Storage Shelving for Your Garage

July 2nd, 2009

garage-shelf-1Managing the many things of a family can seem like an impossible task. Some of us have too much stuff and even after the garage sales, Craig’s List or Ebay listings, and going to the dump, we still find there are things that are a part of our lives which we don’t want to get rid of. Our family has about 100 cubic feet of Christmas stuff. There is camping equipment, summer fun items like inflatables, coolers and waterblasters, sports equipment, tools of every description, craft supplies and more! How can you store all of this stuff? Build some shelving!

To start:

  • Determine how many of your things can fit in uniform sized plastic storage containers. There will always be things that won’t fit like skis and you may resist grouping many small things in one container, but storage efficiency is found in uniformity.
  • Once you have decided on a container size that will work, shelves are designed around your chosen containers.
  • We ended up using clear plastic containers, approximately 16″ wide x 25″ long in two heights: 11″ and 16 1/2″. This complicated the shelf spacing by requiring 19″ for the tall containers and 24″ to stack two of the smaller containers.

Here is one good basic shelf design:

  • Back shelf supports are 2″ x 2″, bought as such, or ripped from a 2″ x 4″, and nailed or screwed to the studs on the wall.
  • Front supports are 2″ x 2″ or a 2″ x 4″ placed flat.
  • You may need intermediary support for larger projects–that is, vertical members which rest on your garage floor. 2″ x 2″ front supports are okay up to about 42″ and flat 2″ x 4″ can span as much as 6′.
  • Plywood has a grain direction. It is designed to have the most strength when the 8′ direction is perpendicular to the supports. If your shelf system is 24″ deep, 24″ x 48″ shelves will be made from each sheet.
  • Shelf spacing is determined by taking your storage container height, adding a few inches, adding the thickness of shelving (flat 2″ x 4″ plus 1/2″ CDX is 2″) and figuring how many of these can fit in your vertical space. For example if your containers are almost 17″ tall, you might start by taking 17″ adding 3″ for a little space and 2″ for shelving. Five shelf spaces are 5 times 22 for 110″, less one 2″ shelf for 108″ (4 shelves make 5 spaces). If you have 8′6″ (102″) from floor to ceiling you might reduce the “extra space” from 3″ to about 1 13/16″ to fit in your desired number of spaces or go with one less shelf.

What if you want shelves that look more finished for a porch or utility room?

  • The same 2″ framing came be used. Framing members can be prefinished with a stain/sealer or painted. For a more finished look ripped edges should be rounded and if you are staining, painted lumber ends should be belt sanded clean.
  • Shelving can be stained plywood, or, using side by side 1″ x 12″ pine boards offers an upgraded look and alternative framing option. If running the boards from side to side, they can easily span 3 to 4′ and for light storage up to 5′.  2″ x 2″ framing is then perpendicular to the back wall and attached to vertical 2″ x 2″ or 2″ x 4″s.

Though this work is fairly basic for a skilled carpenter, it still may take some time. I have been asked to fix shelves installed by homeowners or unskilled workers and often found projects installed which violate basic framing and structure principals and are not able to support the weight placed on them. Often they are dangerous. I know shelving should be within the domain of the weekend warrior but you will still want to make sure they are done right. Consider finding a recommended handyman or installation professional for a lasting project.


JR Mathwig Builders on HelpHive

Posted in Cabinets & Carpentry, Closets & Built-ins, Handyman, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Green or Greenwashed?

July 1st, 2009

A green product or service is one that utilizes fewer resources, fewer toxic materials, and/or boasts a longer lifecycle. The effort and resources a company puts into the way it does business, uses raw materials, and energy to produce environmentally friendly services/products is one way to define a “green” company.

The term “greenwash” is what you get when a company or organization uses environmental trends to its benefit by lying to or misleading its customers. Greenwashing isn’t new — since the environment emerged as an issue in the early 1970s, there have been advertising firms trying to convince consumers that buying Brand X is the only way to save the earth.green-seal

Greenwashing is so prevalent these days that TerraChoice, an environmental marketing company, found in a recent study that 98% of green labels were false or misleading. And 23% of products making green claims carried an environmental badge with no authoritative meaning. The TerraChoice website www.terrachoice.com offers a list the “seven sins of greenwashing” — seven simple signs that should tip you off if a company is more interested in selling the earth than protecting it.

