Wood Fungus can be a beautiful thing. - 03/31/12 01:46 PM

Wood Fungus can be a beautiful thing.



That’s right, fungus growth as a thing of beauty. Sure it may not be a good thing when the fungus is coming from rotted wood; your property may be experiencing some serious damage. You are not interested in seeing what this growth looks like up close. You will probably be more interested in getting rid of the wood destroying organism.

Here is some fungus growth that I was able to shoot on Friday.

What do you think, isn’t it beautiful?
 
… (20 comments)

Fog rising in Foothill Valleys in El Dorado County - 03/30/12 10:11 AM
 
Fog rising in Foothill Valleys in El Dorado County
There has been a lot of moisture in the foothills these last few weeks. The moisture gets a chance to escape a little when the morning temps are warmer. This morning, there was a hazy layer of moisture over Cold Springs Country Club. The skies are not clear this morning, but it is noticeably warmer in Placerville, Ca.
 



View Larger Map … (4 comments)

Can you help me with a soft spot that I have? - 03/30/12 12:10 AM
 
Can you help me with a soft spot that I have?
 
I got a call from an apartment manager; one of the units had a soft wet spot in the bathroom ceiling near the exhaust fan. I verified that there was moisture in the drywall and that it was discolored. Since it was an upstairs unit I was able to get into the attic crawl space. I knew from experience that there was no plumbing or drain lines in that area.
I assumed that since it was near the exhaust fan in the bathroom ceiling, there must have been … (18 comments)

Water Leaves Clues of a Problem - 03/29/12 10:01 AM
 
Water Leaves Clues of a Problem
 
In addition to the regular General Contractor calls that I get, this time of year the rains can cause new problems for homeowners. Nobody realizes there is a leak until there is a leak. This makes sense, but are there clues that there may be a problem before it gets to bad?
Sometimes we can get a pretty go idea that there is a water intrusion problem before it gets too damaging. I looked at a few buildings today that were stucco exterior, I could see that there was going to be a … (12 comments)

Reflections On The Day - Photo - 03/28/12 10:10 PM
 
I looked at water intrusion at properties in four different counties today – Sacramento County, Placer County, Yolo County and El Dorado County. It wasn’t planned that way, it just all happened at one. It could be that the rains caused leaking in the buildings all at once.
While driving from West Sacramento into Sacramento, I came to a stop in front of one of my favorite buildings in downtown Sacramento. Its unique shape and the way the building reflects the clouds today, made me want to take a picture. Hope you like it too.
 

If you have … (18 comments)

Spring Time Things to Do on April Fool’s Day Weekend - 03/27/12 10:55 PM
 
Spring Time Things to Do on April Fool’s Day Weekend
 
April Fool's Sacramento History
Sunday, Apr 1 2:00p to 4:00p
At Central Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento, CA
 
Picture with Easter Bunny
Apr 1, 2012 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Elk Grove Treasures
9048 Elk Grove Boulevard Elk Grove, CA
 
City of Trees Capitol Food Tour
Mar 31, 2012 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cesar Chavez Park
917 Ninth Street Sacramento, CA 95814
 
Sacramento River Cats vs Oakland Athletics
Mar 31, 2012 6:05 pm
Raley Field
400 Ballpark Drive West Sacramento, CA 95691
 
Argentine Tango Lessons
Mar 31, 2012 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Tango by the River
… (14 comments)

What does your cat do all day? - 03/26/12 10:33 PM
 

  
While I’m out there ridding the world of its water damage and dry rot issues, I often wonder what goes on with the cat during the day. I see him sleeping most of the time, maybe he is just a lazy cat with no ambition. His life of leisure may be the result of being pampered his whole life.
 
 
He was captured during the day in this photo.
 
 
The next thought that came to me that maybe he sleeps because he lives a very active life when I am not around. Hunting … (22 comments)

When the weather starts to warm up, all sorts of things start to grow. - 03/26/12 03:23 PM



When the weather starts to warm up, all sorts of things start to grow.
 

Here in Sacramento, we have had a low rainfall total this year. The rains that we did get will be enough to get things growing when the weather starts to warm up. This is a good time to check the exterior of the property for signs of fungus growth.

After the rains have saturated the wood, we can begin to see signs of fungus “sprouting out” rather quickly. From a distance it may appear to be a piece of dirt or an … (10 comments)

Looking for Catchable Fish This Spring? Grab Your Pole, the Ponds are Ready! - 03/25/12 01:28 PM

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has made it easier for you to catch fish on a lazy spring day. The Department has added approximately 16,000 catchable rainbow trout to numerous ponds throughout the Sacramento Region. The DFG is 14 trout hatcheries statewide to consistently provide trout to more than 2,000 bodies of water. There is probably many near you!
These areas are included in the spring planting of catchable trout in February and March of this year.


