Double Your "Social Space" with a Sunroom

Many Bay Area homeowners decide to add a sunroom because they feel they don’t have enough space inside for socializing.  People use their new spaces for all kinds of things from poker parties and prayer groups to sleepovers. The average sunroom is about 12 ft. by 16 ft., the size of the average living room.

Sunrooms differ from patio covers in that they can be used all year round because they’re glassed and screened in. Windows can be removed in the summer when you want a more open feeling. You can add electrical outlets and a ceiling fan along with other custom features. The roof is fully insulated. Leaks are the most common complaint about sunrooms. That’s why it’s important to choose a quality company that offers a solid guarantee to do the installation.

How Long Should a Paint Job Last?

I have seen exterior paint jobs in my neighborhood last as little as 2 years and for as long as 8 years. Why the difference and how long should they last? Cleve Dayton, owner of the Painting Pros, a Diamond Certified company, explains that the keys to a lasting job are good prep before the paint is applied and on-going maintenance. With quality work, you can expect the exterior paint to hold up for at least 6 to 8 years.

Before hiring a contractor, ask how they will prep your house and pay special attention to what will be done to the southern exposure. That side takes most of the beating from the elements and is the first to crack, fade and peel. Quality painting contractors guarantee against chipping and peeling for five years, while others only offer the minimum, a one-year guarantee.

Comprehensive Dental Exams Save Teeth

What does it take to keep your teeth healthy and looking great?  Most importantly, go to your dentist for regular, comprehensive exams. A really good exam should evaluate the support, alignment, and physical integrity of your teeth.

Healthy gums and bones provide the foundational support and the esthetic framing for your teeth and smile.  Measuring the gum “pockets” and comparing them to x-ray findings is one way to detect gum disease that could lead to tooth loss.  The alignment of teeth and how they bite together can affect the health of your teeth, jaw joints and muscles.  Accelerated or uneven wearing, chipping, cracking, and loosening of teeth be indicators of alignment problems.  Even sore jaws or joints, teeth clenching or grinding, clicking joints, and sore teeth can be related.  Finally, repairs are best when they re-strengthen teeth, fit well, are durable, and leave you with a great looking smile.

Learn About a Caterer from the Taste Test

Sampling dishes before choosing a menu for a big party or a wedding is an opportunity for you to find out if you like a caterer's food. It's also a chance to get a sense of the caterer's personality and communication style. Glenn Nelson, owner of Panetta's Elite Events, a Diamond Certified company, believes that chemistry is an important element in creating a successful event.

Mr. Nelson suggests that at least 2 people attend a taste test. You might sample just a small taste of each dish and other times, a caterer will provide an entire meal. Ask whether the tasting is complimentary; some companies charge a fee. Expect to spend at least an hour eating and asking questions. Don't be afraid to discuss your budget constraints. Professional caterers offer creative solutions and know what tastes good and holds well. A real pro can plan a menu that meets your needs and pleases your guests.

Keeping Quality Furniture in the Family

If you invest in high quality wood furniture, chances are you’re already of thinking of passing the items down to someone in the family. Custom dining room sets and bedroom suites are wonderful keepsakes to pass on. Some families give relatives their china along with a hutch engraved with a family crest to store it in. A rocking chair for a new baby has great sentimental value. And one of the most popular items is a cedar chest, which comes in a variety of sizes and can be personalized with initials, a birth date or marriage date. Some couples will even have a photograph framed and incorporated into the design.

Why Spend the Extra Money for Shutters?

Since Greek and Roman times, people have used shutters to cover their windows. Any invention that's lasted this long must have something going for it. Shutters add beauty and value to your house. The Shutterman, Jeff Lee, a Diamond Certified company, sells shutters which are energy efficient and easy to clean. They also beautify your house and enhance its curbside and visual appeal.

Shutters are durable and can last beyond 30 years. Mr. Lee says shutters create a barrier to shield your house from noise and outside distractions. It's almost as if you have a wall over your window as a sound buffer. As a barrier, shutters also provide an invaluable service shielding your furniture, floors and carpet from harsh sunlight. Anything you can do to eliminate sun damage will save you money in the long run. Finally, using shutters to control light allows you to create the perfect ambience for any room.

