OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) defines a trench as a “narrow excavation made below the surface of the ground.” In the basement waterproofing industry, the trench is created along the side of an underground foundation wall in order to expose the problem area. A section or all of a foundation that is leaking will be exposed in order to repair it. Waterproofing a foundation by excavating the leaking wall is a very common procedure.

Sadly, many companies do not create safe trench environments and many workers have been badly injured or even killed as a result. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that 271 workers died from 2000 to 2006 from trench cave-in accidents.

You can read more about that here.

Because of this problem, OSHA has created strict guidelines to protect workers from harm. The guidelines are as follows:

First, all surface encumbrances must be removed or secured. Once completed, all utility lines need to be clearly marked. In Pennsylvania this is done by calling Pennsylvania One Call System or “PA1 Call” as it is known. Once these utility lines are found, they must be secured as needed to prevent damage or harm to workers.

Establishing the type of soil the trench will be dug in as well as the overall depth are the next key factors to consider. Soil type is important to note as it will dictate how steep the side walls of the trench can safely be. There are three basic soil classifications to understand:

• Type A, which is a cohesive undisturbed soil that is predominately clay.
• Type B soil is angular gravel or predominantly silty soil.
• Type C is predominately sand. Each type of soil has its own maximum allowable slope.

The Maximum Allowable Slope means the steepest incline of an excavation face that is acceptable for the most favorable site conditions as protection against cave-ins, and is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical rise (H:V).

In trenches less than 20 feet deep, Type A soil can have a slope 3/4:1 or 53 degrees, Type B soil can have a slope of 1:1 or 45 degrees and Type C soil can have a maximum slope of 1 1/2:1 or 34 degrees. By following these guidelines trenches will have the greatest chance of not caving in.

The next step is a means of egress. This is a way out of the trench for workers and can be steps, ladders or any other safe means of exit. The next aspect is to provide workers with warning vests should the trench be located near moving traffic or dump trucks to make them more visible to vehicle traffic. If dump trucks are loaded, no worker shall be permitted underneath loads handled or lifted so to prevent falling hazards. Additional information on this section is provided by OSHA Code 1926.601(b)(6) and can be looked up at the www.osha.gov website.

If additional bracing is required (due to increased trench depth) the trench can be outfitted with additional support in the form of “trench shields” or “trench boxes.” These are structures inserted into the trench which can withstand the forces imposed on them by cave-in and thereby protect the worker. Please refer to OSHA Code 1926.652(c)(3) or (c)(4) for additional details.

Once you have created a safe open trench, it is necessary to ensure that it remains safe going forward. Daily inspections, as well as inspections after rainstorms, should be conducted by a competent person prior to work beginning. If the competent person finds evidence of a potential cave-in, they should remove all workers from potential hazard until the conditions are made safe again.

In closing, a safe trench is imperative. Not only are workers lives on the line, but the homeowner you are working for must also be sure they are working with a professional and knowledgeable company.

Should the homeowner hire a company that is operating without Workman’s Compensation Insurance, they could be liable for harm of a worker while on their property. In the end, be sure to double check your contractors’ Workman’s Comp Policy. It is the law that they have such coverage.

At Keystone Basement Systems, we go the extra mile to ensure that ALL guidelines are followed, and safety is of our primary concern.

The title of my article says it all. I feel extremely delighted to proclaim that Keystone Basement Systems has over 1000 satisfied customers. The number confirms that we have done our tasks well. It’s been a long and challenging path to attain such success nevertheless, it was worth it. All our efforts have resulted in obtaining a strong market presence in our target area i.e. Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.

