Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Basement stairs need protection from foot traffic and moisture. When deciding how to finish your basement stairs, you've got plenty of great options.

The quality of a basement stairway usually matches the quality of the basement itself. An unfinished basement used primarily for storage likely has a straight, steep stairway with open treads, or perhaps a spiral staircase. A finished basement usually features a more sophisticated staircase with closed treads, and maybe even a landing.

A basement staircase is almost always more functional than decorative. That means its typically made from wood or plywood, without ornate details or extra-long treads. Though its basic, it still needs to be finished to avoid ending up stained, slippery and bug-infested, like the one I rebuilt for my neighbor several years ago.

The climate in a typical basement eliminates one finishing option common for upper-story staircases natural fiber carpet. But you can use synthetic carpet.

Most people will choose a paintable finish, however, because its easy and inexpensive. Paint or a clear finish can also look great, but both are slippery. For safetys sake, its worth it to put extra energy into addressing this issue.

When youre pondering your basement staircase finishing project, think about the following:

If you only use your unfinished basement occasionally, you might be tempted to leave the staircase unfinished. You might even get away with it. But if youre down there with any regularity, finishing the staircase is a must to protect it from foot traffic, and the improvement in appearance is a bonus.

If youre planning to finish your basement stairway, here are some things to think about:

For a wooden basement staircase, painting is your best finishing option. Use a good quality porch and floor enamel for the treads and risers and acrylic enamel for the railings.

Painting is DIY-friendly, color choices give you design flexibility, and paint provides good resistance to moisture, mold and foot traffic. When the paint wears out or you get tired of the color, simply repaint. If the treads or railing are oak or fir, two or three coats of clear polyurethane offer good protection and highlight the natural wood tones.

Other finishing techniques arent quite as easy, but most are still DIY-friendly:

The possibilities for basement stairways are as varied as the people who use them. Here are a few examples:

The treads are painted light gray to match the tile on the basement floor, and the railing coated with a clear finish to bring out the natural wood element.

Protected by a wall on both sides, this staircase features the same carpet as the basement floor, providing a comfy trip between floors for bare feet.

No need for anything fancy for this utility basement. All parts of the staircase are painted to protect the wood from moisture.

Hardwood on basement stairs? Why not? Just make sure you use an engineered product rated for below-grade installations.

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What To Know About Finishing Basement Stairs

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Need a few ideas to inspire your upcoming basement remodel? Weve put together eight of our favorites (with the caveat that when it comes to designing your dream basement, your options are truly limitless).

NOTE:The beginning half of 2021 has seen an unprecedented labor shortage as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunctionwith this, demand for materials and construction jobs has skyrocketed. As a result, material prices may be higher than those reported in this article, and lead times may be longer than usual for both labor and materials.

Maybe you are dreaming of creating your own home fitness studio, complete with a ballet barre, a rowing machine and a complete set of free weights. Or, maybe you need an extra bedroom or a home office. No matter what, avoid dark colors and fixtures, says Kirsten Gable, a designer with Anthony Wilder Design/Build Inc., in Cable John, Maryland.

This is key when you are designing a basement, Gable says. Nobody wants to go into a space that feels like a dungeon.

Fortunately, the light-and-bright feel isnt hard to achieveeven in a space that was previously adorned with dark paneling on the walls and few, if any, sources of natural light.

All you have to do is select lighter paint colors, lighter flooring (Pro tip: Never use wood flooring in a basement due to its propensity to warp) and plenty of, well, lighting. This could be in the form of strategically placed recessed lighting, decorative lamps or even windows (if the structure allows for windows).

Do you already have a media room or sufficient home office space upstairs? If so, no need to be redundant in your remodeled basement. This is your chance to add something else to your home that doesnt already exist.

You arent going to spend time in your basement if you have it elsewhere, says Gable.

If you are not sure what exactly this new space is, make a list of what might be missing. A place for out-of-town guests to stay? A playroom? A game room? The project is a blank space, so you can take it in any direction you like.

OK, but how many of us truly have enough dedicated office space these days? A basement is a perfect place for a quiet work area because it is most likely removed from the homes primary activity zones (meaning you can escape from all the noise and dive into that big work project).

This is also your chance to really home in on your preferences when it comes to the sort of workspace that fosters your own brand of productivity. Quirky? Corporate chic? Minimalist? It is up to you.