Expect This from an Insurance Pro

When reviewing my homeowner's insurance policy recently, I realized that I had not had a conversation with my agent since 1986! A professional agent should not let so much time pass without initiating an insurance portfolio review, according to Diamond Certified State Farm Insurance® agents Al Ward and Jim Flynn, and with updated information, your agent can help you remedy gaps and other deficiencies while saving money by eliminating coverages no longer needed.

A check-up every few years may reveal that your home is underinsured or that the building code upgrade in the policy is inadequate. A real insurance pro will have a licensed team of people to answer your questions 24/7, but you can insist on meeting with your agent personally. Don't be afraid to ask how to save money such as discounts for both home and auto together. An outstanding agent will have a sincere interest in helping you best protect your family.

Do Your Landscaping Little by Little

Many homeowners postpone major landscaping projects once they get the bid for the entire plan. But many landscape designers believe you can do the yard incrementally and not wait years to enjoy it. With a general plan, you can develop the outdoor space in stages and even do some of the work yourself.

It’s best to invest first in the “hardscape,” which provides the footprint for your future area. This can include decking, pavers, concrete or any other surface work, usually the most costly part of the job. Later, irrigation will be needed for plants. Finally, top off your retreat with accessories - lights, fire pit, fountain, mirrors, statues, birdbaths, boulders, etc. The only limit is your imagination. A home’s outdoor space is an extension of your personality and lifestyle and should be designed to maximize both your pleasure and financial investment.

A Warning About Doggie Dental Care

California's Veterinary Medical Board wants you to know that a number of unlicensed people are providing a service called anesthesia-free doggie dental care, which could be harmful to your pet. Gina Bayless, Enforcement Officer, says performing dental cleaning services without supervision by a veterinarian is illegal, and a number of injuries and one death have been reported.

One of the big concerns is that consumers mistakenly believe that their dogs' teeth are getting a thorough cleaning without anesthesia, when they're not. Superficial scraping may whiten the teeth, but a true dental cleaning where tartar and plaque are removed, protects the gums, and cannot be done without sedation. It's also a misconception that you'll save money with anesthesia-free dental care. Unlicensed operators charge up to $95 and typically recommend 3 to 4 cleanings a year. Your vet will charge you $200-$250 on average every 2 to 3 years for a professional and effective cleaning.

Common Carpet Care Mistakes

More damage is done to carpets by homeowners trying to remove stains than from anything else. When a spill occurs, don't rub the carpet. You'll remove more of the stain by blotting than by any other method. To remove wax stains use paper towels and an iron on white wax-but not on colored wax or you'll dye your carpet many lovely shades of a candle's color. Products advertised to remove paint or gum could dissolve your carpet's glue layer and need to be rinsed out. This means your carpet could fall apart or become a sticky mess.
And if you're desperate because your favorite product didn't remove a stain, do not grab just anything from under the kitchen sink. Call an expert in carpet care for the best result.

Your CPA Can Help Most Now!

Working with an accounting professional now will let you determine what expenses are best paid in 2006, what income should be deferred into 2007, and how best to manage your professional and personal finances to pay the lowest legal tax bill. That advice is coming from Geoffrey Kulik, partner in the Sterck Kulik O'Neill Accounting Group, a Diamond Certified company. Tax planning helps businesses determine whether they should put off expenditures, take arcane-sounding steps like accelerating Section 179 purchases, or make other decisions in 2006 that will help cut their taxes.

Fall is also an excellent time of year to interview a CPA for your business. If you need tax help or other accounting services, choose one now. Most professionals can readily schedule an appointment this time of year. If you delay until the tax-preparation crunch starts after the first of the year, you could wait weeks or be asked to call after April 15th.

Juggling Two Escrows

Buying a new home and selling the old one at the same time can be exhilarating and extremely stressful. Both properties may not close concurrently, even with the best of intentions. Homeowners can mitigate the problem by employing the following strategies.

As a seller, give preference to pre-approved prospective buyers and get pre-approved yourself. It helps to know early how much house you can afford.  Allow extra time for the full transaction when buying and selling at the same time and look for flexibility on closing dates. Sometimes you’re better off selling to a first-time homebuyer rather than a high bidder who has to sell his or her house first. If you have to buy a new house before selling your current home first, add a clause saying your offer is contingent upon the successful sale of your property.