3 Helpful Tips on Finding a Trusted Mover for a Convenient Moving Experience

Finding a trusted mover is not an easy task. To make sure the mover you choose is reliable enough to care for your belongings, solicit advices from people who have had experience with movers; surf the Internet and go over mover reviews; and talk to at least three moving companies in your area and compare them

Moving to another place can be very exciting yet difficult, especially when finding a trusted mover to transport your things safely and damage-free. But how can you really find a reliable mover to do this for you? Here are some helpful things you can do:

Solicit advices from people who have had experience with movers

One of the best ways to find a reliable mover is to seek advice from credible people who have tried the services of a moving company. These trusted people include your neighbors, your relatives, or your colleagues. Ask them about the experience they had with the moving company they hired. You can also inquire your real estate agent for recommended movers in your area or state. If you live in Minneapolis, for example, ask for Minneapolis movers they happen to know that are credible.

Surf the Internet and go over reviews

Another way to make sure that you find a trusted mover is to go over customer reviews on the Internet. It is not enough to click on moving company websites and believe everything they brag about their services. It is important that their claims are backed by positive customer reviews from trusted websites like moverreviews.com, moverssearchandreviews.com, and 123movers. You can also check out movingscams.com to find out client complaints on movers.

Talk to at least three movers in your area and compare them

After soliciting advices and going over reviews, you can start calling at least three movers in your area and compare which one is more reliable. Here are some concerns you can ask, observe, and compare to find a reliable moving company:

• Registration and years in the business. To be sure if the moving company is legitimate, ask for their registration number. In addition, find out how many years they had been in the business. The longer they had been providing moving services, the more reliable they tend to be.

• Rates. Of course you will be asking about their rates, but to find a mover who you can trust, you need to see to it that their price is not too high or too low compared to other movers. Very high rates would mean overpricing, while too low would make them suspicious, too. Furthermore, never consider a mover who asks for big deposit payments even before they transport your belongings. They just might be scammers who do not appear at your door step during your scheduled move. You can check out movingscams.com for some complaints on movers.

• Insurance. Inquire about insurance costs, too. Be careful of companies who promise that all your items are covered by their insurance or those companies who do not offer any insurance at all.

• Inspection. Make sure that the mover provides an on-site inspection of your belongings and an estimation that is based on weight, not by cubic feet that is considered invalid.

• Information copy. The mover must be able to provide you with your copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". This information is required by the Federal regulations to be provided to customers of movers when planning an interstate relocation.

• Subcontracting. Ask if the mover will hire a subcontractor to do the move for you or they do it themselves. If they hire a subcontractor, ask for the driver's details. If they fail to do so, then you cannot trust them at all.

All these are important to consider if you want to make your moving experience less stressful. You need to find a moving company you can trust so you can relax and would not have to worry about being scammed.

What is a Polystyrene Wall Art Instructable

When making a wall art made from polystyrene material, the steps are simple and the craft very unique. A polystyrene wall art instructable has simple steps to follow, provides vivid pictures, makes use of widely available materials, it is easy to display, and has versatile instructions.

Polystyrene wall art is made from thermoplastic material that is glassy in appearance. It has a very light weight, which makes it an ideal home decor. The set of instructions from instructables.com is perfect for beginners both children and adults. The instructions are simple and easy to follow. In addition, the instructables can make for a perfect wall art.

Simple steps to follow

The instructables for the polystyrene wall art is simple to follow that even small children can understand. The procedures are taken step-by-step to ensure comprehension at any age.

Provides vivid pictures

The accompanying pictures will tell everything you need to know about polystyrene wall art. The steps are clearly laid down for them to be easily carried out.

Makes use of widely available materials

This is a simple wall art where you don't need to go too far to look for the needed materials. Polystyrene is a common plastic that is available anywhere in almost all household. The cost is not much of a problem since it comes in an affordable price. Aside from the polystyrene, you also need balls of yarn with different colors to make it more attractive. Once done, you need a hook so that you can attach it directly to your hand-made wall decor.

