Mold and Your Health

~ courtesy info from the Dumpster Diva at Bin There Dump That

One tends to think of something that grows as having life and being categorized as either a plant or animal.   Mold, however, is neither plant nor animal, yet it can grow and reproduce by making spores. It has a life of its own and can negatively impact your health. 

It belongs in the Fungi Kingdom, and unlike a plant, mold does not get energy from the sun via photosynthesis.   The sun, in fact, inhibits the growth of mold, which sort of eats its way along, most commonly fulfilling its mission to break up decaying stuff like dead plants or animals.   Mold spores can survive severe conditions like drought where normal mold growth is not likely to occur until wetness or humidity returns.

Mildew is a form of mold, and the most common place in the house to find mildew is shower stalls and basements -- warm, humid, wet or damp, dark environments.   Surprisingly, neither the Environmental Protection Agency nor another government entity has issued standards on mold or mold spore levels, so there are no building regulations. 

Mildew forms a thin, white, gray or greenish layer while the less frequent "black mold" has a green-black hue and grows on surfaces with a high cellulose content like paper, wood, fiberboard and gypsum board, all common building materials.   While mold can do some serious damage to your home's structural elements like walls, floors, ceilings and upholstered furniture, it can really raise havoc with the health and well-being of residents in a poorly ventilated or cared-for house.

According to the Florida Department of Health, there are four kinds of health problems related to mold:

• allergic illness
• irritant effects
• infection
• toxic effects

The most vulnerable people to mold health risks include infants, children, elderly people with respiratory or lung conditions and those with weakened immune systems from ongoing treatments or recent illness.   The most common symptoms of an allergic or highly sensitive reaction to the presence of mold may or may not be linked to mold:

• running nose and sneezing
• coughing or wheezing
• redness or itchy eyes
• rash or skin irritation
• asthma attacks
• fever (less common)
• breathing difficulty (less common)

There are some routine maintenance and awareness measures which can reduce the incidence of mold in your house:

• check plumbing for leaks a few times a year
• use A/C or a dehumidifier in hot or warm months
• maintain good ventilation at all times
• keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent max
• refrain from installing carpets in basements and bathrooms
• have and use an exhaust fan in every bathroom
• clean up quickly and thoroughly after a rain or water incident

Some of the most common places for mold outside your home which might cause distress to people with a sensitivity to the odor or presence of it include, not surprisingly, antique shops and lake or oceanfront summer cottages.   Also, greenhouses and flower shops, saunas, farms and construction areas can have the kinds of conditions where mold thrives

Being educated in mold conditions and its effects on health are key to avoiding the associated illness and discomfort, as well as potentially connecting the dots should symptoms arise. 

Dozen Days of Downpours... plus a few Dozen more!

This past month had a few dozen days of downpours.  A few dozen or so roads closed. A few dozen inches of rainfall...  Several dozens of disasters.   If you are dealing with the fallout of flooding and rain damage, the Bin There Dump That Dumpster Diva is here to help.   

July ended with 4.77 inches above normal rainfall, and if you have wet carpets, a flooded carport, water damage in your yard or around the foundation or other rain-inflicted destruction, you need to take action.   The City of Tampa has been giving away sandbags, and residents have to exercise caution in leaving home, as many roads have been closed, flooded and/or damaged.   Flood warnings were issued, and the Anclote River rose more than two feet above flood stage on Aug. 3.   Flooding can occur days after rain has stopped.

Unwanted water commands immediate attention as it not only can destroy carpets, electronics, floors and furnishings, but also it creates a haven for mold growth.   Mold can ruin interior walls and structure components, and it promotes very poor indoor air quality which in turn can cause serious illness and respiratory problems.   The quicker you act, the faster you reduce chances of unnecessary damage and health issues.

• Disconnect power if water is above any electrical outlets, and exercise caution using electrical things like a shop vac in places where water has accumulated
• Wear protective clothing, boots and gloves, etc
• Take photos for insurance purposes before you begin clean-up work
• Remove what you can as quickly as you can to higher ground or place
• Get rid of water; use buckets and mops if you have to; remove mud with shovels and hose out what you can
• Cut away wet drywall, tear up rugs, remove wet insulation and worry about repairs later
• Check foundation for mortar breakdown
• Open up everything you can to dry air and breezes
• As things dry, clean with disinfectant to eliminate bacteria; water and common bleach mixture (5:1 ratio) is a great disinfectant except for fabric; wear protective gear and work with windows open
• One excellent product, Concrobium, inhibits mold growth  
• Arrange for a Tampa dumpster rental with Bin There Dump That to keep all the wet, damp and damaged stuff together and away from the house.

