Posts Tagged ‘contractor’
For quite a long time now Epoxy paints have been on the scene. Their characteristics of being oil and grease-resistant coupled with hardness and long life makes their use ideal for industrial floors. But, of late homeowners too have been using them.
Homeowners use epoxy paints for garage floors and basement floors.These paints can cover dull, gray concrete and provide you with easy to clean surfaces.Some of the advantages associated with the use of epoxy floor paints are: Durability, freedom from rusting, waterproofing and resistance to heat, salt and acid.One major factor prompting its use for the householders is its low price. Keeping the technicalities’ in mind, you should not use concrete floor paint in case your floor has seepage or moisture, as such paints don’t last long under humid conditions.
Primarily epoxies are available in three different types: 100% solids, solvent-based and water-based. The strongest ones being the 100% solids and are the most expensive that need to be handled by experts only.For industrial applications solved based epoxies are the most common. They comprise of 40-60% solids. Ventilation is of prime importance if you decide to use epoxy paints for your garage or basement floor.
They are easily available at any store that deals with industrial goods.The cheapest type is the water-based epoxies. Because of their strength they are recommended for being used for residences. Most of the home improvement stores offer these epoxies.You can have them in many colors.
You can even have a computerized toning.
Most of the brands in the market claim that epoxies are good for exterior purpose only. The claims hold good for some of the stronger coatings. For some, living in unkind weather it may be worthwhile to explore the possibility of using acid based or acrylic concrete stains before zeroing in on the use of epoxy concrete paint.
The first step before you apply epoxy paint on your garage floor, is to prepare the floor.Most of the epoxy coating failures i have witnessed are as a result of wrong or little surface preparation. At the outset you have to clean the floor with a hard bristled brush and subsequently clear the debris created. Next, you should use a mild acid for scrubbing of floor for a thorough cleaning.These are usually referred to as acid etching.
Next, you need to scrub the floor with a solution of warm water and soap and clearing that away. Your floor may still continue to have some water soluble impurities and you are required to scrub a de-greaser on the surface of the floor and finally wash it off. The grease and oil on a garage floor can’t be removed by mild acid treatment. You should ensure that water used for rinsing does not remain stuck on the floor, but if it does, you have to repeat the process once again.
After doing these, the garage floor should then be left overnight to dry.During epoxy concrete paint application, It is important to ensure a consistent application. You should also make sure that the humidity is at the accepted levels to prevent the coating from blistering and discoloring. Generally, two to three coats of paint deliver the required results.
A proper installation ensures years of service and a regular maintenance further enhances is life.
We are wittnesing the rise of many interior design referral services in many cities, from LA to NY. They spend their time looking for trusted and good quality contractors that can do the work, which brings a great profit to these businesses.
And you won’t need much to make a break. You will need to invest only a small amount of money and a regular 40 hours per week into this referral business. Even in the first business year these entrepenuers will see the money coming in.
Which types of businesses you would like to refer is the most important question you need to find answer for. By this we mean remodeling, gutter replacement and cleaning, fencing, building additions, maintaining lawn and other similar jobs. Remember, all though you may like to paint a client may not like it or have the time. And this means that there is no business that should be overlooked.
You will need to call the local, county and state government offices when you choose the type of contractors you would like to include in your referral business. Get the regulations and requirements regarding licensing, bonding, business registry, and insurance for each type of contractor. And now you have a first step in list building. Any contractor that does not meet government regulations should not be on your referral list.
If you understand and start using these requirements, you will see how your refferal business will improve and you will build trust with your clients. It will be very clear to them that in case a contractor is not meeting the requirements needed, they will simply be deleted from the list. Knowing that the job will be done as agreed and correctly is what will make your clients feel more satisfied and relaxed.
If you only deal with the contractors that were recommended by their previous customers, you will get a good credibility and build trust with your clients. But the screening process does not end here. Recommendations are no longer enough.
You should always check the contractors quality and level of service, when you get the recommendation to your home improvement referral business. You will need to talk to them and present then your referral business. Many contractors will give you the needed information happily. This is your home improvement referral service business and you can take it wherever you want.