There are so many builders there, but how to choose the right one?

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In this article we would like to discuss the most frequent questions asked by potential customers that often cause the conflict between a customer and a contractor.


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In this article we would like to discuss the most frequent questions asked by potential customers that often cause the conflict between a customer and a contractor.

I. Cost of work:
Very often one might come across customers’ complaints about the total cost for the repair that appears to be pretty higher than originally expected. Is it possible? Yes. Why? Let us clarify this. We need to say that we would ignore the situation (that unfortunately occurs) when chasing customer, the contractor intentionally provides underestimated numbers and when the customer is on the hook anything can be done.

Let us view the standard situation. You decided to do repair, choose several companies and ask them to prepare a cost estimate. Immediately many questions arise: e.g. “Is it possible to prepare a cost estimate accurate to a gulden?” In general it is possible. But for this you would need a detailed design with the drawings, specifications, list of materials etc. It would take several months and more to do this kind of cost estimate and 2-3% of costs would be allocated for contingencies.

Let us be realistic. Over eight years experience in managing the enterprise we had a chance to deal with such projects several times. In the best case the design finishes at the stage of general drawings with further stage-by-stage delivery of detailed drawings.

Sometimes we receive general outlays, rough design outlines etc. But the most frequent situation is as follows: nothing is available or “please do for me what you see in this magazine”. Can you specify what exactly you want? Who knows? Can you propose something as a professional? Over several minutes of conversation with you the estimator has to guess what your taste is and propose to you some options as well as make your dreams, desires, unclear outlines and all that you thought during long evenings come true in the form of concrete numbers. Actually cost estimate is the plan for the repair of your apartment with connectivity to concrete materials (for example in the bedroom painted wallpaper and in the children’s room plain wallpaper will be used) with showing average prices for them.

In our opinion to make this cost estimate maximum close to actual cost you would need to do the following:
1). Work with the designers as possible. The costs you incur for the design work will be generously repaid. You will look at the repaired apartment beforehand, not when everything has been done. It may appear that what you have planned is not good for your apartment or the material that you like is too expensive and there is a better option for you. Cost of redesign on paper is not so high.

2). While preparing cost estimate it is necessary to make a list of work and take some decisions (e.g. here laminate and there glaze-tile will be installed etc). It is also necessary to discuss what quality and price of materials will be used in the cost estimate.

3). A customer should make sure that it is impossible to envision everything in this document.

Before work start one can not identify what area of the wall should be plastered and what area should be only aligned and what exact quantity of materials would be used for this. Even for the detailed cost estimate a customer should envision a reserve of minimum 0-15%. In this case it is better to include more in the document and get lower actual spending. Besides you pay for specific work and material at specific price. So, the higher amount and range of work as well as material prices, the higher cost of work.

II. Terms.
Obviously any repair is related to inconveniency and any customer would want to finish it as soon as possible. But let us not become heroes of popular TV shows that describe how brave contractors over one day glue the wall paper, put the glaze-tiles, install the wiring and even eventually clean everything with the vacuum cleaner.

One should realize that there are some activities that can not be done in rush. If it is required to dry the aligned wall before putting the glaze tiles, this should be done, no matter how long it would take. If it is required to glaze and clean the wall 2-3 times before putting high-quality paint, this should be done. Violation of the technology and required terms will lead to additional customer’s cost.

III. Quality of work.
All mentioned above is true for the quality of work. Besides, there are also two significant factors. To great extend the quality of work depends on the quality of materials. We all want to save the money but you should avoid absurd situation when you assign work with the high cost materials to people earning pences. A good master should be highly qualified, earn good money, use good tools and take responsibility for his work.

IV. “If I pay, do what I want”
Magic words ….. but let me notice that there are objective phenomena that can not be ignored. For example without special measures one can not make aperture work or remove load-bearing wall no matter whether someone wants it. And quality glaze-tiles can not be installed on the cement, only on the special glue. And for specific paint specific filler should be used, not the one that was found at low price. A good professional who value his work would explain why your desires sometimes cannot be satisfied and would rather refuse to do the job than do something wrong.

Hope that this article will help you to find a good contractor.
In all your undertakings follow the slogan: Entrust your work to professionals.

Bring Beauty To Every Room In Your House

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There are many ways to freshen up a home. The easiest way to capture the spirit of spring is to buy and arrange flowers. With cut flowers and a little imagination, the possibilities can be beautiful.


Bring Beauty To Every Room In Your House

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There are many ways to freshen up a home.