Easy to display

I find the wall art very practical and handy because you can recycle old polystyrene into something new and catchy. Its weight is an added factor, which makes it an ideal wall art since you can hang it anywhere even as an outdoor decoration.

Versatile instructions

If you want to display it outside near the porch or the lawn area, you can substitute it with a waterproof material making it so versatile.

5 Common Types of Patio Enclosures and Their Differences in Usability and Durability

Here are the most common types of patio enclosures available in the market: screen room, sunroom, solid lattice patio cover, open lattice patio cover, and sun porch.

Patio enclosures are mainly designed for the purpose of providing a beautiful view and feel of the outdoors, at the same time providing protection and shade from the sun, rain and even snow. A patio enclosure is multipurpose aiming to suit every need of the household. Below are the various types of enclosures with their versatile usage.

Screen room

This is a good choice for houses located in areas with many warm months. It is also known as gazebo. Its function is to provide protection from insects, yet, allows enough ventilation to come in through the screens of the room.

Sunroom

It gives you access to landscape views of the outdoors. It can be built using these three common materials: wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Wood is a good insulator and is a good choice for a sunroom. A vinyl material is also suitable for a sun room since it can resist corrosion and rust. A sunroom made of aluminum is also a good preference because, its material is very durable and won't easily deteriorate. The glass used in sun rooms can either be a straight type of glass or curved glass. This type of patio enclosure is normally having an octagonal shape or a round shape design.

Solid lattice patio cover

This is recommended for areas with cooler climates, but, do not experience snow frequently. It uses aluminum material to partially cover the place. Solid lattice patio covers project a wooden look since the aluminum is embossed with cedar or made with a wooden finish. Solid patios require less maintenance which makes it a good choice too.

Open lattice patio cover

This is an open type patio cover made of aluminum too. It is intended for locations which is all-year round sunny. Foliage and other plants are most suitable for this patio cover. Letting them grow along the lattice frames would give you the perfect shade you need.

Sun porch

This is most useful for protecting your vehicles at your porch. Aside from that, it can also function as an alternative to a greenhouse. This can be done with the use of lumber like redwood, cedar, mahogany, and the like, along with glass panes and screens to cover the sides. It follows the design of a conservatory too.

With the various choices of patio enclosures available, the ultimate goal for you is to choose the best in terms of quality. Pick the one that will not only suit your style, but, go for the one that can withstand different weather conditions.

5 Smart Ways in Choosing a Reputable Roofing Contractor for All Your Roofing Needs

In choosing a reputable roofing contractor, you just have to research on several contractors, ask for the company’s physical address, hire a licensed contractor and look for credentials, inquire if the company has insurance and a safety plan, and ask for references and a list of completed projects.

Looking for a roofing contractor is a very critical part for every homeowner. Whether you’re stuck on a leaking roof that needs some repair or you need to install a new roof, you’ll always want to get the best service there is from a reputable roofing company. Now that there are dozens of contractors out there, you’ll probably find yourself confused on which company is the best. But it’s never hard to look and choose for the most reliable roofing company as long as you keep in mind the following:

Research on several contractors

This is the first step you will take in choosing a reputable roofing contractor. You can a get a list of these companies by talking to neighbors or close friends or even scanning through the yellow pages. A thorough research on different companies will help you compare and evaluate on their different price range and honest services. In this phase you will also be able to know how long they’ve been on the business and their background. If you need to go through them yourself, call them on the phone or visit them on their address and ask for some questions.

Ask for the company’s physical address

If the contractor has a permanent address, it only means that the business is permanent. With a permanent address, you can visit and check if they have the proper equipment and enough manpower to complete the job.

Hire a licensed contractor and look for credentials

Roofing repairs and installment are only done by professionals. One way to check it is by looking for their license or other credentials such as business permit, policies, National Association of Roofing Contractors membership, and so on. They must also be knowledgeable on roofs as to alternative roof covering products to new styles or roofing procedures.

Inquire if the company has insurance and a safety plan

Even though you’ll pay more when hiring an insured company, but this is the best way to save you from future liabilities such as accidents. Look for a certificate of their insurance and check the coverage and limits that it carries. A reputable roofing company should also have a safety plan. This only means that the company values their workers and that they are genuinely dedicated to completing the project without any emergency delays.

