5 Home Repairs Best Left to the Pros

Taking care of your home involves many tasks. From simple repairs to more complex work, most people try to DIY before calling the experts. While some jobs are perfectly suitable for the savvy homeowner, other tasks should only be carried out by experienced contractors. Here are some of them:

Roofing

Your roof is what protects your home and everything in it from the elements. Think long and hard before trying to make any repairs yourself–just one mistake could result in a leak that will put all of that at risk. Plus, roofs are steep and this makes them very hard to work on. Overall, repairing your roof is a job often better off left to the pros.

Hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are beautiful, durable, and timeless, but they do need to be refinished every once in a while in order to retain their beauty and resilience. The only problem is, this is a very difficult job to get right. If the hardwood is being exposed after years of being covered over by carpet or laminate, the task is even greater. And the resulting dust cloud from sanding all of the adhesive off of the surface can be toxic. Don’t risk it – have a professional handle this kind of job for you. Source: Homes

Sheet flooring or wall-to-wall carpet

Because homeowners are so accustomed to installing plank or self-adhesive tile flooring, it’s easy to think that all flooring is simple to install. Not so with sheet vinyl flooring or wall to wall carpeting. Large format materials are difficult to source, transport, lay out, and cut. Let the pros do this job. Source: TheSpruce

Weight-bearing walls

Unless you have training and experience tearing down, reconstructing or otherwise altering load-bearing walls, you should probably leave a task like this to the professionals, as it could be dangerous to do on your own.

Plumbing

If you’re remodeling a bathroom or fixing up a kitchen, you may find yourself in need of new plumbing or water routes. This can be a complex job, best left to professionals. Source: Clutter

Home repairs can sometimes be simple and straightforward enough for any homeowner, but there are many instances in which it is best to call a contractor. Don’t take chances with costly repairs that could cause further damage if done incorrectly. If you need help with anything carpet or flooring-related, give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help!

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Factors To Consider When Choosing a Doorbell Camera

Are you considering installing a doorbell camera? With so many different brands, models, and features on the market today, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. But before you make that important decision — whether it’s upgrading an existing system or starting from scratch — there are several factors to consider. Here are some of them:

Resolution 

The higher the resolution, the clearer the picture you get, but consider that higher resolution video also requires more bandwidth to stream and takes up more storage space. If your front porch is in direct sunlight or strong shade, we strongly recommend opting for a video doorbell with HDR support as it helps to prevent bright areas from appearing blown out or shadowy areas from being too dark to see.

Field of view and aspect ratio

If you want a head-to-toe view of the person at your front door, then think about the field of view and aspect ratio offered by your prospective pick. A wider field of view will take more in but can cause a fish eye effect. Rather than a traditional landscape aspect ratio, you may prefer a square or portrait view to ensure you can see a visitor’s face and any packages that might be on your porch. 

Source: Wired

Audio 

One of the biggest benefits of doorbell cameras is being able to communicate through it. Two way audio allows you to speak with whoever is at the door, such as telling delivery men to leave a package somewhere specific.

Source: SafeHome

Latency 

If your smart doorbell camera takes a long time to send a push notification after someone rings your doorbell, then you risk missing your visitor completely. You also need to be sure you’re getting notifications when something sets off the motion detector, as you can set the motion sensor of most video doorbells to notify you of activity happening near your door, even if no one rings the buzzer. If you have latency problems, start with your Wi-Fi connection. If it isn’t strong where the doorbell is installed, you might consider moving it (or, more easily, getting a Wi-Fi range extender). But it could also be the way the software works.

Source: CNET

With all these factors to consider, we understand how challenging it can be to determine which doorbell camera is the right fit for your lifestyle and needs. Aside from considering the range of features it provides, you also have to check its compatibility with your existing security system. So if you’re still unsure which one to choose, call us! We’ll be more than happy to help you.

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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Choosing the Best Flooring for Your Home

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when choosing your home’s flooring. Every room, lifestyle, and budget have different needs and factors to consider. That’s why in this blog post, we will explore all the key elements involved in determining what flooring is right for you.

Are you looking for flooring that requires little maintenance?

• • Your Answer: Absolutely. It Is My Primary Concern
    • Choose This Flooring: Any form of resilient (vinyl) flooring is best, such as tile, sheet, or plank. Laminate flooring is a close second, only because it needs special cleaning methods. Because wet mops can ruin it, use an extremely damp mop or a system like a Swiffer Wet Jet.
  • Your Answer: It Would Be Nice, But It’s Not the Most Important Thing
• Choose This Flooring: With solid hardwood, you trade beauty for maintenance. No matter what the manufacturers say, it takes work to keep solid or engineered wood looking good, but it’s worth it. Keep high-traffic areas covered with throw rugs and runners to cut down on maintenance.