You can always paint walls a fresh lichen green or spray hyacinth-scented room freshener, but the easiest way to capture the spirit of spring is to buy and arrange flowers. With cut flowers and a little imagination, the possibilities can be beautiful.

• Place a small bouquet in a glistening crystal pitcher or go for contrast with a brightly colored coffee can to make a great first impression in an entrance hall or foyer.

• Fill an umbrella stand with a few long dramatic stems.

• Attach a basket of fresh flowers to your door or hang just a few stems with a beautiful bow.

• In the family room, fill an empty fireplace with a big bucket of flowers.

• In the bathroom, a simple plastic tumbler filled with fragrant cut flowers can make a great air freshener.

• In the laundry room, rinse out an old bleach or detergent bottle, fill it with cut flowers and place it on the washer or a shelf for a laundry brightener.

• Use a kitchen windowsill to line up individual jars, coffee mugs or juice glasses and put one or two colorful stems in each. It’s a one-of-a-kind window treatment.

Flowers are not just for special occasions anymore. They decorate a lot more than just the center of the dining room table.

Think “outside the vase” when looking for containers to arrange flowers in. Old watering cans, enamelware pitchers, cast-iron kettles, antique coal hods, champagne glasses, mason jars and teapots add interest to floral arrangements.

When entertaining, fill a wine cooler with fresh white lilies and freesia for understated elegance.

Start the day with flowers. Place a bouquet by your bedside so they’re the first thing you see.

Freshen your bathroom with this innovative display of flower buds.

Revive a veranda with a bouquet of blooms set on an inlaid table.

In a hall, place three single stems of the same flower in three symmetrical identical glass vases.

There’s nothing like the splash of color provided by fresh flowers to brighten time at your desk.

TR Security shutters improve your home security.

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Information on how to improve your home security by using security shutters.


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In today’s society home security is a more important issue than ever before and more and more people are considering security shutters for their home to provided added protection against vandals and burglaries. Many people invest large amounts of money in complex security systems and alarms without addressing the physical security of windows and doors. Security shutters offer an ideal solution to this problem.

There are 2 main types of security shutter on the market today;

1) Built In

These shutters are effectively built into the window frame mounted behind the exterior wall normally when building is constructed. These blinds offer maximum security.

2) Built On

Built on security shutters are normally a ”after fit” and blind extends from a box mounted above opening via high strength runners mounted vertically.

Built on security shutters are fitted with compact boxes and minimize visual impact. Built in security shutters offer the benefit of easy operation and can be stored out of sight.

Security shutters are used most frequently on doors and windows that are hidden from view, especially those on or below ground level. Such measure can dramatically increase the security of a home and provide peace of mind when away from your property.

Security shutters also have excellent insulation properties against the cold and outside noise and are often used by home owners in exposed rural locations as well as those in inner city.

MV Isn’t It Time You Gave The Hall And Stairs A Makeover?

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Giving the hall and stairs a makeover is a job theat most people put off for as long as possible. The job causes disruption throughout the house and takes longer than almost any similar sized room to decorate. In most houses the hall and stairs are central to the home, so it is time to get down to it today.

This is a job that has been waiting for you for a long time, so you might as well do it properly, not just a lick of paint. It is time for a complete and total renovati…


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Motion Lighting Using Solar Power

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Motion lighting is very convenient security platform for homes. Solar motion lamps take the benefits to the next level with more efficiency and reduced utility bills.


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Motion lighting is very convenient security platform for homes. Solar motion lamps take the benefits to the next level with more efficiency and reduced utility bills.

Motion Lighting Using Solar Power

Motion sensor lamps can be an excellent choice for your home. These lamps offer the security of having a bright light shine into the eyes of any would be intruder, thus deterring them from staying on your property. There are several different types of motion lamps available for the protection of your family and home, but the best option by far is to use solar motion lamps.

Solar power is a clean and ecologically sound alternative to electric, battery and other sources of power. There is no pollution produced, no non-renewable resources used, and it costs far less than other power sources. Even if you don’t choose to use solar power for all your household needs, you can still help the environment by choosing solar motion lamps. Every small bit of solar power used decreases the world’s usage of less ecological methods.

