Your home’s foundation is literally holding your house up. So it’s important that any problems with the foundation are taken care of right away by a professional contractor who specializes in this type of work. Neglecting your home’s foundation can lead to an increasing number of problems, including severe structural damage, plumbing issues, and even pest infestation. The longer foundation problems linger, the worse they become, and the more expensive repairs will cost.

This all means that you don’t want to trust your home’s foundation repair to just anyone. There are a lot of shady contractors out there who are happy to take your money and don’t care about your house. The following is a list of questions put together by the authorities in foundation repair from Shreveport Foundation Repair Specialists to ask when hiring a foundation repair specialist.

What Kind Of Guarantee/Warranty Do They Offer?

Any foundation repair work should come with a guarantee and warranty. If your home’s foundation crumbles two months after it was repaired, you shouldn’t be on the hook for paying for more repair work. Ask the contractor what kind of guarantee they offer. A good warranty will cover both materials and labor. Make sure you know the specifics of the guarantee/warranty before signing a repair contract.

Are They Licensed and Insured?

The state of Louisiana does not have a specific license for foundation repair. However, anyone working on your home’s foundation should be licensed with the Louisiana State Board of Contractors. And while not required, the company you hire to do your foundation work should also have a structural engineer on staff or one they contract with. Depending on how damaged your foundation is, a structural engineer may be needed to ensure repairs are done correctly.

Your contractor must also have general liability insurance. This will protect you from many claims that can arise from having work done on your house. They must have builder’s risk insurance (also known as course of construction insurance). It will protect the property under construction, in addition to materials, supplies, and equipment.

Finally, the state of Louisiana requires a license bond. Basically, the bond ensures contractors comply with local and state laws and building codes. A license bond is required in most municipalities to obtain a building permit.

What’s In Your Repair Contract?

Read over the repair contract carefully before signing it or handing over any money. One of the most essential parts of the agreement is securing the required permits. Most jurisdictions require by law a structural permit for any work on a house’s foundation because the engineering is critical to the home’s safety.

A big reason why some contractors are reluctant to get permits is that they’re unable to repair your foundation using sound engineering standards. If the contract doesn’t say anything about permits, or that permits are optional, it’s probably a good idea to look for a new contractor.

There are a lot of risks associated with not filing for a structural permit for foundation repair work. These risks include everything from the safety and integrity of the foundation to having to disclose unpermitted work to potential buyers.

Also, the contract should lay out the payment schedule. Depending on the estimated cost of the repair, it’s not unusual to make a deposit before work begins, with the balance due once repairs are completed. Be wary of any contractor requiring full payment upfront.

The contract must also include a lien waiver. This means if the person doing your foundation repair work doesn’t pay their suppliers and any subcontractors, those suppliers and subcontractors cannot file a lien against your property to force payment. Lien waivers are often overlooked, but having one will ensure you’re not on the hook for your contractor’s financial mismanagement.

Finally, who is going to pay for any repairs to the house’s siding or other structures if damaged during the course of the foundation repair? If it’s not in the contract that the contractor is responsible for those costs, then that’s a red flag. Legitimate foundation repair contractors who care about their professional reputation will cover those costs should an accident happen.

Check Customer Reviews And Ask For References

Anyone can put up a website and use slick marketing materials for advertising their business. But this doesn’t guarantee the contractor will do quality work. This means you want to read as many customer reviews as you can about the contractor. You can find reviews on their Facebook business page, Yelp, Google My Business Results, and so forth. Don’t always rely on reviews the contractor publishes on their website since these can be easily faked.

Further, it’s important to ask for references. These will be former customers that can give you their experience working with the contractor. It’s a good idea to ask your references the following questions:

• Did the contractor complete the foundation repair job on time?
• Was the project completed on budget?
• Would you recommend this contractor to friends/family? Why or why not?
• Were there any surprises?
• Did you have any problems while working with this contractor?

This is your chance to find out what it’s like working with the foundation repair contractor before signing a contract or handing over any money.

Take Your Time Finding The Right Contractor

Finally, it’s okay to get price quotes from several foundation repair contractors. Just don’t forget that cheaper isn’t always better, especially when it comes to the structural integrity of your house. And don’t let a contractor try to rush you into hiring them to repair your foundation. Trust your instincts. If something seems off about a contractor, they’re probably not someone you want to hire.