Timing is of the essence when cleaning up unwanted water, and cross-ventilation is the best way to dry things out.  It may not be the fastest, and you can assist with fans.  Don't forget to open small spaces like half-baths, closets and pantries. 

Then head for the yard for downed branches, debris, plastic chairs and anything in the neighborhood that wasn't nailed down during high wind and rain that may now be on your property.  Bin There Dump That can deliver a yard waste dumpster rental for you to share with a couple neighbors for tree limbs, errant junk and damaged landscaping. 

Remember this tiny fact: Most people underestimate the size of a dumpster they need, so go up a notch or two and be sure you have what you need first time, so you're not paying for multiple pick-ups and replacement. The Bin There Dump That folks can help you decide, and they'll be like your new best friend for a quick response and professional placement and storm debris and junk removal. 

Keep an eye on where ERIKA is going, hopefully it turns east and gives us a break from the rain!

Be Safe ~ Be Smart: Flood Prep

The number one natural disaster in the United States is floods, and Florida leads the country with twice as many claims and twice as much money paid out than the second state on the list [Alabama]. While a flood is a temporary condition, it is also a potentially dangerous and expensive experience. 

In the Tampa Bay region, it's not usually swollen rivers overflowing their banks, but heavy rainfall in a short period of time, measured in hours, not days or weeks or the high tides in South Tampa.   The topography is fairly flat, and there are not many appropriate places for rainwater to go once the drain systems are overwhelmed. So, it leaks and pours into inappropriate places, like your house. 

You can't control Mother Nature, but you can be prepared and remain safe during torrential rains and local flooding.   About half of people who die in floods are trying to drive through water.  The Bin There Dump That Dumpster Diva is here to tell you that water is one powerful force.   It creates valleys like the Grand Canyon, can sweep away a car or SUV in a mere two-foot depth, and a person can go down quickly in as little as six inches of rapidly moving water.  

If you live in Aspen, Colorado, you should be prepared for heavy snows and power outages.  If Chicago is your home, its nickname of the Windy City is a clue that mega breezy conditions may occur.  And if you are lucky enough to reside in the Sunshine State of Florida, flooding could be the thorn in your side.  Preparation is key, even if there's nary a cloud in the sky.  

Things to keep on hand year round, plus extras you can gather even one day in advance:

• flashlights and batteries
• radio with batteries
• pet flood emergency plan
• spare toiletries in a secure bag
• change of clothes in waterproof container
• dry foods, snacks and pet food
• medicine
• flotation devices (why not?) for every member of the family
• know how to shut off power and gas to your house
• fully charged cell phone
• at least a few gallons of clean water.

All levels of government stay informed and impart information to the public as it becomes available.  Stay tuned in advance to weather alerts and heed both watches and warnings.  Hold a family powwow and go over emergency procedures, plans and supplies.  

Take advantage of free sandbags, like the City of Tampa recently provided, and all other services, including moving to a shelter in advance.  Emergency Medical Services personnel and equipment are stretched to the limit during natural disasters, and people who plan ahead need not be in the statistics of those who need evacuation assistance or among those who perish in the disaster.   Be part of the solution, not the problem. 

• Stay calm and clear-headed
• Tune in for local news and information often
• Do not drive or walk in moving water
• Evacuate in advance if it looks worse than normal
• Cut off your own power if water rises
• Don't touch any downed power lines
• Refrain from swimming
• Be smart, sensible and safe

Since hurricanes are a serious source of flooding, many of our resources locally address flooding in hurricane preparedness communication.  Here are a few local resources for flood preparation around our area:

• City of Tampa - Hurricane & Flood Preparation
• My Fox Tampa Bay Hurricane Preparation resources
• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Bay News 9 Hurricane Preparation resources
• City of Clearwater - Protect yourself from floods
• City of St. Petersburg - Hurricane Center

Flipping Houses and Pocketing the Profit

House flipping ranges from picking up a one-time property deal and turning it around for a tidy profit to making a living at buying distressed, foreclosed, run-down or other properties, repairing, cleaning up, renovating, painting or all of the above.  It can be an occasional hobby or a bona-fide vocation.  It's not for the faint-hearted, as much planning, financial investment and hard work goes into house flipping ~ including, but not limited to, having a good relationship with a dumpster rental company that is reliable and can move quickly once you close on your deal and are ready to get started.  Reliable partners that can move as fast as you need are a major key to this game.

