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Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

Most homeowners with average DIY skills and lots of spare time on their hands think that building outdoor patios is fairly easy. After all, you don’t have to be an experienced landscaper to attain your goal.

You just have to purchase the best materials, check out some online tutorials, and start pursuing your design ideas. Keep reading to discover a few important elements that you should factor in before giving the green light to your project.

Materials

If you are truly determined to create a unique, beautiful outdoor patio, choose to invest in high-quality materials that are actually suitable for this job. Put stone, gravel, sand, and concrete on your shopping list. Measure the entire area to find out how much material you’ll need to finalize your project.

Design Requirements

Do you want to create a round patio or a rectangular one? What kind of shapes, colors, and design ideas impress you the most? Analyze your design requirements before investing time and money in this assignment.

Timeframe

How many hours per day can you dedicate to this home improvement project? Can you count on dependable helper,s or should you hire a professional landscaper to get the job done in a timely manner?

Costs

How much money can you actually afford to invest in your new outdoor patio? If you have limited financial possibilities, note that a basic concrete patio is always much cheaper than a similar structure made of tile, brick, or stone.

Concrete patios with a simple design will cost you up to $10 per square foot. Outdoor patios made of the same material, displaying a custom design are priced at $10-15 per square foot. High-end concrete patios created while following elaborate design ideas cost over $15 per square foot.

Ask an Expert

Building outdoor patios can be a rewarding experience for many people. If you are not one of those homeowners who likes to put their DIY skills to the test, choose to hire a competent landscaper for this assignment. Find the most reliable one with Seva Call, a free service introduced to help you track the best specialists in your area with just a few clicks.

Tags: Building Outdoor Patios
Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Hurricane Window Shutters

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

There are many ways to protect your house or office from a potential storm or hurricane. Which is the best option is up to you, depending on your budget and the level of protection you want. Hurricane window shutters come in many forms and materials, and they not only reduce the damage that might be caused by a hurricane, but also increase the security of your house.

Here are some types of hurricane window shutters that you might want to consider.

Protect Your House against Hurricanes with Panels

Storm panels are an affordable way to protect your home against hurricanes. They are typically made of aluminum or metal. There are also polycarbonate panels, which are more expensive. Storm panels are installed temporarily, after a storm forecast, and then they can be removed.

Storm Glass Hurricane Protection

This is an effective, yet pricey method to protect your home against hurricanes, especially if your house is older, because it might require window replacement. Also, installation is difficult, and it is advisable to be done by an expert.

Bahama Hurricane Window Shutters

These hurricane window shutters can be used both as a protection against storms and hurricanes, and against the sun. Once installed, you can enjoy their benefits throughout the year, regardless of the season.

Accordion Hurricane Window Shutters

These shutters fold like an accordion, so when you don’t need them, you can leave your windows exposed. They are typically made of aluminum, and work with the help of a gliding mechanism. One of their drawbacks is that this gliding device can break, and needs to be replaced in order to operate the shutters.

Roll Down Hurricane Shutters

This type of hurricane shutters is one of the most effective ways to protect your windows against storms and hurricanes, but it’s also costly. Some of the latest models are automated. They can be lowered by simply pushing a button. Besides hurricane protection, these shutters can also discourage burglars from breaking in.

Need Assistance?

Not sure which hurricane window shutters are best for your property? Seva Call can assist you. We can put you in touch with a local expert who can help you choose the right type of shutters for your home, and install them right away.

Tags: Hurricane Window Shutters
Posted in Window Replacement | No Comments »

Mobile Vehicle Repairs

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

Mobile vehicle repairs give drivers an alternative to taking their car to an auto shop when it breaks down. If you have problems with your vehicle and need to fix them quickly, a mobile mechanic can help you out. This way you don’t have to spend time scheduling an appointment at an auto repair center and waiting for several days or more until your car is returned.

What Kind of Repairs Can a Mobile Mechanic Perform?

A mobile mechanic can fix all sorts of problems your vehicle might have, which don’t require more complex tools or parts that are difficult to replace outside of an auto repair shop. If you discover one day that the engine makes strange noises or if your car won’t start, you can opt for mobile vehicle repairs as a fast and effective way to solve your problem. Some of the repairs that can be completed by a mobile mechanic include:

– Brake replacement

– Starter check

– Alternator repair

– Carburetor repair

– Motor oil replacement

– Tire change

– Water pump repair

– Piston repair

– Air conditioning check and repair

– Alternator repair

– Suspension system repair

– Filter replacement

– Transmission problems

– Radiator troubleshooting

– Engine repairs

What Does a Mobile Mechanic Do?

If you call a mobile mechanic to repair your car, your vehicle will be treated with the same care and attention as an auto repair shop.

