Category: News & Updates

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with how to keep your new townhouse strata clean, you’re not alone. With so many windows to scrub and so much square footage, the right place to get started can be hard to determine. At IMAGINE we are committed to providing top-level cleaning services for residential and commercial buildings in Vancouver and taking the pressure off! So, whether you’re finishing up new construction or a renovation project and need some ideas for how and what to clean, here are some suggestions for the next steps. 1. Window washing Getting windows shiny and clean is one of the easiest ways to kickstart the feeling of a fresh and bright environment. This is not only a benefit to existing residents but to visitors and passers-by who will get a sense that the building’s managers care about attention to detail. At IMAGINE, we are committed to a thorough clean with zero property damage and maximum efficiency. Book us for our window washing services today, and we can also get you set up with a manageable schedule for keeping them clean. 2. Power washing The temptation to DIY power washing may seem tempting, but when it comes to a commercial property, that’s a lot of space to cover! Plus, using the right tools is critical to enhancing the look of your building’s exterior without leaving any marks or damage like dents or holes. Let IMAGINE take care of this project with decades of experience and professional know-how. 3. Gutter cleaning Last but not least, gutter cleaning. Gutter cleaning is the process of removing dirt, leaves, and other debris that has accumulated in the gutters of a building, and it has many hidden benefits. For one, keeping gutters clean helps eliminate the costly problem of roof leaks and damage to the foundation. It’s important to schedule a professional gutter cleaning even if your gutters don’t seem clogged yet, and professionals like IMAGINE will ensure that you can get to the gutters in hard-to-reach areas. What are you waiting for? Call IMAGINE to get your free quote today and start with one or three of these cleaning services, either one-time or regularly. We bring over 15 years of experience in cleaning residences and commercial properties of all kinds throughout the Greater Vancouver area. Your townhouse strata will be clean, and your residents will thank you!

When we talk about “curb appeal,” our minds often go to making a residence more appealing before it goes on the market, but have you considered the benefits of increasing the curb appeal of your business? Investing some thought into how to help your commercial property look better might pave the way for more interest from customers, which is always a good thing! Here are three easy steps to increasing your business’s curb appeal in Vancouver. 1. Keeping the windows clean Windows offer the benefit of a sunny environment filled with natural light and promise⏤when they’re kept clean, that is! Often, commercial windows go neglected because they can be hard to reach. Window washing is a benefit both ways, adding to a building’s sparkly clean exterior, and providing a perfect way for maximum sunshine to enter the building. 2. Taking care of awnings Awnings are a beautiful building feature that can last for years, but because they’re located outdoors, they are subject to pollen, mold, and dirt on the regular. Nothing is less inviting than filthy awnings sagging under months of debris. Getting awning cleaning services done every 2-3 months will keep them in top shape year after year and emphasize to your customer that you care about the things you own. 3. Power washing the sidewalk Stepping onto a clean sidewalk suggests to your customers that you pay attention to details! Not only that but dirty sidewalks can easily get built up with mold and mildew and cause accidents. The appeal of freshly cleaned concrete after power washing is undeniable and adds the perfect finishing touch to a well-maintained building. Get started today Want the freshest-looking business on the block? You would do well to pay attention to our cleaning services including window washing, awning cleaning, and power washing, and we’re here to help. Call IMAGINE to get your free quote today and get well on your way to a business that has that extra curb appeal in Vancouver.

Your brand new strata building is ready or renovations are finally complete and the dust has settled… literally everywhere! From high ceilings to complex windows and staircases, post-construction clean-up is a big task, which is why it’s best left to professionals. If you’re looking for a local post-construction cleaning service in Vancouver, here are four reasons to choose IMAGINE. Safety first Construction and renovation involve complex materials that need more than a rag and a bottle of Windex. When construction workers finish a project, they may leave behind hazardous materials like nails and debris that pose safety risks. IMAGINE will ensure that employees and residents won’t get hurt by stepping on glass shards or breathing in toxic fumes from paint remover. Plus, we have the training to quickly differentiate between landfill and recycling debris and the personal protective equipment necessary to dispose of hazardous items. Time is money As a busy commercial strata manager, you have many things on your to-do list demanding time and attention. Speed up the move-in date for your clients with a post-renovation cleaning service from IMAGINE. Wondering how long a post-construction clean tends to take? Send us a request for a free quote and we’re happy to provide a timeline. HS  It’s all in the details With IMAGINE, you won’t worry about overlooked awnings or dusty high windows⏤we pride ourselves on taking care of every detail. IMAGINE’s full-stack post-construction cleaning services include: Awning cleaning Gutter cleaning Window cleaning Pressure washing Exterior cleaning Disinfection If you’re curious about a service that isn’t mentioned here, we’d love to chat with you and ensure that nothing is missed! Shined up and ready to go The best part of proper post-construction clean-up is that your building will be looking its best for your tenants and employees. With the right products to deal with each surface type, IMAGINE will leave you with beautifully cleaned bathrooms, kitchen cabinets and counters, fixtures, and more. Choose IMAGINE for Post-Construction Cleaning Services IMAGINE has over 17 years of experience and expertise in large projects all over the Greater Vancouver area. We know how to manage projects on a big scale to ensure nothing is missed! There are lots of moving parts in building projects and we are eager to take the hassle out of post-construction cleanup to close each project on a high note⏤on time and on budget. Get a free post-construction clean-up quote today by contacting us today. 

