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L & J COMPANY ( MASONRY)

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:16:40 -0700

QUALITY BRICK, STONE, BLOCK. U NAME IT WE DO IT

Complimentary consultanting from FAA Contractors LLC

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:29:04 -0700

WELCOME!!!!! We are glad to see another visitor. Probably, it's not easy to find the rightcontractor for your project. Hopefully we will fit your needs. A contractor's fundamental principle is always to maintaina tradition of excellence into every project, large or small.A contractor shouldwork hard tocomplete the projecton time and stay within thebudget. Communication is very important fromthe planning stage to the completion. We are ready to assisthomeowners in major projects where the company acts as general contractor coordinating services of various trades. We will become a valuable partn...

Federal Pacific Panels: A Fire waiting to happen

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:22:13 -0700

Is your electrical panel a fire waiting to happen? If it says Federal Pacific Electric, it may be. Federal Pacific was a major manufacturer of electrical panels and circuit breakers from the mid 1950s-mid 1980s. 28 million American homes were fitted with FPE equipment during that time, and according to safety experts and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, these homes are at risk of fire and shock hazards because of the panel. How is it possible that unsafe equipment was installed in so many homes? A class action suit against FPE in New Jersey revealed that Federal Pacific rigged t...

Mid winter blues

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:21:23 -0700

Do you ever wonder why February has only 28 days, while other months have 30 or 31? The official historical reason dates back to Ancient Rome, the agricultural calendar, and a Roman king who needed a short month to make everything add up correctly. I, however, have a different theoryone based on no facts whatsoever. February is short because if it was even one instant longer we would all go mad waiting for spring. The travel company that promoted this study suggests that making a plan and taking action (presumably by scheduling a vacation) can help to beat those seasonal blue feeling...

Energy Saving Thermostat

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:20:01 -0700

Picture this: its cold outside--really cold. You've been away at work all day and have slogged through the ubiquitous "wintry mix" during your long commute home. Because you're energy conscious, you've turned your home thermostat down to practially subzero temperatures. You feel like a walking popsicle, so as soon as you get home you turn the manual thermostat up to "nuke", even though you know it doesn't actually heat up your home any faster. It does make you feel warmer, though. There is a better way. A programmable digital thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your hom...

Why pay an electrician flat rate?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:19:07 -0700

We all know the phrase "time is money", and nowhere is that more true than in a home services company. It seems pretty straightforward--you find someone who charges a reasonable hourly rate (and "reasonable" is definitely in the eye of the beholder!!) and get an estimate for how long the job should take and how much you'll pay for materials. That's the way to save money, we're told. Unfortunately, that leaves the customer watching the meter tick and the bill growing by the minute. Often, the customer feels the need to hover over the technician to make sure that no time is wasted. And t...

Is your home comind down with a cold?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:17:52 -0700

Take care of your electrical system’s cold before it turns into something worse! Sniffling. Coughing. Sneezing. Those are the signs that you might be catching a bit of a cold! It also means that you may be headed to the pharmacy for some medicine or maybe even the doctor’s office for a check-up. Why do you go to the pharmacy or get a check-up? Of course, you go because you do’t want those nasty little symptoms to turn into something bigger…something worse like strep throat, the flu, or even pneumonia. You may not realize this, but your electrical system could be suffe...

Painful Electric Bills

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:17:18 -0700

My electric bill is causing me great pain. Every time I open that familiar envelope, my stomach clenches, and I start having difficulty breathing. Some predict that increases in the cost of fuel (which is used to generate electricity) will cause electric power rates to soar even higher. That means that Connecticut consumers will be experiencing even more hits to the pocketbook as they face their summer electric bills. As electricians, we are often asked by customers if there are steps they can take to reduce their power usage. Here are 10 tips to keep those bills under control Don’t us...

Home Service Companies: Who's coming into your home?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:16:28 -0700

You’ve checked the yellow pages or found a website for an electrician, plumber, or carpet cleaner. You made your appointment, and now the service technician is standing on your doorstep. But now, you’re not entirely comfortable. How do you know that you’ll be safe? The fact is, you don’t. There are hundreds of incidents a year involving in home service technicians who commit violent crimes against homeowners. How can you protect yourself and your family? The best way to feel safe is to make sure the company you hire performs complete criminal background checks on all th...