First, the mobile mechanic will inspect your car and diagnose potential problems, and then he will communicate to you what needs to be done. If you agree with the repairs, the mobile mechanic will get down to work, so that you can get your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible.

If your car needs a more thorough inspection or if the repairs involve more time, labor, and resources, the mobile mechanic can take your vehicle to an auto repair shop, and then return it back to you when it’s ready. However, reliable mobile vehicle repair services have the necessary equipment to fix most common car problems.

Mobile mechanics are specially trained to complete repairs on-site, in a quick and effective manner.

Need a Mobile Mechanic?

It may be difficult to find a trustworthy mobile mechanic at short notice — unless you use Seva Call. We can connect you with experienced local professionals in minutes, for free!

Tags: Mobile Vehicle Repairs
Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Moving House: the Stress Free Packing Guide

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

Moving house can be a very stressful time for everyone, so it is important to try and make it as smooth as possible. It is especially important to avoid this stress before you have even began to move your belongings, and this means to ensure you are packing effectively.

Here are some handy hints to ensure that packing goes as stress free as possible!

Your Handy, Stress Free Packing Guide

Ensure that you are not leaving anything to the last minute whatsoever! It is incredibly important when packing to not leave yourself too short for time and therefore hurrying to get everything ready and finished in time. This can lead to carelessness when you are packing your belongings for the move and can often be the catalyst for your own belongings getting damaged.

Use reliable and effective containers and boxes to store your belongings in. It is easy to acquire strong and reliable boxes and containers from shops which are also useful and efficient for storing items in when packing to move house. Look to use reliable and recommended brands that fit the sizes that you will require to pack your things into.

Try to avoid using containers that you think might be strong enough to hold your belongings. It is important that they are secure when being transported. Removal services may also offer containers and boxes that can be used if you are using one of them.

Make sure that containers and boxes are clearly labelled. Clearly labelled containers and boxes allow you to be able to find the things that you are going to need first when you are unpacking your belongings into your new home.

Use packing as an opportunity to streamline some of your possessions and belongings. Often when beginning to pack for a move, you realize that you have many more possessions than you initially thought. This is a great chance to be able to streamline some of these things. Be it an old t-shirt that is faded and doesn’t fit anymore, or house ornaments that you just don’t use, moving is a chance to be able to send these unwanted items to charity shops.

You should really assess whether these items have any sentimental value at all or whether you may actually use them again before deciding what should go. It also creates less for you to unpack at the other side!

Ask for a few favors! Packing is definitely an opportunity to use any favors that you may be owed to help speed along the process, and make use of friends and family who can help you with your upcoming move. Often, people are more than willing to join you in your mountains of packing. It is a lot easier with 5 pairs of hands compared to just one!

Preparing for a Smooth Move

Remember that packing is just the first part off your move, so it is important that it goes smoothly. These simple tips should allow you the opportunity to be able to do that, as well as decreasing your stress levels greatly. Happy packing people!

Guest post granted on behalf of: http://www.manandvan.org/east-london/manwithavan-e8-hackney-removals.html

Posted in Moving and Storage | No Comments »

New Heating and Cooling Systems: Heat Pumps

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

Heat pumps are not entirely new inventions. They have been around for decades but were not that popular. However, recent technological advancements have created a growing demand for these appliances. For those not familiar with heat pumps, these devices are able to deliver heat and cooling, as well as hot water. In short, they are energy-efficient substitutes to air conditioning units and furnaces.

Using electricity, a heat pump will take heat from a cool area to make it even cooler and will move this heat to an already warm area to make it warmer. This line of new heating and cooling systems simply transport heat, as opposed to producing heat, so they cost less than the traditional cooling and heating devices in conditioning the same amount of space.

Types of Heat Pumps

– Air-source heat pump: Moves heat between a house and the air outside.

– Geothermal heat pump: Moves heat between a house and a nearby geothermal source, which is either the ground or a water source.

– Absorption heat pump: Utilizes heat as its fuel source. Various heat sources can be used.

New Innovations

Heat pump technologies are continuously developing and improving. Those in the market for these new heating and cooling systems can look forward to a number of innovative features such as:

– Two-speed compressor: It allows the heat pump to be operated almost to its cooling or heating capacity, saving electricity and reducing wear on the compressor. It also makes it possible for different rooms in your home to have different temperatures.

– Variable- or dual-speed motor: With the ability of the fan’s speed to be adjusted, you can maintain air circulation at a comfortable level. This reduces cool air drafts while boosting cost savings. It also lessens blower noise when it’s operating at full speed.

– Desuperheater: This feature works to recover excess heat from the cooling mode of the pump and use this energy to heat up water. This enables a heat pump to efficiently heat water thrice more than standard electric water heaters.