To avoid greenwashed products, learn about the products and techniques used by your home service providers before you hire them!  Ask questions! And don’t be afraid to tell them what you’re looking for – they might learn something new in the process and start using green products.  See our tips below on making eco-friendly selections on a few common household items.

Hiring a cleaning service?

When hiring a professional cleaner, you should find out what type of household cleaning products they use. Many cleaning products include harsh chemicals intended to disinfect and kill germs, but most of the time this is overkill. Unless you are cleaning up after raw meat or bodily fluids, these toxic cleansers are not necessary, and many cause dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions, and irritation of eyes, skin and the respiratory tract – imagine the impact on the environment! Drain, oven, and toilet bowl cleaners are some of the most hazardous products in our homes. toxic-cleaner

  • Drano: Ditch it for a proven healthier alternative like baking soda and vinegar, or a hire a plumber!
  • 409 all-purpose cleaner: contains Alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (wikipedia details).  Do you want this chemical on your kitchen and bathroom counters?
  • The Works: a toilet bowl cleaner containing 20% Hydrogen Chloride. The label states “Danger: Corrosive. Causes skin burns and irreversible eye damage. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.”
  • Clorox “anywhere” hard surface™: a daily sanitizing spray, which advertises “gentle enough to use around kids and food”, but contains Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine bleach). Bleach can cause respiratory difficulties, headaches, skin burns, loss of consciousness, and vomiting. People who already suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis should never be exposed to bleach. And the risks are compounded when the cleaners are used in small, poorly ventilated rooms, such as the bathroom.

Switch to using non-toxic cleaners on a daily basis, and remember to ask about products used by any hired home cleaning professionals you bring into your home. If they’re not willing to use non-toxic products, then protect your family and don’t hire them!


Painting your home?

Consider hiring a painter that uses low-Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) or zero-VOC paints and finishes. The type and amount of VOCs in household paint generally varies with the type and brand of paint, but some paint contains many VOCs, including benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene. The fumes from VOCs are known to cause headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, nausea, and even cancer. Paint brands these days contain anywhere from 250 grams per Liter of VOCs to 0 grams per Liter (zero-VOC).

If someone tells you that a low- or no-VOC paint is not as good as a higher VOC paint, tell them you’ve heard otherwise! There are excellent low-VOC and no-VOC paints from leading brands including Sherwin Williams, Kelly Moore, Valspar (Lowe’s) and Olympic (Green Seal Certified). For Green Seal approval, the paint must be low-VOC (50 g/L for untinted flat interior paint), not contain harmful compounds or heavy metals, and must be tested for scrubability, hiding power, and washability.


Carpets need cleaning?

When choosing a company to do your carpet cleaning, make sure that they use safe cleaners. Environmentally safe cleaners should not contain any carcinogens, should not be combustible, and should not be corrosive to the skin or eyes. Some carpet cleaners contain toxins that can be harmful to those who walk and play on them. You should also avoid any products that could be harmful to aquatic life or that contribute to smog or other pollution. Many eco-friendly cleaning products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources (not petroleum).

Tip: The common “Rug Doctor” carpet cleaning system found at Lowe’s, Albertson’s, and other store uses the Oxy-Steam Carpet Cleaner (red plastic bottle) which contains chemicals that are irritants to eyes and skin. Do you really want this cleaner on the floors that your children and pets walk on?


Julie on HelpHive

Posted in Home Cleaning, Painting, Uncategorized | No Comments »

The Top 5 Air Conditioner Brands

June 30th, 2009

A common question at this time of year: “Boy it’s hot!  Maybe we should get an air conditioner.  But which one is right for me? And who can I hire to install it?