Source: TheSpruce

How would you describe your style?

DO: Consider your home’s layout. Got an open floor plan? Using the same flooring throughout the space will create a clean, continuous appearance. 

DON’T: Forget about your home’s architectural integrity. By all means, make your home a reflection of your personal style. (Get inspired by these super-cool floor ideas.) Just keep in mind that staying true to your home’s innate style will pay off when it’s time to sell. 
 
Tip: Hardwood floors are the goof-proof option.

Hardwood is a win-win when it comes to architectural style. It’s equally at home in both classic and contemporary abodes. You and your eventual buyers will never regret the choice.

It’s practical and beautiful; hardwood is strong enough for kitchen duty, but adds a homey and classic touch. Source: HouseLogic

How much is your budget?

Keep in mind that along with the cost of the floor material, you may need to incorporate the cost of underlayment, delivery, and installation, as well as removal and disposal of your previous flooring. Don’t forget to factor in any additional materials such as baseboards, stains, or adhesives. Source: HGTV

If you want to dive deeper into this topic and ask more specific questions relevant to your needs, give us a call! We’ll help you pick the flooring that will perfectly suit your home.

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Living Alone: Tips for Staying Safe

Although living alone can be liberating and empowering, it is imperative that you remain safe while doing so. Therefore, we have compiled a few tips and tricks to help you stay protected and secure even when you’re living on your own.

Check out the neighborhood

One of the easiest ways to keep yourself safe while living alone? Live in a safe, secure neighborhood with low crime. Researching the crime and safety rating of an area is easy on Google, allowing you to pick and choose neighborhoods where you’ll feel secure.

Inspect the apartment’s security

Appraising a potential apartment and building for security flaws is another way to avoid problems before they even happen. Does the building have a doorman to prevent non-residents from entering without permission? Is it a controlled-access apartment with multi-step authentication for residents? Do all the doors and windows securely latch? Consider all the ways someone unwanted could gain access to the building and the apartment. If there are too many weak spots that makes you an easy target then it’s not the right place for you.

Source: Rent

Install a security camera 

It’s important to ensure your apartment has adequate security, but having your own personal home security is a good idea. “Video doorbells are becoming increasingly popular because they allow people to feel safer at all times of day. However, any type of security camera is a plus. Even a sign stating that there is a security camera can be of benefit,” says Bennet.

Not only that, but a doorbell camera can allow you to monitor who is at your door. Never open the door to people you don’t know and always utilize a peephole or doorbell camera when someone is knocking on your door.

Source: ApartmentGuide

Use smart locks

We all know that hiding a key under the welcome mat is tantamount to sending burglars an invitation. Thanks to smart locks, you never need to worry about lost or stolen keys again. Smart locks can use everything from a number code to your fingerprint as a key.

Many also come with remote control features that let you check to make sure you remembered to lock the door—and, if you forgot, you can lock it instantly with just a swipe of your finger.

Source: Safewise

As always, if you need any professional advice on improving the security of your house or want additional tips for staying safe when living alone, don’t hesitate to call us! We’ll gladly help you find a solution that will suit your budget and needs.

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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How to handle a break-in at home

Dealing with a burglary at home can be a distressing experience that leaves you feeling vulnerable and violated. However, it’s crucial to remain calm and take immediate action to ensure your safety and the security of your property. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to deal with a break-in at home, including the essential steps to take after a burglary. Whether you’ve been a victim of a recent burglary or want to be prepared in case of a future break-in, this post will provide you with valuable insights to help you navigate through this challenging situation.

Inform the police and insurance company 

Once you’ve collected all the details, call the police. Giving the authorities information like dates, times, lists of items stolen, and photos of the scene or possessions will strengthen the investigation. This data also helps them piece together incidents if there have been other break-ins in your neighborhood. The police are here to help you, so the more details you give, the better the outcome.

After filing a police report, the responding officer will look through the details. That’s why photos, timelines, and any other information you can give law enforcement is crucial. If violent crime was involved, you may hear from a detective or the sheriff’s office for further information.

Many home and renters insurance policies cover vandalism and theft (to an extent). The details will depend on your policy, but you could be compensated or get help from your insurance provider. After you’ve filed the police report, call and make a claim to find out if you’re covered.