Ask for references and a list of completed projects

A reputable company is never afraid to give out references from satisfied or even unsatisfied customers. This probably is the finest way to know if the contractor is indeed very good in their line of business and most probably will be able to meet your expectations. If you find that the company has several complaints filed from their clients, looking for another contractor would be a smarter idea.

With the following points, you will now learn to choose which company deserves your trust and confidence in taking care of your roof. With a reputable contractor to do the work, rest assured you’ll have the best for your family and home.

4 Useful Tips in Remodeling a Kitchen at a Lesser Cost

In order to remodel your kitchen space without having to spend so much, you might want to consider these helpful tips: identify existing needs; set your priorities; work on a specific budget; decide on whether to hire a professional or to simply do the job yourself.

The kitchen is one of the best places inside your house. It takes a great deal of effort and even money in attaining a kitchen that is superb in functionality and in aesthetics. A renovation or remodeling is a major need in order to maintain the attractiveness and usefulness of your kitchen. However, you shouldn't worry much on the costs that might be incurred during the process. You can minimize repair and remodeling expense by simply following these advices:

Identify existing needs

First and foremost, assess the condition of your kitchen for you to be able to identify its current and most pressing needs. Check on your cupboards, drawers, and cabinets for any repair requirement. Check on your wall too if it needs some repainting. Consider also the condition of your kitchen appliances and tools. Another important aspect of your kitchen are the fixtures such as your plumbing system particularly your sink. Check on that one too. Basically, you need to be very meticulous in making an assessment of every detail as well as the entirety of your kitchen. Doing so would make things easy for you in setting your priorities.

Set your priorities

After evaluating on the status of your kitchen, come up with a priority outline. This will aid you in coming to a decision as to the extent of your project. Figure out which part of the kitchen would need a complete makeover. And, which items that need some replacement or just some minor repair.

Work on a specific budget

Match your needs and priorities with your available budget. Carefully go over your budget to make sure that before pushing through with the remodeling, you won't go beyond the funds that you prepared for this particular project.

Decide on whether to hire a professional or to simply do the job yourself

After going over the financial side, decide whether your budget as well as the remodeling scope of your kitchen would need a professional or would doing it yourself be enough for you to complete everything. Employing the services of a professional entails higher cost, yet, if the remodeling need is a major one, then might as well go for it. Rather than doing the job yourself that might turn out to be a mess later on. But, if the renovation requirement is but minimal, then you can perform the redecoration, cleaning and repair yourself. Maybe get some help from family members and friends too.

Doing a kitchen remodeling is exciting and fun. But, it requires a lot of planning. The kitchen is a vital part of your house and it deserves your best care.

3 Basic Ways of Cleaning Your Upholstered Dining Chairs like a Professional

Here are basic ways of cleaning upholstered dining chairs are: use vinegar to remove water stains, clean using a steam cleaner, and use soft cloth or brush with soft bristles for velvet upholstery.

We know that your upholstered pieces of furniture such as your dining chairs are one of the most treasured possessions around your house. You’ve spent time choosing them and had spent a substantial part of your resources for them because you thought they would be an addition to your home’s assets, and you’re right. The following methods are the common and easier ways of cleaning these favorite upholstered dining chairs. This is how the professionals do it, and you might not have known it before that you can do them just as well as they could.

Use vinegar to remove water stains

You would think water is a harmless substance, not until you’ve seen for yourself what damage it can do to your precious chairs. Don’t panic. This is one of the easier problems to fix. Removing the stains early on would make your job easier, so as soon as you notice these stains, take action right away. You can use vinegar for this purpose. Just spray on the stained area, let the solution stay for a few minutes, then wipe it with paper towels.

Clean using a steam cleaner

First, vacuum the chair you want to clean. Make sure to check every area, specially the part where the backrest and the seat meet; morsels of food and other materials could find themselves hidden in this nook, which could attract the attention of ants and other pests. Then, apply the steaming water and cleaning solution (do one area of the chair at a time: the back rest, the seat, the arms, and the back and underside portions of the chair). Then clean using a steam cleaner. Make sure an area is dry first before proceeding to the next area.