Buying a new air conditioner can be quite confusing, not to mention finding a qualified HVAC contractor who you can trust to install the system. I’ve heard all the horror stories from home owners who weren’t happy with the system they purchased and had installed. The top 10 complaints:

  1. It doesn’t cool my home properly
  2. It’s way too noisy – I can’t sleep with that thing on!
  3. The guy who installed it didn’t answer my questions and tracked dirt on my carpet
  4. It leaked water on my garage floor
  5. It broke down after one year
  6. I’m freezing downstairs and way too hot upstairs
  7. My electric bill has gone way up!
  8. The contractor won’t return my phone calls
  9. The company that installed it went out of business
  10. It broke on the hottest day of the year

I’ve been installing and servicing air conditioners and heat pumps for 10 years and have heard it all.  Here’s my run down of the top 5 air conditioner brands:

  1. Lennox: Starting at the top, Lennox has been around the longest and are the efficiency leaders – the other guys watch and learn from them.  Dave Lennox holds the patent for the heat exchanger system that has saved people money over the last century.  It’s a very reliable and a nice looking unit sitting next to your house.
  2. Rheem: Rheem is the next company on my list – I enjoy installing their equipment. They have a small foot print for their units, which makes the ease and cost of installation significantly lower than other brands. Rheem has also been in business for over 80 years, so I like their longevity.
  3. Trane: This is a good piece of equipment that uses the latest in new technology for their air conditioners. As sometimes happens, their strength is also a weakness and has therefore put them lower on my list. The very technology that makes them cutting edge has resulted in a rash of circuit board failures and recalls. That’s a major problem when you sell the most expensive air conditioner on the market. However, they still have a solid product, which puts them in the middle of my list.
  4. Carrier: Here’s another brand that’s been around a long time and has a pretty good track record. Their downfall is similar to Trane. They had major warranty complaints (calls from customers to come back and fix something within the first few years of the warranty period) and recalls on their heat exchangers for 90% of their furnaces. They’ve also had circuit board problems.
  5. American Standard: They have great ratings on their equipment and air conditioners. They are manufactured by the same company as Trane so you are basically buying the same product as a Trane. I’m rating them lower because they are positioned as a generic brand so any heating company can install their product. This can be the worst thing to happen – a quality product not properly installed.

ht_pumpBut not to fear, you can be happier than this little guy IF you choose the right equipment AND contractor.

Start with some research as a followup to my list above – you’ll be looking at your needs and your budget. Then get 3 estimates from reputable companies. Homeowners either don’t get enough estimates or (believe it or not) get TOO MANY estimates and end up more confused than when they started. So, if you’re planning on purchasing an Air Conditioner this summer, get started today – find 3 quality HVAC contractors online or via referrals and get those appointments and quotes moving forward.  And stay tuned – I’ll be doing a follow-up post on what to look for and how to select a good contractor to do the work!


Americas Best Heating & AC on HelpHive

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The Top 5 Vegetables for Container Gardening

June 26th, 2009

These days who isn’t thinking of eating Locally and Organically?  One of the best ways possible to do this is to grow a few vegetables yourself in what’s called a “Container Garden”.

Newly planted pots with feet and irrigation.

Newly planted pots with feet and irrigation.

Container gardening is simply the easiest, cheapest, safest and best way to ensure an actual crop of vegetables you can add to your menu – the satisfaction of a homegrown salad a few times a week  is well worth it. Many Seattle based garden and landscape companies do container planting. They have crews who specialize in the sometimes difficult task of getting heavy pots and the soil to special situation areas, such as terraces and balconies of condos or apartments.

Getting Started: When choosing a place to site your container garden, consider these factors first. Where will the plants get the most hours of full sunlight?  Is there a source of water that is close at hand and easy to use?  And what kind of vegetables do you want to grow?