A Home Makeover

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:15:34 -0700

We all get tired of the same old look. Its easy enough to change our hairstyle (or color!) or add a flashy new accessory to an old outfit. But what about our homes? Makeovers can be a little more difficult to pull off without a horrible mess and thousands of dollars. Fortunately, a fabulous updated look is available for your home for minimal amounts of fuss and money. There are loads of new options for fashionable lighting that can completely transform an existing space with a brand new feel. In its most basic form, lighting simply provides a safe and comfortable environment for your home, rep...

Roofing questions answered here

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:30:04 -0700

We would love to answer any questions you have about your roof.

How-To Video: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Like an Irishman

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:18:09 -0700

With St. Patty's Day around the corner - you may be bored with the usual green beer, corn beef & caggage, and the "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" t-shirts. This video will show you a more authentic way to celebrate this Irish "Thanksgiving Day" as if you were in the Old Country! Click the Video to Start Play Watch on Youtube Happy St. Patrick's Day from ConstructionDeal.com!

Considering a spring project?

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:48:17 -0700

Be sure to always start with a landscape plan. When you have a landscape plan prepared not only can you prepare for what you want to do now but you can prepare for things that will come in the furture. For instance, a landscape plan takes into consideration plants size as well as location. Therefore, you can avoid problems such a plant over-growing an area. With a plan, you are also able to do your project in phases. This is ideal for those of us that are on a budget. You can to certain aspects of your plan now and do others at a later date without encroaching on an area that you just created.

Service vehicle

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:24:12 -0700

I'm looking for a new service vehicle for my locksmith business Bidwell Lock And Key. I've been online doing research, and test-driving at the local dealerships here in Chico, CA. I've also been looking at the classifieds and on Craig’s list. My considerations are balancing decent mileage, cargo space, and of course power. I have heard many opinions, which range from "you're never going to regret getting a 1 ton," to "you can do just as much with a smaller vehicle, like a Ford Transit." I also want to have to plenty of room for lettering my companies name on the side and back of the van...

city of los angeles

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:42:40 -0700

It is a little slow in the construction of new and existing homes same with commercial projects. Still with construction in the mist of lagging,the city of los angeles has it.s offices with a smaller personal staff of inspectors and plan checkers. When going in for new permits time yourself for a little more wait time because of the staff programs of less hours mandated by the city for it's employee. This to my experience is working well considering some days the offices are becoming crowed with contractors and architects and engineers trying to get their projects permitted. And if you are a ...

Central Florida Water Damage : Books and Paper Restoration

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:44:01 -0800

Books and papers that have gotten wet by fire, flood, and broken pipe can be recovered. It is time-intensive and best left to the professionals, but if you've got one or two wet books that if not dried perfectly you would not fret about, and the time to spare, you can attempt to recover the books yourself.The most important thing, upon which everything else hinges, is get the book frozen fast. Once the book dries out, the wrinkles and warping are set, and there's nothing anybody can do about it. But freeze it, and all damage stops. And the book can stay frozen until you're ready to handle it.W...

Central Florida Mold Spores Everywhere

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:41:53 -0800

There are always Central Florida mold spores everywhere - in the air and on surfaces. Central Florida Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years. Central Florida Mold grows anywhere there is suficient moisture. The key to keeping Central Florida mold from growing inside your home is to control the humidity in the air and keep surfaces dry. Always run your bathroom exhaust fan while and after showering. Maintain your air conditioning unit and promote air movement. Be sure that air can move behind furnishings. Do not place furniture in direct contact with walls. Run ceiling fans on low. ...

Avoiding the Contractor from Hell

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:26:19 -0800

As I browse the web in search of information on construction, home inspections and other related material I can’t overlook how many websites are dedicated to ‘bad contractors’ and the horror stories that home owners write about. As a retiring home improvement contractor I fully understand residential construction and the potential of misunderstandings because of ambiguous contracts and other confusing issues that lead the two parties into a conflict. Potential for conflict comes with the territory being a licensed contractor, this is the way it is and it will never change the...

