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If you’re looking for a way to enjoy your backyard even more than you already do, you need to consider a fire pit. Fire pits are gaining popularity on porches and in yards across the globe – easy to install, maintain, and use no matter the weather. Whether you like entertaining guests, reading by the fire, or being outdoors instead of cooped up inside, here are three reasons you need a fire pit in your backyard thanks to Firepit Outfitter.
3 Reasons You Need a Fire Pit in Your Backyard
Get Outdoors More Often
Most of us work a nine to five. Most of us don’t spend as much time outdoors as we’d like. By building a fire pit in your backyard, you can step outside, get some fresh air, and relax fireside year-round. You can spend time with your family, invite friends over to catch up, or spend some time away from it all.Add a Bit of Creativity to Your Backyard
Is your backyard boring? Have you spent time remodeling and making the interior the way you want it? Many forget they can add to, customize, and make their backyard exactly what they want it - like the rest of their home. Fire pits don’t have to be boring circles. The can be anything you want. Some build pirate ships in their backyard. Some use tree stumps. Some get even more creative. The sky’s the limit when it comes to adding a fire pit to your backyard.Increase Your Home’s Value
When you remodel, add a room, change up your home’s appearance, you add to your home’s value. By adding a fire pit and sprucing up your porch or backyard, you’re increasing the amount your home could potentially sell for down the line. While this may not be the number one factor for investing in a fire pit, it certainly can seal the deal if you’re having a hard time with justifying the expenses for it. If you’re planning to add a fire pit to your home, go with a space in your backyard that’ll make you happy. After all, you’ll want to spend more time surrounding the fire pit with your family, friends, or by yourself. You want it to be a space you’ll enjoy and use.
Lead is used in all types of industry, but the days of lead-based paints have been over for decades. Though the lead-based paint is no longer manufactured in the US, there are still plenty of buildings and homes still dealing with it on their walls and in other components. Let’s learn why lead in the home is risky, how you deal with lead with the Renovation, Repair, and Paint (RPR) rule, and how testing for lead works in a home with help from the experts at ServPro.
Dealing with Lead in the Home
Why Lead in the Home is a Big Deal
Though lead was used in paint for several decades, its effects on people and pets cannot be understated. Lead is harmful to the human brain, especially the developing brain, which means children are much more susceptible to the risks of lead poisoning which include behavioral problems, anemia, and possible mental retardation. Lead in your home is no good for children and must be eliminated.The RRP Rule
In 2011 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the RRP rule which stands for “Renovation, Repair, and Paint.” This issue says that any renovation, repair, or painting projects that deal with lead-based paint or probable lead-based paint must be dealt with my lead experts. General contractors are not lead experts! If it’s time for a project in your home that deals with lead-laced items in the home, you must have a lead expert in to test and mitigate the issues.Now Testing
A lead mitigation expert may use a variety of methods to test your lead levels, but the most common are Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) which samples elements of your home and sends them off for detailed testing and the XFR method, which uses x-rays to register lead levels.Mitigating Lead
Once you know what you’re up against, you can begin the mitigation process. For most lead experts this process consists of three Cs: Containment, control, and cleanliness. Containment refers to quarantining the lead-based areas before mitigation begins, controlling any dust and debris from the mitigation, so it remains isolated, and keeping clean. Clean refers not to leave your home clean, but for the mitigation team to properly clean themselves and equipment of any remaining lead dust to avoid tracking it into your home. Lead in your home is no good, but it, fortunately, can be dealt with by local lead mitigation experts. Typically lead materials are tested, a plan is drawn up, and the plan is followed through with mitigation steps like containment and control. A home removed of its lead is a happy, healthy home for both you and any developing minds.
Many home projects bring up the age-old homeowner dilemma, “Can I do this myself, or should I hire a professional?” With so many things to do around your home, it can be difficult to distinguish what you can do yourself and what should be left to the pros. Many home projects are started spur of the moment without much thought or planning and can quickly leave the homeowner with a mess on their hands.
Let’s look at some of the reasons that you should put down the nail gun and pick up the phone to call a professional. Rock Solid Custom Granite has some things for you to consider if you’re thinking of doing a kitchen remodel yourself.