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, space is a valuable asset. So if you have a spare room in your home, make sure you make the most of it. Allowing an unused bedroom to gather dust is wasteful, especially when you can easily transform it into a practical space to enjoy. Here are a few innovative ideas to help you revamp your spare bedroom.

Do it Up and Rent it Out

A lot of people deck their spare bedroom out in basic furniture and use it to host visiting friends and family, which is a great use of a room if you actually host visitors on the regular. If you don’t, then this is an incredible waste of space. Luckily, with simply a bed in the room, you can earn an extra income and rent it out. This is ideal for people living in a populated area where a room is hot property. If you decide to go down this route of offering a room for rent, it is a good idea to refresh the décor and furnish the room with a wardrobe and a desk. These small touches can help increase the value of your room. However, you would also benefit from reaching out to services that can help get your room noticed by potential tenants.

Turn it Into a Pet Palace

A faithful pet offers unconditional love, and they are there for you through thick and thin. There is a special connection between a pet and its owner. In fact, studies suggest that over 90 percent of pet owners regard their dogs and cats as part of the family. If you share this sentiment, then it is only right to dedicate your spare room to your fur-baby. Create a pet palace by filling the room with plump cushions, cozy blankets, and their favorite toys. Give it a cute, personal twist by adding a fun dog house or an elaborate scratching post. Don’t forget to add a water bowl so that they can stay hydrated while you sleep in the next room.

Use it to Zen Out

Everyone needs a little R and R sometimes, and a dedicated chill-out area can help you zen out. Create a relaxation retreat by emptying the room of clutter, painting the walls a mellow tone, and adding comfortable furniture. Scented candles, or an essential oil diffuser, can help make the room feel extra chill. This space can be used for any activity that calms you, such as reading, meditation, or yoga practice.

Convert it Into a Home Workout Studio

If you prefer hitting the gym to practicing yoga poses, then transform your spare space into a home workout studio instead. Portable fitness equipment, such as kettlebells, dumbbells, and exercise balls, are a great addition, while a suspension training system will enable you to work out your entire body. Suspension trainers take up very little room and can help you achieve an effective workout. Make sure you have padding to protect your floor if you decide to install heavy-duty equipment.

Walk-In Closet

A walk-in closet is the best use of a spare room if you are an avid fashionista. The use of a walk-in can stop your closet from overflowing, which can help keep your bedroom tidy and clothes off the floor. This leaves your bedroom just for sleeping, which for some people is the ultimate idea of relaxation.

Are you known as the host in your circle of friends and family? Are you always offering your home as the place to gather, share good times, serve people a fabulous meal, and just make people feel welcomed? If you are, it’s nice to have the kind of home that is perfect for entertaining, with a touch of sophistication and style mixed in. In this article, we’ve got five ways that you can add elegance to your dining room which will elevate the meals you serve in the space. Let’s take a look.

Make a Statement with the Lighting

If you only want to make a couple of small changes to your dining room, a new light fixture should be top of the list. The dining room is typically a great space for a statement piece like a chandelier. Don’t be afraid to go big and bold as long as it fits with the rest of the decor. You can also add candles to the table, which does wonders for the ambiance.

Is It Time for New Dining Room Furniture?

The main pieces in your dining room will of course be the table and chairs. Without these, you can’t host a meal. But your furniture is so much more than just a functional item in the space. It also helps to set a statement, bring the décor and style together and add a touch of elegance. Be sure to shop for classic, streamlined and simple pieces if elegance is your top priority. This is the kind of dining room furniture you can find at Kettle River.

A few other tips to keep in mind when shopping for a new table and chairs include the space you have available, what shape table would work best, how many chairs you’d like, the finish and the material. Wood tends to be the most classic and elegant option, and the darker the finish, the more elegant it looks.

Choose a Fresh Color Palette

Changing up the color palette is another trick that the experts suggest. There are some colors that just feel richer, more sophisticated, timeless and elegant. Some of the best colors include gold, dove grey, silver grey, navy, taupe, white and even black. And you don’t have to be restricted to just paint, as you can create a statement wall by using something like wallpaper.

