How Hiring Senior Movers Can Ease Your Loved One’s Transition to a New Home

Once you begin preparing for a move, one thing is sure: This won’t be an easy period. And that’s true regardless of your age. However, organizing the complex logistics of a household move can be more stressful for seniors or for someone who’s helping their elderly loved ones transition to a new home. 

Luckily, plenty of experienced professionals can assist — most notably, moving companies that offer senior moving services and specifically cater to the elderly. Here’s how to make this transition an easier one.

Dealing With Stress

Moving to a new home is an emotionally difficult process, especially for older individuals that are not fond of huge changes in their lives. With this in mind, easing the transition is important, especially if you’re an elderly person moving into a smaller home. 

Hiring the right movers will go a long way towards dissipating stress — a senior moving company can help with every aspect of the relocation, from the planning and logistics to the physical work. 

There are, of course, other services that can contribute to dispelling downsizing and moving stress. These include contractors to make improvements to your home to support any mobility problems and clear it of fall hazards. 

Help With Downsizing

Downsizing is a frequent part of moving as a senior citizen — people in their golden years tend to look for quality-of-life features in their communities rather than an abundance of space. However, that doesn’t mean that moving from a larger home into a smaller one is easy. 

Adjusting to “less” of anything is not pleasant, and that includes living space. For instance, you need to find enough room for all of the household possessions you kept in your larger home. Don’t worry, though. Experienced senior movers know how to deal with downsizing. Plenty of moving companies also manage storage facilities, and movers specializing in senior relocations are no different. You can employ their services in that regard and keep any extra items in a rented storage unit until you find room for them elsewhere.

Assisted Packing

Completing any kind of move requires handling all kinds of menial chores. However, there’s one task that’s particularly demanding: packing. It tends to take more time than people plan for, and you need to do a lot of preparation beforehand — finding all of the packing materials that you need can be tiresome.

As a senior citizen looking to relocate to a new community, this isn’t something you want to deal with on your own. Even if you buy all of the cardboard boxes, packing tape, and box filler yourself, you’ll still need to spend endless hours carefully arranging and packing all of your stuff. 

For someone who tires easily, this can be just too demanding. Luckily, senior movers can help you with that, as well. A moving company can buy all of the necessary materials for you, bring them to your home, and pack everything without you lifting a finger. Also, once they move everything into your new home, the movers can unpack all of your possessions and arrange them however you like. 

Hiring the Right Movers

While you choose the best professionals for your senior moving services, make sure to ask them a series of questionsto determine their competence:

●      Do you have any references from previous clients?

●      What rates do you offer?

●      Are they provided in writing?

●      Do you have all the necessary insurance and licenses?

●      What are your credentials?

●      How much experience do you have with senior moving?

Planning a move for your loved one can be a complicated process. By hiring senior movers, you can ease their transition. 

When you’re ready to sell your senior loved one’s home, connect with the dedicated real estate professionals at Schwab Realty. Call 360-683-4015 to set up an appointment!

Guest Contributor: Rhonda Underhill

How to Ensure That Water Papers Operate Properly Before Purchasing a Property?

When you're in the market for a new property, one of the most important things to do is have the water turned on and papers checked to ensure that everything is in order.

Here are some tips to follow to help make sure that everything goes smoothly when purchasing a property in Knoxville, TN.

Already Connected to Water and Sewage

Previous owners may have paid for the cost of these necessities, or they might have been built into the price of the house, but if that's not the case then you will need to pay yourself before doing anything with the property. This way, if something goes wrong with either your pipes or the municipality's pipes, you are not taking on debt before moving in.

On the other hand, if you're already looking for the property, make sure to check beforehand whether the water and sewage run through the property. The property in Knoxville TN should have a list of related papers and you can take a look at the same before buying anything. Make sure to check with real estate agents and with the municipality to confirm that everything is in order and that no one's pipes are in danger of bursting.

