Allied Restoration - September 2022

Allied Restoration - September 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022

Many Strengths, One Purpose: To Service

626.349.6515 www.AlliedRestore.com

Providing Restoration Services to High-End Clients A CUT ABOVE THE REST

Let’s face it: Contractors don’t have a stellar reputation. There are even stand-up routines about how difficult it is to work with them. Contractors are late, dirty, unreliable, and uncommunicative — unless they want to tell you they need another $15,000. Homeowners are understandably unhappy about this state of affairs. But high-end private clients won’t tolerate it. Their homes are worth eight figures and have full-time staff on the premises. Even more importantly, for a very famous person, the inside of their home is the only place they can find privacy. So, we knew that if Allied Restoration wanted to serve private clients, we couldn’t behave like most contractors. We wanted to learn the industry standards for construction companies that serve high-end properties and the clients who own them. Unfortunately, there weren’t any available training sessions focused on that niche, and we had to get creative. We turned to other brands that cater to the highest-end customer and ultimately trained our staff with the Ritz Carlton. They helped us better understand the concerns of private clients and how to provide them with a world-renowned customer service experience. We asked ourselves this: How can we make a construction project feel like staying at a 5-star hotel? For a start, we have to be intentional about everything we do and understand that high-end homes are practically run like businesses. There are estate managers, head maids, butlers, cooks, and landscapers. Some properties have 20 people or more working inside a home. We need to respect that and leave the homes safe and clean for those who work there. There are also back-end staff members like business managers and accountants who handle all the billing. That concept is foreign to many restoration companies, but not us.

Meanwhile, famous clients value their privacy above all else. Their homes are their sanctuaries. And when they can’t even go to the grocery store without being mobbed, they’re also the only places they can feel safe from eager fans, prying journalists, and ruthless paparazzi. These clients need to know that we won’t blab to others or post photographs of their homes on social media. When we first began serving this clientele, we got a call to replace another restoration company. The company before us had taken photographs of the property for insurance purposes. But inside the package documenting the damage, they included a snap of a picture on the wall showing the client with President Obama. It had nothing to do with the job at hand, and while it might not seem like a big deal to you, it certainly was to the client. It was unacceptable, and the client immediately kicked them off the job. Everyone who works for Allied Restoration knows better than that. We maintain non-disclosure agreements for every staff member and will send them for any given property. To further respect the integrity of our clients’ homes, we are also diligent in masking off areas where there will be dust, using floor covers, and wearing high-end shoe covers whenever we’re in the home. Finally, we are prepared for anything. One of our core values is resourcefulness, and we like to say, “We find a way.” Our private clients often have finishes that are one of a kind. We’ve seen hand-painted murals and reinstalled bowling alleys and screening rooms. We once restored a dining room table previously owned by Napoleon Bonaparte. Most restoration companies will never see these types of items, but we find the craftspeople who know how to handle them. These aren’t jobs that just any restoration professional can do, and we pride ourselves on doing them well. Over time, we’ve learned to overcome contractors’ dubious reputations by behaving differently and building relationships based on discretion, expertise, and trust.

We would love to help YOU! Please call us at 888.489.3436 or scan the QR code to set up an appointment TODAY!

–Tim Bauer

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WANT TO PAINT YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS? Read This Crash Course First

Have you stepped into your kitchen in the last few weeks and thought it could use more color? If so, you’re not alone. Colorfully painted kitchen cabinets are a hot trend right now in home decor, to the point that HGTV released a step-by-step guide to the painting process this winter! However, just because you want to paint your kitchen cabinets doesn’t mean you should — at least not before reading the argument for each side and getting painting tips from the pros. 2 Reasons to Paint Your Cabinets — And 2 Reasons Not To

How to Introduce Your Dog and Cat Help Your Fur Babies Find Harmony!

Everyone knows that cats and dogs don’t get along ... or do they? There are a few ways you can help encourage your pets to get along, but it starts during the early, crucial moments of your pets’ introduction. For a gentle start, try desensitization. Let’s face it: Your dog is way more excited to meet your cat than vice versa! However, your dog may react dangerously to your cat, especially if it is still a kitten. The dog’s prey drive may kick in, causing overexcitement, and even seemingly harmless playtime can lead to fatal injury. One way to solve this is to “desensitize” your dog and get it accustomed to your cat’s presence. To do this, separate your cat and dog and only allow them to view each other at specific times. You could set up a room for your dog or cat (which includes food, toys, and, if a cat, litter box), and a tall gate that your pets cannot climb or get past. Allowing them to view each other without direct interaction can help them become accustomed to one another. For a quick start, try a face-to-face introduction. Many people will try a face-to-face introduction first, but you can do this after desensitization as well. Before the introduction proceeds, both animals must be calm. One person should hold your dog on a loose lead, and pay attention to the dog’s body language while approaching the cat. If your dog has been taught commands, have it sit or lie down. Dogs that are too fixated on the cat — such as staring at the cat, displaying stiff body language, and not listening when its name is called — may try to lunge and chase your cat. In that case, a desensitizing introduction will be needed. However, if the dog is relaxed, try to allow the cat to approach. Another person should watch your cat’s body language. If the cat is calm — isn’t raising its back or hissing at the dog — it can be allowed to approach the dog. A dog training technique known as Look at That (LAT) can be viewed on YouTube, which may aid in teaching your dog to remain calm when meeting new animals and people. No matter the method, we hope this guide provides important starter tips to turn your furry housemates into best buddies for years to come!