Soon, it will once again be feasible for friends and family to come over for more than just a socially distanced driveway visittheyll actually be able to spend the weekend. If you would rather offer accommodations more appealing than the living room floor or your twins bunk beds, adding a guest room to your basement will accomplish the goal.

If you have the space, you might even consider making it a guest suitecomplete with a private bathroom and all the little extras that will truly make them feel at home throughout their stay.

Tired of exercising in the garage (especially in extreme temperatures)? Your soon-to-be-remodeled basement is just begging you to turn at least a small section of it into a home workout studio.

All your equipment will be tucked away in its very own space (no more tripping over the treadmill in the middle of your bedroom), and you wont have to worry so much about damaging that beautiful wood floor with your free weights.

The ground level is much more accommodating to the impact, and you can also install flooring that is engineered specifically for home gyms (without worrying that it will clash with any of your home dcor).

The mere existence of a basement doesnt necessarily mean you have the luxury of adding guest suites and workout rooms thoughmaybe your upstairs is smaller and you need the space downstairs for actual living?

If this sounds like you, you can easily transform your basement into a versatile living space, with a play/school area for kids, a family gathering space (a couch and a coffee table for playing board games will accomplish this), some extra storage and maybe even a cozy reading nook.

The key with this type of design, says Gable, is to create a cohesive look while also providing some separation between the various areas (room dividers, tall furniture or a partial wall will all do the trick).

Are you a wine connoisseur, or a collector of vintage teacups? Basements often provide the perfect backdrop to store or display your favorite things, especially if the upper level of your home lacks the space needed. You can dedicate a certain corner or design a walk-in/temperature-controlled room, depending on the size and content of your collection.

Kitchen tables often double as sewing or craft stations, and living rooms are used for everything from practicing music to drawing to folding origami.

If you would like to reclaim your kitchen table for actual dining, or if the concept of sitting in your living room watching Netflix without hearing the sound of your 10-year-olds squeaky violin, the time to turn your basement into a music, craft or hobby room is now.

These ideas just the very tip of the icebergthe options for your basement remodel are vast, Gable says. The main thing to do when creating your basement renovation plan is to determine what you truly need to make your basement work for you and your other household members.

You can create a really cool basement, but if it doesnt function for (you) on a day-to-day basis (you) are never going to go down there, she adds.

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Basement Remodel Ideas You Should Try Forbes Home

Finishing a basement is an ideal way to add extra living space to your home. You dont need to build out or build up to create more usable square footage. You can work with your existing footprint and remodel a dark, cluttered basement which is probably only being used for storage or as a makeshift laundry room and turn it into a finished room or rooms for a variety of uses. Or, maybe, you already have a finished basement, but it is dated and needs some freshening up or reconfiguration to work better for your needs. Whichever type basement you have, there is always room for improvement through a remodel.

Many homeowners look at their basements and see a daunting renovation task. We see a basement as a blank slate. The potential for new living space is amazing. Walls can be built to create multiple rooms and storage areas, or can be moved to enable the space to better fit your wish list.

The lowest level of your home can provide ample space for:

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Miami is an excellent place to call home, notes Simply Showing. However, if your home doesn't meet your needs, it may not feel like a glorious place to live. But you can take steps to make your home accommodate your needs, including those presented below by Home Builder Developer.

Convert That Spare Space

If you have a guest bedroom or an unfinished room downstairs, convert that area into the space you need, such as a playroom, an office, an entertainment area, or a yoga or reading space.

Consider designating half of the room to your home office, and use the rest of the room as a den for reading, complete with an adult-sized bean bag chair. On the other hand, you may want to convert the other part of the room into a playroom for your kids.

Here’s a nice bonus: If you make extensive renovations to your home during this process, be sure to keep accurate notes and save those receipts. Some of these changes may actually help increase how much your home is worth on the housing market.

Try Decluttering

You may find extra space in your home if you declutter. Then you can use that newfound room for any purpose. What’s more, decluttering is a great way to rid your home of stress and distraction, and goes a long way toward making your living space a more comfortable and inviting place to be.

Apartment Therapy suggests decluttering area by area. As you donate or throw away items, you can see the impact it has on that space. It may trigger you to continue to declutter the rest of your home, making even more space to do with as you please.

