducts in your home’s HVAC system may not be as good an idea as it intuitively seems.

Let's explore some of the issues.
Do ducts get dusty? Yes.
Is that normal? Yes.
Should you regularly clean your ductwork? No.

Unlike dryer duct cleaning which should be regularly checked and cleaned, no independent objective organization recommends HVAC duct cleaning as an essential part of routine HVAC system maintenance.
In fact the Environmental Protection Agency states the “EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except on an as-needed basis because of the continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning under most circumstances.”
It also states…“Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts.  This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space.”

Now I’m not saying duct cleaning is a bad idea, just that it is not necessarily good or even, well, necessary in most cases. In this link I'll show you a picture of the interior of ductwork from my home built in 1937. The duct has never been cleaned. See what you think.

Properly performed, duct cleaning can be useful in limited situations such as if the ducts are filthy or infested with mice or other vermin, or if you see evidence of significant visible mold growth in the ducts or on the mechanical components of the HVAC system that come in contact with air. But cleaning normally dusty ducts provides no real value.

Frightening “before” and “after” duct photos may make great discount coupon photos but chances are rare that your ducts are in bad shape. If your ducts are seriously filthy enough to require it to be cleaned, then you should clean the entire HVAC system (more on that later), not just the ducts themselves.

Please understand that duct cleaning uses specialized tools to agitate and dislodge dirt in the ducts to make the dirt and other contaminants increasingly loose and airborne before they are vacuumed out. Sometimes the ducts are cut for tool access and needs to be carefully resealed. Then a powerful vacuum system is used to remove the loosened dirt and contaminants. If this is not done properly you can do more harm than good.
For example, if the vacuum hose / containment system is not sealed tightly and exhausting contaminants to the outside, or if a HEPA filtration system is not used in an interior vacuum system, you can wind up releasing dirt and contaminants into your home’s interior. As part of the duct cleaning process, your ducts may have service holes cut into it for tool or vacuum hose access that may not be properly sealed after use, or HVAC system components could be taken apart and damaged or not reinstalled properly, and so on.

Kitchen Update

DIY – Update Your Kitchen With a New Tile Backsplash!

If you want to give your kitchen a facelift, consider replacing or adding a new tile backsplash. This can give your kitchen a bright modern appearance without a lot of effort. The nice thing about adding a new backsplash is that it is not very hard to do. If your existing backsplash is painted drywall, it’s quite straightforward. Even if you have an old tile backsplash, it is still not difficult – just messier in the beginning.
Planning the Project
If your existing backsplash is painted drywall, you can install your new tiles right over the top. Just sand the area to rough up the surface and get ready to install. If you have an existing tile backsplash, your best bet is to remove it totally. This will involve actually cutting the existing backer (usually drywall) and getting rid of both it and the attached tiles. For the best results consult with a professional to determine if you need to replace the drywall before installing the new tile. Pro-Fix Home Repair can help answer all of your questions.
Determine the length of your backsplash, and then measure the distance from the top of the counter to the bottom of the wall cabinet to calculate the area you’ll need to cover with your tiles (length x width = area). Now that you know how much space you have, figure out your tile pattern. Use graph paper and draw a scale outline. The most common tiles used for backsplashes are 4 x 4, 6 x 6 or 3 x 4 subway tiles. You could also use 1 x 1 tiles attached to a back mesh if you like the appearance better–the choice is yours.  Find the one that best fits your style. Just be sure that the tiles are glazed when you get them; this will help prevent stains, moisture and grease from ruining your tile. When you calculate your tile quantities, don’t forget to add about 10 percent for cutting and waste.
Installing the Backsplash

1. Remove the stove and range hood and anything else that will be in your way when you are working on the backsplash. Shut off the power to any outlets or switches and remove the cover plates.
2. If your tiles are going to be running over any gaps (like where the range will be), install a temporary ledger board along the base of your tile line to help hold them in place during installation.
3. Mark the visual focal point of your layout and use a level to draw a starting line through it. You’ll use this to line up your tiles vertically. Now, lay out your tiles on the countertop or the kitchen floor so you can follow the pattern.
4. Starting at the center, begin the bottom row by applying tile mastic (a ready to use tile adhesive) or thinset mortar to a small section of the wall using a grooved trowel. Put the edge of the first tile on the vertical line leaving a gap of about 1/8″ on the bottom – this leaves space for a bead of caulk later in the process. Press and wiggle the first tile into place, then put in a temporary 1/8″ spacer (vertically for easy removal when the mastic dries).
5. Install the second tile using the same process. Continue installing tiles working away from the centerline, wiggling them into place and putting spacers between each. Follow your pattern and install any decorative/highlight tiles as part of the field.
6. When you get to a place where you need to cut or trim a tile (under a countertop, end of a row, around an electrical outlet), cut the tile as part of the installation – don’t leave an opening and plan to come back.

