Havenly, founded in 2014, has been a game-changer in the interior design industry. It connects customers with interior designers, offering a range of packages that are accessible to almost any budget. The service takes a personalized approach, connecting with customers through multiple consultations and feedback rounds to ensure the final design is relevant to their lifestyle and personality. This is an advantage over many other online services that utilize standardized templates or predetermined styles.

To begin, customers take a design quiz that helps Havenly match them with the best designer for their project. They can also provide additional details about the scope of their project, including budget, timeline, and state of residence. Havenly then presents them with a list of designers who fit their style preferences. Customers can check each designer’s profile and portfolio to see their previous work. They can also see if they have any availability that aligns with the customer’s preferred start date.

Customers can then select the designer they want to work with. They can then begin discussing their vision for the space with their designer. They can upload inspiration images and Pinterest boards to help their designer understand what they like and how the room should function. Once the designer has a firm grasp on the customer’s design goals they will present a few initial ideas. These may include a concept board with new furniture and decor suggestions, a floor plan (optional for full-design packages, not available for the mini or consult package), and a shopping list that can be used to buy pieces directly through Havenly.

The customer can then review and approve the design. Once approved the designer will send over the finalized design and shopping list. The customer can purchase items from the online store, or if they prefer to work with local retailers, they can contact their designer who can make purchases on their behalf. Havenly alternative has a customer service team to assist with any issues that arise during the process.

In addition to Havenly’s online offerings, they also offer an in-person option in 12 major U.S. metropolitan areas. The price for this service is $499, and customers are matched with designers in their area who visit the home to take measurements. The designer then creates a vision board, paint and material samples, custom floor plans, photorealistic 3D renderings, and an ordering concierge team that proactively manages customer orders.

Both companies are able to offer affordable interior design services, with Havenly’s designs starting at $79 and Modsy’s at $159 per room. However, Modsy is a more hands-on design service, allowing customers to move furniture around in a 3D rendering and making other changes with the click of a button. They also offer other design services like art curation and personal shopping.

Many materials in older buildings contain asbestos, including floor tiles, roofing and siding. However, the risk of exposure is low, as these materials are tough and don’t easily break down or release fibres unless subjected to significant forces. The danger arises when these materials are disturbed during construction or renovation. This can be due to building demolition, plumbing and heating repairs or from a variety of other reasons. The only way to know if there is a risk of asbestos in your home is to have an inspection by a qualified professional.

Asbestos fibers, if inhaled, can become lodged in the lining of the lungs or abdominal cavity. This can lead to a number of diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you are planning to renovate your house and think there may be asbestos in the walls, roof or floor, you should consult a certified asbestos professional before proceeding. This professional will conduct a thorough inspection and advise you of the risk.

If asbestos is present, the home owner must follow special work practices to limit the release of asbestos fibres. These include the use of only licensed asbestos removal cost contractors (Class I and Class II), the use of a vacuum system with HEPA filters, and the sealing of all portals leading to the abatement area. The contaminated area should also be enclosed within a decontamination unit with a negative pressure system. This will exhaust air, through a HEPA filter, from the contained area into an outdoor decontamination unit. This will prevent air from “back drafting” into the regulated area and the release of asbestos fibres.

During asbestos removal, professionals will wet the asbestos material and then remove it using various tools. This is done because the extra moisture helps to prevent the release of asbestos particles into the air. The material is then placed into durable, air-tight waste bags and disposed of in sealed containers for transport to an approved landfill site.

When working with asbestos, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a respirator, mask and disposable overalls. Ensure that the PPE is well fitted, not loose and not too tight. When leaving the work area, make sure there is no dust on shoes, clothing or tools and that all waste bags are clearly labeled as asbestos waste. All contaminated clothing should be removed, sprayed with water and placed in the asbestos waste bag for disposal (asbestos-containing overalls can only be recycled in certain states). Shower thoroughly after completing any asbestos work, and wash your hands before meal breaks and at the end of each day. This will help reduce the risk of infection.