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Gifford Teeple

Owner
A Reliable Handyman

Gifford Teeple: Positively Reliable

EL CERRITO — One of the most common plumbing problems in the kitchen is a clogged or jammed garbage disposal. You may assume this requires the assistance of a plumber, but in many cases, you can easily resolve the problem yourself. First, check if the disposal merely needs to be reset by pressing the red “reset” button at the bottom of the unit and testing it again. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll need to manually “unjam” it. Most people don’t realize that garbage disposals come with tools that are specifically designed to unblock jams. Usually, this tool is located in a small compartment beneath the unit. However, if you’ve lost your tool, Read more

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Cheryl Tarik-El

We Love Small Jobs Handyman Services-Remodelers & Builders

Cheryl Tarik-El: Love at First Site

OAKLAND — When engaging a contractor for a home project, your initial outreach can have a big influence on the outcome. The following tips can increase your likelihood of getting a response, as well as your chances of working with a quality contractor. Leave a detailed message When reaching out to a contractor for an estimate, whether you’re communicating via phone or email, be sure to leave a detailed message. This will improve your chances of receiving a return call or email. Include the following information: Your name and phone number The location of your property, along with the type of property (house, condo, Read more

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Robert Kaljian

Owner
Kaljian Construction Inc.

Robert Kaljian: A Natural Builder

CONCORD — When buying products and materials for a home remodeling project, most homeowners assume they should go to their local home improvement stores. In reality, when it comes to remodeling, home improvement stores are more like convenience stores. Since they have a lot of everything, you’re getting the convenience of one-stop shopping. However, convenience doesn’t equal quality, and this is certainly the case with products sold at home improvement stores. If you’re looking for quality, it’s better to do your shopping at specialty stores—outlets that specialize in specific kinds of fixtures, appliances and materials. For example, a plumbing supply store provides toilets, sink/shower fixtures, water heaters and other plumbing products. Since specialty stores focus on specific product types, Read more

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Chris Hampton

Owner
CDH Construction

Chris Hampton: A Simple Motivation

ROHNERT PARK — If you’re planning to install new baseboards in your home, there are a couple of things you’ll need to consider. One is the type of material to be used. You essentially have two choices: authentic wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). MDF is the more affordable option, but it has a few drawbacks. For one, since the material is so dense, it “puckers” each time a nail is applied, which results in small imperfections throughout the baseboard. To ensure these don’t show in the finished product, each nail hole needs to be sanded down, primed and painted over. Another drawback of MDF is it produces very fine dust, which can pose an inhalation hazard. Read more

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Steve Spratt

President
HPS Palo Alto, Inc.

Steve Spratt: A Passion for Preservation

PALO ALTO — A lot of homeowners are unaware that their houses, whether new or old, won’t last forever. They don’t seem to realize that nearly every component of the home (and there are thousands) has a finite shelf life. Eventually, these components will wear out, get old and fail, while in other cases they may just fall out of fashion. Small items that fail aren’t usually a big deal…if you can catch them early and attend to them right away. Big components that fail are another matter. Plumbing, water heaters, roofing, gutters, windows, doors, siding, and foundations that wear out and fail can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace. I recommend learning the ages and expected lifespans of the various key parts of your home. Read more

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Diamond Certified Expert Contributors

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Gifford Teeple
Owner
A Reliable Handyman
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Cheryl Tarik-El
We Love Small Jobs Handyman Services-Remodelers & Builders
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Robert Kaljian
Owner
Kaljian Construction Inc.
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Chris Hampton
Owner
CDH Construction

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