Do Homework Before Hiring A Housekeeper

For most homeowners hiring a maid service is a luxury. If you decide it's worth the splurge, do some homework before you hire so you don't wind up in a nightmare situation with someone who has access to your home.  First, decide what you want from a housekeeper or maid service. You might expect someone to clean your windows, inside and out, every month, and to vacuum under the bed and couches.  You might want your housekeeper to move your books and knickknacks for dusting, and put them back as  before.  Or you might need help with the laundry and ironing, changing the sheets or sweeping the porches and driveway.

Chances are those services aren't part of the standard package that includes a good cleaning of the kitchen, bathrooms, floors and furniture. Some services might agree to do your special jobs for an extra fee, and some might not offer them at all. So the more specific you are about what you want before you choose a maid, the better the chance that you'll get what you want.

Next, search for reputable, trustworthy service that has been in business a while and that comes highly recommended by friends, family or neighbors. If you go with the company, choose one that does background checks on its employees, has insurance, bonds its housekeepers and has a valid local business license.  Ask what the company's insurance covers: theft; accidental damage to your possessions; rekeying in case the maid loses her house keys; flooding caused by a housekeeper who forgets to turn off a faucet; on-the-job accidents? 

Third, talk about price. Ask neighbors with same size homes how much they pay so you'll have a benchmark.  But don't be surprised if your price fluctuates with the frequency of your service (you'll probably pay less per visit for weekly service than if you have someone come just once a month) or because your family is larger than your neighbors or because you have pets. 

Then, ask for and check references. Start with the Better Business Bureau to learn if any homeowners have filed complaints about the services you are considering. Call customers to ask if they have any complaints, if the maids are reliable and thorough and if they would recommend the service to others. Once you've narrowed down your selection to a couple, dig a little deeper. Some questions to ask:

• Will the maids bring their own vacuum cleaners, dusters and cleaning products, or use yours?
• Does the service use echo friendly cleaning supplies, or harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia? Are the products safe for children and pets?
• What is the procedure if you have a complaint? How does the company resolve problems between homeowners and housekeepers?
• How will the company ensure you're getting high quality service? Will the manager inspect your home after it is been cleaned?
• Will the service honor your request to send the same maids every time-or to stop sending someone you don't like? If you're not comfortable with someone who comes to your home, you should have the right to ask for someone else.

Finally, write it all down. If you decide to work with a housecleaning service, the company will draw up a contract that covers your agreement. If you hire an individual, it's a good idea for you to write a contract on your own for the two of you to sign. Hiring a housekeeper is just the beginning of your relationship with the stranger who'll have the run of your house-possibly while you're not at home. 

Once you settle on a service or an individual, arranged to spend most of your housekeeper's first visit talking instead of cleaning.  Explain your expectations, show them maid around, set ground rules about off-limits rooms, point out which fragile items she should handle with care.  Make it clear whether it's okay for her to talk on the phone, turn on the TV or stereo, or bring a helper or even her children to your house during her shift.  Talk often. If you're not happy with something your housekeeper does, say so. And allow her to approach you with suggestions or questions.

Many homeowners employ their housekeeper for years. Hire thoughtfully and treat your employees fairly and with respect, and you may never have to repeat the process-because you will be working with a keeper.

To order your copy of Remodeling Hell and to download your FREE Salvation Guide, please CLICK HERE.


*Article written by Rosie Romero for The Arizona Republic

10 Steps to Make an Attic Suitable for Storage

No matter how small your attic is, there's probably room for storage. The problem is the space may not be in any shape to preserve items left there for any length of time.  Here are 10 things to consider if you want to convert your attic into a storage room.

