Contractor Tips Blog

Aug
28

Home Security Myths Everyone Should Know About

Posted in Home Security

Myths can be dangerous, especially when they affect the security of your home and loved ones.

Therefore, please take a few moments to discover five of the most dangerous myths that can put you, your family, and your home at risk for burglary.

HOME SECURITY MYTH #1 – My home is safer because crime rates have decreased

Fact: Despite the nation’s crime rates dropping over the last 10 to 20 years, many areas and neighborhoods have unfortunately experienced a significant increase in home burglaries.  And, the typical value of goods stolen from homes has almost doubled from 1994.

HOME SECURITY MYTH #2 – My home in the suburbs is safer because there are fewer criminals here

Fact: The reality is that most home burglaries are committed by a person who generally lives within 1 to 2 miles of your home.

HOME SECURITY MYTH #3 – My jewelry is secured in a safe, so I have nothing to worry about

Fact: Today, robbers aren’t just looking for jewelry. Electronic devices, computers, and home appliances are often targeted by burglars. Furthermore, most burglars seek to steal items that are easy to conceal, such as iPhones, iPads, etc.

HOME SECURITY MYTH #4 – I’m home during the evening and night, so I don’t have to worry about burglars

Fact: Burglars are smarter than you think. While you’d think burglars will only target your home during the night (when it’s dark), burglars take advantage of daylight hours when the family is away from home, typically between 10 AM and 3PM.

HOME SECURITY MYTH #5 – If my home was burglarized while I’m here, then I can respond fast enough to stop it

Fact: The fact is that most burglars are in and out of your home in about 9 to 10 minutes. Therefore, it’s best to have a home security system with monitoring that alerts the local police upon the burglar’s entry.

 

Aug
28

Keeping Your Home Safe While Away on Vacation

Posted in Home Security

Taking a vacation requires more than simply remembering to pack everything in your suitcases. It’s also important to make sure that your home is secure while you’re gone. In the thrill of the moment, with thoughts of enjoying your time away, it’s quite easy to forget something as simple as locking your doors. 

While a home alarm system is perhaps the best way to protect your home, you can do the following to further ensure your home isn’t burglarized. After all, there’s no worse way to ruin a vacation than returning to find your home has been burglarized.

INDOOR LIGHT TIMERS

Using indoor light timers gives your home the appearance of being occupied. 

There have been major improvements with indoor light timers. Modern timers are digital and provide you the option of varying the times when particular lights turn on and off. This deters even the most cunning burglar who does his homework – noticing patterns of when your lights are on and off each day.

LOCKED CAR

If possible, you might consider leaving one of your cars locked and in your driveway. This gives the appearance that someone is home. Of course, you need to remove all valuables, keys, cell phones, laptops, garage door opener, etc. from your car.

GOOD NEIGHBORS

Ask a neighbor or family member you trust to make sure trash cans, packages, newspapers, and flyers are not left outside your house. Have someone bring your trash cans in after your trash is picked up.  You might also consider having someone housesit or stay at your home for either a few days or the entire duration of your vacation.

HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

While the tips above are quite helpful in deterring your home from being burglarized, there’s nothing like a home security system. Home security systems provide your home protection around the clock – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

If you’re serious about protecting your home while away on vacation, there’s perhaps no better way to do that than by having a professionally installed home security system.

Aug
28

Finding Reliable iPhone Repair on the Internet

Posted in iPhone Repairs

The moment your iPhone screen cracks or stops working can be horrible.

Once this happens, you have to consider the various options for fixing your iPhone. You want an option that is both affordable and reliable. Returning your iPhone to its manufacturer often takes considerable time and money – it’s both time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, if you want your iPhone fixed both quickly and inexpensively, you might consider a reliable online iPhone repair company.

Two Important Considerations

When selecting an iPhone repair company on the web, you should first consider the devices they repair.

  1. Do they only repair one model of iPhones, or is their staff well trained to repair various iPhone models? It’s usually better to work with an iPhone repair company that services different models of iPhones. This shows that they are reputable and knowledgeable.
  2. How long will it take them to repair and return your iPhone? Perhaps the best online iPhone repair companies are those with physical locations. This often allows for fast repair time as they have workers and the necessary materials onsite to service your iPhone.