Use cloth or brush with soft bristles on velvet upholstery

Velvet is a popular choice for those who want a touch of luxury in their dining room, but with this comes the burden of maintenance---of making sure the velvet does not lose its softness and smooth texture. You can use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt for velvet chairs. A hair brush with soft bristles can serve this purpose as well. There are also attachments specially made for velvet upholstery available in vacuum stores.

Again, it is important that you find out first the materials used to make your upholstered dining chairs to make sure you don’t do more damage than good to them. Manufacturers would usually attach a note or a tag on the furniture about what materials your chairs are made of and would even include some basic tips on how to clean them. Doing things yourself is not a bad idea, but when you’re in doubt, seek professional help immediately.

8 Beautiful Kinds of Flowers to Brighten up Your Sunroom

Here are eight beautiful kinds of flowers that will grow well in your sunroom making it attractive and inviting: abutilon, geranium, buddleia, African violet, plumbago, bird of paradise, thunbergia, tropical hibiscus. Because a sunroom is the extension of your home, it is important to know the kinds of flowers that thrive in a sunroom.

Sunrooms are quite popular these days. They not only make your house attractive but also help you unwind---at the comfort of your own home! You can read, study, think, or do just about anything in your sunroom. It can be an ideal place for relaxation especially if you fill it with flowering plants of various colors and scents.

Think of your sunroom as your small garden. You can plant different kinds of flowers for different seasons. So whether it’s summer or winter, you have choices of flowers to decorate your sunroom with, including climbers. Here are some beautiful kinds of flowers that will help make your sunroom attractive and inviting:

Abutilon

Abutilon thrives in an unheated sunroom. Its red and yellow flowers have a red base with five petals and appear during the summer season. However, it must be tied to a wall for support.

Geranium

Geraniums bloom profusely and will make a nice addition to your sunroom. They are inexpensive, propagate easily, and not difficult to care for. They have aromatic leaves, especially the peppermint- and spicy apple-scented varieties, which add fragrance to your sunroom. Flower colors also vary, from white to pink to magenta.

Buddleia

Buddleia is a strongly scented flower that is ideal for a sunroom with a large space. Each individual flower is tubular. The colors of the flower vary, with white, pink, red, purple, orange, or yellow, depending on the species and cultivars.

African violet

African violet is ideal in a moderate temperature and blossoms in an area that is not too exposed to direct sunlight. It tolerates daytime temperatures of up to about eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Its flower colors range from pink to blue to purple.

Plumbago

Plumbago blooms all year round except for the coldest winter months. A white- or blue-flowered variety is available. You can place it in a container that will allow the spilling of flowers over the sides.

Bird of paradise

Bird of paradise is called such because its flowers resemble a colorful bird. It’s an eyecatcher not only because of its uniquely shaped flowers but also because of its overall unique features. It produces blue and orange flowers and can be placed in a sunroom whether winter or summer.

Thunbergia

Thunbergia is also called Bengal clock vine, clock vine, or sky flower. It thrives in a sunroom with temperature above fifty degrees at night. Its growth slows or stops in cool temperatures. It has lovely large blue flowers, which makes it an ideal addition to your sunroom garden.

Tropical hibiscus

The tropical hibiscus plant needs a lot of light to bloom. Thus, it is ideal to place it in your sunroom, especially during summer. It may still thrive in winter but will likely bloom less and grow less. It produces flowers in a variety of colors---salmon, peach, orange, and yellow.

A sunroom is the extension of your home, where you can enjoy the warm rays of the sun and the accompanying cool breezes. It is also the place where you can enjoy nature, minus the worries about inclement weather or insects. Thus, it should be decorated in a way that will make you come back to that place often. Planting the kinds of flowers that thrive in a sunroom will greatly help.