So, if previous owners haven't paid for water and sewage, make sure they've updated the plumbing of the house with newer pipes and fixtures. You want to make sure that everything is up-to-date so that you don't have to fix it immediately after moving in.

Check with the Neighbors or Get a Survey Done

If you have friends who live in the area, ask them about how the water company runs its services. Ask them whether the area had any problems with their water company in the past, and make sure to ask about what's happening with the water company right now.

If you don't have friends in the area, try to seek out local forums online where people talk about the community. If they've had problems with their services in the past, or if there are ongoing issues with things like leaking pipes, make sure to mention them when you go house hunting.

The more you know about your local water company, the more you'll enjoy the property when you eventually buy it.

Hire an Inspector

Make sure to hire a surveyor if you don't feel like you can trust yourself or anyone else's judgment of whether pipes are new enough for your liking. A surveyor will come in and check the pipes to make sure they are up-to-date, running properly, and won't leak or burst any time soon.

When you hire a surveyor you want to make sure that it's certified by the water company itself. This way when they say that something needs to be done you can ask for a second opinion from an independent surveyor and you'll be better off as a result.

Do a General Water Check

Before buying a property, it's important to have water running, freshwater in all bathrooms, and clean drinking water for use. You also want to make sure that there aren't any burst pipes, but if the property is older than ten years you might need to get your water tested before turning it on just in case.

While this all may sound like common sense, knowing the signs of aging sewage can help you avoid further problems down the line. If you see black water coming from any of the fixtures, or if the smell is overwhelmingly foul and starts to make you feel nauseous, cut off the water and contact a plumber immediately.

Inspect the Faucets, Sinks, Showers, and Toilets

If you see any cracks anywhere in the faucets or sinks of the house, get a plumber to come out and take a look. You don't want to be stuck with a huge bill for repairs immediately after buying your new place!

Additionally, if there is mold around any of the faucets or sinks, this is a huge sign that previous owners haven't been taking care of their sewage. If you have mold around any pipes or plumbing fixtures, if you notice leakage under any toilets or showers, these can become full of mold and stagnant water if you're not careful.

Also, if there are any cracks in your tiles or if the grouting is stained brown or black, this could be an indicator of problems with the sewage.

The property market in Knoxville TN should have a list of related papers and you can take a look at the same before buying anything. Make sure to check with real estate agents and with the municipality to confirm that everything is in order and that no one's pipes are in danger of bursting. Therefore, if previous owners haven't paid for water & sewage, make sure they've updated the plumbing of the house with newer pipes & fixtures. You want to make sure that everything is up-to-date so you don’t need to fix it immediately after moving in.

How To Choose The Ideal Windows For Your House

Are you building a new house or renovating your current one? If you are, you need to consider what type of windows you want. Choosing the perfect windows for your home can be a tough decision. Many factors need to be considered, and it's essential not to select windows solely on price alone. To help you narrow down your options we've compiled a list of things you should consider when choosing an ideal window for your home. Let's get to the list.

Window Style

The style of window you choose is essential. Do you want something that will complement the architecture of your home, or do you want something that will stand out? There are many different windows to choose from, so take your time and find the perfect one for you.

Also, the style you choose will largely affect the type of additions you can make to your home in the future. As seen at www.shuttercraft.co.uk, you can add various types of shutters and blinds to your windows, but this is not possible with all window styles. Therefore, you will need to choose a window style that allows for future additions without compromising the overall look of your home.

Window Material

The window material is another essential factor to consider when choosing windows for your house. Windows are available in various materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks, so you must decide which one is best for you.

For example, wooden windows are a good choice if you want the traditional look and feel of windows in your home. However, they require more maintenance than other window materials. On the other hand, Vinyl windows are very low maintenance and can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth. They also come in many different colors, so you can find the perfect one to match the look of your home.

