Get “M.O.R.E.” Out of Your Remodel

The planning approach Houseworks uses is called the “M.O.R.E.” process. What is your Motivation for the project? Here’s where you examine why you’re considering the project.  Is it personal satisfaction or to increase your home’s marketability?  Next consider your Options. Should you knock out a wall or keep the same footprint – at what trade-off?  Realism is where budget constraints and code regulations are examined.  And the final piece is Execution where you and your general contractor lay out in detail what has to be done to complete a successful project.

Get a Great Granite Job

Buying good quality material is the key to a great granite job. So says Jack Chan, Sales Manager of Amazing Stone, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. This is a big investment and something you usually have to live with for a number of years, so it pays to make sure you know what you are buying.

Mr. Chan recommends seeing the actual stone you are buying, not just a little sample from the showroom wall. Select granite from the same lot number, so the pieces are from the same stone block and matching in color. Some imperfections in natural stone are normal. And make sure the thickness between slabs is the same; otherwise, seams will be too thick and that’s unattractive. Seams should not be placed close to the sink because if water seeps in, it can ruin the plywood or cabinets underneath the granite. Finally, be there for the installation.

Get Involved When Teens Start Driving

Teenage drivers are at higher risk than other drivers. That’s why they’re required to take driver’s education, including behind the wheel training and they must be monitored and tested.  Safety experts believe in involving parents from the beginning by inviting them to ride along for the driving lessons. They can see for themselves what and how the teen is learning, and this helps with continuity and consistency when the parents monitor practice sessions.

A good driving teacher shows parents not only how to communicate with their teens, but specifically explains what it means to be proactive in preventing automobile crashes. He shows them how not to overwhelm students by putting them beyond their skill level when practicing. Some families draft a parent-teenager agreement; it might include rules about night driving, number of passengers and cell phones. Another tip — set a good example by always being a good driver yourself.

The Right Way to Maintain Redwood

You can give your redwood decks and fences a longer life and a better appearance by using penetrating oil sealers. This is especially true for
areas getting a lot of sun exposure. It is almost impossible to preserve redwood’s “just-installed” look. Even with regular maintenance, redwood will eventually turn gray.

The benefits of redwood sealers go beyond appearance and any product you choose should contain water repellants, fungicides and UV inhibitors. Mr. Slendebroek says water repellants slow down the seasoning process, fungicides work against decay, and ultraviolet inhibitors block damaging rays that break down wood fibers. Clean the surface by hand, before applying a sealer, with a mild detergent and a non-metallic brush. Power washing is never recommended because it removes softer wood tissue. The California Redwood Association recommends the following redwood sealers: Penofin, Preservawood, TWP, Cabot and Olympic.

Give Your Dry Cleaner All the Facts

You might be a little embarrassed to tell your dry cleaner that your bedspread has pet urine on it, or that you have unusually strong perspiration that causes stubborn stains.

To get the best results possible, when you bring your clothes in for dry cleaning, let your shop know if special stains need to be treated.  Tell the dry cleaner how old the stain is and what action you have already taken. If you come in as soon as possible with a small ink spill on a shirt, the chances of getting out the stain are greater than if you wait a week.  A professional dry cleaner will note the areas that need special attention, such as extra dirty collars, and record any pre-existing damage like tears, loose buttons or moth holes.

How to Drive a Better Deal on a Rental Car

When you’re busy, you sometimes don’t want to put the extra effort into finding the best deal. That’s how I was feeling recently when I booked a trip back to Detroit for a wedding. The airline offered extra miles for reserving a car through them, so I just clicked on the link to the rental agencies. I chose the least expensive car for the week, and after all the taxes and fees were added, the rate was a little more than $300. And that was for the smallest car.

Fortunately, the newsletter Consumer Reports Money Advisor came the following week with an article about bargains on rental cars. Why not spend another 15 to 20 minutes shopping one of the lesser known sites for rentals such as CarRentalExpress.com and CarRentals.com. The upshot: I booked the same size rental car, for the same 7-day period, with a pick-up at the terminal (not off site), for $100 less!

Your Car Needs More Than Just Oil Changes

Most of us know that we need to get oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. That type of on-going maintenance is just the tip of the iceberg though, according to Tom Arendell, owner of Machado’s Auto Care, a Diamond Certified company. He says that following the manufacturer’s guidelines for regular scheduled maintenance is what will give you the most comfort and peace of mind.

The recommended service intervals are spelled out in your owner’s manual. Some things have to be checked every 5,000 miles. Occasionally, fluids have to be replenished or small parts have to be replaced. Major service work is performed at 15,000-mile intervals. It’s all in your manual. Mr. Arendell says by paying close attention to the little things, you will spend less money on major repairs, have fewer breakdowns, your car will last much longer, and it will have a better resale value.

