Contractor Tips Blog

Oct
4

Gift Ideas for the Smartphone Lover

Ever since the iPhone hit the market in 2007, smartphones have flooded the cell phone industry. It seems like everyone has a smartphone, whether it is an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or another popular brand/model. So, when it comes time to buy a gift for the holidays, birthdays or even anniversaries, why not find an accessory for the smartphone lover in your life? All you need to know if what kind of phone they have…if you ask them about their phone, they will probably tell you more than you wanted to know! Once you have the make and model, you can easily find a great gift for them. Here are some ideas: 

  • Headphones. Have a music-loving smartphone user on your gift list? Look for some wireless headphones that will let them enjoy their playlist wherever they are.
  • Customized covers. Give your special someone a customized cover or case for their phone. You can use a photo or choose from many different designs, colors and styles. A smartphone case is a thoughtful and unique gift that your friend or family member will love.
  • Selfie-stick. Have a teen on your list? Get them a fun selfie-stick so they can capture special moments with their friends.
  • Bluetooth speaker. Compact Bluetooth speakers are a great way to turn a smartphone into a stereo. This is a great gift for the active socialite.

Smartphone accessories are a wonderful gift option for people on your list of all ages, from the teenager to the tech-savvy grandma. Visit your local cell phone accessory retail outlet to check out all the latest tech-forward accessories for all the smartphone users on your gift list – you might also see something you need for your phone as well.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Oct
4

5 Benefits to Updating the Windows in Your Home

When considering investing in home improvements, you want to put money into areas that will give you the most benefits. If you have older windows, updating them to newer models can have more value than you might realize. Here are five benefits of updating your old windows for your next home improvement project.

  1. Energy saving. Let’s start with how new windows can save you money. Did you know upgrading to energy efficient windows can save up to $500 a year in energy costs? In just a few years they can pay for themselves with their insulating properties. Plus, energy efficient windows add to the value of your home.
  2. Curb appeal. There are many beautiful design options in the window industry. You may be surprised how new windows can enhance your home’s curb appeal.
  3. Not only does poor insulation in your windows affect your energy costs, it also changes your comfort level. Drafts can be eliminated with the addition of new windows in your home.
  4. Old windows can stick or have issues opening. Get back full function with new windows that work as they should.
  5. Humidity issues. Do you see condensation on your old windows? That excess water can lead to humidity issues in your home. High humidity can lead to mold problems, an expensive and dangerous issue to have in your home.

New windows are a safe and wise investment into your home. Talk to your local home contractor that offers window replacement. Make sure to ask about energy efficient options that will save you money and add to the value of your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Oct
4

Why Damaged Chimneys are Dangerous

Posted in Masonry

Your chimney is essential to allowing you to have a fireplace inside your home and still have breathable air. It allows smoke to escape and air to feed the fire in small doses. However, if you have a masonry chimney that has begun to lean or shows signs of damage, it may be putting your home and family in danger. Chimney repairs are not something you should procrastinate about fixing as they can potential be harmful, even when you are not using your fireplace.

Masonry chimneys can last for many decades when maintained. Occasional cleanings and small repairs to bricks is often all that is needed to keep them safe and intact. However, they do depend on a solid foundation to stay stable; sinking foundations can cause a leaning chimney that can come crashing down at any time. In addition, you can have a small chimney fire without knowing it that can damage the masonry from the inside out.

Once the integrity of the chimney is compromised, it becomes a dangerous element in your home. Single bricks can topple, endangering those below, or the entire chimney could fall, putting your family and home at risk. If the interior has been damaged, there is a higher chance that a small chimney fire can spread to the rest of your home instead of being contained inside the flue walls.

Considering the dangers, it is never a good idea to put off a chimney repair. If you notice your chimney is leaning or has cracks, call a masonry expert for an inspection. It is not worth the risk to your home and family – get your chimney repaired as quickly as possible.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

Oct
4

A Quick History of the Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Nowadays, you see golf carts everywhere, not just on the golf course. Businesses use them for quick, economical transportation on large properties, even inside buildings. They are easy to use, affordable to maintain and a great asset for airports, parks and other businesses. Even homeowners and working farms have harnessed the power of the golf cart for local transportation. Millions of carts are used every day, all starting with a big idea over 60 years ago. Here is a quick history of the popular golf cart.

