BUILDING SYSTEMS

Select an article from the list below.

Are You Haunted By Carpet Ghosts?   Carpet ghosts are discolorations that mysteriously appear in new carpeting, particularly lighter colored material.  It is most noticeable in newer construction but can appear anywhere and shows up first at doorways and along walls.  This describes what causes this phenomenon and how to deal with it when your tenant complains that the new carpet is “no good.” 

Blacktop And Beyond . This article, really a collection of pages, outlines driveway repair and replacement options.

Cracked Basement Floor . How to tell if the cracks in your basement floor are minor or harbingers of a major problem, and what to do about them. 

EPA’s Asbestos Home Page .  This is not an article, but it contains links to almost all the information you will ever need about asbestos in your rental unit or home.   

Home Owner's Guide To Buying a New Roof, A .  Not only does this article compare the different types of roofing systems and materials, it also covers roof design, causes of roof deterioration, how to select a roofing contractor.  This is a must read for anyone with a new roof in his immediate future. 

How To Make Simple Toilet Repairs .  Toilets are high strung, mechanical, and frequently used.  For these reasons they require frequent attention.  A plumber is rarely required, however.  You might save a good deal of money by doing minor toilet repairs yourself.  Here you will find all the information you need to deal with most toilet problems. 

How To Prevent Basement Leaks . Learn to recognize the signs of a leaky basement in a prospective purchase, and how to correct the problem if you already have a chronically wet basement.

How to Reduce Commercial Utility Bills .  The title is self explanatory, and if you are a commercial lessor, particularly in a third world, power starved country like California, you need to read this.

Net Minded Tenants Want High-Speed Access .  A majority of potential tenants will be swayed in their decision to rent by the presence or absence of convenient high speed Internet access.  Make your property stand out by bringing it into the information age.

“O” Marks the Pot . It is possible to remove water rings left by your tenant on the hardwood floors, but it is not always easy. 

Refinishing School .  A dull, worn out wood floor does not make a very good tenant magnet.  This article shows how to do it and how easy it is.

Renewing Concrete Surfaces . How to repair worn and cracked concrete without a bulldozer.

Rubber Roofing’s Hurtful Bounce. If you are contemplating one of the new “rubber” or single ply roof systems, or if your rental has one, this article is a must-read.

What Property Managers Should Expect From Carpet and Vinyl Installers - Excerpt from the book Landlord Floors by Alan J. Fletcher

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