Give the Exterior of Your Home Some Love

The facade is the first impression your home makes. Maybe it's not fair, but it's just how humans are wired. Whether you're trying to sell your home or just want to maintain its curb appeal, it's important to keep the facade clean. Facade cleaning can be a big job, but there are several benefits that make it worth your while. First, a clean facade makes your home look well-maintained and cared for. This can help increase its value if you ever decide to sell. Second, it can help you avoid costly repairs by removing dirt, grime, and other debris that can cause damage over time. Finally, it's a great way to improve your home's curb appeal and make it more inviting for guests.

Use Shelving to Your Advantage

Whether you want to create your dream office, an entertainment space, a playroom, or a combination of all of these, use shelving to your benefit. When you have shelves in an office, entertainment space, or children's playroom, random items can be out of sight and out of mind. Plus, all the items in the room have designated locations, so you have an easier time keeping them organized, and you can use that space as a multipurpose room effortlessly.

Consider Refinishing Current Pieces

Do you have a crib that your child outgrew or a table you no longer use? Maybe you have a china cabinet that's sitting in your basement serving no purpose. You can repurpose any of these items to make them more practical for your needs.

For instance, you can convert a crib into a desk for your child. With a bit of work, that table can become a desk for your home office. The china cabinet can become a storage space for your children's toys or a showpiece for when you entertain.

Special Considerations for Your Home Office

If you're optimizing your space for a home office, keep the minimalist design concept in mind. With this style, you create a beautiful room with as few items as possible. Essentially, you limit items to avoid potential distractions to better manage your time. Other ways to maximize your time include getting organized and avoiding big time-wasters like getting on Facebook, surfing the web, and taking unnecessary calls.

Think About Buying or Renting a New Home

If nothing you do gets you closer to the office, playroom, or calming or entertainment space you desire, consider searching for a new home to purchase or rent. You can use the tips above to optimize that space.

Turn Your Space Into What You Need

You can turn a home that's inadequate for your needs into your dream home by keeping in mind a few simple tips — just don’t forget to make note of those changes in case you want to sell at some point down the road! On the other hand, it may be time to look for a new home that better suits your needs.

Plumbers repair and install the pipes and drainage systems in homes and commercial properties and appliances or fixtures. Whether you have a leaky faucet or a bathroom remodel, having a reliable pro at the ready can save you time and money. With so many local and national service providers to choose from, the process of finding the plumber for your project can seem intimidating.

As with any contractor you hire, there are a few things to consider before hiring a plumber. Learn more about the basic qualifications a plumber needs to get the job done as well as questions to ask to ensure youre choosing the right professional for your needs.

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Plumbing issues require quick action before you run into more costly problems. Winter temperatures can cause water lines to freeze, leading to damage inside your homes wall or ceilings. Backed-up sewer lines will render your toilet useless or, even worse, damage your floor or homes foundation. These are just a couple of examples of why you should always have a plumber on your contact list.

However, how do you pick the best plumber, and how much will their services cost? A plumbers fee is only one part of the equation when selecting a professional. Before you start asking for estimates, consider that a reputable plumber will have the following skills and qualifications.

A college degree is not required in the plumbing industry. However, many plumbers learn the trade via apprenticeships or trade schools. Apprentices receive training under the guidance of a journeyman or a master plumber. There is coursework during the apprenticeship, and the programs usually take three to five years to complete.

Plumbers are one the most regulated professions in the United States. Most states require plumbers to be licensed. Each state has its own set of licensing requirements and the government agency that issues the license varies from state to state. To obtain a license, a plumber must be experienced, receive ongoing training and stay up to date on current trends in the plumbing industry. A valid license means that the plumbing professional also carries state-mandated insurance and bonding. This ensures that your home is protected against any plumbing mishaps or damage incurred during the plumbing repair.

A plumbers general liability insurance protects the home or business owner from liability should the plumber accidentally damage the property, or injure themselves during the job. Before hiring a plumber, ask to view their proof of insurance. All plumbers should have enough liability insurance to cover accidents that may happen while on your property.

Some home insurance policies will cover plumbing issues the damage is caused by sudden and unexpected water damage from a broken pipe or other pipe malfunction. However, most policies exclude damages that are gradual, such as a slow, constant leak, as well as damage due to regional flooding.

A journeyperson, also known as a journeyman, is an expert craftsperson that has completed an apprenticeship and passed the licensure exam required by the state. A journeyperson also carries a card of an occupational license. A non-journeyperson is an apprentice who is still in training or a plumber that has not obtained state licensing.