Installing Pots: For large and deep rooted plants like tomatoes, pole beans or snap peas you want larger deep pots that can take the weight of the plants as they get large and grow up the stakes these climbing and “vining” types of vegetables need.  A big tomato plant can weigh far more than the pot and it’s soil when it is fruiting, so be sure to use big pots for the big plants. Shallow rooted plants, like lettuce, spinach and radish which don’t need full sun all day, can be tucked amongst the bigger pots so the bigger plants will provide the desired dappled light in the middle of summer.  Any type of container will do from a 5 gallon bucket to a beautiful piece of  pottery, but be SURE that there are plenty of drainage holes on the bottom of the pot.  Putting the pot up on “feet” is really best for good drainage and is very helpful for keeping the area cleaner (you can hose under the pots).  Pot feet can be purchased or can be made from anything that will keep the pot a few inches off the ground and stable, such as bricks, flagstone pieces, or blocks of wood.tomato-plants

Soil and fertilizers: You can grow Organic vegetables by making sure a) your container has been fully cleaned and not used for any kind of hazardous material (especially important if it is plastic), b) that you purchase organic potting soil for your containers.  Potting soil is recommended for container planting as the native soil from your yard is usually too heavy for the fast root work annual vegetables need to do in a very short time. Fertilizing throughout the growing season is great for getting a bumper crop but an organic fertilizer must be used. There are many to choose from on the market today and following the directions carefully is key to success. For a purely organic harvest purchase organic seeds to start with.

Top 5 Vegetable Plants (for the Pacific Northwest) Here in the Pacific Northwest we battle cool temperatures and wet environments – many of the  vegetables we would like to grow aren’t fond of this!  However, heat loving plants, like tomato, basil and peppers, can  be grown with great success if the guidelines for soil amounts and sunlight needs are satisfied (and proper watering of course). The top five plants listed here are vegetables we can grow easily here in our cooler, wetter climate.

  1. Lettuce (and all kinds of salad greens) – Our cool weather is perfect for lettuces and they last a lot longer before bolting (going to seed) than they do in many parts of the country.  There are many beautiful and amazing lettuces on the market these days – seeds for Heirloom varieties are easily found at garden stores and nurseries and they are very easy to grow. Lettuce can be grown almost all year round in the Pacific Northwest.
  2. Spinach (also Kale and Kohlrabi) – Since it requires the same weather as lettuce, spinach does fabulously here – right up until it gets over 75 degrees and it sets seed. Fortunately with our long cool springs you can stagger plant both spinach and lettuce (set new seeds every two weeks for April-June and then again in August for a fall crop) and won’t be out of salad greens for months!
  3. Sugar snap peas – The sugar snap pea is the variety you eat “shell and all” and are a staple in most stir-frys. These cool weather plants need a big container and a set up of stakes to climb on as they reach about 4-5 feet as they start to produce pea pods. They are best to eat when still young and the peas inside are just forming.
  4. Broccoli and Cabbage – Also cooler loving weather plants, Broccoli and Cabbage are planted later in the summer, so they will be ready for harvest as the weather cools down in the fall – the warmth of the summer is when they germinate and grow, and the start of the cooler weather makes them “flower”.
  5. Herbs- herbs are the spice of life, and fresh ones can take your dinner to that next level. Pesto lovers of the Pacific Northwest know that you can get a basil to grow in a pot just about anywhere it will get a day’s full of sun and heat.  But, if you are sun challenged then find and plant the varieties that will be okay with some shade.  Herbs are generally sun loving plants, however, chive, oregano, parsley, cilantro and leeks will do fine with some shade during the day.

Special Tip: Drip line irrigation (which can ensure you don’t forget a watering!) installation should be done before any soil is put into the containers.


Box of Rain Landscape on HelpHive

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Summer Heat & Pollen Won’t be a Problem This Year at This House

June 22nd, 2009

It may not be June 21 yet but Summer is definitely here! A friend recently wrote me extolling the heat pump they installed last summer as doing the job of temperature control better than expected as we experience record dry weather and more than a hint of the heat to come. They’re looking forward to a hot summer – and a cool house. The reduction in fuel bills is a benefit as well. Their two regrets are that they didn’t get the heat pump until August last year (miserable July, great September) and that they missed the tax credit offered this year for the same unit. “Minor regrets true, but I’m glad for the comfort in our home these days as our hybrid system now delivers great temperature control and amazingly clean air as well.”

How is the Air in the House Cleaner You Ask?

