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Archive for the ‘services’ Category

Friday, December 13th, 2013

There are different opinions about tipping in general. Some never tip contractors who perform any type of work in their homes and only choose to tip service professionals who serve them personally, like a waiter or a salon attendant. Others are more generous with their tips, tipping any service professional who does an excellent job.

Rewarding a Great Job

The fact that tipping is a voluntary gesture leaves a lot of room about differing views on whether or not to tip and how much is enough. Nonetheless, if you have a landscape project coming up and you’re thinking of tipping landscape workers when they do a terrific job, it would be a very pleasant surprise for the crew. They will surely appreciate this gesture, since they don’t normally expect tips from clients.

Other Nice Gestures

In addition to tipping landscape workers, and sometimes in lieu of a cash tip, homeowners offer lunch and/or snacks for a full day of work. In addition, any worker would appreciate it if you have cold drinks on hand like iced tea or soda on a long day of work. If you’re thinking this is too much, imagine yourself being that person working on some other person’s lawn for several hours.

While tipping landscape workers is subjective, it’s only common courtesy to offer something to drink and eat to people coming to your home to fix your yard.

Benefits of Tipping

If you plan to hire the crew again sometime in the near future, and you know you have more landscape jobs lined up, then tipping them would be a great way to build rapport. It would help ensure that they will continue doing a great job. It may also spread around the service trade in your area that you’re a good tipper, which might get you better service from other service professionals, too.

Planning a Landscaping Project?

Get in touch with a professional landscaper as soon as possible to kick-start your project. Use TalkLocal to be connected with an available qualified landscape professional in your area right now.

Tags: Tipping Landscape Workers
Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

How Can I Stain Wood Furniture?

Friday, December 13th, 2013

If you want to restore the look and color of your old pieces of furniture or create a luster for your unfinished pieces, you can apply stain. To do a good job when staining wood furniture, you need to go through several stages. Here are some tips that will make the process of staining wood furniture easier.

Check the Piece of Furniture You Want to Stain

If it’s damaged in any way, you need to repair it before you prepare the wood for staining. Otherwise, the finish will only make the blemishes more visible.

Look at the Type of Wood

How you prepare the wood for staining depends on what type of wood your piece of furniture is made of. Open-grained woods, which have larger pores, require filling prior staining. If your piece of furniture is made of two different types of wood, you might need to use a distinct treatment for each of them.

How Can I Stain Wood Furniture? What Stages Are Involved in the Staining Process?

Bleaching

To eliminate possible wood discolorations in the surface of your piece of furniture, you need to bleach it. Bleaching is done if there are stains or water spots, if the color of the wood isn’t uniform, or if the wood is blotchy.

However, it is advisable to check first if the wood can be bleached. Not all woods take bleaching well. For instance, avoid it completely if your piece of furniture is made of cherry. Cedar and redwood, for example, are hard to bleach, while others, such as mahogany, lose their distinctive quality.

The bleaching agent and the techniques should be chosen carefully, in accordance with different wood properties. Before you bleach your piece of furniture, make sure you are aware of its potential effect on the wood.

Sanding

This is a very important stage in the staining process, because the quality of the finish depends on how well sanding is done. The basic rule is to sand along the grain of wood, to avoid making scratches. Don’t press too hard, and change the sand paper as you progress, moving from coarse sandpapers to smoother ones. Above all, be patient.

Staining

The stain you opt for determines wood preparation, so it is important to read the label on the stain container, and prepare the piece of furniture according to manufacturer’s recommendations. For best results, you need compatible sealers and fillers, so check stain compatibility before you settle for a particular one.

Need Assistance?

If you’re not prepared to refinish your wood furniture by yourself, and need assistance with your home improvement projects, TalkLocal can put you in touch with the right professional immediately.

Tags: How Can I Stain Wood Furniture
Posted in Painters | No Comments »

Secret of Overall Wellness: A Hot Tub Dip!

Friday, December 13th, 2013

No one can deny the mesmerizing and soothing effects that a hot tub dip gives, but do you know what makes it feel so great? Unfolding the pages of history tells us that even the Greek and Egyptians believed in the power of hydrotherapy.

The pressure jets and relaxing heat of the hot tub water do wonders to relieve mental and physical stress. But how? Let’s discuss some benefits of spa hydrotherapy and see how a hot tub dip can help in overall wellness.

Say No to Stress

High stress levels can cause physical discomfort and vice versa. A healthy mind and body could be the key to overcoming this dilemma, and spa hydrotherapy can aid to calm and care for both.

