What Kind of Permits Do I Need For My Home Remodel?

Permitting is more than a nuisance for home remodeling contractors and homeowners. Permits assure property owners and insurance companies that the work is being performed according to specific codes that have been written to prevent shoddy workmanship, enhance the safety of residents, and as a method to monitor construction and verify that it meets the standards of the state and local community. 

Who Pulls the Permits?

Property owners may obtain some types of permits, but some types of work must be signed-off by licensed contractors in their respective fields. In order to avoid pulling the correct permits, or failing to secure all of the permits required by the job, the best course of action is to leave obtaining permits to the experienced home contractors who will be performing the work.

Construction Permits

From the foundation to the roof peak, every aspect of home additions and renovations is carefully monitored to protect the property owner as well as adjacent properties from being damaged in the event of damages, including accidents, natural disasters, and more. Any work performed without a permit may be required to be removed and rebuilt after the appropriate permits have been secured, and that can easily become very expensive.

Fire Safety

Fire safety guidelines are enforced through permits and regular inspections at every stage of the job. From the fastener patterns used on drywall to specialized caulking that seals walls against fumes and smoke, fire safety permits are meant to protect the property, the property owner, and reduce the damages in the event of a catastrophe.

Electrical Permits

Electricity is dangerous and volatile. Electrical permits can be obtained by the property owner for some types of work, but a licensed electrician may be required to inspect and approve the work before it will be passed by an electrical inspector. Electrical permits are not required in situations where no electrical services are being added or modified.

Plumbing Permits

The property owner is able to obtain plumbing permits in some locations, but this differs from one municipality to another. Plumbing work is inspected at each stage of construction, including underground plumbing, water lines, and sewer lines. In a home remodel, plumbing permits are only required when the job involves moving or installing plumbing in the area being renovated.

Leading remodeling contractors typically have a general contractor's license that allows them to pull any and all permits needed for the work they perform. The home remodeling company may hire subcontractors to perform different stages of the work, such as plumbers or electricians, or they may perform all aspects of the job themselves.

5 Popular Commercial Plumbing Services That Improve Your Bottom Line

All businesses can benefit from commercial plumbing services. Although it may not seem apparent at first, plumbing issues can cost your company sales, employees, and costly mistakes. Plumbing definitely affects your company's profitability in multiple ways, as underscored by these 5 examples of how plumbing affects more than the water at your location.

1. Leak Repair

Repairing leaks is one of the most common business plumbing services. Water leaks can occur in many places throughout a commercial property. Pipes get broken, lines get accidentally damaged, faucets and hose bib valves go bad, and more. Leaks can be costly in themselves, but they also cause serious workplace hazards that range from slip-and-falls to respiratory illness related to mold and mildew.

2. Appliance Replacement

In some types of business, the appliances take a lot of abuse. Water heaters are overworked, sinks get used roughly, hose bibs are pulled away from walls, and the list goes on. Poorly functioning restrooms have a negative impact on employee morale, may potentially contribute to health risks, and leave an unfavorable impression on clients and investors. 

3. Sensory Interference

Unpleasant odors, constant drips, and pipes banging around in the walls can be distracting for employees. This results in lost productivity, demands non-work-related tasking, and may create inaccuracies in sensitive activities. We have all experienced the distraction of a dripping sink at one point or another, but dealing with it on a daily basis can have negative influences on employee morale and performance.

4. Business Expansion

Today's commercial building codes require sufficient restroom resources for employees, emergency showers and eyewash stations, and plumbing for fixed equipment operations and maintenance. Since plumbing expansions involve municipally permitted work, they can only be performed by licensed plumbing contractors.

5. Plumbing Maintenance

In many cases, establishing a regular plumbing maintenance program improves productivity and reduces absenteeism, among other benefits. Typically, a plumbing maintenance program involves regular inspections of plumbing pipes, appliances, and facility upkeep such as replacing worn or broken fixtures and valves. This identifies problems before they can create major incidents, and some maintenance plans save money by including certain repairs in the maintenance program.

From advertising to warehousing, plumbing is necessary for any type of commercial enterprise. Independent research has shown that businesses with insufficient plumbing resources or malfunctioning equipment become vulnerable to everything from absenteeism to work-related illnesses. There are a lot of reasons for your company to keep on top of its plumbing systems, but the best reason is that plumbing affects your bottom line.

How Long Does it Take For Auto Glass Replacement?

Whether your car is fresh off the dealer lot or you've owned it for a number of years, the day may come when you need to have auto glass replacement. Most insurance policies will cover windshield replacement free of charge and without increasing your premiums because windshields contribute to the structural integrity and overall safety of your vehicle.

Windshield Replacement

A typical windshield replacement will only take a short time when the job is performed by an experienced auto glass replacement specialist. Whether you bring our car into the glass shop or have it replaced at your location, the job can usually be completed in less than an hour-- and it may take as little as 20 minutes or so.

