Month: September 2023

remodeling

Top Five Reasons to Hire a Professional for a Kitchen Restoration

Ralph Elam

remodelingIf you are thinking about doing a kitchen restoration, there are several important things to consider before starting your project. These factors include the cost, time frame, permits, and environmental friendliness. This article will provide tips to make your Kitchen Restoration as successful as possible. Moreover, you will learn how to maximize your budget by choosing a contractor that will exceed your expectations. This article will cover the top five reasons why you should consider hiring a professional for your project. To learn more, click here https://www.tacomakitchenremodel.com/. 

The average cost of a kitchen restoration depends on the amount of materials needed, the level of deterioration, and the type of appliances purchased. Materials and labor often account for the bulk of the budget. A complete kitchen restoration project may include knocking down walls, replacing the cabinets and appliances, and installing a Viking range. In addition to the materials and labor costs, the cost of a kitchen restoration project also includes the costs of building permits, which are typically around $500.

If you want to update the style and feel of your kitchen, you can choose a vintage or rustic look. Rustic kitchen design is all about natural materials. Avoid glossy chrome plating or modern aesthetics. If you have old kitchen appliances, choose these over modern ones. Another environmentally friendly option for countertops is recycled glass or wood. However, if you’re looking for durability, opt for engineered quartz or another type. Another option is to install low-flow faucets. Also, install LED lighting.

The cost of kitchen restoration can be low or high depending on the level of renovation. DIYers may be able to cut the costs of labor by completing some of the work themselves. However, it’s best to hire a professional home refurbishment company to do the major kitchen restoration. There are numerous videos available on YouTube showing how to do the project yourself. A professional kitchen renovation can add up to over $25,000 to your budget. You may also want to consider hiring professionals to do some of the smaller jobs.

A fresh coat of paint can give your kitchen a new look for a very low cost. A new paint job will take up only a fraction of your budget. Painting is also one of the simplest projects to undertake, and a few cans of paint can make a huge difference. If you don’t have the time, consider hiring a professional who will do the job well and on time. It is best to talk to a professional about your budget and your project in advance.

Time frame

The time frame for a kitchen restoration depends on the scope of the project. The initial demolition phase of a kitchen remodeling project typically takes one to two days. If you’re changing the layout of the sinks, ovens, or other kitchen appliances, you’ll need to make the necessary alterations to the plumbing and electrical systems. You’ll also need to remove any existing appliances. This phase of the project can be a messy and noisy process. The time frame for the kitchen restoration process can also vary greatly depending on the scope of work and your contractor’s schedule.

The next phase of the kitchen renovation project involves installing new windows and doors. This phase will require health and safety inspections. This can take a long time, because different inspectors work on different schedules. Meanwhile, you’ll want to choose durable flooring that will hold up during the construction phase. Once the piping has been installed and the walls have been prepared, you can begin the finishing work. Once the construction phase is complete, you can begin using the kitchen again and see if there are any problems or areas that need to be repaired or replaced.

The construction phase is the longest part of a kitchen restoration project. The work itself can take up to a month, but the time involved in this phase is dependent on the scope of the project. The more detailed the project is, the longer it will take. In most cases, a renovation project lasts around eight weeks. This can be an accurate estimate, however, as many factors influence the duration of the project. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation project, you’ll need to keep in mind the time involved in the construction phase.

Permits

Before you start any kitchen restoration project, you need to get permits. Depending on the size of the job, a plumbing and electrical permit can cost $300 to $900. A structural building permit will cost you around $1,500 to $2,000, depending on the type of changes you make and whether you need inspections. Some cities charge a flat fee, while others calculate the total cost by considering the number of changes and inspections you’ll need.

There are two basic types of kitchen renovation: structural and cosmetic. If you are planning to replace the faucet or relocate the sink, a structural alteration requires a building permit. Otherwise, a cosmetic change requires no permit. Call the building code client service center to determine if you need a permit. For those who are doing the work themselves, you should contact the city building department to find out what permits you’ll need.

