Wednesday, August 30, 2006

One Month untill move-in

Cant believe it, its just around the corner, for sure.... we can almost smell the new paint, the dried plaster and the obvious cracks and snags that accompany a new home.

We signed the contract on our 4 bedroom appartment exactly one year ago today.   Back then the 11 floor building that will soon house myself, my wife and our 4 month old rabbit was but a 2 floor building site.  Our appartment (on the second floor) was in existance and just about was covered by the floor above.  Its been an exciting but slow year watching the building rise from the dust.

Furniture (essential) has been ordered, notice of departure has been served to our current landlord, our new car arrives next week and soon we will be home owners.

Check back for progress and craziness...

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Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Keeping Your House Dry

There are several problems that water leakage can cause for you and your home. First, water leakage can cause the growth of fungi, mildew, and molds in your home. This can weaken your walls and cause bigger cracks, thus, increasing the possibility of vermin and rodent infestation. Second, due to the fungi and the rodents, your family becomes exposed to possible diseases.

Also, stagnant water is a perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes which are also carriers of diseases like dengue or malaria. Third, water leakage limits your living space. Using your basement or attic when it is wet or damp is out of question. Aside from being uncomfortable and smelly, there is also a high accident risk due to slippage. Fourth, water leakage decreases the value of your property. Real estate agents say that to sell a property with leakage problems, they generally have to lower prices even if the house is worth more than the selling price. This is because more than 25% of possible clients refuse a property with water leakage problems regardless of how minimal the problems are. But there is a solution to all these leakage problems, and that is making your house waterproof. With the development and availability of a variety of waterproofing solutions, there is surely one that can fit into your budget. A contractor is the first option for properties with severe water leakage problems like basement flooding. This is an expensive option and time-consuming.

However, for those who cannot afford waterproofing contractors, there are different methods available. One is to use a sump pump to pump water out of your house into a drainage. The equipment is installed at the lowest part of your house with a pipe leading to the main drainage system. This is only recommended for basement water problems. For condensation problem, a dehumidifier is often enough to solve it. However, if leakage is really the problem, a waterproof coating system would work well on any part of the house.

This option is cheaper compared to contractual work but will entail longer work hours if you opt to do it by yourself. Builders recommend that before undertaking any waterproofing work, clean the surrounding areas like the gutters and ventilation systems. Consequences of these problems are usually mistaken for leakage. This will also lead to the leakage's source. Most coating system starts with wirebrushing walls of the room to be waterproofed like the basement. This removes any debris that might affect the treatment. Using quick drying cement on holes and cracks usually follow.

When the cement dries, it is followed by three coatings of waterproofing enamel. Bill Emerick, a waterproofing specialist emphasize the importance of following indicated spread rates on the can of the solution. Too-thin coatings undo all your efforts to keep moisture and water out of your home. Regardless of whatever steps you take to maintain your property, you are making steps to ensure your family's health and the stability of your house.

You are also preserving the market value of your property, thereby, taking care of your investment. It might be tedious work, but waterproofing your home is an essential matter you shouldn't forget.

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