Sheila North Wilson, CTV Winnipeg Published Monday, August 25, 2014 3:43PM CST Last Updated Monday, August 25, 2014 5:31PM CST

Normally, shelves used to dry homes from water damage is full of equipment at MX Group, a Winnipeg home restoration company.

Thanks to the significant rain fall last week, most of it is out and in homes doing what renovation experts say we should all do after water seeps into a house.

"Look for traces of water initially but the first and foremost is to actually deal with it immediately," said Bob Leigh of MX Group.

If not, he says mould will almost certainly start to form.

"It's hazardous to our health right. It's hazardous to people that are. You know seniors are affected by it. Young children are affected by it. It's something you want to mitigate and get rid of from your home," added Leigh.

Experts say if you start to notice mould forming on children's clothes or toys, it's best to get rid of it.

Leigh said the first sign of mould is usually a musty odour and by then it may be too late to salvage most things.

To prevent mould from forming in the first place, Leigh suggests cleaning surfaces and items with soap, not bleach, as soon as possible.

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Experts offer advice on guarding against mould damage after last weeks one-in-100-year storm

(PRWEB) August 25, 2014

HomeThangs.com the Online Home Improvement Store has made their goal to deliver the right product to the consumer. With that in mind, shopping and home design tips as well as special product selections are being introduced.

HomeThangs.com has introduced a new line of restoration bathroom vanities. These vanities are designed to act as a bridge between traditional and contemporary styles, but with a slightly different twist than more conventional transitional bathroom vanities. Rather than simplifying and streamlining antique designs, restoration vanities are based on reclaimed versions of more recent antiques, with an emphasis on rustic, weathered wood and aged metal parts.

Restoration bathroom vanities combine the tactile simplicity of turn of the century American designs with just a hint of humble French country elegance. Where most traditional bathroom vanities place an emphasis on elaborate carved wood detailing, restoration bathroom vanities showcase a simpler style, like shaker cabinets, Cape Cod inspired shuttered cabinets, or even a simple, open shelf design, all done in elegantly weathered wood. It's the wood itself that's the real star of these vanities, rather than the elaborate wood detailing iconic of more traditional antique bathroom vanities.

As part of a larger trend towards using weathered, reclaimed wood in home design, restoration bathroom vanities almost always use wood with a natural, weathered finish, distinctive grain, and prominent texture. Where many antique and contemporary vanities are finished to a nice, glossy polish, restoration vanities are left more rough and rustic, which creates a much more natural and inviting appearance. That said, these vanities rarely use wood that's actually reclaimed, for much the same reason that real antiques aren't usually placed in the bathroom: they wouldn't hold up well to the fluctuating temperature and humidity of the bathroom.

Instead, most restoration bathroom vanities - like those produced by James Martin Furniture - are made from kiln dried wood thats intentionally weathered and very thoroughly sealed, rather than actual reclaimed wood. This produces a very similar final look, but ensures the vanity's longevity, and will prevent warping or splintering that are more common with naturally weathered wood.

That said, restoration bathroom vanities are designed to have the same unique depth of character of a genuinely reclaimed piece, and can be quite heavily weathered; small chips and scuffs, knots, and other inconsistencies in the wood give these vanities a down-to-earth, practical look and feel, which again makes them a bit better suited for a contemporary space.

Though the design of HomeThangs' new line of restoration vanities is quite subtle compared to traditional vanities as a whole, the use of aged wood gives them a sense of weight and history that most contemporary and even transitional vanities lack. While most transitional vanities are polished, streamlined cabinets that merely nod toward their historical inspirations, restoration bathroom vanities genuinely feel weathered and old. At the same time, though, they certainly arent run-down or overly rugged; the simple, clean lines keep restoration bathroom vanities from feeling beat up, and instead make them feel natural and earthy, which meshes well with the trend toward spa-inspired bathroom spaces.