Well, they had an EAC (electronic air cleaner) installed on the furnace when the heat pump was put in and the airsneeze quality and reduction of pollen and dust in the house is a terrific benefit. Like many people, my friends have allergic reactions to pollen, bacteria and dust mites. Allergies including hay fever and asthma affect 41 million Americans or about one out of six people. This month here in the Pacific Northwest many are being affected by tree pollen, including maples, alders and the cottonwood cotton floating through the air like snow, reminding us to keep allergy meds stocked up. It’s a blessing to have a set of filters capturing the bulk of the pollen and dust in the house and providing a much healthier indoor breathing experience. The Honeywell EAC is “an advanced and easy-to-use, whole-house solution that traps and filters up to 98% of pollutants from the air passing through your heating and cooling system. This advanced air cleaner captures microscopic impurities like dust, smoke and smog particles in addition to larger particles like mold spores and cat dander. It works by placing an electric charge on airborne particles, and then collecting the charged pollutants like a magnet.  Plus, you can say goodbye to monthly filter replacements by simply washing the air cleaner cells in your dishwasher or sink.”That was the sales pitch, and they are sure glad the HVAC company suggested it to them. My friend gladly admits to being part of the 81% of people using EACs who say they have found “significant” relief from having cleaner air in the home. The unit wasn’t expensive and the filters are easy to clean, they were advised to simply run them through the dishwasher.

How do I Clean My Electronic Air Cleaner Filter Cells?

The EAC filters are two large metal boxes (cells) that come out of the front of the unit and have handles to carry them like a couple of brief cases. The toughest part of getting them out is climbing the ladder to reach them (theirs is installed about 3 feet above the furnace, yours will depend on your system needs).They are multilevels of honeycombed filtering metal sheets and are washed down with hot water in the laundry room sink then run through the dishwasher all by themselves about once every 3 months – a bit more often now in the pollen season. HoneywHoneywell EAC unitell recommends consulting the manufacturer of your dishwasher before you attempt to wash the electronic cells – always a good idea. The only recommended washing methods for Electronic Air Cleaner cells are with soaps that are safe for use on aluminum, such as automatic dishwasher detergents. Set four mugs or glasses upside-down to rest the cells on top of. This protects the cells from the dishwasher spikes that may break ionizing wires, and bend collector plates. Never allow the cells to go through the drying cycle. This will “bake on” any materials that were not removed during the wash cycle, my friend says she opens the dishwasher door after the wash and lets them air dry on the racks. If you don’t let them air dry then be careful when removing cells after washing, the cells may be hot, and sharp edges may cause cuts. After washing the cells, take a clean cloth and gently wipe down the ionizing wires. Then slide them back into the EAC unit.

Many folks say their filter cells come out of the EAC nearly black with dust, pollen and other pollutants and go back in sparkling clean, ready to keep the air in their home cleaner and purer no matter what is floating in the atmosphere outside. Of course having the entire heating system kept cleaner and in better working order by having less dust and gunk in the works is a great benefit as well – and not one to be sneezed at.


Americas Best Heating & AC on HelpHive

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CONSUMER ALERT: Beware of Seattle locksmith scammers

By Dave
June 19th, 2009

KOMO4 News reported 2 years ago about an active locksmith scam in the Seattle area.  We checked it out and the locksmith scam is still active!

A Bronx, NY company called Dependable Lock operates under the brands Always Ready Locksmith and Quick Locksmith in the Seattle area.  They operate in many other USA cities under various names.

Here’s what BBB has to say about them:

  • “The company is part of a nationwide locksmith swindle that’s ripping off consumers across the country.”
  • “These guys operate everywhere … And they’ve made their business model out of taking advantage of people who are locked out of their house and their car.”
  • “You’re quoted a reasonable price, but when the locksmith arrives, he actually charges two, three, even four times more than what you were quoted.”

When you search for “Always Ready Locksmith Seattle” on Google, Google Local shows them as having local presence and 206 and 425 phone numbers.

always-ready-locksmith-seattle-google-search

The scam is still operating!

I tried calling both the 206 and 425 numbers and the phone after an automated phone IVR tree, it was answered by a person providing a generic “locksmith” name … not “Always Ready Locksmith”.  The scam continues!