3 Risks of Doing a Kitchen Remodel All By Yourself
You can make the situation worse, and more expensive, especially if installing cabinetry or countertops yourself. Many overeager homeowners want to tackle every single issue in the house, and while some can no question be accomplished by homeowners with basic skills, there are plenty more that can become substantially worse by an amateur screw up. Issues like appliance work, HVAC, electric, and plumbing should always be left to certified professionals. Don’t be a homeowner who tries to fix a faulty light switch and ends up having to have their entire floor rewired. You can injure yourself. If you’re working with a tool, you’re unfamiliar with, or you’re trying to paint your 15-foot cathedral ceiling, you can quickly end up in the ER if you don’t know what you’re doing. Professionals have years of knowledge and practice to help keep them safe on the job. Something homeowners typically don’t. You can violate building code or do something dangerous or illegal. Building codes exist to keep the home and homeowner safe. If you are attempting amateur renovations, you may be unknowingly violating building codes or directions that keep you safe. That’s why any work that requires pulling a building permit should always be completed by a professional. Keeping the integrity and safety of your home takes higher priority than saving a few bucks. There are no doubt projects that amateurs can complete on their own, but there are plenty more that you should never be attempting in the first place. If there is ever a question of whether you can accomplish a project, you’re already in deep water, call a professional.
In August 2018, the city of Denver’s Neighborhood Sidewalk Repair Program (NSRP) went live, adding weight to the burden of sidewalk repair that already falls on the city’s residents. The program’s mission is to repair the damaged sidewalks that are widespread throughout Denver, utilizing a host of flagstone suppliers and contractors to get the work done.
A fund of $4 million has been allocated to the city for the program’s initial costs and financial assistance provisions such as discount/extended payment plans. Financial assistance will depend on the number of residents in a home as well as family income.
The first region of focus, designated as “Region 1” per the NSRP, includes the areas of Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, City Park, Congress Park, Speer, Country Club and Cherry Creek. Property owners residing in these areas will be notified by city officials if their sidewalks require repairs, and will be provided the requirements, estimated costs, and information regarding extended payment and affordability programs for those who qualify.
Owners will be given 45 days to hire their own contractors, after which the city contractor will perform the work and provide an invoice, with a “case-by-case” basis in effect for special circumstances. If the owner does not pay, a lien will be placed on the home until it is sold, at which time payment will be required. Flagstone sidewalks, which are particularly popular in the aforementioned Region 1 of the city, will need to be lifted with the foundation smoothed out, and if unable to be put back down will need to be replaced with colored concrete.
The criteria required to merit repairs is somewhat subjective, however there are a few “concrete” rules: if a slab is separated from an adjoining slab by ¾ inch or more, or if the sidewalk has a pitch of 5% or more, it must be fixed. More extensive damages may require a full replacement, however most problem areas should be fixable via mudjacking, grinding, and patching.
Aside from Region 1, there are an additional 10 regions scheduled for analysis and repair by Denver Public Works. Such regions are chosen based on grouping neighborhoods into relatively comparable areas based on community feedback. Regions will be addressed one at a time.
The structural state of Denver’s sidewalks has been an ongoing issue for decades, with one 2017 review finding that 40 percent of the city’s sidewalks did not meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which defines the minimum walkway safety standards for disabled and elderly persons. The same report estimates that the cost of addressing all concrete problems in Denver would be between $800 million and $1.4 billion—or the entire general fund budget for the city.
Despite these unsettling statistics, all signs point to an increasing awareness of Denver’s sidewalk issues and the necessity to fix them. Only time will tell how well the Neighborhood Sidewalk Repair Program will do this. Fixing Denver’s concrete issues won’t be a walk in the park, but it will certainly make the act of doing so more enjoyable.
Thanks for sharing this story with us AAA Concrete Raising.
After the dust of a big pitch settles and a project has been awarded, the construction owner must make the first big decision that will affect every aspect of the project’s progress going forward — who will be the superintendent? It takes more than just book smarts to be an effective superintendent of a construction crew. This person needs the skill, grit, and determination to get a project done on time (and under budget, even!) and more.
A great superintendent, someone who gets called back for the next project, recommended by workers, praised in the community for their steadfastness — they must have that extra oomph that sets them apart. But where does that oomph come from?
