Have you noticed that the brick masonry on your building looks a little tired, or even damaged? Doing some inspections may reveal this to be true, and it is up to you to take the necessary steps to ensure that the problem is looked at. Normally, this means employing the right company for the task. 

Brick repair and pointing are not simple tasks. While you may try to deal with them as part of a DIY project, you may end up doing a sub-par job, which means more trouble in the future. There are many companies in London you can turn to for help. But having so many choices also means that you should be careful not to enlist a company that will do a poor job. It is important to have the right experts for such a task. To help you out, we have compiled a few tips that will lead you to the right company. 

1. Consult with your neighbours and friends

One of the best ways to get the appropriate service on your side is to hire the same company that some of your neighbours or friends have used. If they found that the company did a good job for them, the chances are that you too can take advantage of the same service. Whenever you decide you are going to use a brick repair company for your property, ask your neighbours and friends around. Perhaps they will point you to the right company and save you a lot of time and effort on research. 

2. You should check online

The Internet is an irreplaceable fountain of information on brick repair companies. After a simple search, you will be able to find a few companies that deal with the service you are after. You can even check what their clients think, but take every review you read with a grain of salt. At the very least, you will be able to find out more about the company, to make a more informed decision. 

3. Find out what services the company provides

As you search through the recommendations, it is important to keep an eye on the service portfolio. Perhaps you need brick pointing, which is a more specific service and only a handful of companies offer such. In any case, it is up to you to find out exactly what the company provides and make sure that it is what you are after. 

4. Get an estimate from a few companies

Once you have found a few brick repair companies, it is a good idea to ask for an estimate from them. That way, you will get a clear idea of how much you will need to pay to get the job done. Some companies might even include an estimate for additional services, such as brick cleaning. At this point, you must be clear on the expenses and what the service covers. Keep in mind that an accurate estimate is a good thing because it shows the company is dedicated. 

5. How much experience do they have?

Last, but not least, it is important to check how long the company has been in business. While an emerging company may offer better rates, do you really want to leave such an important task in the hands of inexperienced workers? It is best to hire an established company, which will do the job to a decent standard. 

Knowing how to hire a brick contractor for your repairs is essential for keeping this particular part of your property in good condition. 

© Evto Bricks Restoration Ltd

Thoroughly preparing and washing the walls before painting is one of the most ignored recommendations for painting projects. Even the most thorough and careful avid DIYers are tempted to do away with the wall preparation, especially when it looks clean. What many do-it-yourselfers do is add paint right away.

The results of skipping this step may not be evident right away. In many cases, the paint may last for years, but for some, they see the consequences right away.

Wall Preparation

Major paint companies suggest cleaning the walls before the application of paint. This may include basic wiping or scrubbing using cleaning solutions.

Wipe the walls if it is filled with dirt and dust. Get rid of wax stains, grease, or oil using a sponge dipped in a solution of water and mild detergent. After that, you should rinse the wall using clean water and let it dry.

Kitchen walls, which may have been exposed to oil or grime, should be washed with a solution that can remove grease. Once done, clean the wall using water to remove any residual cleaning agent. Then, wipe the walls using a damp cloth.

Will professional painters wash your walls?

Most professional painters don’t wash walls. Why? Because it’s not part of their job description. Their job is to paint the walls. But did you know that if you, as a homeowner, do this, you can significantly cut the time needed to paint the wall? And less time painting means less money spent to pay for their services.

You have the option to take the DIY route when cleaning the walls. However, If you can’t do this yourself, you can always hire a home cleaner to get this job done for you.

When can you skip washing the walls?

Here’s a list of instances when you can skip washing the walls before you paint.

• The walls have minimal dust.
• The walls have no grease or crayon stains.
• The house doesn’t have a wood-burning fireplace.
• There are no pets inside the house.
• No bathing or cooking takes place in the room you plan to repaint.
• You plan to pain vertical surfaces only.
  
  

When can you wash the walls with soap and water?

As previously mentioned, most major paint manufacturers recommend that you clean the wall using mild detergent and water before proceeding with the paint job. Even though modern paints are designed to adhere well to the surface, they will do so if the wall is smooth and clean.

The first thing you need to do is get rid of cobwebs and dust bunnies. You should use a detergent and water to clean visibly dirty and dusty walls. Then, the trim and baseboards should be cleaned with a lightly moist cloth. Next, vacuum any areas near the walls.

