Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Consumer Reports says skip the online marketplaces and go for a sale that has a guarantee or warranty.

GREENSBORO, N.C. Maybe youre looking for a bargain or just dont need something brand new. The marketplace for used appliances is huge, with online selling platforms like eBay, Facebook, and Craigslist making it easier than ever to shop around. Is it a good idea to buy used appliances? The answer: It depends. The experts at Consumer Reports can help with appliance-buying advice and the potential pitfalls to look out for when shopping the used market.

CR says when it comes to secondhand appliances, skip yard sales and online sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Those types of sellers usually cant offer you a guarantee or warranty on appliances.

Instead, hit a reputable local repair shop or used-appliance store early and often to nab the best deals. You could save 50 percent or more, even if the appliance hasnt been used at all.

Your best bets for buying used are washers, dryers, ranges, and refrigerators. But no matter what youre shopping for, find out how old the appliance is so you can calculate how much life it has left and if its worth the price.

If youre spending a couple hundred dollars on a 10-year-old refrigerator with an average useful life of 12 years, you need to ask yourself if its worth it if youre only going to get two years out of it.

The brand you buy often makes a difference, too. Data shows that some brands are more reliable than others. CRs surveys of thousands of members has found that LG, GE, and Kenmore earn a rating of Good or higher for the reliability of their fridges, ranges, washers, and dryers.

If you find something you love, CR says take a closer look before you buy. Plug in the machine. Look for any damage, including rust, check the buttons and knobs, do a smell check for mold, and read the manual to make sure all the parts are included.

Finally, dont be afraid to negotiate. You could end up saving even more. And CR says always find the manufacturers sticker and check to see if the appliance has been included in a safety recall. If the machine doesnt have a model number and serial sticker in place, skip it. It could have been recalled or scrapped and illegally salvaged.

Excerpt from:
What to look for when buying used appliances - WFMYNews2.com

A Leaning Limestone TurretArchitectural Stone Company, 1900 Preston Rd., Ste. 267-100, Plano | 214-207-3956

A turret needs someone with a bit of history to look after it. Mark Johnson, who presides over Architectural Stone Company, is a fourth-generation mason, so he certainly qualifies. He can also handle the custom design and installation of flooring, faades, flagstones, and fountains.

If your slate or clay tile has been hit from above, go to this specialty firm. They have shops all over the country, but the company is still a family-run operation overseen by three generations of Hunters from right here.

John Green and his crew can make that silver surface look like new. So if your Sub-Zero has taken a tough swipe, dont cry, Wolf!

Brent Hull

Elizabeth Lavin

You could do a lot worse than hiring the guy who restored windows at the Texas Capitol. Lets rephrase: you cannot do better than Brent Hull, who has built a national following while rebuilding and restoring wooden windows for almost 30 years.

When nine tornadoes ripped through the heart of North Dallas in late 2019, First Onsite (formerly Interstate Restoration) crews deployed to more than a dozen businesses and schools to assess and begin remediating the damage. Thats the kind of cleanup work the Fort Worth-based company, which expanded into Dallas in 2016, specializes in: big messes like crime scenes, industrial accidents, floods, and environmental disasters. They send crews into vulnerable areas before hurricanes and help businesses navigate complex loss recovery processes. If its the kind of disaster you cant plan for, theyve got a plan.

When Tonia Tomlin founded Sorted Out, in 2004, she was one of five professional organizers in the city. Seventeen years later, she has a crew of 11 and is hiring even more. Through virtual consultations or hygienic hands-on visits, theyll help declutter your home or office and simplify your life. Moving or remodeling? They can help with that, too. And if you think youre one of the chronically disorganized, beyond salvation, think again. Tomlin and her team have developed a specialized process to bring order to those with ADHD and ADD, using color coding and labeling systems to help focus the effort.

Its leaking. Its algae-infested. Its unsightly. Whatever the problem with your cement pond, they can fix it (or even install a new one, if thats your most wonderful getaway pandemic wish).

If your historic Craftsman needs some TLC, youll find what you need, from shiplap to lap-and-gap, #105 drop to the elusive #117 double-teardrop siding.

Your vintage Italian crystal chandelier seems to be missing a few pendants, and the bronze dor finish is scuffed. Send it here, and its La Dolce Vita again.

Before you get out the jackhammer, its worth checking to see if you simply need a patented polyurethane foam injection to lift and level all things whomperjawed.

Located in an easy-to-miss single-story building tucked behind Baylor University Medical Center, Veiga Knife Sales & Sharpening has been caring for the tools of the citys top chefs and butchers since it opened, in the 1950s. Theresa Veiga runs the shop, where you can find yourself in a 20-minute conversation about the fine distinction between Japanese and German steelwork and craftsmanship. Your best blades will be brought back to life the old-fashioned way: by hand on whetstone.