How to Clean Up the Air Inside Your Home

When it comes to improving air quality inside your home, you have a number of options these days, according to Steve Moore, owner of Moore Mechanical, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. Duct cleaning has become popular, but if you’re not addressing the leaks in your ductwork, you may be wasting your money. And with utilities offering rebates for the repairs, it just makes sense.

Mr. Moore says if a homeowner is serious about a clean “forced air system,” they should hire a qualified HVAC contractor who knows their entire system, and should always have the ductwork tested to insure its integrity and efficiency, before proceeding with any cleaning. You may pay a little more but the results are well worth it, and who doesn’t want to save a little energy? Additionally, new technologies have produced some effective air purification products that can be added to any forced air system.

Water Damage?  What Not to Do

Most homeowners have had to deal with water damage at one time or another from leaky roofs, clogged toilets or gutters, defective water heaters, worn-out washing machine hoses or flooding from a heavy rainstorm. Sal Vitalie, owner of Restoration 9-1-1, a Diamond Certified company, has seen it all. He knows that the harmful effects of water are sharply reduced by prompt action.

Do not leave wet fabrics in place; dry them as soon as you can. Remove all books, magazines and colored items from wet carpets and floors. Televisions and appliances standing on wet floors or carpets should not be used, and avoid turning on any ceiling fixture if the ceiling is wet. Use towels for blotting and mops to remove as much excess water as possible. Call an experienced water restoration professional for additional advice on whether to use fans, heat, air conditioning or open windows to speed up the drying process.

The Latest Window Treatment Trend

You can take almost any window treatment today and add a new dimension – motorize it. Jack Alter, owner of The Yardstick, a Diamond Certified company, tells me that many customers want motors and remote controls for window coverings for the convenience and wow factor. Remotes come in both infrared and radio frequency. Motors can be ordered either hard wired for electricity or battery driven. The batteries can last up to a year.

Mr. Alter has installed motorized systems for everything from roman shades, draperies, silhouettes and for blinds of all types.  Motorization is perfect for hard to reach windows and skylights and for draperies.  Remotes are also helpful for older people who might have a hard time pulling cords.
And for anyone who travels a lot, your curtains, blinds, or shades can be set on timers. They can be programmed to open and close regularly so it looks as though you’re home, even when you’re not!

The Grass is Green with Synthetic Turf

If you have seen today’s “Astro Turf” you can understand why consumers are enjoying their new “synthetic lawns.”  Homeowners installing these lawns like them because they require no water and no maintenance to stay green.  Today’s turf is child safe and pet friendly.  Michell  Salamanca, owner of Southwest Greens SF/SJ, a Diamond Certified company, says people are finding that “turfing” their yard is giving them more usable and enjoyable space.

Synthetic lawns are quickly becoming an acceptable alternative.  When shopping for a synthetic lawn, consider a few points: the quality of the turf and the quality of the installation.  Ask to view lawns in the ground both new and a year or so old.  There should not be any discoloration or visible seams. And understand a few differences: the infill of the turf, the look and feel of the turf, and the pricing of the turf/installation.  As they say, “Compare apples to apples.”

Be Wary of Debt Settlers’ Claims

If you’re burdened with overwhelming financial obligations, you may be looking to a debt settlement company for relief. Unfortunately, according to Erica Sandberg, spokeswoman for Consumer Credit Counseling Services-SF, this may only lead to greater problems. A debt settlement company requires that you stop making payments to your creditors, and deposit money into a specially designated account instead. Once you have built-up a certain amount of cash, the company will offer a lump-sum payment to one of your creditors. After one account is settled, they will do the same with the next.

Most debt settlement companies over-promise what they can do for you. They may claim you will be out of financial trouble quickly (not true), and minimize negative credit reports or possible lawsuits. If you need help digging out of debt, choose a non-profit credit counseling agency that can help you develop a realistic and achievable debt repayment plan.

Life is Easier with a Universal Remote Control

Most people I know have at least 3 remote controls near their television sets, one for the cable box, one for the DVD player and one for the TV.  If they have a surround sound system, it can be 6 or 7.   You almost need a tutorial to learn someone else’s system! But help is on the way according to Jim Hage, owner of High Definition Designs, a Diamond Certified company. Mr. Hage says universal remote controls are getting better and better, and in some cases, you can control your entire house, from sprinkler system and TV to lights and heat, with just one remote.

The typical universal remote will let you control all of your remote controllable equipment, TV, DVD, CD, iPod, etc. with the touch of a button.  There are remotes that can be set up by a do-it-your-selfer, but the best ones are custom programmed on a laptop by a professional.