Spring is here, and people are spending more and more time outdoors in Vancouver. If you manage a building, you might already be looking for local window cleaning or pressure washing services from a company that can get the job done right. That’s where IMAGINE comes in. Our experienced professionals are licensed and insured for commercial property window cleaning services and other exterior maintenance jobs. Let’s keep your windows looking great and your exterior ready for that Vancouver sunshine to come in! What to expect with commercial window cleaning With IMAGINE, you don’t have to worry about calls from residents or employees concerned about intruders on the property. We show up dressed professionally and ready to work. If you own a residential building, it’s best to advise residents to remove items from windows and balconies and shut all windows once you know the cleaning date. Residents should also be advised to close their blinds so that we can get our job done while they enjoy their privacy. How often should commercial windows be cleaned? Whether it’s a commercial or residential building, the frequency of window cleaning services is a mix of personal preference, climate, and whether the windows are visible to your customers. For residential high rises, we recommend that windows should be professionally cleaned at least once a year⏤, and spring is the perfect time for it!  For commercial clients, please get in touch for a custom quote, as some of our retail clients, for instance, are serviced on a weekly basis, and some on a monthly basis. It all depends on your location and on the importance of first impressions for your business, which windows play a critical role in!  Why is window cleaning important? Besides making a great impression on residents and employees, here are some other benefits of regular window cleaning: Helps maintain safety standards Gives staff a sense of pride in their work environment Enhances your image as a rental provide or business Attracts new clients What other services do commercial window cleaning companies offer? Pressure washing is a great service to combine with window cleaning, and we’re proud to offer both at IMAGINE. As part of maintaining a building exterior, pressure washing is the best way to eliminate mould, mildew and stains on all exterior surfaces including siding, fencing, and pathways. Along with freshly cleaned windows, your building will be in top shape for spring. Contact us today for a free quote. Take care of spring cleaning with IMAGINE There are so many benefits to regularly cleaning a commercial building’s windows and pressure washing exterior surfaces. IMAGINE is a team of experienced and reliable professionals with over 17 years of experience cleaning windows and exteriors of buildings of all sizes in Greater Vancouver, and we know how to get the job done. Contact us today for all the benefits of a thorough spring cleaning!

To make an online payment through Client Portal click the following link; https://imaginemaintenanceltd.manageandpaymyaccount.com/ First time making a paying with Client Portal? You might find these steps helpful… 1 – Log into your client portal with your username and password. *If you don’t have a username and password, email [email protected] 2 – From the Home Page, select Make a Payment. 3 – Enter the payment amount or select Pay Account in Full. 4 – If there is a card on file select Make Payment, If no card is on file enter card details and click Save to get to the screen in step 3. Log in now to view your invoice or make a payment; https://imaginemaintenanceltd.manageandpaymyaccount.com/ if you have any questions or trouble please email [email protected] Thanks.