Elk Grove Park
Howe Park
Mather Park
Granite Park
Gibson Ranch Park
Southside Park
William Land Park
 
Those … (14 comments)

Choosing building materials, make the right choice. - 03/23/12 11:50 PM
 



In order to produce a quality product, a contractor has to be able to use quality materials. Of course the improvement may dictate the final choices in the materials used, but care needs to be taken in selecting the goods. Straight boards is something we can all relate to; imagine using wood that was curved and twisted. The end product will probably be less than satisfactory.

Make the right choice.


… (8 comments)

Sunset after the rain in Placerville - 03/22/12 11:01 PM



A late rain today, reminded me that the rainy season is not over yet.
I was driving home just in time to see the sunset below the clouds, just above the horizon; a great way to end the work day. Of course that does not mean the day is through.
 
 
… (12 comments)

Would you move in if we added a dishwasher? Attracting tenants to your property. - 03/22/12 07:16 AM


Would you move in if we added a dishwasher? Attracting tenants to your property.
 
The competition for apartment rentals is getting stiff in many areas of Sacramento and the surrounding communities. Apartment vacancies are high and the management is scrambling to find an answer to this problem. The first knee-jerk reaction is to lower the rents, offer free rent for a month or some other give away item. This may work for a while but the savvy managers are trying new “added value” solutions.
Many of the apartment communities that are in this high vacancy are older than … (49 comments)

Spring Container Gardening Class – Learn to grow plants in a Container - 03/21/12 06:43 PM


Spring Container Gardening Class – Learn to grow plants in a Container

I’m not much of a gardener myself, but I probably could if properly taught. There is a class that is being offered by The Learning Exchange to teach you the art of container gardening, it is being offered in Sacramento just in time for spring. Sound like something you may be interested in?
Learn about annuals, perennials, and even bulbs. Want to learn about year round gardening? How about what tools and supplies you may need? Questions about sun and shade plants? Fertilizers? There is so much … (12 comments)

You Know It's Spring-Time When the Placerville Speedway Schedule Begins - 03/20/12 10:18 PM

You Know its Spring-Time When,
the Placerville Speedway Schedule Begins



Once spring comes around, the Saturday evenings are filled with thunderous Sprint Car action.
It all starts on Saturday, March 31st; don’t miss all the excitement. Races are held at the Placerville Fairgrounds at the Placerville Speedway.
 
 
You don’t have a schedule?
Placerville Speedway Racing Schedule Here!
… (16 comments)

Sunsetting over Greenstone Country - 03/20/12 07:49 PM


Sunset in Greenstone Country – Photo



 
Well it’s the first day of spring, and today was dry and warmer than it has been lately. Maybe things will be more like spring in the coming weeks or maybe not. We still need a whole bunch of rainfall to get back to normal.

In the meantime, let’s enjoy the view of today.
… (12 comments)

I wish I could just wave a magic wand and make it better. - 03/20/12 12:48 AM
 
I had one of those days where the client was faced with some bad news for the homeowner. The dry rot damage is extensive, and the repairs are going to be expensive. I’m a contractor, isn’t this good news? No, it’s not really.
The damages are hidden behind the stucco exterior, with no visible signs of staining inside to home. It started when dry rot was found to the sheathing behind the stucco in the crawl space. Things escalated after that. The windows seem to be leaking on that side of the home, and running inside the wall.
The … (18 comments)

Apartment deck repairs are on the rise in Sacramento - 03/19/12 03:57 AM
 
Apartment deck repairs are on the rise in Sacramento
 
As a general contractor, with decades of experience with repairs in apartment communities, I get to see patterns and consequences of improper repairs made over the years. Many of the repairs we see are water and dry rot related, and many could have been avoided.
An example of the damages we have been seeing lately is deck failure. The decks can be constructed of wood, concrete, or any other product. Sometimes the decks are damaged from being struck with physical force – like being hit with an automobile. But the … (10 comments)

Finch Feeding Frenzy Fun - Video - 03/18/12 02:47 PM
Finch Feeding Frenzy Fun – Video
 
 
 
I got a new finch feeder and the finches love it. Despite the cold, and yes snowy, weather last night and this morning, the birds are enjoying the new bouquet setting. What is your experience with bird feeders? We are looking for a feeder for large birds that would draw the same enthusiasm.
 