Two Major Benefits

  1. The first major benefit of working with an online repair company for your iPhone is that it’s typically less expensive than returning the phone to the manufacturer for repairs. Even with insurance, manufacturer repairs are normally more costly than those completed by an online iPhone repair company.
  2. The second major benefit is speed. Unlike the manufacturer that’s overloaded with phone calls, problems, and devices to repair, an online iPhone repair company can give you and your device complete attention. As a result, your device is often returned to you much more quickly than if returned to the manufacturer.

Taking all the above into consideration, a reliable online iPhone repair company is certainly a fast and affordable option.

Posted on behalf of Dru Pio, iDeviceMD

Google

Aug
28

Repairing Your iPhone Screen Instead of Buying a New iPhone

Posted in iPhone Repairs

Most people enter a 2-year contract with their wireless or cell phone provider when purchasing a new iPhone.

Oftentimes, you’ll receive a discount or subsidy from your wireless provider who reduces the cost of your new iPhone from as much as $599 to about $199. Your wireless provider is quite comfortable offering you such a discount because they usually bind you to at least 2 years of service. Typically, this is a win-win for your wireless provider and you…as long as your iPhone is still operational for the entire two years. If not, then you’ll find yourself in quite a dilemma.

Your iPhone Dilemma

The reason for such a dilemma is because you simply can’t purchase another iPhone for the discount rate ($199). The discount or subsidy provided by your wireless provider only covers your first device.

Therefore, if your iPhone’s screen gets cracked or shatters, you won’t be able to use your device. In such cases, you’ll end up paying full price ($599 or more) to get a replacement phone. And, even purchasing a used iPhone is often a bit more expensive than getting a new discounted iPhone from your wireless provider.

Knowing Your Options

It’s important and beneficial to know what options you have if your iPhone screen needs repair. Depending on the damage done, your iPhone’s warranty may cover it. But, it also may not.

Therefore, if you’re in a situation in which your iPhone repairs are not covered by warranty, then your best option is to find a specialist that can repair your iPhone’s screen. An iPhone screen repair company is perhaps your most inexpensive option. Otherwise, you’ll have to lay down hundreds of your hard-earned dollars to replace your iPhone. So, if you want to avoid the unnecessary expense of a new iPhone, simply find a reputable company to fix the screen. This can save you lots of cash.

Posted on behalf of Dru Pio, iDeviceMD

Google

Aug
28

How Mosquito Misting Services Work

Posted in Insect Control

The effectiveness of automatic misting systems is evident by the fact that professionals have been using them for over three (3) decades. Automatic misting systems allow you and your family to fully enjoy your home – both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, automatic insect misting systems eliminate mosquitoes without using harsh or toxic chemicals. 

This allows you, your family, and your guests to enjoy your patio area, pool, and other areas where you might choose to host parties, gatherings, or simply meals. After all, you should be able to socialize and engage in outdoor activities during the beautiful warm seasons without being terrorized by mosquitoes.

Pyrethrum – All Natural Mosquito Deterrent

Pyrethrum is a powerful all-natural insecticide grown in various parts of the world. 

Pest-control companies and professionals employ this in their automated misting systems to keep your home mosquito and insect free. This all-natural insecticide covers your entire outdoor area with a very fine mist. Typically, the mist is automatically sprayed two to three times each day – especially before sunrise (dawn) and sunset (dusk). The reason for spraying at these times is because mosquitoes are most active during these times – dawn and dusk.  

The mist falls onto your home’s yard, landscape, and foliage protecting you and your family from mosquitoes and other insects.

Professional Mosquito Control & Elimination

Homeowners are urged to contact a pest-control company to find out more about how automatic misting systems will work for them and their property. Most reputable pest-control companies will evaluate your property at no-charge. They’ll discuss with you the ideal installation for your property. They’ll also discuss other details necessary to design a system tailored to your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Aug
28

Important Precautions to Combat Mosquitoes

Posted in Insect Control

It’s important for homeowners to eliminate and prevent mosquitoes from being around their property. While summer is a season plagued by mosquitoes, warmer climates such as those found in Georgia can allow mosquitoes to cause problems for you during other seasons as well. However, by taking preventative steps to eliminate mosquitoes from breeding around your property, you’ll spare you and your family from mosquito bites.

