Helping All Kinds of People Connect with Contractors

As a referral network, Specialized Outsource Solutions lends it's services to a wide range of people. Our main goal is to help our clients avoid the dread of researching a home contractor by providing referrals to reputable, certified, and reliable local home contractors. No matter who calls for a referral, they can always count on time and cost savings, too. Here’s a summary of what SOS can do for our all kinds of people who need to connect with a qualified contractor:

Homeowners: 

When it comes to home repairs or remodeling, there are certain tasks that homeowners can achieve on their own. However, when an emergency situation arises or a project becomes big enough, a certified contractor needs to step in. The process of researching and hiring the right home contractor can be tedious and time consuming. That’s where SOS comes in handy – homeowners get 24/7 access to our referral network when they contact us.

Building Owners:

When vendors and contractors become unreliable or perform sub-par work, it is essential for building owners to replace them as soon as possible. Not doing so can mean loss of rental income and result in disgruntled tenants or ultimately in legal proceedings. If reliable contractors are not in place when an emergency disaster occurs, such as fire damage or major plumbing problems, taking the time to evaluate and hire the right contractors prolongs the job completion. Calling SOS is the perfect solution to maintaining a healthy property and keeping tenants happy. One call is all it takes to get 24/7 referrals to professional contractors from our vast database who are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Property Managers:

Managing multiple properties, along with the ongoing list of property repairs and the occasional emergency service, is time consuming and ever-changing. Having a one-call referral network helps property managers access the right contractors for all types of jobs, from plumbing leaks to asphalt repairs. Getting referrals any time of day is efficient, and SOS only refers certified, licensed, and bonded contractors.

Realtors and Lenders:

In order for a property to sell, repairs may need to be addressed which can often prolong the escrow process. Realtors and lenders should have certified, qualified, and reliable contractors to quickly make repairs. SOS is a one-call solution to finding referrals to local, certified contractors for nearly every home repair service. With 24/7 access to the SOS referral network, real estate professionals can call when unexpected events occur, such as overnight pipe bursts that can result in serious water damage.

Agents and Brokers:

The relationship that is built and fostered between agents, brokers, and their clients is important, especially when these clients rely on their trusted expert opinions in times when they have home repair needs. SOS prides itself on continuing the same exceptional customer service when we provide quality referrals to local contractors needed to complete specific jobs.

Insurance Companies:

Quality and efficiency are key when it comes to property insurance professionals and the handling of property claims. Thankfully, SOS has access to a database of qualified contractors for nearly every type of home service, and our referrals are available 24/7. The contractors in our network are local and certified. All of this adds up to a one-call solution to getting referrals to contractors who keep the job on a tight timeline with quality outcomes and customer satisfaction.

Condo- and Home-Owner Associations:

Getting reputable contractors can be a daunting task, even for some property managers. Occasionally, board members will rely on their own research to integrate a new contractor into home repair services when they need to replace a bad contractor. SOS recommends putting a plan in place before plumbing repairs or fire or water restoration services are needed. When this situation arises, SOS will work with association board members and refer certified, licensed contractors who are local and can get the job done right the first time.

Learn how SOS can help YOU find a solution to finding a quality contractor. Contact us at 1-888-589-1868 or fill out our online service request form today for referrals to contractors who will get the job done right.

Dealing with Minor Mold Growth on Your Own

If you encounter small patches of surface mold and feel like you can remedy the problem without calling a contractor, follow some of these DIY tips and preventative measures suggested by Specialized Outsource Solutions. Remember, if it seems like too much to handle, you’re probably right. Always defer to professionals to help keep yourself and your home healthy.