Facts About High-Quality Faucets

A high-quality bathroom or kitchen faucet simply works better and lasts longer. Eric Nelson, owner of SplashWorks, a Diamond Certified company, says an inferior quality faucet may only last a couple of years and require more service calls from your plumber, making the less expensive model more expensive in the long run.

What should you look for in a good faucet?  A well-designed faucet will be made of pure, high-quality materials resulting in many years of maintenance free use. These higher quality faucets are manufactured, plated, & assembled in the factory of origin, not out-sourced to various parts of the world where quality control suffers.  Although most manufacturers offer lifetime warranties for the parts, in Mr. Nelson’s experience, not having the inconvenience of an “out of order” faucet coupled with plumber’s bills to fix that inferior faucet, is usually worth the cost of buying a better product.

The “Must-Haves” in Kitchen Cabinets

If you’re lucky enough to be planning a kitchen remodel, you are thinking a lot about what features you’ll want in your cabinets. Andrew Wilson, a partner with the Cabinet Center, a Diamond Certified company, advises customers to choose full extension soft close hinges and to get as many roll-outs in the base cabinets that you can afford. He says most people also “must have” a pantry with roll-out drawers and Lazy Susans in the corner.

Any kitchen remodel involves the unexpected. Sometimes, for example, once the old cabinets are removed, the contractor will discover that the walls are not lined up properly. You may also discover foundation problems. For this reason, the most important “must-have” is a competent local contractor who will guide you through the construction process and warn you ahead of time about all the inconveniences you will have to endure.

A Growing Demand for Green Paints

We’re not talking about the color green here, but rather green paints that are friendlier to the environment. Paul Demosthenes, owner of Paul Demosthenes Painting and Decorating Inc., a Diamond Certified company, says the new products contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which means they are almost completely odorless and pollute the air much less.

Years ago, manufacturers removed the lead, then mercury, and now the latest generation of green paints is all water-based, and virtually VOC free.  The 100% acrylic flat, satin and semi-gloss finishes do include anti-microbial and mildew resistant ingredients. The best news is that these green paints offer excellent coverage and are almost comparable to the older products. Both residential and commercial customers are asking for green paints, which means improved air quality in our homes, hospitals, schools and office buildings. These products, comparable in price to a manufacturer’s premium line, are usually labeled enviro-coat or environmentally friendly.

Why Functional Fitness Matters

Whether you’re lifting an object from an unbalanced position, twisting, turning, playing a specific sport, or even just walking down the street, it’s important to use the right muscle groups and be in proper alignment. Diamond Certified fitness experts recommend a fitness plan that incorporates multiple-joint movements in multiple directions, improving your ability to be fit for real life, not just fit for an exercise machine.

You can begin by checking out the wear patterns in your shoes to identify posture problems. In a mirror, notice your alignment if your shoulders are rotated forward, in front of the ears. In order to engage in your normal activities without pain, practice the following skills needed for functional movement: squats, lunges, core stabilization and strength, balancing on one leg, being able to touch the base of your neck behind your head, and stretching muscles specifically, not generally.

Do You Feel the Earth Moving Under Your Feet?

If you’re worried about erosion on your property, you have a number of options, some are short-term remedies and others are a long-lasting fix. According to landscaping professionals, the ideal long-term solution for eliminating erosion is adding plants to create soil structure. Native plants give you the best results because roots create a web throughout the soil.

Other more temporary methods for stopping dirt from wearing away and sliding down the hill include laying down erosion-control blankets made of biodegradable straw or jute netting, an inexpensive option. Some people use straw, hay, or coarse mulch. Rocks are popular too as is rip-rap, a term for larger crushed stones. The main thing is that you do not want materials, which are too fine, such as sand.  Retaining walls made of blocks and drains can also help support your yard and reduce erosion.

Do You Have a Great Plumber?

Does your plumber take time to fully understand your situation?  According to Peter Johnson, owner of Surf City Plumbing, Inc., a Diamond Certified company, this means doing some probing. What is the reason for the service call and how old is your home? Have you had any past or future remodels or changes to the plumbing system, has the current problem happened before and has any other plumbing work been done recently?

Is Your Line of Credit at Risk?

With banks getting more cautious about lending money and home values declining in some areas, homeowners are wondering what could happen to their lines of credit. Bob Cappa, co-owner of California Real Estate Loans, a Diamond Certified company, says some people are having their home equity loans cut by 50%, while others are being told they cannot borrow any more money.

If your lender tries to freeze your line of credit claiming your home has lost too much in equity, Mr. Cappa says a good strategy is to prove your property has retained its value with a professional appraisal. This has worked for some of his clients. Another suggestion is to pull out all the cash in your line of credit. Even though you’ll pay interest on the full amount, it will be there when you need it, and as long as you make your payments on time, the lender can’t take it away from you.

