Monthly Archives: September 2016

When You Might Need Waterproofing Basement Services

When storm season or other issues arise, over 98% of homes with basements will have water damage. While this damage can be caused by a variety of factors, it might be that your basement needs one–or more–of the following waterproofing basement services:

Fixing leaks in basement walls

Repairing cracks in foundation walls

Repairing foundation cracks

Foundation sealing

Water proofing solutions

Protecting Your Investment

Since you want to protect the investment you made in your home as well as the safety of your family, using the services of a waterproofing basement specialist can make a substantial difference. Consider the benefits of planning ahead versus waiting until you really need significant repairs. Waterproofing your basement before storm season hits can make a significant difference and potentially reduce your overall expenses.

The Costs of Water Damage

Are you aware of the potential cost of water damage? Just to give you an idea, in 2013, it accounted for 26.4% of all insurance loss claims filed in the United States. Furthermore, floods are considered to be the primary disaster in the the United States, according to the National Flood Insurance Program. On an annual basis, an average of $3 billion in claims are filed.

Signs That Foundation Repairs Are Needed

Since you want to plan ahead to do your best to ensure you’re as prepared as you can be, you’ll want to check your foundation for cracks. If you’re not positive that you have any cracks in your existing basement foundation or walls, but suspect that there may be, contact a basement waterproofing contractor to make sure.

If you discover that your foundation has cracks wider than one-fourth-of-an-inch wide, that you have stair-step cracks in any concrete blocks or bricks, then you should definitely contact a basement waterproofing company. .

Protecting Your Basement Foundation

If you have a garden, yard, or other patch of dirt around your foundation, then you need to make sure that there is an adequate slope to allow for drainage. There should be a slope of at least six inches per ten-horizontal feet.

If you have plants, bushes, or trees, these should be placed at least two feet away from the foundation. They should also be placed deep enough into the soil so that water is not directed close to the foundation.

What You Can Do to Prevent the Spreading of Mold

Often referred to as the “M” word, mold can create a variety of problems–health issues one of the more significant ones. If you’ve experienced a flood in your basement laundry room, apartment, or storage area, be sure to remove organic items such as sheets, towels, and any upholstered furniture to avoid growing mold.

Remember that old saying about an ounce of prevention? Basically, if your cloth items aren’t dry within 48 hours, they could begin to mold. After 48 hours, it’s better to throw them away rather than risk your health and the possibility that the mold will grow and damage other items in your home.

If your basement and lower floors have been flooded, then be sure to clean up the best you can.You will also want to dry out your home within 24-to-48 hours. In this way, you will further prevent the spreading of mold.

When to Call in a Professional

Whether you’re preparing ahead of time or your basement has unfortunately been flooded, it’s important to know when to call in a professional. If you’re unable to determine what type of home waterproofing you may need–or want–contacting a waterproofing basement service would be an excellent idea.

Homebuilder Spotlight: WestBay Homes

WestBay homes

Connerton is one of many master planned communities in Florida, but it’s our unique location that sets us apart. Situated alongside the Conner Preserve, a designated natural water management preservation area since 2003, our landscape includes pine flatwoods and marshes, cypress sloughs and sandhill ridges.

In the heart of Pasco County, Connerton is part of the Land O’ Lakes region. With a population of 31,996 and an average of 248 sunny days per year, this is a warm and welcoming area of the country to live.

Of course, our community wouldn’t be what it is without our home builders. We’ve teamed up with five exceptional companies to provide modern homes that suit every taste and style. In this and subsequent posts, we’ll feature a different builder and the unique services they contribute to our community.

WestBay Homes

WestBay homes is a local Tampa company that specializes in luxury living, coupled with value and efficient design. Their attention to detail and elegant architectural designs make them stand out in our one and two-story houses in the Connerton neighborhoods of Jasmine Abbey and Rose Pointe.

The homes by WestBay in Jasmine Abbey range from 2,306 to 4,846 square feet of living space, priced in the low $300s. In the gated Rose Pointe neighborhood, you can find WestBay homes priced in the mid $400s with as much as 6,300 square feet. All houses include gourmet kitchens, plenty of natural light that blends with outdoor spaces, and three-car garages.

WestBay began as a humble homebuilding operation in Illinois in 1980, relocating to the Tampa Bay area in 1996. Already, they’ve put their unique stamp on our region. Their signature style leaves enough room for personalization while still making you feel right at home the second you walk through the front door.