These professionals work for five consistent years as a journeyman, have additional training and education and take another exam to receive this certification. The Master Plumber test ensures that Federal and state regulations, building codes and advanced plumbing skills are mastered. The certification does take more time and money, but it also ensures that plumber is highly qualified to do a variety of plumbing jobs. Master plumbers do charge more per hour because of their advanced skills and may be worth the extra cost for intricate work that requires a skilled hand.

Plumbers install and maintain numerous types of piping systems found in residential and commercial properties. Typical responsibilities of a plumber depend on the particular project. All plumbers must follow blueprints, work with plumbing tools, have strong math skills and know what kinds of materials are required for each job. Fixing drains and toilets are only a portion of a plumbers job. Here are some services that plumbers offer:

The key to choosing a plumber is to research both national and local companies, read reviews, and ask for family and friends recommendations for reputable plumbers they have hired in the past. You can also research a plumbers license and insurance information through your states Department of Labor or equivalent. Once youve narrowed down your choice, you can start with a phone interview and discuss topics like rates, qualifications and experience.

Although most professional plumbers can take care of your repair, you need to find one that is reliable and the best-suited for the job at hand. Here are some tips to help you pick the right one:

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What is a Plumber?

A plumber installs and maintains pipes in homes and businesses. These pipes need to be installed and maintained for potable water, drainage, irrigation and sewage, as well as other uses.

Plumbers can be involved in hands-on work or may work in a design capacity, drafting blueprints and helping make the installation process more efficient. This is a profession with an extensive number of possible career paths.

This can be a very rewarding career, as evidenced by survey data that indicates that licensed professionals in the field tend to remain in the profession for their entire career. Many even continue part-time, well past the usual retirement age, helping the next generation by providing apprenticeships and learning opportunities.

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Someone interested in becoming a plumber would be interested to know that the stereotypical job as a residential plumber is only a small portion of the available career opportunities for an experienced professional.

An expert in plumbing is aware of building regulations and safety standards, and works to make sure these standards are upheld. Legal expertise can also be an aspect of plumbing, since the laws regulating this trade vary depending on where you live, and can be difficult for a layperson to understand.

Testing pipes for leakage using air pressure and other gauges, and also the ability to construct new pipe systems by cutting, fitting, measuring, and threading pipes are some of the other more involved aspects of plumbing.

Plumbers often work right alongside architects, as they can contribute valuable knowledge about the best positions for wall passage and fixture locations, saving the architect valuable time and avoiding expensive mistakes.

Plumbers have distinct personalities. They tend to be realistic individuals, which means theyre independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty. They like tasks that are tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical. Some of them are also investigative, meaning theyre intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive.

Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if plumber is one of your top career matches.

Job security tends to be good in this field. A day in the life of a plumber might include fielding midnight phone calls from a frantic customer with a broken pipe, or may involve working for an architectural firm or visiting a construction site.

Many plumbers are self-employed, or work for a small business employing less than ten people though some might find working for larger entities or the government to be more desirable. Many large buildings employ their own staff, including school districts, college campuses, airports, and municipal buildings. The military is another large employer of plumbing professionals, though past experience as a member of the armed forces may be a prerequisite.

Simply put, anywhere that has or needs to have running water is an opportunity for potential customers. Even motor vehicles such as buses, recreational vehicles, large airplanes, yachts, and cruise ships all need the installation of plumbing and will need repair work from time to time.

Plumbers rank among the least happy careers. Overall they rank in the 19th percentile of careers for satisfaction scores. Please note that this number is derived from the data we have collected from our Sokanu members only.

While no specific data accounts for this strikingly low happiness quotient, it may be partially attributable to the trades physical demands, its propensity for irregular hours and overtime, the potential dangers associated with the work, and the sometimes negative public perception of public service workers as a whole.

After earning their high school diploma or equivalent, many aspiring plumbers start learning the trade by enrolling in a plumbing diploma or associate degree program at a trade or technical school this is one or two years in duration. They subsequently complete a plumber apprenticeship, which can take another four to five years. Others enter an apprenticeship immediately following high school graduation.

Many apprenticeships are sponsored by trade unions, associations, and plumbing contracting companies. Applicants must typically pass an aptitude test or entrance exam. They may also be required to pass a background check and/or a drug test.

