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I had a fire in my home and now the insurance company wants me to give them a complete list of all the contents in our home, Can you provide me with a company to help me with this task. Thanks, Bob and June, Royal Oak, MI
WOW.. Please call Premier Home Inventory at (586) 774-4057, I will give you more info later, Murray
WANTED: Victims of Shoddy Home Remodeling/Improvements
Are you a victim of a shoddy home remodeling, or home improvement? Are you willing to expose the shoddy construction in the national media?
If you are, please contact me as soon as possible. We are looking for remoding or home improvement horror stories from across the United States to speak with our national reporter.
Thank You
Murray Gula (800) 998-3494
Contact me at murray@mgula.com for further information and contacts.
I hired (NAME WITHHELD) Construction Co. from Livonia in June to build an addition onto my home. The job is not finished as yet and I have paid most of the money, now the contractors phone has been disconnected. I can't find him. What do I do? - Charles.
I hired (NAME WITHHELD) Construction Co. from Livonia back in June to build an addition onto my home and remodel a great deal of the rest of it. I have paid him about half of what we agreed on and a few weeks ago people he hired are coming to me asking for payment or they will be putting a lean on my home. He does not answer his cell, sounds like it has been disconnected today. He does not answer his office phone now either. It sounds also like it is now being transferred to a cell phone. I went by his office this weekend and the space he occupied is now for lease. I called the Better Business Bureau, where I found him, and they can't do anything without an address. I had also checked his license when we were considering hiring him and he had no complaints. I checked again this morning and his license has lapsed so they can't do anything.
I'm at a loss as to what to do and have nothing more than a nylon tarp separating my house from the outside (getting pretty cold too). Can you offer any advice? Thanks, Charles from Walled Lake
Hi Charles, I checked with the State of Michigan and found the contractors name listed and still licensed as of this date. http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10557_14845_14856---,00.html Your problem is one I have heard for years on all my radio shows.
There are several things you should do first. Contact the Corporations office with the State of Michigan at http://www.cis.state.mi.us/bcs_corp/sr_corp.asp to see if the contractor is registered to do business in Michigan.
Send the contractor a registered letter stating all the facts as how and what the contractor has not completed, how they have harmed you and what you expect their company to do to finish your job. Next contact your building department to set up an inspection with you and the contractor. The city will list any violations on the city report if any, and make this report available to the State for the investigation.
Send your report to the State of Michigan and ask the city to send their report as well. You should be contacted within 14 days by mail. Your notification will inform you when and where to show for a hearing with the contractor. You have 18 months from date of completion to file this complaint. If you’re past the 18 months the State will not start the process. I will try to contact a contractor to help close your roof in for the winter. Please stay in touch. - Murray http://www.mcpanet.com
What kind of equipment is used to clean the ducts in my house and who should I call? Bob, Berkley, MI
They use power vacuum trucks designed specifically for duct cleaning. I know because I had my own house ducts cleaned several years ago. Before we had the job done, everyone was complaining about not feeling good all the time, running eyes, coughing and sneezing. It is a proven fact that dirty ducts contribute to chronic respiratory problems caused by dirty ducts in our home. I recommend cleaning your homes ducts at least between 3 to 5 years, more frequently if you have pets in the home. Its best to have your ducts sanitized at the same time your ducts are cleaned. Thanks for the great question. - Murray http://blogs.scripps.com/wxyz/askmurray/air_duct_cleaning/
My son has health problems with allergies and asthma. What insulation products do you recommend? Greg, Southfield, MI
Cellulose insulation is best, but only when it contains all borate blended fire retardants. It is EPA registered for mold resistance and passes all Healthy Home tests sponsored by the American Lung Association. - Murray
How do I hire a contractor and what questions should I ask?
The first thing is to ask is for a trade license. http://www.mcpanet.com
How does Water Damage
When water damages, it normally spreads t the dries, most absorbent material first. Carpet and the underlying “sponge like” padding are usually first. As the carpet and pad become saturated, the water then “wicks” up into the drywall (drywall, paneling, plaster) affecting base trim, wood stud framing and insulation. The flood water will spread to anything that will absorb water. Time is the most crucial element in preventing water damage. Moisture must be removed and the structure dried as quickly as possible to avoid secondary damage. Secondary damage includes un-restorable structural damage and microbial growth, (like mold) which may cause many adverse health effects.
What are the factors I should look when hiring a waterproofing contractor?
1. Get more than 1 estimate.
2. Pricing with different companies is as different as night and day.
3. If you feel pressured, that’s not a good sign.
4. Are they licensed?
5. Proper insurance coverage Workman’s Comp, Liability & Auto.
6. Should provide a written estimate.
7. What organizations or certifications do they belong to or possess. For example look for a certified waterproofing and structural repair contractors through National Association & Waterproofing & Structural Repair Contractors and Basement Technologies. They are certified in concrete and structural repair through World of Concrete and Fortress Carbon Fiber Stabilization. I know Concrete and Waterproofing Solutions is also certified by Delta and Advance Coatings in exterior waterproofing and air gap technologies.
Where do I purchase surge protectors on the internet.
Q: I had a whole house surge protection device installed in my home and it was recommended that I use a two-tiered approach for sensitive electronics. Where is a good place to buy the point of use devices?
A: the best surge protectors for all your needs are available at: ---- If you have any questions you can call on Murray800.998-4394 he will be happy to help you.
How do I protect my house against a power surge?
Q: We had a power surge in our home last month and the result was that we lost a computer and our refrigerator. Is it possible to protect my home from these problems in the future?
A: Call Mr. Generators at 800,998-3494 and tell him you are interested in whole house surge protection. They can install a unit right inside your breaker panel that will protect all the circuits in your home. Good luck Murray
Ask Murray...
For years, Metro Detroit has relied on Murray Gula and his firsthand knowledge of home improvement. Now Murray has brought together a team to help you with your home improvement problems. To find someone who can help, select a category from the list on the left, or click here to ask Murray a question!