Side Glass Replacement

Replacing a side window may seem like a more complicated process, but experienced installers can still get the job done quickly. Using specialized tools and materials, side windows can be replaced in about an hour, from removing the interior side panels to presenting you with the necessary papers. If your car has hard-to-find window glass, let the glass company know the make and model when you set up your appointment.

Glass Repair Services

Glass repair is an option for types of cracks. Glass repair involves carefully cleaning the area around the chip or crack, then filling the damaged area with a specially formulated bonding agent that dries to form a complete seal. Keep in mind that glass repair may be slightly visible after it has been repaired, and replacement is the generally recommended solution. 

Glass Tinting Services

In addition to replacing broken auto glass, your glass technicians can also apply window tint if you wish. Since the amount of tinting allowed by law varies from one state to another, using a local glass service guarantees conforming to regulations. Because reducing glare can make driving safer, window tinting won't increase your premiums.

Before You Drive Wait Times

Once your auto glass has been replaced, it is a good idea to allow the adhesives to dry before driving the vehicle. In most cases, auto glass adhesives will be fully dried in less than an hour, and some types may be ready to use in as little as 20 minutes. In the end, most windshield replacements are ready for the open road in about an hour, including the wait time while adhesives are curing.

Since auto glass replacement can be done at your home or even while you are at work, you won't have to worry about missing important visitors, appointments, or deadlines. You don't even have to set aside time during the replacement process-- simply sign the work release when the job is done.

3 Water Heater Repair & Replacement Options And When Each Is Appropriate

If you are having problems with your water heater, you have a few water heater repair & replacement options to consider. You may be able to repair the existing unit, but beyond that, replacement options include replacing the existing tanked heater or having a tankless water heating system installed. Before you make a decision, take a closer look at the options available so you can make the most informed decision.

1. Repair Existing Units

If your water heater is less than 10 years old, replacing worn or faulty components may be the most sensible option. Things like heating elements and water valves are relatively inexpensive and can be done in a few hours or less. The critical point is the age of the water heater because after around 10 years failures will become more common and the tank itself is subject to deterioration or the accumulation of water-borne debris.

2. Water Heater Replacement

If your water heater tank is leaking or the unit is more than 10 years old, making repairs may be throwing good money away. A leaking tank cannot be repaired in a dependable manner, and older tanks are far more likely to suffer leaks related to internal rust or corrosion. Since the tank is inside insulation covered by an internal shell, the symptoms of a leaky tank may be nothing more than a puddle of water under or near the water heater.

3. Tankless Water Heaters

If you are replacing your water heater, going tankless is worth considering. Tankless water heaters have a longer use-life, take up less space, and lower utility bills. Tankless systems provide instant hot water for sinks, showers, and appliances using an inline water heating system that is usually located close to the heated area. Under the counter, in the attic, or mounted in a closet are all potential locations for tankless water heaters, and additional heaters can be installed to deliver more hot water on a daily basis.

Tankless systems are also a simple way to increase the amount of available hot water for other reasons. A growing family, recent home renovations, or new hot water demands related to clothes or dish washing machines are among the reasons to have an auxiliary tankless water installed. You can install tankless water heaters in conjunction with existing systems, but replacing the old one with a fully tankless delivery method yields the best results.

If your water heater is leaking, you should have it inspected immediately. Water damage resulting from standing water will quickly become an expensive problem, so prompt repairs will save you a bundle. 

Tips for Storing Dress Clothes

Knowing how to store your clothes is important for two reasons. First, proper storage helps you maintain visually appealing apparel for any occasion. Second, storing your clothes the right way adds years to the lifespan of your garments. Storing apparel properly is important for any type of garment, but it is especially important to know how to store dress clothes.

Before you store your dress clothes, you should have the garments cleaned by a business that provides residential laundry services. Storing garments that have not received proper cleaning can turn what should be temporary stains into permanent blemishes on your finest attire. You also should have your dress clothes dry cleaned to protect the apparel against the agitating ingredients found in most laundry detergents.

With the most difficult step of the apparel cleaning process out of the way, let’s review a few tips for storing dress clothes.

General Tips for Storing Dress Clothes

Before we dive into the box versus hanger storage debate, here are a few tips for storing dress clothes. Heat and humidity are a garment’s worst enemy, which means you should store your delicate dress clothes in a dry, cool environment. A closet located in a temperature and humidity-controlled bedroom makes the ideal location for storing dress clothes. Dampness fosters the growth of highly damaging mold and mildew.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight is another enemy to fine apparel such as dress clothes. Exposure to constant sunlight or even artificial light can cause bright colors to fade, as well as damage delicate fabrics like wool and cotton. Once again, a climate-controlled closet without any windows or artificial light sources works well for storing dress clothes.

Although dry cleaning protects your dress clothes from damage, as well as preserves their visual appeal, you can take one additional step when you use a highly-rated business that offers residential laundry services. At Laundry Care Express, we offer a wash and fold service that helps our customers store their dress clothes properly. For dress clothes that you do not need to fold, we place them on hangers for easy storage in a climate-controlled closet.