Plumber apprenticeships include a combination of classroom and on-the-job training under the supervision of one or more experienced journeyman plumbers. Classes cover workplace safety and plumbing codes; the proper use and maintenance of tools; mathematics used to measure pipes and determine materials needed for pipe layouts; creating piping drawings; and interpreting blueprints and building plans. On the job, apprentices gain experience with installations, repairs, and troubleshooting.

Upon completing an apprenticeship, plumbers in the U.S. must pass a licensing exam before they can offer their services to the public.

There are several factors that aspiring plumbers should consider:

Essential Qualities and Skills

Working Conditions

Insights from an Experienced Plumber

"The best part of the job is knowing that weve built a reputation of fairness we are building the company on the foundation of thousands of customers weve served faithfully."

"By the far, the worst part of the job is the potential for contact with human waste. Clogged or broken sewer lines still require hands-on attention. A broken sewer line in a crawl space or basement can be pumped out and treated before repair is made, but the conditions are still foul."

"The biggest misconception that people have about being a plumber is probably that were all ill-educated, poorly spoken, uninformed rednecks. Ive known plumbers who are wonderful artists and musicians. Theyre from all walks of life. They are adept and mentally strong people that keep their dignity in a culture that sometimes diminishes the value of service industry workers."

Based on our pool of users, plumbers tend to be predominately investigative people. This finding is supported by the primary responsibilities of these tradespeople. Indisputably, they must frequently employ their investigative and troubleshooting abilities to properly install, repair, and replace water and gas pipes, drainage systems, and waste disposal systems.

Plumbers are also known as:Journeyman Plumber Drain Technician Residental Plumber Service Plumber Commercial Plumber

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Whether facing a plumbing emergency or a home bathroom remodel, many homeowners turn to a professional plumber for help. Some professional plumbers specialize in providing emergency services, while others work as remodeling plumbers for home improvement projects.

If you dont already know a trusted local plumber, you may be wondering: how can I find a reputable plumber near me? Heres what you need to know about hiring a plumber that meets your needs.

Sink still not draining?

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A plumbers rates typically range from $45 to $200 per hour, though they may instead charge flat rates for basic service calls. On average, a single projects total cost can range between $173 and $459, with an average repair cost of $316. Plumbers may also charge extra for travel time, supplies, and after-hours or emergency jobs. Overall rates will vary by the type and complexity of the job, the geographic location, and the skill level of a professional. Simple jobs that can be finished by apprentices will generally cost less than more complex jobs that require the expertise of a master plumber.

If a plumber is needed in the event of an emergency, on a holiday or weekend, or after-hours, you can generally expect to pay more than you would pay for work done during the individuals working hours. Plumbers will charge anywhere from time-and-a-half to triple their hourly rate for jobs done outside their working hours, depending on their individual policies and practices.

Regardless of the plumbing issue you face, its advised to always get a quote in writing before agreeing to hire a professional.

A plumbing professional can install, assess, and repair systems used for water, sewage, and drainage. Common problems include:

Anything related to a homes water, sewage, and drainage would fall under a plumbers scope of practice. Home repairs outside this purview would typically be addressed by another professional, such as a general contractor or an electrician.

Before hiring a plumber, its important to determine whether you actually need one for the task at hand. Certain emergency and non-emergency situations will necessitate a professional, while others may not require a plumbers specific expertise. In addition to the task at hand, there are other factors to consider to determine whether a plumber is needed.

Certain plumbing issues should be addressed by a professional immediately to limit further damage to the home:

Toilet Still Clogged?

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Even if a plumbing issue is not an emergency, it should still be addressed to prevent further damage or issues from occurring. For these non-emergency situations, its best to schedule an appointment in advance with a local plumber:

Before calling a plumber, consider the urgency of the task at hand. Emergency jobs often come at an additional cost, but if safety and home integrity are at risk, its worthwhile to call a plumber. Otherwise, the job can be scheduled in advance.

Finally, the best way to prevent a plumbing emergency is to conduct regular maintenance. In addition to monitoring for leaks or slow drainage, scheduling inspections throughout the year can help solve problems before they arise.

To save money, handy homeowners may consider taking the DIY approach to plumbing repairs. While some jobs are indeed easy to address by the average homeowner, its important to consider the potential for water damage if you run into issues or make a mistake during your DIY repair.

For basic issues, such as a slow drain or a running toilet, homeowners can typically tackle these with off-the-shelf repair kits. However, more complicated issues or plumbing emergencies can only be made worse if they arent addressed by a professional.

