Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Businesses are concerned about higher operating costs as they adjust to new safe distancing and precautionary measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic, MPs said yesterday, as they sought more support for affected firms.

Singapore Manufacturing Federation president Douglas Foo, a Nominated MP, highlighted that manufacturers are facing challenges such as increased cleaning expenses and costs associated with remote working needs like laptops and network servers, which are expected to be permanent additions to costs.

Mr Melvin Yong (Tanjong Pagar GRC) also weighed in on the impact of safe distancing requirements on business costs during the debate on the supplementary Fortitude Budget.

Cost may be a factor for some businesses' poor implementation of safe management practices, said Mr Yong.

The measures that companies are required to implement involve employing additional staff to control access to premises and monitor temperatures, and increasing the number of trips to ferry workers due to safe distancing requirements. These add to their expenditure, he said.

Employers are also concerned about having to bear the cost of Covid-19 swab tests that some workers have to take, said Mr Yong, highlighting how nursing home and pre-school staff now have to go through such tests before returning to work.

In the construction sector, workers are also required to be tested once every two weeks.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) had said last month that the Government will waive the cost of swab tests for construction workers until August, for those involved in works resuming by then.

"Many businesses are already reeling from the increasing costs of putting in place the ever-evolving set of protective measures to keep workplaces safe... Coupled with a sharp decline in revenue, our businesses are hit with a double whammy," said Mr Yong.

Ms Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC) called on the Government to absorb the cost of swab tests for the construction sector beyond August, or waive the requirement for such tests after that.

She also called for the construction sector to be given more support, including extending the foreign worker levy waiver until August.

The waiver will be 100 per cent in June and 50 per cent in July, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced last month.

But Ms Lee hopes that construction companies can receive a 100 per cent waiver until August. She said this is because most of them will not be able to resume operations until September or later.

Contractors need to fulfil numerous requirements, including in areas such as housing, before they can get approval from the BCA to resume work.

Mr Yong and Mr Foo also said that some safety and health measures at workplaces need to be fine-tuned.

Mr Foo appealed to policymakers to ensure that regulatory bodies have enough staff and resources so that approvals required for businesses to resume operations do not hinder efficiency.

Mr Yong said that employers and regulators should be mindful of the approach taken in setting out and implementing safe management measures so as not to compromise workers' safety.

For instance, in the construction and marine engineering sectors, wearing a mask could affect the ability of workers to carry out physically demanding work safely.

"Whichever the approach, safe management measures must not inadvertently cause poor safety at the workplace," said Mr Yong.

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Firms worried about higher costs with safe distancing rules - The Straits Times

AirThreds began with a mission to find the best solution for one of the most easily forgotten home comfort systems, the furnace.

DENVER (PRWEB) June 01, 2020

Transitioning to hot weather means its time to turn up the A/C. While our homes cant get enough of that powerful cool breeze, 82 percent of Americans fail to change their air filter on a regular basis to ensure that refreshing air is clean.

AirThreds is a recycle-friendly concept further benefiting homeowners with a machine washable design that lasts. While the product might seem like a small consumer convenience, something as simple as a clean air filter can financially impact a homeowner. Furnaces, just like people, require regular attention to stay healthy and theyre often neglected until its too late. Replacing an HVAC system is likely the second most expensive home repair behind replacing the roof.

In addition to preventing costly repairs, this summers indoor air quality has become an important topic as 90 percent of people are spending 20 hours inside each day during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The typical disposable HVAC filter is made most commonly with polyester or fiberglass woven fibers. They can also expose you to dust, dirt and even potentially harmful chemicals.

AirThreds brings more awareness to the waste these disposable products create. Due to their materials, many cities will not accept them in recycle programs.

An AirThred filter on the other hand is both reusable and made with 100 percent recyclable materials. In addition to utilizing eco-friendly materials, these filter fibers were designed to work smarter, not harder.

Not only do they create the perfect balance between airflow and particle capture, the fabric is antimicrobial treated. This helps prevent bacteria, mold and allergens that collect on a filter from blowing back into your home. Its one extra benefit for those suffering from asthma, allergies and those more susceptible to illness.