Window Size

What's the size of your window? The size of the window is also an essential factor to consider. Windows come in various sizes, and it's critical to choose the right one for your home. If you choose a window that is too small, it won't let in enough light and air. On the other hand, if you choose a too-large window, it won't be easy to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

In most cases, the size of the window should be based on the size of the room. If you have a small space, you should choose a small window. If you have a large room, choose a larger window. You need to ensure that window placement doesn't affect other aspects of your home, such as the roofline or the overall aesthetic.

Window Type

The window type is another essential factor to consider when choosing windows for your house. Windows are available in various styles, including double-hung, casement, and awning. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, so you must decide which one is best for you.

For example, double-hung windows are a good choice if you want to open the top and bottom of the window. This allows for more airflow and makes it easy to clean the window from inside your home. Casement windows are a good choice if you want a lot of ventilation because they open all the way. Awning windows are a good choice if you're going to open the window from the bottom, which allows for more airflow and ventilation.

Window Energy Rating

The window energy rating is another essential factor to consider when choosing windows for your house. Windows are available in various energy ratings, including Low-E, Energy Star, and triple-pane. Each energy rating has its benefits and drawbacks, so you will need to decide which one is best for you.

For example, Low-E windows are an excellent choice to save money on your energy bills. They are also a perfect choice to reduce the amount of heat that escapes from your home. Energy Star windows are an excellent choice to save money and energy. They are also a good choice if you want to reduce the amount of noise that comes into your home. Triple-pane windows are a good choice if you want to save money, energy and reduce the amount of noise in your home.

Cost

The cost is another essential factor to consider when choosing windows for your house. Windows are available at various prices, so you will need to find one that fits your budget. In most cases, the more features the window has, the higher the price.

It's important to remember that you get what you pay for. If you want a high-quality window that will last for many years, you will need to pay a higher price. However, if you are looking for a cheap window that will only last for a few years, you can find one at a lower price.

There are several factors to consider when choosing windows for your house. The most important factors are the size of the window, the type of window, and the window's energy rating. You also need to consider the cost of the window and how it will fit into your budget. With the above factors, you'll be sure to choose the ideal windows for your home.

6 Things You Should Know About Land Surveying

You might be wondering what land surveying is and what it entails. Land surveying is a profession that may seem quite boring, but it is fascinating. Land surveyors are responsible for measuring the land to ensure it matches the deed description and meets the requirements set by law. They also ensure no encroachment issues with neighboring properties or other encroachments on public land. The following article will provide you with six things you should know about this profession. Let's get to the list.

Has More Importance than Ever Imagined

With all of the development going on, especially in urban areas, it is more important than ever to ensure that everything is measured and mapped out correctly. There are a lot of potential problems that can arise when proper surveying isn't done, so it is essential to have a professional who knows what they're doing.

Land surveying ensures that the development process goes smoothly and that everyone is aware of their boundaries. As seen on this link, the surveyors ensure that the landowner has a clear understanding of the property boundaries, what has been included in the sale, and any potential problems with adjoining parcels. They follow the set laws and regulations to ensure that the development process goes as smoothly as possible.

Requires a lot of Training and Certification

Becoming a land surveyor requires a lot of training, both in the classroom and field. To become certified, you need to have at least a four-year degree in surveying or a related field. You also need to have a minimum of two years of experience in the field.

This is not a profession you can jump into without any training. It takes many years of hard work and dedication to become a certified land surveyor. But it is worth it, as this is one of the essential professions for development. When hiring a surveyor, you have to look at their certification to ensure they are qualified to do the job.

It is Bound By Laws and Regulations

As mentioned earlier, land surveying is bound by laws and regulations. This is what ensures that everything goes smoothly during the development process. There are specific guidelines that surveyors must follow when measuring land, and they can be penalized if they don't comply.

This is why it is so essential to make sure you hire a qualified and certified surveyor. They will know exactly what to do to ensure that the development process goes as smoothly as possible. The surveyors will not go against the set rules and regulations, as this could lead to some serious penalties.