1. How clean is it? Odds are it is the filthiest spot in the house. Pull on a sturdy pair of work gloves and give your attic a thorough cleaning, from ceiling to floors. Scrub away all dust, dirt, grime, mildew and mold. The cleaner your attic is, the safer it will keep your stored possessions.
2. Does it have bugs? Search for bugs, rodents and other critters-dead or alive.  If you spot anything, call an exterminator to treat the attic. You won't want anything nibbling on the holiday decorations or spare linens you place in your new space.
3. How hot is it? Answer: Extremely, particularly in 100° temperatures.  If you store collectibles or keepsakes, know that the heat can warp, discolor and even destroy them. You might need to add ventilation to help cool the space.
4. Is there light?  Most attics have a single bulb or no light at all. Call an electrician to tap into that single bulb and run enough lighting to rid the attic of shadows.
5. Can you move around safely? Beware of protruding roofing nails. And take care where the ceiling slopes and the exposed frame is just waiting to bang your head.
6. How sturdy is the floor? Your attic might have a plywood floor or no floor at all.  Be sure to install a sturdy floor, particularly if you want to store books, stacks of magazines and other heavy items.  The last thing you want is for your possessions to crash through the ceiling.
7. What will you store? You may want to invest in storage bins to protect your most cherished possessions.
8. How much space do you have?  Most attics are shallow and narrow. Consider every nook and cranny as a potential storage area. Build shelves, if you can, to add layers. Be sure not to block vents because airflow is vital to keeping the attic relatively cool.
9. Does the roof leak? Check for water stains, wet spots and mildew. Have a leaky roof repaired before you place anything in your attic.
10. Is it easy to get into? Once your attic is clean, organized and full of your stuff, inspect it regularly to check your items for damage.  Keep a stool or a ladder nearby for easy access.

For your copy of Remodeling Hell and your FREE Salvation Guide CLICK HERE!

*Article written by Rosie Romero for The Arizona Republic

Tips to Avert Roofing Scam

In the friendly guy who's knocking on your door offering to fix the hail damage on your roof might not have your best interests at heart.

Reputable roofing contractors are so busy these days that they don't have time to go from door to door looking for work.  In fact, even if they were busy, they wouldn't do that.
Professional local roofing contractors make appointments with their customers-and those appointments are initiated by you, the homeowner.  They will send to your house someone wearing a logo shirt and driving a truck with the same logo on it and with Arizona license tags.

The roofer will climb up on the roof and survey the damage, come down and give you a written estimate or send you one shortly.  Then, you can call the company and make an appointment to have the work done. Those guys knocking at your door are called storm chasers-or travelers or gypsies. They're usually from out of state and make their living by driving from state to state, depending on which one has had a big storm lately. They might offer you a whiz bang deal on labor and materials, or say they have left over materials from another job and can sell them to you at a cut rate price. They'll probably put a little pressure on you to let them do the job right then. And they almost certainly will ask for at least part of their money up front to buy supplies.

Practice patience
My advice: Wait for your regular contractor, even if you have to wait for a couple months.  Unless your roof is leaking, any hail damage won't cause any problems in the meantime.  You do need to have that roof repaired; if you don't, you could void your warranty and your roof could deteriorate more quickly than a healthy roof would.  But you don't have to do it today-no matter what that guy at your door tells you. Not every storm juicer is a scam artist, but some are.

Warning signals
Here are a few typical ruses and some advice.  One guy I know you said a so called roofer climbed up on his roof and came down with a photo of some severely damaged shingles and a hard sell for repair work.  Problem was the photo wasn't one of my friends roof.  He's been up there enough times to know where everything is, so he recognized the fraud. 

They'll tell you there is damage when there isn't. Rhonda LaNue, who co-owns Lyons Roofing in Phoenix, has this advice: if you see roofers working on a lot of your neighbors' homes-they usually post a sign in the front yard showing the name of the company they work for- chances are good that your roof has been hit. If no other nearby roofs suffered damage during the storm, be suspicious when anyone says yours did.

Shop local
Check out the license plate on the truck the guys driving. If it's from out-of-state, turn him away.  If the sign on his truck is magnetic and removable, turn him away.  When you have your roof repaired in the spring, there's no way for you to know if there's a problem with the work until it rains again-and that might be July.  If your roof springs a leak in July, that out-of-state storm chaser is going to be long gone, and you'll have to pay someone else to fix your leak.  Use a local company that guarantees its work and that you can call back for a touch-up if you need one.

Common cons
Don't let anyone convince you to agree to an inflated price with the promise that the contractor will overbill your insurance company to get enough money back to reimburse you for your deductible.  That's insurance fraud.  Some will offer to pay you $1000 to let them put a sign in your front yard, and then try to get your insurance company to cover that fee.  Insurance companies will not pay an outrageous price for the work.