• The most common type of surface mold: Mildew (it grows most often in your bathroom, in the form of small black spots, and can easily be remedied on your own)
• Scour small patches of mold with boric acid (wear gloves and goggles)
• Avoid using ammonia in your cleaning products, as it can be poisonous 
• Create your own cleaning solution to scrub out mold: Mix lemon juice and water together, as it can be a natural, more pleasant-smelling alternative to bleach and other cleaners
• Bleach is most effective on mold growth appearing on impervious surfaces (like grout, concrete, tile, etc.)
• If you see mold on wood, take a screwdriver and try to scrape the very top surface. If it seems like the mold has softened the wood further down, it’s likely rotted to the point where your own remedies may not be able to fix it and the wood may require replacement
• Use paint with mildewicide (found at home improvement stores), especially in damp rooms like bathrooms and laundry rooms
• Clean your ventilation systems: These are prime spots for mold growth, dust mites, and germs
• Keep up with normal household chores: Mop up spills and puddles the moment they occur, scrub bathrooms with commercial cleaner and prevent surfaces from staying damp
• Immediately tend to burst pipes and keep drains unobstructed 
• Routinely check attics and other non-frequented places for signs of mold, musty smells and water stains 
• Items stored in attics (and basements) should be in air-tight containers or bags to create an extra barrier against moisture
• Remember: Some molds can be very detrimental to your health. Always wear protective gear when working on your own to rid your home of mold and always use a professional when needed.

If the visible area of mold is more than 10-square feet or if you think your mold problem is too much to handle on your own, do yourself a favor and see what a certified contractor will say. Specialized Outsource Solutions (SOS) will refer you to reputable and certified professional contractors in your area that specialize in mold removal. Call 888-589-1868 or fill out an online Service Request form HERE.

There's mold in my home: When should I call a professional?

Mold found in homes can sometimes be remedied with a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) fix. However, when homeowners encounter large masses of mold growth, a contractor with legitimate certifications and experience is of utmost importance in order to avoid further (and more costly) damage and potential health problems.

Q: When should professional contractors step in? 
A: When mold begins growing in large quantities, the surface it’s growing on cannot be repaired with a DIY method, and its source (like a severe pipe leak) cannot be repaired without the help of a professional.

Certified contractors generally begin a mold remediation job by running lab tests to identify the type of mold on the scene. A remediation contractor will then define the best process to address the situation and commence work to remove or clean the affected area(s).

Homeowners dealing with significant amounts of mold will often need to remove drywall or discard moldy carpeting simply because it's impossible to clean. The removal process is sensitive; if a contractor is not well-versed or certified, they may further spread mold spores in the removal process. This can lead to additional remediation work and can trigger health issues, such as mold allergies. Always rely on professional workers to get the job done right the first time.

When it comes time to bring a professional mold contractor into the job, call Specialized Outsource Solutions for referrals to certified professional companies in your area. Speak with their customer service team at 888-589-1868 any day of the week, any time of day.

7 Ways to Save Money on Home Bills: Water Efficiency

If you’re looking to save money on monthly home bills, you can start by integrating these guidelines into your home life. Flush out some bad habits, pick up some new tips, and see if your water and sewage costs go down. 

1. Save more than 10% on water bills by fixing water leaks. Address dripping faucets by replacing rubber gaskets and/or gaskets, leaky showerheads can be fixed with pipe tape and a wrench, and running toilets may be repaired by replacing the rubber flapper.

2. Installing aerators on your kitchen and bathroom faucets may save up to $100 per year. Aerators help reduce the flow of water to moderate output, and a good model will do so without reducing water pressure.

3. Try to always run your dishwasher, and washing machine, and dryer at full capacity. You are wasting water and energy running them only half full. This tip also reduces carbon emissions (great for thinking green!).

4. Test for leaks in your toilet bowl with this colorful tip: Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank, and if you notice any color in the bowl within 20 minutes, there is a leak somewhere.

5. This unusually practical trick can save up to 10 gallons of water use per day: Some people turn to using a brick in their toilet’s water tank as a way to save water. An alternative to the brick is to use a plastic bottle with some sand or pebbles to weigh it down, and drop it in the tank (without it hindering the tank’s moving parts).

6. Repurpose your water. Some people do this by simply bringing a bucket in the shower to capture excess water, and others create complex systems to capture water. Installing rain barrels outdoors to capture rainwater also reduces the need to use the garden hose and thereby reduces your water bill. Learn more about repurposing water before putting it into practice.

7. Contact your city or municipality that handles water and sewage maintenance. Some city departments offer home inspections to identify the sources of possible leaks that could be driving up your water bill.

When it comes time to contact a professional for emergency pipe bursts or unruly water leaks, contact Specialized Outsource Solutions. We provide referrals to certified, licensed, and bonded contractors who are local and specialize in stopping leaks and addressing water damage to your home. Call 1-888-589-1868 or fill out our online service request form.