  • World War II. The idea for a small electric vehicle started in World War II during gas rationing. Merle Williams begin tinkering with the idea of a small vehicle for women to use for grocery shopping.
  • The first golf cart that was produced was in 1951 in Redlands, CA by Marketeer Company, owned by Merle Williams.
  • Golf cart boom. The popularity of the golf cart was almost immediate after the first was produced. By the end of the 1950’s, E-Z Go, LEKTRO, Cushman and Club Car all began selling these versatile electric carts.
  • 1970’s. Up until the 1970’s, most golf carts had only three wheels with a tiller-type steering device. In the 1970’s, the golf cart design evolved to four-wheels. Also, gas-powered carts began to emerge and become popular.
  • 1980’s. Golf carts began finding their way off the course and into other areas of business throughout the 1980’s. Club Car and Yamaha began designing carts for utility and personal transportation.
  • 1990’s. More features and innovations began emerging as large corporations began buying the smaller companies and expanding, bringing us the into the 2000’s.

There has been sixty-plus years that have led up to the amazing options available in the golf cart industry. To see the latest options, stop by your local golf cart dealer.

Posted on behalf of:
Action Specialty Carts
1891 McFarland Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 888-0892

Jul
21

5 Advantages of Pavers Over Concrete

Posted in Paving

Whether you are installing a new driveway, patio, pool deck or sidewalk, there are two common paving options to choose from: pavers or concrete. Concrete is the cheaper option in most cases, but that does not mean it should be an automatic choice. While both will give you a stable surface, there are advantages to using pavers, including these five.

  1. Pavers come in a variety of materials and design options that can create a beautiful surface. Circles, geometric designs and herringbone patterns are just some of the possibilities.
  2. Maintenance. Pavers are simple to maintain, requiring very little cleaning, sealing or other care to keep them looking great. Concrete can crack, need sealing or stain easily, requiring more maintenance and repair.
  3. Repair. Cracks, chips or stains are much easier to repair when you have a paver surface versus concrete. A single paver can be replaced without needing to repair the entire surface. Pavers often need fewer repairs than concrete as they are not a solid surface that can crack under pressure.
  4. Drainage. Pavers can offer better drainage than concrete that may allow water to settle on the surface. This is especially important for pool decks and driveways.
  5. While concrete may be less expensive, pavers can add more value to your home. A paver driveway, patio or pool deck is an upscale option that can enhance the value of your home.

If you have a new paved surface on your wish list, consider the advantages of using pavers. Whether you choose brick, natural stone or concrete pavers, it can be an excellent investment in your home. Make sure to use an experienced paving contractor to complete your project for the best results.

Posted on behalf of:
Tri County Pavers & Design
3300 S Congress Ave
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
954-603-3244

Jul
21

Extend the Life of Your Golf Cart Battery

Posted in Golf Carts

If you have an electric golf cart, caring for the battery is vital to getting the most out of your investment. Not only is it the sole source of energy for your cart, replacing the battery can be expensive. Knowing how to properly charge for your battery can make it last longer and perform better. Here are some tips to care for your golf cart battery to extend the life and get the most out of your money.

  • Understand the limits of your battery. A golf cart battery is under much more strain than a typical vehicle battery. It is not recharged as you go, so when the juice runs out, it is completely dead. Plan your excursions around the typical battery life so it does not become completely drained or leave you stranded. Completely discharging a battery or even to below 80% can affect the life span.
  • Recharge completely. After each use, recharge the battery to full capacity. This is extremely important to improve the battery life so you get the most out of your investment. Even if you only use it for a short period, recharge after use.
  • Use a single outlet for charging. Do not plug your battery charger into an outlet that is being used for another electrical appliance. This can disturb the electrical flow to the battery.

Charging your battery the correct way is one way to get the most out of it and your golf cart. It also will need to be regularly cleaned and water added according to the manufacturer or dealer recommendations. Call your local golf cart dealer to learn more about maintaining your entire golf cart, including battery maintenance.

Posted on behalf of:
Top Dog Golf Carts
55055 Hammond Industrial Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 887-7433

Jul
21

Invest in Unique Custom Metal Fabrication

If you are building a new home or business, metal components may be on your list to complete your project. Whether you are considering metal cabinets for the garage or a metal staircase for your new apartment building, you will be in the market to purchase metal components. While there are many metal products that are available that are mass produced, consider the benefits of investing in unique customized metal components through a fabricator.

Welding or metal fabricating is a specialized trade that has been around for centuries. Changing the shape of metal through heat is an art form, from the blacksmiths of old to our modern metal fabricators. These craftsmen can build almost any structure from metal to customized specifications. This gives you access to a product that is like no other and built for your project.

Mass produced metal products tend to use cheap materials and production lines to keep their prices low. While you may save a little money initially, they are not built to last like a handmade fabricated piece. Put quality in and you will get quality out; that is always the case in construction and is especially true with metal components.

