Instructions
1 Remodel the bath/shower area with a walk-in shower or a tub with a seat; some models are accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. Choose a model with a nonskid surface on the floor and the seat. Include a fixed showerhead, plus a handheld shower with an adjustable height, recommends the National Aging in Place Council.

2 Install a senior-friendly toilet. Sometimes called chair-height toilets, these fixtures make it easier to get up and down.

3 Place grab bars in key locations. Install at least one handrail next to the toilet to provide additional leverage when pulling yourself back to a standing position. Include grab bars in the shower/tub area to provide safety while getting in and out.

4 Lower the bathroom sink to provide easier access. Include knee clearance under the sink for wheelchair users.

5 Enlarge all doors into the bathroom so a senior with a walker or wheelchair can pass through easily. Remove thresholds to eliminate tripping hazards.

Source:
eHow Contributor| updated October 05, 2011
http://www.ehow.com/how_2141939_remodel-bathroom-safe-seniors.html

David Cook
(707) 342-2820
(925) 335-9099
Email Dave

Chris Cook
(707) 342-3505
Email Chris

Below are just a few of the preventative maintenance services that should be done on a regular basis. The homeowner can also take part in protecting their greatest investment.

MONTHLY

• Fire Extinguisher: Check that it’s fully charged; recharge or replace if needed.
• Sink/Tub Stoppers and Drain Holes: Clean out debris.
• Garbage Disposal: Flush with hot water and baking soda.
• Water Softener: Check water softener salt drum and replinish salt if necessary.
• Forced-Air Heating System: Change filters once a month if user’s manual recommends fiberglass filters.

EVERY 2 MONTHS

• Wall Furnace: Clean grills.
• Range Hood: Clean grease filter.

EVERY 3 MONTHS

• Faucet: Clean aerator.
• Tub Drain Assembly: Clean out debris; inspect rubber seal and replace if needed.
• Floor and Outdoor Drain Grates: Clean out debris.

EVERY 6 MONTHS

• Smoke Detector: Test batteries and replace if needed.
• Toilet: Check for leaks and water run-on.
• Interior Caulking: Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks; replace any if it is deteriorating.
• Forced-Air Heating System: Change semi-annually if user’s manual recommends high efficiency pleated or HEPA-style filters.
• Garbage Disposal: Tighten drain connections and fasteners.
• Clothes Washer: Clean water inlet filters; check hoses and replace them if they are leaking.
• Clothes Dryer: Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas.
• Wiring: Check for frayed cords and wires; repair or replace them as needed.
• Range Hood: Wash fan blades and housing.

EVERY SPRING

• Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Clean them out or install no-clean version. Inspect and repair weak areas; check for proper drainage and make repairs if needed.
• Siding: Inspect and clean siding and repair if needed.
• Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
• Windowsills, Doorsills, Thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if needed.
• Window and Door Screens: Clean screening and repair or replace if needed; tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if needed; replace broken, worn, or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.

EVERY FALL

• Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Clean out. Inspect and repair weak points; check for proper slope.
• Chimney or Stovepipe: Clean flue (more frequently if needed); repair any cracks in flue or any loose or crumbling mortar.
• Siding: Inspect and clean siding and repair if needed.
• Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
• Storm Windows and Doors: Replace any cracked or broken glass; tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if needed. Replace damaged hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
• Window and Door Weather Stripping: Inspect and repair or replace if it is deteriorating or if it does not seal.
• Thermostat: Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts; check accuracy and replace thermostat if it is not functioning properly.
• Outdoor Faucets: If you live in an area with freezing winters, shut off valves to outdoor faucets. Open spigots and drain, store hoses.

ANNUALLY

• Septic Tank: Have a professional check the tank (watch for backup throughout the year). In many areas, it is recommended that the tank be pumped every year.
• Main Cleanout Drain: Have a “rooter” professional clean out the main line, particularly if there are mature trees in your yard whose roots could have cracked the pipe in their search for moisture.
• Water Heater: Drain water until it is clear of sediment; test temperature pressure relief valve; clean burner and ports (gas heater).
• HVAC System: Have a professional tune up your heat/air conditioning system.

