John Mercado | Washington Homes

Real Estate2021-12-022025-05-23

Five Benefits of Asbestos Awareness Training

The dangers of asbestos are often overlooked. It is believed to be harmless, but it has many risks leading to serious health complications. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in the past for insulation and fireproofing materials; if left on its own, you and other people will be prone to the negative effects, which is why you will need asbestos awareness training! This article will discuss five benefits of asbestos awareness training:

Removing Harmful Airborne Pathogens

Occupational asbestos exposure has been linked to several diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos awareness training will allow you to understand how these diseases can be prevented from spreading through the air by removing harmful airborne pathogens with proper safety equipment.

Learning How to Remove Asbestos

As mentioned earlier, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It has been known to be harmful when it crumbles or if someone disturbs the fibers by removing them improperly. When you take an asbestos awareness training course, one of the first things that you will learn is how to remove this hazardous material safely and adequately with appropriate equipment like high-grade respirators, gloves, and face shields.

Increasing Air Quality

The air you breathe will no longer be contaminated with asbestos when you take asbestos awareness training. Asbestos is known to be harmful when it crumbles or if someone disturbs the fibers by removing them improperly when you are taught how to remove this hazardous material properly and safely with appropriate equipment like high-grade respirators, gloves, and face shields.

Improving Occupational Health and Safety Standards

Asbestos awareness training will allow you to understand how these diseases can be prevented from spreading through the air by removing harmful airborne pathogens with proper safety equipment. You won’t have to worry about the dangers of asbestos exposure when you are properly equipped with appropriate safety equipment and following the correct procedures for handling this hazardous material.

Improving Workplace Morale

You can work in a better mood, and the workplace will be a much safer environment since you know that asbestos is no longer lingering in the air. We can ensure the safety of the workers while inside the building if they are aware of the health risks involving asbestos exposure.

There are many benefits to taking an asbestos awareness training course, which is why you will need it before entering a worksite that has been previously occupied with this hazardous material. If left on its own.

The Bottom Line

Remember that you can never be too careful when handling asbestos. Many people think that it is harmless, but this mineral has been known to be harmful when it crumbles or if someone disturbs the fibers by removing them improperly. Asbestos awareness training will give you all of the information you need about how to safely remove this hazardous material with high-grade respirators, gloves, and face shields, so you won’t need to worry about it anymore when you come to work!…

Services2021-08-272021-11-17

Reasons to Have a Professional Repair Your Shower

While plumbing is one of the most vital systems in a home, it is often forgotten and taken for granted. Various reasons, such as weather, can ruin the pipes in your home. If you are seeking to repair, install your shower, we recommend hiring a professional.

While it might tempt you to DIY your shower repair because it looks easy, we strongly warn against it. Hiring a reputable plumber or professional will save you a lot than when you do it yourself. Below, we dig into the reasons you should hire a professional for your shower repair needs.

Saves Time And Money

If you don’t have professional knowledge in this field, you have no business trying to fix your shower. You don’t waste your time trying to find out what the problem is. An expert will quickly identify the problem and fix it immediately. Trying to DIY a shower repair may cost you more, for you may blunder and cause more damage. A plumber can identify the current problem and fix whatever else might be wrong.

Better Results

Hiring a professional to fix your shower problem is the best course of action. This way, they guarantee you expert services for they have years of experience. A professional knows their way around the problem that you are facing. They have the right equipment, which means you are going to get the best results afterward. While performing their duties, they can check for other problems like water leakage in the pipes, pump repairs and unclog the shower and drainage systems.

Insurance Guarantee

Just like in any field of work, accidents can happen while in the line of duty. Therefore, we should be prepared at all times. Professional and certified plumbers are always insurance against accidents. In case a mishap happens, they will not hold you accountable. Having this in mind gives you peace just in case anything happens.

Professional Services and Tools

Professional plumbers always have their tools with them. They do not ask you to provide the tools which save you time and money. They use quality equipment that guarantees that your shower will be operational for a longer time. Plumbers use quality materials like acetate, acids, and mixtures that will fix your shower. You save money by hiring a professional for you do not have to buy all this expensive equipment.

Many people would like to fix problems around the house by themselves. However, to enjoy the above benefits, we recommend seeking the services of a reputable plumber. We guarantee you quality services and good value for your money. …

Appliances2020-10-022021-04-04

How to Choose the Best Sous Vide Cooker

Despite sous vide cooking existence for decades, it is only recently that it became popular for the home kitchens. In this article, we will be looking at some of the things any interested buyer needs to keep in mind before spending their hard-earned cash on a Sous Vide Cooker.