Louis Gloria

Elizabeth Lavin

For European-style gilding, glazing, painting, faux finishing, marbleizing, and Venetian plasters, turn to Louis Gloria. The first-generation American learned at the knee of his Italian father, who painted frescoes in Italy.

Russell Weiss started his company in 1979. He and his team can address all manner of chimney problems, including leaks that roofers cant find. Its a five-step, two-trip process. The joke around his office: roofers 0, Russell 300.

Say goodbye to the crap you dont really need. Have the rest organized and all stored in plastic bins. These folks offer some sanity.

Giovanni Primo emigrated from Italy and started this business in 1930. Now Mark Marynick and Porter Fuqua (son of noted architect Wilson) carry the mantle of one of the few plaster companies in the country. Call them for capitals, coffered ceilings, and crown moldings.

For high-end workwhether pickling, glazing, fuming, antiquing, or gildingyou need a real pro. If your high-gloss ceilings need a bit more gloss, look no further.

Dallas weather means at least one trunk-rattling windstorm a year. So why not call a tree service that will mill that newfound wood for you and turn it into a George Nakashima-inspired dining table or countertop or mantel? Maybe a bed or a cutting board or a fence. The soul of the tree lives on, as JDs website says. (Unless you just want a stack of firewood. They can do that, too.)

Tony Casazza is a congenial New York transplant who will oftentimes show up the same day you call him and, while wearing his Bluetooth earpiece, will tell you a story about his mom while he gets your washeror dryer or stove or refrigeratorback in working action.

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49 Tips for Finding the Perfect Repair in Dallas - D Magazine

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BOCA RATON, Fla., March 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cinch Home Services (Cinch), the nation's leading provider of home service solutions, has partnered with John M. Glover (JMG) Insurance Agency, one of the nation's top 100 independent insurance agencies. Powered by Cinch's industry leading solutions tailored for the property & casualty (P&C) insurance market, JMG can bundle Cinch home protection plans with its existing home insurance policies to ensure complete coverage for their customer's most valuable assets.

Home protection plans cover the cost to repair or replace major systems and appliances from normal wear and tear not covered by a home insurance policy. Nearly half of Americans would have trouble paying $400 for an unexpected expense such as a broken appliance, according to a report from The Federal Reserve, making home protection plan coverage extremely valuable. Independent insurance agents are well-suited to provide customer value by explaining and offering the benefits of a home protection plan alongside a home insurance policy.

"JMG understands that consumers want protection from unexpected home repair expenses not covered by their insurance, as well as access to home services professionals to fix the everyday things that can go wrong in the home," said Steve Upshaw, CEO of Cinch. "The Cinch team continues to leave no stone unturned in our journey to simplify home ownership, and we couldn't be more excited to work with JMG to make this a reality for their current and future policyholders."

With a commitment to providing superior customer service, JMG has served residents of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey for over 100 years, offering a diverse range of personal, commercial and specialty insurance products. Through this agreement with Cinch, JMG's personal line clients will enjoy access to the largest suite of home service solutions that provide coverage for critical systems and appliances, backed by 24/7 customer service and the industry's only 180-day service guarantee.

"In searching for the right home service plan provider, we have found Cinch to be a natural fit in our sales process, helping our agents bundle more policies that result in increased customer loyalty and retention. Working together, we are confident in our ability to deliver unparalleled home protection and peace of mind for our customers," said John Forlivio, president and CEO of JMG.

Building upon recent partnerships with industry disruptors Kin Insurance and GloveBox, the JMG partnership is the latest milestone in Cinch's expansion into the P&C insurance space, cementing its position as a leader in the $425 billion home services marketplace.

To learn more about Cinch, please visit http://www.cinchhomeservices.com or the company's Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube pages. All consumer questions should be directed to [emailprotected].

About Cinch Home ServicesCinch Home Services is the leading home services company that makes it easy for everyone to enjoy their home to the fullest, regardless of whether they own or rent. Building upon 40 years of proven experience, Cinch uses smart, modern tools and an award-winning customer support network to remove the guesswork around preventing, diagnosing, and solving a wide variety of home-related issues. Cinch partners with expert technicians nationwide to provide unmatched service and value and continues to make strides with digital-forward strategies, platforms and initiatives that are modernizing home management services to address today's customer needs. Cinch strives to exceed owners, renters, real estate professionals and partners' expectations, every time. Cinch Home Services, a member company of The Cross Country Group, is headquartered in Boca Raton, FL. To learn more, visit http://www.cinchhomeservices.com and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About John M. Glover (JMG) Insurance AgencyThe John M. Glover Agency has been servicing the insurance needs of the Fairfield County area since 1916. Since then, we have continued to grow and expand the North-East. The agency was built on the principles of providing superior customer service and quality insurance solutions for our customers, and we work hard to uphold these values today. As an independent agent, John M. Glover Agency works closely with numerous insurance companies that have proven their reliability, stability, and performance over the years. Through our partnerships with these carriers, we are dedicated to getting you the best insurance products and services available today to protect you, your family, and your business.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cinch-home-services-expands-presence-in-the-pc-insurance-industry-through-new-partnership-with-john-m-glover-insurance-agency-301240049.html