Ohio Hospitality!

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:15:54 -0800

I admit it. In case my slight Yankee accent doesn't give me away. I'm not from around here. I was born and raised in beautiful New Hampshire. I married a Buckeye, and was inevitably pulled back to her native Ohio after five years of trying to make a go of life in New England. We live just outside of Canton with our two children, and I am seasonally employed in the retail industry as I work on establishing my construction and remodeling business here in Ohio. The people of Ohio have been so warm and friendly, and I have been welcomed and encouraged by the hospitality of my new friends and neigh...

IF You Own Property Built Before 1978, Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) Lead Law Effective April 22, 2010 - What RRP means to you...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:51:38 -0800

Wood or any painted surface are required to comply with the new EPA Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) lead law which will be in effect April 22, 2010 This law applies to interior and exterior painted surfaces. For interior work the area's must be dust sealed to prevent any lead dusting to spread from construction area. Then this lead dust must be contained by a HEPA vacuum or properly disposed by the contractor. Then wipe clean tests must be performed to insure the area is free of lead dusting. What if your home is free of lead? The state of MA. requires contractors to assume every home ...

Budget Appliance Repair....DIY!

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:57:21 -0800

We are now starting a DIY (Do It Yourself) service on many serviceable appliances. We will supply all the knowledge you will need to repair appliances yourself @ a fraction of the cost you would spend on a service call and mark up on parts. This offer only good for residents who live 75 miles from zip code 48035. We will also purchase the part for you at a reduced cost and have it delivered to your door step! We will be updating our website budgetappliancerepair.biz shortly featuring all of the details,or if you need help now call 586.419.9657 today and start your big savings today! Or drop us...

Radio ad

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:36:53 -0800

This month began a new radio advertising campaign for my company Bidwell Lock And Key. So far, so good as the first week seemed to show a slight increase in calls. I'm excited as the first aniversary of being in business aproaches. I must admit, however that it's been a challange owning my own small business. That's it for now I'm back to work.

VIDEO- Innovative Landscaping Retaining Walls in Maryland by Creative Land Design, Inc.

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:56:05 -0800

Watch Video ->Living Retaining Walls by Creative Land Design, Inc. <- A Landscape retaining wall contractor in Maryland since 1989. Watch this video of our exclusive environmental landscape retaining walls. 100% natural materials and unsurpassed beauty! Hit link to watch video.

Virtual Room Designer

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:38:39 -0800

Are you familiar with our Virtual Room Designer tool on our website? It is a fantastic tool to help you visualize different products in different room scenes. You can even upload a photo from one of your rooms in order to “try on” different floors, walls and even area rugs. With our virtual room designer, you can look at different size tiles in a room, different installation directions, dark floors or walls versus light floors or walls, you can look at hardwood installed in different directions. When it comes to choosing flooring, it’s nice to have a “crystal ball&rdqu...

Reasons you may or may not need a survey done.

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:24:05 -0800

What is a survey? Below are the descriptions of a few common types of Land Surveys: Boundary Survey: A survey performed for the express purpose of locating, describing and mapping the boundaries and corners of the subject parcel of land. Mortgage / Location Survey: A survey which meets the needs for title insurance. The survey plat must show particular information per public record, field locations and as required by State Regulations. Subdivision Survey: A Survey for the division of any lot or tract of land into smaller lots, with a plat conforming to the county ordinances for said division....

DIY Leak Detection

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:41:48 -0800

Water intrusion into a residential home or any structure can be a very serious problem that can severely damage your homes foundation and the structure, the manner in which water and/or moisture enters a home could come from a large number of sources and a high percentage of the time hidden moisture intrusion is not noticed until severe damage or pest infestations have already developed, it is wise to periodically check for excessive moisture and water intrusion to prevent expensive repairs or even unnecessary medical expenses, damages to a buildings structure or foundation could cost into the...

Replace or Reface- kitchen and bath cabinets.

