Author: Melissa Lee

What Is a Biohazard?

Posted on by Melissa Lee

biohazard cleanup Denver

The term biohazard is used to refer to any kind of biological material, such as microorganisms, plants, animals, the byproducts of these as well as components and byproducts of the human body that pause health risks for other humans or animals. The term is usually scary for most of us, bringing to mind pictures of the large-scale contamination of natural waters or severe diseases caused by touching other people’s blood, such as infections with HIV or hepatitis.

However, we are exposed to biohazards all the time, for example from the surfaces we touch as we move around in our city or town, but our immune system is usually able to ward off most of the pathogens we encounter. Even though our immune systems are very strong, there are certain situations that require special attention and professional cleanup and contamination – here are some examples to illustrate those situations.

Human Blood and Bodily Fluids

Contact with human blood and bodily fluids is considered to be highly dangerous and so is the contact with any object contaminated with these fluids. There are various situations in which the handling of this type of biological material is inevitable, such as in laboratories where blood tests are performed or on crime scenes, but wherever they are encountered anyone handling these materials must observe the highest level of precautions. The people coming into contact with these materials must always wear suitable personal protective equipment and handle any containers or contaminated objects with the highest level of care and attention.

Animal Waste and Carcasses

According to biohazard cleanup Denver specialists, the excrement of animals, the body parts of animals or complete carcasses are also considered biohazards, especially in advanced states of putrefaction. The bedding materials and the sand or the granules used for absorbing animal excrement are also highly hazardous and need to be handled with maximum care. This rule applies for the households where owners handle the waste material loved by their pets as well as for farms where cattle, poultry, pigs or other animals are kept.

Sharp Waste

The term is used for referring to any material that has edges or that is pointed, such as surgical equipment, needles, glass slides or IV tubing. These materials need to be handled using special procedures and also disposed of among special circumstances.

Chemical Spells That Occur Among Commercial or Industrial Settings

Acid spills or the spills resulting from damage sustained by the containers used for holding hazardous materials are also considered biohazard. The neutralization and the elimination of these contaminations usually requires special techniques and special materials, therefore the processes can only be handled by professional biohazard cleanup companies.

Biohazard Levels

The Center for Disease Control has defined 4 levels of biohazards:

  • level 1 – these are pathogens that pose minimal threats to animals and humans, such as common bacteria that we encounter day by day without even knowing it.
  • level 2 – this type of biohazard material can cause severe illnesses and spread through contact with infected materials, such as hepatitis B or salmonella.
  • level 3: these pathogens airborne and they can cause serious diseases.
  • level 4 – these pathogens cause severe illness that there is no cure for, such as Ebola.

Tips to Win a Bid in a Competitive Real Estate Market

Posted on by Melissa Lee

homes for sale in Erie CO

Finding your dream house can be a long and stressful process. However, if you are financially secure, you can act with confidence. In a seller’s market, all home buyers are your competition, so do not exchange information with anyone regardless of how close you feel with them. Bidding wars are a part of the real estate market and they should not feel personal in any way.

Main Tips and Strategies

According to an informed realtor with experience listing homes for sale in Erie CO, there are many tips and strategies that you can use to win a bid. One of them is being preapproved for mortgage. A prequalification process entails a preapproval letter based on credit score and income documentation.

Another tip is to make a generous offer that fits your budget. To do that, you can get into contact with the seller’s listing agent to find out about previous or current bidding offers.

It is also important to not get too emotional during the process because it can make the seller feel uneasy. Instead, you can choose to be proactive and stay on top of the situation by accessing housing data specific to the local market.

Sometimes, it helps to not be afraid of overpaying in order to defeat your competition. Outbidding other buyers with money upfront is also a plus.

Do not spend extra money on bonus commissions or fees requested by the real estate agent. It is better to save your money for the bidding process.

Using delayed financing to gain access to cash can also prove to be a good strategy. A cash sale, usually, closes much faster than the other ones. It is also very enticing to the seller.