Involves a lot of Math and Physics

Land surveying is not just about walking around with a measuring tape. It involves a lot of math and physics. Surveyors must do calculations quickly in their heads to get an accurate measurement. For instance, they need to calculate the area of a property or the volume of a pond.

They must also have a strong understanding of physics to understand how landforms are affected by erosion and other natural forces. This allows them to create accurate maps and plans for development projects. It is why a degree in surveying or a related field is essential for this profession.

Uses a Wide Range of Technology

To measure land accurately, land surveyors use a wide range of technology. This includes surveying equipment, global positioning systems (GPS), and computer-aided design (CAD) software. These equipment and software allow surveyors to map out land quickly and easily. Check out this article to read how GPS technology works.

This is another reason why it is essential to have a certified surveyor working on your development project. They will have access to the latest and most accurate technology available. And they will know how to use it effectively to get the job done right.

Can Be Time Consuming and Expensive

Land surveying can be time-consuming and expensive. It takes a lot of time to measure land accurately, and it can be costly to buy the necessary equipment. This is why many people choose to do their surveying, leading to inaccurate results.

When hiring a surveyor, you need to make sure that you are aware of the time and money involved. Ensure you have a realistic budget in mind and allow enough time for the survey to be completed. You shouldn't rush the process, as it could end up costing you more in the long run.

Land surveying is a vital profession that plays a crucial role in the development process. It involves a lot of training and certification and math and physics. Surveyors use a wide range of technology to measure land accurately, which can be expensive. Land surveying can also be time-consuming and costly, so you need to make sure you allow enough time and budget for it. By knowing these six things about land surveying, you can better understand what this profession is all about.

Tips for Building a Pond in Your Garden

Building a pond in your garden can be a fun and rewarding project. It can also be a great way to add value to your home. Before you get started, there are a few things you will need to figure out. First, you need to decide what size pond you want. Next, you need to choose the type of pond you want. Let’s get into the construction part!

Constructing a Pond in Your Garden

Once you have determined what size and type of pond you want to build, it's time for the actual construction! If there is already a patio or other surface where your pond will go, make sure the surface is level. Next, put down some plywood over that area if it isn't concrete. This will help hold the weight of the pond if it is something heavy like concrete.

Digging

Start digging! You can do this yourself or ask for help from a friend. Try to keep your level handy so you can check if you're getting the shape right as you go along. Keep going until you have a hole that's about two inches less than the size you want your pond to be. For example, if you want a 12' by 12' pond, dig a 10' by 10' hole. The extra two inches will allow for some wiggle room when building the edges.
Once you have dug out the hole, get rid of any plants or grass in it and around it. This will help keep your pond nice and clean.

Gravel

Line the bottom of the hole with a couple of inches of gravel. Make sure to use aquarium-grade rock as this is non-toxic and safe for fish! Fill in any thin or uneven spots on the ground with more gravel, creating a smooth base that isn't going to shift around under the weight of the pond.

Create A Frame

Create a frame to hold in the liner and line it with more gravel so that it is held in place. Make sure you leave an inch or two between the edge of your frame and the pond for when you add the water. Fill in any small gaps between rocks with dirt, sand, or other ground filler similar to what you used for the base so that everything is even and will hold together.

Set Up Your Liner

Next, set up your liner. Make sure it's not too big! You don't want to have to worry about losing all of your water if it rips, so be as precise as possible when measuring the dimensions of the pond. Fold over one edge of the liner so that it creates a lip to hold in the water. This will help prevent leaks, but if you still want to add extra protection, staple or nail the edge down.

Adding Water And A Pond Pump

At this point, you can either fill your pond with water right away or let it dry out. If you're letting it dry out, tie off one side and let the water drain out. Once it's pretty close to being empty, you can add the pump if you have one and fill it back up. You can check out more sustainable options, like solar-powered pond pumps by visiting this URL or searching online. They tend to be quieter than traditional pumps so that you can relax by your pond without any distractions.