SOURCE Cinch Home Services

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Cinch Home Services Expands Presence In The P&C Insurance Industry Through New Partnership With John M. Glover Insurance Agency - Insurance News Net

As the prevalence of solar energy use increasesthroughout Whatcom County and beyond, its easy to wonder: Is now really theright time to invest in solar power?

Its a good question, and the folks at Barron Heating AC Electrical &Plumbing will answer with a resounding yes.

Barron CEO John Barron says there tends to beseveral misconceptions about what investing in a solar energy system can mean.

The first misconception is specific to ouroften-wet, cloudy environment: that theres not enough sunlight here to make asolar system practical.

That would absolutely be false, Barron says.Extreme heat can actually degrade solar power production. Solar is looking forlight, not heat. Weve got a lot of days with adequate light, even in thewinter.

No matter the season in the Pacific Northwest,a southerly exposed roof with clear access to sunlight and mild temperatureswill produce plenty of power, even when accounting for minor dips in especiallycloudy, dark weather.

A second myth is an idea that a solar arraywill be massive and cover your entire roof. This, too, is not the case. John Barronhas reached net-zero with his Bellingham home with a 30-panel, 10-kW rooftop arraythat covers no more than a quarter of his overall roof. Each panel is about 3.5feet by 5 feet in size.

Merrill Bevan, Barrons director of sales andmarketing, says Solarby Barron works to help customers design the smallest solar systempossible with their unique whole home approach. By looking at how a buildinguses all forms of energyfrom heating, venting and air conditioning(HVAC) to electrical and plumbingBarron can design a solar array based on yourhomes historic energy consumption and options for maximizing energyefficiency.

An energy efficient heat pump, a heat pump waterheater, and upgrades in insulation and weatherization are all great solutionsto achieve ultimate energy efficiency. Barron can also use an energy monitoringsystem installed in your home to measure actual energy usage. These testperiods can range from an hour snapshot to a month-long whole-home energyaudit, gathering data to help interpret the specific number of panels needed.

We bring all of those things to the table sothat instead of using outdated technology that requires a larger footprint forsolar, we can help our customers create the smallest footprint possible throughmechanical and weatherization technologies to be as efficient as they can be, saysBevan.

A third myth: that investing now will result ininvesting too soon, as solar technology advances to be far more efficient.This, too, is a fallacy.

Right now, solar panel technology among allmanufacturers has gotten to about 27 points on a 30-point efficiency scale, JohnBarron says. People that invest now are not making an investment thats goingto be short-lived.

Solar arrays are also extraordinarily durable,Barron continues, saying many of the panels they install are backed by 25-yearguarantees on parts and labor.

Making the initial investment in solar can givehomeowners pause, but Bevan shares that many Barron customers take advantage ofaffordable low-interest financing for energy smart equipment including solarinstallations. For most customers monthly payments are often no more than theiroriginal electric bills prior to installationin some cases lessandonce paid off, the result of solar is a net-zero energy bill with monthlysavings or free power continuing for the life of the system.

It was a goal of John Barrons to turn Barrons Ferndale facility into a net-zero campus and he is proud to have achieved just that. Barrons system consists of a 100-kW solar array on the roof of their 35,000 square foot facility and they received a full return on their investment in just three years. Many of Barrons employees have also gone solar for their homes.

Other financial perks of going solar includethe Federal Solar Tax Credit, which has now been extended. While it was originallyslated to decrease to 22% in 2021 before expiring in 2022, the credit is now remainingat 26% for the next two years. It grants dollar-for-dollar tax decreases toboth individuals and businesses, helping make solar energy installation moreaffordable. Equal to 26% of the total cost of a Solar by Barron energy system,the credit can directly reduce your tax liability by over $5,000.

Solar by Barron is also currently offering 10% morepower to solar customers who go net-zero with energy usage. Customers get tochoose how theyd like to future proof their homewhether thats to boost theirclean energy output for future home upgrades like a heat pump or electric carcharger station, or as a joint contribution to future-proofing our community bybringing more clean energy into our grid.