The Homeowner:

1. Doesn’t bother to check the remodeling or building contractor’s license status at all, if just to verify that he/she has one and that it is in good standing. Checking the license is a necessary formality but it does not guarantee a favorable outcome. (Not all States require licensing)
2. Assumes that just because a building contractor is licensed in his/her state that they will be ethical, will abide by the contractors laws in their state and perform quality work that meets industry standards. Many homeowners stop here without doing further background checks on the contractor.
3. Doesn’t thoroughly interview the contractor, asking key questions about job performance, employees or subcontractors and material suppliers he uses, projects he has done similar to yours and how he handles problems when they come up – because they will come up.
4. Has an uncomfortable “gut” feeling about the contractor but ignores it and hires him/her anyways because they want to get going with their project.Does not verify if the contractor maintains a permanent physical business address – not a PO Box or Postal Annex type address with a suite number – a mailing address, published phone number, fax, and cell phone or voice messaging system.
5. Does not verify if the contractor maintains a permanent physical business address – not a PO Box or Postal Annex type address with a suite number – a mailing address, published phone number, fax, and cell phone or voice messaging system.
6. Doesn’t verify that the contractor has all the necessary insurance coverage – Surety Bond that is active; Workman’s Compensation Insurance if there are employees; and General Liability Insurance by contacting the companies to confirm coverage.
7. Signs a construction contract they don’t thoroughly understand and has little detail with regards to the scope of work to be done, materials used with brand names you chose included.
8. Assumes the oral agreements made when discussing the project will be part of the work performed when in fact they don’t make it into the contract and when later the homeowner questions the contractor about it, it becomes a “change order”. And the law is on the contractor’s side; anything not in the contract is considered to be a change order.
9. Gives the contractor a large sum of money up front to begin the project. Every State has specific laws relating to the amount of money the contractor can legally ask for to begin the project.
10. Hires the remodeling or building contractor based on trust alone. Trust is something that is earned. If the homeowners did their homework and background checks on the contractor, they will come to trust their contractor based on his performance, behavior, professionalism and knowledge.

]]> http://cookskitchenandbath.com/10-mistakes-homeowners-hiring-remodeler/feed/ 0 http://cookskitchenandbath.com/regular-tile-maintenance/ http://cookskitchenandbath.com/regular-tile-maintenance/#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:56:16 +0000 cookwebb1 http://cookskitchenandbath.com/?p=1990 READ MORE]]> The inherent technical characteristics of these porcelain tiles ensures that they will be relatively easy to maintain and should provide years of enjoyment. Many general purpose cleaners that are readily available are acceptable for use on our tiles. It is important that the cleaner has a non-oil, non-animal fat, non-soap base. These components can leave behind an invisible residue with can trap dirt. It is also important that the tile receive a thorough rinsing with clean water after the cleaning process has been completed.

The general cleaning steps for porcelain tile can be summarized as follows:

1. Remove all loose debris from the tile by sweeping with a soft bristle broom or vacuuming.
2. Any spills should be wiped up as quickly as possible.
3. Apply the recommended amount and dilution of the appropriate cleaner to the tile. Allow the cleaner to remain on the tile for short period of time (at least 5 minutes).
4. For unpolished tile, scrub with a nylon pad or soft bristle brush. For more heavily soiled floors a floor machine equipped with a nylon pad or bristle brush may be used. For polished tile, wipe or mop with a nonabrasive mop or cloth.
5. Remove the dirty cleaning solution and water with a wet vacuum or mop. Thoroughly rinse the tile with clean water and remove with a wet vacuum, mop, or towel. It is absolutely essential for all detergent residues to be completely removed from the tile. Any remaining detergent residue can dry on the tile and form a coating which can trap dirt and be very difficult to remove. The tile should be rinsed several times if necessary to remove all detergent residue.

The frequency and timing of any maintenance program is dependent on the specific characteristics of each tile application. Factors such as foot traffic, environmental conditions and product color should be considered when planning your maintenance schedule

A Word About Cleaners

There are many excellent cleaners on the market today which should provide you with satisfactory results. All purpose household cleaners such as Soft Scrub, Top Job, Mr. Clean, Ajax Liquid, Dow Bathroom Cleaner, Liquid Comet, and Fantastik are all suitable for general purpose cleaning of these products. Soapless detergents such as Spic & Span and 409 may also be used. For the removal of stains on unpolished tile, scouring powders such as Comet, Bon Ami, or Ajax may be used. These may be used in conjunction with a nylon pad or soft bristle brush. Steel wool is not recommended.

For heavier cleaning requirements or commercial applications, products manufactured by Aqua Mix, Hillyard Industries, Walter G. Legge Co., or CeramaSeal may be used. These products are available through your local ceramic tile dealer. In all cases please ensure you follow the manufacturers instructions. We also strongly recommend that all cleaners be tested first in a small, inconspicuous area before general use on the floor

No damage or dryrot repairs are included. Cook’s Kitchen and Bath, Inc. reserves the right to substitute the above items with items of equal value based on availability and clients timeframe. Estimated time to complete is 7-10 business days.