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  Visible enhancements like getting rid of oh-so-outdated, cheesy wood paneling or popcorn ceilings, along with a front yard makeover, provide instant gratification to lifestyle.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.

How to save money on a dumpster rental?

Brown bagging your lunch, using coupons, shopping sales and being a prudent money manager makes sense to even the well-heeled.  So when it comes to a dumpster rental, you want to keep the costs reasonable yet get the job done.   

Even so, there are a few ways for you to reduce the cost of a dumpster rental.   

Dumpster rental cost saving suggestion #1
Make a list of local organizations that take things for re-use and re-sale. Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Hillsborough County or ReStore in Pinellas County accepts working appliances (7 years old or newer; dishwashers 3 years old or newer), architectural items, kitchen and bath cabinets, some flooring, doors, lumber (full sheets/lengths only), lighting, windows, tools, paint (full/unopened cans only) and more. You receive a tax-deductible donation and contribute to the mission of Habitat for Humanity.   Check out their websites & give them a call, it is great way to help out others!  This, in turn, reduces the size of dumpster you need.

Dumpster rental cost saving suggestion #2

The American Red Cross has clothing donation drop boxes around the Tampa Bay area, and Donation Town, Salvation Army and Goodwill all offer pick up services. This not only means you need less dumpster space, but also helps the environment by keeping more stuff out of landfills. Electronics can be taken to some YMCAs and to Best Buy for recycling.   Some YMCAs have volunteer tech people who tinker with things to restore them to working order for re-sale. 

Dumpster rental cost saving suggestion #3

Taking the time to break down bulky items helps with space conservation in the dumpster.  Also, instead of tossing things inside willy-nilly, do a little organization on placing stuff by stacking and nesting, putting largest items on the bottom. 

Dumpster rental cost saving suggestion #4

You can't be the only one in your condo complex or neighborhood doing a deep cleaning or yard tidy up or eliminating storm damage.   Ask neighbors to chip in on perhaps a larger dumpster rental than you alone need. Share the cost, share the dumpster, share a pizza and a few stories during the cleanup and clean out process.

Dumpster rental cost saving suggestion #5
If your project timing is flexible, call the dumpster rental service you wish to use and ask what their slow time of year is.  They may be more willing to negotiate price or the number of days you can keep the dumpster during their slow time of season.

Dumpster rental cost saving suggestion #6
If you have really heavy items, ask your dumpster rental company if any of them are recyclable.  Concrete & Tile for example can sometimes be recycled if kept "clean" (no other debris mixed in).  You may be able to save on your weight with a recycling dumpster and in the end save some money.

Dumpster rental cost saving suggestion #7
Do you have metal items such as old patio furniture, appliances, tools or other metal items?  Often times there are local recyclers who will come and get those items for free, or if you place them at the road side someone will pick them up.  This will depend on your local area and any codes or ordinances that might apply, but here in Pinellas & Hillsborough County, we have recyclers always looking for material they can collect and not only are you helping them out, it doesn't cost you anything.

Hopefully one of these cost savings ideas will help you reduce your dumpster rental costs.!


Cost is measured in more than dollars.   Time, energy and efforts don't have a financial equivalent. The reliability and professionalism of Bin There Dump That cannot be calculated when you are waiting, for example, for another company that's running a day or two late on your dumpster rental delivery.   Piling your junk outside to be lifted and moved again into the dumpster is a waste of your time and effort. Peace of mind with your dumpster rental choice is worth a good night's sleep and hard day's work, which you can begin on time, every time, with Bin There Dump That. 

Bin There Dump That dumpster rental fees are affordable, and the company has integrity, reliability and excellence in all corners of the business. 

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.

Clean up that yard, trim those trees!

The long growing season in and around Tampa promotes tree and plant growth not experienced to the north, requiring frequent attention. The oaks, being very big trees, shed leaves by the thousands. Palm trees need trimming or are likely to drop fronds if they naturally shed.   Plants and other greenery have a long growing season that can keep you busy!

... yes... there is a house back there!

Quick tip... palm tree pruning - once palm fronds are brown, yellow, dead or broken, they can be pruned off. Healthy leaves should never be pruned from a palm because it can weaken the entire tree. One can remove flower and fruit stalks from a palm tree. They not only attract pests like rodents to dine on them, but also take strength from the tree. 

In addition to some 300 species of native trees and another 1,000 exotic varieties of trees and plants in Florida, chances are good that you have some unwanted pieces of these in your yard.  Old sod, mulch or pavers can be tossed out to make way for a newly landscaped yard or just one section of your yard.   Leaves, grass clippings, pine needles and shrubbery branches can easily be piled on a tarp and dragged to a dumpster rental and walked in or lifted in with two people folding in each corner on their end.   

Quick tip... trailer or dumpster? - because a trailer is on wheels, the sides are often higher than a typical roll off dumpster making it harder to toss your debris in it & you also wont be able to "walk into the trailer with a wheel barrel as you could with a dumpster.