Box Versus Hangar Storage

One of the most important factors that influence how you store clothes concerns storage space. If you have enough space to accommodate long garments, you can hang long dresses and business suits. If you have a closet with limited storage space, then you can place several non-wrinkle garments on top of each other inside boxes. The optimal storage for dress clothes is to have enough space to utilize both storage methods.

The primary advantage of hanger storage is to prevent the development of tough-to-remove creases and wrinkles. Using an iron to eliminate creases and wrinkles can do more damage than leaving the creases and wrinkles alone. Hanger storage is a must for dress shirts and evening wear such as dresses. Box storage works best for items such as dress socks and business slacks. One fold around the halfway point of dress slacks is all you need to do for box storage. Storing dress shoes in bins, boxes, and or containers works as well.

The Bottom Line

A dry, cool, and dark storage environment represents the ideal location to store dress clothes. Whether you use a box or hanger to store dress clothes depends on the type of garment. If you have any questions, contact Laundry Care Express for additional advice on how to store dress clothes.

Reasons to Include Window Replacements During Office Renovations

Office renovations are a great time to update your windows with professional commercial glass replacement. The benefits of glass replacement are outstanding and encompass many aspects of day-to-day business operation. With many styles and types of windows available, your office will look more open, have fewer drafts, and save you money. To illustrate, here are a few important reasons to consider window replacement during your renovation project.

Employee Health and Comfort

Research has shown that natural light improves employee morale, leading to improved performance, attendance, and more. Additionally, replacing older windows reduces the potential for allergens and airborne particles inside the workplace, promoting better health and reducing workforce absenteeism.

Client Appeal and Aesthetics

Window glass and natural light are excellent factors in creating an open and relaxing atmosphere. New windows in your office make the space more inviting, and that can lead to more sales. To get even better results, consider using different types of windows and frames based on their usage and location. When your customers feel relaxed and welcome, they are willing to spend more time and money, leading to a faster return on the investment.

Energy Efficiency

Windows play a large role in maintaining the interior comfort of your office. They also reduce distracting noise transfer from outside. Windows that are properly installed can reduce your energy costs by as much as 35 percent, and extend the working life of heating and cooling systems by reducing the work they must perform to keep the office comfortable. If your energy costs seem to be rising, evaluating the condition of your windows is the first place to begin looking for a solution.

Age and Condition

Age, weather, and incidental damages all contribute to windows that are less efficient, inhibit vision, and may lead to inoperable window mechanisms. If your office is located in an older building or you have windows that are either cracked or broken, including them as part of your office renovation is going to be an essential part of the process.

Enhanced Security

New office windows make it easier to watch what is going on throughout your business site. This reduces the potential for theft and helps you manage employee and project efficiency more accurately. Additionally, replacing cracked or broken window glass will make unwanted entry more difficult, further promoting a safe, secure office environment.

Replacing commercial glass will have a positive impact on several aspects of your business. From your clients and employees to site security, windows have a lot to offer, and a shiny new storefront introduces a new way to attract new business.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Inspected

The longer you live in your home, the more likely it will be that you need water heater repair & replacement. Tanked water heaters are only rated for 10 to 15 years of service before they begin experiencing problems. If your water heater is beginning to show its age, these are the signals that tell you it's time for a water heater inspection.

Water Leaks

A leaking water heater is often the first sign that your water heater needs to be inspected. Water heater tanks are made with a relatively thin skin of metal that will rust or corrode over time. The tanks must be replaced when leaks occur because the damage will continue to grow.

Discolored Hot Water

Discolored water is a side-effect of a water tank that is nearing the end of its usefulness. The coloration comes from rust, corrosion, and sediment in the tank. Discolored or odorous water from the hot water lines are definitely indicators that you have a water heater replacement in your future. 

Mold and Decay

Excessive moisture in the area will eventually cause the growth of mold and mildew. Left uncorrected, this problem will spread and may affect the health of family members. Mold is frequently a sign of a small water leak that you haven't detected, but you will need a water heater inspection to know for certain.

Water Doesn't Get Hot

When the heating element in your water heater begins to fail, the temperature of your water may be cooler, warmer, or even fluctuate from one use to another. Similarly, the element is operated by a thermostat that may get stuck or stop working altogether. Either way, lukewarm water from the hot water tap is a sign that you should have the water heater inspected.

Low Hot Water Pressure

Low water pressure in your hot water lines indicates a blockage of some sort in the hot water system. This could be related to sediment in the tank, corrosive buildup in your water lines, malfunctioning valves, or other problems. Because this problem is a symptom of a variety of issues, scheduling a home plumbing inspection is the most efficient way to address the issue.

Nobody wants to replace their water heater, but it is a necessary task for homeowners. On the other hand, water heater replacement is a great opportunity to upgrade to a tankless system that provides hot water on demand, uses less water, and has a longer span of use.