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Guidelines for a Proper Flagstone Installation

Posted Mon, 06/01/2009 - 21:37 by eugeneslist

Flagstone is a very popular paving and landscaping material in Tucson. It is commonly used for walkways, exterior stairways, patios and pool decks. Since it is so popular, there are many contractors, masons, handymen, and laborers that will install it. However, not all installations turn out well, and the quality depends on the skill of the installer. Here are some things to look for/ask to ensure a high quality and aesthetic flagstone installation.

* All the pieces are roughly the same size and have rounded edges. Flagstone that is scored and broken will usually have sharp jagged corners. Flagstone that is cut with a cutting tool will have smooth rounded edges and corners.
* All the pieces need to be level. Since some flagstone pieces are thicker than others, the flagstone installation needs to sit on top of a bed of sand and the thicker pieces need to have sand removed underneath in order to be level with the thinner pieces.
* The gap between the flagstone pieces needs to be uniform. The pieces need to be cut and laid out in such a way that the gap stays uniform. This is where most of the skill of the installer comes in.
* The mortar in the gaps needs to be level with the flagstone and smooth with a slight indentation towards the middle. Masonry tools and a float are used to achieve this effect.
* The edges of the flagstone installation need to be smoothly lined with mortar to prevent degradation.
* If desired, the flagstone can then be sealed for a more aesthetic look.

The homeowner can either see the installers other flagstone jobs or agree that the above will be done for the installation.

Tucson Flagstone Installers

How to identify polybutylene plumbing

Posted Mon, 06/01/2009 - 21:10 by eugeneslist

Polybutylene plumbing in homes has proven to be problematic with many thousands of cases of reported leaks and a class action lawsuit. In Tucson, AZ PB pipes were prevalent in new homes constructed from about 1982 to 1996. Many homeowners are concerned about PB piping and want to replace it if they have it in their homes. There are several ways to identify if a home has PB plumbing:

* Climb up in the attic and see if there are light gray plastic pipes running. If you see them, then it’s most likely PB.
* If you have a voltmeter and know how to use it, run a continuity check between the valve under a bathroom or kitchen sink and the ground on a nearby receptacle. If there is none, then it’s likely PB piping.
* Look at the electrical panel and see if there is a warning saying something like “structure contains non metallic water piping, do not bond”. If that’s the case then the house probably has PB plumbing.
* Cut a small hole in the drywall behind the fridge where the ice-maker water valve is, if you see gray plastic piping, then its likely PB.
* Look at your home purchase info in the disclosure section. In Tucson, home inspectors identify PB plumbing when a home is sold.

If any of the above tests come back as positive, call a plumber next to confirm that there is polybutylene.

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How cabinets die

Posted Wed, 02/18/2009 - 05:17 by eugeneslist

Most modern homes have kitchen and bathroom cabinets with boxes that are made of particleboard that is covered with wood grain plastic veneer. The greatest shortcoming of particleboard is that its easily damaged by water. Even after the first time that particleboard comes in contact with water, it is significantly weakened and swells in thickness. Normally the veneer protects the particleboard against water , but water still can seep in at the joints at the bottom of the cabinet.

What often happens after a few years is that the bottom falls out of the sink cabinet because moisture from leaks or spills keeps seeping in the joints at the bottom and weakens the board.

There is a simple solution that can easily double the life of a kitchen or a bathroom cabinet. When the cabinet is new or is still in good shape, take a tube of clear acrylic latex caulk with silicone and run a thin bead along the bottom edges. This seals off the pathway for the water to attack the unprotected particleboard and prolongs the life of your cabinets.

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Working with Contractors During the Downturn

Posted Wed, 02/18/2009 - 05:11 by eugeneslist

The horrendous real estate market that we are in today has had as bad an impact on home improvement contractors as anyone else. When hiring a contractor for a home improvement project, additional vigilance is required today as compared to a few years back.
The good news is that there are plenty of contractors looking for work and you can get the job done faster and for less money. The bad news is that many contractors are financially distressed and this may have a negative impact on your project:

* If a contractor has lost his license or insurance, the liability from any accidents that happen on the job may end up with the homeowner.
* If a contractor has bad credit, judgments, liens or debt collectors are after him, he may disappear with your money before a job is finished. At the very least, the job may be delayed because the subcontractors will not extend credit for materials to the contractor.
* Also, if a contractor owes money to the subcontractor, the sub may file a preliminary lien against your property for the debt. This lien is not enforceable, but it is an unpleasant occurrence. I’ve had it happen to me personally.
* Finally, as any other occupation, contracting attracts it’s fair share of people with a shady past. If things don’t look right, a criminal background and sex-offender check may be necessary.

Most contractors are hard working, dedicated individuals who are committed to getting the job done. With some due diligence up-front, the chances of a successful project can be greatly improved.
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