AirThreds retail for $59, but for cost comparison, one outlasts the life of 36 disposable filters. They come available in standard HVAC sizes.

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AirThreds releases the HVAC Filter doing more for homes and the planet - PR Web

America's Preferred Home Warranty Partnership with Child and Family Charities During COVID-19

JACKSON, Mich. (PRWEB) June 05, 2020

Child and Family Charities (CFC) and Americas Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) have a relationship going back nearly a decade. The nonprofit has grown considerably over the years, and APHW has not only kept donating, but repeatedly increased donations, fundraisers, and volunteers. These increases have made a huge impact on CFCs reach among mid-Michigan children, youth and familiesparticularly during COVID-19.

APHW has helped us become a stronger organization, said CFC CEO Julie Thomasma. And because of their help, we felt better about going into this situation, being better able to offer support and increase our services where they are needed most, she said.

Child and Family Charities assists mid-Michigan youth and families through 25 programs across six divisions. They have focused extra efforts around providing food assistance, childcare, shelter, and mental health services during COVID-19, Julie described, because so many more families need them these days, and so much more.

APHWs support also helped CFC to keep their entire staff during COVID-19, and even expand it. Weve actually hired additional coaches to meet the need, she said. And weve been doing even more work because that need is so great. Were in a really great position because of APHW.

The support from [APHW President and Owner] Randy Caltrider and APHW gives us that spark of hope to continue working with the populations and families we serve, said CFC Director of Development Demphna Krikorian. Were seeing the increasing needs, and well see more tomorrow and onward until we get through this. And we really couldnt do it without that spark, that hope, that APHW gives us.

Want to help? Visit https://www.childandfamily.org/ or call 517.882.4000 for more information.

Luke 12:48 - To whom much is given, much will be required.

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America's Preferred Home Warranty Partnership with Child and Family Charities Boosts Efforts During COVID-19 - PR Web

Today, Total Home Protection, a home warranty company working to provide high-quality home warranty products and services to homeowners, announced that they will be working on launching a new communication platform and developing a new CRM system to better manage all aspects of their business. Their newly conceptualized AI-based platform is designed to allow complete real-time visibility into all aspects of the process for all the parties involved, including Total Home Protections own employees, the service contractors in their network, and, most importantly, the consumers.

Traditionally, home warranty companies operate indistinguishably from one another. The homeowner is always tasked with calling the home warranty company to report when a home system or appliance has broken or has stopped working. The home warranty company then has its employees manually process this claim and connect the homeowner with a service provider who will contact them to make an appointment.After this, the service provider fixes thecoveredproblem, and the home warranty company will pay for the services rendered based on the homeowners contract coverage.Its an efficient, but incredibly lengthy process.

Now, according to the current owner and CEO of Total Home Protection David Seruya, their re engineered communication platform will make this process simpler, more efficient, and more open for homeowners. We are dedicated to providing World Class Customer Service through our technology and providing fast and effective solutions to our customers. This technology allows us to do that, said David Seruya.

According to Mr. Seruya, with this new technology, customers will be able to put in service claims online or over the phone using only their policy number. The platforms intuitive AI-based algorithms will then almost-automatically match each customers claim with the highest-rated technicians in the area so that they can be given the highest quality of service in the shortest amount of time feasible. Theyve also built-in new communication gateways that homeowners can use in order to get real-time updates on the job. These portals can also be used by homeowners to chat with certified professionals through text and it will allow them to track and follow the progression of repairs or replacements more easily so that they can stay better informed on the process.

June, of Auster, GA, a verified buyer of one of Total Home Protections plans had this to say about the companys communication practices. I turned the switch for the garbage disposal to come on, and it stayed on. It wouldnt cut off. So, I had to go into the garage and turn it off. I called in for a claim and I had no problem with the representative that I dealt with. The contractor came in less than 48 hours, and that was why I was impressed with Total Home Protection. Before them, I had American Home Shield and it was a nightmare. When you make a claim (with AHS), their contractors do not come until a week later. That was why I switched. This review was originally posted on the 10th of November, 2019, and thus, was reviewing Total Home Protections original systems.