Personal Pitch and Willingness to Walk Away

Making a personal pitch to the seller can also help. It is important to leave a lasting impression by providing details connected to your personal life or even personal desires and aspirations. To make the seller remember you, it is also worthwhile attempting to get them to empathize with you, so focus on things you might have in common. Last but not least, do not mention any of your financial problems to the seller or real estate agent.

Being willing to walk away from the bidding process at any time can also help with not looking desperate to the seller. In addition, purchasing PMI (private mortgage insurance) can be a plus in the eyes of many sellers that you try to impress.

Last Resort

If all else fails, just drop your contingencies which are the specific conditions that have to be met before the sale is completed. The contingencies are only necessary for the mortgage lender and you can close the sale without them if you choose to do so. You can also drop the house inspection to show that you are not picky about repairs. You can choose to inspect the property yourself instead of hiring a professional to do it. You can check the: outlets, garage doors, home security systems, faucets, showers, toilets, gutters and home appliances. While doing so, you can pay close attention to any weird odors or look for cracks in the foundation. Moreover, do not ask for improvement records or home warranties in case the seller is not willing to provide them.

All in all, just be flexible and available to meet with the seller at any time. However, do not meet with them before you complete your documentation. They may ask to see bank statements, income information and credit score papers.

 

What Makes a Home Builder Great?

Posted on by Melissa Lee

Are you looking to build a new house for you and your family? Maybe you’re just starting out as an investor and you’re trying to build a unique new house that you can then sell for a lot of money. Residential construction can be a hassle either way, and you’ll find that it pays to have a dependable and skilled construction expert by your side from start to finish.

Westminster real estate agent

But what really makes a home builder so great? According to a Westminster real estate agent near me, here are a few good answers to that question and find out whether or not it’s actually worth hiring one of the best home builders in your local area:

  • A friendly approach, good knowledge of the local environment and the ability to convey vital information to the client in laymen terms should all be considered vital assets that a great home builder should have. If you plan on starting an ambitious construction project for building a larger home, you’ll find the fact that your new home builder has these qualities will already be a great asset.
  • Home builders should have good knowledge of architectural work and how to apply the blueprint of your new home in the real world. The practical approach to building a new house is not only necessary, but also very crucial when it comes to making sure that any design flaws are discovered and that the new home will be able to withstand the test of the elements at least over the next few decades.
  • A home builder has to be well-organized and capable to account for unexpected problems during a construction project. Whether utility lines are found under the old property, the soil is unstable or there are concerns about the structural integrity of the new house, you’ll find that a truly skilled and experienced home builder will be able to tackle all these issues and get them solved in no time at all.
  • There isn’t much point to building a new home for yourself if you aren’t able to benefit from the latest and most cutting edge products and technologies used in the construction industry. A dependable and knowledgeable local construction company will easily provide you with knowledge on these matters and also put you in touch with manufacturers who can prepare special products for your home that are custom made to fit your particular needs.
  • Finally, a good home builder will be able to help you long after your construction project is finished. They can help with repairs, remodeling and renovations, as well as restoration work whenever it’s needed. Sometimes you can also benefit from affordable offers relating to home maintenance tasks as well as the installation of special products such as gutters and gutter guards, to prolong the life of your home in the long run.

All of these advantages and many others will be available to you as soon as you contact your local home builders and ask them to discuss your new project. You’ll find they can offer excellent advice from the very start, and their ability to organize their work, get things done quickly and deal with unexpected issues will exceed all your expectations.

Why Are Used Bobcats So Popular for Landscaping

Posted on by Melissa Lee

used bobcat for sale Colorado

Bobcats – skid steers named after one of the most popular brands – are among the most common pieces of equipment used not only on construction sites, but also for a variety of landscaping projects. Today, Bobcats are available not only directly from manufacturers – there are many companies that offer used machines in excellent condition, making access to the wonderful features offered by these powerful little pieces of equipment easier and more affordable for anyone. Here are some things to know about Bobcats and about the features that account for the huge popularity of these relatively small, but incredibly feature-rich and versatile machines.

What Are Bobcats?