Rocks, Plants, And Fish

Once the pond is filled with water, you're ready to add your rocks and plants! Check online for species that are suitable for ponds in the area where you live, or visit your local florist to get some advice on which species would look best in your garden. You can also ask about any good varieties of fish to put in your pond if you want to have a fun ecosystem. The right type of fish will clean the water, eat mosquitoes and help keep any algae from growing too quickly.

In order to really enjoy your new pond, you need to be sure that your surrounding area is nice and clean so that it doesn't look messy or unsightly. You also want to make sure that the plants and fish are compatible. If you don't want to take care of either, consider hiring someone to do it for you! Once everything is in place, enjoy! Sit down by the pond and admire how it looks. Relaxing by a pond can be just as calming as sitting next to a waterfall, but much easier to maintain!

How to Get Your Small HVAC Business Online

As of December 2021, there were 118,636 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) businesses in the United States. For your small HVAC business to flourish in such a competitive and crowded industry, you need a solid client base. You need to intensively market yourself, reach out to potential customers, earn their trust, and ultimately win them over for good.

Though most people depend on traditional marketing methods such as word of mouth, newspapers, and posters, these methods may not be effective in today’s digital era. Since most people spend a lot of time online, your marketing plan needs to target people there. You can start the targeting from the moment they start searching for a given service until they become your customers. Continue following up with them even after you have offered your services. Finding the best Magento hosting provider is very important for ensuring a seamless online shopping experience for your customers.

Whether you are planning to start an HVAC business or want to improve an already existing one, here is how to get your small HVAC business online.

Optimize Your Website

With the advancement of technology, the number one stop for most clients who need installation, repair, and maintenance of their HVAC system is a search engine like Google. On seeing the search results, they are likely to opt for the HVAC companies that appear first on the page. Therefore, it is vital to have a website as it will help your potential clients find you and build trust for your business.

Ensure that your website is professional and the services you offer are indicated. Most website builders offer customized templates. However, you can also hire a web developer to do it for you. Ensure that your website has everything required to help potential customers choose you. For example, ensure that the menu is well organized and the services you offer are specific and clear.

Though having a website is excellent, it is not enough. You need to ensure that it is easy to find on the search engine through a process termed Search Engine Optimized (SEO). To ensure that your site ranks high, it should:

• Be mobile-friendly

• Load fast

• Include links to other pages in your site and other trustworthy websites

• Be mobile-friendly

• Include relevant keywords

Create Quality Content

Every time you post content on social media or your blog, you need to create a “content asset.” That is, ensure that the content you put out there is meaningful, helpful, and attractive to the reader. This information will attract them and leave them wanting to know more about what you are saying. As they do this, you may gain new customers.

Adding content in the form of articles on your website will not only benefit your readers. It will also give you more opportunities to capture search rankings and add content marketing to your overall strategy. As an HVAC business owner, come up with content that focuses on speaking to clients rather than industry professionals. 

Research what your clients are looking for and make content based on that. For example, you could create posts such as “How to Pick the Right HVAC System for Your Home” and “Why You Need to Hire HVAC Maintenance Services.”

Acquire Online Reviews

Today, most people decide to engage a company based on their online reviews. Make use of sites like Google which permit you to ask customers to review your services. Request your customers to review your business on various social media platforms, as it will help boost your online reputation. You could ask them in person, a call, or text after offering them a service. Another way is to hand them your card with review URLs. It is advisable to respond promptly after your customer leaves a review, even if the review is negative.

Send Email Marketing

Though acquiring leads is essential, it is crucial to keep in touch with them to retain them and turn them into customers. One of the most effective ways of doing this is through email marketing. It helps you keep in touch with your leads from the first time they learn about you until they are ready to become customers. Additionally, it helps you maintain relationships with existing customers.

To set up an email marketing campaign, use tools such as Constant Contact and Mailchimp. Once you set up a campaign, you can add new leads to the list, and they’ll automatically get each email at the designated times you created. When possible, include custom fields so that every email is personalized. For example, include the lead’s name and services related to their needs. 