However, it does still paint a fair picture of the companys existing customer service systems and the new systems that they plan to put into play. Former President Ronald Seruya says this about their growth. I am very proud of the growth the Company has seen since it started. I am happy I was there for the humble beginnings and Im even more excited to continue to see the company excel and become an industry juggernaut.

Total Home Protections ultimate goal is to deliver fast and effective solutions to homeowners with their home warranty products and their network of highly-rated service contractors. This new technology that they hope to put out is designed to help further that objective. Specifically, by focusing on improving the quality of customer relations and providing complete transparency in their process to keep consumers better informed, and thus, more satisfied.

This has always been one of Total Home Protections main goals, and although their current CRM systems are more than adequate at competing with most of the existing home warranty systems at large, they are hoping that this new communication platform and CRM system will help push their process into an entirely new standard of excellence.

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This interview with David Seruya, CEO of Total Home Protection, covers the competencies that led to the success of Total Home Protection. The company ensures what is probably the essential thing in the existence of a family: peace of mind, calm, and security. The firm can quickly find a solution for almost all problems with minimal costs.

Total Home Protection was founded in 2005 by David Seruya, a brave young man of only 25 years old. He learned how to run and develop the company step by step. He made mistakes that he corrected and from which he learned. He trained and perfected all the qualities necessary for a good leader. We will talk about some of the competencies that allowed him to improve his managerial skills.

What are the criteria for which you recommend Total Home Protection as the best company in the field?

David Seruya: There are several reasons why Total Home Protection is the ideal solution for any family that wants to be safe from small or large problems that may occur at home. We offer two home warranty plans: Gold Plan and Platinum Plan. Both cover the leading systems and appliances; Platinum Plan supplies extensive services. Friendly customer service 24/7 solves client problems in no time. The leading team carefully selects every technician; only a well-trained and certified technician can be part of our teams. Total Home Protection covers every repairs or replacement, without considering the damaged equipment price.

As a young entrepreneur, how did you manage to form and lead these teams of professionals

David Seruya: I carefully selected only certified technicians based on their CV, references, and, sometimes, my intuition. The supervisors choice is the most difficult. Supervising one colleague can generate issues, and I managed to help the supervisors to overcome sensitive situations. I always consider the technicians productivity and their organizational culture.

It is almost impossible to avoid all labor disputes. How did you manage to solve them so that the teams work in a friendly environment?

David Seruya: It is essential to find the conflict source. We talk patiently with both parties and collaborate in a friendly manner to find a win-win solution. I know that unsolved problems can damage the team activities and lead to significant issues. My emotional intelligence is an essential skill. It is an innate gift that cannot be learned. Emotional intelligence helps me to improve interpersonal relationships. I cannot lead a team to success without empathy and patience. This competence has developed over the years devoted to Total Home Protection and my family. I have many responsibilities that I must face, and I know how to avoid burnout.

It is time to talk about the importance of your skills as a great communicator

David Seruya: It is vital to have excellent verbal and written communication skills to manage employees. I need to create an organized structure to send the proper information to each compartment.

The communication with the employees is vital. I must often use my skills to find the right way to communicate with my employees in a delicate situation. During the Covid-19 period, our activity suffered the same restrictions as many firms all over the world. In certain zones, the business stopped, without affecting the technician income. Everything comes to regular these days.

I am convinced that my communication skills, my empathy, my emotional intelligence are the base of my technician teams success.

Sometimes teams of technicians must deal with many requests in a short time. They must collaborate very well to be efficient. Have you thought about team buildings to help technicians relax and become friends?

David Seruya: As a manager of Total Home Protection, I share our primary goals and vision with the employees. It is vital to help every technician to become part of a team, to collaborate better with his colleagues. Therefore, I organize, from time to time, team building events. First, I set the goals; then, I set up the budget. I call my collaborators to find the proper time and location.