Restoration bathroom vanities also often feature unique or unusual hardware. While the hardware isnt conventionally antique in style, it tends to be similarly ornate and eye-catching, using aged reclaimed metal parts rather than traditional cabinet pulls to add a little flair to the design. While contemporary or even most transitional vanities err on the side of fairly minimalist hardware, the hardware used on restoration bathroom vanities is often the most ornate part of the design, and lends an antique air even to a relatively simple cabinet design.

For more information about HomeThangs.com's new collection of restoration bathroom vanities, check out the full article here.

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HomeThangs.com Has Introduced a Guide to Restoration Bathroom Vanities

ORLANDO,Fla.

An Orlando woman claims the restoration company she hired to put her life back together after a flood wrecked her home instead, and she's been living without a kitchen for a year and a half.

A pipe burst when no one was home, flooding Marie Dolce's kitchen. Overwhelmed, she hired an emergency restoration contractor the next day to dry out and rebuild -- a decision that she said she regrets.

I feel like they just took the money and they aren't going to do anything else, said Dolce.

Dolce said her insurance company paid Emergency Flood Services in Deltona, $7,000 18 months ago for the total loss.

Her kitchen is still empty, Dolce said they ripped out the damage and then never came back.

I call these people almost every day and every time they have an excuse, said Dolce.

The address for Emergency Flood Services is a UPS Store mail box. By phone, contractor Chris Defronzo told Todd Ulrich that all the insurance money was spent and the total loss was more than $20,000. That's why the work was not completed.

Action 9 asked insurance expert Ron Livingstone, a public adjuster, to see what happened to that $7,000.

Did they spend that money here? asked Ulrich.

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Action 9 investigates how emergency contractors can hijack insurance claims

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http://www.hgexpo.com/listing/perfect-home-restoration.html Perfect Home Restoration was founded with simple principles in mind: quality craftsmanship, honest business practices, and follow-throug...

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DGAP-News: MIFA Mitteldeutsche Fahrradwerke AG / Key word(s): Agreement MIFA: Reorganisation has reached the home straight

22.08.2014 / 21:16

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MIFA: Reorganisation has reached the home straight

Sangerhausen, 22 August 2014 - As communicated in its ad hoc announcement published today, MIFA Mitteldeutsche Fahrradwerke AG (WKN share: A0B95Y / ISIN share: DE000A0B95Y8, "MIFA") has today taken an important step towards its financial reorganisation. MIFA, One Square Advisory Services GmbH, the Joint Representative of the holders of the 2013/18 bond (WKN bond: A1X25B / ISIN bond: DE000A1X25B5, "MIFA bond"), and OPM Global B.V., a subsidiary of Indian bicycle manufacturer Hero Cycles Ltd. ("HERO"), have today signed a basic agreement relating to the financial reorganisation.

Pursuant to this basic agreement, and as communicated in today's ad hoc announcement, further steps are to be taken for the financial restructuring of the MIFA bond and measures relating to MIFA's equity. Following a reduction of the share capital in a 1:100 ratio ("capital write-down"), a so-called debt for equity swap is to be implemented, entailing adding EUR 15 million of the total nominal amount of the MIFA bond to MIFA's equity.

Dr. Stefan Weniger, Chief Recovery Officer (CRO) at MIFA, regards the basic agreement as a decisive step towards the company's further restoration to financial health: "Following intensive and constructive negotiations, the agreement that has been reached today sends more than a positive signal for all involved. In particular, the reorganisation structure that has now been agreed shows how determined the negotiating partners have been to find a solution which is compatible for all sides, and which forms the basis for MIFA's long-term future. We have now found such a solution. Thus, the reorganisation of MIFA has reached the home straight."

Following the debt for equity swap, MIFA is to receive additional equity of at least EUR 15 million in the form of cash capital increases that are to be mainly subscribed for and underwritten by OPM Global B.V., a subsidiary of HERO. "The considerable strengthening of MIFA's equity base also sends an important signal to our employees and business partners. With HERO, we have gained a strategic investor that believes in MIFA's future, and is also prepared to make a major financial investment in ensuring that our company returns to full health. We are optimistic that, with HERO's investment, not only have we placed an important building block for our financial reorganisation, but we have also found a valuable partner for the future structuring of our operating business," is how Hans-Peter Barth, CEO of MIFA, expressed his pleasure at the agreement that has been reached.

