Contractor Tips Blog

Apr
16

5 Reasons to Choose an Electric Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Both gas and electric gas carts can be excellent choices for personal transportation. Whether you need a golf cart for enjoying your favorite sport or for a quick and easy way to get from point A to point B, it is important to choose a model that will best suit your needs. For many people, an electric golf cart has more benefits and is the right choice. Here are five reasons to consider electric for your next golf cart.

  1. Great prices. Electric golf carts can be easier on the budget than gas-powered models. There are economical options that are affordable and cheap to maintain.
  2. Eco-friendly. Electric is the green option when it comes to golf carts. No fuel is needed, just batteries to power the engine. Electric motors run cleaner and do not have the emissions of a gas-powered engine, making it a better choice for protecting the environment.
  3. Easy maintenance. When it comes to routine maintenance, electric golf carts are simple. The batteries are the main items you need to maintain, but there are fewer engine maintenance requirements.
  4. Quiet. Electric motors are almost silent. If you want a stealth golf cart for personal transportation, electric is the way to go.
  5. No smell or filling the tank. Electric golf carts do not have fumes, so they can be used indoors. They also do not need to be filled with fuel – just keep your battery charged and you are ready to hit the golf course.

There are benefits to gas-powered golf carts, but for many, electric is a great option. Visit your local golf cart dealer to learn more about the different models available to find the best one for your needs.

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

Apr
16

Choosing a Qualified Conveyor Belt Supplier

Posted in Conveyor Belts

Many businesses rely on conveyor belts to help speed up productivity. From warehouses and shipping outlets to manufacturing floors and commercial kitchens, conveyor belts keep products moving and help improve profitability. Whether you run a large commercial manufacturing plant or a small craft beer business, you need a qualified conveyor belt supplier to ensure your business stays productive. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a conveyor belt supplier for your company.

  • Types of conveyor belts. Conveyor belts are not one-size-fits-all. You want a supplier that offers a wide variety of conventional conveyor belts as well as customized options. Cleated, food-grade, rough-top and other options should be available in various sizes. Your supplier should offer delivery and installation of your conveyor belt equipment.
  • Conveyor components. Hoses, timing belts, lacing, rubber and other components are needed for maintenance and repairs on your conveyor. Your supplier should have the parts you will need for maintaining your equipment and quick options for delivery.
  • Service for your conveyor. A conveyor belt company that can install, maintain and repair your equipment and has all the supplies you need is ideal. Make sure you find a company that guarantees quick repair service for breakdown emergencies. A broken conveyor can slow down your production line and you need repairs to be completed as soon as possible.

You need to be able depend on your conveyor belt supplier to keep your business productive. Take the time to research your options to find an experienced conveyor belt company with the services you need and a good reputation. It is worth the investment of time to find the right supplier that will be a partner you can trust as you grow your business.

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

Feb
26

Chimney Inspections and Buying a Home

When looking at possible new homes, there are many different factors to consider. Size, location, schools, price and possible problems with the home are all on the list of concerns before investing in a new home. While home inspections are used to identify any possible problems in the home, they are only an overview of many different structures and systems in the home. If the home has a fireplace and chimney, a general chimney outside inspection is usually completed, but it may not be enough to find serious problems within the chimney structure.

Benefits of Professional Chimney Inspections

If you are considering buying an older home that has a chimney, it may be worth the investment to have a separate chimney inspection performed by a masonry expert. Chimney structural issues can exist that are not evident and are often missed in standard home inspections. Having a professional chimney inspection before committing to a purchase can benefit the buyer with the following benefits:

  • Identify any deeper chimney problems
  • Save the buyer thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs
  • Peace of mind
  • Options to ask for repair stipulations before purchase
  • Internal inspection of the chimney

Serious structure issues in a chimney can be dangerous and an expensive surprise for new homeowners. It is worth the investment for a professional chimney inspection, especially on homes that have older masonry in place. Choose a masonry expert that perform level one, two and three chimney inspections that are not covered with standard home sale inspections. This can uncover any possible issues or give your potential home a clean bill of chimney health for your peace of mind.

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

Feb
26

4 Ways to Make Your Smartphone Last Longer

When you spend several hundred dollars on an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or other smartphone, you want to ensure it lasts until you are ready to replace it. Many smartphones have surpassed the cost of a new computer, making them an expensive luxury. On top of being costly, they are more likely to be damaged due to the amount of mobility and use they endure. Here are four ways to help increase the life of your smartphone to get the most from your investment.

