Working with an interior designer has always been a luxury and out of reach for many homeowners. But with the advent of online interior design services, it’s now easier than ever to get the help you need without the cost or hassle.

Most online interior design services work in a similar way. You upload photos of your space, answer questions about your style and budget, and communicate with a designer via email, phone or video chat. Some services, like Havenly and Modsy, provide a 3D view of your room that you can interact with to make changes and see how furniture will look in your space.

There are a variety of packages to choose from with online interior design services, including mini for $99 and full for $159 (plus an in-person option at $499). These typically include a few meetings, unlimited revisions and access to your designer for the duration of the project. Some also offer a 3D rendering of your room, a floor plan and a virtual shopping cart to purchase items from that can be shipped directly to your home.

One important thing to keep in mind is that most online design companies pay their designers based on a percentage of the product sales they refer to clients, so they are incentivized to steer you toward certain products. This can create a conflict of interest and doesn’t always result in the best design decisions for your space.

Stuccco, on the other hand, only pays their designers a flat fee for each project, which leads to higher quality and more personalized designs that are free of sales pressure. Plus, Stuccco designers don’t have to juggle multiple projects and can focus solely on yours, which results in a more collaborative and flexible process.

It’s no secret that running an independent interior design business can be a huge undertaking. But with the right knowledge and support, it’s possible to build a successful brand in this saturated industry. To start, new designers should consider taking a decorating course or working as an assistant to an experienced an online interior designer to gain experience and build their portfolio. Once they’ve built a solid portfolio, they can start their own online design businesses with the help of an interior design platform, such as Foyr.

Other options for those who aren’t quite ready to launch their own businesses include finding freelance or part-time work with traditional design firms, offering their services at home shows and events, or taking on a few smaller projects with friends or family members to gain experience and build a reputation. In addition to gaining valuable hands-on experience, this is an excellent opportunity to practice building and promoting their portfolios while working on projects they love.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used for years in construction and building materials because of its strength, durability, heat resistance and fire-retardant qualities. However, it was later discovered that asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other illnesses. If you suspect you have asbestos in your home, it is important to hire a certified expert asbestos removal specialists to do testing and remove the material. Some of the most common materials that may contain asbestos are vinyl floor tiles, linoleum, siding material, plaster, flat roofing, blown-in insulation and window caulking.

Professional asbestos abatement specialists are trained to handle these potentially dangerous materials safely and according to federal and state regulations. They will take the time to assess your situation and determine the size and severity of the abatement project. Then they will work to set up a plan and clearly mark off the hazardous area, separating it from the rest of your home so that contaminated dust doesn’t spread elsewhere. They will use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to reduce airborne fibers and will carefully remove the asbestos, sealing it in sealed waste disposal bags. Once they are done, they will do a final cleaning and then test the air to ensure no fibers remain in the air.

It is a good idea to get quotes from several professionals before hiring one. A reputable company will be willing to provide references and contact information for previous customers, as well as proof of certification and licensing. Also, ask about the types of services they offer and whether they have experience working on your type of home or facility.

If the asbestos can be left undisturbed, a trained professional may choose to repair it rather than remove it. Sealing (encapsulation) is the most common method and involves coating or wrapping the material with a special chemical that binds the fibers together and prevents them from releasing into the air. This is sometimes an option for insulated piping or furnaces.

Asbestos can also be covered or enclosed with a new material, like paint or vinyl flooring. This method is usually less expensive than removing and replacing the damaged material. However, this can make the material more vulnerable to other problems or to future asbestos-related damage.

Removal is the most expensive type of asbestos remediation, and it is typically only required when remodeling or making major changes to a home will disturb the material. It is also recommended that sampling and minor repair be performed by a trained and experienced asbestos professional. Attempting to handle or repair asbestos on your own can create a serious health hazard.