Transform Your Garage into a Home Office

Home Office

Working from home is becoming more and more popular and widely spread, and in the times of the global pandemic, for some, it is even becoming a necessity. If you live with your family – parents, partner, kids, pets – this can be a really challenging task, especially if you do not have a separate work and study room.

However, you can turn to alternative ways and make your own working space. Experts say it is important to have different spaces in which you sleep, eat and work, so even if you could have the privacy of your bedroom during the day, it is better for your mental health and efficiency to have a separate room which would serve as a home office. Transforming your garage could be a perfect solution for you, and here is how to do it, as suggested to us by experts at Dlouhy Garage Doors of San Diego.

Start from the Basics

In its original condition, your garage is probably not suitable for living or working, and in general spending a lot of time there, especially not during all seasons. That is why it’s important to adjust is well to the new purpose.

Start from the floor, which is in most cases bare concrete. Replace it with the wood floor or carpet tiles and make it warmer and more comfortable. Insulation might be one of the major issues, so make sure you focus on that. Walls and windows will need additional insulation so you can use your home office for the whole year.

Make It Cozy and Practical

Once you’ve got your floor and walls settled, you can actually start thinking about the furniture and all the things you are going to need. Start with the desk and chair, as well as the shelves and other storage space you will need for your office.

Except for being practical, your new office should also be cozy and you should be comfortable working there. So, you might want to pay attention to the overall style of the place, as well as the colors you choose. It does not necessarily have to be all sleek and modern, you can also add some vintage style and add a touch of warmth to your new workplace. Go for the neutral colors and try not to clutter the office too much with decorations, but rather give it a neater and simpler look, as it will be easier for you to focus.

Another important point in this transformation process is the garage door. Chances are that your garage door is not suited to the new purpose, so you might want to call in garage door installers to replace it. Even if you stop using it as an office at some point, it can still be used as a space for hanging out, so why not make it livable for the long term.

Think of the Light and Safety

Replacing the garage door may have more than one dimension and purpose. It will certainly have an impact on insulation, as well as safety, and lighting, too. You can replace the old garage door with a set of glass panels and a regular door and thus ensure natural lighting for your workplace. It is really great to have it in the office and it’s much better for your eyesight as well as for your mood.

Of course, do not forget the artificial lights as well and make sure the place is overall well lit. You can also consider installing a glass slide door, and thus improve the overall ventilation in the room which is also very important.

However, if you prefer privacy, consider putting a regular door and sandblasted glass which will prevent anyone from seeing inside, and also prevent you from being distracted by the activities going on in front of your new office.