People buy, sell and move all the time, but house flippers are generally considered "in the business" when properties change hands in less than 12 months.  The serious ones may have several properties in various stages of fix-up at the same time, and others might do one a year on the side. 

The greater Tampa, St. Pete, & Clearwater region is prime for house flippers from the old beach condo to the foreclosed mansion.  The older homes in South Tampa and St. Pete seem to be hot areas of interest today.  Buying any property and re-selling it without doing anything happens, but real value and higher profits are found in the renovation or at the least major sprucing up of a house or condo.  


To get started, you need a few things besides a toolbox ~ 

• Knowledge of neighborhoods, real estate prices, demographics, current market trends
• Financial expertise in fees associated with home buying and selling, like Realtor commissions, appraiser, home inspection, bank financing, building permits, closing fees
• Vision of what can be and the repair and renovation work and associated costs
• Negotiating skills
• Good relationships with a dumpster rental company, plumbers, painters, electricians, landscapers and roofers, among others
• Management capabilities to prioritize, track expenses, deal with suppliers, etc. 

Earlier this year in the Tampa Bay times, reported in their article Tampa Bay Ranks Among Nation's Leaders in House-Flipping Profits that local flippers were averaging 57% gross profit during the first few months of 2015.  According to www.realtytrac.com, a leading source of housing data, close to 27,000 homes were flipped nationwide during the third quarter of last year with an average profit of $75,990. "The record-high average profits per flip in the quarter demonstrate that flippers are still filling an important niche in an aging housing market with historically low levels of new homes being built," states Daren Blomquist, vice president at RealtyTrac. "The most successful flippers are buying older, outdated homes in established neighborhoods and rehabbing them extensively to appeal to modern tastes."

House flipping has increased in popularity among the less experienced with a many TV shows dedicated to buying and selling homes.  You can see Bin There Dump That on a few TV shows like Property Brothers & Holmes on Homes.  Check out our "seen on TV" page on our website.

You cannot flip houses as fast as pancakes, but it is still a fast-paced endeavor that has financial risk as you have money tied up in the purchase price as well as labor and materials.   If you are a contractor and can do the work yourself, the profit is even bigger.  If wiring and roofing are involved, and you are neither an electrician nor professional roofer, it's wise to get an estimate from a licensed contractor before bidding on the property.  Having reliable partners is a must, without them, time is wasted, money is lost and your profits dwindle.  Many flippers use a combination of professionals alongside their own work.  When it's all said and done, there is probably blood, sweat and tears along with that tidy profit, and you can smile all the way to the bank.

If you are flipping a house, check out Bin There Dump That for your Tampa area projects.  They offer same day services, delivery on Saturdays, and help keep you moving.

Home rennovation is worth the dust

Homeownership comes with benefits, fun, challenges and expenses.  Remodeling is one of the big expense considerations you might be facing.  Should you update the kitchen, add a room or second story, expand the deck, change the siding, remodel or add a bathroom, renovate the first floor?

At remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2015/, several remodeling job costs are listed with their projected resale value.  Ones that top 80% for return include wood deck addition, steel entry door replacement, new garage doors, manufactured stone veneer and siding replacement.  Others recouping more than 60% are kitchen remodels, window replacement (vinyl or wood), attic bedroom, composite deck addition and garage or second story addition. 

While all remodeling costs may not come back to the homeowner at sale, they do improve the property and increase its overall value.  What cannot be measured and is worthy of discussion is the enjoyment of the improvements and remodels possibly for years to come.  Unless one is downsizing, it's less expensive to remodel than to move in many cases.  And, it's not generally a great idea to remodel a home to sell as opposed to remodel it to enjoy.