Say no to anyone who pressures you into having the work done immediately or paying up front.  Take a day or so to think about it. Ask two other contractors to come evaluate your problem so you can compare bids.  That will clue you in if one estimate is unreasonably low.

No advances
Schedule the work for a time that's convenient. And schedule payments, not paying up front. Reputable companies don't need any seed money to buy supplies. Instead, pay in increments as the work is completed.  Refuse to work with any contractor who is not licensed by the state Registrar of Contractors.  You're breaking the law if you pay an unlicensed contractor more than $1000.  If the guy skips town with your money, you won't have any way to recoup from the state's recovery funds, which covers only licensed local contractors.

Patience pays
Expect to wait two months or more for an appointment with a quality, local roofing company to repair your non-emergency hail damage. It's worth the wait to get someone you can trust and who has insurance, a license and bonded employees.


To order your copy of Remodeling Hell and to download your free Salvation Guide CLICK HERE!

*Article written by Rosie Romero for The Arizona Republic

Tips on Finding the Right Contractor

The interior design of a space is more than just finding the right rug or color paint. It's also about the overall aesthetic of the room, which is why many people opt to hire a professional contractor when remodeling. A contractor is typically a person who manages the entire project, bringing in a crew to complete the work, or perhaps even doing much of the work alone. Here are a few tips and tricks for finding the right contractor for your home remodeling project.

Look for Specialties

Depending on what type of remodeling you're doing, you may want to look for a contractor who specializes in your type of remodel. For example, if you're looking to remodel your kitchen, you'll want to work with someone who specializes in kitchen designs, or has plenty of experience with kitchen remodels. The same goes if you are looking to remodel existing bathroom designs or perhaps the exterior of your home. You want someone who specializes in and has extensive knowledge of that particular project.

Ask Questions

A contractor is not necessarily a "cover-all." In some instances, you'll need to hire additional help such as an architect or an interior designer. Then, these two people will work on the designs of these different spaces, whether it be a bedroom design, kitchen design, bathroom design or even game room designs. Upon your approval of said design, work together with the contractor to turn the space from a vision into a reality.

That being said, it's important to ask questions. Inquire if additional designers are needed to create the space. Ask what types of brands or cabinetry will be used in any space. Don't be afraid to ask for a portfolio of work, as a picture is worth a thousand words! Finally, and perhaps most importantly, ask for references to see if past customers were satisfied with the work.

Work Together

It is also worthwhile to note that you need to work together with your contractor to get the room of your dreams, whether it's kitchen designs or bathroom designs, or any other space in the home. You are not giving your contractor free-range to remodel as they see fit. They're there to create a space that you'll love, so you need to have your say in the space!

You should have an input in everything from the materials used in the home, to colors, styles, designs, patterns, textures, cabinetry, appliances and so forth. If you're not happy with an item or a look, it shouldn't go in!

However, if you wait until the item has already gone in before saying you're unhappy, don't be surprised when you're still charged for it. This is especially true for kitchen designs or bathroom designs, which tend to be the most costly of all remodels.

That being said, try to avoid last minute changes in the space: this includes kitchen designs, living room designs and other schemes. This costs the contractor not only time, but also money. Don't expect your contractor to be financially responsible for your choices. If you choose white subway tile and then decide it's not for you once it's installed, you are responsible for covering the costs of replacing it. Therefore, be absolutely sure of your choices!

Remodeling can help you achieve the look of your dreams. However, there are certain things you should do when looking to hire a contractor, such as asking questions, contacting references, and so forth.

To order your copy of REMODELING HELL and to download your FREE Salvation Guide, please CLICK HERE!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6761151

Kitchen Trends for 2012: Old World out, Simplicity in

FaceYourKitchen.com has compiled a list of kitchen designs predicted to be the biggest trends of 2012.

FaceYourKitchen.com, a website dedicated to kitchen remodeling and cabinet refacing, released a new article today, which features the newest kitchen trends for the upcoming year. Kitchens are where family and friends come to cook, eat and socialize and “2012 Kitchen Design Trends,” offers expert predictions on where kitchen design is headed and which materials will continue to be in vogue.