Generally, you don’t need a permit for a simple kitchen renovation project such as replacing the cabinet doors. You may also opt for a self-certified contractor to help you with the process. This way, you can skip the paperwork associated with getting a permit from the city. Some permits will even be granted same-day, making the whole process more convenient for you. However, you must be aware of the requirements and restrictions before you hire a contractor for your kitchen renovation project.

The most common permits for kitchen renovation projects are for moving appliances or adding electrical outlets. Some permits require architectural drawings from a licensed architect. In addition, you may need to obtain a permit if you plan to move gas lines or remove walls. Obtaining a permit for a kitchen renovation project can be tricky, so calling a local inspector before starting any work is crucial. It can save you a lot of money and time if you follow the rules.

Eco-friendliness

If you’re thinking about having your kitchen restored, you’ll likely want to consider the greenest options possible. Energy-efficient appliances can save you money on your monthly electric bill. Energy-efficient appliances have the Energy Star label and use less electricity than their counterparts. Check out the Energy Star website to find out which brands have the best energy efficiency. You can also recycle your trash by composting it at home. Compostable kitchen waste is beneficial to the environment, and 70 percent of household and yard waste can be turned into compost. Moreover, composting also means you can add nutrients to your garden. A water purifier that uses carbon filters can also help you get clean water without heavy metals or pesticides.

The most common eco-friendly materials used in kitchen restoration are reclaimed or FSC-certified wood. You can also choose locally-harvested wood to reduce your carbon footprint. Cork flooring is another environmentally-friendly choice that’s durable and provides a comfortable cushion. Other beautiful options are concrete or linoleum. If you don’t have the budget to replace your flooring, consider recycling your existing material.

For countertops, eco-friendly materials offer a beautiful alternative to granite and wood. This will add character and charm to your kitchen while reducing your energy bills. Cork or sustainable wood flooring is an excellent choice, and if you can’t afford recycled materials, you can also choose recycled-content laminated flooring. You can even recycle your old cabinetry if it’s made from sustainable wood. You won’t even know it’s been refinished.

For the backsplash, try using recycled glass tiles. Purchasing hardware from manufacturers who use recycled materials is another way to make your kitchen more eco-friendly. Recycled copper sinks are another great option, as are mosaic countertops and recycled glass tiles. You can even choose recycled glass tiles as your kitchen backsplash! If you can’t find reclaimed wood, you can always opt for a recycled glass tile instead. Butcher block countertops are made of reclaimed wood.

Value

If you’re looking to sell your home in the future, a kitchen restoration is a wise investment. This type of renovation can decrease the time your home spends on the market and can save you money on repairs during the sale process. It will also help to make sure that the kitchen is up to code and in good working order, which can prevent unexpected inspection findings and compensatory price reductions. Regardless of the scope of the project, a kitchen restoration will improve your home’s value and help you get the most money for your investment.

Often, homeowners are concerned about the high price of a full kitchen renovation. However, this expense is often out of reach for many homeowners. Instead of paying a large lump sum for a kitchen renovation, consider breaking it down into component parts. Then, select upgrades that fit into your budget and your objectives. Here are five kitchen upgrades that will add value to your home without a major renovation:

A new kitchen can also increase the value of your home. The Better Homes and Gardens website calculates that a kitchen restoration will boost the value of your home by 52%. However, your actual ROI will vary depending on your home, other homes in your neighborhood, and the quality of the project. However, it’s always wise to get a professional opinion before embarking on a major renovation. If you’re unsure of how much the project will increase your home’s value, check out a few other estimates.

tv mounting

How To Mount A TV To The Wall

William Stec

Wall mounting is a great way to free up space in your entertainment center while optimizing viewing angles. It can even help prevent neck strain!