A couple noteworthy remodel jobs on the downward trend are home offices and sunrooms. Advancements in mobile technology and cloud storage have put the skids on many a home office anchored with a desktop computer station.  Sunrooms have always been expensive and difficult to cool or heat, and even in Florida, more homeowners are embracing open patios with a slatted or permanent roof or awning or screened porch that's not encased in the glass of a traditional sunroom. 

The hard to digest but necessary and costly remodels are unseen ones like HVAC replacement, plumbing update and a new roof.  Visible enhancements like getting rid of oh-so-outdated, cheesy wood paneling or popcorn ceilings, along with a front yard makeover, provide instant gratification to lifestyle. 

Choosing the right contractor is a huge piece of any remodel project, maybe one of the most important choices you will have to make.  Take the time to do reference checks, ensure the contractor is licensed, & has experience with the type of work you need done.  Locally there are some resources available to you, below are a few.

• National Association of The Remodeling Industry Tampa Bay (NARI)
• Tampa Bay Builders Association (TBBA)
• Pinellas County Contractors Licensing Board (PCCLB)
• Hillsborough County Contractor Licensing

Once you have a design, a contractor and required building permits, you need to be prepared for:

• dust, debris, & junk
• noise
• open doors with new materials and workers coming and going
• unexpected (faulty wiring, irregular framing, gerry-rigged something or other)
• delays (materials late, defective)
• decisions (where does this outlet go? how low on this chandelier?)
• cost overruns

One good way to reduce cost and save time is by choosing the right dumpster company, or requiring your contractor to use a specific company.   

Bin There Dump That is the reliable dumpster service, that works with contractors and homeowners to ensure smooth efficient waste removal from their projects.  These professionals deliver a clean green dumpster, on time, and place the dumpster on boards for driveway protection.   Here are just a few quick differences and why it will matter.

• Clean green dumpster - no one wants an unsightly rusty box staining their driveway
• On time - a late bin means waiting or moving stuff twice, don't waste time or money
• Driveway protection guarantee - why risk adding driveway repair to the remodel job

So get ready to tear things out, toss them into the dumpster rental outside your door, sweep and ready the room for a renovation you will enjoy immensely ~ once the dust settles.

Estate Clean Out

Cleaning out a loved one's estate can be like a trip from heartache to headache and back. It's an emotional task at an emotional time, and the more organized you are, the smoother the process.  A Will designates financial and property distribution, but a house or condo's contents may not be called out item by item, and it needs to be cleaned out piece by piece. 

An early evaluation can determine how much help is needed. Family members may want to put sticky notes on items they especially want.  For family too far to travel, snapping photos for e-mail lets them see what's there that might be of interest. 

Going through everything is imperative as people stick things like cash in the freezer, an heirloom diamond ring in a vase, stock certificates in a book and so on.  There are many people who can help from a neighborhood teen, church friends, professional organizers and cleaning people, liquidators, appraisers and Bin There Dump That for dumpster rental service. 

Here are few suggestions to keep in mind:

• Change the locks and forward the mail.

• Remove papers like bank statements, insurance policies, deeds, titles and tax returns.

• Enlist trustworthy help to sift through clothes, closets, cupboards and drawers with instructions on setting things out for your review before donation, trash or keep.

• Tackle the home room by room. There's a sense of accomplishment when one room becomes vacant except for furnishings, and that in turn produces encouragement.

• Memories are more important than tangible things, so take lots of photos of a lamp or mirror or chair which holds special meaning to put into a family history book or CD. Scan documents, tickets and small mementos.

• Most clothes, except vintage (prior to 1960s), leather and upscale hold little value. Some thrift shops have free pick up service for unwanted but usable clothes and furniture. 

• Hire an appraiser for antiques, jewelry, coins and other potential valuables. Check the American Society of Appraisers (appraisors.org) membership list; there are more than 100 in Florida with ASA after their names. ASA = Accredited Senior Appraiser. 

• Consider buying a copy of "How to Clean Out Your Parents' Estate in 30 Days or Less, a solution-based guide to emptying the home without losing your mind," by Julie Hall.

Once things are sorted, shipped, removed, placed in the dumpster rental or taken to consignment and thrift stores, a liquidator can clear out all the rest.   Again, go professional -- this is an industry ripe for rip-off.   The American Society of Estate Liquidators offers information on its training and designations.   Some liquidators request payment for the work; others take it for free; and still more pay you if there is significant re-sale value. 