Solar motion lamps work by collecting solar power during the day through solar cells located on the light. This solar energy is used to recharge a battery (usually a NiCad rechargeable battery), which in turn powers the lamp at night. Some models of solar motion lamps include solar panels that are strong enough to collect energy even in overcast conditions, making the lamp even more useful. Motion lamps also have settings to customize. You can set the duration that the lamp shines when it detects motion (any where from .5 minute to three minutes), as well as being able to position it so that it can detect motion up to 90 feet away. The trigger for the motion lamp is a passive infrared motion detector that is safe for use around all people and animals, and does not require additional high tech equipment. You also have the choice of mounting your solar motion lamps on a post (this will be provided) or on the side of your house or garage.

Solar motion lamps usually use a strong LED lamp. LEDs are an excellent choice for solar lamps because they use far less power than traditional bulbs and halogen lamps. Motion lamps are built with weather resistant materials, so they can be left on your homes exterior in all types of conditions.

Solar motion lamps are an excellent way to keep your home and property safe from intruders and other problems, all while being cheaper and more “green” than other choices. If you need just one or many, the solar powered versions of motion lamps are the easiest choice for your lighting needs.

How Old Should You Be Before You Buy A Loft Bed?

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A monumental time in the life of any toddler is moving from the crib or child’s bed to a real “grown up” bed. Consider choosing a loft bed for your growing youngster, especially if the room he or she occupies is small for much else than a bed or shared with a sibling. However, before you move your child to any bed other than a crib, ensure he or she is at least two years of age and no less than 35 inches tall. If your child is a late bloomer or showing no interest in moving u…


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A monumental time in the life of any toddler is moving from the crib or child’s bed to a real “grown up” bed. Consider choosing a loft bed for your growing youngster, especially if the room he or she occupies is small for much else than a bed or shared with a sibling. However, before you move your child to any bed other than a crib, ensure he or she is at least two years of age and no less than 35 inches tall. If your child is a late bloomer or showing no interest in moving up to a larger bed, allow him or her a certain amount of leeway in regards to switching to a “big boy” or “big girl” bed.

Many parents choose to invest in a loft bed for their child because another child has arrived, is on the way, or currently occupies the house. A loft is a great way to give each child his or her space without having to sacrifice floor space for child’s play. Also, a loft bed is a great way to entice your son or daughter to leave your bed in exchange for something a great deal cooler in their eyes.

One thing to keep in mind when choosing a loft bed for a young child is to avoid the ceiling scraping beds and instead choose lofts that are no taller than four feet. This is especially true if you are dealing with a youngster who may have a slight fear of heights, since everything is taller to a child. A four foot loft still allows a great amount of room underneath the bed and can be arranged to house a fantastic fort, tent, or enclosed space that is only for the child. Some children’s furniture manufacturers are even including specialized loft beds into their furniture designs that are sure to tickle your child’s imagination.

Another critical aspect to keep in mind is the safety of the loft. Ensure the guard rails are stable and properly placed on the bed. Furthermore, ensure both sides of the bed come equipped with guard rails. Quite often, children can become trapped or even fall out of the bed if two guard rails are not present on the bed. Also, check out the ladder to make sure your child will be safe while entering and exiting his or her bed. Furthermore, ensure the ladder is correctly installed on the bed to prevent any accidents or injuries due to improper equipment.

Once your child has made the move into a loft bed, make time to speak with your son or daughter regarding safety. Set rules for entering and exiting the bed and ensure your children will not play or roughhouse, which can call potentially cause injury.

MV Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid When Laying Tile in Your Bathroom

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One thing that many people decide to do when they are remodeling a bathroom is to lay some new tile for a whole new look. There are many people who decide to have someone else do the job for them,


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but there are some people who decide to actually install the tile on their own. If you happen to decide to put down the new tile for your bathroom remodeling project, then you’ll have a bit job to do. When you get started, there are a few mistakes that you should definitely avoid, including the following ones.

Preparing the Easy Way
One thing that you need to avoid is doing the preparation the easy way. When you go the easy route, it can make the whole job harder. Before you lay the tile, it is imperative that you make sure that the surface is both clean and smooth. You can use a sander to help get the surface smooth enough to work with. If you don’t do this, it is going to be more difficult to install your tile.

Not Getting Enough of the Tile
Not getting enough of the tile you have chosen is another mistake you really need to avoid. You see, you never know when you may need a bit more tile. Your measurements could have been off, you may make a mistake or even crack a tile, then you’ll need a new one. So, it’s a good rule of thumb to get about 15% more than you plan on needed, just in case there is a problem. Then, if you do have a bit left over, you can keep it in case there is a tile that gets cracked or damaged at a later date.