Before you can begin installing your mount, it is important to understand the basics of TV mounting. This includes determining the optimal viewing distance, avoiding direct sunlight, and reserving space for components like soundbars and game consoles. For your TV Mounting needs, contact us today!

tv mountingWall Studs

When it comes to mounting your TV, there are several options available. You can hang it on a wall that has studs, or you can use other methods to secure it to the wall without studs. Whichever method you choose, you should always be careful to follow the instructions provided by your TV mount and the manufacturer of your TV. This will ensure that you get the best results and prevent your TV from falling off or causing damage to the wall.

To mount your TV, you’ll need a few tools and some planning. First, decide where you want to mount your TV and what height you would like it to be mounted at. This can be determined by several factors, including how much space you have, how tall your ceilings are, and your personal preference. A good rule of thumb is to mount your TV so that it’s between 42 and 60 inches from the ground, but this may vary depending on your room and your personal preferences.

Next, you’ll need to locate your wall studs. The best way to do this is to use a stud finder. Move the stud finder across the wall until it indicates that you’ve found a stud. Once you’ve located a stud, mark it with a piece of tape so that you remember where it is. If you don’t have a stud finder, you can also try pulling down an electrical outlet or junction box to see if it’s attached to a stud. If it’s not, you can measure 16 inches to the left or right of the outlet to determine if there is a stud.

Once you’ve determined where your studs are, you can begin drilling the holes for the bolts that will hold your TV to the wall. You’ll need a drill with a drywall bit, a head screwdriver, and a level. You’ll also need to purchase a bag of heavy-duty drywall anchors.

The drywall anchors will help to keep the screws from slipping out of their holes and damaging your drywall. They’ll also keep the studs from pulling away from the wall.

Wall Plates

Whether you’re mounting your TV on the wall to free up space in a room, or because you simply prefer the look of a mounted television over a bulky console, it can be a great project. Before you get started, though, make sure your television and mount are rated to handle the weight of the TV and any components you plan on running through the wall plate. It’s also a good idea to use a level, as no one likes watching a crooked TV.

Before you start drilling into the drywall, turn off any circuit breakers that run through the area. This will prevent you from accidentally turning the power back on and causing damage to your new TV, mount, and any other components connected to it.

Once you’ve found a suitable spot, locate the TV mount attachment holes on the back of the television. These may be covered with plastic or have screws in them, so be careful when you remove them. Once you have the attachment holes uncovered, attach the mounting plate to the back of the TV and then the mounting bracket to the wall. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting these parts to make sure you’re installing your mount properly and that you don’t cause any accidental damage to your TV or wall.

Wall plates come in a variety of finishes, and are often chosen to match the rest of the décor in a room. Some plates are designed to fit specific kinds of outlets, such as outlets and rocker or slide switches, while others are meant for telephone or data jacks or are available with built-in receptacles for coaxial cables. Some plates allow you to run multiple cables through a single opening for an easy and clean installation.

To be compatible with a TV mount, your television must have the same pattern as the mount you’re installing it on. This is usually displayed in the specifications for the mount, or you can check your television’s box or manual to find out. If you do choose a compatible mount, ensure that your TV weighs less than the mount’s maximum weight capacity to avoid any damage.

Mounting Brackets

Whether you choose to hang your TV in the corner of your living room or make it the centerpiece of your home entertainment system, it’s important to ensure that the TV is mounted securely. The easiest way to do this is to use a wall mount bracket that comes with stud-finding technology. These devices can help you locate the studs in your wall and then attach the mounting plate to those studs with screws. Some wall mounts also have built-in cable management channels, which can keep your power and HDMI cords from becoming tangled or damaged as you connect or move playback devices around your home.

Some wall mounts also have adjustable tilt features, which can help reduce glare and angles. Other options include full-motion mounts, which can swivel or rotate the TV so that you can find the perfect viewing angle for your home. You’ll also want to consider how high you’re going to mount your TV. In the lounge, you’ll probably want it lower than in a bedroom or kitchen, as this will avoid getting neck strain.

