How Your 911 Phone Call May Cost You Thousands on a Fire Loss

Did you know there are people who listen in on the radio frequency used by the Fire Department on 911 phone calls? Be warned! You can expect a knock at your door shortly after making a call to 911 from various Public Adjusters, sometimes referred to as “ambulance chasers.” These Public Adjusters may tell you horror stories about your insurance company and how your insurance company will not treat you fairly or compensate you entirely for your damages. Beware as they may have one goal in mind - to take advantage of your misfortune in order to turn a profit.

Once a call is placed to 911 to report a fire, Public Adjusters competing with others in their line of work will race to be first-on-scene at the home, business or commercial building to take advantage of the situation. Public Adjusters may charge up to 40% of the total value of your claim for their services, costing helpless home, building and business owners thousands of unnecessarily-spent dollars. At 40%, they would charge $40,000 for every $100,000 you incur in costs for repairs and hotel stay, temporary housing or the cost to replace your personal or business property.

It may appear that these Public Adjusters travel in packs. Thirty of them may show up at a home or building immediately after the 911 call is made and for weeks afterward with different approaches and various sales pitches to get the property owner to hire them. They may blatantly lie to the property owner and tell them they were sent by the the insurance company (in an attempt to get information about the insurance company the building owner is insured with, what type of policy they have, the amount of their policy limits, their policy deductible and their insurance policy or claim number). In some cases, they have been known to offer the property owner or property manager an envelope full of cash for information or get them to sign with them for their services.

Public Adjusters often refer their own contractors who: 

• May likely not be insured, licensed or bonded
• May not pull permits or follow proper procedures
• May not finish the job after receiving a sizable down payment to begin repairs
• May cut corners in order to rake in even more cash for themselves (like replace plaster with drywall and not credit the owner the substantial price difference of the material & labor cost, not remove all affected materials in an attempt to save on construction costs, not replace insulation in the attic or walls, not hire a licensed abatement contractor to remove of and dispose of materials that test positive for lead or asbestos or install lower grade or not equivalent quality of materials than were initially in the home or building)

The Public Adjuster will likely tell you that you don’t have to pay them anything for their services and that the payment they receive will come from the increase they are able to get your insurance company to pay you. Regardless of whether they are able to increase the value of the claim or not, if you hire them, you are on the hook to pay them the percentage outlined in their contract. Ultimately, this could mean that you will receive less money than you would have been entitled to and that you don’t have enough money to repair all of the damage to your home or building or to replace your damaged business or personal property.

Most people don’t know that the adjuster sent by your insurance company will provide the same services as a Public Adjuster at no cost to the home or building owner. The difference between the two adjusters is that the Public Adjuster solicits and works for the general public who then pays them for their services. 

As an informed property owner, you should know that you have 72 hours to cancel a contract in the State of California, which is why the Public Adjuster may offer to report a claim to your insurance company on your behalf, while offering to put you up in a hotel or offer to send you and your family on a vacation for 3-days or more. In doing so, their intent may be that your insurance carrier can’t get a hold of you during the time period in which you can legally cancel your contract with them. They may fear that your insurance company’s adjuster will inform you about how Public Adjusters get paid or explain to you how the insurance company is regulated by The California Department of Insurance to follow the proper claims process.

Property owners need to know their legal rights - Legally, property owners can ask Public Adjusters to vacate their property , and can even call the police if they won't leave or continue to harass the owner. The California State Contractor’s License Board’s Website recommends not paying more than 10% of the total contract price or a $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment to any contractor.

The Bottom Line:

If you ever have to call 911 to report damage to your home or building due to a fire, make sure to give your insurance company a fair chance. If you feel you aren't bring treated fairly, contact The California Department of Insurance to initiate an investigation of your insurance company’s handling of your claim to ensure you are being treated fairly. Don't make a hasty decision while you are still traumatized from losing your home, pet, family member, business or property due to a fire.

If you feel confident that hiring a Public Adjuster is an option for you, make sure to check the California Department of Insurance’s website (www.DOI.CA.gov) to verify they are licensed and bonded and have no valid complaints filed against them. With so much information available to the public via the internet, you may also want to run a search on the Public Adjuster’s name or their company’s name to make sure others have had a good experience after retaining their services. As a final precautionary measure, you may also want to conduct research to confirm that the Public Adjuster has no criminal history of committing insurance fraud.