Being the owner of KBS, I have always been excited about the things we do to run our business. To keep it simple, I have jotted down a few bullet points which can better explain my reasons of being proud of KBS:

•    We provide valuable service to our customers giving us 1000 satisfied clients.
•    We provide lifetime waterproofing and structural warranties.
•    We provide residential and commercial estimates and all estimates are free to home owners.
•    We have all viable methods to solve problems, rather than force fit one method on all problems.
•    We come out every 5 years and inspect ALL of our systems to ensure that all are working.
•    All warranties are written.
•    Our warranties are transferable for no fee to all subsequent owners.
•    Keystone Basement Systems has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating which shows we take customer satisfaction seriously.
•    We have an A+ rating with Angie’s List too.
•    We also offer Lowest Price Assurance on our systems. This contract ensures that our customers receive the lowest price for essential systems. In this way we are able to create the maximum value for our customers.
•    All of our projects are overseen by a main project foreman that is on-site and provides daily communication and updates.
•    All projects have a final walk through where systems are tested in front of the homeowner to ensure performance and satisfaction.  This creates a trust with customer.
•    KBS is a local business, not a franchise.  Therefore our employees live and work in a community. This allows us to understand the needs of our customers in a more efficient manner.
•    To facilitate homeowners we have all methods of payment including comfortable finance options.  With GE Money Financing, we have over 60 plans to fit any situation.
•    Moreover, we have a dedicated team of enthusiasts willing to contribute extra efforts to deliver what is promised to our clients.
•    Finally, we believe in Quality and Innovation which helps us improve year after year.

Our award-winning basement waterproofing systems and service is something I am proud to show-off. Being the founder of this company, I understand my business model wholly and believe that no other company can serve people better than us.

For more on basement related solutions, click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, an engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

References

1.    http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/
2.    http://www.bbb.org/pittsburgh/business-reviews/waterproofing-contractors/keystone-basement-systems-and-structural-repair-in-pittsburgh-pa-53002333/
3.    http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/pa/pittsburgh/keystone-basement-systems-structural-repair-inc-reviews-327117.aspx
4.    http://www.gemoney.com/

In arithmetic terms, ‘Keystone Basement Systems’ is directly proportional to ‘Quality’. Less expensive equipment can give a temporary monetary relief however; often ignored fact is the cost of maintenance and a shorter lifetime of the cheap equipment. Hence, we intelligently invest in products of superior quality which proves as a long-term asset for us. We are proud to pronounce that we use only high-quality products and equipments to resolve the basement issues in Pittsburg and surrounding areas. Our team of certified and professional consultants has dedicated themselves in continually enhancing the quality level of service.

KBS has been solving issues of Basement Waterproofing since 2003 and we definitely realize the significance of high quality sump pumps. We even tailor the repair plan that is specific to your home or building. Unlike our competitors who use one method and force it on every foundation, we customize your solution so that you can realize your basements potential without fear of future problems. ‘Zoeller Pumps Company’ is our right hand for solving such issues. The quality of their pumps is far above many other manufacturers. It has contributed a lot to our success.

Certain features that a typical sump pump must have are the following:

•    The sump pump must be made of heavy duty materials rather than cheap plastics. It should be made of cast iron. Plastic pumps wear away easily and do not serve its purpose when needed most.
•    The dewatering pump must be elevated to avoid clogging of pipes due to debris. Collected debris could even lead to pump failure. Hence, the elevated pump will help in constant water flow and will not allow any waste to get stuck.
•    A back-up system to consistently provide electricity is essential for constant flow of water. An inverter can be useful at times when there is no electricity.

For all our problems, Zoeller Family of Water Solutions has the very best solution – from residential waste and clean water pump solutions to commercial and municipal solutions engineered to exact standards. They have a huge list of product categories which includes Utility, Pedestal, Gas Engine Pumps; Sump, Effluent, Dewatering; Sewage & Dewatering; Hazardous Environment; Grinder Pumps; Specialty Products; Potable Water Systems; Package Systems & Basins. We specifically use the M53 series pump in all of our systems. The product specifications are:

Horsepower:  .3 HP
Volts:  115 or 230 V
Hertz:  60 Hz
Thermally protected:  Yes
RPM:  1550
Impeller Type: Non-clogging vortex impeller
Cord Length: 9 ft. standard automatic, 15 ft. standard non-automatic
Cord Type: UL listed, 3-wire cord and plug

