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.

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.

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.

Notify a Bad Contractor with a Breach of Contract Letter

If you've hired a bad contractor who has not lived up to the signed contract, you can notify them of a breach of contract and request that they remedy the parts of the job that have gotten off track.

Start with examining your contract. It’s important you find ways to prove the agreement between you and the contractor has been compromised. Document these indiscretions as best as possible, as this will be the basis of your case if things get really messy and you have to go to court. Make sure to be as specific as possible (include dates, times, specific events, etc.).

After you document the specific issues, write a formal letter detailing the breach of contract. This will be sent to the contracting company and will serve as a notice of your terms. These terms should request the violation(s) be resolved within a given amount of days. The typical amount of time is 10 days from the date of the letter.

It's important to note the contract you signed may have language that describes what happens if either party breaches the contract. If so, be sure to note this in your letter. Conclude with a statement about pursuing appropriate legal action if the issues are not remedied within your proposed time frame.

• Be professional, not emotional
• Avoid foul language
• Use a formal letterhead
• Date the letter 
• Make a copy for your records
• Do not threaten suing or filing a lawsuit, as you may get legal ramifications if you threaten these things without actual intention of doing so
• Include a copy of the original contract and if you reference certain parts of it in your letter be sure to cite where (e.g. “On page two, paragraph five…”)
• Mail the letter via certified mail at the post office and request a delivery confirmation. Keep it in your files once you are notified it has been delivered
• Log on to the California State Contractor’s Website to file a formal complaint against the contractor 
• Be wary of bashing the contractor on social media websites, as libel can pose more unwanted, messy problems

(NOTE: Consult with an attorney regarding specific state contract laws)

If this has happened to you, make sure to hire a reputable contractor the next time around, and review the contract carefully before proceeding. Call Specialized Outsource Solutions at 1.888.589.1868 for referrals to qualified contractors. 

If you've had a bad experience with a contractor, please share your story on our Facebook site so others may benefit from your advice.

10 Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

It is important for you and everyone in your home to know a few plumbing basics. They can save you time and money down the road, as water damage repairs can be quite costly. Here are the top ten plumbing checks every homeowner should know:

1. Plumbing emergencies may require quick thinking and fast action. Everyone in your home should know where the main shut-off valve for the water is, just in case.

2. Learn how to read your water meter. When no one else is home and you know there is no water running, check your meter to ensure none of the dials are moving. If they are, then you may likely have a water leak somewhere.
(Insider Info: Toilets and faucets are the most likely culprits of these kinds of leaks, which are known to add a few hundred dollars a year to your water bill.)

3. Check for toilet leaks by inserting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. About 20 minutes later, check the toilet bowl for any presence of color. If you do see some color in the toilet bowl, there may be seepage around the flapper valve inside the toilet tank. It is an easy fix as long as you know there is a problem.

4. Try to drain a few gallons of water from your hot water heater tank twice a year. This ensures the valve works and also allows sediment accumulating at the bottom of the tank to clear out, maximizing heating efficiency.

(Insider Info: If you have the funds, invest in a tankless water heater and watch your utility bills lower because no energy is spent keeping gallons and gallons of water hot in a storage tank. A tankless water heater heats water on demand, when you need it.)

5.  When your toilet looks like it might overflow, remove the tank lid and press down on the flush valve, which plugs the hole at the bottom of the tank. This prevents the toilet from overflowing while you determine the source of the clog causing the problem. You may also turn off the water supply line located in the wall behind your toilet.

6. Keep all water and drain valves operational by opening and closing them at least twice a year. If you do not do this, a valve may freeze up over time. If you are caught in a plumbing dilemma and cannot turn the valve off, you could be facing serious problems.

7. Learn where these three stop valves are in your home. This allows you to turn off water at the problem source rather than inconvenience an entire household by turning off the main water shut-off valve to the house.

• Faucets (beneath kitchen cabinets)
• Refrigerator lines (in the wall behind the refrigerator)
• Toilets (in the wall behind the toilet)

8. Keep a plunger around for clogged sinks and toilets as they are effective tools for clearing clogged plumbing lines.

9. Invest in a few replacement parts such as a toilet kit and rubber gaskets for those simple plumbing fixes around the home.