Fire Prevention starts with YOU! Ok I get it. That sounds like every piece of fire prevention propaganda out there, but that’s for good reason, it’s the truth! Canada has approximately 24,000 homes catch fire every year, 1/100 of those are fatal.  The leading cause in all preventable house fires is cooking equipment.  Smoking materials like cigarettes are the number 1 ignition source in all fatal, preventable, house fires.   Fires are most likely to start in the kitchen, bedroom and/or living room.  It was found that more than ⅓ of the homes in those fatal, preventable house fires didn’t have working smoke detectors. Accidents happen, the best way to prevent serious injury, property damage or death from a fire is to be prepared. The difference between life and death could be something as simple as a smoke alarm.    So let’s talk Fire Prevention Do you have Smoke Alarms (Detectors) in your home? Smoke alarms can save lives.  It’s not enough to just have them, they need to be properly installed in your home, and they should be regularly checked and properly maintained.  Important Considerations:  Install alarms outside of every bedroom or sleeping area in the house, including the basement. Follow every step of the manufacturers label found on the smoke alarm  Alarms should be tested once a month.  If your smoke alarm doesn’t have a test button you can hold a freshly extinguished candle below and the alarm should sound within a few seconds.  Consider replacing the smoke alarm if it doesn’t have a test button as it may be out of date or not up to code.  Change the batteries as often as recommended on the manufacturers label.  Changing the battery should be the first step in troubleshooting an unresponsive fire alarm. Replace alarms every 10 years  Do you have a Fire Extinguisher in your home? Keeping a fire extinguisher in your home incase of a small fire is a great idea.  Make sure you know how to use it before a fire breaks out.  They can be tricky to figure out if you’ve never used one before, especially in a high pressure situation like part of your home catching fire.  These are especially handy in the kitchen.  A small grease fire can erupt if not treated properly. Remember never splash water on a grease fire!  If an extinguisher isn’t available, smother the flame with a lid or pan and turn off the heat source (burner, element etc).   When buying a smoke detector there are some considerations.  Fire extinguishers have different classes and strengths, make sure you’re getting the correct one for your needs.  Fire Extinguisher Classes: CLASS A – ordinary burnable materials ( wood, pape, cloth)  CLASS B – flammable liquids ( oil, grease, gas) CLASS C – electrical fires caused by tools or equipment that are plugged in  CLASS D – flammable metals (magnesium) CLASS K – fats, vegetable or animal oils in cooking appliances  Most extinguishers are designed to handle multiple types of fires and are labeled with multiple letters ( B-C, A-B-C).   Some extinguishers have numbers before the letters to determine the effectiveness. The bigger the number the bigger the fire they are designed to extinguish. They come in different sizes as well 5kg, 2kg, 1kg and stovetop.  It’s important to get a size that you can comfortably use.  Have your fire extinguisher inspected regularly and make sure to charge it after every use.  Do you have an Evacuation plan? Take the time to prepare an Evacuation Plan for your home, and make sure that everyone in the home (especially any young kids) fully understand it.  Make sure the exits are properly laid out and a safe meeting area outside is established.  When evacuating, keep below the smoke line.  Test closed doors for heat before opening them. Run through different scenarios and  teach the importance of calling 911.  If it’s unsafe to call from in the house, set a contingency. Consult with neighbours and ask if they can provide a safe place to go in the event of a fire.  Teach your family fire safety and practice the plan regularly, injury prevention is in your hands. A few extra tips to prevent a fire: Never leave a burning candle unattended  Never run power cords under a rug or heavy furniture  Store matches and lighters in a safe secure place Inspect you home for fire hazards like overloaded electrical outlets  Make sure you’re not using a higher wattage light bulb than required for a light fixture  Keep combustible items (wood, paper, rage etc) away from heat sources  Store flammable liquids in the proper containers and away from any heat source If you smoke in the house make sure all cigarettes are fully extinguished when finished.  Watch for falling ash, a small ember will smoulder before igniting in your couch or carpet so you may not notice a fire starting right away.  Remember smoking materials are the number one ignition source of all fatal, preventable house fires in Canada. Christmas trees- Buy artificial. Real trees dry out fast making them more likely to ignite. Don’t put lights or ornaments on the tree if they emit heat, stick to LED.  Don’t overload electrical outlets with lights and decorations. Don’t leave Christmas tree lights on unattended.   Install fire alarms and extinguishers and create an evacuation plan. Very few people assume a fire will happen to them and I’m one of those people.  According to the statistics there are approximately 24,000 fires annually in Canada.  Compare that to the number of homes in Canada and it’s easy to see that most people probably won’t be affected by a house fire in their lives.   Despite the low risk, the stakes are just too high. It is not a bet I’m willing to take, especially when it comes to the safety of my family.  For me,  it’s worth having all the necessary precautions in place, just in case. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Most people driving today won’t