Home design experts predict that 2012 is going to be an exciting year for kitchen design because homeowners want more creativity in their homes and are becoming more thoughtful in their decision-making. To begin a kitchen overhaul, homeowners shouldn’t be afraid to dispose of anything from the last two decades, especially Old World kitchen styles with heavy molding. Instead, FaceYourKitchen.com suggests that homeowners embrace new materials, like counter tops made out of quartz, glass and wood, which can vary in style, shape and color.

“It’s interesting to see just how much kitchen styles have evolved over the years,” said Patricia Davis Brown, award-winning designer and FaceYourKitchen.com contributor. “As we move into 2012, the overall trend is to keep it simple, energy-efficient, and comfort-oriented. De-clutter, go natural, lighten up and make it work for you and your household.”

"Green design" will also become a standard request this year. Designers recommend homeowners choose to use energy efficient items like compact fluorescent bulbs because they use two-thirds less energy than those who do not. For those who do decide to “go green” FaceYourKitchen.com suggests working with a professional lighting designer, who can help introduce modern technology fixtures and more energy saving items.

“When it is time to revamp the kitchen work space, FaceYourKitchen.com has everything needed to guide homeowners during the process from design ideas, cabinet styles and colors, countertops and contractors to hire,” said Brown.

To download your FREE home remodeling Salvation Guide, and to order your copy of REMODELING HELL, CLICK HERE.

*Article from PRWeb.com

A Place To Lay Your Head

SOFT OF FIRM; feather, foam, or down:  How do you choose the best pillow?  If you wake up with a sore neck and back, if your pillow is so that you have to bend it, if your last pillow came from the bargain bin, you may need a new pillow.

First, the job of a pillow is to support your head, neck and back, pillow experts say.  A better pillow can mean a better night's sleep.  You can spend $5, $100, or in between.  A good pillow might last for up to 20 years, while a less expensive pillow may need to be replaced after three years.  Keep in mind, you're investing not only in a good night's sleep, but also in your health, as national studies have linked poor sleep to a variety of health issues.

A proper pillow isn't always the largest one on the shelf.  "The average consumer views bigger as better," says Beth Mack, chief merchandising officer for Hollander Home Fashions in Boca Ratton, Florida.  "A pillow can be very large and fluffy and not be correct for the type of sleeper you are."

How you sleep helps determine the best pillow.  About 70 percent of people sleep on their sides, 20 percent are primarily back sleepers, and 10 percent are stomach sleepers, says Mack. 

A side sleeper requires the most support and an extra-firm pillow, while a back sleeper can go for a medium-firm to firm pillow and a stomach sleeper might opt for a medium-density, flatter pillow, she says.  Since more people are side sleepers, a firm pillow is a good choice for a guest room, she adds. 

"If you talk to people, you'll hear them say, I bend my pillow in half to double it up," Mack says.  "They're so used to buying a pillow and bending it, but the truth is the pillow is not providing enough support." 

If you have allergies, you'll want to get a hypo-allergenic pillow.  While all synthetic fills are allergen free, you can also get down and feather pillows rated hypoallergenic.  Linda Howard, vice president of sales for Pacific Coast Feather, notes, "There are a lot of consumers who feel they are allergic to down and feathers when in fact they are allergic to improperly washed down and feathers."

A memory foam pillow will mold itself to the contours of  your body.  Open-cell memory foam pillows are designed to keep air flowing.  "A lot of people, as they're sleeping, find their pillow gets hot," says Maria Sigmond, director of product development for Sleep Innovations in West Long Branch, New Jersey.  "We get great feedback from our customers that they don't feel hot on open-cell memory foam pillows."

Taking care of your pillow is important to extend its life span, Howard says.  "You definitely want to protect it from oils and dirt," she adds.  To wash or not to wash?  Check the tag.  In most cases, a pillow that can withstand washing is higher quality, Howard says"  "The stitching will be more durable.  The fill will be good so it can withstand washing."  Due to the material it is made from, memory foam cannot be washed," Sigmond notes. 

Whether or not your pillow is washable, you can extend its life with zippered pillow protectors in addition to pillowcases. 

Take time when buying your pillow, Sigmond says: "People's tastes in pillows vary greatly- it's a very personal decision."

To order your copy of REMODELING HELL, CLICK HERE!