If you want a unique stairway, railing, cabinet or counter for your building project, contact a local metal fabricator. You can have them design a component that will be well-made and functional for your needs. You can also get specific designs and artwork done such as initials, logos or other embellishments for a creative touch. Before you buy a manufactured metal piece, find out more about customized metal fabrication and how it can enhance your new home or business.

Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028
(678) 455-5552

Jul
21

Importance of a Quality Timing Belt Supplier

If you run a manufacturing facility, productivity is the lifeline of your business. One piece of equipment coming to a halt can quickly add up to thousands of dollars of lost revenue when productivity is affected. This is why equipment maintenance is essential to protect the bottom line, especially when it comes to one small part that can have a big impact: timing belts.

Almost every piece of heavy machinery has a timing belt. From standard and metric timing belts to the V-belt that is in every manufacturing plant in the country, these belts keep your production line moving. However, they need maintenance and proactive replacement to ensure they continue to do their job day in and day out. It is essential to have your timing belts regularly inspected and replaced when needed to avoid an expensive failure.

Even with regular maintenance, timing and V-belts can fail. When this happens, you need to have a quality timing belt supplier that can get you the belt you need right away. This can be more difficult than it sounds. If you have a hodge-podge of different types of manufacturing equipment, you may have many different types of timing belts you use. Choose a timing belt supplier that offers the following advantages to ensure they will have what you need, when you need it:

  • Metric and standard timing belts
  • V-belts in every variety
  • Troubleshooting expertise
  • Immediate shipping for belt orders

To avoid costly shutdowns, consider talking to your timing belt supplier about ordering extra belts for all your equipment. They can help you determine which belts you need so that when the time comes for replacement, you will be ready.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Jul
21

Caring for Your Mobile Devices

Smartphones and tablets enhance our lives, keeping us connected wherever we are. We use them for work, school and play, which is why if one gets damaged it can send our life into a tailspin. While accidents happen, there are ways to protect your precious iPhones, iPads and other devices. Get the most life out of your newest device by following these tips for care. 

  • Cover and protect. Smartphones and tablets are too expensive to leave unprotected. Since they go wherever you do, they need armor to protect the delicate screen and case. Invest in a quality cover or case with a screen protector as soon as possible. It only takes one drop on tile, cement or asphalt to shatter your device. If you are active, opt for a case that is rugged for the best protection.
  • Don’t overcharge. One of the most common mistakes people make with their phones and tablets is leaving them on their charger. Not only can this detract from the battery lifespan, there have been instances of fires caused from devices left plugged in.
  • Water protection. If you will be near the pool or out on a body of water, put your device inside a waterproof plastic bag. A large clear plastic bag that seals will allow you to still see and use your device while protecting it from water damage.

Caring for your smartphones and tablets can help ensure they last – at least until you decide it is time to upgrade to the newest model. However, if your device does get damaged, there are local repair shops that can fix your device the same day so you never need to be without your beloved device for long.

Posted on behalf of:
iDeviceMD
1570 Old Alabama Rd
Roswell, GA 30076
(678) 869-9899

Jul
21

Protecting Your Personal Information on Your Mobile Device

It isn’t just large corporations that need to worry about hackers. Everyday smartphone and tablet users could be at risk of having their personal information stolen. If you consider how much you do through your mobile device such as banking, online purchases and account setup, you should be aware of how to protect that personal information. Here are a few tips to keep your information safe on your mobile devices.

  • Use secure passwords and PINs. Don’t use the same passwords and PINs for all your different accounts. This makes it too easy for a cybercriminal to gain access to several accounts. Create unique, strong access codes for each of your devices and accounts.
  • Be careful of public Wi-Fi. It is cost effective and convenient to use public Wi-Fi in restaurants, motels, airports and other places. It is also a hot bed for cybercriminals looking to steal personal information. Do not send account numbers, personal information or anything you want protected over a public Wi-Fi system.
  • Recycling your device. When it comes time to upgrade to a new device, make sure you wipe your device clean of any personal information. Remove the SIM card if it has one and adhere to the manufacturers recommendations for permanently removing all personal information. This includes your phonebook, pictures, emails, texts and any other information you have stored on your device. When recycling or selling, go to a reputable store that buys old devices instead of a private buyer. They will also ensure that all information is removed for your safety.

Keep your personal information safe on your mobile devices to prevent identity theft and criminal misuse of your private data. A little prevention can save you a big headache later if your information is hacked through your phone or tablet.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

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