Barrons certified solar designers combineenergy efficient heating and cooling solutions with power from the sun tovirtually eliminate your power bill. The overall effect of making a homesolar-powered and extremely efficient can be profound forthose who live in it, as the team often hears from their customers.

Its like they live in a different home, JohnBarron says.

Helping people improve their lives throughsolar gets to the heart of Barrons overall missionone centered around threepillars of comfort, health, and energy efficiency. John Barron says theyreproud of the work they do, and theyre not about to slow down anytime soon.

Its not just about being a business andmaking money selling solar panels, he says. We want to make a difference inwhat we do. We know what solar does for people and we know what it does for thecommunity as a whole.

For more on how solar energy can make a difference in both the world and your world, please visit http://www.solarbybarron.com.

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Barron Heating's John Barron Busts Solar Myths - whatcomtalk.com

Theres no better litmus test for how much Ill use a piece of gear than a wintertime car camping trip. Read on for our cold-weather camping favorites.

Whether its useful in water, in snow, or around camp,if a product withstands the flogging of these environments, it will serve me well most anywhere.

This winter, I found a silver lining in isolation, chasing waves along the northern Pacific Coast in my trusty truck camper, Max. I camped at beaches from Santa Cruz, Calif., up to the Canadian border, pulling off for a week of backpacking, and then climbing east for a handful of snow days.

After a soggy winter of testing gear and warding off cold, I nailed down my current short-list of essential, non-essential gear for wintertime adventure.

Released this January, the FirePit+ ($250) is a three-fer unit: a smoke-free, wood-burning fire; a charging station; and a grill. Most importantly, it makes campfires safe and convenient, which opens the door to enjoying fires in a variety of places.

I use it on every truck camping trip, on the deck of my sailboat, and tailgating in the parking lot after particularly cold surf sessions.

The feature that sold me was the battery pack attachment, which I initially wrote off as a gimmick. The pack clips to the side of the pit and powers a simple, adjustable aeration system designed to help start the fire and keep smoke at bay.

Thanks to the air jets that line the chamber and pump oxygen to fan the flames, Ive been able to start campfires with just matches and kindling, even in rain and high wind. Once the fires blazing, the smoke disappears thanks to the added aeration.

The battery pack features a USB port for charging devices, and with the fan on its low setting, it lasts me about 8 hours on a single charge. Pair that with BioLites new cooking accessories a griddle, a reflective fire mat, a barbeque, and some sturdy cooking utensils and the fire pit morphs into a killer BBQ unit. Its a serious crowd-pleaser.

The self-contained design makes cleanup easy just wait until the coals cool and safely dump them out through the base port. Fully assembled, the legs retract into an easily transportable 2 x 1-foot package that weighs less than 20 pounds. Altogether, it earns its space in my camper.

The FirePit+ is a major update to BioLites original FirePit,first launched on Kickstarter (which also had a battery pack and smoke-free design). Updates included increased battery life and charging capability, more accessories, and an updated material/ventilation design.

The full BioLite FirePit+ Bundle With Cooking Accessories retails for $415.

Check Price at BioLite EnergyCheck Price at REI

Patagonias newly redesigned Yulex wetsuit is like the Cadillac of cold-water armor, but with a much smaller carbon footprint.

After rocking the 2017 model for 2 years (it finally ripped at the ankle seam), I picked up the new hooded Yulex R4 ($549) last fall. The upgrades in comfort were immediately noticeable. The 5.5/4mm suit, a combination of natural rubber and 100% recycled polyester and spandex, kept me toasty in sub-50-degree Washington saltwater. And it pairswell with Patagonias R4 booties and R2 gloves.

Where typical 5/4s are debilitatingly stiff, the R4s redesigned seam pattern across the shoulders offers flexibility akin to a much thinner suit. This translated to more range of motion and paddle power for surfing. It also dries insanely fast, an attribute Ive praised endlessly on cold days.

As for durability, the R4 now features wider tape and upgraded glue on the seams, making it less prone to tears, which was my only grievance with the 2017 model. Its the most comfortable 5/4mm wetsuit Ive ever tried.

And its also the most sustainably produced wetsuit of all time, which makes wearing it feel even better. (Patagonia made the Yulex sustainable by using Rainforest Alliance FSC-certified natural rubber instead of neoprene.)

Check Price at Patagonia

The MAX ($499) is a staple in my repertoire in any season. It makes for especially epic footage on powder runs, in big surf, and for timelapse videos on the road. Its the most versatile camera Ive ever worked with, essentially three cameras in one. Plus, it comes with a handful of digital lenses that drastically expand the shot potential.

First, the GoPro MAX is a 6K 360-degree cam, with two back-to-back 180-degree lenses on either side of the camera. This gives the camera a spherical view and makes pointing the camera less critical, which is a huge advantage for amateur GoPro users. With the right angle, the 360-degree footage looks like an overhead follow-cam, akin to a drone shot, which is an especially mindblowing view inside a barreling wave.