Mosquito bites are not just itchy and painful; they are also well known for spreading diseases to humans. Last year was perhaps one of the deadliest years ever in the United States for the West Nile virus – a mosquito-borne arbovirus.  As a result, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) strongly recommended that people take precautions to avoid becoming infected with the virus and to prevent another outbreak of the West Nile virus.

Here are a few precautionary measures and tips that you can take to combat mosquitoes:

#1 Get rid of any places with standing water that is on your property or around your home. This includes any area or object that collects water, such as:

  • Flowerpots
  • Baby pools
  • Birdbaths
  • Grill covers

Mosquitoes don’t need much water to breed. About one-half (½) of an inch of water is the perfect breeding ground for them.

#2 Make sure that your doors and windows all have screens. It’s important to fix even the most minor holes and tears in any of your home’s screens.

#3 Try to avoid being active outdoors between dusk (sunset) and dawn (sunrise). This is the time mosquitoes are extremely active. 

#4 Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and long socks if you’re going to be outside between sunset and sunrise. Remember, this is the period of peak mosquito activity. Furthermore, avoid wearing:

  • Open-toe shoes
  • Clothing with floral prints
  • Dark-colored  clothing
  • Loose clothing and garments
  • Colognes, perfumes, and fragrances with sweet-smells

Homeowners with mosquito concerns are encouraged to contact a local pest-control company for further assistance and alternatives to eliminate mosquitoes.

Aug
28

Customizing Your Personal Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Most people want something different from everyone else – even with golf carts. 

If you want a golf cart that’s unique and unlike the others, then you’ll need it customized. Customizing your personal golf cart is an excellent way to get more out of your golf cart, plus it’s a lot of fun. Therefore, when preparing to order your own customized cart, consider the following: 

  • What exactly do you need in/on your golf cart? 
  • Do you just want a golf cart that stands out from the rest while on the green? 
  • Are you in search of a golf cart that’s uniquely you versus the traditional dull golf carts? 
  • Will you need your customized cart for more than just golf?  
  • Will you use it for transportation – to help you get (or transport stuff) from one place to the next?  

Many people are surprised when they realize just how useful custom golf carts are. In fact, they are often the perfect choice when cars are a bit much, but the distance is simply too far for walking. 

How Will You Customize Your Cart?
Golf carts can be customized in a variety of ways, including ways you wouldn’t expect.

  • Beverages: You can customize your cart to keep your drinks, beverages, or food cool while you’re enjoying the company of friends outside. You can also have it customized to maintain the temperature of your hot beverages.
  • Multiple Passengers: You can have your cart customized to carry more than one or two people. With customized carts, you’ll be surprised at how many people they can accommodate.
  • Colors: Traditional golf carts are usually an off-white color. Customizing your golf cart allows you to go beyond such a dull color. Simply let your golf cart professional know what colors to include, and also any specific design (s) you’re interested in. With customized carts, it’s easy to ride around in one that fits your needs, style, or personality.

Contact your golf cart service professional to find out more details on getting your own customized personal golf cart.

Aug
28

Questions to Consider Before Ordering Your Custom Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Nowadays, you probably see custom golf carts in a variety of shapes and sizes. While people typically seek a customized golf cart that looks amazing, businesses usually require golf carts customized for a variety of functional needs. 

Regardless of your golf cart needs – business or personal – custom carts offer you a world of satisfying options. If you’re interested in getting a customized golf cart, then you’ll need to ask yourself a few important questions…before contacting a golf cart company.

Plans for Your Custom Golf Cart

How do you plan to use your custom golf cart

This is perhaps one of the most important questions you’ll need to consider. Do you plan on using it on the golf course, for a warehouse, or some other purpose? Once you’ve answered this question, your golf cart service professional can offer you excellent recommendations to best meet your needs.