The most popular team building events happen outdoor. Sometimes the weather forces us to remain indoors, but the game can be exciting too. A few volunteers help me organize the event. They have great ideas and often make it possible to get out of our comfort zone.

It is vital to have excellent customer service. What are the qualities that will help you to improve customer service permanently?

David Seruya: I learned to be a good coach. Inexperienced technicians receive help from me almost all the time. I like to share my knowledge and share my understood experience. It is the way for my new colleagues to find their weaknesses and improve their skills. I make efforts to train the new technicians because it is vital to respond quickly and offer practical help to our clients. In the meantime, the technicians also develop their problem-solving skills. Their knowledge must be updated because the change is essential to move steadily forward.

When I have significant problems to solve, I delegate the coaching tasks to one of the experienced employees. It increases their job responsibilities and may improve the organizations strategy.

Please tell me more about the most critical task that concerns you now

David Seruya: I am doing my best to find what motivates my employees and find how to support their initiatives. I use my resources to discover how to create the best work environment for my technicians.

Are your client testimonials favorable? Did you find an exciting proposal or idea in their thoughts?

David Seruya: The testimonials are a good source of ideas for improving our work, and when they are favorable, they are proof that the efforts we make every day have paid off. Total Home Protection plans are not available nationwide. Many testimonials ask us to offer reliable coverage everywhere in our country. Customers testify that they saved energy and time with Total Home Protection; the costs are competitive, and the service prompt and effective.

Some happy clients recommend Total Home Protection to their friends and families, as a good company. Clients had satisfying, positive experiences. Total Home Protection replaces the broken items with no charge or for minimal fees.

The testimonials help to build out prestige. I am happy to find that our site, the result of my work as a designer, is user friendly. Many comments are proof that the website works well and offers without much effort all required information.

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David Seruya about the competencies that made Total Home Protection successful - California Herald

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LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The automotive refurbished turbochargers market is expected to grow by USD 743.44 million during 2020-2024. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect the impact to be significant in the first quarter but gradually lessen in subsequent quarters with a limited impact on the full-year economic growth.

Request challenges and opportunities influenced by COVID-19 pandemic - Request a free sample report of the automotive refurbished turbochargers market

The demand for refurbished automotive turbochargers is increasing among consumers owing to their low cost compared to new units. Refurbished turbochargers are usually stripped down, cleaned, and the faulty parts are replaced by newer ones. Also, some parts in turbochargers, such as the compressor housing, need not be replaced as they are not susceptible to regular wear and tear. Refurbished turbochargers also look similar compared to the newer ones. In addition, prominent vendors are offering warranties on refurbished turbochargers. For instance, BorgWarner offers a one-year or a 100,000-mile warranty on its automotive refurbished turbochargers. Such cost benefits are driving the growth of the global automotive refurbished turbochargers market.

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR43072

As per Technavio, the development of electric turbochargers will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other significant trends and market drivers that will influence market growth over 2020-2024.

Automotive Refurbished Turbochargers Market: Development of Electric Turbochargers

Prominent vendors in the market are focusing on the development of electric turbochargers that feature motors. The electric motor enables the turbocharger to rapidly spin up the turbo at low speeds. This eliminates the turbo lag issue faced by conventional turbochargers. During deceleration, these turbochargers act as generators to charge the battery. They are also less complex to pack when compared to conventional turbochargers. With the increasing regulatory pressure to deliver fuel-efficient vehicles, the demand for electric turbochargers will gain traction during the forecast period.

The growing popularity of two-staged turbochargers and the development of turbocharged rotary engine will further boost market growth during the forecast period, says a senior analyst at Technavio.

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Automotive Refurbished Turbochargers Market: Segmentation Analysis

This market research report segments the automotive refurbished turbochargers market by Application (Passenger cars, LCVs, and M and HCVs) and Geographic Landscape (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and MEA).

The APAC region led the automotive refurbished turbochargers market in 2019, followed by Europe, North America, South America, and MEA respectively. During the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to register the highest incremental growth due to the growing demand for automobiles.