Specialized Outsource Solutions is here to insure a no hassle, worry-free, and trustworthy solution for you by referring contractors who are licensed, bonded, insured and believe in quality workmanship. SOS can refer a reputable contractor that specializes in cleaning the black soot residue from your home or building as well as your business or personal property and that also specializes in getting rid of smoke odor that can linger after a fire. Rely on SOS and call us at 1-888-589-1868 or request referral of a reputable contractor from our website.

Using WD-40 Around Your Home: Practical and Cheap

There are numerous alternative uses for everyday products in your home right now. The common household product called WD-40 (a lubricant, penetrating oil and water-displacing spray) is readily available and fairly inexpensive compared to other chemical products and is much more versatile. Here are some of the uses of WD-40 for homeowners to use around the house:

Have a baby Picasso who loves to draw with crayon?  WD-40 removes crayon from most surfaces: wallpaper, compressed wood furniture, plastics, shoes, toys, chalk boards, inside clothes dryers, carpet, glass, screen doors, rock walls, television screens, and place mats.

From sticky substances to scuff marks, WD-40 can remove: scuff marks from ceramic tile flooring, marks from floors left by chairs, coffee stains from floors, black streaks from hardwood floors, paint from tile flooring, rust stains from floors after mopping, mascara from tile floors, rollerblade and skateboard marks from floors, sticker residue from clothes, permanent ink from most items, grime from grout on bathroom floors, tile adhesive from new no-wax floors, nail polish from hardwood floors, glue deposits from linoleum, stickers from credit cards, melted tape on tables, marks on running boards, marking pen from glass, gum, grease, grime, and to clean piano keys.

Along with removing a plethora of sticky or greasy things, WD-40 will also lubricate any moving metal objects around the house, like sticky drawers, door hinges, zippers, and even frees those Lego blocks your kids can’t get unstuck. It protects metal from corrosion and rust. Dad would love to keep his tools nice and shiny and new looking right? With just a light coat of WD-40 on them, they won’t rust and will stay nice in good-as-new condition for years to come.

Specialized Outsource Solutions supports homeowners, and continues to give helpful DIY advice. When you need a reliable contractor, call us for referrals at 1-888-589-1868.

Rely on SOS’ referral of reputable companies for home projects you can’t do on your own, such as: 

• Remodeling 
• Plumbing 
• Water Restoration Services 
• Contents Pack-Out and Storage
• Lab Testing for Bacteria, Mold, Lead, and Asbestos
• Mold Remediation 
• Asbestos Abatement 
• Lead Renovation 
• Duct Cleaning 
• Exterminating Bed Bugs and Mites 
• Clean personal property and buildings damaged by fire 

SOS has a network of certified contractors to address repairs to your home or building. Call 24/7 at 1-888-589-1868.

About Asbestos: Facts and Dangers

Although the amount of asbestos found in our communities today is becoming scarce due to laws and regulations, it still remains a hazardous material when encountered. According to the Wall Street Journal, “Most exposure today comes when old insulation or tiling is disturbed during construction projects… and proper precautions are not taken to avoid breathing in dust.”

This is why hiring a certified contractor for home remodels, projects, and emergencies is essential. Here are some facts from the California Department of Health Services that homeowners should know about asbestos:

• Asbestos is a mineral fiber with qualities that make it useful for electrical and thermal insulation.
• Because of its high-insulation characteristic, it was often added to building materials.
• California’s most commonly-reported asbestos material is “popcorn” or “cottage cheese” ceiling known as “acoustic ceiling materials.”
• Asbestos can be found in vinyl floor tiles and floor mastic used in its installation; drywall or drywall patching compound; wall or ceiling textures; insulation for furnaces, stoves, pipes and electrical; some roofing shingles and mastic, as well as siding materials. 
• Asbestos-containing materials are generally found in materials that were manufactured prior to 1985, however, some of the manufactured materials were still being sold for several years after this. 
• If your home or building was built prior to 1988, you may want to have your home tested for asbestos-containing materials prior to removal of wall, ceiling, floor or roof materials.
• Your health may be compromised when inhaling asbestos fibers.
• Most people do not develop health problems when exposed to small amounts of asbestos.
• A combination of smoking and asbestos inhalation is found to be particularly hazardous.
• Asbestos can only be identified by a trained professional with special laboratory equipment.
• If you have asbestos in your home, you can remove it, contain it or live with it.
• The only way asbestos can affect your health is if the fibers are disturbed, become airborne and are inhaled. 
• Removing and disposing of asbestos should only be done by a certified professional.

Refer to the California Department of Health Services worksheet for additional information, useful phone numbers and informative websites: Click Here.