Following are the features of the model:

•    Cast iron switch case, motor and pump housing
•    Engineered thermoplastic base
•    Engineered, glass filled, plastic impeller with metal insert
•    Stainless steel guard and handle
•    Lower and upper bearings, oil fed cast iron
•    53-0001 weight: 23 lbs

This amazing product (ZOELLER Sump Pump 3/10 HP 115 Volts Model # M53) takes care of both commercial and residential dewatering issues. We are highly satisfied using this product and had no complaints till date.

For more on basement related solutions, click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, an engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

References
1.    http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/
2.    http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/waterproofing.html
3.    http://www.zoeller.com/
4.    http://www.zoellerpumps.com/ProductBenefit.aspx?ProductID=89
5.    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013H1MMO/ref=asc_df_B0013H1MMO1273775?smid=A3V8AZN3GDIRPZ&tag=dealtmp5041-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B0013H1MMO
6.    http://bestcellarbasements.com/services/sump-pumps/choosing-a-pump.php

The dream of owning a house is one of the major elements of motivation to earn wealth. When we convert this dream into reality, we seldom pay attention to the maintenance of the property for its longevity. A well-maintained house holds a higher market value as compared to a less-maintained or neglected house property.

Major attention to cleanliness should be given during rainy season. Water clogging is the most common problem which every house has to face during heavy downpour. Gutters and downspouts must be cleaned more frequently to avoid overflowing and congestion of water. A clean and hygienic environment is highly essential to stay away from the attack of flu and viral fever. Hence, it is always better to clean up the gutters at regular intervals. Excessive water clogging dampens the timber roof and leads to rotting. A gutter guard will be a solution to all such problems as it will prevent water overflow onto roads. Tank water which usually gets dirty due to gutter overflow can be avoided.

Most of the gutters and downspouts get clogged due to leaves and debris that stay for a long time. People especially living in Pittsburg and surrounding areas are experiencing fall and dry leaves are falling off, making your gutter look like a garbage bin full of leaves. If gutters stay unchecked for long then it might severely damage the foundation of the house and in worst cases it may also lead to basement flooding. To avoid such circumstances, it is better to always stay alert and take immediate steps.

When the gutter is dry, it is much easier to clean as all you have to do is collect all debris and leaves and put it in the trash bag. However, if the gutter is damp then you might need to do a lot of labor to get it cleaned. You will need a bucket to clean a damp gutter. For cleaning downspouts, you have to manually pour in lots of water with high pressure to clear the pipe. You can also use a plumbing snake to clear the obstruction in the downspout.

You can ensure that you have a clean gutter by knowing the following things:

•    No leaves or other organic matter
•    Free from spiders, mosquitoes and other pests
•    No birds or their nests
•    No broken pieces of roof tiles
•    No animals and pets accidentally trapped
•    No flying debris above the gutter during strong winds and storms

Keystone Basement Systems is always ready to advise people on key maintenance issues. Knowing the fact that Pennsylvania’s freezing climate amplifies water clogging and destroys the drainage system, we let our people know the consequences of avoiding these factors. We are a bunch of certified consultants specializing in Mold Removal, Foundation Structural Repair and Basement Waterproofing. We also offer free inspections and estimates to homeowners with foundation problems.

For more on basement related solutions, click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, an engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

References

1.    http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/
2.    http://theleafman.com.au/benefits/
3.    http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-Installing-Gutter-Guards&id=4957560
4.    http://www.gutterpages.com/2010/08/clean-gutter-benefits/
5.    http://homerepair.about.com/od/exteriorhomerepair/ss/sbs_gutter_clea.htm

Economists believe that there is nothing that can be obtained without giving something. ‘No Free Lunch’ is the first concept taught to every student of economics, making them believe that money comes only if some of it is spent. Time and money is concluded as the key resources that every human creature possesses. It needs to be efficiently utilized to get some value in return. Consequently people calculate their return on every investment of time/money they make.