*Article from the Costco Connection

Bathroom Makeover

If you're in the mood to be creative design-wise, there's no better room than the bathroom.

If you feel like unleashing your creative potential this weekend, point your palette toward the bathroom. It's the room where you can finish a project in a weekend and still have money left over to get takeout while you're waiting for the paint or polyurethane to dry.

"The beauty of a bathroom is that it's small," says Gary Foreman, publisher of The Dollar Stretcher. "So if you've never sponge painted before, you can try it for an hour or two and if don't like it, what have you wasted? You can paint over it the next day. If you're in the mood to be creative design-wise, there's no better room than the bathroom."

Give your bath a custom look with paintable wallpaper.

Fun Looks Under $100
If you like the look of old fashioned tin ceilings, then you'll love the Norwall Traditional Ceiling Tile Paintable Wallpaper $12 for 56 sq. ft. roll at Lowe's). "It's a textured wallpaper that looks like embossed white plaster," says designer Audra Kennedy, of Audra Kennedy Designs in Huntsville, Ala.
Kennedy helped a friend apply it under the chair rail of a bathroom in an 80-year-old house. "We painted it and created this beautiful wainscoting. It looks fantastic and we put the wallpaper up in one morning."

Paint and regular wallpaper (make sure it's pre-pasted) can also dramatically change the look of a bathroom, says Kennedy. She put up grey diamond patterned wallpaper with a white background in a bathroom that had dark aqua tiles on the floor and shower. In 1970s houses with outlandish tile colors, "You need to do something interesting on the walls to draw the eye up," says Kennedy.
When painting the walls of your bathroom, use bold, deep colors, suggests Kathy Wilson, editor of thebudgetdecorator.com. "Carry color onto the ceiling to keep it from looking broken up," says Wilson.

Tired of your vinyl flooring? Paint it! Make sure to prime it first with a specialty primer and then consider creating a tile pattern or using stencils for a border. Follow with four to six coats of polyurethane, which essentially serves as a coat of plastic. Here's another creative, and really economical, idea from Kathy Wilson: tear off irregular size pieces from brown paper bags, glue them to the floor and top with four to six coats of polyurethane. "It looks like leather or stone," says Wilson. "You can also stain it different colors."

Need artwork? Many designers suggest framing prints (from books, magazines or garden catalogs) that won't ruin your budget if they get damp. In a children's bathroom, hang kids' artwork. Another great place to look for framed prints, including ones with a bathroom theme, is art.com.

In a bathroom, artwork can also be practical. For a wide selection of machine washable, whimsical hand-painted canvas shower curtains, many of which are under $100, go to www.showercurtainart.com.

Go Custom
Custom-made shower curtains by designers can cost more than $250, but if you pick out the fabric yourself, take your own measurements and hire a local seamstress to do the hemming, you can save a lot of money, says Kennedy.

Give your bathroom some texture by adding bead-board or wainscoting to one or all of the walls. The price will vary depending on how many tools you already own, says Kennedy. You can buy primed bead-board at Lowe's, which also offers instructions for installation.

Pick out a matching bathroom rug and shower curtain to brighten up your bathroom. Here's one site with fabulous designs: www.vitafutura.com.

Big Updates, Small Price Tag
Choose a striking cotton or polyester fabric and get a custom-made shower curtain (about $250 for labor and fabric) and a matching valance (about $100). Keep in mind, says Kathy Iven, of Fabric Farms Interiors in Hilliard, Ohio, indoor-outdoor fabrics are becoming much more stylish and they won't attract mold or mildew. (See www.calicocorners.com or www.fabricfarms.com for great selections). Spend whatever you have left on beautiful hardware.

If you're tired of your vanity counter top but can't afford to replace it, consider resurfacing the top. Granitclad has half the thickness of a granite bathroom counter top and a fiberglass backing so it can flex without cracking. Find a fabricator to come in, measure your counter top, and cut out a replacement that goes directly over the old top. It costs about $45 per sq. ft. so a three foot long vanity could be resurfaced for $300. For more information, go to www.granitclad.com.

Even if you've only got one weekend's worth of time and a small amount of money, you can turn your bathroom into a stand-out room by Sunday night.

*article from HGTV