As the building industry has gone through changes, many contractors and leaving the trade, the area or just not renewing their license.  There has been and increase in the number of unlicensed contractors.  Check out this report of a recent sting operation.  http://tinyurl.com/cguj4s   It is important to verify that the contractor you are thinking about is licensed.  Go to your local contractors board to see listing, check out records and learn how to protect yourself.  Here is a link to Oregon Contractors Board to see how you can find a contractor and check their license http://tinyurl.com/c2h7sb

It is that time of year — as we open the doors the the wonderful spring day, the mice want an invitation in. 

One of our clients has a few dogs and when visiting they often have the doors open.   Unknown to anyone, the visitor moved in before they left town…

When I arrived at the house, I was so mad that the cleaners didn’t pick up everything.  There was a pile of stuff that they just forgot to pick up.  I started cleaning up after the cleaners as I said a few choice words under my breadth.  As I went through the house checking everything I kept  finding piles they had forgot to  pick up.  In the upstairs bathroom I found evidence that changed my mind  – it was rat poop on the counter.   It wasn’t sloppy cleaners.  It was a dreaded pack rat!   I was scrubbing my hands in scalding water – totally gross!!!

We laid some traps and got ready to rid the house.   Unfortunately there was a house full of guests scheduled for the weekend.  My clients didn’t want to tell ayone about the unexpected house guest.  So each morning one of the owners would get up early to clean up any evidence left by the rat during the evening.  All went well until the big dinner event….

As the guests arrived and everyone is enjoying a wonderful evening the owner spots the rat running back and forth between the stove and fridge.  She effectively keeps the attention away from the kitchen for most of the evening.  But of course a ‘helpful’ guest just had to see it and announce to the entire party ‘look there is a rat in your kitchen’.   A few bottles of wine and a good knife, enthusiastic guests and the problem was resolved. 

Not much of a lesson – just keep the doors or screens closed if possible.  And if you are having a party and the rat is loose, know that he will make an appearance.