A few minutes hydrotherapeutic session in the hot tub can eradicate headaches and slump stress levels, while also soothing joints and muscles. Most of the spas have hot tub water massage elements that rouse anxiety- and stress-relieving endorphins.

Better Siesta

It is scientifically proven that hydrotherapy can boost your sleep; in fact, people can fall fast asleep and sleep for longer after an effective hot tub emersion. The rapid eye movement (REM) cycle is also noticed to be more invigorating after the revitalizing effects of a hydrotherapy session.

Relief from Pain

In hydrotherapy, water is used to relive pain and discomfort from the body in the physical sense, but the temperature of water plays an essential role in providing effective results. Respite from muscle soreness, arthritis, and back pain can expedite the revival from injuries.

Studies have revealed that hydrotherapy aids the elimination of lactic acid, opens the blood vessels for improved circulation, makes possible the flow of endorphins, and unwinds the soft tissue surrounding arthritic joints. The fine blend of high tech jets with hot water can perk up joint and muscular functions by directing a hot jet-driven water to exact trouble points or pressure points in the body.

A sound sleep, pain relief and a stress free routine together are the secret of overall wellness. Lack of one component can hamper the others. So whether you need a hot tub dip for calming your mind after a stressful day, or require a hydrotherapy session for pain relief or to soothe overworked muscles, hot tubs can be your health and wellness specialists.

Want to Know More About Hot Tub Installations?

Thinking of bringing a hot tub at home? Need to upgrade your spa with the one with the latest tech-specs? Find a hot tub expert in your area by using TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three professionals in you are in just minutes, for free!

Posted in Massage Therapy, talklocal | No Comments »

What to Do about Clothes Stained by Iron

Friday, December 13th, 2013

Brownish or yellowish marks on clothing can be very unpleasant. Iron stains are sometimes stubborn and simply won’t come out. Let’s see what you can do about it, how you can address this issue, and get rid of the quizzical, multicolored patterns on your favorite white shirt.

3 Do’s and 3 Don’ts When It Comes to Clothes Stained by Iron

The 3 Do’s

1. Use vinegar.

2. Rub from the exterior to the interior of the stain.

3. Machine wash your garment after the removal of the stain, if allowed.

The 3 Don’ts

1. Don’t postpone examining your clothes. The earlier you discover a stain, the greater the chances of getting rid of it successfully.

2. Don’t forget to check the label in order to be sure that you can wash the item.

3. Don’t expose the stain to heat. This will fix it into the texture of the material.

How Should You Get Rid of The Stains?

As soon as you discover the iron stain on your piece of clothing, put some detergent on it and leave it to soak for a while. Then start rubbing the stain out using a chemical product or natural alternatives, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Vinegar is an excellent stain remover. You can leave your item of clothing in the vinegar mixture overnight or just a few hours.

When blotting up, start from the outer parts and proceed to the center of the stain – that is how you will prevent the stain from spreading. Rinse thoroughly when you’re done rubbing. If the indications on the label allow it, you may also wash the garment after having removed the stain.

Need Help?

If you decide that this is too complicated for you and you need experts to do it, let TalkLocal give you a hand. We can put you in touch with local professionals in no time.

Tags: Clothes Stained by Iron
Posted in Tailors | No Comments »

Benefits Wireless Technology

Thursday, December 12th, 2013

Wireless technology has become extremely popular in recent years, and for a good reason. There are several types of wireless technology. They are mainly distinguished by their range.

Connectivity is determined by the range of the wireless device. Some wireless technologies can only cover the space of a room, while others facilitate access in an entire house or building. Then there’s the mobile phone, which is based on some of the most advanced wireless technologies.

What Some of the Benefits Wireless Technology?

Flexibility

Wireless technology allows you to send and receive data regardless of location, at a much faster pace.

Affordability

Wireless technology is a cost-effective alternative, which makes communication faster and more accurate. Information is transferred between businesses, within companies, and to customers, more quickly and more effectively.

Comfort

Wireless technology relieves you from the burden of carrying cables with you or using them to connect to various devices.

Easy to Install

Wireless technology is accessible and easy to install. You don’t need to be a tech geek to install or access a wireless network.

Increased Mobility

Wireless technology allows you to move freely whether you are at work or at home, and use the Internet or intranet to communicate.

More Space

Wireless technology creates cable-free spaces both at home and at the office.

There are multiple options when it comes to wireless technology. The choice depends on your specific needs. If you want to use wireless technology for personal purposes, Local Wireless solutions or Personal Area Network (PAN) might be appropriate. If you want to use it for business purposes, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) might be recommended.

Need Help Choosing Your Wireless Technology or Installing a Wireless Network?