When you search in Yellow Pages sites…

Scam posted publicly on HelpHive

HelpHive has chosen to list these business AND to clearly report them as scammers to warn consumers:

Please let us know of any other locksmith of other home services scammers in the Seattle area.


Dave on HelpHive

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New backyard deck building tips

June 16th, 2009

deckAn outdoor deck can greatly expand the usefulness of your yard.  BBQs, outdoor parties, and family lounging are all easier when you have a place to be.

What do I need to know first?

You might start by learning approximate price ranges for projects of differing size and complexity that you might consider doing. Some surveys find that many homeowners gut feel for the cost of a deck are about one third of actual costs!

Two things contribute to this discrepancy:

  • Lumber Yard “Photo” Pricing. Most lumber yards and box stores advertise decking by picturing something like a 14′ x 20′ or larger deck with many custom features while superimposing a price like $429. In smaller print is “8 x 10.” For the price they are usually supplying less than the lumber necessary for an adequately designed support structure,  combined with top deck boards. No railing, seats, steps, planters or  trim are included, though the picture suggests otherwise. Of course labor is not included. The unfortunate result can be that a price gets put into a consumer’s head that may be 10% of the cost of the installed deck they actually want.
  • Deck building skills. Many people, it seems, assumes that they could actually build their own deck, just like a pro. By inference the work involved is assumed to be of low value. Some homeowners do a phenomenal job, while others are blissfully unaware that they have created an aesthetic and structural tragedy.

After having a reasonable idea of costs how should I begin?

  • Deck Size. Determine a size that considers both your space needs and integration with the overall size of your yard. Do you need room for a BBQ? A table and chairs set? What about separate lounging furniture? Size will be balanced with cost but you don’t want to build a deck too small for your intended use.
  • Deck Yard Fit. Consider the terrain of your yard. If very sloped, you may need to think of your yard in sections pertaining to different levels. Try to get your deck down into your yard as much as possible. Those who build a deck at house floor level, that also is considerably above most of their yard, will rarely use their yard. Sometimes a number of steps down to a small mid-level deck and then more steps to a yard level deck mitigates the problem.
  • Deck Railings. Note that decks 18″ or higher may require a railing and some are uncomfortable with a 12″ to 18″ deck without a step. National code requires that no larger than a 4″ ball can pass through any part of the railing structure.
  • Deck Design Elements. Think through options of multiple deck levels, stairs, rails, benchs–anything that might enhance your outdoor experience.

What deck materials should I use?

  • Key Deck Cost Factors. The two factors affecting deck costs are the amount of features or complexity in the deck and your material choices. With a deck of any complexity, hiring a recommended professional local deck builder can save you money.
  • Deck Strength. Joist and structural  materials are usually determined by meeting or preferably exceeding your local code. A carpenter who doesn’t know how to find a span chart for joist sizing isn’t a carpenter. If the deck is high and/or there is any chance of excessive weight on it you should exceed code by a good margin. Conversely, a small deck very close to the ground can be built sparingly with a view toward replacing it when needed.
  • Deck Surface Materials. Natural woods, such as cedar or redwood are less expensive than composites. Though much beloved in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, they often now look unclean, less “together”, and are not the best choice for many homes. Though many love the warmth of real wood they don’t seem to remember it having so many knots, splits and wane! Composites look much cleaner and should stay looking sharp for a long time. A few companies have had some problems, so research is advised. Materials with a higher percentage of plastic shrink and swell with temperature changes, affecting installation methods.  Recently a friend was considering the $50 price tag (plus tax) for a 16′ 2 x 6 composite board and decided instead to put his joists closer together and use a 1 x 4 cedar that was half the price on a square foot basis. This choice involves a future in staining and sealing upkeep!
  • Deck Railings. Traditional railing involves 2 x 2 “balusters” attached to  2 x 4 rails attached to 4 x 4 posts. Some create a more contemporary look by combining purchased painted steel railings with 4 x 4 posts. If you have a priceless view you may consider systems using clear glass panels. An inexpensive and rustically charming look is a series of horizontal 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 rails. If the deck is high consider that this may look like a ladder to a child.