The Pros:

• You could increase your home’s value. Painted cabinets are hot, so buyers may be willing to pay a premium for them (unless they hate your color choice). Plus, light- colored cabinets may make your kitchen seem bigger.

• If you hate your cabinets, you’ll save money. Painting cabinets yourself is time-consuming, but it’s much cheaper than springing for brand-new wood.

The Cons:

• It’s a pain in the butt. Painting your cabinets yourself means disassembling them, making your kitchen unusable for days, and doing hours of manual labor. You can avoid some of this hassle by hiring a professional, but the price of the job will increase. • Your mistakes might haunt you. Maybe you’ll regret your color choice, maybe your paint job will be uneven, or maybe that primer spill just won’t come out of your grout. These are risks you’ll need to take if you choose to paint. Painting Tips and Tricks 1. Deep-clean before you paint. According to HGTV, it’s NOT a waste of effort to clean your cabinets before you sand them. In fact, it’s a vital step to remove grease that could ruin your paint job. 2. Label every panel and draw a cabinet map. Trust us — numbering all of your drawers and doors makes reassembly easy. If you don’t do this, you’ll end up crying on the kitchen floor in the middle of a cabinet puzzle. 3. Get scientific about your finishes. According to Remodelista, you should “forget matte and eggshell finishes and opt for semi-gloss, gloss, or satin instead — hardy finishes that are easy to clean.”

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IT MIGHT BE TIME TO FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER

This Is How You Do It!

When was the last time you flushed your water heater? If we had to guess your answer, our money would be on “I don’t know” or “never!” You should flush your water heater once a year to extend its life and keep it functioning properly — but most people don’t. What is ‘flushing’? Flushing your water heater isn’t as simple as flushing the toilet, but it’s the same principle. You need to drain the tank of your water heater to get rid of lime and other sediments. If you don’t do this, the gunk can harden over time and potentially destroy the unit. To flush, or not to flush? If you’ve been in your home for more than a year and haven’t flushed your water heater, the answer to this question is easy: It’s flush time. If you’re a new homeowner, it can be tricker to know when to do your first flush. Fortunately, your water heater has ways of telling you maintenance is overdue. To find out whether your water heater needs flushing, stand next to it for a while and listen. If you hear what experts describe as “popping,” “banging,” or “rumbling” sounds, sediment is clogging your unit. How do you flush a water heater? First, grab a gardening hose and a shop vac. Then, turn off your water heater’s thermostat and the breaker (for an electric heater) or gas (for a gas

heater). Turn off the cold water supply to the water heater. When everything is off, head to a sink and switch on the hot water. Leave the water running and go back to your water heater. Open the pressure release valve and screw your hose onto the spigot at the bottom of the water tank. Put the other end of the hose near a drain, into a bucket, or outside. Then, open the spigot to start draining your water heater. (You may need to vacuum out sediment if your hose clogs.) Finally, turn the cold water back on and run it through your water heater until the water leaving the hose runs clear. You’re done! It’s safe to return the pressure valve, thermostat, and breaker/gas to their original states. It may be necessary to relight the pilot on a gas heater. If this process seems too intimidating or your system is different from what is described here, call your plumber and schedule a professional draining. There’s no shame in relying on the experts!

TAKE A BREAK

Frozen Mocha Torte Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

Ingredients

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, sugar, and butter. 2. In a greased 9-inch pan, add the wafer mixture and press to the bottom. 3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese,

• 1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs • 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup butter, melted • 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened • 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk • 2/3 cup chocolate syrup • 2 tbsp instant coffee granules • 1 tbsp hot water • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped • Chocolate-covered coffee beans (optional)

sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate syrup until smooth.

4. In a separate dish or cup, dissolve coffee granules in hot water. Once combined, add to the cream cheese mixture and fold in whipped cream. 5. Pour mixture evenly over the crust. Cover and freeze for 8 hours or overnight. 6. Remove from the freezer 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chocolate- covered coffee beans if desired.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

3120 E. GARVEY AVE. SOUTH WEST COVINA, CA 91791

626.349.6515 www.AlliedRestore.com

INSIDE

1

What It Takes to Serve High-End Clients

2

Introduce Dogs and Cats Like a Pro

The Pros and Cons of Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

3

Your Water Heater Needs Attention

Frozen Mocha Torte

4

A Kitchen Trend Worth Watching

Kitchen Cabinets Go Bold Now This Is a Trend Worth Watching

Classics That Never Go Out of Style

According to BHG, gray-painted cabinets “remain a favorite for kitchen cabinetry for their versatility and contemporary look.” Other neutral options include “greige” — a blend that’s part gray, part beige — and, of course, the iconic white.

Drew Barrymore. Kate Hudson. Mollie King. The Beckhams. What do these folks have in common, apart from being famous? They all have painted kitchen cabinets! In 2022, natural wood is out, and painted cabinets are in. You can hop on this trend with any color your heart desires, but the experts claim not all colors are created equal. Here’s a peek at the hottest tones both now and hopefully for decades to come.

Hot Colors for 2022

Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) is making bold suggestions! Trending colors include rich yellow, bright orange, shades of blue, cool mint green, and even two-tone (wood on top, color on the bottom).

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