The Table Settings Have to Pop

Of course one of the most attractive features to add to your dining room is an elegant place setting that pops. This can include such things as:

• Gold or silver flatware
• China dishes
• Cut crystal glasses
• Real linens for napkins
• A linen tablecloth
• Chargers under the plates
• Napkin rings

Just be sure the table setting works with your color palette and the style you’ve chosen.

Artwork Adds Flair and Personality

After making all of the typical design changes and updates, the room may still feel like it’s missing something and that something could be artwork. Artwork can complete the space and give it a truly customized look.

These design updates will allow you to create a dining room that oozes elegance that you can’t wait to show off to your guests.

Probably, investing in real estate is one of the most expensive purchases to be ever done. The more you work out on different choice parameters, the more excited from the finalized deal you are likely to be. The customers’ experience influences the process, but the guidance from JamesEdition will turn the drawbacks into prominent advantages. Stick to the plan and take your reward!

Tips and Recommendations for Beginners

One of the first considerations to take care of is your budget. The majority of people aren’t multimillionaires, let’s admit it. On the contrary, it is not a huge obstacle on your way to getting a perfect place for living. For instance, JamesEdition offers beneficial deals for end users, letting to choose from cozy remote houses with fireplaces, boat houses to private beaches, mansions with water and sea views, and much more.

Here are some crucial aspects to pay double attention to:

The balance between the price, location, and size is crucial. At JamesEdition, there are multiple solutions to satisfy different tastes, so it is a normal strategy to be a bit picky — you invest a large sum of money, and the results have to be satisfactory.

Taking care of the future now is a great tactic. That’s why selecting the right warranty options will make the purchase as safe and advantageous as possible — nothing is permanent, and you just reduce the potential risks.

Along with leaving the potential for future projects, make sure the number and quality of current facilities won’t require modification and upgrades soon.

The Best Lands to Settle Down In

From economic, political, environmental points of view, there are multiple places that are worth being prized and attended regularly. Don’t think it is a miracle to pick up the land with the best conditions. It may be far from what you are accustomed to living in your native country, but who says it can’t be better and more soulmate to your personal needs and objectives? Here are some perfect considerations to start with:

France is definitely welcoming foreigners with its fantastic healthcare and education systems, gorgeous locations, and beautiful weather. Its proven property market doesn’t forget scammers, so your deals will be extra beneficial. Real estate in Nice, France is highly recommended to check.

Apart from beloved metropolises, there are worthy places to stick to without significant threats to your budget and expectations. Oslo real estate lets you win this life. Living in Oslo means being in one of the officially best lands to settle down. Its healthcare is great and accompanied by one of the lowest crime rates around the globe.

Anytime you are in a quandary, don’t hesitate to stick to professional pieces of advice or ask for an individual consultation. JamesEdition experts will be glad to assist. Just check it out!

Moving house is one of the most stressful life events you can go through. There’s packing, organising payment on a new house, enrolling the kids in a new school and juggling a new job. It all takes its toll, and it’s magnified 100% if you’re moving across country, or even across oceans.

If you’re planning to relocate, no doubt you have a lot of questions. You’re not alone. Here are just a few of the most common queries people have about relocating, with answers that will hopefully make the whole process go much more smoothly.

What are some commonly forgotten items?

There’s nothing worse than moving hundreds of miles to your new home, only to realise you’ve left something vital behind.

People rarely forget the big things, like furniture or appliances; it’s the little things that get overlooked, and the most commonly forgotten items are usually documents. The important pieces of paper that sit in a drawer for years and years, and then get left behind precisely when you need them.

Before you move, make sure to go through all your papers with a fine-toothed comb, so you don’t forget something essential.

How do you help children adjust?

If you’re a parent, your children have probably been one of the most important factors in your decision to relocate. Taking them out of school and away from their friends, extended family and routines can be hugely stressful for them, but there are plenty of things you can do to win them over to the idea . . . if, indeed, you are moving over greater distances.

