Category Archives: Construction

Since the pandemic, work from home has become more common and gained considerable traction in the corporate sector too. Many people around the world either have or are planning to set up a home office with their favorite furniture and clean curtains and carpets. Remodeling part of your house into a home office can greatly enhance your productivity and overall comfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about it, along with important factors to consider:

1. Define Your Needs:

– Determine the purpose of the home office: Is it just for work, or will it serve other functions too (e.g., a creative space, study area)?

– Identify the equipment and furniture you’ll need (desk, chair, computer, storage, lighting, etc.).

– Consider future needs: Will the space need to accommodate additional equipment or people?

2. Choose the Location:

– Select a space that’s relatively quiet and has adequate privacy.

– Consider natural lighting: A space with windows can help reduce eye strain and create a more pleasant work environment.

– Proximity to amenities: If possible, choose a location close to restrooms, kitchen, and other areas you may frequently use.

3. Plan the Layout:

– Design the layout to optimize your workflow and minimize distractions.

– Measure the space to ensure your chosen furniture fits comfortably.

– Consider ergonomics: Ensure your desk and chair are at the right height to prevent discomfort and strain.

4. Set a Budget:

– Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the remodeling project.

– Allocate funds for furniture, equipment, paint, decor, and any professional services you might need.

5. Obtain Necessary Permits:

– Check with your local authorities if you need any permits or approvals for remodeling work.

6. Electrical and Networking:

– Ensure there are enough power outlets for your equipment and consider adding additional outlets if needed.

– Plan for networking infrastructure: If possible, install Ethernet ports for a more stable internet connection.

7. Lighting:

– Choose appropriate lighting that complements your work style and minimizes eye strain.

– Consider a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting.

8. Furniture and Storage:

– Invest in a comfortable, ergonomic chair and a desk that suits your work style.

– Add storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, and drawers to keep your workspace organized.

9. Paint and Decor:

– Choose colors that promote focus and creativity (e.g., neutrals, muted tones, or colors that resonate with you).

– Personalize the space with art, plants, or decor that inspires you.

10. Acoustics:

– Consider soundproofing measures if the room is not naturally sound-resistant.

– Use rugs, curtains, and acoustic panels to dampen noise.

11. Tech Setup:

– Set up your computer, monitors, printer, and any other tech equipment you need.

– Organize cables to prevent clutter and tripping hazards.

12. Internet Connectivity:

– Ensure a stable and fast internet connection, especially if your work relies on online communication and file sharing.

13. Final Touches:

– Add personal touches that make the space inviting and reflective of your personality.

– Organize your workspace to keep it clutter-free and conducive to productivity.

14. Test and Adjust:

– Spend some time working in the new space and make adjustments as needed for comfort and functionality.

Remember that the most important factor is creating a space that aligns with your work habits and promotes productivity while maintaining a comfortable and inspiring environment. Hope the tips in this article will help you plan and realize your own dream home office.

Waterproofing is a practice that involves coating the wall’s exterior of a foundation to prevent water vapor and water from moving through the wall. A foundation problem is the second worst case scenario to a homeowner or any residential structure, other than fire. This is the base of the house and any problems affecting it put the whole building at risk.

Water is the primary enemy of foundations today. Wet soil in most cases causes the soil to lose strength and swell. Another impending problem is crawl spaces and wet damp basements which make the building susceptible to mold and create an unpleasant environment suitable for pests.

Concrete is not waterproof and most of the times it is cracked. If not cracked, it would be able to prevent water from getting in but water vapor can still go through the concrete easily. A successful structure is one that ensures the foundation is kept dry at all times. This is by draining any water around the area and ensuring a dry interior space.

This is dependent on a lot of factors like climate, topography, geographic location, foundation depth, and soil/water table conditions. Any system designed to ensure the area remains dry runs on three main components, namely;

Wall Treatment

Routes water down the drains and prevents movement of moisture through the walls.

Drains

Directs water away from the foundation’s bottom.

Ground Surface Treatment

Located adjacent to the building and directs surface water elsewhere.

Several products and techniques employed in the market for waterproofing include;

1. Damp Proofing

It is an asphalt-based coating brushed or sprayed on the outside of foundation walls. Damp proofing is mistakenly named as a waterproofing method which is not the case. Its main purpose is to keep out soil moisture while waterproofing keeps out both water and soil moisture.

2. Interior Drainage Systems

This method is quite favorable as it includes minimal disruptions. It focuses on hydrostatic pressure through the walls. Drainage piping is installed to enter a sump pump system through the basement.