Hire a professional cleaning company to prepare property for sale or rent. 

You can find local resources from afar simply by asking the secretary at the attorney's office (who handles the Will), a Realtor, Chamber of Commerce, friends, neighbors and the good folks at Bin There Dump That.  A reliable company with an excellent reputation only recommends others with the same levels of integrity, compassion and dependability. 

Take breaks all along the way, even if you are on a tight time schedule. Stop for coffee. Walk away for lunch.  Sit on a box and remember something funny.  Embrace the memories and the good times, even if cleaning out an estate is not among them.  With assistance and a positive attitude, you can rise to the occasion with grace.  

Downsizing to a smaller home efficiently & effectively

There comes a time in many a life when a homeowner finds he or she simply has too much house ~ too big, too expensive, too much maintenance, too burdensome to clean and care for, too time-consuming. The first word that comes to mind entered the American English language about 40 years ago: downsize. Home-wise, that signals a move to a smaller version of abode, and it can be a smooth transition.

 

There are many reasons to downsize, and many people, seniors among them, have found it very freeing to live in less space, do less maintenance, spend less house money and live more efficiently. Smaller mortgages, utility bills, upkeep and property taxes reduce financial obligations, and smaller yards lower time spend on maintenance. It is a win-win for those who embrace less expense, time and energy spent on home ownership and more of all that on personal pursuits, travel, family and perhaps more disposable income to enjoy.

With more than 130 senior living 55+ community lifestyle options in the Tampa Bay area, it's not hard to find one that suits your style and budget. If you're not quite ready for the 55+ or assisted living scene, there are many small housing possibilities. Bungalows and ranch homes are the best for lower maintenance. Townhouses, lofts and condos have the advantage of sharing walls, exterior maintenance costs and common spaces with monthly fees that cover parking lots, trash pickup, roofing, exterior building maintenance and landscaping. Many couples and families report a renewed closeness, not just in proximity, but emotionally, when they downsize.

As with any project, it takes planning to pull off a successful downsize, and one can begin before finding the new, improved, smaller model.

• Thin out clothes, shoes, linens, excess furnishings

• Envision smaller rooms similar to what you have now. The new living room, for example, might be the size of your guest bedroom

• List items that you think you cannot live without. Check off how many times you use each one over a month or two months. Re-think that list

• If you opt for condo living, pass along things you'll never need again like ladders, lawn mower, weed eater and so on

• List things for sale on Craigslist, hit a consignment store or donate

• Trade exercise equipment taking up space for a good pair of walking shoes

• One room at a time, take out everything, putting back only what you use regularly or seasonally

• Measure furniture you intend to move and figure room space and square footage

• Use this as a great opportunity to bless others with things they have admired, family heirlooms and more because you will have less storage space. And, after all, what's the point in storing something when someone else can love using it?

• Look at closet and storage systems which maximize space utility

• For furniture, consider Murphy beds, ottomans with storage, wall tables and ironing boards and double duty chairs, desks and end tables

If you've lived a long time in your home or have accumulated things that have been water damaged or become moldy, piles of newspapers or broken items, you may well need a Bin There Dump That dumpster rental. Call right now to schedule your delivery: 727-475-1080.

All along the way, remember the definition of "stuff" ~ something that has weight and takes up space. Take it from the Dumpster Diva that downsizing can be a definite delight and is downright doable.

Why Rent a Dumpster?

You can package efficiency, convenience, cost savings, time savings and peace of mind simply by renting a dumpster for any project that will generate junk, debris, or garbage.   Most people do not realize they can order a dumpster for every day projects and some times save hours of time and frustration when loading a truck or trailer and then going to the dump and sitting in line to get rid of that junk. 

Tampa area dumpster rentals are available, the question is why might you need a roll off dumpster rental?