Most of these types of wall mounts will come with a set of instructions that will guide you through the process of mounting your TV. It’s best to follow these steps closely as if you don’t, the whole thing could collapse. If you’re not sure that you can follow these instructions, ask someone to help you.

Before drilling into the wall, place your mounting bracket against it and use a spirit level to make sure that it’s straight. Then mark the locations of your screw or bolt holes on the wall with a pencil. You may also want to use a stud detector at this point, as some wall materials (such as brick) can be very difficult to drill into without damaging the wall or your TV.

Once you’ve marked the screw hole locations, drill each with a carbide-tipped masonry bit. These are the small holes that will allow your mounting screws to penetrate the drywall and hold the mount to the wall.

Getting Started

Besides the mount itself, you’ll need a few other items. A power drill is needed to make holes in the wall. You’ll also want a stud finder to scan the wall and mark the locations of studs. You may also want to use a standalone level, as the levels included with many wall mount kits are often cheap and less accurate. A pair of gloves and a dust mask will also help you keep the job cleaner.

Start by finding where you’d like to place the TV on the wall. This could be over a piece of furniture, in a corner, or directly above a couch. Then, figure out how high you’d like to mount it. Most people prefer to have their TV’s about eye level, which means they will be about 54 inches from the floor.

If you’re using a mount that supports articulating arms, you can usually adjust the height of the arm by loosening a screw on the back and moving it up or down. Some mounts are even adjustable vertically, allowing you to tilt the TV up and down.

Before drilling into the wall, be sure to remove any large pieces of furniture and other decor, if possible. This will make clean-up a lot easier once you’re finished. You should also make sure the wall studs are in the right places by holding your mounting plate or mounting template up against the wall and making sure the holes line up with the stud marks you drew.

When you’re ready to begin, it’s a good idea to remove the plastic covers from any ports on your TV and any other accessories, such as the HDMI, optical, or 3.5mm audio auxiliary cables. This will give you a better view of the connections as you’re running them through the walls. For most applications, you’ll need to run these cables through the wall rather than hiding them behind it.

Before starting your TV mounting business, be sure to register it with your local business license authorities. This will ensure you have the legal protections that are available in your state, and it can help to limit your liability exposure. You can choose to register as a sole proprietorship or an LLC, depending on your needs and desired level of protection.

painting

How To Paint The Interior Of Your Home

Eldon Harris

Painting your home’s interior can make it feel refreshed and clean. It also hides cracks and dents and helps with light reflection.

Before an interior painting project begins, painters will inspect the space to determine its square footage and look for areas that need repair or other work. They will also consider the type of paint to use. Talk to Thompson & Boys LLC to make sure you get your money’s worth.

paintingWall Stenciling

If you’re looking to add a little extra pizzazz to your walls, wall stenciling is a great option. Stencils can be used to create patterns, borders, or even whole walls if you want to go big! You’ll need to prep the wall, use a level to ensure that your pattern is straight, and then carefully apply the stencil.

A spray adhesive is a good option for holding your stencil in place while you’re painting. It removes cleanly and doesn’t leave any residue on the wall, so it’s better than painter’s tape (which can easily take off or smear your paint). If you choose to use a roller, a foam one works best. It’s a little more expensive than a standard nap, but it helps you get a smooth and crisp finish. Dab the roller lightly on a piece of paper towel before applying it to the wall, and be sure to use very small amounts of paint. Too much can create globs, bleed under the stencil, or smear the design.

When it comes to tackling corners, you can either fold the stencil or cut it. If you cut it, make sure that you’re careful not to rip it. Alternatively, you can line up the stencil with the registration marks that are on your wall and bend it into the corner to pounce or brush the paint.

To help avoid bleed-through, you can pre-paint the area with either your clear or the base wall color first. Let that dry completely and then paint over it with the stencil paint. It’s a little more time-consuming, but it will help reduce paint bleed-through on your final stenciled pattern.