The main thing is to make them feel involved. Let them pick out their room in the new house and imagine how they’d like it decorated. Talk to them about the area, including all the activities they can do there. Buy them postcards they can send to their old friends. In conclusion, frame it as an adventure and opportunity, while accepting and addressing their concerns.

Any tips for moving overseas?

International relocation comes with its own set of challenges, though none of them are insurmountable.

It’s important to do your research. You may need to get a visa, bearing in mind how long it will last once you’re out there. There may be tax implications, and unfamiliar foreign laws you’ll need to adhere to. You should also research factors such as gas prices, the local economy, problems at ports, and whether there’s any civil unrest.

What about car transport?

It may be that you’ll be able to drive to your new location, but if not, it’s time to hire a professional auto transport company.

Companies like A1 Auto Transport can move your car, van or motorcycle over state lines, international borders and oceans. Fill out the form on their website with the make, model and year of your vehicle and the details of your move to receive a free cost estimate.

If you’re in need of vehicle transport services, visit A1autotransport.com/auto-transport-near-me/ to find out more.

What should I bargain for in my job relocation package?

Every job relocation situation is unique, but there are certain things your employer should take into consideration when offering to move you to a new office or department.

The first is the cost of shipping household goods. Moving your whole life can cost thousands. Secondly there’s the cost of selling a house, which is always the most expensive part of the relocation process. Hopefully your boss will offer to cover the percentage taken by real estate agents. Next is obviously the cost of purchasing a new home at your new location. Also, you may need temporary accommodation between leaving your current home and being able to access your new one. Lastly, you may require tax assistance. Some areas of particular countries have a higher tax rate than others, and your employer should take this into account.

Relocating is never easy, but by being prepared, you’ll soon be able to begin your new life.

Nowadays among thousands of bath models, many customers prefer freestanding bathtubs. They impress with their elegance, stylishness, and moderation at the same time. Besides, a freestanding bath is an infallible variant as it is represented in multiple shapes, forms, designs, and materials. If you are from the category of the most demanding customers and you need a unique specifically designed object, the online shop Aquatica is a great option.

Visiting the online shop for the first time, the first thing that catches your eye is the breathtaking layout of every item. Elegant, saturated colors, glossy or matte finish, intricate shapes will steal your heart forever. A freestanding bathtub from Aquatica is not just of piece of bathroom furniture, it is an independent attractive masterpiece. Do not waste time and enjoy wonderful freestanding tubs from the reliable online shop https://www.aquaticausa.com/.

Vibrant Colors in Accurate Accomplishment

The bathroom is the place where people spend lots of free time; you enter this room in the morning, several times during the day, and in the evening. That is why aesthetic pleasure obtained from perfectly designed items is a must. Aquatica offers multiple freestanding bathtubs produced in various colors and their combinations. You may enjoy the covering with traditional colors or something extraordinary, like American Walnut, Yellow Gold, and Gunmetal. All of them will contribute to the overall incredible look of your bathroom.

Convenience and Utilization

Appearance has always been an essential characteristic of any product. On the other hand, no one wants to purchase a beautiful but completely useless product of little use. Aquatica found an efficient way to provide any customer with a combination of convenience and stylishness at an excellent price. AquateX™ LuX, DurateX™, NeroX™, Acrylic are implemented to fulfill the function of durable utilization. A freestanding bathtub made from high-quality materials is a long-term investment into your everyday satisfaction.

Much as is true in the case of other elements of modern life, there are a plethora of home décor items that are a great deal more aesthetically effective and generally much more functional when you purchase them in a larger size.

Now fall is in full swing, there can be no more perfect time than this to upgrade one or more key elements within the home and create the cozy and comfortable ambient home that will keep you and your family safe, secure, and above all entertained for the rest of the year and beyond.

Televisions

Spending an evening with the family in pajamas, dressing gowns, and fluffy slippers, snuggled together to watch a movie is one of the best things about the fall and winter seasons. One of the more obvious items on the list that is undeniably better in a large size is a television, and the best way to ensure your oversized television does not take up too much space is to wall mount it. For the ultimate movie experience, nip to the store and throw as many popcorn buckets and bags into the basket as you can carry.

Bean Bags

The ultimate in house and home furnishings for both adults and children (and even the family dog or cat), is a giant bean bag that everyone can enjoy.