The reasons to get a dumpster rental abound:

• home remodel

• business renovation

• dock renovation

• new home building

• garage clean out

• estate clean out

• home sale preparation

• new home purchase clean up

• neighborhood clean up

• yard debris removal

• spring cleaning

• storm damage

• disaster restoration

• hoarder clean out

• foreclosure house clean out

• home flipping

• investment property

• renters left your apartment a mess

• save time going to the dump, some times more than once

• keep your own vehicles clean

If you have a project that requires a dumpster rental, the next step is finding a dumpster rental provider that can meet your needs and expectations.  Different hours of operation, rental periods, sizes of dumpster, reliability, and service may be a few of the factors in your decision on who to rent a dumpster from for your junk removal needs.

Reasons to work with Bin There Dump That also abound:

• professional & knowledgeable staff

• friendly & courteous service

• reliable on time dumpster service

• driveway protection guarantee

• weekend service hours on Saturday

• same day dumpster rental service available

• family owned and operated

• licensed and insured

• clean green dumpsters

• multiple dumpster sizes for any project

• no job is too small

So for the next project you have that creates junk you need removed, consider how a dumpster rental might save you time, money, & frustration.  Think you don't have enough space or junk for a roll off?  Not all roll off dumpsters are a city block long.  Check out our dumpster size page and descriptions for what other customers use them for.  There are 5 convenient sizes for many different size jobs and no job is too small.

How to get started finding the right Dumpster Rental

Have junk or trash to get rid of & not sure how to get started with a Dumpster Rental?  Here are some quick tips to get you started.

1.                 Determine if any special permits or municipal rules apply

If you have a neighborhood or homeowners association (HOA) check to see what your community rules are for construction and placement of dumpsters.  Some dumpster rental companies will work with your HOA requirements, that is important to ask and understand before you buy.

Some cities such as incorporated Largo & incorporated Seminole are small business unfriendly and actually go as far as to remove the consumers choice and require you to use only one vendor.  You may have no choice in who you use or what you pay if you are in a municipality that has these rules.

2.                 Estimate the dumpster size you will need

Estimate the space you'll need to discard the junk or trash you are removing from the house, business, or yard.  Bear in mind that most people underestimate the size of a dumpster rental, so you may want to go up one or two sizes to be sure. It can cost you less in the long run to rent a larger size, than to have a small one picked up for emptying multiple times. 

            Cruise through the Bin There Dump That website for dumpster photos and size descriptions. Like gravel and concrete, dumpster sizes are described by cubic yards, three feet to a side.   A “14 yard dumpster” is 14 cubic yards of space for trash hauling.

It is important to note that debris and trash may only be piled level with the top of the dumpster for legal transportation.   Trash, boards, junk, branches and yard debris may not always stack or pack neatly and there is often some unused space in the middle to account for.  Whether you determine the size exactly or make your best guess, talk to Bin There Dump That staff to confirm the appropriate size for your needs.

3.                 Find a rental company that can meet your needs

•   Does the company answer the phone & are they helpful with your questions?

•   Do they service your area?

•   Do they have inventory available for your delivery date you need?

•   What type of delivery window do they provide?

•   Will they protect your driveway?

•   Will the size fit where you need to place it?

•   Is the company licensed and insured?

4.                 Determine when you need the dumpster delivered & how long you need it

Decide when you want to begin your project and how long you expect you'll need the dumpster rental.  If you schedule 2-3 days ahead, most companies can accommodate delivery windows, some may require you to be home, others will not, some delivery on Saturdays, others will not..., ask the questions to make sure they can meet your needs.  The time frame can factor into price also, so ask about the standard dumpster rental time and factor that into your needs as well.

5.                 Understand the dumpster rental fees

We’ll do an entire blog on pricing because there are so many things to discuss, but for this we’ll recommend understanding your total fees and asking for that in a written communication such as an email or price quote.  As about “extra fees” such as “environmental fees” or “fuel surcharge fees” as example, some companies get you with those unexpected items.

6.                 Determine where you will need the dumpster placed

Find out the dimensions of the dumpster rental you will be getting and determine the best location to place it before delivery.  Things to consider will be, where will most of your trash be?  The less distance you have to move it, the better for you or your workers.  No all “20 yard” dumpsters are the same dimensions, meaning the length & height can vary, but the internal size will still be “20 yards”

           

            The Bin There Dump That staff has "been there done that" when it comes to renovation projects, so we know all that it entails. In fact, this business was founded as a result of not having a competent dumpster rental partner when we most needed one.  Our expert dumpster rental staff is here to help, give them a call with any questions you have!