A good deck should be well designed to meet the functional needs of the users, be aesthetically pleasing, and be soundly built to last a very long time.   Decks are expensive and rightly so–there is a lot that goes into one of value.  Finding a local recommended carpenter who specializes in decks is a great way to get a quality deck which will give you many years of outdoor living enjoyment.


JR Mathwig Builders on HelpHive

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Getting help installing things in your home

June 12th, 2009

windowinstall
Everyone needs help from time to time with installing something … because you don’t have the expertise, the tools, it’s too heavy, you don’t have time, you don’t want to get dirty, it’s too dangerous or you just would prefer to have it done right!

Specialized Contractors or Installation Specialists?

Installation services overlap with a wide range of trades and services but addresses specific installation of products purchased by you.  If you are changing out all of your home’s windows for some more beautiful and energy efficient you would normally hire a recommended windows contractor.  But what if you want to put in one garden window in place of your kitchen window? If all the contractors you can find are tied up in larger projects, using the installation services arranged through the store at which you found the window might be your best bet or you can find recommended home installation specialists.

Most contractors operate with a minimum job size in mind whether an official policy or not. They often beat the prices of store installation services on large projects, such as a house of windows, but are usually more expensive on a single window. Installation services can be more efficient on specific or unusual projects that don’t come up that often for a contractor. Some local handyman services can also do many of these projects for less.

What services might I expect to be available?

All those done by any professional trade down through general handyman services down to the smallest imaginable installation need. Some are:

  • Windows. A good installation will be weather tight and maximize energy efficiency. Time is taken to stuff insulation in little cracks. The opening is sealed with caulking before window is put in; the window is embedded in caulking, and it is caulked before and after trim.
  • Dishwasher. If you have no other plumbing needs an installation service may beat a general plumber on a single item.
  • Window blinds. You know what your complete price is going in.
  • Shelving. Not everything works out well as a DIY project.
  • Outdoor storage building. When finished you will have a level, square, properly installed structure. Store bought sheds are not as strong as those made by a carpenter, but are usually quite a bit less expensive even with the cost of installation.
  • Outdoor play equipment. From swing sets to park-like play structures you will want them installed safely and securely.
  • Cabinets. Small projects that aren’t part of a large remodel may need just some quick expert installation.
  • Lighting. Charges are usually per light, with more for large fixtures, recessed, or track lighting.

Installation is also available for Flooring, Doors, Decking, Fencing, Appliances, Showers, Vanities, Countertops, and on and on.

Great for smaller projects and things you want done quickly

Installation services might not be best for larger projects, or if you have a working relationship with a contractor. There are many projects in which you  might get better service and a decent price. When you consider the timing of your project and ease of process installation services can become a bright idea. Check out some recommended local home installation specialists for your next creative idea.


JR Mathwig Builders on HelpHive

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When to prune flowering shrubs and evergreens

June 9th, 2009
Spring Blooming Rhododendrons

Spring Blooming Rhododendrons

Spring pruning can be some of the most important pruning done in the  garden and as the end of Spring approaches your window to do your Spring pruning is wide open!

Pruning Early Spring Bloomers

For plants such as azalea, rhododendron, camellia and forsythia their Spring show is over and their bloom is fading fast.  Pruning soon after the blooms have completely fallen off is a great way to ensure a good looking plant for the rest of the Summer, and good blooms for the next Spring.

These kinds of plants flower on the previous seasons growth and should be pruned after flowering to allow new wood to grow and that wood have time to produce flower buds for the following year, so  your timing is crucial depending on how long your growing season is.  And if you get them all done early in the BBQ season you can relax all the way till next Spring as far as these plants are concerned!

Pruning Evergreens

pinching the "candles" from a Mugo Pine

pinching the "candles" from a Mugo Pine

Late Spring is also the perfect time to prune the “narrow leaved” members of the evergreen family such as pine, spruce and fir.  These are the kind of evergreens that create a new upright burst of growth from the tips of their branches in Spring called a “candle”.  To restrict the size of these plants you simply remove one half to two thirds of the candles as they produce.  The candles reach full size with in a few weeks of appearing and should be pruned before they “set” for the year. You can also remove unwanted,  broken or dead branches at this time. Timing is important for evergreens because of the timing of their sap runs and you never want to prune when the sap is running on any plant.