Checkering

A checkerboard look can add a bold accent to a room. It’s especially effective in a dining room or bedroom, but it can be used in any space where you want to add a touch of visual interest. You can use a stencil with just a few letter blocks for a subtle look or a full stencil with a complete phrase to create a bold, eye-catching display.

Before you begin, decide on the size and color of your checkerboard. Then, take a photo of the wall and play around with it in a software program or on printed paper to determine your best layout. Once you’ve decided, it’s time to start preparing the wall for painting. You’ll need to clean it thoroughly, fill holes and cracks, sand it down if needed, and apply a primer.

After the primer has dried, you’ll be ready to begin creating your checkerboard. First, paint the border of your board using a dark shade. This will help you keep your edges straight and tidy when you begin painting the actual squares. Next, tape off the areas where your vertical and horizontal stripes meet. Paint these areas a darker shade of your primary color to highlight the contrast.

Once your checkerboard is painted and dries, you can apply a clear sealant to protect it from scratches or other damage. This sealant is optional, but it can be a good idea if you have young children or pets in the home and worry about them knocking over your handiwork.

A fresh coat of interior paint makes a huge difference in the appearance of your home. A well-done paint job also provides long-lasting beauty and can improve the resale value of your property. However, the results you get will depend on how well you prepare and plan your project and if you’re hiring a professional or doing it yourself. A quality check can save you money, hassle, and headaches by ensuring your decorating project turns out exactly how you planned.

Ombre

This wall painting technique uses the gradual transition of color to create a stunning and eye-catching effect. Ombre is a great way to add a splash of color to your walls, especially in rooms with dark furniture or accents like fireplaces and cabinets. The colors can range from pale shades to darker hues — the possibilities are endless! This look also makes for a unique backdrop for wall art or can be left unadorned for a minimalist aesthetic.

To paint your ombre walls, first, prepare the surface by smoothing and priming it. You should then use a pencil to mark horizontal lines on the wall where you want your sections to be. The lower section should start about an inch below the pencil line. Next, paint the middle section and then the upper section. Finally, apply a light coat of your in-between color to the area where the middle and top sections meet. Use a paintbrush to blend this color into the surrounding sections and create a seamless look.

The colors you choose to ombre your walls will depend on the mood and ambiance you want to create in your space. Soft, muted tones like blues and greens are popular for a calm and serene look, while brighter colors such as yellows and oranges can add a burst of energy and vibrancy.

To achieve the most subtle ombré effect, it is recommended that you use analogous colors (sitting next to one another on a color wheel) or very close in shade and tint. For a more dramatic effect, try blending two different colors that are further apart on the spectrum. For example, a dark violet that fades into a blush pink.

Wall Texture

Wall texture is a way to add visual interest to your home’s interior walls. It can make the room feel more alive and can also hide any flaws or imperfections in the walls. There are many different types of wall textures you can choose from, depending on your taste and the type of look you want for your space. Some popular styles include orange peel, sand swirl, and knockdown.

A knockdown wall texture is created by a brush or sprayer that applies a thick coat of drywall mud and then splatters it in a random pattern. The texture is then sanded down to create an even surface for painting. This style of wall texture can be done with a light or dark color to achieve a different effect, such as creating the look of stucco.

Orange peel is a classic texture that gets its name from the dimpled look that resembles an orange’s rind. It is a popular choice because it is more subtle than other types of wall textures, but can still add texture to your walls. It is often used in rentals and commercial spaces and can hide minor blemishes on drywall.

Dragging is another type of wall texture that involves dragging a paintbrush across the surface to impart a textured design. This can be done with a brush that is dry or with the use of a rag. It can create a linear or flowy patterned design on your walls.

Comb texture is a popular option for those who want to add movement and visual appeal to their walls. Using a toothed trowel on a wet drywall compound, the wall can be combed in a variety of designs including waves, stripes, and zigzags. It can add a personalized and stylized look to your walls that can enhance any interior painting project.