Cutting a Tile
Cutting tile can be a hard task; the easiest way to cut a tile is using a tool called a scoring cutter. Using one is a two-step process – mark the tile where you want to cut it, then place the tile in the tool and score a mark in the tile surface. Then, using a sharp motion of the tool handle, the cutter will break the tile along the scored line.
Cutting openings for an electrical outlet can be more challenging. Depending on where an electrical outlet fits into your pattern, you may be need to cut two tiles using the scoring cutter, and then use tile nippers to cut out the opening and put them on each side of the outlet.
Grouting
After the tiles are installed and the mastic has been allowed to set up overnight, it’s time to grout. Use a sandless grout (to avoid scratching the tile surface) and mix it according to manufacturer’s directions. Apply the grout using a rubber float. Push it well down into the gaps between the tiles, then holding the float at a 45-degree angle remove the excess.
Finishing Up
Allow the grout to set up for about an hour and then clean off the hazy surface on the tiles. Use wet sponges, rinsing them often in clean water to wipe away the film. Buff the tiles with a clean dry cloth to bring out their natural beauty. You will likely need to install box extenders to your electrical outlets before you can reattach the cover plates.  Finally, apply a bead of tub and tile caulk (the same color as the grout) all along the bottom seam where the backsplash meets the countertop.
Following the steps above will help you install a new backsplash into your kitchen. Make sure you pay attention to details and follow each step, but if you happen to come across a problem, the professional craftsmen at Pro-Fix Home Repair can finish the project for you, or help you along the way. 

And for assistance with all of your home’s repair and inprovement needs, Pro-Fix Home Repair stands ready to help.  Contact them by calling 770-575-2533.
Give us a call @ 770-575-2533 or www.ProFixHomeRepair.com

Choosing Non-Toxic Paints is a Good Choice

Benefits of Choosing Non-Toxic Paints

The benefits of non-toxic paints are found in a quick look at what is in “traditional” paints.
Many commercial paints contain up to 10,000 chemicals, over 300 of which are known toxins; 150 of those are known to cause cancer.
There is a dangerous subcategory of these chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOC) that can leech out of paint for years. VOCs have been shown to cause breathing problems, headaches, eye irritation and nausea.  Some have even been linked to higher incidents of cancer.
VOCs are unstable carbon-based compounds that vaporize into the air easily. This process can last for years. Most people don’t realize it, but they may be surrounded by the very chemicals that are making them sick.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to paints with VOCs. These paints are identified as low-VOC or no-VOC paints. In fact, most major paint manufacturers have begun making paints that have very little or no harmful chemicals.
Finding these types of paints is as easy as asking your paint retailer, or checking labels closely. There are several companies that now have a green seal on their paints. These seals are designed to tell consumers that this is a healthier paint than the traditional types. In addition to paint, there are also natural, oil-based wood finishes that can be used to stain and seal wood without bringing toxins into the home.
In Europe, the move toward low or no VOC paints has been going on for some time. In the United States, many companies have begun selling “nursery” paints. These are paints that have few VOCs, specifically designed for childrens’ rooms.
Because all of these paints are water-based, they clean up more easily and are better for the environment. There is little or no odor while painting and no odor afterward.
There are several companies that specialize in only healthier paint alternatives.  Many produce paints made from natural ingredients that don’t contain any VOCs and are entirely non-toxic. In fact, many of them also have essential oils in them that give them a pleasant scent.
Some of the larger paints companies offer zero-VOC paints. A paint that has less than 5 grams per liter of VOCs can be called zero-VOC. While these paints are not made from natural ingredients, they don’t leech out toxins into the environment. Because these companies’ products are easy to find, you can simply visit your paint retailer and ask them for paints in the zero-VOC lines.
Using healthier paints is easy. All you have to do is take the extra moment to find them. You, your family and the planet will be a healthier for it.
And for assistance with all of your home’s painting needs, Pro-Fix Home Repair stands ready to help.  Contact them by calling 770-575-2533.
Give us a call @ 770-575-2533 or www.ProFixHomeRepair.com

Selecting the Right Tile

Homeowner How To: Selecting Tile for your Renovation

  
Selecting the right tile means the difference between mediocre and brilliant design. What is the difference between ceramic, glazed and porcelain tile? When and where ...

Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, glass, metal, mosaics, there are so many choices to make when you are remodeling your home that involve selecting tile. Tile can be used as flooring in a kitchen, foyer, laundry area, mudroom and bathroom, as well as many outdoor areas. Selecting the right tile means the difference between mediocre and brilliant design. What is the difference between ceramic, glazed and porcelain tile? When and where should glass and natural stone tiles be used?