True Vision
The great superintendent looks forward, toward the future of the project (and the company). Before even setting pencil to paper he or she must have clarity about what kind of construction company they want to promote and the determination to apply those principles on the ground level. How do they want to lead? Do they care about being respected? Or feared? What is the work culture they want to bring to the table as the face of the project and the person everybody looks up to?Always Learning, Always Teaching
It’s important for a true visionary to continue learning so they can pass knowledge onto their crew. It’s not enough to understand the project at hand. They must understand every aspect of it. Developing an ongoing training schedule and a company culture that respects learning is a must. When the team looks up to their superintendent as not just “the boss” but someone who gives advice — that’s a real leader. It isn’t enough anymore to have each member of the team specialize in one thing; the greater the diversity of the workers, the more that they can competently do, the better the project will go. Cross-trained workers can hop into different jobs, and if they’re taught new skills on site, they’ll know their superintendent cares about their futures.Communication is Key
It’s easier said than done, but there are few things more frustrating than somebody claiming to be a great leader while being unable to communicate their vision. They create a sense of emergency and instead of holding daily meetings with all of the crews on a project they panic and sweat the big picture. But it’s the details and an ability to share them in a precise way — one that works for each crew — that makes all the difference. So, do you want to be just a manager of the team or do you want to be a respected leader who’s earned their position and the respect of their crews?
Our planet gives us everything we need to prosper including the ground under our feet to build our homes and skyscrapers. Our world is a big place, and what’s under your feet in one area could be different than what’s under your feet in another. Not all dirt underneath is suitable to build on but we’re humans, we figured a way around that with helical piers. Let’s review how helical piers work with a simple experiment you can do in your own home.
Here's How Helical Piers Work
Using piles or piers to reinforce poor soil for a building is nothing new and different civilizations have used foundation reinforcement for centuries. Helical piers differ from traditional wood or concrete pilings in that they are constructed from metal, are shaped like a helix (this is why they’re also known as screw piers or “earth screws,”) lightweight, and are easier to install than traditional pilings. So how do they work? Grab your kids and do this simple experiment.What Do You Need to Get Stated
- Topsoil
- Screw shaped pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- Bucket or container
- A small weighted object like a stone (square or rectangular objects are better)
Polyurethane concrete raising or mudjacking is a newer method of lifting and leveling concrete. Various marketers behind polyurethane foam 'mudjacking' pitch it as a reliable, cost-effective solution to raising, and leveling concrete such as patios, driveways and even foundations.
A 5/8" hole is drilled through the slab and into the subgrade. For most; a tapered delivery port is placed into the 5/8" hole, and the injection gun is then connected, and then delivers the polyurethane material through the port.
As the polyurethane passes through the port, expansion of the material starts. Within about 10 to 15 seconds the polyurethane foam will fully expand which allows the technician to monitor the rising of the slab, and prevent overriding.
Polyurethane concrete raising is becoming significantly more popular over traditional mudjacking.
Consumers should be especially cautious when considering applying polyurethane foam vs an organic base, mud slurry.
Additional Resources:
Polyurethane Concrete Raising Vs. Mud Slurry Mudjacking
As of recent, the effectiveness of Polyurethane mudjacking has been challenged. Dr. James Warner, P.E., Author of the Practical Handbook of Grouting: Soil; Rock; and Structures.N.p.: n.p.,2004. Print. wrote, "Because the injected material [foam] reacts and reaches its maximum volume in increments shortly following injection, significant voids remain after treatment. This was found to be the case when a bridge approach slab near the Denver airport that had been so treated [with foam] continued to settle and was subsequently removed.” Additional concerns to polyurethane mudjacking include various health and environmental concerns. I recently published an article on 303News titled, WARNING: The Alleged Dangers of Some Polyurethanes (FOAM) where I link to a manufactures safety data sheet. The safety data sheet is especially alarming. You can view their hazard statement below.
- Is Polyurethane Foam Toxic?
- Polyurethane Foam Health Effects
- Polyurethane Foam Dangers Health Risks
- Google Search: Polyurethane Foam Toxic

Junk removal is big business, it's also a big nuisance for renters, property owners, construction sites and HOAs alike.