– Scroll Compressor: Heat pumps equipped with this feature offer warmer air when in heating mode in comparison to other types of heat pumps that have piston compressors.

Interested in Installing a Heat Pump?

Finding a quality contractor to install a heat pump is crucial. The system has to be the right size, not too small and not too big, in order not to create unnecessary wear on the equipment and ensure your home will be kept comfortable. It is recommended to meet with at least three different heating and cooling contractors before hiring for your job.

With Seva Call‘s help, searching for qualified service professionals is not a problem. Call us or submit your service request through our site, and be connected with up to three reputable HVAC professionals in minutes!

Tags: New Heating and Cooling Systems
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Buttons on TV Not Working

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

After a long day spent at the office, all you want to do is to get home as soon as possible, curl up on your couch, and watch your favorite TV show. There is one little thing that could easily compromise your plans: you very own television set. Buttons on TV not working? Here’s how you could solve this pesky problem in no time.

Troubleshooting the Problem

If some of the buttons on your TV and on your remote control aren’t working properly, then you might be dealing with an IR sensor circuit board issue. Test one simple solution to your problem: unplug and re-plug in your TV set.

If the problem persists, here’s how you could fix your faulty remote control buttons the easy way.

1. Cut a tiny piece of copper wire and pound it into a small copper disk using a small hammer.

2. Use a jewelers’ screwdriver to open your remote control and inspect all its components. After a certain period of time, old contact pads stop functioning properly. In most cases, they have to be cleaned properly or replaced with new ones.

3. Place the copper disks on top of the faulty contact pads and glue them in place. Use a powerful adhesive to obtain long-lasting results.

4. Reassemble your remote control and test the effectiveness of your DIY repair project.

Ask an Expert

Buttons on TV not working? Problems with TV buttons or remote control buttons can be very frustrating, especially if you don’t know how to handle them on your own. In this case, take the easy way out. Consult a TV repair expert and pay the right price for professional services from reputable technicians.

Use Seva Call to be connected with competent specialists who live and work in your area. It’s absolutely free and easy to use!

Tags: Buttons on TV Not Working
Posted in TV Repair | No Comments »

What Is a Table Saw?

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

People who display remarkable handcrafting skills and love to invest their time and energy in different home improvement projects usually choose to purchase a basic set of tools that they can use regularly.

What is a table saw and what purpose does it serve? Keep reading to find out everything there is to know about different types of table saws launched on the market by well-known manufacturers.

What Is a Table Saw?

Table saws are highly practical woodworking machines that are very easy to use. They are utilized by numerous homeowners who need to cut hundreds of pieces of seasoned wood into various sizes and shapes. Most woodworking shops own at least one device of this kind, and countless homeowners choose to invest in a table saw to conduct different DIY projects in their own households.

Table saws all have a similar structure and include a base, a motor, an arbor assembly, trunnions, a table, extension wings, and an arbor.

Table saws can be easily divided into 3 main categories:

– Portable ones that are small, lightweight, and highly accessible

– Contractors’ saws, usually purchased by people who own woodworking shops

– And cabinet saws, famous for their enhanced motor power and their large, ideal work surface.

Unfortunately, these important advantages make cabinet saws quite expensive, with a price tag ranging from $3,000 to $4,000 for newer models.

Can You Customize Your Table Saw?

Of course, if you can’t afford to pay the right price for a new type of cabinet saw, you can always purchase a basic model and customize it to meet your needs and project requirements. Adding a few much-needed features, like extension tables, which allows users to profit from an expanded work surface, or crosscut sleds, required by most precision cutting jobs.

Ask an Expert

What is a table saw? In a few words, it is an essential tool allowing you to create wood-based masterpieces. If you want to invest in a durable, fully functional, inexpensive table saw, it is advisable to rely on expert advice provided by a skilled handyman. Identify the most competent one with help from Seva Call, a free service designed to help you find respectable professionals who live and work in your area.

Tags: table saw
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

What to Do if Frozen Pipes Burst

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

As a result of record-shattering low temperatures, pipes have been bursting across the United States. If this happens to you, then it will not take long for the water to wreak havoc on your home. You must act quickly and carefully in order to save your property from severe water damage. Here are steps that should be taken immediately if your frozen pipes burst.

Turn off the Water Supply

The most critical thing you have to do in dealing with a burst pipe is turning off the water supply and stopping the flow of water. As soon as the pipe bursts, quickly get to and turn the water shutoff valve. Every minute that the water runs in this situation, the more damage it causes.

Vent Moist Air Out

Open windows and place several fans around the area to help circulate the air and send moisture out the windows. If the pipe burst in an enclosed area, turn on one or several dehumidifiers to remove the water from the home.