  1. Buy a case and screen protector. Make sure your device is protected from accidents with a durable case and a screen protector. Do not even wait a day to head to your nearest retailer to outfit your new phone in protective gear.
  2. Avoid water. While some new smartphones claim to be waterproof, enough water can still cause damage. Do not use your phone when boating, laying by the pool or while soaking in the tub.
  3. Don’t walk and text. Driving and texting is outlawed in many states for safety but walking and texting can also be dangerous. Not only could you get hurt, but you are more likely to damage your phone if you trip or fall.
  4. Find a local repair shop. If an accident does occur, shattering the screen or causing other damage, consider repair versus replacement. Many times, the damage can be repaired the same day at a local cell phone repair shop.

A few precautions and preventive measures can ensure you get the most value from your new smartphone. Plus, it will help keep it in good condition so that you can get the most value when you sell it when it is time to upgrade, reducing the overall cost for owning the latest in mobile device technology.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Feb
26

Avoid Storm Chasers When You Need Roof Repair

Posted in Roofing

It seems that in every type of natural disaster and other calamities that there are always disreputable people trying to take advantage of the victims. Storm chasers are the bottom-feeders of the contractor industry, preying on those that have had extensive roof and home damage from hail or other types of storms. They sweep into an area after a storm, offering quick and cheap repairs, but the only thing they leave behind is more damage to the victims that give them their money.

Spotting a Storm Chaser

Storm chasers are notorious for blanketing neighborhoods where storms hit and offering their services. They may show up and knock on your door, giving you a flyer or business card with a smile, claiming they can fix your roof damage right away. When storms hit an area, the legitimate roofing contractors are often swamped with calls for quotes, estimates and repairs. Having someone show up to your door can be a relief, but if it seems too good to be true, it often is.

There are a few notable differences that you can spot with storm chasers. For one, they are rarely from the area. They may have a 1-800 number or a phone number from out of state. This is your first clue to do a little more research. Check to see if they are even licensed or insured in your state by making a quick call. Check the Better Business Bureau and see if they are listed at all or have previous complaints.

Storm chasers often take a down payment for roof repairs, then disappear without doing any work. Or, they do repair the roof, but use shoddy materials and methods that do not last. When a leak occurs months down the road, they are long gone, and you are stuck with the repair bill.

Avoid storm chasers by sticking with a local roofing contractor with a solid reputation in your community. You may need to wait a little longer, but it worth the inconvenience to ensure your roof repair is done by someone you can trust.

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

Feb
26

The Blue Carbon Paper History

Many young people will never know the frustration of getting blue carbon paper ink all over their hands when trying to copy a document or create a credit card slip. Blue carbon paper was used extensively in typewriters and documents where several copies were needed for many decades, but it is no longer a staple of the business and retail world. However, for over 150 years, blue carbon paper has been used in one way or another and is still used in limited applications today.

The first version of blue carbon paper was produced in 1823 by Cyrus Dakin, but the idea had been around for some time. As early as 1779, James Watt, a Scottish engineer, was trying to create an inked tissue paper to be used to copy correspondence. Even the version made by Dakin in 1823 was not well-received by the business community, that is until the typewriter was invented in 1867, and a clean, readable copy could be made with carbon paper.

Early blue carbon paper was made by placing a sheet of paper on a slab and covering it with oil, soot and a liquid hydrocarbon. Eventually a machine was created to add a layer of hot wax that eliminated the need to manually brush on the carbon mixture. Although the materials and technology changed over the years, the main concept for blue carbon paper was kept the same for a century or more.

Today, most sales receipts, credit card slips, and other duplicated papers are printed, not copied with blue carbon. The messy blue carbon paper is rarely used in business transactions. However, it still has its uses in industrial applications. Machinery suppliers sell giant rolls of blue carbon paper that are used for machinery calibration and stenciling on glass, keeping this long-standing invention alive and well in some industries.

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

Feb
26

Add Strength to Beauty with an Custom Iron Trellis

Are you looking for ways to create a unique and interesting style for your yard or outdoor space? A trellis can be used in a variety of ways in landscaping and outdoor door design. Wrought iron trellis formations can be custom designed in almost any shape or size. Not only are they beautiful, iron has the strength to withstand the elements and last for many years to come.

Ideas for Outdoor Trellis Uses

Trellises are typical used as a climbing apparatus for vines and plants, often roses or ivy varieties. While this is their primary purposes, they can also be used in creative ways to add interest and function to your outside areas. Here are a few ideas on how to use your trellis:

  • Cover a boring wall. Trellises are perfect for hiding a worn fence or a boring wall that is devoid of style. Use the trellis to create a beautiful wall of green that hides imperfections or adds interest to a dull corner of your yard.
  • Add a divider. Trellises can be staked or anchored into the ground and used to create a divider between outdoor areas. Whether they are stand-alone iron walls or covered in foliage, they can break up your space and even add shade when covered in vines.
  • Adorn entrances. Everyone has seen arched trellises that cover gates and entry ways. Iron trellises are perfect for adorning entrances, whether with an arch or a complete pagoda.

