Mold & Mildew - The Dangers, and How to Avoid Them

Many of us have seen or heard stories about a mold infestation that has completely taken over a home or a building, and we know how dangerous that can be. What most people don’t know, however, is how many of our very own homes have mold in them. Having mold in your home can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from the mildly annoying to the life-threatening, but there are many things that one can do to avoid mold in one’s home.

What are some health problems that mold can cause?

While some molds are benign, the EPA estimates that there are between 50-100 different mold species that cause health issues. Mold creates poor air quality, which makes it harder to breathe properly. Not only does it aggravate most asthmatics, it can also cause the asthma itself. Mold may also cause a variety of eczemas to form, a type of skin condition in which the skin becomes dry and inflamed. These effects are among the most common, but different molds can affect people in different ways, and certain complications arising from mold infestation can even lead to death.

How do I know if my home is infested?

Mold is present in every part of the country, but as we approach Autumn, we near the prime season for mold growth. With the local season changes and climate (Virginia, D.C., and Maryland), one must be especially vigilant. There are many different at-home kits that can be purchased to check the air in your home for mold, but it is important to remember that not all molds have airborne spores. Mold commonly grows in dark and damp places, but you should also check areas such as: the laundry room, kitchen, basement, your carpets, and house plants. Mold can grow almost anywhere in your home, so it is important to keep it clean.

What can I do to prevent mold in my home?

One of the most important things you can do to prevent mold growth is to control the moisture in your home. Whether you do that mechanically or chemically is up to you, but an extremely effective key to this is good ventilation. Make sure that the rooms in your house receive proper ventilation, even your closets. Simple everyday activities such as doing the laundry, cooking, and bathing can add gallons of water to the air every day if your home is not properly ventilated. It is also important to make sure that the seals on your refrigerator and freezer remain clean, remember to clean and/or replace your AC filters regularly, and remember to clean your ceiling fans once a month. Commonly overlooked sources of mold are fallen leaves in your yard or gutter, compost piles, and decaying plants, so remember to have all of those removed (also remember that a gutter cover doesn’t keep out moisture – so check your gutters!). Another crucial aspect of mold prevention is to repair water damage as soon as you notice it. Water damage is not just cosmetic – it can rot the wood in your house, making it structurally unsound, as well as serve as the perfect breeding-ground for mold. Repairing water damage quickly is a must in the prevention of a mold infestation.

How can Zelaya Properties LLC help me in the prevention of mold or removal and reconstruction?

We can do a number of things to help you protect your house from mold, and to remove it or to repair the damage it has done to your home. We have an HV/AC division which can help you make sure your home is properly ventilated. We can replace seals on your windows and doors to ensure that excess moisture is not penetrating your home from the outside. In the event that you do have a mold infestation, we can remove drywall and framing members, seeing the removal and repairs through from beginning to end. As in all things we do here at Zelaya Properties LLC, we follow the strictest procedures for safety, using mold containment and removal procedures to ensure that the spores do not spread.

Steps to Remodeling a Kitchen

During holidays and special events, invitations are extended to family, friends and guests to join in the festivities.  Assembling at loved ones, friends or family’s home is common practice.  Receiving guests with open spaces and a comfortable atmosphere is desirable from both perspectives as the host or guest.  Providing food and drinks for all is always in good taste and a great idea to facilitate an environment of mingling and to ease the introverted guest’s introductions to others at the meeting table, or kitchen, which usually ends up being the place where all the guests congregate.  It is, after all, the “soul” of the home.  It makes us all feel warm and welcomed when we can gather at the place from where the wonderful smells are originating.  What are the steps to renovating that space to achieve your dream kitchen and the desired effect for all those gatherings?

The process of a kitchen renovation can be broken down into three stages.  The three stages are the design development process, material selection as well as deciding on the team you will be working with on the renovation, and project implementation.  The foremost step, the design and development stage, is the foundation and will set the tone for the remodel.  During this step, deciding on the designer is critical.  The designer needs to fully understand your concept for the kitchen and be able to work with you on implementing your vision into the design and the layout.  You and the designer must be “a fit” for each other because together you will develop the concept of your dream kitchen along with what you want your kitchen to look like, what are the feasible options in the layout, and what features are the most essential for your kitchen.  All of which are to be included in the drawings of your kitchen design.

Interviewing contractors and getting their proposals is a component of the second stage.  Hiring a reputable and honest contractor with a proven track record who will set realistic expectations for the renovation will save lots of time and frustration during the construction process.  Too often, a contractor is chosen based on lowest price.  Beware of contractors who seem to be priced well below others or ones with an unrealistic price.  This is cause for concern and should raise a red flag for the homeowner.  In most cases, you do get what you pay for from the process.  The second component of this stage is the materials selection.  It is wise to be informed on the materials being used by the contractor during the build and as well as the finishes.  Being educated on the available materials, the upkeep necessary for those materials and the life of the materials is something that the contractor should be able to provide to you.  During this process of material exploration is when the discussion of flooring, cabinets, countertops, lighting, plumbing fixtures, backsplashes, and appliances will take place.  Hiring a professional contractor that is licensed and insured is essential and all documentation should be verified.  An expert team translates to less hassle throughout the entire process.

The last stage in the kitchen remodeling process is the project implementation stage.  Setting the proper expectations and realistic timeline for the project is essential.  Setting realistic goals for the remodel will keep the stress level to a minimum for both the contractor and the homeowner.  During the remodel, always allow for 10-30% percent of the overall budget for contingencies and unforeseen situations that may arise.  For example, plumbing or electrical work that will be done along with the remodel that will require that the entire plumbing or electrical panel be brought up to current code.  Situations such as this are where the budget contingency will come in handy.

Deciding to get your kitchen remodeled is a big undertaking for any homeowner.  Always work with a contractor that knows the process and can walk you through the stages of the project.  A kitchen remodel can be a smooth process if you work with a professional company with a proven track record.  Envisioning the end result, a more functional and spacious kitchen area will make it all worth it when the project is complete.  When the new space lends way to no longer having to eat out, you can enjoy the new spacious and updated kitchen with family and friends as well as sharing it with them during those festive special events. 

Doing Good is Good Business

At Zelaya Properties, LLC we feel it's important to give back and be a part of our community. As a Sustaining Business Partner with Habitat for Humanity's Northern Virginia ReStore we donate our excess materials on a regular basis. We are proud to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia to build safe, decent and affordable homes for low income families in Northern Virginia.