Painting A Section Or A Corner

Paint is an excellent way to refresh a room, and it can also be used for a dramatic effect. Whether you are looking to brighten your home or increase its value, painting can be one of the most cost-effective ways to do so.

Interior painting is typically performed by professionals, but you can learn some tips and tricks to make the process easier for yourself. One of the first things that a professional will do is perform a quick overview of your home to determine an estimate for the project. This will usually include addressing any repairs or damage and taking note of the square footage of the rooms and ceilings.

It is also important to choose a high-quality paint for interior surfaces, as this will ensure that the color lasts longer and doesn’t chip or peel away. It is also a good idea to use low or zero-VOC paints, as these contain fewer volatile organic compounds and thus release fewer gasses into the air over time.

The main ingredient in paint is a solvent or base, which can be oil or water. This helps the pigments and additives adhere to the surface. The pigments provide the color, while the additives can add special physical effects like water resistance or UV resistance.

When you are painting a room, it is a good idea to work in sections. This will help you keep your workspace clean and minimize the amount of cleanup required afterward. It is also a good idea to apply tape to corners and edges before you start to paint. This will prevent the paint from smudging and bleeding into the adjacent wall. Using multi-surface painter’s tape is a great option, as it provides protection against bleeding and will rip off easily without tearing the surrounding paint.

Disaster Cleanup

Types of Disaster Cleanup

Luke Walters

Disasters like floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and mudslides cause a lot of damage. Cleanup is a huge task and can be dangerous if not done properly.Disaster Cleanup

Before starting anyDisaster Cleanup make sure everyone involved is safe and has evacuated to a safer location. Then, take plenty of photos of the damage.

Disasters caused by water can be a significant cause of property damage. This can be anything from a hurricane, flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, mudslides, or a burst pipe. Flooding can also destroy buildings, cars, and other objects as well as contaminate food and water supplies. It’s important to have a plan in place to mitigate water damage after a natural disaster strikes.

Identify the source of water infiltration as soon as possible. This is especially important if you are trying to claim insurance coverage for repairs or rebuilding. Once you know the origin, you can take the proper steps to prevent further damage and make repairs.

Once the source of the water infiltration has been identified, it is important to drain all standing water from affected areas and clean up any materials that may be contaminated by water or sewage. This can include drywall, carpets, insulation and furniture. You should also dispose of any items that are beyond salvageable, including spoiled or moldy food.

Water cleanup after a disaster can be messy and tedious. It’s important to have the right cleaning supplies and equipment for the job. Having the right tools makes the process much faster and easier. You should always wear rubber gloves when handling any potentially contaminated materials.

It’s also important to use caution when working around any electrical appliances or devices that are plugged into an outlet that has come into contact with water or sewage. This can be dangerous, especially if the power is turned on.

It is also a good idea to wear protective clothing and eyewear when working in these hazardous conditions. If you’re working in a large group, it’s also important to work together and keep an eye on one another so no one gets injured.

Fire Damage

Fire damage is one of the most serious types of disaster damage. A fire can destroy personal property, cause structural damage and lead to the destruction of electrical systems. The fire can also create dangerous fumes and toxins that will affect the health of people. It is essential that the fire damage restoration process begins as soon as possible after a fire breaks out. This will prevent the damage from spreading to other areas of the building.

Whether the cause of fire is natural or man-made, it can have devastating effects on a property. It can leave behind a great deal of debris, ashes and smoke damage. The cleanup process is very time consuming and labor intensive. Fire damage clean up is a job that should be left to professionals who have the right equipment and knowledge to get the job done quickly and correctly.

If you have been displaced during a disaster, the first thing you should do is evacuate your home or business to a safe location. Then, you can begin the process of disaster clean up by locating salvageable items and assessing any structural damage caused by the disaster. It is important to take note of the damage and make a list to save for the insurance company. It is also a good idea to save receipts for any disaster clean up expenses.