Take Caution Around Flooded Areas

If there is an excess amount of water running in your basement or living area, then you may be tempted to run and retrieve valuable items. However, this is not the safe thing to do.

There is a very real danger of electrocution if there is an extension cord or other electrical item in the area that has become frayed. If someone gets electrocuted, they may fall back, hit their head and sustain a serious or fatal injury.

Seek Help Immediately

If there is damage to the flooring or walls then you will need the services of a water mitigation company. These services clean up, dry out, and repair damage in situations such as this. Many of these companies manage the entire restoration process from working with your insurance provider, drying out the damage and making repairs.

In finding the best company to save your home, contact Seva Call. We will quickly connect you to the most reputable service in the area for this emergency. Seek help immediately in order to save the value of your home and valuables.

Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

Considerations and Cost to Replace Porch Columns

Monday, January 13th, 2014

When thinking about upgrading your porch, as with any home improvement project, one of the major considerations is cost. Checking your porch columns for structural damage is a sound way to evaluate whether they can still be repaired or you need to have them replaced.

Replace porch columns if there are structural problems that will be impractical or very costly to repair. Consider the following points when deciding between repair and replacement.

What kind of columns are they?

Are the columns supportive or just decorative? If the porch connects with a second level area such as a balcony or a terrace, it’s critical to safety that the porch columns are strong enough to support the weight above. Therefore, it’s recommended to replace weak porch columns with a type that is stronger and more durable and to make sure columns are always in mint condition.

The cost to replace porch columns may be expensive, but it’s the safest option whenever there’s a need for extra stability. Relying on repairs is a suitable option if the columns are decorative or they support a lighter load like a small roof.

What kind of damage do they have?

Wood rot, insects, and drastic temperature changes can cause damage to porch columns. Find out the extent of the damage, if any, to determine whether the problem can be fixed by repair work or if replacement is in order.

If there is damage only in one particular area, then resolving the localized issue is the best course of action. However, it would be safer to remove the whole thing and replace it with a new one if its integrity has already been compromised.

Counting the Cost

Obviously, the cost to replace porch columns would be greater than making a local repair or touch-up. However, you must weigh the consequences of trying to save on the cost of upgrading your porch columns when you know they are no longer structurally sound.

Porch columns in such a condition would only worsen in time, not only costing you more in repair, but also putting you and your family’s safety at risk. If you’re on a tight budget and cannot afford a complete porch column replacement at the moment, then consider repairing and reinforcing the existing columns.

However, regardless of the cost, replace porch columns that already have large cracks.

Get Professional Help

Still not sure what to do with your porch columns? Get a professional opinion. Use Seva Call to connect with a qualified handyman in your area who can evaluate whether the columns need repair or replacement. Try our free service now and get in touch with local pros in minutes!

Tags: Cost to Replace Porch Columns
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

How Do Orthodontists Put on Braces?

Monday, January 13th, 2014

In most cases, modern braces worn with pride are the secret element behind that perfect smile that attracts compliments like a magnet. People who flirt with the idea of wearing braces to restore their smile are often troubled by a long series of questions, like for instance: How do orthodontists put on braces? Does it hurt? For how long would I have to wear my braces?

Below you will find pertinent answers to all these questions and more.

Reasons Why You Should Consult an Orthodontist

Surgical and non-surgical procedures conducted to help you take pride in a ravishing smile shouldn’t be considered a luxury. On the contrary, they are a real necessity, especially for kids and adults who have more than a few crooked teeth. Bad bites can generate chewing and speech problems, while bent teeth can cause decays and other major oral health problems, culminating with teeth loss.

How to Obtain Perfectly Aligned Teeth

If you want to straighten your teeth fast, discuss your options with a competent orthodontist who will tell you if braces are the best alternative in your case.

How do orthodontists put on braces? The whole process is time-efficient and pain-free. Orthodontists follow these main steps:

1. First, they determine the exact shape of your teeth by creating a model.

2. They clean your teeth with a toothbrush, using a type of toothpaste that tastes and looks like wet sand.

3. They open your mouth and keep it in an ideal position by utilizing a spacer.

4. They dry off your teeth and blow air into your mouth to eliminate excess saliva.

5. They rub every single tooth with a special solution and then they start to apply the brackets.

6. While wearing glasses, they use a light source to dry the adhesive that keeps the brackets in place.

7. They attach and adjust the wires and let the patients choose their favorite ligatures (available in different colors).

Ask an Expert

Finding a good orthodontist can be quite challenging and time-consuming. Simplify the whole process by relying on Seva Call, your number one connection to the best professional in your area.

Tags: How Do Orthodontists Put on Braces
Posted in Dentists | No Comments »

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