Source: SafeWise

Get in touch with your bank

Regardless of whether actual bank cards, credit cards, or checks were stolen, savvy thieves can use statements and other identifying documents to access your accounts, especially if a laptop that you’ve used to log on to your bank account has been taken. Let your bank and credit card companies know there’s been a robbery, provide them with the police report as soon as it’s available, and protect your accounts.

Source: BobVila

Repair damages and work on tightening the security

Now, it’s time to prevent (or at least decrease the likelihood) of future break-ins. We recommend using the following:

• Home alarm systems: Home security systems are your best defense against home burglaries. If you’re wondering whether you need a home security system, the answer is most likely yes, unless you live in an apartment building with door attendants and/or surveillance cameras. For most homeowners, installing motion-activated security sensors on doors and windows is a great way to prevent burglaries. Find out if you need a permit for your security system before researching the cost of security systems. You may actually be able to save money if you have a home office; see if your home security system is tax deductible.
• Security cameras: Security cameras give the police more evidence that a crime has taken place. Additionally, security cameras deter crime, as most burglars choose a different home if they notice video surveillance. To get started, learn about the cost of security cameras and then how to install security cameras.
• Video doorbells: Video doorbells are a type of outdoor security camera that lets you know if someone is at your door. They are a great way to prevent package theft, along with other types of home burglaries.
• Safes: Place any important or expensive items that you have, such as jewelry, in a safe, ideally hidden somewhere in your home.
• Smart locks: Smart locks let you know whenever someone has entered your home; you’ll also be able to lock and unlock your door remotely. Source: Security

If you have security concerns or need assistance upgrading your home security system, call us! We’ll work with you to find a solution that will perfectly suit your budget and needs.

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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Budget Flooring Options for the Bathroom

When remodeling your bathroom, choosing the right flooring can be a daunting task, especially if you are on a tight budget. Fortunately, there are many options available on the market that make it possible to create a stylish and functional bathroom floor without breaking the bank. Here are some of them:

Luxury vinyl flooring

A step up from standard vinyl flooring, luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is a thicker form of semi-rigid vinyl that usually comes in planks that are assembled with a “click-lock” tongue-and-groove system. Because there are seams between planks, there is the possibility of water infiltration to the subfloor, but the flooring itself is entirely waterproof.

The advantage of luxury vinyl is that it is available in many different types, many of which are convincing copies of natural wood, stone, or ceramics. This is a relatively easy flooring to install, which makes it a good choice for DIYers. Source: TheSpruce

Ceramic or porcelain tiles

Thanks to their creative potential and array of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes, ceramic and porcelain tiles are a top choice for bathroom flooring ideas on a budget. With clay-based bodies high-fired to become hardy tiles and waterproof glass-like coatings called glazes, ceramic and porcelain tiles are long-lasting and easy to maintain. Although porcelain tends to be more durable than ceramic, both are great bathroom choices. Both materials stand up to the splashes, humidity, and frequent foot traffic of your bathroom.

Look for affordable ceramic and porcelain tiles for as low as $1 per square foot; mosaic tiles start at less than $3 per square foot. Keep in mind that mosaic tiles are an especially great option in terms of safety because the multiple grout lines make mosaic tile bathroom floors slip-resistant. Source: BHG

Laminate

If you’re looking to mimic the simple and natural look of real wood for your bathroom floor, laminate is an inexpensive and durable substitute that’s made from wood byproducts. Today’s laminate flooring looks sleek and modern and consists of several layers that make it strong and waterproof. The thicker your planks, the more resistant they are to warping. Laminate comes in a myriad of designs, finishes, and sizes. Source: ThisOldHouse

We hope this post has given you inspiration and ideas for your bathroom renovation project. If you need repairs for chipped tiles or other tile-related issues, call us! We’ll gladly make them look good as new in no time.

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How to Get Rid of New Carpet Smell

If you’ve recently installed a new carpet in your home, you may be thrilled with the upgrade. But there’s one minor annoyance to contend with: that strong “new carpet smell” that lingers for weeks or even months afterward.  While some people appreciate the scent, others find it unpleasant or overwhelming. Fortunately, getting rid of this odor doesn’t have to mean pulling up all the carpeting and starting from scratch. But first, here’s why your carpet gives off that chemical aroma.

Where is it coming from?

