Blog Posts

What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You

Here are the facts. Radon causes lung cancer and it kills people, period. It is a Class A Carcinogen. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non smokers and second only to smoking in overall cause of lung cancers. 1 in 5 Missouri homes has elevated radon levels above the EPA action level. If you smoke and are livng with elevated radon levels you are at much higher risk. Lung Cancer risk from Radon increases with both higher levels and longer exposure time. Radon is not like Carbon Monoxide poisoning. There are no symptoms of elevated Radon levels. Death or sickness is not instant from elevated radon levels, rather it is the release of Alpha Radiation from Radon, that over time can cause lung cancer. Radon kills an estimated 50-100 people everyday in the United States. These are preventable lung cancer deaths, brought on by continued exposure to elevated Radon Gas levels in the home. Please don’t fall into the “It will never happen to me” category. All radon levels can be reduced to acceptable levels with simple and well established venting techniques, and no, it’s not very expensive to mitigate if you find that your home has high radon levels. What if your home has 3 or 4 times the EPA’s action level….What if….There is no need to wonder, what if. Testing your home is the only way to know for sure and Radon Testing Kits are free. Missouri Department of Radon provides free test kits to Missouri Residents. Please visit Saintlouisradon.com for more information. Or call 314-226-5098

Q and A

Question: What is the purpose of a home inspection and what does it include?
Answer: There are many reasons to have a home inspection before purchasing it, but the two main reasons are to help secure financing and to provide peace of mind.
The American Society of Home Inspectors set the standards for home inspections. They typically look at these areas:
Basic structures like the floors, foundation, heating and cooling, roof and water leaks, drainage, paint and tile, plumbing, wiring, fireplace (if applicable).
After the inspection, you will receive a written report. This will include any maintenance recommendations, plus any major defects, problems that may hinder your ability to obtain financing or safety hazards. If you are thinking of selling, you may want to have your home inspected so you can repair any defects prior to listing the home.
In either case, we can help. We specialize in home inspection repairs and we can offer a referral to several ASHI inspectors. Just give us call for help!

IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR

Potential buyers may drive through several neighborhoods before choosing one they want to look at more closely. Increase your curb appeal by keeping up the exterior of your home, even before you consider selling. If you aren’t selling, keeping up with the basic maintenance can prevent future problems. At Andy’s Home and Business Repair we can help.

We are Now Officially EPA Lead Certified!

What is lead-based paint abatement?

Abatement means any measure or set of measures designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards. Abatement includes, but is not limited to:

1. The removal of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust, the permanent enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint, the replacement of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures, and the removal or covering of lead contaminated soil; and
2. All preparation, cleanup, disposal, and post-abatement clearance testing activities associated with such measures.
3. Specifically, abatement includes, but is not limited to:
* Projects for which there is a written contract or other documentation, which provides that an individual or firm will be conducting activities in or to a residential dwelling or child-occupied facility that:
o Shall result in the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards; or
o Are designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards and are described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this definition.
* Projects resulting in the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards, conducted by firms or individuals certified in accordance with § 745.226, unless such projects are covered by paragraph (4) of this definition;
* Projects resulting in the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards, conducted by firms or individuals who, through their company name or promotional literature, represent, advertise, or hold themselves out to be in the business of performing lead-based paint activities as identified and defined by this section, unless such projects are covered by paragraph (4) of this definition; or
* Projects resulting in the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards, that are conducted in response to state or local abatement orders.
4. Abatement does not include renovation, remodeling, landscaping or other activities, when such activities are not designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards, but, instead, are designed to repair, restore, or remodel a given structure or dwelling, even though these activities may incidentally result in a reduction or elimination of lead-based paint hazards. Furthermore, abatement does not include interim controls, operations and maintenance activities, or other measures and activities designed to temporarily, but not permanently, reduce lead-based paint hazards.

What is the purpose of EPA’s lead-based paint activities regulation?

These regulations protect the public from hazards of improperly conducted lead-based paint activities. They contain several elements, including:

* Training and certification requirements to ensure the proficiency of contractors who offer to conduct lead-based paint inspection, risk assessment and abatement services in residences and day care centers
* Accreditation requirements to ensure that training programs provide quality instruction in current and effective work practices
* Work practice standards to ensure that lead-based paint activities are conducted safely, reliably and effectively

Prevent Pest Damage

Pests like rodents and insects in your home are not only a nuisance, but can also cause considerable damage. Once they get indoors they can be difficult- and expensive – to remove. That’s why the best way to protect your home from these pests is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Here are some simple steps you can take.
Clean and vacuum regularly. A clean home is less enticing to pests so set up a schedule for weekly housekeeping chores.
Take care of food and garbage. Store food in tightly sealed containers. Never leave food out on counter tops or tables. Compost or use your garbage disposal when possible or wrap garbage before throwing away. Wash garbage cans regularly.
Reduce clutter. Piles of old papers, clothing or other accumulated materials are good breeding and hiding places for pests. Sort and discard what you can.
Seal possible entrances. Insects and even rodents do not need much room to enter your home. Inspect doorways and windows for cracks. Apply caulk and/or weather stripping where needed. Make sure window screens are in good condition.
If you encounter termites, call a professional exterminator to kill them. Then call us to repair the damage. WE DO TERMITE DAMAGE REPAIRS!

Beautiful New Lighting

Remodeled Kitchen and Bath

Come Visit My Table!

How’s Your Fence Holding Out?

Repair that Rotted Wood!

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