3. Exterior Drainage Systems

This involves excavation in order to install or replace drainage water pipes. Sometimes a waterproof membrane is applied to the outside to avoid water infiltration. It is more expensive due to the digging down and also cause a lot of disruption to porches, driveways, or landscapes. It may also lead to clogging of French drains during the backfill process.

4. Waterproofing Paints and Primers

These are thicker versions of your normal acrylic paint. This is something you can be able to do yourself.  Paints and primers are mostly a cosmetic fix and won’t work if the source of the problem is not addressed. It is not a sure way to stop seepage through the walls. Sometimes the paint traps condensation inside the wall. Other times bubbles can form on the wall and cause the paint to peel off.

It is extremely important to find a skilled contractor for the underground work. If done wrong the first time, it can lead to extensive damage to the structure, finishing, and furnishings. It can also lead to damage to expensive equipment, especially in commercial buildings. This leads to disrupted work, wasted money and resources, and even sometimes legal battles.

Hardwood flooring can get dull, scratches, and dents with time, but unlike other floors, this can be corrected. A floor refinishing is all it needs. Hardwood flooring can take a number of complete sanding and refinishing jobs in its lifetime unlike other types of flooring.

If you want to save some money, you can decide to do the refinishing by yourself. However, caution must be taken with some of the tools and equipment used to avoid costly mistakes.

Here is a guide to some DIY floor refinishing practices;

• Wear a good dust mask or respirator
• Wear goggles and ear protectors
• Seal doorways
• Turn on HVAC to prevent dust circulation

Two methods are involved when refinishing hardwood floors; buffing and sanding.

Buffing

It is also called screening. It is most applicable when the scratches and wear are on the surface, and the wood found beneath the surface is in good condition. Here, the surface is restored by buffing the top coat. For this process, you will need a floor buffing tool and screen grits. The tool is easy to handle and use. Any dust between each grit should be swept or vacuumed.

Sanding

This process is most suitable for old damaged floors. It completely restores the floors and even changes the color using stain. It also has its special equipment for the process which involves a progression of grits and, a drum sander.

The problem for beginners is that a drum sander can gouge the floor if you aren’t careful. You might try an orbital sander instead. You will also need an edger for along the walls and in the corners.

Finishing

You need to vacuum and then carefully clean the floor with a tack cloth or something similar. Don’t wet it. Then you can leave it a natural color or put on a stain to change the color. Finally, you put on coats of polyurethane. For some other tips check out this article by clicking here.

Call in a professional floor refinisher, if you want to save time and energy. They are highly trained and skilled in using this equipment, and they will be efficient in their work. This way, the refinishing will be economical and will last for a couple of years.

The last thing anyone wants to come home to after a long day at work is a dirty house. And yet sometimes, this is the scene that often greets you when you get home. Families are getting lesser time to tend to house chores and this can become quite stressful if not taken care of. Piles of dirty laundry, dirty dishes in the sink, the musty smell in your living area, etc., should not overwhelm you.

Sometimes you are hosting a party or a special event and are pressed on time so you need special attention to your house. The good thing is that professionals in house cleaning services are just a call away. The best thing about hiring a professional is that the services are customized for your needs and those of your family. They are also more efficient and use the right products and equipment to get your home looking and smelling fresh.

General Maintenance Tips for a Clean House

• Clean the dishes daily and wipe off messes from the countertops
• Mop the kitchen floor at least weekly
• Dust the living area weekly
• De-clutter the living area on a daily basis
• Wipe tabletops
• Clean your bathtubs weekly
• Remove content from cabinets after every six months and wipe down the shelves. Get rid of all the unnecessary stuff in there
• Make your bed first thing in the morning
• Keep dirty clothes in the laundry basket immediately

Don’t forget to regularly clean these areas that are often overlooked;

• Doorknobs
• Telephones
• Ceiling cobwebs
• Baseboard dust
• Behind and under major appliances

Homemade Cleaning Solutions

Apart from the common tools that we mostly use for cleaning in the home like vacuums, mops, brushes, rags, gloves, etc., there are some efficient homemade solutions that can be used for effective cleaning.

• Hot water and lemon juice to remove garbage smell
• Water and lemon juice mix for mirrors
• Lemon juice and olive oil as furniture polish
• Salt into a fireplace to loosen soot
• Vinegar and baking soda for clogged pipes and drains
• Vinegar and baking soda for deodorizing the kitchen sink
• Vinegar and water for fresh floors
• Vinegar, salt, and flour as a polish for metal surfaces

Residential cleaning services are affordable and they can be a weekly or a monthly thing. Ensure that the company is licensed and insured. Trust is important since they mostly clean your house while you are at work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions on what their cleaning will entail. Different cleaners will have different methods and so consistency is important if the service was satisfactory.