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Roofing Painting

Roofing Painting Contractor Leads: Ask Before Hiring One

Are the shingles of your roof starting to get loose? Or perhaps the entire roof itself is in need of a fresh paint job but you can’t do it yourself? For roofing and painting contractors in your area – especially those working alongside a lead generation firm like Ippei Leads – anything you want them to do to your roof is a blessing as it means yet another business opportunity. But before hiring one to fix or repaint your roof, here are four questions you might want to ask them first: 1. Can they meet your roofing needs no matter what type your roof is? The roofing and painting contractor you want to hire should be able to service these two major types of roofs: Residential roofing, which is typically easier to repair and repaint Commercial roofing, whose massive size and lower slope make fixing and repainting it more challenging yet profitable at the same time If the roof of your place of business is leaky, for example, and the contractor you talked to doesn’t have any experience with fixing commercial roofing, you shouldn’t hire them since they most likely wouldn’t know how to tackle the said problem. Also, if you need to have the whole roof of your house replaced with a brand new one, and the contractor you contacted hasn’t dealt with residential roofing before, you should skip them lest you want them to install an oversized one that’s more suitable for commercial use. 2. Do they have the license to operate as a roofing and painting contractor? Aside from their knowledge of both residential and commercial roofs, the roofing and painting contractor you plan on hiring should have a license to operate, most especially in the following states where it’s a requirement: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Florida Hawaii Idaho Illinois Louisiana Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Nevada New Mexico North Carolina (but only if the roofing job will cost you at least $30,000) RhodeIsland South Carolina Utah Virginia If you reside or run a commercial building in any of these states, and the contractor couldn’t show you an authenticated copy of their statewide license, don’t hire them. 3. Do they have both liability and workers’ compensation insurance? The roofing and painting contractor you want to hire may know the difference between a residential and commercial roof. They may also have the license to operate in the state where you reside or do business. But aside from these, you should ask them upfront if they’ve got the following two types of insurance that will shoulder them financially in case of any mishap during the roof repair or repainting job: Liability insurance: There’s no telling when a contractor’s worker may accidentally drop a rusty nail or any tools on top of your (or your customer’s) head while doing the job or someone suddenly passes out after smelling the noxious fumes emitted by the paint. It’s important for the contractor to have liability insurance so their insurer can cover some or all of the medical expenses resulting from an injury during the repair or repainting job. Workers’ compensation insurance: Even if you or anyone else not connected to the contractor you hired didn’t sustain any injuries at all, a worker of theirs might suddenly get caught in a slip and fall accident while fixing or repainting your roof. The contractor should secure a workers’ compensation insurance so financial assistance can be provided to cover their crew’s medical costs and lost wages until the said person is physically capable of working for them again. It’s also a big plus if the roofing and painting contractor also carries commercial vehicle insurance aside from the two mentioned above to protect the cars, trucks, or vans that they use to do their job. 4. Do they have a contract prepared for you? As evident in their name, a roofing and painting contractor should show you a contract before repairing or repainting your roof. The said document should be legally binding and must contain the following: A detailed description of the repair or repainting job the contractor will do to your roof Breakdown of materials they’ll use for the roof repair or repainting job The estimated total cost of the said job Dates when they'll fix or repaint your roof A warranty of at least one to two years wherein you can have any part of your roof replaced if ever they accidentally damage it while fixing or repainting it A termination clause wherein the contract itself could become null and void if either you or the contractor violates any of its terms and conditions Don’t hire a roofing or painting contractor who plans to take on fixing or repainting your roof with only a handshake or verbal agreement to seal the deal. Conclusion: Roofing and painting contractors in America have been experiencing an upward profit margin growth since 2014. No wonder then that there are several of them as of late. But you can’t afford to get stuck with one who might do a sloppy job of fixing or repainting your roof which can lead to further problems down the road for you. So, before hiring a roofing and painting contractor for your roof, you should ask them first the four questions listed above to avoid any regrets on your end. Read Also: 5 Myths About Roofing Services To Avoid Professional Roofing Services And Different Decorating Styles