… (6 comments)

Hanging out with Ashley Judd at the Kentucky Game – Photo Fun - 03/17/12 10:11 PM
Hanging out with Ashley Judd at the Kentucky Game – Photo Fun


 
March Madness is in full swing this weekend. Have you had a chance to enjoy the fun?
I got a chance to watch the game with a special friend. As a Kentucky fan, I am pleased with what the NCAA Tournament has brought so far.
 
 After the games, I’ll be back in the Sacramento area working with clients as a General Contractor correcting moisture and rotten wood.
If you need help with dry rot or water damage, I will be available to discuss your situation … (8 comments)

Do Your Homework And Some Extra Credit If You Plan To Buy A Fix And Flip Home. - 03/17/12 08:03 PM
Gabrielle has put together an excellent post on what to look out for when purchasing a flipped home. You don’t want to miss this post; it may cost you later on. Get the facts from an expert, do your homework, and be an informed buyer.
Comment on the original post.
Excellent post Gabrielle!
 
 
Via Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind, Broker/Owner (KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate):
The Tucson real estate market data shows quite a number of fix and flip homes listed and sold in recent years.
Many of these homes are “turned” within a couple months – some … (8 comments)

Mold Is Not The Problem - You Must Treat The Source - 03/17/12 07:17 PM
Nothing is more important than finding and correcting the source of the moisture problem. Jay has done an excellent job of illustrating the problem in his post. Just patching the visible problem is not enough, the problem will not fix itself.
This is a great mold, dry rot post!
Visit and comment on his original post.
Great post Jay!

Via Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
Inspecting a seven-year-old condo a week or so ago, one of the things discovered was mold.  MOLD IS NOT THE PROBLEM - YOU MUST TREAT THE SOURCE.
My … (0 comments)

This is an appropriate construction company for St. Patrick's Day - Photo - 03/17/12 01:14 AM
 

 
 I was driving down the road in the rain and looked over to see this truck next to mine. I saw the Irish Construction logo and knew that I get a photo of this for a St. Patrick’s Day post.
Hope that your day is enjoyable, whether you are Irish or not.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
… (6 comments)

No I'm Not Homeless, I'm Rebuilding a Concrete Wall in the Rain! - 03/16/12 01:27 AM
 
I was asked to repair a dumpster enclosure at an apartment community, the garbage truck knocked over the concrete block wall. I got a signed contract right way, and I said I would begin work the next day. I thought that it would be best for all concerned if the area looked normal again.

After scheduling the start of the dumpster enclosure repair, I checked the weather and there was a 100% chance of rain. Sure, I could have re-scheduled but where is the challenge in that? We came up with a plan to build a temporary cover over … (14 comments)

Band of Brothers Blood Drive – March 17th - 03/13/12 11:54 PM

Band of Brothers Blood Drive – March 17th
 
El Dorado County Sheriff’s Officer - Brett Ream
For 26 years, Brett Ream has served in the local law enforcement. He began in Bakersfield, 14 years as a Reserve Deputy and Search and Rescue.  He is currently employed with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office where he spends time as a training officer and mentor to the new officers.
Brett is suffering from a genetic blood disorder which will eventually lead to the need for a liver transplant.
Brett has helped his community for most of his life; he now … (6 comments)

Local St. Patrick’s Day Fun Runs in Sacramento – March 17, 2012 - 03/12/12 12:59 AM


Local St. Patrick’s Day Fun Runs in Sacramento – March 17, 2012
 
Four local races on St. Patrick’s Day in the Greater Sacramento Area. Come join to fun in Folsom, Sacramento, Davis, and Jackson, California.

 
Folsom Shamrock 10K/5K
Saturday March 17, 2012 - 9:00 am   10K/5K Run/Walk
Register Now!
Registration available online until midnight, Thursday, March 15th
 
 
24th Bunsen to Beaker
Jackson Lions Club Dandelion Days 5k Fun Run
 Saturday, March 17, 2012
Rain or Shine
Registration begins at 7 a.m. in Detert Park, Jackson
Race starts at 8 a.m.
 
 
 
 
  … (4 comments)

Search for Pet Friendly Apartments - 03/11/12 11:08 PM

Need an apartment that is pet-friendly?
These sites may help your search.
 
 
There are many pet owners who have had a difficult time finding places to rent where pets are welcome. These sites have been suggested as a vehicle to make that search less troublesome for the renter. If you are someone who is looking to rent, and have a pet, try these web sites.
 