5280 Junk Removal is a Denver junk removal company that was started based on a need. More and more people around Colorado have been 'stuck with junk' because of the extream cost to get it removed. 5280 Junk Removal came up with a plan that allows those individuals to get out from their junk affordably.
5280 Junk Removal is a full-service junk removal company who offers everything from residential junk removal, industrial junk removal, and even metal recycling.
If Junk is in your 'business,' then get rid of it. Check out our featured Best Colorado Contractor, 5280 Junk Removal at 5280JunkRemoval.com.
Best Colorado Contractors couldn't be more excited for the launch of South Denver Roofing.
South Denver Roofing was inspired by growing number of complaints regarding roofing scams around the Denver metro area. The idea started in Castle Rock, Colorado with the launch of Castle Rock Roofers. Due to its wild success, we decided to expand our coverage to the greater Denver metro area.
Now, Denver area residents can find highly screened, local roofing contractors with the click of a button. South Denver Roofing not only checks for licensing and insurance, we also perform a deep reputation check to determine the credibility of our local roofing partners.
If you're in search of a Denver roofing contractor and are located in the greater Denver metro area, be sure to check out www.southdenverroofing.com today.
You may not think of it from the name, but Christmas lights have plenty more uses other than just around the holiday season. These little lights have several applications both inside and outside the home, and if you aren’t using Christmas lights to add some decoration around your home, you may be missing out on tons of easy character. Let’s get some ideas on where you can use these neat little lights other than just on a Christmas tree.
3 Ways to Use LED Christmas Lights Anywhere But Your Christmas Tree
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can lend a cozy atmosphere to any outdoor living space, and you can use outdoor Christmas lights for outdoor lighting. You can use outdoor Christmas light for ambient lighting underneath outdoor furniture, to make lit pathways with string Christmas lights and wooden poles, or to make an overhead display. If you outdoor space is missing something, it could be LED Christmas lights.Soft Lighting in the House
LED Christmas lights can lend a soft, warm glow to any room in your house. Think your entertainment room, home theatre, reading room, and other areas of the home where you can use soft, ambient lighting for proper atmosphere. A simple idea is to string the lights along the top of the wall along all four walls for a great atmosphere. Experiment with different types and wattages to find the perfect brightness and color for your home.Accent Walls and Features
Christmas lights are a great way to accent any certain features of your home, both inside and out. You can string a row of Christmas lights over the top of your China cabinet, along the outside of your bay windows during the holiday season, or along a room that displays artwork. If there’s any area of your home that you want to “pop,” than you’ll find that Christmas lights can be useful to make this happen. Just buy purchasing a simple string of lights, you can bring a soft atmosphere or character to any room in your house, or outdoor living spaces. Try out some ideas on your own to see how LED Christmas lights can change your home for the better.
The concrete around your home plays a critical role in keeping your house up to code and safe. Your foundation, front sidewalk, and driveway are all likely constructed from concrete. The concrete provides a solid surface for you, your home, and car to sit on, so it’s very important that is stays in good repair and level. There are elements around such as underground tree roots, soil conditions, underground water flows, and other factors that could compromise this integrity of this concrete by pushing it up or pulling it down. This would normally force the homeowner’s hand into having this concrete replaced, but now there is mudjacking.
What is Mudjacking?
Mudjacking, also referred to as slabjacking and pressure grouting, is a concrete leveling technique and alternative to replacing or having to do extensive repairs on a portion of your driveway that has sunk into the ground, creating an unlevel and hazardous surface.How Does Mudjacking Work?
Mudjacking uses hydraulic pressure to lift a concrete slab back into its intended position. A concrete company will cut a series of holes into the concrete before snaking down hoses underneath the portion of concrete that needs to be set. After the hoses are set the concrete contractor will pump grout, polyurethane foam, or other mixtures underneath the slab to fill in the void and then raise the concrete to its proper level. Once the slab is in position the workers will fill in the holes, leaving you with a perfectly level slab of concrete.Advantages of Mudjacking Over Concrete Replacement
- Mudjacking has several advantages over traditional replacement such as:
- Less expensive than replacement
- Almost no waste
- Will leave your concrete stronger than before.