A Well-Maintained Air Conditioner Saves Energy & Money!

You can get the most out of your air conditioner this summer by paying attention to a few small things. Kevin Comerford, owner of Service Champions, a Diamond Certified company, suggests changing the system’s filters frequently because the dirt builds up, restricts airflow and causes your air conditioner to work harder and less efficiently. You can do this yourself, and while you’re at it, clean and hose off the outside condenser coils with Simple Green. If your system is blowing warm air it may be that the Freon is out of balance or the compressor outside is shut down. So while a professional is checking that, have him clean the blower motor and the indoor evaporator coil.

A programmable thermostat can help reduce your utility bill and eliminate large swings in temperature. This will also extend the life of the air conditioner, which lasts an average of 12 years. The latest models are much more energy efficient.

Phony-Check Warning: It’s a Scam!

Phony-check scams have become so widespread that consumer groups are using a new website to issue alerts and explain how the schemes work. The National Consumers League, in cooperation with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and others, has launched www.fakechecks.org. You’ll find examples of the phony checks, video from victims and frequently asked questions.

The shocking thing is that the average loss for phony-check scam victims is between $3,000 and $4,000. The scam starts with a real-looking unsolicited check that comes through the mail. The letter describes an opportunity to take advantage of a foreign business offer, a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, or to cash in on a rental or work-at-home scheme. Usually, the scammers ask you to mail cash in return for the phony check. Go to the site and take the fraud test anytime you get one of these offers. One mouse-click could save you thousands.

Heavy Handbags May Hurt You
Or Are You Packing Too Much in Your Purse?

If you’re the typical woman, your purse is chock full of stuff – water bottles, make-up, a bulging wallet, even a change of shoes. Diamond Certified chiropractors say you should dump out about 50% of what’s in your bag to avoid injuring your neck, shoulders, and back.

What happens when you wear a heavy bag on one shoulder is that the other side has to act as a counter-balance. This causes torque on your upper body and can even compress the nerves under your collarbone. Carrying a giant handbag in your hand can stress your elbow and wrist.  Be sure to “lighten up” so when the purse is fully loaded, it weighs no more than a couple of pounds. It’s best to carry your lighter load on your forearm, or better yet, invest in a small “designer” backpack, which evenly distributes the weight across the body.

Did You Get a Thorough Termite Inspection?

It helps to know what to expect when you hire a pest control company to do a termite inspection. For one thing, a thorough job should take at least 2 to 3 hours, according to John Van Hooser, owner of Van Hooser Enterprises, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. The inspector will do a visual inspection, both outside and inside the house, in any place where water might collect. He’s looking for termites and moisture that can cause dry rot.

If termites are making themselves at home in your home, you might see damage in the wood, honey-colored pellets (droppings), tunnels made of mud and intermittent bursting swarms of winged insects. The inspector will produce a written report of the findings, which is filed by street address with the State Pest Control Board. The report stays on file for two years. If you have any questions about the inspector’s recommendations, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.

How to Find Your Next Great Look

Wishing you could wear that trendy new style you saw in the latest fashion magazine?  According to Stacy McLaughlin, owner of Biquor & Biquor Salon, a Diamond Certified company, what inspires most clients is the same for the best hairstylists.  And, that is keeping up with the new and latest trends in haircuts, color, makeup and fashion. Yet with the dazzle of a new style, it’s important to remember that the basics matter most. 

A great stylist must understand the fundamentals of style. For example, he or she will evaluate your face shape, hair texture and lifestyle before suggesting a style. For hair color, your stylist will assess your skin and eye color to help choose the correct tones. And with make-up, your stylist will not only help choose complimentary colors, but will factor in your face shape and the contour of your eyebrows. Above all, the process should be fun and informative.

Best Ways to Get at Graffiti

If you’ve been unlucky enough to be get tagged with graffiti, you know it’s tough to remove. Tim Covington, owner of Big Al’s Grime Fighters, a Diamond Certified company, and an expert on graffiti removal, has a few tips to make the job easier.

On a painted surface, it’s best to paint right over the graffiti.  If tagging is done on concrete, metal or brick, start with a paint remover.  Some products are aerosols, but it’s more economical to buy a large can of it. Next, apply paint remover to the graffiti and power wash the surface, which is easier than wiping off disintegrating paint by hand.  Always remove graffiti as soon as possible. This will give you better results and discourage taggers. If the problem continues, consider applying an epoxy sealant. This coating makes it easy to simply wipe off the paint with a rag after applying the remover, thereby eliminating the need for power washing.