Denying the fact that nothing is free in this world, ‘Keystone Basement Systems’ time and again comes up with innovative ideas to give free services to their clients both current and prospective. Unlike others this company offers a Free Home Evaluation to any and everyone in Pennsylvania, Ohio, & West Virginia. All they have to do is, just fill up a request form in the website, fix up an appointment and an evaluator will visit the owner of a house to provide a comprehensive report. Being the owner of Keystone Basement Systems, Aaron Stull himself visits around 10 potential clients a week to advice them on their home properties. Experts in handling Basement Issues, KBS also pays a referral amount of $50 to every referral that resulted in new business. So if you have a friend, family member, colleague or neighbor who is facing a basement issue, fill in their information and we are all set to help them out.

Home Evaluation Report is a document which gives as estimate of the market value of a particular home property. According to International Valuation Standards, “Market value is the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently, and without compulsion”. An owner if planning to sell will have to hire a professional who will do the property evaluation. However, as KBS believes, there are free lunches; they provide this service for free.

Imagine the value that you will receive once you have your free evaluation.  Not only will you fully understand the cause of the issue, but you will know the appropriate action steps needed to solve the issue and move forward.  So give us a call at 800-771-3244 and we would love to schedule a free, no hassle discussion at your home.

Apart from saving a few dollars on getting a detailed estimation report, the knowledge obtained in the process in invaluable. This particular report can also help an owner to check the ways to increase its property value. One of the main reasons for a lower property value is the presence of water leakages, inefficient drainage system, presence of molds, etc. Hence, Keystone Basement Systems will not only give you a free report but will also solve basement issues (if you have one) such as mold removal, water leakages and foundation structural repair.

For more on basement related solutions, click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, an engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

References
1.    http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/
2.    http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/schedule/
3.    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_ain%27t_no_such_thing_as_a_free_lunch
4.    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_value

People sell their homes for countless reasons. It can be loss of job, divorce, repayment of debt/loan, unfortunate incident that requires urgent cash, etc. Reasons to sell a property can be many, however the objective is to instantly obtain liquid asset or in simple words ‘cash’. Sellers are unaware of some of the major factors necessary to keep in mind while selling. These factors have a huge impact on the market value of the property and can cost thousands of dollars. Home sellers should keep certain basic things in mind before they actually sell their property. They are:

-    Contact an attorney who can take care of all legal issues that arise during the transaction period.
-    Keep all documents of property, insurance, etc in place to avoid any hassles.
-    Get a home inspector and calculate the market value of the property.
-    Select an escrow agent who will be responsible to collect all necessary documents from both parties.

When talking about real estate US citizens recurrently refer National Association of Realtors. It is a trade association in the United States which includes all aspects of residential and commercial real estate industries. It clearly explains each and every aspect of home buying and selling and acts as a bible for people planning to invest in real estate industry. They believe that sellers should be smart enough to get the maximum value out of the property. Home inspection is one major step towards selling a house property. It is always advised that a seller must be well-prepared to face the inspection. By well-prepared we mean that all the loopholes of the property must by removed to avoid reporting of damages and leakages. During inspection if any leakage or damage is found, it will certainly reflect on the market value of the property.

Damages and leakages are some of the most common, but ignored, factors which highly affect the market value. An intelligent seller will invest some money in repairing the damages and rectifying all leakages. This small amount of investment will add up to many thousands of dollars to the property. Hence, profit can be more.

The home inspector who will be allotted for inspection will have a close look at each and every corner of the property. Their responsibility is to evaluate the market value of the property. They also advise the sellers on various points which will be helpful to increase the value. Apart from helping sellers, their inspection helps buyers to make a good purchase decision. The three main categories of inspection are Safety, Damage and Money. They check how safe the property is at times of hazards such as fire, earthquake, etc. If some repair needs to be done then how much money is involved? And they also categorize the normal wear and tear of the property as major and minor damages. Usually flooring, roof structure, presence of molds and water leakages are the main damages observed in a property.