Technavios sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report

Some of the key topics covered in the report include:

Market Drivers

Market Challenges

Market Trends

Vendor Landscape

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavios report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavios comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Automotive Refurbished Turbochargers Market 2020-2024| Low Cost of Refurbished Turbochargers to Boost Market Growth | Technavio - Business Wire

The Extended Warranty Service market study Added by Market Study Report, LLC, provides an in-depth analysis pertaining to potential drivers fueling this industry. The study also encompasses valuable insights about profitability prospects, market size, growth dynamics, and revenue estimation of the business vertical. The study further draws attention to the competitive backdrop of renowned market contenders including their product offerings and business strategies.

The research report on Extended Warranty Service market provides a granular assessment of this business vertical and includes information concerning the market tendencies such as revenue estimations, current remuneration, market valuation, and market size over the estimated timeframe.

Request a sample Report of Extended Warranty Service Market at:https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/2678578?utm_source=3wnews.org&utm_medium=AG

An overview of the performance assessment of the Extended Warranty Service market is enlisted. The document also comprises of crucial insights pertaining to the major industry trends and the expected growth rate of the said market. The study encompasses specifics related to the growth avenues as well as the restraining factors for this business space.

Major factors underlined in the Extended Warranty Service market report:

Considering the geographical landscape of the Extended Warranty Service market:

Extended Warranty Service Market Segmentation: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific & Middle East and Africa.

A summary of the details offered in the Extended Warranty Service market report:

Ask for Discount on Extended Warranty Service Market Report at:https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/2678578?utm_source=3wnews.org&utm_medium=AG

An overview of the Extended Warranty Service market in terms of product type and application scope:

Product landscape:

Product types:

Key parameters included in the report:

Application Spectrum:

Application segmentation:

Specifics offered in report:

Additional information mentioned in the report:

Other insights regarding the competitive scenario of the Extended Warranty Service market:

Vendor base of Extended Warranty Service market:

Key parameters as per the report:

Highlights of the report:

Key questions answered in the report:

For More Details On this Report: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-extended-warranty-service-market-growth-status-and-outlook-2020-2025

Some of the Major Highlights of TOC covers:

Chapter 1: Methodology & Scope

Definition and forecast parameters

Methodology and forecast parameters

Data Sources

Chapter 2: Executive Summary

Business trends

Regional trends

Product trends

End-use trends

Chapter 3: Extended Warranty Service Industry Insights

Industry segmentation

Industry landscape

Vendor matrix

Technological and innovation landscape

Chapter 4: Extended Warranty Service Market, By Region

Chapter 5: Company Profile

Business Overview

Financial Data

Product Landscape

Strategic Outlook

SWOT Analysis

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Comprehensive Analysis on Extended Warranty Service Market based on types and application - 3rd Watch News

During this challenging time with COVID-19, many families are finding themselves doing more home renovations or home maintenance projects and perhaps learning new skills in the process.

Your home cannot take care of itself. Your monthly budget should include money for routine maintenance and repair for the house and yard. Plan to set money aside for the large, irregular expenses that occur normally as a house ages. Large expenses include interior and exterior painting, repairs or replacement of heating and air conditioning units and appliances, floor coverings, and roof surfaces.

Housing experts recommend setting aside 1 to 2 percent of the market value of your house each year to pay for maintenance and repair costs. While you many not need to use all of these funds in a given year, the accumulation of funds will help you pay for large future expenses such as installing a new heating and air conditioning unit, or replacing a roof.

Home maintenance helps provide a healthy, safe environment while protecting your largest investment your home. It is much easier to prevent possible health and safety issues or structural damage than it is to pay large medical or repair bills.

Who Is Responsible for Home Maintenance?

As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your home. If you live in a condominium or townhouse, you should check your homeowner agreement to determine what responsibilities you have and what responsibilities lie with the homeowners association.

What Is Involved in Home Maintenance?

Cleaning roofs and gutters, cleaning or painting outside wall surfaces, cleaning floors and walls, vacuuming carpet, keeping sinks and shower drains running freely, etc.