Mix warm water and mild detergent in a bucket. Start wiping down the wall using a damp sponge dipped in the cleaning solution. After washing, rinse the walls carefully using clean water and a damp sponge.

You should clean the walls with trisodium phosphate if it’s filled with oils and grease. TSP is also ideal for lightly etching the surface as preparation for applying a high gloss paint finish.

• When can you wash the walls without using a detergent?
• If the walls need some washing, there are some instances when it doesn’t need activating washing using detergent.
• If adults use the primary bedroom
• If the room is used as a home office
• If the family room doesn’t have a wood-burning fireplace
• If the powder room is used only for handwashing and toilet activities.
• If the living room was recently repainted or didn’t get a lot of activity
• If the dining room is used for dining only, not for cooking.
  
  © APA Painters and Decorators
  

London as a modern city has a strict policy for clearing rubbish, both for residential and commercial places. There are many rubbish collecting companies in London, and you must carry out your due diligence before choosing a suitable agency to handle your rubbish. It would be best to go through detailed steps in selecting from the several companies you will find that offer these services, to avoid having a bad experience.

We have encountered bad reviews about several people's experiences with a cleaning company's horrible services. Hiring a rubbish clearance company is not as straightforward as you may think. It involves more than looking up online for the available cleaning company to take away your rubbish. That is why we will help you through the process of hiring a rubbish clearance company.

1. Determine the content and size of the rubbish

You must know about the content and size of your rubbish before you contact a clearance company. At least you can provide them with the details of the kind of work they are expected to do, which will be helpful in the negotiation and pricing of their services. Also, you will be able to determine if they offer the services that will suit the kind of rubbish you have for them to collect. For example, some companies distinguish their services from commercial to residential services.

1. Find a company that meets your rubbish requirements

Now that you have determined your rubbish requirement, you can find a company to carry out that specific service. At our company, we collect rubbish from commercial and residential places, so we understand the different services required for each kind of customer that needs our services. You will reduce the chance of complications and pay the right price when you can find a company that matches the requirement of your rubbish clearance. There are several avenues you can find a cleaning company nowadays. The internet is your best place to search for rubbish clearance companies close to you, or you should ask for referrals from friends and neighbours.

1. Review the companies that offer the services required

Since it may be your first time using a cleaning company, you should review the company to know more about them and its operations. Thanks to the internet, you can find online reviews of some of the cleaning companies in London. And these reviews will help you understand the company's mode of operation from the firsthand experience of some of their customers. If you found a company or several companies that meet your requirement, search for them online and learn about their services, customer experiences, customer care support system, their availability, and how they respond to customers. Knowing these will help you determine if you will have a good experience with the company and help you narrow your choice to a suitable one.

1. Check for company registration.

Laws are guiding the operation of rubbish collection and disposal in London. We collect rubbish in London and are under the license of the government to operate. Our facilities have been inspected and approved as adequate to provide the cleaning services in the required way. However, there are health and safety concerns in delivering these services, and the company must have the required tools and meet the standard set to operate safely and efficiently. It would be best if you understood that you might be putting yourself and others at risk using a not licensed company.

1. Check the charges and services offered.

It would be best if you went through the price list offered by the company to ensure that there are no add-on services that you do not need. From reviews, we have seen that some customers have complained of extra charges by companies such as loading fees, parking fees and others that made the price extremely high for the services they have to offer. Always ask for a contract agreement and agree on the cost before signing up for their services. Avoid paying unnecessary and padded fees to companies that want to fleece you of your money.

© We Collect Rubbish

Do you live with a pet dog? If you do, you are well aware of the damage your lovely pet can cause on the hardwood floor, especially when running around the house. However, letting a pet dog and a hardwood floor co-exist is possible; you must figure out how to protect the delicate surface from ugly scratches. Here is what you should do:

• Place a rug
  If your dog has a favourite spot on the hardwood floor, the signs of ageing there will no doubt appear. To protect that particular floor area, you can place a rug for your dog to spend time on. While rugs and small carpets work wonders to preserve the surface beneath scratch-free, they might come with the downside of not being a match for your interior. But given all the negative impact scratches have on the wooden floor, consider looking for the right rug that will align with your décor – the variety of colours and patterns rugs ensure is greater than you imagine.