Almost every house in USA has a basement for car parking. Common basements issues are wet corners, faulty drainage system, development of black molds, mildew smell, etc. These have to be taken care of well before hand. Keystone Basement Systems is a Pittsburgh Basement Contractor specializing in Mold Removal, Foundation Structural Repair and Basement Waterproofing. We offer free inspections and estimates to homeowners with foundation problems. Keystone’s basement specialists and certified mold re-mediators will tailor a solution to best fit your individual needs and budget.

If a seller has made a commitment to the home inspector to make repairs and replacements of damaged parts, it is obligatory to finish all repairs as it may also lead in canceling the deal. Hence, if all damages are removed on time, the market value of the house property automatically increases. An addition in the market value will be greatly welcomed by seller who might obviously be in need of finance.

For more on basement related solutions, click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, an engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

References

1.    http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/
2.    http://www.realtor.org/realtororg.nsf/pages/post_contract_pitfalls
3.    http://www.aclhi.com/articles/what-is-a-home-inspection/
4.    http://qwickstep.com/search/fix-basement-leak.html

Trade Fairs are occasions wherein companies of a specific industry decide on a venue and day to organize a show. It gives them a chance to exhibit the latest products, services, technologies, ideas, etc. Some of the trade shows are not open to public and only company representatives and press members can attend. The main objective of such exhibitions is to find franchisers or sell business packages to their clients. Apart from this, there are trade shows open for general public. The main purpose is obviously to increase sales; however it also spreads awareness of latest technologies and ideas.

The business or work we do is not understood by most of the general public. ‘Trade Shows’ is the exact place where companies get a chance to make these people understand more about their products and services. Though it is believed that organizing a trade show is quite expensive and attract annoying visitors, however its benefits cannot be ignored. There is a special set of audience that is always interested to attend trade shows. It is a golden opportunity for companies to show off their products and create a mark in customer’s mind by planning and implementing an extraordinary marketing strategy. Following is a list of benefits which can be availed by companies going for a trade show:

•    Increase brand awareness thus enhancing the visibility of the company.
•    Opportunity to reach a specific target audience.
•    Generating more number of leads.
•    Personally meeting customers and new prospects.
•    Excellent platform to introduce new products and services
•    A chance to educate the customers and prospective customers about the new product/ service
•    Trade shows is a unique marketing channel that gives an advantage to demonstrate a product/ service effectively. It will leave a long-lasting impact on consumer’s minds.
•    Exposure to other competitors in the industry and observe their strategies and selling efforts.

For clients or customers, the best place to know more about a product they wish to purchase is to visit trade shows exhibiting such products.

In trade shows customers get a chance to personally meet the company along with its competitors.  A great amount of attention is given to people who visit the company’s stalls. Hence, customers or prospective customers get an opportunity to get all their questions answered. A personal feel or touch of a product or service provides a great amount of confidence within the customers. Thus, the demonstration in trade shows helps customers build a rapport with the company. The people will not be hesitant to invest their money in purchasing the company’s offering. If satisfied, customers may also spread constructive messages about the company.

Keystone Basement Systems values the significance of exhibiting the company’s service in trade shows. Hence, we are engaging ourselves into some of the major trade fairs happening around the city. We realize that a strong marketing strategy and its perfect implementation will help us deliver a clear message to all our customers. We have decided to give a discount of 15% on all services to each attendee of all the trade shows. Following are some of the trade shows we have decide to participate in:

1.    Pittsburg Home and Garden Show
2.    Pittsburg Remodeling Expo
3.    Monroeville Fall Home and Garden Show

We have an optimistic approach to organize these trade shows and we expect it to be highly successful. Each day we strive and put in the best and continuous efforts to improve our services. Our innovative and forward-thinking approach to designing products has given us an edge over other players in the market. Our major aim to organize the trade shows is to give our customers a clear picture of our business service and help them solve their basement issues. Hence we’ve kept our fingers crossed and arms opened to help out people who are troubled due to their basement problem.