Here is the inside scoop on selecting tile for your home...

How tile is made: Tile is made by either pouring the base materials into a mold, and then exposing those to high heat ovens, or shaping and cutting stone. It can be hand painted, hand poured, glazed with a shiny coating like you may have done in a ceramics class, or it can be made of the same color material all the way through. Small pieces of ceramic, porcelain, stone, tile and glass can be made into intricate mosaics by hand or by cut to size by an advanced computer program.  Mosaics can be made of numerous materials including metals, wood, marble, granite, ceramic and porcelain.

Glazed tile: Less expensive than porcelain, glass and natural stone, glazed ceramic tile is the go to product for builders and is used extensively in residential homes as well as commercial buildings. A layer of colored glaze coats a ceramic base below. These versatile, lightweight, durable tiles are great for walls in bathrooms or for tile backsplashes…and generally textured versions of this are used as floor tile. Mix and match with the huge variety of colors and sizes…you can really play with layouts with this product as there are infinite colors and shapes available to choose from. This type of tile can be pretty inexpensive in general. Some glazed tiles are handmade and imported so not all will be inexpensive and some will be more durable than others. Glazed ceramic tile should not be used in high traffic floor areas and the shiny versions are not advisable for floors, especially wet floor areas or areas where frost/freezing may occur. Over time the glaze can start to wear and extreme tempature changes can lead to cracking and damages. If the tile cracks or is chipped you will see the white or terracotta colored ceramic show through from underneath.

Porcelain tile: Porcelain tile can also refer to glazed tile. But most porcelain tiles are not glazed and are generally much more dense than a glazed tile. Through-color porcelain tile means that the color runs throughout the thickness of the tile. Porcelain is a much more dense, durable, heavy and solid material and is much less porous than ceramic. Generally, it can stand up to high and low heat, exterior conditions, wet areas and high traffic floors. Some can even hold up to extreme temperatures and frost without cracking or damage. It is very popular to use this type of tile in main flooring areas, commercial applications, exterior areas, front entryways and kitchens and bathrooms. It can be a little more expensive depending on the color and manufacturer, but it is a long term choice and will look good, even with minor chips, for the long haul. If a piece does get chipped, the color below is the same as the color on top, so it is generally not noticeable.

Glass tile: There are a wide array of glass tile products on the market, from subway tiles to mosaics in numerous colors and styles. These can have a smooth, shiny finish or a matte finish and be a single color with a transparent look, or they can be woven with shiny veins of shimmers and colors to create an exotic  look. Some glass tile can be rather thin in relation to other tiles, so be sure to see how it measures compared to other tile you may be using alongside it. Glass tile is rather delicate, especially before it is installed, so be sure to thoroughly inspect it prior to installing. Once it is properly installed, it is highly durable when installed in appropriate applications. It is popular to use glass tile for kitchen backsplashes, on walls, in bathrooms as an accent or wall tile, or with discretion as a small accent in flooring. Generally, glass tiles are not used as flooring on their own. Glass tile is available in every color of the rainbow and in numerous sizes and styles. It can range in price from reasonable to very expensive.  In a mosaic, it can be paired up with ceramics and marble in varied sizes and is used most often for backsplashes in kitchens or bars.

Marble and Granite tile: Marble or granite tile are simply pieces of natural stone that are cut into a variety of standard tile sizes. These tiles are generally more expensive than ceramic based tiles, and can vary from a larger flooring size to a small subway tile, or can be made into sheets of mosaics. Marble must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and can be slippery when used in wet areas.

Terrazzo tile: Terrazzo is made from a mixture of glass and concrete cut into tile sizes and heated under high temperatures. It is very popular in large commercial projects and as flooring. It is generally very durable and expensive, comes in very large tile sizes and is very heavy.  Glass and concrete can be tinted to almost any color, so terrazzo can be very colorful and is available in numerous tones. Concrete is very porous, so it must be sealed regularly. But even after years of abuse, it can be ground down and resealed to look like new, so all in all, it is a very "green" product.

If you are using tile in a large area of your home it is very important to keep a few boxes of "attic stock" on hand in case a portion of the tile becomes damaged, needs to be changed, or there are renovations that require patching in new areas. The tile you purchased is sold in lots which are identical, but that lot is unique and will never be available or made again. By the time you’ve purchased your tile, the original mold that was used to fabricate your tile is long gone. So always be sure to set aside at least 10% or a minimum of 1-2 boxes of additional tile from the same lot.