Bottom-Line

When it comes to getting your small HVAC business online, you’ll likely use similar methods to those of other businesses in your area. How effectively you execute your HVAC online marketing plan sets you apart. Boost your chances of success by following the tips given above, which will give you a substantial online presence and showcase your value to your potential and existing clients.

Backsplash Ideas

Are you looking to add a backsplash into your kitchen? Choosing a backsplash can be overwhelming because there’s so many different colors and patterns, and you need to match it to the rest of your kitchen. We rounded up our favorite backsplashes that we think would look great in almost any kitchen!

Starting off strong with a unique backsplash, this patterned and colored backsplash. Most people tend to stick to plain colors, but these shades of blue and tan are beautiful. We think it gives the perfect amount of color into the kitchen.

Stone is making its comeback as one of the more frequent backsplash idea. The stone is beautiful and you can get it in almost any color. The texture to the stone is beautiful and adds a pop off the wall.

Most people do not like the look of bricks, but when done right and in the right spot, it looks gorgeous! The brick color in this kitchen matches perfectly and ties the whole kitchen together.

This is another uncommon backsplash, a black pattern. Most people would stray away from black because it can make the kitchen look smaller, but this backsplash was perfect in the kitchen due to the appliances and cabinets. The backsplash ties everything in together and the black makes the white pop out even more!

Another brick backsplash! Instead of a red/brown color, the white makes the countertop stand out even more.

Patterned backsplashes are beautiful! Although they can be difficult to install, it’s always worth it. This backsplash adds a pop of grey color to the kitchen!

Another patterned backsplash but this one is unique. The white backsplash makes the blue cabinets stand out and a statement piece. The white is just the right color to tie in the kitchen to make it appear brighter.

Adding a thin strip of texture to the wall in the backsplash is a perfect way to make a statement but still try to make it look classy and elegant.

If you’re looking for an accent wall, using a pattern can create the perfect accent.

This backsplash just gives me “beach house” vibes! It is beautiful and gives off beach vibes. Read a descriptive essay about beach house for more information

Dark stone backsplash is always beautiful when paired with dark chestnut cabinets.

How to Organize Your Move And Do It Stress-Free

If you’re planning on moving any time soon, you’re probably already stressed about it. Even though people are moving much more these days than they used to in the past, the whole process has probably never been more difficult to organize and do. There are thousands of tips that are supposed to help you move without stress, but sadly, not all of them work. We have taken it upon ourselves to come up with several fool-proof tips and tricks that will make the entire process so much easier. Here’s how you can organize your move and make it stress-free:

Make detailed plans

While you’re probably overwhelmed already with the list of things that have to be done before you actually move, making detailed plans will help you tremendously. The more precise you can be the better for you, so try to include dates or even times of the events that are going to take place in the future. The closing dates, date of your last day at work, date when your kids leave school, date when you can move into your new place… Once you get this done, try to fill the gaps between these dates with packing sessions. Set the date for packing different things: books, toys, kitchenware, shoes, clothes, etc. 

Prepare your new place

It doesn’t matter whether you’re going to be moving to a rental property or a fixer-upper, there’s no way that you will be able to move in like it’s a hotel. When the previous owners/tenants take their things out, clean it thoroughly, and think about painting the walls. You will likely notice that there are some minor repairs that should be done, and in some cases, you will even have to do a big remodeling project before you can move in. you don’t want to have to do any of those things when you bring dozens of boxes and you’re exhausted. If you complete everything before you move in, you’ll be able to relax after the boxes are brought. If you don’t have the time to do it on your own, consider asking friends for help or hiring professionals who will clean everything before you arrive. 