Secondly, the MAX is also a HERO camera GoPros famous point-and-shoot model and can accomplish wide- or standard-frame shooting. Its got a Power Pano mode, which captures distortion-free, 270-degree wide-frame photos. And TimeWarp mode can create fluid timelapse videos in both MAX and HERO modes.

The MAX also houses an upgrade of six mini-microphones for awesome sound quality without the need for an external microphone. And you can edit the footage one frame at a time in the GoPro app on your smartphone. (You can also adjust other camera settings within the app too.) Really, there are too many reasons to invest in the GoPro MAX. Its simply awesome.

But the most impressive feature of the MAX, for me, is the HyperSmooth technology, an integrated stabilization function that incorporates horizon leveling for a smooth, fluid shot, no matter the turbulence during your chosen activity. Its waterproof up to 15 feet without any housing and has a viewfinder built into the body.

The only wintertime disadvantage of the MAX is the cold it doesnt like subzero temps. If youre using it in the snow, I recommend keeping it in a pocket or wrapped in a handwarmer to save battery.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon

The RinseKit POD ($140) portable shower has been my solution for staying clean and warm for multiple seasons now. I use it for hot showers, hosing down gear, and even bathing the dog while on the road.

The POD fills from any sink or hose tap, which connects directly to the 1.74-gallon reservoir via an included adapter. The reservoir is automatically pressurized by the spigot, and once full it holds pressure for up to a month. If the pressure is lost for any reason, the tank can be re-pressurized with a separately sold pressure booster. We tried it and found it always does the trick.

Bundle that with my favorite accessory the DC-powered Hot Rod Water Heater ($70) to create a hot shower that warms directly from your cars cigarette lighter! And if your cars 12V jack is broken (like mine is), RinseKit also offers a hot water sink adapter.

The POD is the smaller of two RinseKit models. The larger is the RinseKit+, which offers a 2-gallon reservoir and can hold pressure for up to 2 months. Ive owned both models, but the POD works best for me. Id say thats partially due to the PODs compactness and partially because the RinseKit+s reservoir blew out on me after a few months of use. But when Ive had issues, RinseKits customer service is always quick to resolve the problem.

Check RinseKit POD Price at AmazonCheck Hot Rod Heater Price at RinseKit

For a no-frills, durable rooftop cargo box that wont blow your budget, I like the SportsRack Horizon Alpine. Its a simple solution that got me through a rugged winter. I scored mine on Craigslist for $80, but you can find it new online for around $300, a low price point that, for me, is the biggest draw (I just cant justify spending $1,000-plus on a cargo box).

The Horizon Alpine boasts an 11-cubic-foot carrying capacity. Its modest, but enough to fit two or three snowboards with bindings, as well as boots and a few smaller items. If you need more space, the Horizon XL is a similar build but with 17 cubic feet of capacity.

The Alpine isnt awkwardly bulbous, unnecessarily heavy, or overly designed like some roof boxes. And while its not the most bulletproof box on market, the thin ABS material still held up under the weight of heavy snow.

I wouldnt trust this box with my life savings, but its enough to give me peace of mind in most places. It fits snug on my trucks custom round-bar roof rack and can adjust to fit most factory racks. Another bonus: It was light enough to easily install by myself. It also features a quick-release mounting system for equally simple removal.

The Horizon Alpine is my budget-friendly answer to an otherwise absurdly expensive car camping luxury. If money wasnt an issue, Id look to the Yakima CBX Solar, which features a built-in solar panel and two USB ports (as well as a $1,300 price tag).

Check Price at Amazon

We spent a day riding powder with 57hours guide Willie Benegas. Here's what it's like to backcountry splitboard with a guide and the gear we tested. Read more

Read more from the original source:
Cold-Weather Car Camping: Gear to Enhance Winter on the Road - GearJunkie

I know I have talked here before about self-sufficiency. I would imagine most people in San Saba County operate at a higher level of self-sufficiency than does the average urbanite or suburbanite. When a person lives out away from shops that are open 24/7, same day delivery of nearly anything, and services of various types, that person must be more self-sufficient.

Never have I been more glad to be self-sufficient than during the arctic weather we experienced a couple of weeks ago. To be clear, there were many things that we could have been better prepared for, and we in northern San Saba County had a way easier time of things than did the folks in the path of the ice storms, like those in Gillespie County. I will take powdery snow over ice any day.