10. Avoid chemical drain cleaners for removing clogs. Instead, use a plunger or invest in a plumbing tool called an auger (a.k.a. "snake”) for those tough obstructions in plumbing pipes.

NOTE: If you encounter a plumbing problem you cannot resolve, or an emergency arises, always hire a qualified contractor to address the issue. 

In need of a reputable company to address water damage due to a plumbing-related leak or water damage inside your home? Rely on Specialized Outsource Solutions for 24-hour emergency services. Call 1-888-589-1858 and we’ll direct you to the right plumber for the job. 

Fire Your Neighborhood Handyman & Hire a Pro

When home repairs are required, people often either take matters into their own hands and attempt to make their own repairs or opt for the less expensive route of hiring a handyman. However, there are many unforeseen issues that often arise. When it’s time to hire a professional, make sure you go about it the right way. Here’s why:

1. Get your job done right the first time

Finding a certified professional contractor means the job will be completed by someone with the proper skills, experience, training, and qualifications. Searching for the right contractor can be tedious and sometimes people end up hiring unqualified contractors, fly-by-night contractors who may not finish the job or contractors who aren't insured, licensed or bonded. The work done by tradesmen without credibility often becomes a temporary quick-fix, resulting in a much larger and more costly problem. This means going through a secondary search of hiring someone with the proper certifications to fix the damages resulting from hiring an unqualified tradesperson to do repairs.

2. Cheap repairs can lead to more costly fixes

When it comes to big, important home repair jobs, do not give in to penny-pinching. Hiring someone from your neighborhood to finish a job in your house often leads to calling a professional contractor in the long run, adding more time and money to the project. Professional tradesmen working with credible companies have the specialized knowledge to remedy your home repairs. Spend your hard-earned money on someone who can analyze the problem and fix it properly. Consider it an investment in your home and its appreciated value over time.

Specialized Outsource Solutions gives people like you a one-call solution: We refer reputable contractors who won’t put you through a second round of repairs. The companies affiliated with our network pass any negotiated cost savings on to our clients, assuring you pay for a job well done.

Call 888-589-1868 or access our online service request form to get your next job done right… the first time.

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.

11 Ways to Prepare Now for Fire Season

Southern California residents need to be on alert now. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is urging residents to prepare for fire season. After such a dry winter, it is even more important to be mindful of how you can prepare your home with preventative measures to withstand the state’s hot, dry climate.

Specialized Outsource Solutions proposes these 11 tips to get your current home equipped to reduce the risk of fire damage:

1) Keep it Trimmed: Make sure you keep long-hanging branches cut six feet above the ground

2) End Before 10: Start your yard work early when the landscape is naturally dewy and the temperature is cooler, and finish up by 10 a.m.

3) Dismiss the Debris: Leaves, needles, and other yard debris needs to be cleared off the ground, gutters, and rooftop

4) Keep it in the Kitchen: Make sure a fire extinguisher is readily available in your cooking area, as cooks tend to spark flames from time to time

5) Chimney Sweep: Clean your fireplace chimneys and flues once every year, minimum

6) Detect and Protect: Place smoke detectors in living and sleeping areas, test them regularly, and replace their batteries at least once a year

7) Tools n’ Such: Make sure all heat-emitting tools are off when not in use, allow them to cool before storing, and replace frayed electrical chords

8) 100 Friendly Feet: Keep clear a 100-foot parameter around your home to increase the chance of it surviving a wildfire

9) Beware of Air-Freshener Plug Ins: Regularly monitor air freshener levels and unplug when you aren't at home and when you’re asleep

10) Fish Tank Savvy: Ensure the power strip isn't susceptible to contact with water

11) Electrical Power Strips: Never attach extension cord to into a power strip with multiple outlets, and do not plug appliances into power strips

SOS is a referral network for reputable contractors who specialize in fire restoration and fire-damage repairs. The customer service center is open 24-hours, 7 days a week, and you can always access the SOS online referral request HERE.

Call 888-589-1868 in case your home or building does sustain damage due to smoke, soot, or heat associated with a fire.

(SOURCE: Cal Fire News Release. “Cal Fire Increases Staffing in Southern California as Fire Danger Rises.” www.fire.ca.gov. April 2013.)

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