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:00:14 -0800

It all comes down to function of your current cabinetry and layout as to wether you should reface or replace. If you like your current cabinetry as far as the layout in how well it allows you to move from work spaces to appliances and it has the amount of cabinet interior storage you need then a reface is what you should go for. Refacing is updating the door style, the wood species, the exterior look of the cabinets and maybe adding new interior features that would allow for better utilization of the function of the cabinetry. For a smaller budget a reface is a perfect fit. Usually the price i...

The Best Value for Your Budget

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:40:56 -0800

OUR MISSION STATEMENT AT NEW CASTLE REMODELING IS TO: 1. LISTEN TO EACH CUSTOMER'S WISHES AND BUDGET. 2. PROVIDE AN ECONOMICAL AND STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, ON TIME AND ON BUDGET. 3. THE RESULT OF "A THRILLED CUSTOMER". With our Mission Statement in mind, figure on how to keep your job on time and on budget. It is important to first name what you want exactly, be exact to avoid variables. This will give you a bench mark to start from. Depending on what you are going to be doing, pick a designer, architect and contractor you feel you can work with easily and whom you trust. Now, you have...

Halifax High Solar Electric System

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:43:37 -0800

Looking forward to installing the solar electric system at the high school because it's the first using the S-5 mounting blocks attached to the standing-seam metal roof. Think it should work fine and give plenty of space under the panels to keep them cool. And really like using the EnPhase inverter because of it's ease with expanding the system in the future along with the Envoy Gateway monitoring that shows the output of each panel...verses the whole array. Cool huh!

What will our industry look like in 4 years?

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:31:33 -0800

Hopefullystronger economic times? More Green Design?

Hot water Pressure Washing

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:05:07 -0800

We will entertain questions pertaing to Pressure Washing using HOT water, with high and low pressure. This reduces the use of harsh chemicles, keeping our environment GREENER!

Ice Dams: Common for Ohio Homes Losing Heat

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:49:25 -0800

Many residents of Ohio see long icicles hanging off roofs and think it is an unavoidable annoyance. It is common, it is more than annoying, but the good thing is that it is avoidable. These long icicles likely are caused by ice dams that form by insufficient insulation and ineffective ventilation. As snow accumulates on roofs, heat loss through the attic melts the snow where it accumulates at the gutter and refreezes. There a dam forms made of ice. Ice Dams are caused by a lack of ventilation and insulation and form a wall of ice at the lowest point on the roof. The dam prevents the proper fl...

Hiring a Contractor

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:51:52 -0800

Before you hire a Home Improvement Contractor Most every home owner will eventually do some kind of home repair; home improvement, or a complete restoration which will require hiring a contractor, prior to retaining a contractor for a home improvement project a home owner may think to themselves that a construction dispute will never happen to them it’s probably the last thing on their minds however, the probability of ‘getting into’ a Home Improvement dispute outweighs ‘not getting into’ a dispute is two to three. Reality is that se...

Design Perspective: Mixed Granites and Accent Tiles

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:18:06 -0800

This kitchen is a good example of how to use multiple granites in one room. It also shows how you can use contrasting accents of the same material. Let's dive in and talk more about what's happening in this room that's worth noting from a design perspective! The colors in the room blend and compliment each other very well together. The silver and black flecks in the granite on the countertop and the floors subtly tie the plumbing and appliances together. The use of a slab of granite on the countertops, the granite backsplash and the same granite cut into tiles on the floor shows how you can us...

Saying Hello!!

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:49:43 -0800

Just wanted to say hello to everyone and introduce myself. My name is Michael Scott Simpson, and I am A Master Craftsman. I have been building, remodeling, and repairing homes since 1993. I make it a point to do things right the first time around, period. I do not take short-cuts, use inferior products, or rush through any project I undertake. I offer a written warranty on all projects, regardless of size, on all labor performed, for a minimum of 2 years. All products I install come with manufacturers warranties. I have had no complaints filed through any form of services, in any state, city,...