Additionally, home renovation projects are best left to a professional. Even if a homeowner has a basic working knowledge of plumbing, many municipalities prefer to see a licensed plumber who knows the local building codes on the permit application for jobs like bathroom or kitchen renovations. To avoid any issues with permits and inspections (or any errors with parts and installation), its often wise and worth the investment to contract a professional local plumber.

In general, if the project is outside your skill level or if you are unable to devote the necessary time to it, its best to call in a pro.

Leaky Pipes?

Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from professional plumbers near you.

In an emergency, it can be tempting to enter plumber near me in a search engine and call the first name on the list. However, taking the time to do the necessary research can help you find a qualified plumber whose services meet your needs. Here are some tips on finding a reputable local plumber:

When working with your local plumber, asking the right questions can ensure you get the results you want. Here are some questions to ask throughout the process:

Before hiring or starting the project:

During the project, if there is a problem:

After the project:

Before hiring a plumber, its important to understand everything that goes into the process. Here are some frequently asked questions that homeowners have when hiring a plumbing professional:

The national average hourly rate for plumbers is between $45 to $200, though this number may vary based on the plumbers geographic location. For certain jobs, plumbers may charge a flat rate or service charge rather than an hourly rate. Generally speaking, more experienced professionals and more complex tasks will entail higher rates.

Friends and family, neighbors, and online directories are a great place to start the search for a plumber. Your insurance company or realtor can also provide information on qualified local plumbers. Once youve found a potential plumber, ask them to provide licensure information and professional references.

The average cost of snaking a drain will depend on the complexity of the work. A simple toilet or kitchen drain can cost between $80 to $120, while a short stretch of a blocked drain can run between $300 to $500. Exact costs may vary based on geographic location as well as the plumbers skill level.

Some jobs are better left to the pros

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Plumber Near Me: A Guide to Hiring a Plumber for Your Home - Bob Vila

Appliance Repair 101

When an appliance fails, all hell breaks loose. No hot water for that 5:00 am shower before work, having to cook all your meat before bacteria take over your fridge; you name it. It makes you want to run to the nearest Sears and simply buy something new as fast as possible. However, repairing should always be a first option. As weve mentioned, review your warranty and check with the manufacturer first. If they cant help you anymore, make some calls and get a few quotes. Depending on the prices youre given, you can make that final decision: repair or replace. To help with this, theres a rule of thumb that goes around named the 50/50 rule. If your appliance has passed 50% of its life expectancy and your specific repair costs over 50% of the appliances full price, maybe its time to buy a new one.

You may be used to hiring a single technician for everything or trusting your cousins recommendation. However, if you dont want to risk losing a limb while fixing your garbage disposal, you have to be more thorough. This rings even truer if you have a modern or very expensive appliance. There has to be a certain guarantee that the people who enter your house know what they're doing.

This can be a problem because although each company needs a state or municipality business license, there are no federal regulations for repairing home appliancesother than the EPA Type 1 Certification to handle refrigerants. What youll find is trade schools and professional organizations that administer tests that lead to competency-based certifications in order to ensure quality service is as widespread as possible.

Despite this lack of uniformity, there are some certifications and credentials you can be on the lookout for:

Section 608 Type 1 Technician Certification, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

This federal certification is mandatory for tradespeople who work with refrigerant-containing appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners. Its significant, because if someone handles refrigerant-containing appliances without this certification, theyd be breaking federal law and putting you (and your appliance) at risk.

However, you should know that this certification has nothing to do with competency or actual knowledge of appliance repair. Its entirely related to safety measures and the hazardous nature of refrigerants. Some companies or individual repair people will claim to be certified, but only have this credential to their name.

Other types of the Section 608 Technician Certification

Type II and Type III certifications of Section 608 test technicians on safely handling leakages in high- and low-pressure appliances, respectively. This includes HVAC and industrial-grade refrigeration systems that use over 5lbs of refrigerant. A technician can also get a Universal Certification when he possesses all three.

These certifications are a prerequisite for refrigeration-related credentials given out by other organizations.

ASF (Appliance Service Fundamentals), by the Institute of ApplianceService Technicians (ioAST)

The Institute of Appliance Service Technicians works in partnership with FredsAppliance Academy. Their ASF certification is granted through a test thatinvolves overall knowledge of different appliances, refrigeration, and electricaltheory. Freds Appliance Academy is well-regarded in the industry, and even Samsung has sponsored students to take their courses.