The odor of new carpeting is caused by chemicals known as volatile organic compounds or VOCs. This broad group of chemicals includes many that are frequently used in the manufacture of household products such as paint, vinyl flooring, and pressed-wood furniture.

Volatile in this case means they evaporate at room temperature. As a new carpet gradually releases, or off-gasses chemical residue, the chemicals enter the air where we can smell them. Within a few days to a few weeks, these fumes dissipate, and the carpet no longer smells.

The VOCs responsible for new carpet smell are 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) and, to a lesser extent, styrene. These usually come from the synthetic latex in the carpet’s backing, as well as from the padding and adhesives used to secure the carpet during installation. Dyes, water repellents, anti-static agents, and other chemical auxiliaries can also bring VOCs into your home if they weren’t completely rinsed out during manufacturing. Source: TodaysHomeowner

What to do about it?

There are a few ways to reduce odor and prevent fumes from escaping. In a small space, consider a portable air filter to help with new rug odor removal. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to give your new rug a quick once-over. These filters remove toxins and irritants from your home, minimizing that new rug smell and improving your indoor air quality.

If you prefer to avoid buying additional products, simply take your new synthetic rug outside. Leave it unrolled in a garage or on the porch so that most of the smell will dissipate outside and not in your indoor space. Want a quicker option? Cross-ventilation can whisk away unpleasant odors, so open those windows and place a fan where it can blow across your new rug. If you have an extra fan to set in the window, then face it outward to blow the chemicals outdoors. Source: Overstock

What NOT to do?

Detergents should not be used on carpeting in general and are especially unnecessary on new carpeting. Detergents tend to leave behind residue that can damage carpeting. Avoid removing smell via detergents. Source: WikiHow

Unless you have a heavily soiled carpet, professional cleaning shouldn’t be necessary. However, if the smell won’t go away on its own, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We have specialized equipment designed specifically for removing stubborn odors from carpets and other fabrics. If you’re having difficulty getting rid of the smell yourself or need more assistance with managing it, contact us; we’d love to help!

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Do You Need a Security Door?

Making sure that your home is secure from unwanted visitors should be a priority for every homeowner. While deadbolts and locks are great security measures, you may want to consider taking it one step further with the installation of a high-quality security door.

What is a security door?

A security door is built to help prevent unauthorized entry from intruders; it also can help withstand the force from storms and weather abuse, and can offer a much higher level of protection than a regular door. Security doors typically come in two basic types. One type is an openwork steel door, which looks like wrought iron and has a tempered glass back panel. The second type looks like a regular wooden or fiberglass door, but is actually made of steel with sturdy side fixings. A security screen door can be added for an additional level of safety. A security door does not have to be only external; for example, they can be used to protect panic rooms, escape routes, basements or vaults.

Source: HomeQuestionsAnswered

What are its pros and cons?

Con: Installation

A security door that’s installed improperly can become faulty. It’s important to bring in a pro with experience with installing security doors if you want your door to perform under pressure.

Pro: Safety

Burglars are looking for the house on the block that’s the easiest one to break into. When they see a security door, it’s an instant deterrent because the time and effort needed to breach the door will increase their chances of being caught. Burglars are also likely to assume that a homeowner who is savvy enough to install a security door probably has other security measures in place.

Con: Price

As you might expect, security doors are generally more expensive than traditional doors. This is a situation where you have to make the call on what you’ll pay for peace of mind. If you’re looking for a way to make your home safer without installing a heavy-duty security door, a security screen door is another option. 

Pro: Protection

Security doors don’t just provide security against other people. They can also keep you safer in a storm. A security door can withstand strong winds and flying debris better than a standard door.

Source: Angi

Can you fit it with smart features?

An electronic security door has electronic features designed to enhance security and support security measures. Such doors can interface with a larger electronic security system. On the electronic security door itself, features like electronic keypads or biometric locks may be implemented. Electronic security doors can also be fitted with card swipes or radio frequency identification (RFID) locks. These features allow a facility to limit who is allowed to pass through the door.

Security doors can also be alarmed. These doors may send an automatic signal to a central control room whenever they are opened, and they are often equipped with cameras so that security officers can see who went through the door. The door also maintains logs indicating who opened the door and at what time. The security logs can be matched with camera records. If the electronic security door is forced or interfered with, alarms may sound remotely, as well as locally, depending on how the security system is organized.

Source: Wisegeek

If you need assistance in finding the right security door or want someone experienced to handle the installation process, call us today and let us work with you to find a solution that fits both your budget and security needs.

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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