Not Using a Waterproof Adhesive
Not using waterproof adhesive is another big mistake to avoid. Since you are laying tile in the bathroom, where there is a lot of water and moisture, you need to make sure that you use an adhesive that is waterproof. If you don’t use a waterproof adhesive, it can later crumble or rot away and cause problems with your tile. So, make sure that you go with the right adhesive for the tile in the bathroom.

Uneven Spacing of the Tiles
You’ll also want to avoid the mistake of getting uneven spacing between the tiles you are installing. If the spacing is off, in the future your tiles may come loose. So, it is best to measure the gaps that are between the tiles, so you know that they are spaced correctly and you don’t have problems in the future that could have been prevented.

Grouting Before the Tile is Ready

Deck Care 101

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When it comes to outdoor living spaces, people are moving their living areas outside, making decks more popular than ever.


Deck Care 101

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When it comes to outdoor living spaces, people are moving their living areas outside, making decks more popular than ever. Whether your current deck is an extension of your family room, includes an outdoor kitchen or dining area, or boasts a vine-covered arbor for shade, decks are a reflection of America’s desire to be outdoors and connect with nature.

And now Sherwin-Williams can help you spend more time enjoying your deck and less time caring for it. If you’re trying to breathe new life into an old wood deck, a new technology just introduced by Sherwin-Williams can revive even seriously weathered wood. DeckScapes Coating Life Extender literally binds loose wood fibers to form a sound, smooth surface that creates a better bond for your topcoat. It penetrates deep into the wood to provide UV and weather protection. Not only will the wood look better, the protective finish you apply to your deck will last longer as well.

Before you apply any protective coatings, be sure to remove dirt and mildew using a cleaner designed for deck use. After cleaning the deck, Life Extender is easily applied with a brush or roller. Approximately four hours later, you can apply the topcoat-such as DeckScapes Waterborne Semi-transparent or Solid Color Stain-for a finish that will look new for years.

If you have a new deck, start with Life Extender for the best possible protection. Life Extender is also ideal for cedar and redwood decks.

And here’s a tip from the trade: If you want the wood grain of your deck to show, choose a semitransparent stain. If you want more durability and don’t want the grain to show, go with a solid-color stain. Products designed for deck use will beautify and protect your outdoor room for a long time when used correctly.

Sherwin-Williams is the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint, stains, coatings, wall coverings and associated supplies. With more than 3,000 stores in North America, the company is dedicated to supporting the do-it-yourself consumer with specialized products, superior technical knowledge and one-on-one, personalized service that’s focused on the do-it-yourselfer’s unique project needs.

TR Security And Your Garage Door Opener Remote

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You’d be right to be concerned about security with your wireless garage door opener and remote. An intruder can gain access to your garage contents, or even your home if you don’t follow some simple security steps.

Different radio frequencies are used for communication between the remote and the opener. Tiny switches known as dip switches are used to adjust the frequency used between the two. It is a wise idea to reconfigure the dip switch settings to make sure your garage…


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Breathe Easy: Control Allergens In The Home

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Mention respiratory allergies and asthma and most people think of the outdoors. The bad news is the allergens that affect most people are actually indoors and cause problems year-round. The good news is people allergic to indoor allergens can often control them.


Breathe Easy: Control Allergens In The Home

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Mention respiratory allergies and asthma and most people think of the outdoors. The bad news is the allergens that affect most people are actually indoors and cause problems year-round. The good news is people allergic to indoor allergens can often control them.

Dr. James Meyer, a pulmonologist who treats allergy and asthma patients in Iowa, says in addition to obtaining treatment, patients should keep floors and other surfaces clean and dust-free, capture as many airborne particles as possible and control the relative humidity of the home.

Cleaning with a built-in central vacuum system has been clinically proven to reduce allergy symptoms by as much as 60 percent.

“A central vacuum system gives the homeowner maximum cleaning power, completely removes contacted dust and allergens from the living area and doesn’t stir up dust in the home,” says Larry Hartley, marketing director for Electrolux Home Care Products, maker of Beam Central Vacuum Systems. The systems also offer a wide variety of tools and accessories to clean both carpeted and hard-surface floors, blinds, upholstery, ceiling fans, fireplaces and even the garage.

Fewer airborne allergens resulting from using a central vacuum will help air filtration systems work more effectively. Meyer and other physicians recommend patients install pleated filters with a rating of MERV 12 or greater in forced air heating and cooling systems.

Maintaining the home’s relative humidity at 50 percent or lower will slow the growth of dust mite populations, thereby limiting patients’ exposure.

Patients should also keep their physicians informed of any changes in their home environment or symptoms.