For asbestos-related issues in your home, call Specialized Outsource Solutions immediately. We take calls 24/7 and will refer local, certified contractors to remove and properly dispose of asbestos-containing materials. Call 1.888.589.1868 or click on our “Request Services” button from our website at www.sos-crnetwork.com.

California Department of Health Services. Indoor Air Quality Info Sheet, Asbestos in the Home and Workplace. March 2000. http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/IAQ/Documents/IAQ_Asbestos_2000-03.pdf

Searcey, Dionne. The Wall Street Journal. “Q&A: What’s the Asbestos Risk Today?”. March 10, 2013.

Decorate Your Home on the Cheap

If you’re looking for a change and want to redecorate your home, try these tips to get the most bang out of your buck:

1. Look up local auctions. Many communities will have consignment companies that auction whole furniture sets and individual furniture pieces that sell for far less than retail prices. Brush up on auction rules and bid like a pro.

2. Browse consignment stores. Often times, this type of store will look like your average furniture store. The variety of pieces will range from modern to antique, and will usually all be in pretty good shape. The great thing about these stores is that the store’s buyers get to pick and choose what they display and sell, so you won’t be running across a lot of worn out items.

3. Look for estate sales. There are companies that will go to a property and host an estate sale of all the items on the property. Most of the times these events are open to the public, but for some events you need to be on a list or invited. Estate sales are another way to get quality furniture (sometimes whole sets) for great prices. Find an estate sale near you.

4. Pick through thrift stores. Some items in thrift stores can be pretty worn, but chances are you can run across something in really good condition and for a great price! If you’re a do-it-yourself person, you can reupholster a good recliner that has tears in it or paint a table with worn paint. Look up some DIY tips and learn from the internet community how to make something old into something new. To stretch your bucks at thrift stores, ask about sale days (like half-off Saturdays or senior-discount Tuesdays).

5. Find inspiration. Online resources are plentiful and so are print materials. In fact, you may find inspiration in your every-day life. Pick up a home decorating magazine when you’re in the checkout line at the grocery store and try to mimic something you like. Or browse the web with a few keywords and see what types of images pop up that you can translate into home décor or that may inspire you. The world is your muse and so is the internet. Have fun and experiment!

If you want to take your home transformation a step further and need a contractor for a bigger project, call Specialized Outsource Solutions at 1.888.589.1868. From emergency home repairs (like fire, mold, vehicle and water damage) to home remodeling projects, we refer certified professionals in the Southern California area to address your needs. Visit our website or find us on Facebook today!

Rely on a Contractor Instead of Yourself

Sometimes we want to think the best way to address a home project is to put the job into our own hands. This may be the case for certain things, from redecorating to reflooring, depending on your confidence level and skill set. However, it’s important to know when to recruit a reliable contractor to handle a home project for you, especially in the case of an emergency or time-sensitive situation.

The cost of a project is one of the biggest reasons homeowners take projects and repairs into their own hands versus hiring out the work. This tactic can often backfire and lead to more out-of-pocket expenses in the long run. Getting uncertified work done to your home, whether by your own hands or through the cheap labor of a neighborhood handyman, often results in creating additional work by a professional to fix faulty workmanship. Hiring a professional from the start is a wise choice and doing so through SOS’s Contractor Referral Network can result in significant savings.

The experience a certified contractor carries is valuable. Unless you have previous experience in the industry, it is almost a sure bet that the contractor knows more about the job at hand and how to go about it in the most efficient manner. Why? Because they’ve probably done it before for other clients. Paying someone to do the job right the first time, especially when they’re experts in their line of work, eliminates faulty work and incurring additional unnecessary costs.

Beware as a homeowner who wants to do the work yourself (or direct other subcontractors) as you may not know the right order in which work needs to be completed and the sub-contractor you hire will only focus on the job you've hired them to do. For instance -- framing, electrical, wall insulation, and installation of light fixtures or ceiling fans should be done before drywall is installed or there are additional costs incurred for furniture removal or masking, drywall, texture and paint if the light fixtures are budgeted for and installed at a later date. Rely on the expertise of reputable, licensed general contractors to save you money in the long run.

A certified contractor also comes with their own set of guarantees, unlike you doing your own fixer-upper task. If the work they conduct is for some reason unsatisfactory, they are obligated to fix it. This will greatly influence your overall satisfaction with the repair process and final product as well as your peace of mind. Beware: Uncertified contractors may not be held to the same high standards as a general contractor. Unfortunately, there are few resources available to a homeowner to recoup any financial loss for poor workmanship or a job abandoned and unfinished! You can notify a bad contractor with a breach of contract if a job goes wrong.