The bigger the better when it comes to bean bag chairs, and they come in a wide variety of different textures and colors, so it is simple to blend in your new giant bean bag from Fom Bag with the rest of the color scheme in the room.

Oversized, giant bean bags and bean bag chairs are a fabulous way of adding a functional and extremely comfortable piece of furniture into any room.

Bathtubs

There is truly nothing better than returning from a hard day at work, especially when the weather outside is cold and gloomy, running a hot bubble bath, and relaxing with a glass of wine in the evening. Logically, therefore, the bigger your bathtub the better and, if your budget allows, why not invest in a beautiful, statement freestanding bathtub to transform your bathroom?

Carpets

While not ever being technically described as ‘oversized’ it is a known fact that the higher the thread count of a carpet and the deeper the material when you walk on it, the better, and it is more than worth it to invest in a deep, high thread count carpet especially for your living room and bedroom.

Carpets create and help to trap in the heat of your home and instantly make any room seem warmer, cozier, and substantially more inviting. Contrary to popular belief, numerous research studies have proven categorically no link between high thread count carpets and the reaction of the fibers in people afflicted with various allergies, and in fact, carpets in a home can actually positively contribute to your physical health.

When designing the luxury kitchen of your dreams, you will have decided to prioritize elegance and indulgence over cost-effective practicality and subsequently deserve to splurge on exactly what you want without compromise.

Here are the five top ideas when planning the layout and aesthetics of your new, luxury kitchen.

Two-Tone Cabinets

The popularity of two-tone cabinets in kitchens throughout the country has truly soared in recent years and the overall aesthetic of any kitchen is greatly enhanced by the decision to invest in such a sought-after and visually stunning luxury.

You may choose to have your kitchen cupboards in one color and then your central island in another, or perhaps you would prefer to order a bespoke kitchen cabinet in two contrasting colors. Either way, the main advantages of two-tone cabinets are that they tend to fit any style and layout of kitchen, they make the whole room appear considerably more expensive and bespoke and they often make a smaller kitchen appear significantly larger.

Quartz Countertop

The hallmark of a well-designed and altogether luxury and indulgent kitchen is the addition of quartz countertops and such investments are available in a variety of colors, styles and textures. When searching for quartz counter tops near me, ensure you consult with a professional, experienced and top-quality supplier who can advise on the best style and layout for your specific room.

Warming Drawers

As well as ensuring your brand new, luxury kitchen is as beautiful and extravagant in appearance as possible, it is equally important to ensure that there is also optimum functionality and practicality where needed. A relatively new addition to the world of kitchen design is the addition of innovative warming drawers, which are perfect if you enjoy cooking in style.

Essentially, warming drawers keep your plates and bowls warm while you are preparing to serve, defrost more fragile food, ensure certain elements of a meal are kept warm whilst others cook and even warm bread and other dough-based products.

Pot Fillers

One of the main hallmarks of a luxury, bespoke kitchen is the installation of pot fillers.

In essence, attached to the splash back behind your oven is a long, drooping faucet with a articulated special arm that enables the user to effortlessly fill large pots and pans in position on the hob. Pot fillers are currently trending on social media influencer’s pages who are dedicated to showcasing homeware products and any self-respecting kitchen designer knows how integral the addition of pot fillers are for a truly luxurious kitchen.

Walk-In Pantry

Obviously, a walk-in pantry is any passionate foodie’s dream and, equally as apparent, such a kitchen feature is impossible in a smaller, more compact space.

However, if you have the room to build a walk-in pantry, ensure it is always kept organized and aesthetically pleasing, with glass door shelving and a place to store smaller, less necessary kitchen appliances that are easily accessible when required.

When first tackling a new DIY project, the road looks long and dull. But creating a sanctuary within your home is much easier than you think. With a few adjustments and a little thought, your house can be the relaxing hub you deserve, rather than the chaotic space it usually is.