What Is Involved in Home Repair?

Replacing broken glass in windows or doors, replacing warped or worn shingles, repairing a cracked sidewalk or driveway, replacing worn out faucets, repairing broken stair rails, etc.

How Often Should You Do Maintenance and Repairs?

Maintenance and repairs should be done as soon as the need appears. This sooner-the-better practice helps prevent further damage and keeps repair costs down. At least once every 6 months, inspect your house and yard thoroughly to identify items needing work.

Who Should Do the Work?

The homeowner who does his or her own maintenance and repairs saves money. Use the following sources to learn how to do your own maintenance and repairs:

Manufacturers use booklets and care guides for repair and guidance on how to clean.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) publications are often available free in builder supply or hardware stores.

Home maintenance/repair books and videos in public libraries, stores, or online.

An experienced neighbor or friend.

If you are not able to do the work, hire a qualified, experienced contractor or repair person. Ask friends for personal recommendations. Check the telephone book, neighborhood newspapers, special advertisements and the Better Business Bureau to find a reputable repair person. Ask for written estimates and do not pay in advance for maintenance or repair services.

Include a maintenance and repair category in your monthly budget. If you do not need the money in a particular month, put it in a savings account for the periodic, expensive, and/or unexpected repairs that will happen as a house ages.

Inspect your home regularly. Develop a system where you inspect one area per month to ensure regular inspection of each area. Start at the foundation of the house and work upward and inward. Use the following list of areas to conduct your home inspection.

Foundations, Basements, and Yards

Water that strikes the house or drips down from the roof should drain away from the foundation walls. The gutter and downspout system should keep water from pooling around the foundation where it can create a moisture problem. Be sure gutters and downspouts are kept open and in good repair.

Trim shrubs and bushes away from the foundation walls. Clearance space should be at least one foot.

Check masonry foundation walls for cracks or weakened and crumbling mortar.

Examine main support beams, support columns, and floor joists for evidence of bowing or warping.

Check wood structural members, such as joists, beams, and columns, with a screwdriver or pocket knife to be sure wood is solid and free from decay.

Check the inside and outside of all foundation walls and piers for termite tubes and damage. You may choose to have a pest control company do this each year.

Check that the crawlspace vapor barrier is in good condition and placed correctly. A vapor barrier is usually polyethylene material (at least 6-mil) that covers 100 percent of the crawlspace.

Examine the inside of the basement or foundations walls for dampness or water stains indicating seepage or a leak.

Water lines and outside faucets need some freeze protection or winter drainage. To prevent damage, water hoses should be drained and stored for the winter.

Clean leaves and debris from around the outside heating/air conditioning condenser and trim back shrubs that may block air movement around the house.

Yard care power equipment should be drained of fuel in the late fall or early winter and serviced according to manufacturers instruction.

Clean and repair garden equipment after the last use of the season. Remove dirt and rust, then store in a dry area. Winter is a good time to file rough spots on hoes and shovels and to apply linseed oil to handles of garden tools. Thoroughly rinse pesticide and herbicide sprayers to prevent clogging, and rinse fertilizer spreaders to prevent corrosion.

Doorways, below grade window wells, and storm drains should be cleaned of debris or leaves.

Driveways and walks should be checked for cracks, breaks, or erosion. If asphalt surfaces need repairing, be certain you have the equipment and skill to do a lasting repair job, otherwise hire a reputable contractor. Unrepaired cracks in concrete and asphalt can lead to further damage.

A septic tank needs periodic attention. Learn how to check for sludge and scum accumulation in the tank, and have solids pumped out of the tank as needed.

Fences, gates, and retaining walls should be checked for ease of operation, condition of structure, and materials. Make repairs as needed.

Exterior Walls, Windows and Doors

Check bricks for cracked mortar or loose joints.

Check siding for loose or missing pieces, lifting or warping, or any sign of mildew.

Check painted surfaces for paint failure (peeling, chipping, blistering, chalking), water damage, or mildew.

Examine all trim for tightness of fit, damage or decay.