All of WestBay’s homes come with an industry-leading two-year warranty program, as well as additional structural warranty. As a locally owned and operated business, they understand the climate of the region and build homes specially designed to suit this region’s natural landscape and needs.

Among WestBay’s many awards and industry accolades, their “Key Largo II” design at Connerton was recognized by the Tampa Bay Builders Association in the 2014 Parade of Homes. There’s a reason we love having WestBay Homes as one of our five trusted builders, and we think you’ll love them, too.

Charity in Action How the Red Cross is Partnering with GreenDrop to Help Communities in Need

As a species, we tend to take a lot of things for granted. We assume that the sun will rise tomorrow, that our car will start in the morning, that we will always have our homes. It is not until we have everything we take for granted taken away from us that we realize exactly how fortunate we are. Unfortunately for the 564,708 people who are regularly homeless in the country, there is very little they have that can be taken for granted. It is estimated that roughly 15% of the homeless population are considered chronically homeless individuals that have nowhere to turn. In spite of so many people in regular need, as Americans we tend to waste a lot of precious goods that could be used to clothe, warm, and shelter those in need.

The Extent of American Waste

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American will through away roughly 10 pounds of clothing per year — with over 300 million Americans, these numbers can quickly turn monumental. Another statistic cites that Americans consume nearly 20 billion garments every year — that would be 68 articles of clothing and seven pairs of shoes per person purchased every week. A majority of clothing ends up in landfills, yet statistics show that nearly 100% of clothing and textiles could be recycled or reused regardless of condition. In the end it comes to reason that we could all afford to give more and use less; this is where charities come into play.

Our Capacity to Give

Despite the significant amount of waste that we produce as a nation, there is also a great amount of good in our fellow Americans. Around 70% of people in the country regularly give to charities every year; it is no surprise that the winter holidays see a drastic spike in the amount given. In total around 3% of American income is given to charities every year — this does not even factor in the number of clothing articles, non-perishable foodstuffs, and secondhand furniture donated every year. As more and more people are participating in charitable donations those landfill figures are decreasing and more people in need are getting the food, shelter, and clothing that is so essential to them. Those who donate clothing to charities are strengthening their local communities and ensuring that no person goes forgotten.

Red Cross Clothing Donations

The American Red Cross has partnered with GreenDrop Charitable Donations to collect clothing and household donations to be converted into cash donations that benefit charities. There are approximately 30 free-standing areas and mobile trailers that accept Red Cross donations that collect an average of 100 tons of donations every week. Through these Red Cross donations millions of people in need across the country are able to get the relief they need. Unlike some charities, the American Red Cross is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to providing aid to those in need — this means you can rest assured that your Red Cross donations are being put to the best use they can. Always ensure that your donations are going to a non-profit organization so that the most people can benefit from your selfless donations — look online to find a Red Cross donation center near you.

Storage Hacks for Small Spaces

Classical Greek philosopher and scholar, Plato once said, “The greatest wealth is to be content with little.” In recent years, many have been living by that mantra quite literally, and moving into tiny homes and apartments. This phenomenon has swept that country wide, and even sparked a couple television shows.

When people move to tiny homes, they often purge their belongings, figuring out what items are truly necessary to sustain themselves. While clutter is often a problem for people, no matter what their living situations, for those who live in tiny homes or apartments storage space is tough to manage. Even with minimal belongings, it can be tough to store the essentials. Here are some ways to make your tiny space seem more spacious.

Loft your bed and install under bed organizers. Decorative home racks can keep your sleep sanctuary looking pristine while also solving your storage debacle and provide additional closet space. Shoe organizers can fit snugly at the floor of your new DIY closet.
Instead of a full-sized desk, opt for a laptop trolley that you can take wherever you go. As long as you don’t have a large desktop computer, a desk isn’t a necessary home addition, unless you have a designated home office space.
Decorative home racks don’t have to be on display all the time. Invest in portable folding racks that you can display whenever and wherever you need them. Kitchen racks are especially helpful for pantry storage or for holding appliances. Larger free-standing racks can hold heavier items, while over-the-door kitchen racks are suitable for spices or lighter food items.
If you have a green thumb, it’s likely that you want a gardening space available to you. This rings true, especially, to individuals who choose to live in self-sustainable tiny homes. While full-fledged outdoor gardens are not always available, there are plenty of alternative ways to grow fruits and vegetables. Garden greenhouses can come in all shapes and sizes, and allow home gardeners to protect their plants from the elements year round. Garden racks can be installed to hold plants on different levels, to maximize space.