According to a popular theory, pigeons don’t poop while in flight and can be quite selective when it comes to going number 2.  That’s why we see clusters of pigeon poop on the window sills, decks, statues or wherever those fussy little poopers are hanging out.   Some experts believe that pigeons don’t poop while in flight because of the way they tuck their feet against their body while flying.  The tuck would mean that if they did poop while in flight, it would go all over their feet, so they don’t. In my opinion, that’s great news!  The fewer poop bombs falling from above, the better!  If you’ve ever been the “lucky” target of a bird poop bomb you know what I mean! The only downside is, we’re left to clean up the mess.  So how do we properly clean the pigeon poop?… The short answer, very carefully!  Ingested pigeon poop can lead to several diseases in humans, such as; Salmonella (bacterial infection), Psittacosis (flu like illness), Diarrhea, Histoplasmosis (respiratory disease), to name a few. Pigeon poop carries pathogens that are harmful to humans when ingested.  Touching pigeon poop (when cleaning it or accidentally like on a bench etc)  and then using your phone or scratching your face or rubbing your eye are all easy ways to accidentally ingest.  Breathing in the dry poop particles floating in the air is another way to ingest.    Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when cleaning up pigeon poop is a must!   The 3 pieces of PPE we recommend for cleaning pigeon poop are gloves, glasses and a mask.  Especially if you’re removing a large amount, and especially if the poop is dry.  It’s very easy to breathe in the particles and they are toxic! Once you’ve dawned your PPE, it’s time to start cleaning! *friendly reminder – These are helpful suggestions to remove pigeon poop around the house, on window sills, handrails, tables, the deck, etc.  For larger or heavily soiled areas you may need bigger tools like brooms, hoses or even pressure washers.  You may even need more PPE like a bodysuit and respirator.  Be cautious and contact a professional cleaning or maintenance company if you’re unsure. Solutions: When it comes to the solution, choose wisely. Your choice for the perfect solution should include the following considerations: What surface is the poop on and what products may damage the surface?  Pigeon poop is very acidic and will cause damage to most surfaces if left on long enough.  That being said, we don’t want to cause more damage to the surface by choosing the wrong product to remove the poop with.  Even dish soap can be damaging to some surfaces so make sure you read the instructions, ask for help and always test before using a product, especially if you’re not familiar with it.  Is there enough ventilation in the area to use this solution? Some products like bleach are very strong and not healthy to breath in large amounts.  Make sure the area you’re cleaning is properly ventilated before starting. Am I using the right PPE for the solution? Read the label carefully! Make sure you’re using the proper PPE for the Product! Over the counter Disinfectants and household cleaners can be useful.  Some are better than others.  If you have one you stand behind, by all means use it. We always recommend testing unfamiliar products before using them.   3 House Hold Solutions to Clean and Disinfect Pigeon Poop    Bleach This is our first choice when it comes to household disinfectants.  It’s the most powerful disinfectant in this list, but it can be damaging to some surfaces.  Bleach should always be diluted with water before use. For this purpose we recommend mixing a solution of ½ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Misting will help settle suspended air-born particlesSoak the area and let it sit for 15 mins to disinfect and soften the poop (reapply solution if it starts to dry during the 15 mins) , heavily soiled areas may require multiple applications. Wipe or Scrape away the poop and place into a doubled plastic bag and seal it.  Properly seal and dispose of the bag making sure it’s away from direct human contact human  Laundry Detergent Laundry detergent will help disinfect the area and may not be as damaging to the surface or surrounding area as bleach.  Some detergents have bleach in them so make sure to read the label and always test a small amount on a small unnoticeable area before starting.   For this purpose we recommend mixing a solution of about 1 tbsp of laundry detergent with 2 cups of warm water.  Make sure all the detergent is dissolved in the water before use. Similar to bleach, misting will help settle suspended air-born particles.  Soak the area and let it sit for 15 mins to disinfect and soften the poop (reapply solution if it starts to dry during the 15 mins)  Wipe or scrape the poop away, repeat the process for heavily soiled areas. Place the poop in a double plastic bag, seal it and safely discard.   Vinegar Bleach and laundry detergent can be harmful to some surfaces and the environment.  That’s why using vinegar can be handy, it’s the green solution.  The vinegar acts as an excellent disinfect for the area.  Similar to bleach, vinegar should always be diluted.  For this purpose we recommend  a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water.  It’s important to remember that vinegar can still be damaging especially to wood, if left on too long.  It can soak into wood very easily, causing it to stain.  Vinegar is used as a stain for wood and the results can be great, however if that’s not the intention vinegar stain can be very damaging.   Apply with a cloth or in a mist.  Wipe or scrape the poop away, repeat the process for heavily soiled areas. Place the poop in a double plastic bag, seal it and safely discard. These solutions may not remove all