If you are unsure about which type of tile, or color tile is right for your project, you may want to consult with a kitchen and bath designer or interior designer. Their knowledge and expertise will assist you in carefully selecting the right product the first time and result in a beautiful space you will enjoy for many years to come. The cost of a designer will save you hours of time in deciding and choosing or possibly from having to do the entire job over if the wrong colors or products are selected.

Smart design will save you time and money! Choose wisely. Hire a professional.

Give us a call @ 770-575-2533 or www.ProFixHomeRepair.com

Picking Kitchen Cabinets

Homeowners How To: Picking Kitchen Cabinets

  
Planning to renovate your kitchen? Making sure you select the right cabinets for your kitchen can be an overwhelming and daunting task. There are so many different brands and styles available. Which one is right for you? This item is one of the most expensive parts of your kitchen renovation and getting it right is a huge part of making sure your job goes smoothly, stays in budget and that the end result is exactly what you wanted.

So where do you start? First take accurate measurements of your room. Make sure to measure the height of the ceiling, all window and door locations and the width of the wood trim around the doors and windows. Starting off with an accurate measurement will ensure that you are selecting a layout that actually fits and make sure you order the correct sizes. Bring photos of your existing kitchen, both from other rooms, within the room and from the outside. This may be helpful in figuring out what options you have and estimate the cost involved as you choose your layout and design options.

Next, select your appliances. Go to a reputable local appliance center or ask your kitchen designer what they would recommend. See, touch and feel your new selections in advance of purchasing them. Get pricing and a quote on the items you would like to see on your wishlist, but don’t order them yet! You may need to edit or revise those selections once you figure out your layout, so be sure to ask about lead times and how far in advance you will need to place the order once you have your cabinetry layout complete.

Create a storage wishlist! Make a list of items that you need to keep at your fingertips, large amounts of utensils, dishware or any oversized or odd sized kitchen appliances. Once you have your new kitchen you want to make sure it will accommodate the items you need to fit into it and design it accordingly.

Make a Scrapbook! Buy a few kitchen magazines or search online for pictures of styles and concepts, colors and countertops, woodwork, details, door styles and flooring that you do and don’t like. Go to your local home center or cabinetry store to look at different display kitchens and try out optional cabinet organizers, trash pullouts and storage units so you get an idea of what you may want to include. Do some research on different types of countertops and flooring choices to see what will best accommodate your needs.

Okay, now you are ready to finalize a kitchen layout. Which cabinets should you get? That really depends on your needs. Kitchen cabinetry takes quite a bit of abuse over the years, and is literally the bones of your kitchen. They need to be durable. Stock cabinets are not necessarily less durable. This just means that the sizes are made to a standard dimension. Usually, widths are available 3” increments, such as 18”, 21”, 24” or 30”. Stock cabinets have the least variety with sizing and typically have a limited selection of colors and door styles. It is important to note where the cabinetry was produced, what kind of finish it has and if it comes fully assembled or if you have to assemble it. Usually, stock cabinetry is more quickly ordered, but you should make sure to ask about how long they will take to come in. A semi-custom cabinet simply means that you can edit the heights and widths and they may have more options as far as color and style. Custom cabinets are usually very well made, with solid sides and backs and offer an unlimited variety of colors, sizing and door styles.

Box construction is a term that describes how the cabinet sides, bottom and interior components are built. Usually a good cabinet will have at least ½” sides and backs. Custom cabinets may have ¾”sides and backs. It is important to note that a strong cabinet back is important. Why? No one sees that right? Well, that is where the weight will be distributed once the cabinets are loaded up with dishes, so it must be strong. Avoid ¼” luan backs, as they tend to give out quickly and are not as strong as a ½” or ¾” back. Also, make sure to ask about upgrades available for drawer slides and hinges as these take the bulk of wear and tear.

Drawers can be made in a variety of styles and materials and still be of good quality. A nice solid, waterproof melamine drawer may even last longer than your typical dovetail wood drawer. Of course, the wood drawers look nicer, but using melamine drawers may be a good way to lower your budget without sacrificing functionality.

Always be sure to bring your photos, measurements, appliance selections and wishlist of interior options and space requirements when you get a quote for your cabinetry. This will avoid mistakes in the planning phase and help you correctly order your cabinetry the first time around.

If you feel too overwhelmed to make these decisions all on your own, hire a local cabinetry company who designs kitchens, a certified kitchen designer, interior designer or an architect. Whatever fee they charge will wind up paying off if you get a better kitchen than you ever imagined you could, and they almost always save you money because your orders get placed correctly the first time around. One mistake with ordering may be more costly than the designer, so it’s well worth it to rely on their professional assistance. They will help to steer your decisions based on your budget and help you select items that will add beauty and value to your home and accommodate your lifestyle.

Give us a call @ 770-575-2533 or www.ProFixHomeRepair.com