Skill Certifications, by the Professional Service Association (PSA)

The PSA gives different certifications for different layers of the industry, frommanagement to customer service to, obviously, technical skills. To achieve theTechnician Rating, participants must take a core module (a basic technical skillstest), a customer relationship test and one of the six specialized modules available: cooling, convenience, cleaning, gas cooking, electric cooking or microwave equipment. By taking all modules, composed of over 300 questions, technicians can be certified as Master Technicians.

National Appliance Service Technician Certifications (NASTeC), by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)

The NASTeC certifications are obtained through multilevel exams. Applicants must mandatorily pass an 80-question Basic Skills Examination, and then pass one of the three specialty tests (laundry and cleaning appliances; cooking appliances; refrigeration-related appliances) in order to be certified in any of those areas. If an applicant approves all of them, they are recognized as an Universal Technician.

A reassuring aspect of this certification is that it must be renewed every two years, as opposed to other certifications, which usually only require renewal every four or five years. This translates to constantly updated technicians with access to more recent information.

Factory Certifications

One of the best guarantees you can look for is factory certification. Thismeans that the brand itself has provided continuous training to a technician or anentire repair company. In many cases, smart appliances such as those made by Samsung or LG, or very expensive ones (like Sub-Zero refrigerators) willhave proprietary technology in place, from mechanical parts to electronic software. Its essential that whoever opens up your product is familiar with its particular components and their most recent updates.

Background Checks

Some repair companies conduct background checks on their technicians, a very important step since repair people enter the home, remain inside for hours at a time, and work with very expensive products. Services like Home Advisor run background checks on company owners in order to certify their business. However, if you feel more comfortable knowing every employee has been cleared, be sure to check if the company itself uses any background check services in the hiring process.

You may have frequently heard your parents and grandparents talk about how their appliances used to last longer. You may have also heard horrible stories about modern appliances failing early on and being fixed by the neighborhood handyman, only to fail again in a week. Why is this?

According to Gay Gordon-Byrne, executive director of The Repair Association, the shorter lifespan of appliances is often attributed to the growing amount of electronic components. Electronics are not nearly as durable, they have so many more points of failure, she told us. This also leads to a more difficult repair because appliance technicians are not usually trained to handle this type of electronics, much less software.

Companies continue to include proprietary parts in their products that are not only harder to repair, but either cant be replaced by aftermarket parts made by third parties. Or, like GE filters, will continuously warn you about changing the new, non-GE one you just installed. As Nathan Proctordirector of the U.S. Public Interest Research Groups (USPIRG) Right to Repair campaignputs it, the aftermarket is undercut by the way the manufacturers design these products. He also mentions that original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts dont last too long either. Computer chips are not physically durable, he said, echoing Gordon-Byrnes statement. This way, companies are able to charge higher prices for spare parts, leaving customers without many options.

Another big issue Proctor brought up is manufacturers direct attempts at impeding repairs. A lot of warranties get voided if you or a non-factory technician opens up the appliance, an issue the USPIRG has been constantly battling with. All these practices, which are causing an obsolescence crisis, as Proctor said, are constantly threatening not just the repair industry as a whole, but the lifespan of household appliances and environmental health.

Although some people in the industry have recently claimed its invention, the word telemaintenance has been used by different armed forces, at least, since the early 90s, and a similar term, telediagnosis, dates back to the 70s. If it seems similar to telemedicine, its because it functions like it toobut with less fainting. It means to service something remotely, to provide maintenance from a distance. And in the era of COVID-19, that sounds just about right.

Now in the hands of civilians, telemaintenance is designed to help with home improvement, electronics, and major appliances. In some cases, its big companies implementing these remote options through proprietary software; in others, its local technicians using third-party services like Streem.

The variety of styles with telemaintenance is similar to that of online therapy, a remote service weve reviewed before. Some companies have a subscription service and you can text a technician at any given moment. Others offer live chat, phone calls, or video conferencing through appointments. With telemaintenance, video is probably the best way to go so that the technician can see the appliance and, hopefully, get an eye on the problem. Video conferencing also allows for more features, like drawing on the screen so nobody gets lost.Home projects have gone up significantly with the unprecedented strain of 24/7 home occupation. Along with citywide lockdowns and the general fear of contagion, the need for services like this has gone up too, and now that weve had a taste, it might change the way we do things in the post-pandemic future.

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Best Appliance Repair Services of 2023 - ConsumersAdvocate.org