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Household appraisal is essential to buying or selling a property in California.  This blog will cover the basics of household appraisal in California, including what it is, how it works, and what you need to know as a homeowner. What is a Household Appraisal? A household appraisal is an estimation of the market value of a property conducted by a licensed appraiser. The appraisal considers various factors, such as the property’s size, location, condition, and

A step-by-step process for determining the value of Personal Property or Contents at a House for Insurance Purposes: Gather inventory: Make a list of all the items in your home, including furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, jewelry, and other personal property. Establish value: Determine each item’s replacement cost value (RCV) by estimating how much it would cost to replace it with a similar thing, brand new. Determine actual cash value (ACV): ACV is the RCV minus

PM10 and PM2.5 Understanding the differences and potential health risks associated with each is important for developing effective policies and strategies to improve air quality. What is Particulate Matter? Particulate matter (PM) is made of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. PM can come from many places. Generally, any burning or dust-generating activity is a PM source. They are further classified into PM2.5 and PM10 based on particle diameter. However, various types of

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released into the air as gases from certain solids or liquids.  VOCs are a group of chemicals that are commonly found in many household and industrial products. Some common examples of VOCs include benzene, formaldehyde, and acetone. Exposure to high levels can cause health problems, such as headaches, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and in some cases, more severe issues like cancer. Sources and Identification It can be found in

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in various products, including insulation, roofing, and flooring materials, because of its strength, durability, and ability to resist heat and chemicals. Asbestos Exposure and Reducing Exposure There are several ways to reduce asbestos exposure: It is important to note that asbestos exposure can have serious health consequences, so it is important to reduce your exposure. Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure to asbestos fibers can have serious health consequences,

Deodorizing with hydroxyl neutralizes and removes unpleasant odors from the air. Highly reactive molecules break down the chemical compounds that cause odors, balancing them and making them less noticeable or undetectable. Hydroxyl Hydroxyls work primarily by abstracting hydrogen atoms, thereby dismantling the molecular structure of odors and volatile organic compounds. They react so rapidly that indoor environments have few natural hydroxyls present because they are consumed near their point of entry. In addition to neutralizing

Electrostatic Air Filter Technology Spray Disinfection, in recent developments, is included in janitorial technology and can help you and your team do more in less time. One of the most excellent productivity-enhancing tools to help you and your staff is Electrostatic Technology.  Utilizing Electrostatic Technology in your cleaning program can reduce the time spent disinfecting, allowing your staff to work on other essential cleaning efforts.  This technology is most effective when disinfecting large spaces, making

Many people have a fear of mold and what it can do to your health, especially if you have sensitivities or allergies to mold spores. When you think of mold growth and contamination in your home, you assume it would apply to dark, damp basements and what can occur after a pipe breaks or other water damage situation. And you would be right, most of the time. But there are other issues that can come

When the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, speaks… most of us listen. And the EPA has much to say about mold, which can affect health in minor, irritating ways (slight respiratory issues) to severe life-threatening reactions, resulting in medical care and the unthinkable. Here are the edited highlights from the EPA.gov site, along with our own thoughts, that all households should consider. Of course, the EPA recommends that everyone should fix plumbing leaks,

Recently, we discussed mold that can be found in unlikely places, such as in the bedroom, bathroom, and the kitchen. After all, most report mold in basements or crawlspaces, but mold can actually grow virtually anywhere. There is one thing we can all agree on. You do not want hidden mold growing in your home. If there is mold somewhere, anywhere, with the potential of causing health issues with your family, you want to know

Where there’s mold, there is usually an underlying condition that you must discover and remediate, and quickly. Mold occurs because of conditions that allow it to grow, and some types of molds are tenacious. Recently, we considered the difference between mildew and mold and what the EPA has to say about what we need to know. And while the cleanup of mold and mildew may seem basic at times, there are situations when removal and

Most think of mold inside the home as a big problem — and it is. But what about that mold that grows on the outside of your home, such as on vinyl siding and other surfaces? While not as much of a health concern, it’s still a nuisance that must be handled. Mold typically does not grow on clean, dry surfaces. And most materials, such as the plastic construction materials used on homes, is not a

You have questions about carpet cleaning. And we have answers! A frequently asked questions is….”Can Carpet Cleaning Cause Mold?” Well the answer is…yes, it can. But there’s a much better question. Will Properly done carpet cleaning cause mold? And the answer is no. In fact, keeping your carpet clean is a way to prevent mold infestation. Mold requires three things to grow: warmth, bacteria and humidity. Properly done carpet cleaning can actually sanitize your carpet

You have questions about mold control. And we have answers! You asked, How can I prevent mold growth in my commercial building? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the key to mold control is moisture control. Here’s some of their tips. Fix leaky plumbing and leaks as soon as possible. Watch for condensation and wet spots. Increase surface temperature and maintain low humidity. Increase surface temperature, insulating and increasing air circulation. Reduce the moisture level