- Much less time and labor involved with mudjacking, most jobs take less than a day
- Minimal obtrusiveness in the area, and minimal disruption to your home.
Disadvantages of Mudjacking over Concrete Replacement
- Driveway typically needs to be 4” thick for mudjacking to work
- Will not fix concrete that is aged
- Can create cracks and other issues
In the world of private construction, there are two main categories. Commercial, and residential construction. Some differences should immediately jump out at you, commercial construction is construction where people work, and residential construction is where people live, right? This is true, but there is more to it than that. Let’s look more into residential construction including what it is, what it entails, and some of the differences between residential and commercial construction.
So, What is Residential Construction?
Residential construction is the manufacturing, renovation, or assembling of single family, multi-family, or multi-unit buildings, additions, and other work pertaining specifically to home and dwellings. Residential construction can include building a house, renovating a kitchen, adding an addition, and more. Residential construction includes a myriad of different types of construction workers and techniques. Everything from stonework, to electrical, to roofing can be considered a part of residential construction when the work is being done on a home or dwelling.Differences Between Residential and Commercial Construction
- There are several differences between residential and commercial construction, rather than just where the construction is being done. Here are some key differences between residential and commercial construction.
- Residential construction is typically performed by smaller companies compared to commercial construction.
- Residential construction usually involves a smaller budget when compared to commercial construction.
- Residential construction companies may hire more subcontractors whereas commercial construction companies will utilize private employees.
- Residential construction companies often employ contractors that have a wide range of construction knowledge. Commercial construction will employ general contractors as well but because of the scale on commercial projects, many workers often stick to a certain specialty.
- Residential construction companies will employ contractors who specialize in residential construction practices and techniques. Installing plumbing on a two-story family home is much different than installing plumbing on a 20 story office building, so companies must employ contractors whose skills are applicable to their projects.
- Residential companies do not typically have as many resources as large scale commercial construction companies. This is because residential construction projects simply do not need the amount of resources found in commercial construction.
It happens to everyone. That light bulb you just replaced six months ago has burned out again, and when you go to the store to buy a replacement, you’re faced with an entire aisle of options. Incandescents, LED’s, halogens, and CFL’s are all common household light bulbs that come in several shapes, sizes and watts. With so many factors and choices, it’s no wonder that choosing a light bulb can cost you both time and money. Despite rumors that the more expensive LED light bulbs use less energy and last longer, the popular choice for most homeowners is the bulb with the most affordable economic value at the time of purchase.
You Get What You Pay For with Light Bulbs
Along with so many other elements, it’s important to consider whether or not you’ll actually save money by purchasing a $25 light bulb. General incandescents have proven to be inefficient solutions because most of the energy they consume goes directly into heating the bulb rather than emitting light. These bulbs may appear to be more affordable up front, but they can cost you so much more in replacements and energy costs. Incandescents use up to five times as many watts for the same number of lumens as an LED bulb. The cost of lighting your home is typically 20%-30% of your electric bill. LED bulbs can save you time and money, because replacing incandescents with these energy saving products can save you about $10 every year. That seems like a small amount, but when you factor in the lifespan of LED light bulbs, which is five times as many hours as traditional incandescents, you’ll be pleased to find that neglecting to switch from incandescent bulbs could cost you four times more than LED bulbs will over a timeline of fifteen years. LED bulbs are proven to save energy, so making the switch will save you money in the long run, while saving you time at the store when you’re faced with a plethora of lighting options, because the choice is simple. Whether you're using regular light bulbs, string lights, rope lights or something else, know how the lights you use can save you time and money, and put them to the test in your home.
It seems like every day there is a new form of fraud making headlines in the news. In an age of innovative technology, you would think that there would be ways to prevent hackers from stealing credit card numbers, personal information and even your identity. Unfortunately, there are only a small handful of programs out there that can protect your information. And even with the help of those programs, your personal information and documents are never safe in the hands of anyone but yourself.
The best way to combat the potential of the wrong person getting a hold of your information is to shred paper documents and destroy any trace of your confidential data. You can purchase a paper shredder at any office supply store, and many communities hold shredding services and events that are safe methods to dispose of your information.