For more on basement related solutions, click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, an engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

References

1.http://pghhome.com/index.php
2.http://www.biztradeshows.com/trade-events/pittsburgh-remodeling-expo.html
3.http://www.monroevilleconventioncenter.com/us/
4.http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/
5.http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Are-the-Advantages-of-a-Trade-Show-Convention-For-Your-Business?&id=2059483
6.http://www.marketingmo.com/3-generate-and-manage-customers/trade-shows-events/

According to the latest statistics, more than 500 million people are active users of the number one social networking website ‘Facebook’. With a simple intention of helping people find their old school friends, Mark Zuckerberg ended up making an incredible marketing tool for business promotion. Irrespective of which industry a business is in, their marketing plans include both offline and online marketing strategies. A company’s promotional activities will definitely contain Facebook as the channel to connect with the target market and current customers and employees.

Facebook simplifies the process of connecting with your customers. A company can create its own Fan Page and Group/ Business Page which will act as a platform for them to discuss about their products and services with their customers or prospects. It can also organize events, conduct contests, create advertisements and start discussions to take full advantage of Facebook. If a company is actively interacting with their fans and members in Facebook, they tend to build up trust among the customers which, ultimately results in giving the company a positive word-of-mouth marketing. People spend around 233333333.33 minutes per day on an average on Facebook. Thus, business organizations have a lucrative opportunity to grab and leave an impression over customers which is long-lasting.

Web 2.0 is a technology which was introduced to have a successful two-way communication. The customers are free to express their experiences (good/bad) online in the form of blogs, forum participation, social networking websites and various other review sites. In return, companies have the responsibility to follow up with their customer’s reviews and feedbacks and work on those complaints. It is a golden chance to know the flaws of products/ services and take actions to improvise the offerings.

We at Keystone Basement Systems have been trying our hands on Facebook recently. By creating a Facebook Fan Page, it has become really simple to spread the word about basement issues. We try to update all our articles in the fan page so that our fans get the opportunity to read them. An additional benefit here is that our fans can also share our write-ups to their friends. This is what is called as ‘Viral Marketing’. There is a fair chance of the customer base to increase significantly through social media websites. Facebook Ads is an excellent advertising method, as there is an option to select a target audience who can view the advertisements. For example – if a company is selling fashion accessories to the youth; it can select its audience within the age group of 16-26. It will save both effort and money.

Another very popular social networking tool in the online world is ‘Twitter’. Only a mere 140 characters has helped major companies to increase their sales. Twitter looks quite simple to manage however its success highly depends on how smart organizations network and interact with their connections. It can do wonders to the brand visibility.

Our involvement with Facebook has obviously helped us gain a larger base of prospects. If complaints are taken seriously and genuine efforts have been made to resolve it, then a company gets the goodwill. By following this simple policy, we have gained an A+ rating from BBB. Better Business Bureau (BBB) issues reliable reports on all types of businesses. They rate businesses according to their standards. Keystone Basement Systems is proud to have an excellent rating which was possible only due to successful handling of all complaints.

In modern times, we’ve changed our traditional methods to promote our services. Online visibility contributes a lot to the growth, profitability, and larger customer base and brand awareness of a company’s product/service. We are trying different strategies to be popular among our customers on Facebook. Please share some of your innovative strategies that you are implementing to promote your business through Facebook.

For more on basement related solutions, click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, an engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

References
1.    http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics
2.    http://www.bbb.org/pittsburgh/business-reviews/waterproofing-contractors/keystone-basement-systems-and-structural-repair-in-pittsburgh-pa-53002333/
3.    http://www.facebook.com/Pittsburgh.Waterproofing