Look no further. Contact TalkLocal right away to save time and energy, and we’ll put you in contact with a professional in your area who can help.

Tags: Wireless Technology
Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

How to Run Water Line Refrigerators

Thursday, December 12th, 2013

On a hot day, it is mandatory to make the most of your new fridge with the water dispenser and extremely useful ice-maker. To do so, you must run a refrigerator water line.

Linking the water line to the backside of your fridge is a relatively simple task that requires only a few basic tools, and moderate plumbing skills. However, if you don’t have much faith in your DIY skills, it is better to consult a skilled plumber before putting theory into practice.

How to Run Water Line Refrigerators

Want to run a water line on your refrigerator? If so, start by gathering all the necessary tools and supplies, including a spade bit, a valve clamp, pipe thread sealant, Teflon tape, a water line kit, and an adjustable wrench. Once you collect all these tools, you can get started.

Follow a Few Simple Steps

1) Buy a braided, stainless steel water line, instead of similar elements made of plastic or copper, which are less resistant and less durable.

2) Identify the closest water source (which is usually the kitchen sink).

3) Move the fridge a bit to make enough room for yourself to be able to work comfortably; then drill a hole for your new refrigerator water line (through your floor or through a cabinet, depending on the location of your water source).

4) Link your water line to the backside of your fridge using Teflon tape and an adjustable wrench.

5) Link the refrigerator water line to your closest water source, by using a valve clamp.

6) Put your project to the test by turning on the water, tighten loose connections to address potential leaks.

Ask an Expert

These days, it is fairly simple to run a refrigerator water line, especially if you purchase an ice-maker kit that comes with a high-quality pipe and a supply valve.

If you want to minimize leak risks and lift this massive weight off your shoulders, just contact a competent plumber operating in your area. Find the best one with TalkLocal, your number one connection to the best professionals in your area.

Tags: refrigerator, water line
Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

Where to Throw Away a Sofa

Thursday, December 12th, 2013

It’s sad but it’s true: an expensive piece of furniture like a sofa can become useless after a certain time. And unless it’s made of genuine leather, there won’t be many friends willing to take it. If you have no one to pass your sofa onto, you’ll need to know where to throw away a sofa.

Where Can You Throw Away Your Old Sofa?

There are several possibilities when you decide to dispose of your old piece of furniture. If your sofa no longer serves your purposes and you need to find a place to dispose of it, let’s see what options you have. You can:

– Sell it in a jumble sale

– Sell it through an online advertisement

– Donate it to a charity

Selling your old sofa: If you decide to sell your old sofa, make sure it’s still in good condition, or have it cleaned by an expert before you put it up for sale. One way to sell your sofa is to place it in a jumble sale.

Sell your old sofa online: Another solution would be to place an advertisement on the Internet. The advertisement could be a short text or even a film about your sofa. You may not get much money for this item of furniture, but all you want is to get rid of it.

Donate your old sofa to charity: If you decide to donate your sofa to a charity, you will need to have it hauled away, which is extremely convenient. This is also a nice gesture of solidarity.

Whatever option you choose, never abandon your old piece of furniture on the wayside. We should all assume responsibility for everything that is or was once ours.

Need Assistance?

TalkLocal can help you get rid of your old sofa. Give us a call before you throw away a sofa and we will connect you with reliable disposal services in your local area.

Tags: Where to Throw Away a Sofa
Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

Chiropractic Treatment for Herniated Disc

Thursday, December 12th, 2013

Frequent back pain, leg pain, or unusual numbness in the legs are often signs of a herniated disc. In case you feel these symptoms, it’s best to see your doctor or chiropractor as soon as possible.

But What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is also called a bulging disc or disc protrusion. Intervertebral discs are made up of an external, harder ring, and an internal, softer part. The disc is nourished and irrigated with blood by the two moving vertebrae framing it. If something happens to the vertebrae and their normal movement stops, the external ring may become dry and deteriorate. As a result, the central, soft part of the disc will bulge out.

What If It Doesn’t Hurt?

Sometimes a herniated disc may be asymptomatic, which in this case means that you might not feel any pain, but still have a back problem. The pain or even inflammation is caused by the pressure exerted by the bulging disc on the spinal nerve.

What Should You Do?

Herniated discs can become very painful if left untreated and can cause serious back problems. What treatments are available? Most common treatments include:

– Anti-inflammatory medication

– Physical therapy

– Surgery

– Chiropractic treatment

In some cases, anti-inflammatory medication may be only a temporary solution for your back pain, while surgery is extremely invasive.