Bobcats are compact construction machines that can be fitted with a variety of accessories to perform different jobs and that can be used to navigate even difficult terrain and narrow spaces that are inaccessible for larger machines. Most Bobcats are diesel powered and they come in varieties that run on wheels as well as inversions that run on tracks to increase maneuverability on difficult terrain.

The Types of Projects That Bobcats Can Be Used For

In their basic form, Bobcats are compact earth moving and demolition machines fitted with a bucket in the front, but these sturdy little machines can be easily fitted with other accessories that make them double for a variety of other machines. The list with the type of projects that Bobcats can be used for is very long. Here are some of the most common landscaping tasks that Bobcats can handle efficiently with the right type of accessory attached:

  • Site preparation for landscaping purposes – one of the most common tasks handled by Bobcats is site cleaning and site preparation before other landscaping tasks. You can use your Bobcat to cut and to remove the dried plants and other vegetal debris to perform an accurate evaluation of the terrain to be transformed during your landscaping project. Bobcats being so easy to navigate and being suitable for very fine movements, they can be safely used around large trees without having to be concerned about hurting the trunks or the roots of those trees.
  • Hauling – Bobcats can also do an excellent service when trees are cut and the logs need to be removed.
  • Ground leveling – fitted with the right type of leveling attachment, you can rely on your bobcat to straighten the surface of the soil. In most cases, the soil will need to be loosened before you can start the leveling process with the help of your Bobcat, but some machines are suitable for that process as well.
  • Preparing the landscape for turf installation – the process usually involves the removal of the top layer of the soil to replace it with new, more fertile ground or the loosening of the surface. You can use your bobcat for both.
  • Demolition – Bobcats can also be used for small demolition work, such as the removal of fences existing on the job site or for tearing down smaller buildings such as sheds. After the demolition work is complete, you can also use your Bobcat to remove the debris, leaving the landscape clean and free from obstacles.

If you are looking for a used bobcat for sale Colorado residents recommend MTC Equipment for affordable pricing and honest service.

4 Ways to Create Your Dream Backyard Space

Posted on by Melissa Lee

If you have a large backyard that has been long unused and neglected, but now you are trying to figure out how you could turn it into a dream space, a beautiful refuge where you can entertain your friends and replenish your energies, here are some tips for you – ideas that usually require some work and investment, but that surely make the effort worthwhile.

Deck Company

Add a Pergola or Deck to Get Some Shade

Your new pergola or deck will instantly add some shaded comfort to your backyard space, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor area even when the weather turns sweltering hot. When creating the design of your pergola or deck, you should consider the scope of usage, the location, the size, the material as well as the style of your property. The first things to determine are what you will use the pergola for and what type of amenities you will need for that scope – if you are planning to use the space for grilling in the shaded area, make sure to place it away from the house; if you want to add a hot tub, make sure that you have access to electricity. A leading deck company near me says that the scope of usage will determine the type and the materials to use as well as the extra functionalities that you might need, such as retractability or remote-controlled operation.

Choose the Right Type of Vegetation to Have Some Lasting Natural Beauty

To make your backyard a cozy, inviting place, indeed, your space needs plants. When choosing your vegetation, research the plants that thrive in your climate and make sure to have flowering plants as well as evergreens and trees. Today, getting a spectacular garden does not have to take years – you can now easily buy large plants that will transform your yard instantly, skipping the long period that trees and shrubs need to grow and to start really embellishing your yard.

Get a Fire Pit

A fire pit that is sunken into the ground or a masonry fireplace built from beautiful stones is another great addition that will add style, comfort and atmosphere to your backyard. When picking the pit and designing the surrounding area, think about how many people you will be entertaining around the fire and also consider the fuel type that works best for you – fortunately, wood-burning pits as well as the units that run on propane or on natural gas come in a variety of styles, so you will surely find the best option.

Get a Pool

Whether it is a small structure or a large one, a pool is another great addition that refreshes the look of your yard, a feature that adds functionality as well as value to your entire property. If you have been long dreaming to get a backyard pool, be prepared that the process involves excavation and lots of installation work. The process takes longer and is somewhat more complicated than getting a fire pit or planting a couple of trees, but with the right type of professional help, the results will be nothing short of spectacular.