Check conditions of caulking where two different materials meet, such as where wood siding joins the foundation wall, at the inside corners, and where window and door trim meets the siding.

Check the windows for cracked or broken glass, loose putty around the glass panes, holes in screens, and evidence of moisture between pane and storm windows.

Check the condition of door frames and windows. Look for evidence of moisture and decay.

Check that windows and doors close properly. Examine all hardware on windows and doors, and lubricate moving parts.

Check weather stripping on windows and doors for damage and tightness of fit.

Make sure that all window and door lock work properly. Each exterior door should have a one-inch deadbolt lock for safety.

Roof

Trim back tree branches that scrape against or overhang the roof. Keep branches away from chimney to avoid fire hazard and allow proper draft for safe and efficient chimney operation.

Check for curled, damaged, loose, or missing shingles.

Check the lower edge of roof sheathing for water damage.

Examine all roof flashing and the flashing around chimneys, vent stacks, roof edges, dormers, and skylights.

Make sure that the chimney cover (cap) is in good condition, and that it is tall enough to prevent creosote build-up.

Check vents and louvers for free air movement.

Clean screens and remove bird nests, spiders, insects, and dust.

If there are wind turbines on the roof, check ball bearings. Clear gable vents of birds nests and other obstructions.

Check for damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers, and strainers. If needed, clean out gutter and downspouts. Make sure they are free from leaks and rust.

Check the condition of the paint on the gutters.

Examine television antenna guide wires and support straps.

Interior Surfaces

Check all ceilings and walls for cracks, lose or failing plaster, signs of leaks or stains, dirt, and finish damage.

Check for cracks where ceilings join walls and where moldings attach to ceilings and walls.

Check for odor or visible evidence of mold or mildew.

Examine all joints in ceramic tiles and laminated plastics for adequate caulking. Check for discoloration around cracked tiles.

Check caulking around sinks, bathtubs, and showers. Some caulking becomes brittle with age, and therefore loses its effectiveness as a water seal. Replace this caulking with long- lasting resilient caulking material, such as silicone or latex.

Check all floors for wear and damage. Are the floors level, bowed, or do they squeak when you walk on them? Particularly check where one type of flooring material meets another, such as where carpet or wood joins tile.

Check stairs for loose treads, handrails, or carpeting and repair as needed.

Electrical Systems and Fixtures

Check the condition of lamp cords, extension cords, and plugs. Also examine the appliance cords and plugs of vacuums, iron, mixers, washers, and dryers.

Check for exposed wires and signs of wear in the service box. If you have a fuse that blows often or a circuit breaker that trips frequently, call an electrician to determine the cause and make the repair. Mark each circuit so you will know what outlets or appliances are included on each.

If you experience a slight tingling shock when handling or inspecting any appliance or lamp, disconnect the appliance and repair it.

Check places where wiring is exposed, such as in the attic. Look for exposed wires and wires with cracked insulation. Replace those in poor condition.

Check that all appliance cords are in good condition.

If you have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in outlets near sinks, the laundry, the shop, and the garage, be sure to check the GFCI monthly and after an electrical storm.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Have heating and cooling systems checked by a qualified service person at least once a year (before heating/cooling season) or according to the manufacturers warranty and service recommendations. Failure to do manufacturer-recommended servicing may void warranties.

Clean or replace filters. Check your owners manual for recommended procedures. Some filters should be replaced as often as once a month.

Clean dirt and dust from around furnaces, return vents, and supply ducts.

Regularly clean out the fireplace ash pit.

Have the chimney checked each fall before you use it. A build up of creosote and soot can be very dangerous. If you use your fireplace or wood stove regularly, a yearly cleaning is recommended. Seek help from professional fire fighters or chimney inspectors if you have any doubt about the safety of your chimney.

Check the attic to be sure that insulation or other material is not blocking free air flow through soffit vents, gable vents, or other attic vents. If light from the outside shines through each vent into darkened attic, then the vents are clear.

Plumbing Systems

Check faucet and hose connections under sinks and toilets. Look for leaks at shut-off valves, toilets, laundry equipment, and main water shut-off valve.