Water Bath Capacity

The Sous Vide Cooker water bath capacity is, in most cases, between 2-3 gallons. It is practical as you will always have to carry the machine to your kitchen sink whenever you want to empty or clean it. The capacity is believed to be enough for home cooking.The capacity of water bath immersion circulators ranges from 3-10 gallons. When cooking large volumes of food, you will always have to go for an immersion circulator compatible with high capacity.

Frequency of Cooking

Cooking using Sous Vide needs some time. Some recipes will take even a day or more. When planning to cook such types of foods, the water ovens will always be recommended as it does away with the evaporation problem.
Although they might get a container with a lid that perfectly fits a particular immersion circulator brand, the water ovens are always more energy efficient. In case you are cooking for a long time, then you should use water ovens.

The Amount of Food to be Cooked

In case you will be cooking one steak at a time, then there is no need to have a large water bath. The immersion circulators will always be suitable for those people who will be cooking only a small portion of food since they can use the container as a water bath provided the food is immersed in it.

The immersion calculators come with sensors for water levels. Whenever the water level is below the threshold, the machine will stop by itself, preventing it from overheating. However, the minimum water depth does vary from one model to another.

To get the best from sous vide cooking, you need to invest in the right cooker. Ensure that you consider the factors above whenever you are in the market for the best cooker. Whats more, you will enjoy great meals that are well-cooked and with all nutrients retained. Moreover, the method can allow you to cook without having to watch over the food.…

Home2020-09-302023-12-05

Key Things to Know About Boiler Systems

If you have just bought a beautiful but old house, you might have to check on your boiler system. This is because it might not be working properly or even outdated. As you move to a new home, it is imperative to ensure that everything is in good working condition, including the boiler systems.

One of the challenges home-owners usually face is not knowing how boilers work or how to keep them in good working conditions. Without this knowledge, your boiler system can easily be damaged. You might need a new boiler replacement if the current one is damaged or inefficient. In this article, we share all the key things you need to know about boiler systems.

Boilers Require Annual Maintenance

Moving parts in a boiler system have to be kept in a top working condition. This can be achieved through consistent annual maintenance. You should make sure your boiler has enough water pressure. When the pressure is enough, water can easily move through the entire system so that your home is fully heated.

It would help to ensure that the technician carrying out boiler inspection checks all the crucial parts to ensure they are properly functioning. This helps avoid the no-heat emergency cases. Regular maintenance gets your boiler systems to last longer than other heating systems.

They Can Use Steam or Hot Water Heating Mechanism

Boilers are not restricted to one heating mechanism. It is important to know the boiler system you have to see the kind of maintenance it needs. You can easily tell the difference between hot water and steam boilers. Hot water boilers have two pipes connected to the radiator, while the steam boilers only have one.

Many People Prefer Boilers Over Forced Air Systems

Do not make the mistake of substituting your boiler system with a furnace just because someone you know is doing it. Several home-owners prefer having boilers to hot air systems. Homes heated with boilers feel more comfortable with warmth because the radiated heat lasts longer. On top of that, boilers do not produce a breeze or sound, and at the same time, they improve air quality in a room.

Boilers are Designed Not to Waste Water

You should not be worried about paying a high water bill because you have a boiler system in place. The boiler system is usually closed, meaning that water is recycled. The latest boiler systems’ latest models ensure that the water is not boiled, keeping it constantly at a temperature below the boiling point.…

Gardening2020-06-092020-08-14

Considerations When Buying a Garden Hose Reel

People who have a garden at home can attest that maintaining a healthy garden is not an easy task—a lot of things must be done to maintain a healthy yard. Evidently, your garden must have enough water to ensure that all your plants will survive. This is why it is essential to invest in a garden hose.

As you may know, using a garden hose is more efficient compared to using a watering can. Therefore, invest in a durable garden hose if you do not have one yet. Moreover, you should also purchase a garden hose reel so as to prolong the lifespan of your garden hose as well as to prevent accidents such as tripping from happening. Let us look at some of the factors to consider when buying a garden hose reel.

Types of Garden Hose Reels

For starters, make yourself aware of the different types of garden hose reels so that you’ll be able to choose one that suits your preference. For instance, if you have a large yard, then you should opt for a reel cart so that you’ll be able to carry your garden hose over long distances. On the other hand, if maneuverability is not a concern, you can choose a wall-mounted reel so you can save a few bucks. It is recommended to do separate research about the different garden hose reels so as to figure out the advantages as well as the disadvantages of each type of garden hose reel.