 

What Makes a Composite Window a Good Choice?

Posted on by Melissa Lee

Bets Choice Window Replacement Company Near Me Composite Windows

Having good quality windows is essential for the lasting comfort of your home as well as for creating an energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing environment on your property. If you are currently browsing window options, you surely know by now that the material that the frame is made from is just as important as the number of the panes, but selecting the right frame option is a much more complex process than deciding on the thickness of the multi-glazing panel. To make it easier for you to select the right frame type, here are the features offered by composite frames.

What Are Composite Frames Made from?

The term “composite” refers to materials that are composed from more than one constituent, usually components with different physical and chemical properties. When mixed, the constituent materials create a material that is stronger, durable and more versatile than its components.

When the term is used to refer to window frame materials, it denotes a combination of wood and fiberglass or it refers to frames that use two distinct materials, such as wood on the interior for enhanced aesthetics and vinyl on the exterior to enhance the frame’s ability to withstand harsh weather.

The Benefits of Composite Windows

Composite window frames are among the best options for a number of features:

  • Resistance to the elements – composite frames can stand up to a lot, including wind, rain, snow, strong solar radiation and wide temperature variations;
  • Resistance to rot and insects – composite is impervious to rot as well as to insects, such termites that can cause such damage to wooden building components;
  • Strength – composite is a very strong material, therefore it is often the best option for large windows;
  • Durability – good quality composite windows can last for up to four decades without cracking, warping or sustaining any damage;
  • Energy-efficiency – the materials used in composite are all excellent insulators that give the window frames made from composite the ability to minimize the energy exchange between the room and the exterior environment;
  • Low maintenance – composite windows need almost no maintenance at all, the only task necessary being occasional cleaning;
  • Design variety – composite windows come in a very wide array of colors, textures and styles, from sleek, minimalist styles to elaborate designs that feature lots of details;
  • Environment friendly options – window manufacturers often use recycled materials for making composite frames and the frames can also be recycled at the end of their lifespan, therefore composite is an excellent choice for environment-conscious customers;
  • Affordability – composite is the second most affordable window frame material, with prices just a little higher than vinyl, the cheapest option available today.

If the benefits offered by composite frames have raised your interest, but you need help with the selection of the right product, the best way to proceed is to turn to a professional window contractor for replacement windows near me. Most contractors provide consultation for free and they will also measure the openings for which you need new windows to make sure that that the order for the windows is placed using the right parameters.

How to Hire Companies Offering Health and Safety Programs in Colorado

Posted on by Melissa Lee

health and safety programs Colorado

Occupational safety and health is currently one of the most important and developed areas of employment and social affairs policy. This field is an integral part of the conception of the organization and development of the work processes and has the role to prevent the dysfunctions within the work system through specific measures and means, so that work can be carried out in conditions of maximum security and efficiency.

The ultimate goal of occupational safety and health is to protect the life, integrity and health of workers against the risks of injury and occupational disease that may occur at work.

The employer has the general obligation to ensure the security and to protect the health of the employees. Risk assessment aims to allow the employer to adopt appropriate prevention and protection measures, with reference to:

  • occupational risk prevention
  • employee training
  • informing workers
  • implementation of a management system that allows the effective application of the necessary measures

The assessment of the risks of accidents and occupational diseases must be structured so as to allow employees and persons responsible for labor protection:

  • to identify existing hazards and to evaluate the risks associated with these hazards, in order to establish the measures intended to protect the health and ensure the safety of the employees, in accordance with the legal prescriptions;
  • to assess the risks in order to optimally select, knowingly, the equipment, substances or chemical compounds used, as well as the arrangement and organization of work sites
  • to verify whether the measures adopted are adequate
  • to establish both the priorities for action and the opportunity to take additional measures, as a result of analyzing the conclusions of the risk assessment
  • to confirm to employers, competent authorities, employees and/ or their representatives that all relevant factors, related to the work process, have been taken into account
  • to ensure that prevention and protection measures, considered necessary and adopted on the basis of risk assessment, effectively contribute to the improvement of occupational safety and health

If you are located in Colorado, there should be no problem finding a company that offers health and safety programs Colorado instructional training. However, you will have to evaluate them and make sure they are licensed and offer valid certifications.

