FAQ’s

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soils, rock, and water that causes lung cancer. It can collect in homes, and result in high concentrations which can cause a serious threat to your health. We recommend having a radon test performed on your home. (radon test should link to appropriate page and section).

Most of the risk that comes from radon is from breathing air with radon and its decay, which research has shown to cause lung cancer.

Since radon cannot be seen, smelled or touched, testing your home is the only way to know for sure if you and your family are at risk from radon. Top to Bottom Property Solutions, the EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing for radon in all rooms below the third floor. (Testing for radon should link to appropriate page and section).

You should have your home tested for Radon to determine the level of radon present in your home. If it is above EPA’s Action Level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/l) you will want to have the problem fixed. You may also want to take action if the levels are in between2-4 pCi/l. The best method for reducing radon in your home will depend on how radon is entering your home and your homes design. (have your home tested should link to appropriate page and section).

Mold is a type of fungus that grows on plants, foods, and even the walls of houses. The key to controlling mold in your home is moisture control. Molds produce tiny spores that reproduce and waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. Mold begins growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are damp or wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. We recommend having a mold inspection performed if you find suspicious spots. (mold inspection should link to appropriate page and section).

Molds can potentially cause health problems, producing allergens, irritants and in some cases toxic substances. Allergic reactions are common and may include fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash. Molds can also bring on asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. Top to Bottom Property solutions recommends having a mold inspection performed on your property for peace of mind. (mold inspection should link to appropriate page and section).

Depending on the extent of mold and where it is located in your home there are a variety of ways to deal with it; the simplest of which is to scrub the affected area with vinegar.  For more extensive cases, a mold remediation should be performed.

A home inspection is an evaluation of the current condition of a home. It includes an evaluation of exterior features such as windows, siding, roof, etc. Evaluation of all mechanical (electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, and ventilation) systems and the structural integrity of the home for functionality and safety is also inspected. We recommend having a home inspection performed on any property that you are considering purchasing.(home inspection should link to appropriate page and section).

A typical inspection will take a few hours depending on the size, complexity and condition of the home. Be prepared to spend that time learning about your new home to make the most of your investment.

We strongly suggest that the new homeowner, spouses and/or significant others attend the inspection. This will allow you to ask questions as they arise and discuss your concerns. You will also be able to learn the condition, maintenance requirements, and safety information for your home. The home inspection report will serve to be a “owner’s manual” for you on the care of your new property. (home inspection should link to appropriate page and section).

A green home uses and distributes energy more efficiently, and provides a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.

You want to start small by slowly updating household items and electronics that are better for the environment and more energy efficient, recycling, etc… Then we recommend a green evaluation to determine ways to live a greener life. (and green evaluation should link to the appropriate page and section).

Green energy is power that is produced using alternative methods of production such as wind or solar.

Some benefits of a green building include:
    • Reduced maintenance/replacement costs 
    • Energy conservation and lower costs

Materials typically considered to be “green” include rapidly renewable plant materials such as bamboo and straw, lumber from sustainably managed forests, and recycled stones and metals. Products that are non-toxic, reusable, renewable or recycled are also used in green buildings.

Green building designs, strategies, materials and practices can and do save you money because they reduce energy, labor, and medical costs. Green building also improves indoor air quality and overall health of those spending time in the building. Buying green products may cost more initially, but in the long run, they will often save you money.

Because green buildings have a higher efficiency and performance they can result in a higher property value.

The amount of time it takes to remodel your home may vary depending on size and the amount of work that needs to be done. While small projects and additions take about 12 to 16 weeks to complete, larger projects can take longer.

We recommend you have a general contractor when you are embarking on a remodeling or home addition project. A general contractor can help you plan your project, hire trades, and ensure that mistakes are not made at your expense. In the long run hiring a general contractor will you save money and avoid needless hassles. (general contractor should link to appropriate page and section).

Since each construction project is unique and has different uniquely associated costs there is no standard calculation that could be used to figure this out. Keep in mind that square foot pricing is just an approximation at best in most cases. We recommend that you take advantage of our rehab consulting service when considering a rehab project.  (rehab consulting should link to appropriate page and section).

We can provide you with a list of preferred suppliers and contractors with whom we have built a trusting relationship with over the years. However, we will work with anyone the homeowner chooses.

In order to get the best return on their investment homeowners remodel to improve the space of their home and upgrade their kitchens and/or bathrooms.

It has been found that there is a definite correlation between certain home components such as remodeled kitchens, baths, and added bedrooms and the selling price of the home. However, some remodeling projects can offer more return than others. We can help you determine, through our rehab consulting service,  which projects will offer you the best return. (rehab consulting should link to appropriate page and section).

Generally a building permit is required when there is there is structural work involved such as removing load-bearing walls, the basic living area of the home is being changed or the home’s mechanical systems are being reconfigured or modified.  If required for your project, as your general contractor we will make sure to maintain all the necessary building permits.

Top to Bottom Property Solutions can provide you with an estimated budget range based on our preliminary, no-obligation consultation. This meeting will allow us to learn what you ideally want to accomplish with your home remodeling project as well as your time frame and projected budget.  (consultation should link to appropriate page and section).

Most of our clients stay at home during the project. We try our best not to disturb the homes normal activities as much as possible.