Living in a small space does not always correlate to minimalist living, so these tips can be used by just about anyone who struggles with storage in a small space.

Amish Sheds Are a Natural for Storing Garden Tools

If you know anything about the Amish people and their community, then you already know the kind of attention to detail they take when it comes to making their furniture. Every piece tells a story of one who spent hours of painstaking labor to make certain that every inch is crafted perfectly. Whether your piece of furniture is an end table, a dining room chair, or a shed in which to store garden tools, your Amish furniture has been made especially for you.

It was the 1920s when Amish furniture first gained its popularity. In the United States, American folk art was being brought to the forefront of the artistic community, and the Amish way of creating furniture, with a distinctive artistic approach that emphasized detail, began to make a splash on the American public.

One of the many complaints about conventional furniture that is not constructed to the same standards as Amish furniture is that conventional furniture doesn’t last as long as its owners would like. In a recent survey of 2,000 people, 95.1% of the respondents said that they had an expectation that the furniture they buy should last for many years. With 100% handcrafted Amish furniture, you can it to last 15 years or more.

When it comes to ordering Amish furniture, you can select a style you want online and place an order for the piece of pieces you need. If you order online, you can expect to wait for 12 to 16 weeks. Your custom furniture will be handcrafted for you and built to last.

There are many different pieces you can have made to fit anywhere in just about any room. Everything looks so natural and beautiful. If what you have in mind is something for the outdoors, the Amish have something for you as well. An Amish built shed is a perfect place to store garden tools, lawnmowers, and other outside things that musty be stored away from the elements. An Amish garden shed gives your backyard the kind of character you always wanted. Its natural design reflects your personality in the way it sits. Its wooden construction is sturdy, hardworking against the elements, and the product of someone with great attention to detail, just like you.

The Amish community has, for well over a hundred years, produced furniture that is functional, sturdy, attractive and long-lasting. For the last 90 years, that furniture has been in the public eye and continues to exceed the expectations of everyone who owns a piece. Whether it is a dining room set, an armoire, an end table, or a shed where you can store garden tools, Amish furniture is a very solid investment.

If you ever find yourself in Lancaster, PA, you can see for yourself what all of the fuss is about. But if you can’t make it there, just take a look online at all of the wonderful things you can order and have custom made. You won’t be disappointed.

5 Times When It’s a Good Idea to Send Out a Bouquet of Flowers

Florist

Flowers are a very common gift to give to someone. After all, they are generally very pretty, and they smell good as well. They are a nice way to commemorate an occasion, such as a graduation or an anniversary. In a lot of cases, you might want to get flowers that are a color that the person who is going to be getting likes, or you might want to get their favorite flower. For example, if someone really likes lilies, you might want to get them a bouquet of lilies.

If you are going to be getting an anniversary flowers delivery, for example, you are going to have many options in terms of the type of bouquet you want to be sent to the person. You are also going to have options in terms of the delivery service, possibly wanting to choose the one that will be able to provide the best floral gifts. You might have to do some research in order to find the best flower ordering service, best flower sending service, or best flower store. However, it is possible to find all of these services, as long as you look for everything that is available in your area.

Flowers are a great way to say a lot of things. If you are ever stuck for what to give someone on an occasion, flowers are never a bad idea. Just visit your local florist and pick up a bouquet and you’ll be good to go. Here are a few times that flower delivery may be the way to go.

New Baby
When someone has a baby for the first time, there are so many things that they need from cribs to clothes to bottles and pacifiers and bibs and swings, car seats, strollers and so much more. Sometimes, it’s better just to give them a gift card. But you might feel like just a card is too small a gift and want something to accompany it. Flowers are a great idea for that. It’s a gift and a gift card so it seems more thoughtful. Similarly, when a couple is having their second or third child, they may not need as many things as they did before. If they are having the same gender, they likely have everything that they need already. A bouquet of flowers is a great way to say ‘I know you don’t need anything but congratulations on the newest addition to your family!’

Surgery
If someone has surgery for any reason, it can be a lonely and difficult time. Hospital stays are never fun because you are only allowed a limited number of visitors and possibly only one person is allowed to stay the night. If you aren’t able to make it during visiting hours, then sending a bouquet is a great way to wish them the best in their recovery. Flowers brighten up a dreary hospital. If you are able to go and see them after their surgery, there’s nothing wrong with bringing flowers with you, in fact it is quite appropriate and will surely be appreciated.