Click here for a list of pet friendly rental housing in Sacramento and surrounding communities, or you can also visit these pet friendly apartment websites:
www.apartmentguide.com www.apartmenthunterz.com www.apartmentsearch.com  www.apartments.com www.colonialprop.com www.equityapartments.com www.fidofriendly.com www.forrent.com … (4 comments)

A Contractor Presentation That Has Kicked Butt For 25 Years - 03/11/12 11:50 AM
 
 A Contractor Presentation That Has Kicked Butt for 25 Years

 

 
 
It has been my experience over the last 25 years as a contractor, my presentation may have changed slightly over those years due to technological advances but the core has never changed. We are constantly given a presentation.
In my 25 years, I have found that all my customers have come as a result of what I have done. Past customers have given a referral, we’ve been seen working on a job, and in the last few years, clients have found us on the internet. … (10 comments)

Sacramento General Contractor Uses Phone as Efficiency Tool - 03/10/12 11:25 PM

Sacramento General Contractor Uses Phone as Efficiency Tool

As a General Contractor with clients throughout the Greater Sacramento area, we come across a large variety of jobs. Specializing in Dry Rot and Water Damage Repair, we encounter projects that can be large safety issues, small maintenance concerns and hundreds of situations that may fall in between the two. There is also a timeline concern; some clients have a greater need to get a job done right away while others can wait until we have time to schedule their job.
As you can imagine, there can be some inefficiencies in … (14 comments)

Sometimes You Just Don't Need to Know Why. - 03/10/12 06:34 AM

Sometimes you just don't need to know why, I just need to patch the ceiling.



I often, come across jobs as a contractor that I just have to “wonder why this happened”. Something just didn’t make a lot of sense. There must be a reason this was done.
I recently walked into a unit that had a big hole in the drywall ceiling, for no apparent reason.
I guess I don’t need to know, I just need to fix the hole!
 
Enjoy this day!
… (14 comments)

Shamrock’n Half - Marathon in West Sacramento, March 11, 2012 - 03/09/12 10:21 PM
 

 
Shamrock’n  Half - Marathon in West Sacramento, March 11, 2012
 
Ready for a half-marathon race this weekend?
Check out this unique event!
6500 total participants, family and friends will be present, you could still be one of them.
14 Bands on 14 Stages – Have you ever see a band schedule like this?
Shamrock'n To Benefit Project FIT – A non-profit Youth Fitness Initiative
Race will begin at Raley Field in West Sacramento – Plan to be there at 6:30am. Seriously?
 
Looking for Parking?
Need Directions?
… (12 comments)

Hip-Hop Night Life this Saturday, March 10, 2012 in Cameron Park. - 03/09/12 01:17 AM
Black Sheep Casino, Bar & Grill will be home to a Hip-Hop Night Life this Saturday, March 10, 2012 in Cameron Park.


Local hip-hop group, the Good Ol’ Boyz, is hosting a concert to showcase talented hip-hop performers live. There will be many local names in this music genre in attendance. If you are into this type of music, stop on by.
The venue requires a photo ID; it is only open to those 21 and over.

The Black Sheep offers pool table, poker room, dancing, and much more.

The Black Sheep Casino, Bar, & Grill  3181 … (4 comments)

I can spot rotting wood a mile away. - 03/08/12 12:59 AM

I can spot rotting wood a mile away.

Maybe that’s an exaggeration but I don’t have to poke at the wood to know that there is a dry rot problem. Being a contractor has put me in front of wood damaged by water and soil in thousands of situations. I don’t always need to get up close to see that there is a problem.


Today I had an opportunity to look at some exterior siding and trim damage. Much of the rotted wood members were up on the second story walls, I could get an accurate estimate … (74 comments)

Getting Ready For March Madness - 03/06/12 11:25 PM


Getting Ready For March Madness 
It’s a wonderful time of year if you are a fan of college basketball. The seasons have come to an end and now the league championship, conference championship, post-season tournament and of course, the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Tournament is for the National Championship. 



What does all this mean? An incredible number of games in the month of March - that is the March Madness! Do you have a favorite team?
I am a lifelong Kentucky Wildcat fan.
One of my sons is a North Carolina Tar Heel  buff.
One son … (20 comments)

Anatomy of a simple vinyl floor repair - 03/06/12 06:56 AM
Anatomy of a simple vinyl floor repair



A common area of dry rot and water damage in the home is the bathroom floor. This sort of damage may seem to be a costly endeavor, but it may be quite simple for someone with experience in floor repair. Let’s look at what is involved in replacing a floor in the bathroom.