• Vacuum daily
  Vacuuming the hardwood floor daily is always a good idea, and when living with a pet dog, this cleaning method becomes even more effective. Pet hair and dirt from the outside are the leading cause of scratches on the wooden surface, so try sticking to a regular vacuum cleaning routine. Sweep or vacuum clean the floor daily to pick up dirt, and don't forget to set the vacuum cleaner to the right feature. The beater bar is what you should never opt for, as this might seriously damage the surface.

• Purchase dog nail covers
  Sometimes, it is not even necessary for your dog to run around the house so that ugly scratches appear on the wooden floor. Since dogs' nails always stay exposed, walking on the wooden floor might lead to scratching, especially for large, heavy breeds. To prevent scratches, you can purchase specially designed dog nail covers. These items are pretty cheap, and they come in various sizes; pick the size that is a perfect fit for your pet.

• Trim the nails
  Your dog's nails grow fast, which is why you should trim them regularly. Short, non-sharp nails minimise the floor's scratching, so take your time to check on your dog's paws often. If the time has come for trimming, be patient and carefully tackle the task without causing distress to your beloved pet. Don't cut it too short, as you might hurt your dog's skin. If you believe trimming the nails is too complicated to handle on your own, take the dog to a pet groomer. Allow the pros to safely take care of the dog's nails to keep the hardwood floor scratch-free and your four-legged friend happy. Another way to maintain the dog's claws short enough is to take it for a walk as often as possible. In addition to the health benefits regular walks provide, they are also a great way to prevent your pet's overgrown nails naturally.

• Wax the floor
  Waxing the hardwood floor ensures a better grip for your dog while running around, thus minimising the need to use its nails for better balance. If scratches still appear, waxing limits their depth, allowing you to cover the damage by re-waxing easily. To prolong the lifespan of your hardwood floor while living with a pet dog, wax the surface every couple of years. Research to figure out the right product for your type of floor, and contact the wooden floor manufacturer for instructions on how to wax the surface by yourself properly.

Dogs are amazing pets, and with the help of these tips, you can let your furry friend and the beautiful hardwood floor co-exist for a long time.

©FK Floor Sanding

With new technology being used in most fields of business, managers have centralised their services, so you won’t have to appoint a managing agent whose office is located in the same general area of your investment property. You should ensure you have someone with experience in the property market, regardless of your Property’s location. It will help you decide whether or not you feel comfortable working with them; that way, you can analyse their level of professionalism. When you meet your potential new property manager, you should clarify which services are included in their proposal and ask questions regarding routine inspections, rent reviews, arrears and other aspects of the business. The following five questions are some of the most important ones:

Does the Agency Have a Dedicated Property Management Department?

Many agencies see property management as a weaker version of the far more glamorous field of sales, and some may even leave the management of client assets to the receptionists and front desk staff. You must ensure that your agent works in a dedicated property management department. It would be best if this department is staffed by experts, with management continuity, in case a property manager falls ill or leaves. 

Is a Director or Owner of the Agency Involved in Day-to-Day Management?

Most agencies will have a rental department and a sales department. Generally, the business owner will have a sales background and not a rental background and will often look after the sales department, leaving the rental department in the hands of a property manager. This is often the case because the sales department has a higher turnover rate and income. The rental department is more intensive and harder to manage and has a lower income. You may find that the agency where the director has a more active role in the property management department takes the property management job more seriously.

How Many Years Has the Property Manager Been Working in Real Estate?

Going to a brand-name agency doesn’t necessarily mean improving their service. This is something that relates to the property manager and not the agency. Many people start their real estate careers as receptionists and then move up to property management or the sales department. Yet, in some cases, people stay in property management as a career, and this is the type of dedicated person you want to look after your Property and your interests.

How Many Years Has the Property Manager Been with the Agency?

You need to look for stability in your chosen property manager. Due to the stresses involved in this line of work, turnover rates are high, so you want someone who has chosen property management as a career. You want to have someone who learns everything about your Property, inside and out. You want to be able to pick up the phone and speak to them now or months down the line, the same person who knows your Property as well as you do.

Does the Property Manager Give you a Written Proposal?

Some property managers will go out and look at your Property, then say that they’ve put you in their books. You should look for someone who takes the time and effort to present a professional image and gives you a written proposal instead. If they make an effort to be as professional as this, they will likely look after your Property with the same level of professionalism.

©MLM Property Management