Hire professionals 

While inviting friends over to help you move might seem like the easiest idea in the world. You’ll quickly earn that people are very busy and don’t have the time or the means to help you move. Besides, you don’t want anyone getting hurt by lifting heavy objects, do you? This is why you should think about hiring professional removalists to take care of all the boxes and furniture instead. Not only will professionals be able to do it much faster, but they will do it without damaging your home and without hurting themselves in the process. Look for professionals that will fit your budget, schedule them to come over, and your move will be much more efficient than you might have thought. 

Don’t pay for all supplies

Moving is expensive, more so than you might have thought at first, and you’ll notice your savings decreasing rapidly. However, you can also save a lot of money on small things if you know where to look and what to do. One of the things you don’t necessarily have to buy is boxes. Make a quick estimation on how many boxes you might need(double the number just to be on the safe side) and start hitting up your local stores. All appliance as well as department stores have hundreds, if not thousands of boxes they don’t need after they receive shipments, and they will gladly give them up if you only ask. A few of these trips to a few stores, and you’ll have plenty of boxes for exactly zero dollars. 

Choose the right box for moving

Choosing the right moving boxes is crucial for a successful relocation. Opt for sturdy, corrugated cardboard boxes that can protect fragile items. Use small boxes for heavy objects, medium-sized ones for general items, and large boxes for lightweight and bulky belongings. Specialized boxes like wardrobe boxes or dish packs can provide extra protection. Remember to label each box for easy unpacking. By selecting the appropriate boxes, you can safeguard your belongings and simplify your move.

Declutter and downsize

One of the best things about packing for a big move is that you’ll finally be able to see just how many things you own. While some are necessary, you’ll likely notice how cluttered your space has become over time. Moving is a great chance for you to get rid of the clutter and downsize, getting rid of the belongings you neither use nor need. All that clutter should be purged from your home and not packed and taken to your next one. Organize a garage sale, list it on the internet, or donate it to someone who might need it.

While moving might be seen as one of the most stressful events in the life of pretty much every individual, it doesn’t have to be that way. A stress-free move is not something out of fairy tales, but it does require some organizing in order to work perfectly. When you have enough time on your hands to prepare everything in advance, the entire process is going to be easy and rather smooth. Even though the entire preparation is far from fun, the end result will be more than worth the struggle.

Guest Contributor: Ron Wolf

5 Steps for Successful Repair and Maintenance of Commercial Building

Preserving the value of a building is not an easy job. As a property owner, it is solely your responsibility to keep a check over the current state of your property. Although it is normal for the building to go through wear and tear there should be some routine checkups to ensure its proper functioning.

The more you ignore the maintenance of a building, the greater you see the decrease in its value. If you keep your building all spick and span, your tenants would likely pay you more, and if you ever sell the property in the future, you’d surely bag the best price.

For the overall property checkup, you can even consider hiring an MEP engineering services provider. But, till then let us walk you through some important steps that help you make the most of the repair and maintenance of your commercial space:

1.  Energy Audit

It is the primary step of your commercial building with regard to how much you can save every year. Being a property owner, you know that energy expenditure is not a tiny expense. So, this audit gives you a complete picture as to what is eating your budget.

Here, you need professional help who can help you figure out how you can lower down the costs. By replacing window glass, by repairing insulation around windows and doors, or by replacing roof insulation. 

Audits like these also help you understand if tenants are happy with the current condition of your property or if it needs any repairs and improvements.

2.  Safety Audit

One of your property maintenance priorities would be to keep track of safety mechanisms and fixtures. If there comes any emergency in the future, such safety features should be working in order to avoid any harmful accidents. 

Emergency exit signs, fire detector systems, lighting systems are amongst the most important safety fixtures. So, it is essential to conduct a monthly audit of these safety systems so nobody gets harmed and everything flows smoothly. 

3.  Pest Audit

This is one of the most difficult problems to deal with especially when bugs bug you in a building. It’s not pleasant and since it can cost thousands of bucks, it’s best to get your property bug-proof before tenants start complaining about it.

Consider conducting a professional pest audit regularly because it is only the maintenance that can keep pests away from your property.