Why No Job Is Really Too Small

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:02:03 -0800

(By: Tim Clark) A small job means different things to different contractors and service professionals. Some claim any job under $100 is too small while others consider anything under $50,000 to be too small. Whatever the case may be for your business, you really shouldn’t discard the small job. Here are two reasons why: The small job lead may come to you and you choose not to do it. That could be a big mistake. Someone else is going to take that job and get the project done. If your competitor completes this tiny piece of work and does a great or even a good job, there’s a good cha...

Contractor Webinar - Maximizing Lead Generation

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:00:05 -0800

Thank you to everyone that attending our Webinar in February! We had a great turn out with some challenging questions - so thank you to everyone that attended and participated! The webinar covers the ways to track your leads while staying on top of your budget, how to take advantage of leads from lead generation services and learning what to look for in a lead generation service. Incase you missed the Webinar or just want to share with your colleagues - here is ConstructionDeal.com's webinar presentation: Maximizing Lead Generation Services. Click the picture to watch it! To make sure yo...

Advertising on Trucks - The Good, The Flat & The Funny

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:49:03 -0800

Everyday when I am driving on the long and congested freeways of Los Angeles, I see contractors driving with me. How do I know they are contractors? From the advertising on their trucks! I see everything from established plumbing franchises to pest controllers to full remodelers to HVAC Repair Companies trying to make a name. I notice them all - and rarely applaud any. The most typical sign I see is a white trucks with black words within a black oval shape - and I would be surprised if they gain many leads this way. The photo above is easy to read sure, but it's not the clearest in explaining ...

Fun with Murals

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:46:10 -0800

Contractors - Do you offer decorative painting services? Or mural art services? ConstructionDeal.com has a category for that! Enjoy these two entertaining murals we found (if only all clients were always that appreciative of creativity!)

Samples brought into your home.

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:37:57 -0800

What better way to see the product is to have the designer meet you in the comfort of your home! Most work anytime during the day and you can schedule 7 days a week. Skip having to go back and forth to the Brick and Mortar stores with color selections, samples of various sizes and weights!Having a professional designer in your home is an advantage over a sales person that is hired at the box stores helps in color selections, material advantages and disadvantages for your particular needs.

Completion

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:44:34 -0800

Attached is a spiral staircase made by THE IRON SHOP, another feature that redefines this Northwestern Home.

Installation of Deck

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:41:01 -0800

The material used is made by FSI Dry Lock system, it is an Aluminum decking product completely water resistant and requires no maintenance. This product also passes Code for a roof and can have a living space built underneath.

Completed Framing

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:35:57 -0800

Now that we have completed the framing, we are ready to install our decking material.

Attaching the beams to our posts.

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:32:34 -0800

Again, we were able to avoid using unattractive hard ware by securing the beams (2) with bolts and pins drilled in vertically from the upper surface of the beam.

Preparing our Posts

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:27:15 -0800

Something interesting my neighboring contractors might want to consider.

Foundation for Deck

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:23:39 -0800

In order do bypass the use of unattractive Simpson Ties/Hardware, we decided to sink our posts (4) 4'6" in to the concrete foundation.

We had Dry Rot?

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:24:31 -0800

Fortunately, after the demolition of the existing roof, we had identified severely rotted framing arround the chimney. Later we were informed by the owner that 24 months prior they had that brick fireplace/chimney installed. The frustration brought on by the last contractor was quickly overwhelmed by the relief of a new, trustworthy professional.

The Roof Had To go.

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:16:31 -0800

Upon meeting with the owner to discuss plans for the new deck. They decided to have a new roof installed for an increase in curb appeal.

Existing Conditions

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:11:08 -0800

These were the conditions found on site.

We would love to make your dream home a reality !!!!

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:49:06 -0800

Donovan Brothers Construction Inc was established in1997 in order to fulfill homeowners' dreams. Our expert general contractors have been in the field for over 12 years, and can handle any job – interior or exterior, large or small – with skill, integrity and professionalism. So whether you're planning a major addition or remodeling project, or you simply need a bit of fresh paint, there's one company to call: Donovan Brothers Construction Inc. We look forward to making your vision a reality! We offer comprehensive services that are designed to cater to your particular construction...