Designing Your Custom Golf Cart

Occasionally, deciding what you want your custom golf cart to look like can be tough. Therefore, it’s an excellent idea to review photos of carts that you find pleasing. It’s also quite helpful to have a photo or image to show your golf cart service professional so they know what you like and what you don’t like.

Accessorizing Your Custom Golf Cart

The awesome thing about custom golf carts is that there are countless accessories you can have added to it. Knowing what you want, before your cart is constructed, is extremely important. Ask your golf cart service professional what accessories they offer in order to determine which ones work best for you. 

Whether you’re designing a custom golf cart for personal or business reasons, you’ll surely have your needs met. Nevertheless, before meeting with your golf cart designer consider your plans for the cart, your golf carts design, and whether you want special accessories.

Aug
28

Quality Metal Stairs for Apartments

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal stairs for apartment complexes come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes.  And, as with any building that’s accessible by the public, safety is top priority. Apartment complex stairs require both ease-of-access and durability. Many staircases or stairways in these cases undergo high traffic because they lead to a large number of apartments. 

Additionally, residents and visitors using apartment complex stairs don’t worry about their maintenance. After all, it’s not their building or problem. Therein is another problem – tenants, residents, and others dragging extremely large and heavy objects up and down the stairs. This alone is more than enough to cause significant damage or wear to apartment staircases…especially those not carefully constructed from stainless steel and other metals to withstand such abuse.

Heavy-duty Apartment Stairs

It’s not uncommon to find apartment complexes with steel stairways with treads made from concrete. When properly constructed and maintained, metal stairs in apartment buildings will endure for decades. 

Important Steel Stair Considerations

  1. Steel stairways can be a bit more expensive than those made from timber (wood). However, when you factor in their durability, it’s often worth it in the long run.
  2. Despite the durability of concrete treads within steel stairways, they might break. If so, you’ll need to have them inspected immediately, and then replaced if necessary.
  3. Steel stairways that have concrete treads are amazingly strong and able to withstand high-traffic and the movement of large, heavy appliances and furniture.
  4. Despite being simple to maintain, steel stairs with concrete treads require maintenance. If the metal ever experiences any rust or corrosion, then be sure to have it professionally treated before painting it. 
Aug
27

The Strength and Power of Steel Staircases

Posted in Metal Stairs

Steel is an extremely strong material that is derived from a combination of iron and carbon. Usually, steel has a bluish-gray or gray color. The building and construction industry uses it a lot because it’s perhaps the best fabricating and structural material. And, the construction of metal stairs happens to be a very popular use for steel.

Strength
The building and construction sector utilize steel due to its extreme strength. Staircases constructed with steel, instead of timber or other materials, ensures a secure construction.

Malleability
Steel, while being quite strong is also rather pliable. This means that steel can be molded to pretty much any shape. Whether your typical staircase or spiral staircase, steel can be reconfigured to meet any design needs necessary for buildings or homes.

Corrosion Resistant
Steel utilized in the construction of buildings is almost always made stainless. This allows it to remain free from rust, which is caused by water. Metal or steel staircases maintain their shiny luster for an amazingly long time.

Robustness
In addition to staying free of corrosion, steel stairs will endure over a long period of time. Unlike timber or other materials, steel is not affected by termites. Furthermore, steel staircases don’t easily bend or break due to heavy weight that’s placed on them.

Professional Steel Staircase Construction
Steel staircases can be used for a variety of purposes, including schools, stadiums, office buildings, and warehouses. It’s also used in the construction of apartment complexes, condominiums, hospitals, and more. 

If you’re considering metal or steel stairs, be sure to contact your local steel stair contractor for more details and information.

 

 

Most Popular

How Often Should You Service Your Golf Cart?

Just like any other vehicle, a golf cart needs routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. And just like other vehicles, what kind of cart you have depends…

Quality Metal Stairs for Apartments

Metal stairs for apartment complexes come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes.  And, as with any building that’s accessible by the public, safety is top priority. Apartment complex…

Pros and Cons of Smartphone Insurance

Many people spend more on their smartphones than on computers – a new iPhone can cost several hundred dollars or more. Most wireless carriers and manufacturers offer insurance for a…