Loss
When someone has lost a pet or a loved one, sending flowers during that time and then on the anniversary of the death is a very thoughtful way to acknowledge what has happened. It can be difficult to know what to say but sometimes, saying nothing at all may seem like you are not there for them. Flowers are a great balance between being there for someone and giving them their space. When you are at the flower shops, let them know why you are buying flowers and the florist will be able to help you pick out an appropriate arrangement.

Congratulations
Whether a person is graduating, having a baby, getting married, buying a house, celebrating a month sober, singing a solo or going through anything that deserves a , a bouquet of flowers is a great idea. Who doesn’t love to get flowers, really? That’s why in performances, the lead role usually is presented with flowers at the end of the last show. It’s a way to say thank you, congratulations and good job all at one time.

Dates
It doesn’t matter if it’s a first date or you’ve been married for 20 years; when you go on a date, bring some flowers. It’s thoughtful, sweet and generally unexpected. However, if it’s your first date then the kind of flowers you bring are pretty important. Do what you can to find out their favorite flowers before showing up and it will mean a lot to them that you cared enough to find out. It also shows that you are paying attention to the other person.

The great thing about flowers is that you can send flowers on positive and negative occasions. Everyone wants to know that they are being thought of, you just need to make sure you send the right kind. Every florist will tell you that every flower has a meaning behind it. If you want to send the appropriate type of flowers, simply ask for the florist and take their advice. You don’t have to limit the times that you send flowers to these five situations. Sending flowers can be done anytime and the random times when you send them for no reason are sometimes the most romantic and thoughtful. Your willingness to buy flowers says a lot about your personality.

Struggling With Drug Addiction And Dependency? Look Into Ibogaine For Depression

Do you have a drug addiction or mental illness? You may want to consider ibogaine for depression. This revolutionary new medication has been sweeping the medical world over the past decade for its quick results and reliable improvements, easily considered one of the best ways of tackling the frustrating side-effects of addiction and common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and dependency. If you’re unfamiliar with ibogaine therapy or simply want to know more about the options at your disposal, look at the comprehensive guide below to get yourself on the fast track to recovery.

What Are The Most Common Addictions?

While it’s possible to become addicted to anything, there are some substances that are more commonly used than others. Recent studies have shown there are an estimated 130 million individuals in the United States who consume alcohol on a regular basis, with alcoholism still one of the leading causes of health risks and depression. Additional studies ahve shown nearly three million people having a dependence on both alcohol and illicit drugs, with another seven million people struggling with at least one form of mental illness.

What Are The Most Common Mental Illnesses?

Your mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to separate the two. Depression comes in many different forms, such as bipolar depression and seasonal depression, and affects tens of millions of people in the United States alone. Chronic anxiety rates in teenagers and young adults has seen significant spikes over the past few decades, no doubt in part to societal changes as well as growing understandings of the effects of mental illness.

What Are The Most Commonly Used Drugs?

Alcohol, tobacco and meth are some of the most frequently used drugs in the United States. Methamphetamine was originally synthesized from ephedrine back in the early 1900’s, prescribed as a treatment for obesity and general weight loss. Heroin, also known as diamorphine, was created in the late 1800’s as a product of Bayer A.G. Even now alcohol is one of the easiest drugs to obtain, with drinking culture contributing to ease and accessibility. However, many addicts have emphasized illegal drugs being easier to obtain (and less expensive) than your average six-pack of beer.

What Age Group Is More Prone To Addiction?

Over 20 million Americans over the age of 12, excluding tobacco, have been found to have an addiction. In fact, the majority of people who use drugs for the first time do so when they are teenagers — there were nearly three million new users of illicit drugs a few years back, equating to around 8,000 first-timers per day. Half of those were under the age of 18. Addictions can last for years if left untreated, hence the increasing popularity of ibogaine for depression and addiction treatment programs.

How Can Ibogaine Drug Treatment Help Me?

If you have considered ibogaine for depression or an ibogaine detox, your first step is to visit an ibogaine treatment center and ask for an evaluation. They will assess your addiction and have you answer a series of questions to better figure out the most appropriate plan of action. Ibogaine is used to lower the body’s tendency toward dependency and, as such, significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms and all the negative effects they have on your everyday life. Results can be seen in a matter of weeks, ideal if you want to nip your condition in the bud. Consider visiting an ibogaine treatment program and see if ibogaine for depression is right for you.