Making the choice 10 years ago to switch to a propane stove and to install a small propane space heater made me feel pretty smart. I felt especially smart when I was making coffee in my little stovetop espresso maker every morning and heating water on the stove for a washrag bath every evening. Another thing that made me feel smart is the well-stocked pantry that I keep. A year ago at the start of the pandemic, I got caught with my pants down by being completely out of flour, so when I found a 25-pound bag, I bought it. Since then, I have kept very close tabs on that pantry.

Let me assure you that there were plenty of things that made me feel pretty stupid, too, like not following through quickly enough with my plan to install more propane space heaters and like letting my chickens out the first day of the storm leading to three of them getting frostbitten combs. My husband and I started right in compiling a list of things we need to do differently in the future so that we will be better prepared for disasters of most any kind.

This past weekend I took a trip down to Port Arthur and can report that the landscape is devastated in Southeast Texas. Nearly every type of vegetation is brown and appears to be dead, even live oak trees. The hotels around Port Arthur and Beaumont were full of people whose houses in Houston are uninhabitable due to broken plumbing. Every big grocery store I passed from Austin down to Port Arthur was packed, and I heard people reporting that staple food items were wiped out everywhere they went. I stopped by the HEB in Lampasas to do a little restocking on the way home and found everything I needed, but some sections were completely empty. Wildlife have suffered, too, as we are hearing of die-offs of fish, birds, and exotic animals. I expect it will take a while before we have the full measure of the damage that was done.

On the positive side, I have heard many reports of people helping other people. I know of many people in our community who have stepped up and done the hard work to get us all back on track, and I would like to thank all of you. Between our tendency for self-sufficiency and our good fortune to live in a friendly rural area, I think we came out of the storm in much better shape than some of our urban neighbors. I sincerely hope that we have seen the last of our trials for awhile.

Original post:
Preparation and the Lack Thereof - San Saba News & Star

By MARIE NESMITH

With a perfect score of 30, Carter and Keri Smith captured the Cartersville Dances With the Stars Judges Choice Award. The competition, which helped raise funds and awareness for Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter and the Cartersville/Bartow County school systems homeless education programs, was presented at the Clarence Brown Conference Center Saturday.

I think we were both in disbelief and utter shock, Mrs. Smith said, about their winning performance. Carter was 100% confident they had made a mistake in asking us to participate. Out of all the many special people around this community, choosing us to participate was truly an honor.

Performed to a 1950s song mix, the Smiths swing medley was choreographed by Milly Crenshaw with Celebrity Ballroom Dance Studio. The Cartersville residents were married in 2014 and share five children ranging in age from 18 to 21.

Carter and I would like to think we are fun, upbeat folks to be around, so to reflect our personalities, we wanted something fun and fast, said Mrs. Smith, a senior account executive at Choice Home Warranty. We then decided on the 50s theme. We contacted a music professional to mix a selection of songs, presented it to Milly and her first response was wow, that has a lot of energy.

So, from there we were up for the challenge of knowing that was her nice way of saying this may be too fast or hard for you to dance to. Carter had no dancing background prior to this event and he says he still does not qualify to claim any. He says, thank God for Milly, our patient, open-minded and uplifting coach. Milly deserves a medal or something.

In its ninth year, Cartersville Dances With the Stars generated a little more than $208,000. In addition to sponsorship packages and ticket sales, the event raised funds by having competitors collect money from the public.

We are absolutely thrilled with how the 2021 Cartersville Dances With the Stars event turned out, Good Neighbor Executive Director Jessica Mitcham said. In a year full of challenges, restrictions in number of attendees, changes in how couples fundraised prior to the event and health precautions, we are enormously thankful for all the hard work our eight couples and their professional coaches put into making this event a huge success. In total, after expenses were paid, we raised just over $208,000 to help support the homeless education programs in our school systems and the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter.

Formed in 1996, the Good Neighbor has served more than 8,400 people since its inception. In addition to the Transitional Housing program, the nonprofit now features two shelters and a street outreach.

While they are housed, Good Neighbors shelter guests are required to find a job within four weeks, and the shelters staff helps them establish savings, focus on problem-solving skills and chart out future housing options.

Cartersville Dances With the Stars is critical in our work to remind Cartersville and Bartow County of how many children and families rely on the services provided by the schools and Good Neighbor to support struggling children and families, Mitcham said. We are so grateful to all eight couples who really embraced rallying these causes this year, raised funds to support them and danced to entertain our guests.

As Mitcham noted, this years Cartersville Dances With the Stars benefit featured eight married couples. Along with the Smiths, the competition featured Greg and Kim Free, Ahmad and Tamara Hall, Billy and Misty Jones, Bruce and Tracy Mulkey, Jay and Cait Parrozzo, Zach and Alexis Pritchard, and Josh and Lori Shook.

The Pritchards took home the Peoples Choice Award for the most funds raised with nearly $50,000.

