CMOM

Residential Pick-up of Used Oil

The City of Costa Mesa and the Costa Mesa Sanitary District offer a “free” service for the pick-up of used motor oil and oil filters from City residents. The used motor oil will be recycled into replacement fuel and/or re-refined motor oil. The used oil filters will be recycled into new metal products. This program is funded by a grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Residents can call 1-800-449-7587 to schedule the home pick-up. If you prefer to take your used motor oil and filters to a certified collection center in Costa Mesa, call the City’s Used Oil Recycling Hotline (714) 754-4861 for locations.

Standardized Containers

The Costa Mesa Sanitary District Board of Directors recently approved the implementation of a residential standardized trash collection program throughout the District. The program offers many new benefits including the following:

1. 1. Improved neighborhood appearance of trash collection day.

2. Increase in worker safety since containers are mechanically emptied; decrease in insurance costs.

3. Faster and more efficient pickup; fewer containers to pick up; more volume per container.

4. Wheels on containers allow easy maneuverability.

5. Attached lid provides rodent control and keeps out rain.

6. Fewer trash spill occurrences; more stable in wind.

7. Covers spectrum of manual, semiautomatic, or fully automatic emptying.

8. The underside of the container lid provides a forum for disseminating information to residents.

9. The containers have a long-life expectancy.

Interested in FREE exterior painting and debris removal? You may qualify for a free neighborhood improvement program. For further information please call the City of Costa Mesa’s “Neighbors for Neighbors” hot-line at (714) 754-4892.

Taking Charge of Your Home Remodel

For the homeowner who has chosen a contractor to remodel or add on to their home, be sure the contract is complete.

First, “up front money” to start the job is limited to $1,000 or 10% of the total contract, whichever is less. (A swimming pool project shall not exceed $200 or 2%.) Then be sure the contract has a breakdown that includes: scope of work, itemized cost, progressive payment schedule, and completion schedule of work to be performed. Each payment should include labor and material releases for that portion of contract completed.

When the project is finished, final payment should be made after the following items have been completed: the scope of work per the contract has been completed to the homeowner’s satisfaction; all labor and material releases, guarantees, and warranties have been obtained; all final City inspections have been obtained by the contractor.

If you decide to make any changes or additions to the project, be sure they are in writing. Keep in mind that the changes and additions will affect the final cost and completion date of the project.

Always communicate with your contractor and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember, you are the homeowner, you’re paying the bills, which makes you in charge.

Re-roofing Can Cause More Than Headaches

When having your home re-roofed, be aware that during the re-roofing process the old roof is usually removed, including all roof material, pipe flashing, valley metal, etc. The problem with the hot water heater and the furnace vent pipes starts with the removal and reinstallation of the pipe flashings. The vent pipes may become disconnected at the unit inside the house. If the contractor doesn’t see the problem from on top of the roof, and the homeowner doesn’t know what to look for, the house may become filled with carbon monoxide. The key is to check the vent pipes from the unit through the roof during all phases of the re-roofing project.

In the event the roof contractor is unable to correct any vent pipe problems, you may want to contact a qualified heating and air