6 Simple Steps to Make a Budget for Bathroom Remodeling

There are ways to achieve stunning results in a bathroom remodel even if you are on a shoestring budget. The key is to assess your financial capacity; list items you want to change or replace the most; prioritize projects according to importance; visit DYI sites; ask for quotations; and hire only a trustworthy contractor.

Remodeling your bathroom is the perfect opportunity to get your creative juices out because you get to select the designs and decor you like. One of the first things to consider when remodeling, however, is the budget. A bathroom remodeling budget keeps track of your expenses. It prevents you from overspending or borrowing money you don’t actually need. The following steps might help you get started with budgeting your bathroom remodeling:

Assess your financial capacity

You should determine the amount of money you can allocate for the remodeling as this will greatly affect the kind of materials that will be used in your bathroom. You should also remember that the cost of materials may increase at any time without prior notice, so you should have extra funds ready. The extra funds are also needed for emergency expenses that may arise.

List items you want to change or replace the most

You can start by shopping online and comparing prices. After you have come up with a list of prices, determine whether they measure up with your budget. If the list does not, then rate each item according to priority. For example, you can rate the items from one to ten, with ten as the top priority and one as the least priority.

Prioritize projects according to importance

This is especially important if your budget is tight. You should prioritize work in terms of what needs to be worked on first. For example, you may start with replacing your bathtub and tiles first and continue with replacing your mirrors, faucets, and sink once you have saved enough funds to remodel your bathroom.

Visit DYI sites

Do-it-yourself (DYI) sites offer helpful pieces of advice and recommendations. They also feature bargain shops that offer scraps and used materials that you can use in remodeling. You can save a lot by visiting these sites and bargain shops.

Ask for quotations

If you are hiring the services of a contractor, it is best that you compare prices of available contractors in your area (at least three) so you get only the best deal. When asking for quotations, check for the following: work inclusions, quality of estimated materials, and the time of completion. This way you will be able to determine whether or not you will really get big savings.

Hire only a trustworthy contractor

Before choosing a contractor, make a background check first. Make sure that you don’t choose a fly-by-night company. You may get recommendations or referrals from your friends who have tried using the services of a trusted construction company, or you may also ask Better Bureau Business for a list of qualified construction companies in your area.

As you go through the process of remodeling your bathroom, you may have to make some compromises here and there. You may also not be able to achieve everything you imagined your bathroom to be. With a budget, however, you will be able to prevent yourself from overspending. Just keep your priority list and your budget with you when you shop and design.

7 Best Suggestions of Modern Wall Art for a Beautiful Home

Finishing the accent of your modern home with modern wall art includes lightbox paintings, wall prints and stretched canvasses, clocks, sculptural art, Wallter panels, mirrors, and wall stickers.

Modern buy wall art is a vital ingredient that wraps up a well accented modern home interior. Modern wall art is inspired from the present elements of modern living. This type of decoration emphasizes striking and bold perspective that complements a modern space. A modern lifestyle includes apartments and condominium dwellings. These spaces can be more attractive when infuse with contemporary elements such as the modern wall art suggestions below:

Lightbox paintings

These paintings have a cutting edge of a modern inspired technology that collaborates the artistry of painted portraits with the innovation of lighting effects. Lightbox paintings provide a modern touch since it can transform a dull place into a well lighted and fresh perspective. The painting are composed of modern patterns such as lines and shape abstract. This gives contour and edges to conventional spaces.

Wall prints and stretched canvasses

Wall prints and stretched canvasses are one-dimensional art design that give a flat and wide effects which are elements of modern interior. Nature-inspired patterns have lines, blots, and splatters which are very modern. These patterns could give a stretched dimension to the nook edges that are very common in modern homes.

Clocks

Clocks have always been a very functional art decals even in the old times. It represents time and mechanism which are also relative to the concept of modern art. Presently, clock designs speak of a certain era. Just like fashion, clocks have always been a symbol of the modern living. Modern clock designs come in metallic sunburst, mechanic turbines, and mechanical gear.

Sculptural art

To perfectly furnished the modern look of your home, sculptures are always the most recommended pieces. Modern sculptures are unique abstract forms that complements any space of your home into a modern accent. This signifies the focal point of your home. Modern sculptural art are minimal patterns and shapes such as the combination of circles, lines, and towers.