4.  Utility Audit

The key to keeping your tenants happy is the full functioning of your building’s facilities and all the basic utilities. Such facilities consist of escalators, public washrooms, staff rooms, HVAC units, and more. 

There are times when facilities stop working as they need some regular repairs. So, be sure to run a monthly audit of these important utilities to avoid any hassle in the future.

5.  Control Fire Hazards

Any chance that fire can break out in a building is one of the worst nightmares for any property owner. We are sure you don’t want that so it is best to eliminate all the fire hazards that have the potential to pose any fire hazard.

Do regular checkups on smoke detectors throughout the entire building. Every year, replace the batteries too and make sure each and every floor of the building has fire extinguishers properly installed. 

Conclusion

The best approach towards the key audits would be to delegate them to the right MEP engineering professionals. They are experts in the field of property audit and you can easily focus on growing your property management business. 

Isn’t it the right decision? Well, yes it is considering you’d need the help of those who are in this industry for a long time and are well versed with using the right tools to do what is expected of them.

7 Children's Outdoor Play Area

Spring is slowly approaching and it’s time to get planning on how you can make enrichment areas outdoors for them to play in. We found the best play areas you can easily create that will have your child happier than can be to get outside and play.

One big thing that parents are incorporating into play time is sensory. Sensory is important for a child because it allows your child to get hands on and experience their surroundings and the area through their senses, and it’s important for kids to be able to use their hands to explore. A sensory path is a great idea in incorporating a couple of different materials to let the kid explore freely. One good piece of equipment that can enhance sensory perception and allow children to play at the same time is a gaga ball pit. You can set it indoors or outdoors, as long as you have enough space for the octagonal pit. The game is played like dodgeball, but milder. Playing with a gaga ball can be a fun hands-on activity for anyone of any age. If you are putting it in the sun, we advise you to be careful with the materials you choose because you don’t want to get material that will heat up in the sun and potentially burn the child.

Majority of children love to get on their hands and knees and crawl all over the place. Some can’t walk yet and this is a great idea for those who can walk and those who can’t. Instead of your child getting all dirty from crawling on the grass and dirt, you can create a little obstacle for the children to crawl in, and they will be so excited whether it’s simple or intricate. In the Spring/Summer pool noodles are very easy to get ahold of and the foam puzzle pieces might be something you already have since they’re so popular. You can start the obstacle small, and then easily add onto it with the more supplies you buy. It is also a great way to make other games out of it.

We’ve all seen the wooden building blocks that babies and younger children use to help work on their fine motor skills. This is a great idea to incorporate in your backyard because it helps them continue to work on their fine motor skills with this puzzle which is pretty much the same thing as the wooden building blocks. This type of activity can also be used in different games, such as trying to match the colors, scatter the “blocks” around the yard, and let them use their gross motor skills as well as the fine motor skills.

We all know children have the wildest imaginations, and this is a great object to let them explore. Lots of kids like to use their imagination whenever they’re place into a seat with a steering wheel. This is a great object to let them use their imagination and explore the way they would like. It is even friend-friendly in case there are other children playing.

DIY Tic Tac Toe! This is perfect to get children learning how to play tic tac toe. This game is simple for children to comprehend and can incorporate their fine and gross motor skills. Let the children pick the object they’re using for the game and let them run around and explore to get the gaming pieces to use.

DIY your own rock garden! This is a cute area that is sure to bring color to your backyard. Let the children paint as many rocks as they would like and as time goes on you will have tons of colorful rocks. You can create your own rock garden, or scatter them around the backyard, either way it is sure to add color and uniqueness to your back yard.

For those children who love to dig, create a digging area for them to explore! It is best to add rubble or dirt for them to dig into instead of digging into the actual backyard grass, but having a designated area can help the children learn to only dig in that area, and leave the rest of the backyard alone. A digging area is great because you can keep reusing the area for multiple digs and when they get tired of it, you just start over!