Flooring

Opting for earthy tones in your flooring can add a hugely calming feel to the house instantly. Natural materials – like hardwood flooring – can also work wonders for bringing the outdoors in and creating balance. But, if you can’t stretch your budget to real wood or cork, laminate and other tiling options can be just as effective. If you search for floor tiles in Leeds, you’ll find a whole range of laminates, vinyl and light tiling options that are versatile and durable enough for the family home. Keep the materials and the colors light or neutral so that relaxing feeling can travel from your head right into your toes.

You should also consider investing in the right type of underlay. Cushioned underlay is ideal for changing a room’s acoustics to be a little quieter and easier to absorb. This gentler sound can then allow the space to feel a lot more peaceful – giving you the chance to reflect or enjoy a little me time.

Soft Furnishings

Of course, you can’t have a relaxing space without a little coziness. Fabrics and textures can create a warm and welcoming feeling while also adding a little luxuriousness to the space. Layering up soft fabrics via throws and pillows, or adding a neutral area rug will add mountains of comfort that can aid wellbeing (check out this article all about hygge).

Storage and Tidiness

The thing about storage is that it only works when it’s used properly…

Getting into the habit of putting things away in their correct place will ultimately leave your sanctuary clutter free – giving you more time to relax. Clutter can actually create more stress, while a spacious, clutter-free area can be exactly what you need after a long day at the office. Plus, who doesn’t like to feel like they’re on top of everything?

Keeping things tidy in your down-time space is also key for those that work from home. Make sure to keep all work-related things in a separate place, so not to interrupt or invade on your personal time.

Greenery

A few shrubs, house plants and cacti can do a world of good. They help to purify the air, brighten the space up and make you feel happier, healthier and more mindful. Check out this guide to the best house plants for relaxation.

Depending on how much space you have, and how you like to relax, you could create a sanctuary in just about any room of the house. Wellbeing should be about what relaxes your mind and body, even after the most stressful of days. So, make sure you’ve got your own little sanctuary at home, that can be designated to all things calm, serene and simple.

There are numerous reasons to repair concrete leveling problems. The most common problem faced by builders is the grinding of concrete while pouring the concrete. While this can be done manually using a rotary tool, concrete grinding is often done using state-of-the-art machinery. There are many ways to perform concrete grinding and all are effective.

Cut Away Excess Concrete:

The first way to repair a concrete leveling surface is to cut away excess concrete. This is usually done when repairing an uneven or sloping concrete surface. you can also take Concrete Lifting services in Springfield in this regard. If the concrete has been poured too thick or with too many holes, cutting it away will help create a level surface. When the concrete is cut into smaller sections, it is easier to remove the extra concrete and repair the level.

Remove the Soil:

A second method for repairing a concrete leveling surface is to excavate the area and remove the soil around the area to be repaired. After the digging is complete, the remaining soil may be used to construct a base to which the next layer of concrete will be laid. The reason for doing this is that if the soil surrounding the hole is filled with concrete then the holes will not be noticeable. Another benefit of removing the top soil is that it will allow the next layers of concrete to be installed with ease. Once the area has been excavated, the area can then be leveled and properly cleaned before concrete grinding begins.

Hire Construction Company:

If the grinding proves unsuccessful, then another option available to you is to hire out a construction company to repair the concrete. Several companies specialize in repairing uneven concrete surfaces, including concrete grinding. These professionals can also repair doors and windows that have been cracked due to weatherization, tree root intrusion, or other reasons. They can also repair the concrete leveling problems that occur after a natural disaster. Most construction companies now use concrete grinding as a part of their construction process so that more homes and businesses are building strong and durable.

Repair Minor Damages:

Most people who are building a home find that they need to repair concrete walls or floors because of damage that occurs from weather and vandalism. One of the most common reasons to repair concrete is when someone breaks into the home. Even if the concrete has been reinforced, it can still be damaged during a burglary or attempted robbery. If the concrete is damaged, homeowners can hire a professional company to repair the damage for them. The same can be said for homeowners who experience damage from extreme weather conditions.

If you are interested in learning more about repairing your concrete, you can always take a class or search online for resources. However, repairing concrete can be complicated, so it is always best to seek professional help when attempting to repair your level surface. You should never attempt to repair your concrete on your own, especially if you are unsure about how to do so. It is better to have a professional do the work for you and avoid paying the high cost of repairing the concrete on your own.