Reviews

Next, you need to keep in mind that manufacturers will only highlight the advantages of their products. Therefore, make an effort to look for users’ reviews so that you’ll obtain unbiased information pertaining to the product you ought to purchase.

Moreover, you can look for blogs that focus on gardening products because they might have write-ups about garden hose reels. For instance, they might have a list of the top-rated brands of garden hose reels, which also highlights the advantages as well as the disadvantages of each brand or model.

Quality

Lastly, put an emphasis on the quality of the product. As mentioned above, one must invest in a garden hose reel to prolong the garden hose’s lifespan. Therefore, it will defeat one of its purposes if your garden hose reel does not last long. Ensure that you choose a product that is made of durable materials. It will also be to your advantage if you choose a product that is manufactured by a well-known brand so that you’ll have an assurance that it is made of great quality.…

Services2020-05-012021-12-28

Tips for Choosing a Restoration Company

Returning your home to its previous condition after a catastrophe is quite difficult. That explains why restoration services are necessary after fire, smoke, or water damage occurs. Considering the huge costs associated with restoration services, homeowners ought to utilize the services of reputable and professional restoration companies. A high-quality service will take the required steps to restore all damaged parts of the property. Moreover, restoration services clean up the heavy smoke, soot, and mold that may result from catastrophes. How do you choose the right restoration company? The following are some of the tips to help you.

Go Local

When you hire a local company, it can arrive quickly at your home to assess the damage. There are many websites that connect homeowners to local restoration companies. In this way, you can access a list of credible professional restorers.

Check Credentials

Ensure you choose a contractor who is insured and licensed. The right restoration company is one that has met the required credentials to carry out the given service. Moreover, a proper license is an indication that the company does not have complaints.

It is advisable to hire an insured restoration company. You should note that insurance protects technicians who work onsite and the property owners. Injuries to the workers or homeowner that may result from restoration process are covered by the general liability insurance. In fact, damage to the property occurs as a consequence of restoration work done under the company’s insurance. Certified restoration professionals demonstrate that they have received adequate training. Ensure you choose a restoration company that is certified by a reputable industry association.

Check Availability

Restoration services are known as emergency response teams. Whenever water infiltrates a home and results in flooding, you will want to consider the services of professional water damage specialists who can get to the property very quickly. As you know, fire damage and water damage are unpredictable, and they can cause a lot of damage to the property. Therefore, you should have the contact details of a restoration company that operates 24/7.

Refer to References

Ensure you get firsthand references from neighbors, family members, and friends. This will offer you insights into the restoration service’s professionalism. Moreover, third party references such as social media and online review sites provide a lot of information from past customers. Ask your colleagues and friends whether the restoration services are reasonably priced and whether they arrive quickly during an emergency.…

Pets2020-04-202020-06-25

Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Crate

If you are planning to purchase a dog crate for your dog training or need a secure and safe space for the dog, you understand your choices are endless. From different sizes available to materials to choose from, there are many things you ought to keep in mind when buying a dog crate.

Determine Your Needs

You have to understand that dog crates are not made equal. From the type of material to sizing, to different purposes they serve, you will always find a dog crate suited for every type of the dog. Thus, you can get one that suits your needs. As you start, you ought to consider the purpose of the dog cage or cusca caine. Is your puppy new to crate training? Do you want an item that blends seamlessly to the décor of your home? Should it be collapsible or portable?

It is vital to understand the reason you need a crate, how it is used, and the personality of the dog so as to make the right decision.

Consider the Size

The truth is that there are different size crates on the market. You should avoid a crate that is too small as it will restrict the dog’s movements. The right crate should have adequate space for the dog to rest and move comfortably. Ideally, the breed of the dog can guide you to choose the right size crate. If you have a large crate for a small puppy, you should consider using dividers to make small crates. As the puppy grows, you can remove them.

Select the Right Material

You should note that dog crates are made from different materials such as metal, fabric, plastic. And wood. If you want the most attractive dog crates, you should get those made of wood. Remember that wood is not a perfect choice for training puppies and its susceptible to damage because of scratching and chewing. Also, it is a bit difficult to clean because it is porous and absorbs odors and messes.

Metal crates are more durable but less attractive. These crates can withstand the wear and tear, and they are easy to clean. Most versions of metal crates are collapsible. That means you can easily transport or store them. Some have dividers to accommodate the dog through different stages of growth.