Wallter panels

These modern wall art decals are three-dimensional patterns that can be easily put up on your wall. They allow you to configure your wall space the most unique way. It comes in different shapes and colors that allows you to make your own pattern. A perfect example of modern wall art that complements shape and lines.

Mirrors

Mirrors have always represent space and edges which is very complementing the space of a modern home. A mirror gives a certain width and area to a room. It is also a functional decals and expands a place.

Wall stickers

For a more practical wall decor that is in line with a modern home’s perspective use of a wall sticker. Wall stickers are hassle-free and easy to change if wanted. They are very affordable and innovative which make them the latest and the best option of having a modern art decoration.

Modern wall art truly enhances the maximum modern effect and function of your home. Take time to truly see what is needed and best fits your modern space. This modern wall art inspires creativity and makes you feel good and vibrant in your own private place.

Honeycomb Lamp

The Honeycomb Lamp is another hit from Kyouei Design. Constructed of a single piece of accordioned paper wrapped into a ring design, its gentle light diffracts into hundreds of glowing diamonds as you get closer. A collaboration with designer Okumoto Hikari-ichi, the lamp's classic silhouette and innovative construction add a hip, fashion-forward aesthetic to any space.

Why is NOW a good time to invest in the United States? - California Emphasis

The good old US of A has long been a favorite destination for international investors. Why? Here are a few reasons:

• SAFETY - the laws are equally applied to everyone. With the exception of the tax laws, foreign investors have equal rights and protection as a normal US citizen.


• SECURITY - we have our problems but I’m sure you would agree that in terms of physical security, this is still a very safe country.


• ECONOMY - the United States still has one of the strongest economy in the world.


• QUALITY OF LIFE - the first 3 reasons above translates to a better quality of life. There are a lot of people outside the United States that have consi-derable wealth but do not enjoy the quality of life that the United States can offer.


• WEAK DOLLAR - with the dollar’s recent decline, you have more buying power.
  I think 2 more important rea-sons would be:

1. YOUR FUTURE - I am not only talking about you but more importantly your children and your children’s children. What are the odds of one of your offspring wanting to migrate to the States? Wouldn’t it be nice to give them a head start?


2. DIVERSIFICATION - with the global economy in full swing, diversification doesn’t simply mean having a diversi-fied business. Now, it means having a global presence. Whether it’s in the same line or a new venture, diversification thru globalization makes sense.

CALIFORNIA FUN FACTS

• Most dominant economy in the US.


• If California was an independent nation, its econo-my would rank number 7 in the world.


• Per capita income is 11th in the nation.


• California is the world’s 5th largest supplier of food & agriculture commodities.


• More turkeys are raised in California than any other state in the United Sates.


• One out of every eight US resident lives in California.


• WE HAVE AHNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER FOR GOVERNOR! TRY BEATING THAT!!!

BROKER
CONTACT INFO:
Direct: 650.273.2774
Fax: 888.315.0768 brokermac@gmail.com

From buying or selling residential or commercial real estate to putting up complex businesses structures, I have a team that can get the job done. My team consist of the ff:

bankers

immigration attorney

corporate mavens

CPA/Tax Accountant

Albert Rogers Realty
6051 Bellingham Drive
Castro Valley, CA 94552

Smart Irrigation Control and Monitoring Kit

SimpleHomeNet announces the immediate availability of their Smart Irrigation Control and Monitoring Kit featuring the newly released Harmony GUI designed to let users easily and intuitively monitor and control their home automation network (HAN) from the Internet. The Harmony interface affords the ability to control irrigation from anywhere offering the flexibilty needed to maximize the efficiency of water consumption and save money. Through Harmony the EZFlora irrigation controller is easily programmed for complex or simple timers based on several criteria or conditional events.

The Harmony GUI is the latest addition to the broad offering of control, monitor and sensing products designed and developed by SimpleHomeNet. The Flash-based drag and drop operation offers users a unique graphic opportunity to easily configure their own HAN.

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