Check that the water pressure is adequate and that drains run freely.

In the basement or crawlspace, pull back the floor insulation to check for leaks and wood damage around water supply pipes, drains and water closet.

Check sinks, tubs, and showers for proper drainage. Remove hair from drains. When necessary, use a snake or plumbers friend to unstop drains or call a plumber.

Check the pressure relief valve on the water heater. Open it to see that it is working. Check the water heater for signs of leaking or rusting. Some manufactures recommend that a small amount of water be drained periodically from the tank.

Safety Systems

Test smoke alarm systems at least monthly. Replace old batteries.

Test carbon monoxide detectors at least monthly and replace old batteries.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy for use in kitchen and near any wood-burning stove or fireplace. Check the extinguisher gauge for proper pressure.

Keep a flashlight(s) handy and in operating condition.

Keep outside security lighting in good repair. Lighting exterior grounds helps discourage prowlers.

Regular inspection and maintenance of your home will help keep the house in good condition and maintain its value. Doing maintenance and repair as the need arises also keeps small problems from becoming bigger, more costly problems. Having and following a plan for home maintenance and repair will make the job easier. And, finally, a well-maintained house will be more comfortable. Starting with this checklist can help you can identify areas where work may be needed in your home. Once you have reviewed all the items on the list above, you can customize a seasonal checklist for your home and continue your preventive maintenance measures.

Rachel Lockwood is the Family Consumer Science Extension Educator with Pittsburg County OSU Cooperative Extension Service. For more information related to this topic or related FCS programs contact Rachel at 918-423-4120, email Rachel.lockwood@okstate.edu or on Pittsburg County OSU Website http://oces.okstate.edu/pittsburg/ or find Pittsburg County OSU Extension Center or Pittsburg County OHCE on Facebook.

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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LOCKWOOD: Some things to know about preventive home maintenance - Mcalester News Capital

"Brownstones and other historic homes have a lot of charm, but the older construction can make it difficult to efficiently regulate the temperature and air quality," said Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating. "Since June is National Homeowners Month, we want to help New Yorkers know when it's time to consider an HVAC upgrade."

Most air conditioning failures happen in early summer, when the HVAC system is strained by climbing temperatures. The risk of failure increases if the system hasn't had a professional spring tune-up. Today's modern Energy Star-certified HVAC models, however, are more efficient than older systems and offer better performance with less energy and lower costs. In addition, ductless systems, programmable thermostats and zoned HVAC technology can be used to create custom solutions for most homeowners.

Petri Plumbing & Heating advises homeowners to keep these facts in mind when considering whether to repair or replace their HVAC:

Petri stresses the importance of professional consultation and installation.

"A professional will know when to recommend supplemental heating and cooling like ductless mini-splits or zoned HVAC technology to ensure whole-home comfort," he said.

As an essential business, Petri Plumbing & Heating is committed to keeping customers and employees safe while providing exceptional service. The company is practicing social distancing and ensuring technicians sanitize their equipment and work spaces as well as wearing personal protective equipment. Petri Plumbing & Heating also offers Zero Contact Service to reduce the risk of disease.

For more information about Petri Plumbing & Heating, or to schedule a service call, visit https://www.petriplumbing.com/ or call (718) 748-1254.

About Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is a family owned and operated business serving Brooklyn and the New York City area. Founded in 1906, the company offers a 100 percent guarantee on all services, upfront pricing, and friendly and knowledgeable Service Experts for all kinds of home and business plumbing and heating needs. Services offered include water and gas pipe leak repair and installation, fixture installations, inspections, boiler repair, water heater installation, complete bathroom, kitchen, laundry & utility room remodeling and more. Petri is also licensed and certified by Green Plumbers USA, the first in New York City to receive this designation. For more information, please visit http://www.petriplumbing.com or call 718-748-1254.

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather RipleyRipley PR(865) 977-1973[emailprotected]

SOURCE Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

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Petri Plumbing & Heating offers HVAC advice to owners of older homes as temperatures rise - PRNewswire