Other criteria to look for include the experience in the occupational work and safety field and the portfolio of the company. The more diversified the portfolio the more confident you can be that the service provider will offer you efficient help. Make sure that the company you choose has your field of activity listed in its portfolio, because you want a specialist in labor protection in the field of activity of your business.

The costs of hiring a company offering health and safety programs are also important to consider. If it practices the cheapest price on the market, then you might question the quality of its services, especially if it lacks a portfolio. On the other hand, if it practices the highest price, then it is again a question mark if the respective services actually are good enough to deserve the price.

Another important thing is how you communicate with the health and safety specialist. Poor communication from the beginning will lead to a poor quality long-term partnership.

 

How Do We Determine We Need Roof Repair Instead of Replacement?

Posted on by Melissa Lee

roofers in Denver

The two principle ways to address roof damage are repair and replacement, the final restoration decision depending on many factors. Here are some aspects to consider when determining the best course of action.

The Amount of Damage Sustained by the Roof

A couple of damaged shingles or chipped tiles can be easily be solved by removing the affected components and replacing them with a new piece. However, if the roof has sustained extensive damage, with much of its surface being deteriorated or missing or if the damage has started affecting the support structure of the roof, causing its decking and the beams to sag, roofers in Denver say roof replacement is probably the best way to proceed.

The Frequency of the Problems

Every roof can be affected by minor leaks occasionally and getting a few drops of water in the attic after a major storm is no cause for worry. However, if you hardly fix one leak and the next one appears, it is a sign that your roof is weakened and it might need to be replaced.

The Age of the Roof and the Expected Durability

Each type of roofing material comes with a specific lifespan. If your roof is still young, repairs are probably enough to restore its strength and reliability, but if your problematic roof is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, you will soon need to get it replaced anyway, so you should start preparing for the investment and the discomfort.

Your Plans with the Property

If you are planning to stay in the home and the issues that you experience are not very severe, you can get the roof simply patched up. However, if you are planning to put your property out on the market, getting the roof replaced might be a better solution as it is very hard to sell a home with an old and damaged roof. Fortunately, the investment into a new roof is one that adds serious value to your property, allowing you to sell your property faster as well as to recoup about 70% of your investment from the sale price.

The Importance of an Expert Opinion

The best way to decide whether repairing or replacing your roof is a better solution is to call experienced roofers in Denver to check the structure. Many types of roof damage, such as components ripped off by a storm, look more severe than they really are, while other forms of deterioration, such as moisture damage in the supporting structure can be very serious without too many initial signs. Your roofer will inspect every inch of your roof, looking at it from the ground, from roof level as well from the inside and will provide a report of all the issues found, then you will also get recommendations about the best way to address the problems. Most Denver roofers provide such roof inspections for free or for a very affordable fee, so you can start looking for a Denver roofer to hire right now – later, you will need a professional for the repair or the replacement of your roof anyway.

Sure-fire Ways to Help Protect Your Commercial Roof from Storm Damage

Posted on by Melissa Lee

Your commercial roof is an important and valuable asset, the building component that protects your building and its contents from the elements. Commercial roofs are built to last and to endure a lot, but with storms becoming increasingly frequent and increasingly strong these days, they need help to be able to stand up to the strong winds, heavy raining and frequent hail that comes with storms. While you cannot ensure complete storm protection to your roof, there are many things that you can do to enable your roof to survive storms with as little damage as possible – here are some tips.

commercial roofing contractor Kansas City MO

Clean and Inspect Your Roof and Your Gutters Before the Stormy Season

A commercial roofing contractor Kansas City MO professional suggests that proper roof maintenance is the best way to minimize the risk of storm damage on your roof. The process should involve the cleaning of the roof surface and of the gutters, the detailed inspection of the roof to identify weak point and already existing damage and the repair of any fault right away. While the process seems simple, you should hire a roofer to do it for you – many roofs are unsafe to step on, therefore they can only be cleaned with the help of tools that seem special, but are standard for professional roofers and detecting and repairing roof faults also takes some specialized know-how.