An alternative approach is chiropractic treatment for herniated disc. A chiropractor is trained to identify and treat back problems. If you have a subluxation, which happens when the vertebrae move out of their position, an experienced chiropractor can locate and correct it. Chiropractors are also prepared to use special methods for vertebral decompression if necessary, allowing the disc to heal itself.

Looking for an Experienced Chiropractor?

TalkLocal can make it easier for you. We will connect you with three local chiropractors right away, so you can choose the best health care alternative for you in the shortest amount of time.

Tags: Chiropractic Treatment for Herniated Disc
Posted in Chiropractors | No Comments »

Mobile Home Siding Repair Tips

Wednesday, December 11th, 2013

Without a doubt, mobile homes are very convenient, but they are also prone to external damage caused by impact and severe weather elements. Just like a single-family home, mobile homes need maintenance and repairs. Below are some easy steps for mobile home siding repair to keep your home in tiptop shape.

Inspect the Siding

Make it a habit to inspect the siding of your mobile home after a storm or high, strong winds. This will help you determine if not only you need mobile home siding repair or replacement, but also to find out exactly what needs to be done. Look for any damage on the siding or missing siding panels.

For Missing Siding:

Step 1: Purchase Replacement Siding

Measure the damaged area, adding three inches on every side. With the measurements, buy replacement siding from a home supply store or an online retailer. If replacing a panel that has come off your mobile home, bring the panel to the store, so you can get the same exact siding material with all the same qualities (color, weight, style, etc.). Purchase any matching siding accessories needed to help create a smooth and seamless appearance.

Step 2: Install the Replacement Siding

Remove the damaged section of the siding by cutting out a square around it. Pay attention to how the problem siding was positioned. Install the new siding, taking note of the extra three inches on each side of the damaged area.

Step 3: Secure the New Siding

Nail down the new siding along the nail hem, but don’t hammer the nails all the way down. There should be a small space between the nail head and the siding to allow room for the siding when it expands due to weather. Attach the new siding how the old one was fastened. Aside from the nail hem, make sure to nail down the siding in other areas where it might require future mobile home siding repair.

Repair Holes in the Siding

1. To repair small holes in your mobile home siding, clean the damaged area first using liquid dish detergent, and then towel dry.

2. Cut out a piece of repair tape slightly bigger than the hole.

3. Cover the hole with the piece of tape and remove any air bubbles by smoothing the tape out.

4. Then, use matching color paint to paint over the tape so it blends with the rest of the siding.

Count on Professional Help

If you’re planning to use your mobile home soon, but you don’t have the time to handle siding repair or replacement, you can always hire a competent roofer to do the job. TalkLocal will match you with up to three qualified contractors. Cut the search for a pro and use our free service today.

Tags: Mobile Home Siding Repair
Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Benefits of Teak Floor Tiles

Wednesday, December 11th, 2013

If you want to install new floor tiles at home, it is recommended to opt for premium products made from high-quality materials, like teak for instance. Even though they may cost a little bit more than basic options available online and in brick-and-mortar stores, teak floor tiles will save you time, money, and effort in the long term.

Why Are Teak Floor Tiles An Amazing Alternative?

Want to change those old, boring, unappealing, deteriorated floor tiles? In this case, consider opting for teak floor tiles. They are very fashionable and extremely popular these days, especially due to their long list of advantages.

– Teak floor tiles are durable and extremely resistant in most environments.

– Their condition is not affected by water spills, since this material can withstand moisture and wear better than its main competitors.

– Teak contains natural oils that keep wood-eating pests at a distance.

– Teak can age naturally in a beautiful manner, and most owners don’t feel the need to treat it to preserve its unique charm.

What are the Main Disadvantages of Teak Floor Tiles?

Even the very best flooring materials have their fair share of disadvantages worth considering. Teak floor tiles do not make an exception. Here are three of the most important drawbacks that you should start weighing, before making a final decision.

Costs: High demand makes all teak varieties very expensive, compared to basic hardwood flooring materials, which are widely available and less fashionable.

Endangered Species: When you buy teak, you have to make sure that it comes from a sustainable source. Your teak floor tiles should be FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified.

Maintenance Issues: While it’s true that teak can age naturally without requiring any special treatment, some owners feel the need to oil it sporadically (every 2 or 3 years) to preserve its value, amazing looks, and its natural properties.

Ask an Expert

Not sure if the advantages of teak floor tiles can actually outweigh their main disadvantages? Make an informed decision by consulting a handyman. Find the best one in your area with TalkLocal, a free service designed to connect you with top professionals in your area.

Tags: teak floor tiles
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

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