Hiring a contractor means hiring a well-versed professional with industry contacts. If you are going to go to a local home-repair store to purchase materials, it is likely you’ll pay more than what a licensed contractor who purchases materials regularly and on a large scale can buy the same materials for (think of the savings Costco, AAA and Contractors Warehouse gives members who frequent their store). A contractor will have more knowledge on the types of materials that best suit the job with access to better price points upon purchasing.

If time is a factor in finishing a project, doing the work yourself can also take more time than a professional contractor who has multiple experienced workers available to complete the repairs. In the case of fire damage or water damage, it is best to address the repairs quickly and efficiently and to utilize a reputable company that is certified in proper removal or cleaning of materials affected by water, fire, asbestos, lead, bacteria or mold. In the case of a long-term project like a remodel, it is best to hire a crew who can work on a strict deadline. In both cases, a certified contractor can do the job in a shorter and more efficient timeline than you’re likely capable of doing.

For referrals of reliable and certified contractors, contact Specialized Outsource Solutions for a network of professionals for all types of home repair jobs. Call us 24/7 at 1.888.589.1868 or fill out an online form from to request referral services.

Funding Your Next Home Remodel or Project

Home projects are an ongoing event for homeowners, whether a home is newly purchased and needs some remodeling or if a home has been lived in for decades and is in need of repairs. The cost of the remodel or project is always a top concern. Keep the following information in mind when brainstorming the best way to fund your next home project:

Financing

Most people who finance home projects do so because making payments over a long period of time makes more sense than paying big chunks of money up front. If you turn to a bank for the loan, apply for a home equity loan or a personal loan. It’s wise to shop around for the lowest interest rates. If opening a new credit card is a feasible option, you may be able to take advantage of promotional advantages (such as zero-percent APR for 12 –15 months). Remember that certain home improvement stores offer their own credit cards too, which sometimes come with discounts off the initial purchase, saving you even more money.

Grants

When a property needs repairs in order to maintain a safe and livable quality, government grants may be available to fund the project. The grants help cover the costs of material and labor in order to remedy a situation such as bad roofing installation or major issues with wall siding. This type of funding normally requires the homeowner to meet certain income qualifications. Usually, the grant would only have to be paid back if the homeowner sells the home within a set amount of years. This is to prevent people who flip (fix-up and sell the home on a short time period) from utilizing grants to pay for home improvements that lead to profit after selling the property.

Tax Deductions

Getting a home improvement tax deduction is a possibility for projects that are eligible and follow specific rules and regulations. The project’s eligibility depends on a variety of factors including: state requirements, size of the home, age of the home and the details of the project itself.

For all avenues of funding your project, make sure you are consulting with professionals. Leaving your money and your project in the hands of a certified, credible company is your best bet to avoid a job gone badly. To get referrals for reliable contractors in Southern California, contact Specialized Outsource Solutions any day or time. Call 1.888.589.1868 or fill out an online form.

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.

Soot & Smoke Fire Damage in Your Home

Answering Your Questions About Certified Contracting

Some of Specialized Outsource Solutions’ clients have been talking to us a lot about one of our recent blog posts from June 2013 titled “Notify a Bad Contractor with a Breach of Contract Letter.” Since most people can relate to stories about hiring bad contractors, either on a personal note or through a neighbor or friend, SOS hopes to shed more insight into this type of scenario.

An esteemed source of information on this topic is California’s Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The team at SOS has put together information from the CSLB website pertaining to questions that often arise from our community. See if you can learn something new today:

• Cool tool: CLICK HERE to easily check a contractor’s license information and their complaint disclosure
• It is illegal for a construction contractor to ask for a down payment of more than 10% of the total contract price or $1,000 – whichever less is
• Take these precautions to avoid mechanics liens: Make payments at the same pace of the project, get joint signatures on payment checks between the prime contractor and their suppliers/subcontractors, sign proper lien release forms, and make the final payment after you’re satisfied and all parties have been compensated
• Never make cash payments
• Leave a paper trail whenever possible (receipts, copies of signed documents, etc)
• Licensed contractors, by law, are required to list their license number on all forms of advertising (e.g. business cards, websites, contracts, etc.)
• Unlicensed contracting, by law, cannot exceed a total contract cost of $500 (including labor and materials)
• CLICK HERE to see how the complaint process works for licensed contractors
• CLICK HERE to see how the complaint process works for unlicensed contractors

We really enjoy answering questions and addressing concerns when it comes to our line of business. What do you need to know? Leave your questions below in the “comments” section, or email us at info@sos-crnnetwork.com. Remember, SOS will refer you to quality contractors for a job done right.