Taking Care of Your Landscape

If you have large trees on your property, you are probably very proud of them and enjoy their beauty and the shade that they offer. However, those large old trees can also be dangerous during stormy periods – the high winds associated with storms can easily tear off large limbs and drop them on your roof, causing cracks, dents, holes or even more serious damage in your roof and the presence of trees also increases the amount of dirt, dried leaves and twigs that might accumulate on your roof. The solution is simple: check your trees, especially the ones that have limbs overhanging your roof and cut off the limbs that seem weak, ill or just grow in the wrong direction.

Treat Your Roof with Protective Coating

Water damage is among the major threats that come with the stormy season – water can find even the tiniest crack or hole and enter the deeper layers of your roof or of your building. The best way to prevent that is to apply a suitable sealant on the roof surface. After your roof has been cleaned and inspected and all the minor and major roofing faults have been remedied, you can choose a water-proofing roof coating and apply it on the structure. These coating products come in many varieties, such as acrylic, urethane and silicone products, but they are all very easy to apply, either with a roller or from a can, with methods similar to applying paint. Many roof coating products are available in transparent as well as in colored versions – if you pick a coating in a color that matches your overall building design, the coating will refresh the appearance of your entire property.

Tips and New Ideas in Fence Design

Posted on by Melissa Lee

Fences, whether used for surrounding your commercial or your residential property, serve several important purposes, including marking your property’s boundaries, making your place secure, protecting your privacy and enhancing your property’s curb appeal. While traditional designs are great for fulfilling all these roles, there are lots of new fences Denver design ideas that you can also be efficiently used for creating an edgy, sturdy and secure fence for your property – here are some.

Horizontal Slats and Contrasting Colors

While traditionally, the only way to install fencing slats was horizontally, modern, edgy designs use horizontal slats for really attractive appearance. Many fencing materials come in a wide range of colors and textures or can be painted to any color, so you can further enhance the appearance of your horizontal fence with contrasting colors, such as combining black or dark brown slats with white posts can further enhance the stunning, attractive look.

A Classic Material in Sleek, Modern Style – Wooden Slats

While wood can be used for creating rustic fences, the material is also suitable for creating edgy, modern designs. Smooth, even slats made from cedar or some other variety of durable wood installed in a metal frame or between sleek metal or masonry posts work great for any property.

fences Denver designs

Patterned Concrete

The slightly industrial look of wall-like concrete fences can be softened with patterns and geometrical shapes carved into the concrete. A concrete fence is perfect for all the purposes that a fence can possibly fulfill – it is durable, it provides all the security that you need and with a little creativity, it can be made very attractive.

Alternated Brick and Metal Elements

One way to combine the two materials is to alternate them. Build a brick wall of about three feet in width, then install metal slats of the same width, then add one more brick section, followed by a metal section and continue until you build the desired width. The solution is great if you have an old brick fence, too – you can save a lot of work by replacing only certain sections of your brick wall with metal. To further enhance the look of your fence, use two neutral, matching tools – one for the brick section and one for the metal.

A Bamboo Fence

Bamboo might look frail and fragile, but in fact it is one of the strongest, most resistant building materials. The most attractive bamboo fences are the ones that include the bamboo into a strong frame made from wood or metal – if you have a bamboo supplier near you, you can decide to make your own fence or you can turn to a supplier of fence materials and buy ready-made panels.

Gabion Fencing

Gabion walls consist of natural stone in a metal cage and they are among the sturdiest, most durable fencing solutions available today. Gabion fences feature a sleek appearance, but if you don’t like the slightly industrial appearance, you can choose to plant some variety of durable and resistant climbing plants or shrubs that will soon cover your wall and transform it into a rustic green fence.