Married since 2012, the couple has two children: Avery Claire, 6, and Page, 4. Zach is the owner of Pritchard Injury Firm and Alexis is a school counselor at Cartersville High School.

We are so thrilled to have accomplished exactly what we came to do raise money for the students and families in our community, Mrs. Pritchard said. These programs can't function without the selfless donations from individuals and businesses in our area. And these students can't perform at their best every day if they're hungry or homeless.

Along with learning their dance routine, the couple was busy raising funds in the months leading up to the competition. Their largest benefit, the Home for the Holidays golf tournament, was postponed due to snow and will now be presented March 22.

Zach and I want to bless others as we have been blessed, Mrs. Pritchard said. God wants us to care for others and look after all our neighbors we're hardly scratching the surface, but we had a personal goal to raise as much money as we could.

What's wild is that we found even in this pandemic and time of uncertainty, citizens of Bartow County still wanted to give. We had people call us to ask what they could do above and beyond what was asked of them. We truly believe Cartersville is the best place on Earth.

With a nod to their teenage years, their cha-cha dance to Want to Want Me/I Want to Dance With Somebody was choreographed by Bobbie Bruton.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to channel our inner cheerleader and pitcher from our high school days, Mrs. Pritchard said. Luckily, a few of the members of the percussion section of our CHS marching band agreed to participate and put on the show of a lifetime.

Our coach, Bobbie Bruton, wanted to be a little more technical with dance moves this year, so she chose the cha-cha and my only request is that we dance to Whitney Houston. Bobbie choreographed the most amazing routine and Zach and I can't stop watching the replay of that night. The routine, the costumes, the audience, the judges it was definitely a night to remember.

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'Night to remember': Cartersville Dances With the Stars tops $208000 - Daily Tribune News

The renovation process, which used to rely on relationships and referrals and old-fashioned direct sales, is now modernized and made more transparent, as people can find a great contractor through platforms, social media, and customer reviews. Some home improvement contractors might not like the way that new discovery methods empower people, but those who are marketing-savvy or customer-focused can adapt and thrive. And for people who need the services of contractors regularly -- either for rental properties or fix and flips -- its better for business to be able to expand your network with just a few keyboard clicks.

These platforms, whether they function as online networking hubs or vendor- matching services, are well known by now, and most people have spent some time on one or more while researching costs and contractors. Each of them is a little different: Houzz is a portfolio aggregator and networking hub, while HomeAdvisor is an information resource that leads into a direct-matching/lead-gen funnel for people to connect with multiple contractors. HomeAdvisor is great for gleaning info on the bathroom remodel or kitchen remodel process before contractor-matching. Houzz can lead you to the perfect interior designer and architect -- as well as provide visual inspo for a remodeling job. For smaller projects that may not require a licensed contractor, theres Thumbtack and Handy.

The company generating the most buzz in this space currently is Porch (NASDAQ: PRCH), which recently went public via a SPAC deal and is notable for offering access to a variety of services. Beyond the home-construction trades, Porch is a platform for homeowners to connect with cable TV providers, movers, and home security companies.

For those who still trust recommendations from neighbors and friends but dont necessarily want to make a bunch of calls to get recommendations, Nextdoor and Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) have become the easy way to get word-of-mouth referrals, or, as the case may be, do hyper-local marketing. Nextdoor just introduced a premium service for local contractors, and Facebook is known as the most effective platform for targeted SMB advertising. Facebook groups remain a very useful localized tool for getting real-life reviews on how someone behaved on a job site, whether they completed a project under or over budget, etcetera. If you find a reputable contractor on a Facebook group, you know theyre worth contacting, because the key tenets of current-day Facebook are: nobody agrees, and everyone has a complaint.

The easiest way to be sure that youre hiring someone whos legitimate, licensed, and bonded is to go to the local chapters of trade associations, such as Builders Association or Latin Builders Association or the National Association or Plumbing Contractors Association. The local Chamber of Commerce can also be a good place to ask if you live in a place either too small or too large for trade associations to be helpful.

Although the true usefulness of a home warranty is forever debated with no clear answer, one reason a lot of homeowners have them is because home warranty companies have networks of numerous contractors in all the most common specialty trades. The thing is, these companies pay the contractors less, so theyre not anyones favorite way to get a job. If you do find a good contractor through a home warranty company, hang onto their information in case you need them to do more work for you directly later down the line.

Whether you find them through a platform or a social media group or through old-fashioned word of mouth, there are several steps you should take to vet a prospective contractor before hiring them.

Have a look through previous jobs and talk through their process. Make sure they can clearly explain the work that was done, as this will demonstrate that they were hands-on with the job.