Before any tearing up of the flooring, the room needs to be taken apart a little bit. The toilet has to be removed and set aside until the flooring is complete. I prefer to drop it in … (10 comments)

Is That a Drain line? This Can't Be Good - 03/06/12 12:28 AM
Okay, so I’m looking at a property to give the owners an estimate for repairs in Placerville, and I see the darnedest thing. I am looking at the back side of the building and I see this galvanizes pipe poking out of the building. It is not strapped and is loose to the touch. It is connected to some flexible rubber tubing going away from the property. So I followed it.
 
In the middle of the yard is a puddle of soapy water. What? This can’t be good. Apparently the pipe at the house is the clothes washer drain line. … (52 comments)

There has to be a better way to strap a downspout - Photo Fun - 03/04/12 11:32 PM
There has to be a better way to strap a downspout.
 
Having a secured gutter and downspout system in place is critical to properly diverting rain water away from the home. Whether your downspouts are metal or vinyl, there are suggested fasteners to use.
 
This is not one of the suggested ways. J

… (22 comments)

Placerville Contractor Enjoys Girl Scout Cookies - 03/04/12 10:39 PM
    Placerville Contractor Enjoys Girl Scout Cookies
 



It’s the time of year when the little girl scouts are testing the entrepreneurial waters. I’ve seen them at the grocery store, door-to-door, and of course – prepaid sales. I really do enjoy those girl scout cookies, can’t seem to keep them around for very long. Maybe it time to get some more.



Ever wonder which are the best selling cookies?
  25% Thin Mints®
  19% Samoas®/Caramel deLites®
  13% Peanut Butter Patties®/Tagalongs®
  11% Peanut Butter Sandwich/Do-si-dos®
  9% Shortbread/Trefoils®

What's your favorite?
… (4 comments)

Is it mushroom season in your home? - 03/04/12 07:03 AM

Is it mushroom season in your home? 



Moisture Intrusion can take on many different looks, what you see may differ depending on the surfaces and conditions in the area.
A roof leak may have a mushroom shaped growth coming out of it, for example. Mushrooms do not grow in dry areas.  J
 
Enjoy your dry home!
… (8 comments)

If there was ever a city with the potential for water damage, this is it. - 03/04/12 02:19 AM
If there was ever a city with the potential for water damage, this is it.
Seattle just a bunch of rain every year, the potential for water damage here is great.
 

 
 I’ve been busy up in Seattle the last few days, just needed to get out for a little while. This is a beautiful city, with a beautiful skyline. I just had to come out to see it again tonight.
 
… (12 comments)

How did you know I had a tree root problem? - 03/03/12 10:27 PM
 
How did you know I had a tree root problem?


Trees that grow roots near the top layer of the soil can be a problem for concrete sidewalks and patios. This is especially true in areas where the soil is not conducive to deep root growth.
No we didn’t have an earthquake; you just have a tree root problem. Remove the concrete, cut back the roots, and pour new concrete.
 
 
… (8 comments)

The one that didn't get away - Photo - 03/03/12 11:00 AM

The one that didn't get away - Photo


Your cat may have a surprise for you from time to time.
I know Mr. Kitty has his share of catches. The finches love their new feeder, but the cat has found it to be easier to catch the birds.
I’m not sure whether or not to keep the new finch feeder.
 
… (6 comments)

The whole fence needs to be replaced, but.. - 03/03/12 07:25 AM
The whole fence needs to be replaced, but..


There it is, a fence line that probably should be torn out and redone from the ground up. But there is no money in the budget right now. Maybe you can get by with a quick fix. The fence may be rotted but it is still hanging in there. Can we get through another year with just replacing a few fence posts?
I guess its better than doing nothing!
 
… (10 comments)

Sitting around wondering what to do with the green water in the pool? - 03/01/12 06:40 AM

Sitting around wondering what to do with the green water in the pool?


 
While checking out a property for a client in Sacramento, I was wondering what the owners were planning on doing with the green water in the pool. They could drain the water, add chemicals to clear it up, invite a large colony of mosquitos to move in or continue to thinking about what to do until it creates additional problems down the road.

If you need help thinking about problems around your home or investment property, consider contacting a general contractor.

Sacramento … (18 comments)

 

Tom Arstingstall - An Uncommon Contractor (Tromler Construction): Builder-Contractor in Placerville, CA

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