About the company:

MIFA Mitteldeutsche Fahrradwerke AG, headquartered in Sangerhausen (Saxony-Anhalt), is Germany's largest manufacturer of bicycles in terms of sales. The company offers a comprehensive range of bicycle models spanning entry price through to premium end. The components included in bicycle production are sourced from renowned suppliers and assembled at the company's sole production site in Sangerhausen, Germany. Business in this context focuses on product-related order production for major retail chains and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) customers. E-bikes have also been manufactured since 2011. MIFA produces e-bikes for automotive manufacturer smart, manufactures for the Deutsche Post bicycle fleet, and supplies communal lending systems with multi-user vehicles, among other customers. In 2012, MIFA acquired Berlin-based e-bike manufacturer Grace and Bavaria-based cult bicycle forging company Steppenwolf, thereby intensifying its sales activities via specialist dealers. MIFA sells its bicycles predominately on its domestic German market. Further sales markets are located mainly in Western Europe. Both the operating business and administration and logistics are managed at the company's sole production location in Sangerhausen.

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PRESS RELEASE: MIFA: Reorganisation has reached the home straight

Johnny Cash (1932 2003) walks inside the gates of Folsom Prison, preparing to perform his fourth concert for inmates there, California, 1964. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Fans of Johnny Cash can now visit the home he grew up in. The Johnny Cash Boyhood Home opened in Dyess, Arkansas, on Saturday, reports Rolling Stone Country. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by members of the Cash family, who lived in the home from 1935 until 1953. The five-bedroom home has been refurnished with retrieved family items and donations.

If Dad walked into the house today, he would have been overcome, Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cashs oldest daughter, said. Many people approach me about starting Johnny Cash projects and I usually say no. But, in talking to Dr. Ruth Hawkins and Arkansas State University, I realized several things, and one is that my children need to know their family legacy. Its so beautiful.

Others in attendance included Cashs sister, Joanne Cash Yates, and his brother, Tommy Cash. Yates cut the ribbon to declare the home officially opened, and the family sang Will the Circle Be Unbroken along with guests in attendance. Restoration work on the home began in 2009.

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Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Is Now Open

Wednesday, August 20, 10:35 AM EDT

Compiled by Max Marbut

In 2011, 77-year-old James Aldridge hired a contractor to repair a damaged roof and perform other home improvements.

The contractor was given close to $30,000 to complete a number of projects throughout the house. Shortly after being hired, the contractor did not return to the job.

The house was left with a leaking roof, torn-out kitchen, unusable bathroom and a hazardous carport connected to the house. The property was not safe enough for Aldridge to continue living there. He notified police and the contractor has been arrested.

However, the money was not recoverable and Aldridge could not afford to pay another contractor to complete the repairs. He has been living with a family friend while looking for a solution to his dilemma.

Aldridge found help from Paul Davis. The restoration firm decided to donate the home improvements through the companys Restoring America program, which provides restoration and repairs to many residents in Northeast Florida.

The work will include demolition of the carport, replacement of rotten wood and stabilization of the structure, removing and replacing the roof, installation of kitchen cabinets, countertops and backsplash, rewiring circuits for appliances and installing a bathroom sink and toilet.

Paul Davis employees are volunteering and working alongside trade partners, including Stonebridge Construction, a local firm that donated materials to complete the roof.

Each year, we partner with building professionals and support team members to restore a well-deserving candidates home within our community, said Nate Moore, project manager with Paul Davis Restoration. When we heard about what happened to Mr. Aldridge, we immediately knew he would be a perfect candidate and we are happy to help him.

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Nonprofit news: Paul Davis Restoration helps homeowner who was taken advantage of by contractor

I always think if more people are going to home depot, fewer people are going to be out buying homes.

Maybe they are picking up their own for a sale.

What does it mean for you?

He could mean either one.

We track an index we created, the remodeling index.

What it shows is an increase in the modeling and at -- restoration of the homes.

Part of that is people buying homes and fixing them up and part of that is people saying, i will stay in the home i have got for a while and keep on maintaining it and making it at her.