On the other hand, plastic crates are used for transportation and travel as they are found in a wide range of sizes. They are durable and easy to clean.…

Home Improvement2020-01-032021-06-17

Benefits of Hiring a Bathroom Renovation Contractor

Have you ever heard of the story of a man who was given a blunt axe to cut a tree? With a time limit of 5 hours, the man chose to use three and a half to sharpen the shaft and managed to finish the task in a jiffy. The lesson here is professionals are best known to be meticulous and effective in achieving the job at hand. When hiring a bathroom renovation contractor, the same analogy applies. A bathroom is an intimate space whereby you get to wash and use the toilet after a long day. It would be best if you kept it clean and well maintained. Here are some benefits of hiring a pro to do that for you.

Provide Employment

You will have created much-needed work. Seeking a bathroom renovator to do the job for you will ensure that a mouth is fed, someone gets to buy a holiday package, someone gets to pay their taxes. Such exchanges of services and money drive the economy of a nation. Therefore, be a good citizen and ensure you hire a pro to do your bathroom renovations.

Save on Time

Imagine taking up the daunting task of renovating a bathroom by yourself. If you have no prior idea of what is needed and how to go about it, then you are doing yourself a great disservice. You will waste your precious time on research and purchasing the tools and materials needed. And in the long run, end up spending even more resources.

Get the Job Done

You’ve probably heard of plenty of stories from friends about their terrible experience with unprofessional and fake experts who, instead of improving their house, leave it in an even worse state. If you opt to go for someone who isn’t an accredited professional to do the renovation, the two most likely outcomes are the person will do a poor job or will fail to do the job entirely.

Avoid Accidents

The number of accidents that could take place when one has no experience in a field are so many. When you are in a new territory of skills, you have no idea how to carry yourself in a way that you will protect yourself from injuries. Therefore, if you decide to renovate the bathroom yourself, you will be putting yourself in a dangerous position.

If you want a job done and done correctly, it is highly recommended that you hire a pro. Above are some of the reasons why.…

Craft2019-09-192020-05-12

Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Sewing Cabinets

There are numerous sewing cabinets and tables to choose from, thereby making it quite challenging to decide which is the best pick. Furthermore, you can get your sewing machine either from a dealer or online with each having its benefits and drawbacks. This only further complicates your decision as to which is the best sewing machine.

Usability

When looking for a sewing table, consider one that offers you with adequate space to comfortably layout patters as well as to measure your fabrics. Therefore, the best sewing cabinets come with a tape measure edge as well as a gridded surface to improve its practicality.

Portability

The best sewing cabinets need to be portable as this considerably improves its convenience. You should thus look for a sewing table that features rolling and locking casters since this usually free you from having to set aside a particular spot in your home.

Surface Area

A sewing cabinet must come with adequate space to at least house a sewing machine. The best sewing cabinets in the market offer you additional room to do your ironing, basting, cutting as well as pinning. If you intend to do all this on your sewing cabinet, you should get a model that has a considerable surface area because it guarantees you a more suitable sewing experience.

Stability

When searching for the ideal sewing cabinet, you should go for one that is very stable. The primary reason for this is because sewing machines usually run at high speeds and any wobbly table would begin to shake. The best sewing cabinet thus should be not only robust but also stable.

Assembly

You must never buy any sewing machine which comes pre-assembled. Likewise, you need to avoid sewing tables and cabinets that take an extremely long duration to assemble. The best sewing cabinets should take a maximum of several hours to be fully assembled.

Airlift Mechanism

The best sewing cabinets incorporate an airlift mechanism despite being considerably costlier. This feature permits you to store the sewing machine below the surface whenever you are not using it. Additionally, airlift mechanisms permit you to adjust the height to perform either a free-arm or flatbed.

Home Space

You need first to confirm that you have adequate space in your home before getting a sewing cabinet. Thus, knowing whether you will place your sewing table in front or behind your bedroom door or in a reserved sewing room is vital before you buy one.

Conclusion

With all these factors in mind, you are better placed choosing between the best sewing cabinets in the market. All you need to do is inspect what features are perfect for your needs as well as your budget to help you make an informed decision.…

Water Filtration2019-05-212025-04-18

What To Look For In An Iron Filter

If you are using well water at home or at work, you must have realized that it makes your clothes, sinks, bathrooms, and bathtubs rusty. It also has a rusty, metallic taste when used for drinking or cooking. This is because it contains iron, manganese, and other contaminants. Luckily, you can easily remove iron in water using filtration systems. If you are buying iron filtration systems, check for the following.