Post Pruning

Once the pruning is done, and depending on the weather it is always good to give the plant a big drink of water – think of it as a ‘post-operative’ necessity. You do not want to fertilize after pruning as this will encourage too much of the wrong kind of growth….wait until the fall to fertilize with a basic organic fertilizer and follow the directions on the package exactly.

Since a lot of these kinds of plants can get very large it is important to have them pruned well for the best health and vigor of the plant, and they will pay you back twofold with their particuar brand of beauty!

You can do this pruning yourself or hire a local recommended pruning expert to help you out.


Box of Rain Landscape on HelpHive

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Taking Care of Your Piano

June 5th, 2009

pianoIf you are a professional musician you already know how to take care of your instrument. Perhaps instead you have a piano you play ocassionally or you bought or were given one that ends up more of a piece of furniture. Pianos are complex machines and beautifully crafted pieces of art in one. As to complexity a full grand piano  has over 12,000 parts, 10,000 of them moving. The craftsmanship combines as much as a dozen species of wood in a single piano. Pianos, made mostly of wood, have many pieces that can change slightly in shape and size due to temperature and humidity. To be kept in prime condition and to look and play at their full potential they must be regularly cared for.

What is involved in the care and upkeep of a piano? What services are available for my piano?

With all services, deciding what an appropriate level of commitment or responsibility is, will be important. Top care is ideal for all pianos, but especially suited to pianos worth a few thousand or more. Folks owning $700 pianos will want to adjust accordingly. Expert local piano service companies can provide:

  • Tuning. A well tuned piano invites play but also keeps tensions in balance. Professional recommendations are for twice per year. Basic tuning means being in tune relative to itself. Ideal tuning is to concert pitch in which A is set to 440 cycles per second. Regular tuning will move a piano which is  off of A 440, slowly toward its mark so as not to damage the piano.
  • Regulation. Regulation involves aligning the movement from keys to actions to strings. It is ideal to check and perform regulation service along with tunings rather than reserving it for a once-in-a-long-while activity. As with other components, temperature, humidity, and playing affect actions and they need to be attended to.
  • Voicing. The tonal quality of the piano is affected by the hardness of the felts. Your preferences for bright, medium, or soft come into play here. Technicians have many techniques with which to adjust for these.
  • uprightactionRestoration and Rebuilding. Any number of the wooden piano parts can become broken or damaged and these must be expertly repaired. Metal and other parts can wear out. For perspective, there is eighteen tons of pressure across the strings of a piano; closer to thirty tons on a grand. This is the opposite end of the universe from the DIYer.
  • Refinishing. The nicer the piano the more important it is to use a professional with ample experience with pianos and fine furniture. Less valuable works might come under the realm of the carpenter, painter, or DIYer. I once owned a piano with a colorful history, over a century old, but whose exterior was of veneer wood. It had a solid cast brass sound board. It was interesting, very heavy, and worth very little! Low end pianos are open season for your own artistic whims.
  • Appraisals. The voice of a professional here is worth more than your friends.
  • Moving. Maybe it is okay to move an inexpensive piano with two guys and a truck, but you will likely have to get it tuned. Professional piano movers know their craft and should be used with pianos of value. Real movers secure internal moving parts without damaging them.
  • Storage. Piano storage is tricky. A number of storage companies offer “heated storage.” This still results in a variance from the thermostat setting of around 60 degrees to as hot as it gets in summer. They may have an insulated building and attic space which helps, but not AC. Piano storage worthy of the name will have temperature stabilized within 15 or at most 20 degrees and fairly stable humidity.

Pianos are ubiquitous. Some are not worth much and you can guide their journey as you please. Others are invaluable. Most deserve to be treated with respect.

Find a recommended local expert piano service technician near you


JR Mathwig Builders on HelpHive

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