-- better.

Home depot, i always like to look at it and know people out there -- i spent a lot of time myself on home depot.

They always do well in the second quarter.

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Housing Starts Rise to Highest Level in 8 Months

Johnny Cashs childhood home in Dyess, Arkansas has now been opened to the pubic as a tourist attraction.

Called The Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, Arkansas State Universitys newest Heritage site will be open for public tours after a large restoration project that took place which repaired Cashs home along with several other houses in the neighborhood.

The home attempts to capture the feeling of the 1930s in which Cash lived, and even includes cultural artifacts like Cashs mothers piano, his fathers shaving mug, and the houses original flooring, including the burn marks on the linoleum from the wood-burning stove. While the home had a toilet and a sink, the home had no running water and no electricity until 1945.

As Ruth Hawkins, director of the Heritage Site program, told CNN, most of the other furniture in the house are not original pieces, but objects of the time donated by others.

According to the News Observer, Hawkins also noted that, "restoring the Dyess Colony Administration Building, and even saving at least one of the typical colony houses, would have been a worthwhile project, even without the Johnny Cash connection."

The project is being used to illustrate the life in Dyess during the Great Depression. Hawkins does admit, however, that without the Johnny Cash connection, "the project would not have gotten anywhere near the public support that it has, and it would not be a major tourism draw,"

Hawkins notes that the design and details of the home were based on the pictures and accounts of Cashs siblings, Tommy Cash and Joanne Cash Yates.

CNN and the News Observer both note that Dyess was a federal agricultural resettlement community that was established in 1934 as part of Presidents Franklin Roosevelts New Deal Program. More specifically, the Cash family were part of the farmers who successfully applied to the Works Progress Administration program, becoming one of the 487 families to be given land, a mule, and a job during this economic downturn. The Cash family moved to Dyess when Cash was three years old in 1935.

Cash himself noted the influence Dyess had on him and his music, including the song Five Feet and Rising. As he told to the Dyess High School reunion in 1990, Cash noted that the little church in Dyess, Arkansas, has been such an inspiration to me, and (so have) the people from Dyess.

Excerpt from:
Johnny Cash's childhood home now open as tourist attraction

Now an Arkansas Heritage Site, Johnny Cash's boyhood home in Dyess has been restored and opens for tours on Saturday, August 15, 2014.

DYESS, Arkansas Want to Walk the Line where Johnny Cash once played as a child?

Before he changed the music industry with songs like Ring of Fire and Folsom Prison Blues, Johnny Cash spent his hardscrabble childhood in the small community of Dyess, Arkansas.

The Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, the newest of Arkansas State Universitys Heritage Sites, opens Saturday for public tours after a restoration project that includes other historic buildings.

When visitors walk into the home, they are stepping back into the 1930s. Cash family artifacts original to the home include the piano that belonged to Johnnys mother, his fathers shaving mug and even the original flooring in his childhood bedroom and the living room. The living room linoleum still has burn marks caused by the wood-burning stove.

Johnny Cash in 1969.

Other furnishings and objects are of the time period and mostly contributed by donors, said Ruth Hawkins, director of Arkansas Heritage Sites at Arkansas State University. They are based on the photos and memories of Tommy Cash and Joanne Cash Yates, two of Johnny Cashs siblings.

Period details include a pedestal sewing machine, a battery-operated radio like one Johnny Cash would play at night and the living-room sofa. The period icebox and corner cabinet were painted the apple-green color the siblings remember.

The Dyess Colony was a federal agricultural resettlement community created in 1934, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal program in response to the Great Depression. The colony provided homes and jobs for about 500 poor farm families, including the Cash family.

Johnny, called JR at the time, was 3 years old when his family moved into a Dyess home in 1935. Johnny spent his childhood in Dyess, attending school and church in the town. He also suffered an enormous loss when his brother Jack was killed in a sawmill accident in 1944. Cash left JR behind and became Johnny when he left Arkansas for the Air Force in 1950.

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Johnny Cashs boyhood Southern home opens for public tours