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Soft Washing Services

Top 6 Reasons To Use Soft Washing Services

Using a soft washing service can help you get your home cleaned without the hassle of scrubbing. Soft washing services help remove dirt, mold, and mildew from your windows and other surfaces of your house. In addition, these services prevent streaks from appearing on your windows. They are also eco-friendly, so you won't have to worry about cleaning your windows and glass surfaces with harsh chemicals. Here Are Six Prime Reasons To Use Soft Washing Services 1. Soft washing removes dirt, mold, and mildew Using soft washing is a safer and environmentally friendly way to clean the exterior of your home. Instead of using high-pressure water, soft washing services use a combination of water, bleach, and surfactant to break down contaminants. These chemicals are biodegradable and are at the same concentration as drinking water. Fungi and algae can cause black streaks on roofs. They also spread quickly and can be a health hazard. The climate can encourage these fungi to grow. 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Removes dust, dirt, and grime from glass surfaces Whether you're cleaning a shower, a bathroom window, or the inside of a home, you'll need to make sure that your glass is streak-free and dirt-free. The key to getting this job done is to use the right tools. Luckily, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. One of the best ways to get streak-free results is by using vinegar. This acidic liquid can cut through grit and break up mineral deposits. You can also use it to remove stubborn stains. It's a great way to clean glass on any size window or door. Another option is to use a squeegee. Squeegees can be a bit intimidating. They're designed to send liquids down the glass, but they can often cause streaks and dirt. Another good option for a streak-free window is to use a microfiber cloth. These cloths are much more absorbent than paper towels and will leave your windows streak-free. They are also washable. In addition to these tools, you'll need to make sure that you're putting the proper effort into cleaning your glass. It's easy to do this, but you'll need to learn some basic techniques. Taking the time to apply the right amount of solution to your glass will make the difference. You can even make your own window cleaner. There are many recipes out there, but the simplest is to combine equal parts white vinegar and water. You can then apply the mixture with a spray bottle. After soaking, scrub the area with a soft cloth. This will remove the smudges and dust that the vinegar left behind. 3. Removes dust, dirt, and grime from windows Keeping your windows clean and free of dust can improve the resale value of your home. It also helps regulate the temperature inside your house. It's important to remember that dirt on the windows can lead to discoloration, which can be a nuisance in colder months. Aside from cleaning the windows, it's also important to clean the screens and blinds. This will keep your home's energy bills low and allow your home to benefit from natural sunlight. One of the best window-washing strategies is using a soft cloth and a squeegee. You can also make a homemade cleaning solution with water and dish soap. The best part is that it works on all kinds of glass. Another trick is to use a microfiber cloth. These are washable and can be secured with rubber bands. They are also very absorbent, which means they can remove dust without leaving behind lint. They will also leave your glass shiny and streak-free. Lastly, a sticky lint roller can be used to clean the screens of your windows. It's not as good at removing dust as a microfiber cloth, but it can get rid of most of the dirt. You should also try to use vinegar, which is a good all-around cleaner. It's effective at removing stubborn stains and can cut through grit. It's also safe for kids and pets. 4. Prevents streaks on windows Using soft washing services is a great way to prevent streaks on windows. A good cleaning solution, like white vinegar, will work wonders for your mirrors and glass surfaces. The key is to make sure you rinse your windows completely before you start wiping them. This will ensure you don't leave a soapy residue behind that can dull your glass. You should also make sure to wipe your windows with a microfiber cloth, which can remove lint from your glass. You can also use a squeegee to dry the glass. If you do, you'll be able to get a streak-free finish. You can also clean your windows with a chamois or microfiber cloth. These will not leave any lint behind and will help you avoid leaving streaks. If you do, you should take your time and polish your glass with a second cloth after it's all dry. You should also clean your squeegee every so often to avoid leaving streaks. You can use a squeegee for the inside and outside of your windows. 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The results are bound to impress even your pickiest of picky relatives. It's also a win-win-win situation. You'll have a tidy, polished home to come home to, and the all-important time to yourself. 6. Is eco-friendly Using soft washing services is an eco-friendly way to keep your exterior surfaces clean and free of fungi, mold, and bacteria. It's a great alternative to chemical cleaners, which can contaminate soil and groundwater, as well as leave harmful fumes in the air. It also requires less water than power or pressure washing. In fact, it only uses one-third of the amount of water of these cleaning methods. The low-pressure delivery of the solution allows for localized application, reducing water use. The process of soft washing uses a blend of natural solutions that are biodegradable and environmentally safe. These products include vinegar, which is a natural disinfectant, sodium percarbonate, which breaks down stains, and potassium hydroxide, which is a powerful disinfectant and mildew killer. You can find eco-friendly soft wash chemicals online and at home improvement stores. Make sure to read the label on the product before purchasing. It's best to use it according to the manufacturer's directions. This will save you time and money while making your home or business safe and sanitized. Unlike chemical cleaners, which can contaminate your property, eco-friendly soft washing is nontoxic and safe for pets and humans. It's the perfect choice for delicate materials such as decks, fences, and patios. It's also a greener alternative to traditional pressure and power washing. It's important to choose a company that has experience in soft washing. They will be able to give you the best results. Read Also: Mold Growth At Home: What You Should Know And What You Can Do Home Maintenance Plans And Cleaning Tips During Covid-19 Top Home Cleaning Tips