(SOURCE: Department of Consumer Affairs. Contractors State License Board. http://www.cslb.ca.gov/)

Summertime Home Maintenance

It’s important to put some extra care into your home as we transition into summer. From being energy efficient indoors with your air conditioning, to taking care of outside safety measures for your pool – keep the following things in mind to gear up for an enjoyable season.

Your air conditioning unit will be the hero of your hottest days. For homes with window or free-standing air-conditioning units, make sure to remove and clean their filters. If you haven’t done this before, here’s a quick how-to:

• Power down and unplug your window or stand-alone A/C unit
• Get a putty knife to separate the grill from the mesh filter screen
• Prepare warm, soapy water to wash both the grill and the screen
• If mold is evident, it’s wise to add a safe amount of bleach to the cleaning mixture (best to do this cleaning outside of your home rather than release mold spores inside)
• Allow the grill and screen to dry completely before reattaching them to the unit

Any homeowner running their A/C, whether it’s central A/C or a window unit, should take care of a few energy-saving tasks. The caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is a major contributor to conserving cool air. If parts are not properly sealed, then fill gaps and replace old weather stripping with materials from a local home store. Ceiling fans can aid in air circulation when it’s cool enough to turn the A/C off. If you’re in the market for a new ceiling fan or stationary fan, go with a product with an ENERGY STAR sticker for optimum energy efficiency.

Fire season is expected to be strong during these summer months when the weather is hot and dry. To keep your home safe, take preventative measures to reduce chances of fire damage. Keep leaves and yard debris cleaned up and make a conscious effort to clean your gutters.

If you are fortunate enough to have a pool during these hot, sunny days, then make sure the access gate to your yard is secure. If children are around, you’ll really benefit from peace of mind if you have fencing along the pool’s perimeter with latches that are in working order.

If you encounter a home emergency or need a repair this summer, call SOS for referrals to contractors who will put as much care into your home as you do. Call 888-589-1868 or access our online service request form.

Have any tips to share with other homeowners? We’d love to hear them! Comment below or visit SOS on Facebook to tell us how you take care of your home during the summer months.

Unique Twists for Your Home Renovation

Home improvement projects are on an incredible rise this year. According to a houzz.com survey, these kinds of projects have increased by 12 percent compared to 2012, and seven percent fewer people are saying they have chosen to delay projects due to the economy (SOURCE: Forbes.com).

If you are part of the population looking to hire a certified contractor and join the home-renovation movement, it’s a great time to think outside the box. Here are some practical, unique, and outlandish suggestions to integrate into the scope of your next remodel:

• Cast iron sewer stack pipes (they reduce bathroom flushing noises )
• Lever doorknobs (much easier to open when your hands are full vs. round doorknobs)
• Soundproofing (especially for entertainment rooms and bedrooms)
• A central vacuum system
• Plumbing for a pot-filler faucet
• 3” PVC pipe inside a centrally-located wall that runs from the attic to the basement (for future projects that may require wires running through it such as behind a fireplace rock wall to hide your entertainment system wiring)
• Heated bathroom floors
• New-age outlets (from internal wall coiled extension cords to USB outlets)
• Secret passageways
• Pet-friendly features (peep holes, gates, odor-absorbing materials, etc.)
• Roofing sustainable for rainwater collection and solar panel installation
• Sunken entertainment area
• Backyard movie setup or interior home theater room

Contact SOS when you need referrals for your next minor project or major renovation for your home. Call 1.888.589.1868 or access our online referral form. 

We invite you to share your before and after home remodel/renovation project photos on our Facebook page: Show off your home project pics HERE.

Avoid the Dread of Researching a Home Service Contractor

Most homeowners searching for the right contractor find it difficult to detect credibility and judge cost structure. To end up with the right service contractor, you must be vigilant – research the company, read reviews, hunt down ratings, compare credentials, and check cost structure.

However, most people do not have the time to conduct such an extensive search, especially if the job requires immediate or emergency repairs. The stressful situation can quickly escalate and hasty decisions are made as a result.

Fortunately, Specialized Outsource Solutions offers a one-call service so you can avoid the dread of locating the right contractor. We refer a credible team of contractors for you, who are equipped to address and repair damages associated with the entire job in a timely fashion. SOS has access to Southern California’s high-quality service contractors. Here’s our guide to hiring reliable contractors:

Instead of completing an exhaustive search on-line, get ready to eliminate the chance of ending up with the wrong contractor. Call 888-589-1868 for your next home repair and trust SOS to relieve your stress.