Disasters are unpredictable, and there is no set method for cleaning up after a disaster occurs. Depending on the type of disaster, workers are exposed to various hazards including contaminated water, carbon monoxide, fallen power lines, mold, tree-trimming, electricity, saws, ladders, vehicles and hazardous materials. The work can be stressful and traumatic, but the proper precautions can help minimize risk and ensure safety. It is also important for disaster cleanup workers to seek emotional support and physical wellness. This can be done through family, friends and professional counseling services. It is also important to eat properly and stay hydrated. It is also recommended that workers wear protective clothing, use dust masks and take frequent breaks. Taking a break helps reduce fatigue and stress levels, which can increase the risk of injury.

Mold Damage

Mold growth in a home caused by a disaster may require a major clean-up and some structural repairs. Mold feeds on organic materials, including wood, paper, many fabrics and glue, causing them to break down or rot. It can also eat away at wallboards, ceiling tiles and floorboards. Left unchecked, it can cause severe structural damage to a building, leading to collapse of ceilings and caving in of floorboards.

Mold spores float through the air and can cause respiratory problems, especially for infants, children, older adults and people with breathing conditions such as asthma or weakened immune systems. They can also irritate the skin and eyes.

To prevent mold spores from spreading, it is best to isolate the area where you are working. This can be done by closing off the moldy area with plastic sheeting, putting a cover over air vents, taping plastic over window openings and drape-ing plastic in stairwells (if other levels are clean and dry). It is also helpful to open windows during clean-up and to use a box fan in a flooded room to blow spores outdoors.

If you are cleaning up a large area, it is important to wear protective equipment, which should include goggles or masks with filter, waterproof gloves and long pants. In addition, you should use a non-ammonia cleaner or commercial mold disinfectant (such as one that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use in flood-affected buildings). Mix 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water and apply with a sponge, mop or sprayer bottle. Rinse and collect excess cleaning solution.

Mold growth can often be hidden behind wallpaper, carpeting and other items, so it is important to search every surface in the affected rooms of your home or business for signs of a problem. Look for staining, a musty smell, condensation problems and signs of moisture buildup on walls and ceilings. You should also check for hidden areas of a room, such as crawl spaces or behind walls. Sometimes a destructive technique is required to inspect and clean enclosed areas, such as opening up a wall cavity.

Smoke Damage

While the effects of fire damage are often readily apparent, many property owners do not realize that smoke damage can be just as harmful. Smoke damage is not limited to the black soot and discoloration that is normally associated with fire, as it can also negatively impact the structural integrity and stability of a building and its contents.

It is not uncommon to experience both fire and smoke damage in a single disaster, especially in cases where the fire is very intense or quickly spread through the structure. This combination of fire and smoke damage can be difficult to clean up, as it can contaminate and destroy both the surface of hard surfaces and the contents of soft goods. In many cases, a complete restoration process is required to return items to their pre-fire condition.

Even if no visible signs of smoke damage are present, a strong smoky odor may indicate that there is smoke residue inside the home. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to serious and expensive problems down the line, including corrosion of metal items and the deterioration of fabrics and synthetics.

If you suspect that your home has suffered from smoke damage, contact a professional immediately for help with the cleanup process. Although homeowners can clean small areas of the house, it is best to leave this task to professionals in order to minimize the potential for contamination and to avoid further damage to materials and possessions.

Dry Smoke

This type of smoke is produced when smoldering, low-heat flames burn plastic products and rubber. This type of smoke has a powdery consistency and gives off a distinct smell that can be particularly difficult to eliminate. Dry smoke can also cause corrosive acidic byproducts to form on metal objects and surfaces.

Wet Smoke

While this type of smoke has a sticky consistency, it is not as thick as the powdery residue from dry smoke. Wet smoke is usually the result of a very low-level fire and can cause severe damage to wood and paper surfaces, as well as rust metal items. In most cases, the best way to remove a strong smoky stench is to simply wash all surfaces with hot soapy water or trisodium phosphate (TSP).