High-Performance Rating

Performance rating is the most crucial factor to consider when buying iron filters. Generally, you should buy an iron filter that works fast and effectively to satisfy your daily clean water requirements with ease. One that is not adversely affected by power outages. One that filters not just iron but also manganese, pesticides, herbicides, and rust. Overall, a good iron filter should get rid of the unwanted substances in water without demineralizing it. It should also leave the water odorless and pure. In most cases, performance is pegged on the brand and size of the iron filter. Therefore, choose the right iron filter size for the amount of water you need to be filtered and softened in a day. Go for trusted brands as well.

Can Soften Hard Water

Buying an iron filter that doubles as a water softener are like killing two birds with one stone. Remember that on top of filtering well water, you also need to soften it sometimes, depending on where you live. Hard water damages your fixtures and appliances, and it is therefore not suitable for domestic and industrial use. A good iron filter should be able to improve the taste of your well water by removing all traces of iron and other contaminants in it and removing its hardness at the same time.

Ease Of Maintenance

You expect to repair and maintain your iron filter frequently. Therefore, choose one that you can easily clean and repair when it breaks down. There are some iron filter designs that are susceptible to clogging and leaks. Give such designs a wide berth. Iron water filters with salt-based softening units will need you to buy salts regularly, and you may need to think of that as well.

Ease Of Installation

Don’t buy an iron filter that you will struggle to install. Choose a simple model whose installation does not require a professional. Some models come with free step-by-step installation manuals and customer support. Insist on such models to make your life easier. Be careful with the models that require additional hardware. It may take longer to install such models.

Long Lifespan

Look for a durable iron filter that will serve you for a long period. Keep in mind that iron filters are prone to wear and tear. For this reason, you need to choose a model with a long filter life. One way of determining the durability of an iron filter is checking its warranty period. Go for the models that have a high warranty period, say five years or more.

Finally, you will also want to consider the price of the iron filter to buy. While you want to use clean and safe water, you also have a budget to stick to. Therefore, choose a reasonably priced filter whose price is well within your budget.…

Home Improvement, Real Estate2018-02-162019-10-22

House Improvement Ideas to Increase Its Selling Price

Our house is personal to us. The way we arrange everything in the house, from ornaments in the yard to the interior furniture, is the reflection of our personality and our lifestyle. And at some moments in life, we have to let go what we love most, and our house can be one of them.

Getting the best deal for a place that means a lot to us is a must. For selling a house, there might be some suggestions about house improvement that you need to hear first before deciding to open a price. You will not believe how a little remodeling and retouching on the house details can skyrocket the house’s price.

When do you need to renovate

Renovating the house before selling is always a good idea in terms of aesthetic purpose, and general repairs will always bring you a good deal. But for a total house makeover with a hope that you will get the most profit out of the sale, the rule will be different.

The price competitiveness in the neighborhood

First thing first, you need to know the average price of other houses in your neighborhood. San Fransisco and New Yor City are the examples where only general renovation is necessary. The value of the estates there is already high.

But if you live somewhere else, areas that fall into ‘average’ category, you can check the average price of the local property from either newspaper or estate agency. For example, in Ontario, Canada, Oakville is known as the neighborhood dominated by colonial architectural design. It has its unique selling aspect, but it might be appealing only to the enthusiasts of that specific architectural style.

The hype on the property market

There are hypes of architectural design. Once it was log home, with its dominant wood element, that was famous in not so long ago, 2016. Then contemporary style with an exposed bridge in the yard, and a visible shared place dominated 2017. Inquire what is in hype on the market by browsing through architectural magazines or sites. DETAIL, Architectural Review, are two big names on the subject.

General renovation

When you do not need to have a total makeover for your house, the general maintenance should start from the floors and the walls. If you have been ignoring the unmatched floor tiles all of these years, then it is time to correct them.

Rejuvenation of walls and floors can raise the price of your house by fifteen percents. And that is quite a profit, isn’t it?

An interior painting will cost you from 3,000 to 5,000 USD. Avoid cutting the budget by doing it by yourself. It will surely waste your time if you fail. Besides, hiring a professional painter will give you an opportunity to consult what colors are fashionable on the property market.

Then, go check on the roof. Replace every broken shingle and fix any roof leakage. Color also matters in this case. If you make a change in the exterior of the house, your roof color must follow.

The last is the building line and plumbing system. Make sure that no pipe is worn out, and everything is in good shape. Clogging and leakage decrease your property value by 30%.

Total Makeover

When you decide to have a total makeover, …