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PVC

Top myths about PVC

Impact of PVC vs non-PVC towards the environment: Polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC or simply as vinyl, is a plastic composed of carbon, chlorine, and hydrogen. It’s a common material found frequently in packaging, wire coatings, furnishing, construction materials, pipes, electrical wires, and also in the graphics industry. The reason that PVC is such a popular material is that it’s incredibly versatile. It’s also resistant to UV rays, chemicals, weathering, and flame resistant. Many people, however, believe that PVC has a negative impact on the environment and avoid using any products that contain this material. It’s true that there are many complaints about PVC and its effect both on people and the environment, so let’s take a look at the main issues, both for and against. 1. The manufacturing process releases highly toxic carcinogenic dioxins into the environment: There are two main pieces of evidence that debunk this belief. First is that over the past 30 years, the production of PVCs has increased 300%, whilst at the same time the amount of dioxins in the environment has reduced. Therefore, if the manufacturing process was the major cause of dioxins in the environment, you would expect that the number of dioxins would have increased accordingly. In fact, if we stopped producing PVC, the levels of dioxins in the environment wouldn’t noticeably diminish. Second, that the main cause of dioxins in the environment is not the inefficient combustion of PVC, it’s mainly due to landfill fires and to a lesser degree, the inefficient combustion of medical and urban waste. 2. When incinerated or burnt in house fires, PVC releases dioxins, chlorine, and other carcinogenic chemicals into the air: First of all, PVC doesn’t burn very well, in fact, if the source of fire is removed, PVC doesn’t continue to burn, because it contains a fire-resistant polymer. Also, many PVC products are treated with additional flame retardants after the manufacturing process and release less smoke and less heat when combusted, compared to other plastics. Second, when PVC is correctly combusted the number of toxins released into the environment is insignificant. In fact, the most harm derives from the release of carbon monoxide, which is released from numerous other materials when burnt. 3. PVC can’t be recycled therefore it accumulates as plastic waste: In most scenarios, PVC is actually highly recyclable and can be recycled many times over without degrading. In fact, many plastic products in use today contain components of recycled vinyl; some proponents believe that due to its high recyclability, PVC is actually a zero-waste material. Also, since PVC lasts longer than other materials, it doesn’t need to be replaced as often and hence, appears in landfills less often than comparable materials. In addition, the durability of PVC has led to it being used to line landfills with no evidence that the vinyl breaks down and releases toxins into the groundwater. In the graphics industry, however, PVC is currently difficult to recycle due to contamination from adhesives, additives, and print. Avery Dennison is looking to overcome this with innovative technology to separate products into raw materials, through their Liner Recycling Program. 4. PVC is expensive to manufacture: PVC is made from chlorine and ethylene, both of which are inexpensive to a source (chlorine comes from salt and ethylene from natural gas), resulting in a very inexpensive manufacturing process. In fact, when you consider that PVC products are very cheap to buy, between the retail cost of the product and the profits made by the manufacturer and reseller, the actual production costs are minimal. The result is that vinyl products consume less energy, generate fewer emissions, and save more energy during the manufacturing process than many other products. Why is PVC popular in the graphics industry? All the benefits of using PVC in the graphics industry have been stated above however, more specifically, PVC is extremely cost-effective when compared to alternative polymers. Its long life, durability, resistance to the elements and flame retardance are also major factors, but for our customers, the lower costs are a huge benefit. One of the most popular applications is for car wraps, where the vinyl provides maximum versatility.  Vehicles can look like a work of art after being wrapped with a vinyl film. The fact that PVC is readily available is another factor that cuts down costs, as well as its versatility because we can manufacture numerous products using the same materials. PVC is also an ideal material for use across all print platforms, both porous and heat stable. In summary, PVC is not the villain that it has been made out to be. Many companies manufacturing it are not only committed to sustainability but focused on using innovative techniques combined with the responsible sourcing of materials, to reduce the impact of their operations and supply chain on the environment. Read Also: Replacement Windows – Benefits Of Vinyl Windows Five Ways To Improve The Air Quality Inside Your Home

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