This is a must for any professional contractor, but nonetheless, dont assume. Ask for proof of liability insurance (and ideally, also property damage coverage and workers compensation). Also check to make sure their license is current -- and that its theirs. The system of RMOs ("responsible managing officer," the one with the license) and RMEs ("responsible managing employee," who borrows the license for a kickback to the licensed contractor) can be abused sometimes, and its safer just to know that the person youre speaking to has a license. Even if they do intend to hire workers and subcontractors, they should still be engaged on site at the beginning.

You may end up catching previous business bankruptcies, small claims against the prospective contractor, complaints, or even lawsuits. The construction industry draws all types, and jobs that arent professionally managed are especially magnets for dubious characters. A final deep dive on Google might save you many months of stress.

When you get to the top one or two candidates, this is standard.

Finding a reliable contractor has always been such an intimidating and hazard-prone process that many homeowners try to DIY projects or put them off indefinitely. Not only is home-improvement work expensive, but contractors have a reputation for setting their own terms once the job has begun. The modern discovery and vetting tools that exist today put a lot more of the power back in homeowner hands at the early stage -- and hopefully thats enough to start your project on the right track.

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How to Find a Contractor for Home Renovations - Motley Fool

Earle Kimel|Sarasota Herald-Tribune

VENICE Workers from Ball Construction recently started work on the exterior of the Lord-Higel House, the second-oldest home in Sarasota County.

Restoration efforts on the house built in 1896 and moved from the south shore of Roberts Bay to its current location at 409 Granada Ave.in 2005 have been ongoing for several years.

Although the city owns the house, Venice Heritage Inc. has been raising money for and managing the restoration effort.

Ronnie Fernandez, chairman of Venice Heritage Inc., told the Venice City Council in January2020 that it had all the funding in hand to restore the historic structure.

But a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and the unforeseen need to restore the second floors exterior in part to remedy a water intrusion problem means that the nonprofit will have to resume fundraising to finish the job.

The work that Ball Construction started the week of Feb. 8 involved replacing the siding on the second floor, to stop leaks.

That had to take priority over the original project, noted Venice Historical Resources manager Harry Klinkhamer.

It was quite damaged because of the way it was installed, Venice Heritage treasurer Dorothy Korweksaid of the work. All the nails had rusted;when metal rusts, it expands and cracks all the lumber.

More: Experimental plane crashes at Venice Municipal Airport after landing gear collapses

That siding, Korwek said, is believed to be part of the original structure.

Since then, construction techniques have changed to better shield the nails.

It worked for 90 years;it doesnt work that way anymore, she added.

Also, as part of the process, the workers will install plywood and some weather sealing.

Because of COVID-19-prompted delays, however, the material needed for the new siding has not arrived at the vendor for milling, Korwek said.

One would have never thought wed have trouble getting wood for the siding milled to the appropriate profile, she added.

The siding on the first floor already has been replaced.

When renovation costs originally were pegged at roughly $400,000, most of the work was going to go into the first floor.

But aswork progressed, it became clear that water intrusion would plague the interior of the houseunless the second floor siding was replaced, too.

While Venice Heritage has all the architectural diagrams ready for the work to be done, thepandemic also has resulted in a costincrease both for labor and materials, so the nonprofit is still waiting for exact figures to determine how much more money must be raised, though theyre anticipating it may be as much as another $250,000.

Materials have tripled in cost.

More: Venice hearing on Murphy Oaks continued to Wednesday

Due to COVID, its hard to get any fundraising events going on around Venice, Fernandez said. We do talk about it and try to figure out when the time comes what we can do to raise a little bit more money.

Until then, donations can be made online at veniceheritage.org and proceeds from the sale of some items at the online gift shop, such as the Lost Buildings of Venice tropical shirt, go to the Lord-Higel House.

Once the exterior is finished, workers will begin in earnest on restoring the inside.

Because of ADA accessibility requirements, the second floor will be used for storage, while the first floor will be transformed into a museum area with the exhibits designed by Venice Historical Resources to reflect how the areas original pioneers lived.

The hope is to have the house renovated by the end of the year.

The house was built by prominent Sarasota landowner and real estate promoter J.H. Lord in 1896 and was once surrounded by acres of orange groves.

Work on key external facilities, including a utility building and external restroom, ADA access ramp for the houseand a drainage retention pond, are on hold until after the city finishes the expansion of Venice City Hall, which includes construction of a new Fire Station 51 on the city hall campus.

Until that is finished, the city needs to make use of the parking space on the Lord-Higel property.

Korwek noted that there will be no indoor plumbing at Lord-Higel House, which is period accurate.

In 1896, she said, you had an outhouse and you had a pump well outside.

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Renovation work resumes on Lord-Higel House in Venice - Sarasota Herald-Tribune