The amazing aspect of an iron trellis is that you can have it designed however you want by a metal fabricator. You can have it made any size or shape, with whatever type of style you desire. Contact a local metal welder and fabricator to explore the options for adding a beautiful iron trellis to your outdoor space that can be the focal point of your yard.

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

Feb
26

What to Look for When Purchasing a Used Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Whenever you purchase a used vehicle, it can be risky. You never know if there are hidden issues that could cost you more down the road. The same is true of a used golf cart. Even if it seems to be in good condition, there could be problems that are not apparent. Before you purchase a previously-owned golf cart, here are a few tips to help ensure it is a good investment.

  • Age. How old is the cart? If it is more than fifteen years old, you could run into issues getting parts for repairs. Be careful buying too old of a cart as it may not have much life left in it, even if it was lightly used. Most golf carts made after 2005 will have a tracker in place that can tell you the number of hours and cycles it has used.
  • Batteries. For electric golf carts, batteries are one of the most expensive components to replace. Ask about when they were last replaced. If it has been over a year, you can expect that you will need to replace them soon. Also look for bulging or corrosion, signs that the batteries are at the end of their life cycles.
  • Refurbished or used? Many dealers will sell refurbished golf carts that have had maintenance done to ensure they are reliable. Be careful of “as-is” used carts bought from private owners; you may want to have it brought in and inspected to determine the condition by a local golf cart dealer.

Buying a used golf cart can save you money, but you want to ensure it is going to be reliable. Check with your local golf cart dealer to see if they have used models for sale that have been inspected or refurbished to protect your investment.

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

Feb
26

Protect Your Brand with Fleet Truck Washing

How much did you spend to add your logo and colors for your business to your fleet trucks? If you own a business that delivers products or services, your fleet trucks are moving billboards for your business. They can reach thousands of potential customers while out serving your existing client base, making them an excellent way to advertise. However, if the image of your brand and business is hidden under a layer of dirt and grime, you could be tarnishing your image. Make a positive impact by investing in fleet truck washing for your business.

Polish Your Brand

It doesn’t matter whether you have a pizza delivery business or plumbing is your game, if you have vehicles that represent your business, they need to be maintained. Dirt and grime are a constant occurrence on the roads, dulling the appearance of your fleet vehicles and your brand. Fleet pressure washing on a regular basis can help keep one of your best representations of your business clean and professional.

While many businesses will undergo fleet washing every few months, this is not enough to keep your vehicles pristine. Consider finding a fleet truck washing service that will regularly come and clean your vehicles, rain or shine. Ongoing maintenance on a set basis can ensure your vehicles and brand are kept clean and presentable, improving the impression you make on potential customers in your community.

Contact a local pressure washing service that offers fleet truck washing to find out about commercial contracts for routine cleaning for your vehicles. It is a wise investment in your business and brand to keep a professional image rolling down the streets of your city.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Feb
26

Trends in Staircase Handrails

Posted in Stairs

One of the most noticeable pieces of architecture inside a home is the staircase.  While it of course must be practical and safe, it can also make a beautiful statement about your home. And one of the most important aspects of the staircase is the handrail design and balusters. The detailing that a handrail has and the materials used in it can make all the difference, and can turn your home from builder’s basic to modern chic.

Some modern trends in handrails today is glass. Rather than using traditional spindles on the staircase, consider filling that space with clear, colored or patterned glass. It allows light to continue through the space and continues the open concept design that people want in their homes today.  A minimalistic metal top gives a place to grasp while capping that industrial look that is so sought after.

Another trend is to mix materials.  Using a traditional wooden rail with a wrought iron baluster is a timeless look. Another option is to use cabling or metal railing horizontally with a wooden rail.  Natural wood softens the industrial look of metal while still updating a space.

Color is also something to think about with staircase design. Contrasting a bright white stair with a very dark handrail, balusters and treads. Very dark browns and black are the new trend in stain and will make a traditional staircase design pop.

Whether you are having a new home built or are renovating your old home, contact a professional to help design a beautiful staircase with a unique handrail design. They add value, sophistication, and a one-of-a-kind statement to your home that won’t be duplicated in your neighborhood.

Posted on behalf of:
Southern Staircase/Artistic Stairs
6025 Shiloh Rd, Ste E
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(888) 510-0342

Most Popular

How Often Should You Service Your Golf Cart?

Just like any other vehicle, a golf cart needs routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. And just like other vehicles, what kind of cart you have depends…

Quality Metal Stairs for Apartments

Metal stairs for apartment complexes come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes.  And, as with any building that’s accessible by the public, safety is top priority. Apartment complex…

Pros and Cons of Smartphone Insurance

Many people spend more on their smartphones than on computers – a new iPhone can cost several hundred dollars or more. Most wireless carriers and manufacturers offer insurance for a…