Lawn care companies, tree removal businesses and landscaping firms can use roll off dumpster rentals as well, and you can pass the word if they are coming to your property or homeowner association or neighborhood. 

Whatever you do in terms of cleanup, it not only assists in maintaining property value, but it reflects well on the homeowners or tenants. So much factors into our personal images and reputations, and how you manage and present yourself via your yard makes an impression. Let's make it a favorable one! 

Yard clean up tips

• Buy a child's rake for getting under shrubs and bushes easily

• Make sure you have gloves

• Clean out gutters

• Run water from a hose down every downspout

• Buy a 2-wheeled cart for enhanced stability over the old wheelbarrow

• Pressure wash or wash and brush flagstone walkways

• Tidy up the front entrance area for curb appeal 

• Order pizza for all your helpers

A yard waste dumpster rental can

• save time, you wont have to find the dump or go to the dump and wait in line

• save money, avoid scratches & dents to your truck and your time going to the dump

• convenience, you fill it & you are done!..., they deliver it, cover it, haul it, & dump it

• safety, yard waste can be heavy and loads need to be covered for transport

So when you get ready for that yard clean up project, don't forget to order your dumpster rental.  Look for a reliable choice that can meet your needs and save you time & money. 

Happy trimming!

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.

Spring into Spring with Some Spring Cleaning

Spring into Spring with Some Spring Cleaning

      It's spring cleaning time, and just because you haven't been buttoned inside like Boston doesn't mean Florida homes are exempt from this annual ritual. The days are longer, and the weather is perfect for wide open windows prior to the onset of heat, bugs and humidity.

      The best place to start is with a roll-off Bin There Dump That dumpster rental for anything that has gathered dust and cluttered your yard, garage, closets or carports or blown onto your property in the last storm. It's so easy to lay open a few large trash bags and sort through stuff with a garbage bag, recycle bag and thrift store bag. The trash bags need not accumulate in a corner or stink up your own vehicle. Just toss them into the Bin There Dump That  dumpster, one by one.

      Spring cleaning began as a seasonal event to air out a house stifled with wood smoke, coal fumes and stale air from winter. It has morphed into an annual event of de-cluttering, organizing and getting rid of junk, trash and rubbish, even little bits in the gutters and nestled against the foundation outside.

      With a little planning and a little more cajoling, you can make spring cleaning a family affair with a Bin There Dump That dumpster rental. Those who don't cotton to sorting, teenagers, for example, can be assigned dumpster duty -- carting stuff to the big bin and hoisting it over and inside.

      Spring maintenance can be aligned with changing the clocks ahead, like ~

·       checking smoke alarms

·       flipping mattresses

·       changing air filters

·       waxing or oiling wood to prevent dryness

·       dusting and reversing ceiling fans

·       cleaning gutters

·       looking for roof leaks

·       oiling things that move.

   
Pressure washing is a wonderful spring cleaning task, and all those icky things you wash down, along with yard debris like branches or a rotting planter, can go right in the Bin There Dump That dumpster.

      Another big spring event is baseball training, and there are several teams around  Tampa:

Pittsburgh Pirates

                      Philadelphia Phillies                  

Toronto Blue Jays

Baltimore Orioles

  New York Yankees

      For a great spring cleaning job behind you and Bin There Dump That taking away your junk and trash, gather the family for some ballpark fun. Add hot dogs and ice cream, then head back to your immaculate, sparkling, orderly home.

Natural Cleaning

For great results without harsh chemicals and the high cost of commercial cleansers, try some of these natural alternatives.

Vinegar ~ Vinegar is a natural, antibacterial and disinfecting liquid effective against viruses, mold and bacteria.

Baking soda ~ This ubiquitous natural mineral is most often used to neutralize odors by keeping an open box in the refrigerator. Make a paste of baking soda and water for most cleaning jobs.

Lemon ~ Citric acid in lemons make it another good, natural degreaser, and it has brightening properties. To enhance its power, mix juice from a couple of lemons with half a cup of vinegar in a spray bottle.

Washing soda ~ This is similar to baking soda, but stronger, and is most often used to enhance the power of laundry detergents to remove tough stains and neutralize odors. Wear gloves, and read the box for instructions.

Castile soap ~ Made from 100 percent plant oils, including olive oil, castile soap is totally environmentally friendly and performs well as a laundry detergent, cleanser, shampoo (including dog shampoo), tub scrub (mixed with baking soda), dish soap, body wash and carpet cleaner. Do not mix with vinegar.

Salt ~ Coarse or regular salt serves as an abrasive added to natural cleaning mixes for tough cleaning jobs.

Eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, pine ~ All add antibacterial and antifungal properties as well as fragrance.

General Cleanser

1 cup vinegar

1-3 cups water

12 drops lemon juice or essential oil

Mix in a spray bottle, shake before using

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