Duct tape is the best ! it sticks to almost everything, it’s durable and that’s why we love it!  It’s the quick fix solution for, well, a lot of things.  There always seems to be a roll nearby.  It’s easy to use, but can be tricky to remove.  Once the tape is removed some adhesive may be left behind.  The challenge is to remove it without doing damage to the surface.  Just before I dive into my top 5 ways to remove Duct Tape Glue, I want to make sure that before using any of these suggestions you … ALWAYS TEST!  Always test whatever solution you use before you use it!  Even soap can be damaging to the wrong surface.  Apply a small amount of solution to a small unnoticeable spot of the surface area.   Test to make sure there is no damage caused before starting. 5 Handy Tip to Remove Duct Tape Glue 1) HOT WATER  – Hot water can help to melt the adhesive making it easier to wipe away without having to over scrub causing damage.  Apply by pouring the hot water on the surface and wiping or scraping the adhesive.   You can also add the hot water to a textured rag or cloth and wipe. 2) SOAP – If the glue won’t come off with just hot water , adding soap may be the extra ingredient to remove the unwanted adhesive.  The soap helps to break down the adhesive the same way it breaks down grease on dishes.  Apply with a textured cloth or towel and slowly wipe away the glue.  3) GOO GONE – I’ve used this product a few times and got some pretty impressive results.  You’ll need to use a textured rag or cloth to apply, start with a small amount and go from there.  Use as directed on the bottle.  4) WD40 – Similar to duct tape WD40 has many uses, and adhesive removal is one of them.  I’d recommend using this outside or in large areas only as the fumes can be overwhelming.  To apply start with a little bit on a textured cloth and slowly wipe away the adhesive.  If the glue proves to be more of a challenge apply the WD40 directly.  Let it sit for a couple minutes and then wipe away.  5- RUBBING ALCOHOL or NAIL POLISH REMOVER– This can be quite a handy option as both are commonly found around the home.  Apply in a similar fashion to the WD40.  Place a small amount in a textured cloth or towel and gently wipe the glue.  The alcohol breaks down the adhesive properties in the glue making it easier to remove without causing damage to the surface. Be careful what surfaces you use this on because both products can remove paint. If the glue still won’t come off you may want to consider using a pressure washer or even a sand blaster, depending on the surface.  I hope these tips help,  Good luck!

This one may come as a surprise, especially if you have a mother like mine who’s been handed down the same toxic concoction of a window cleaning solution by family members for generations. These solutions usually include vinegar or ammonia (never both!) and give off quite a pungent aroma.  I could always smell the windows being cleaned long before I noticed my mom cleaning them.   That being said, those home made solutions are generally much better than most of the “glass cleaners” that are on the market today.  Most of the spray and wipe solutions sold in stores work once or twice but eventually a film develops that leave windows looking streaked and foggy.  So what’s the best solution?  It’s a tip right from the pros… All you need is a little dish soap and water   Dish soap is designed to separate and lift oil, grease, and grime left on pots and pans, and dishes that have been baked in the oven. Imagine what it could do for the grime found on windows.  A small amount of dish soap in room temperature water helps to break down any dirt, dust, handprints, smudges, animal paw and nose prints, etc and leave the windows crystal clear. A Little Goes a Long Way!  Start with a few drops, add just enough to have a few small suds in the water.  Too much soap may result in the appearance of grey ghost-like streaks that appear a few days after cleaning  The general rule of thumb is; In a bucket or container mix 3 small squirts of soap (Original Blue Dawn is best) mixed with a gallon of water.  The buckets we use are 5 gallon buckets, we fill them ⅓ of the way with water so we use closer to 5 squirts Slowly stir to mix.  *Testing is important, because what is a squirt? It’s not a scientific measurement, It’s gonna be different for everyone*  Too much soap may leave residue!  It’s possible that too much soap in the water will leave a residue so no need to over do it.  I’ve learned that one the hard way. I’ve had to sacrifice a Saturday or two back at clients place to redo a few windows, yikes, lessons learned! Only use a few drops.    Start small! It’s like salt, you can always add more but too much and the dish is ruined.   The right amount = perfection! We hope this tip helps, thanks for reading!