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Ask The Pro Newsletter
-Do it Right the First Time!
-Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen
-Get Covered With Accident Forgiveness
-Holiday Cleaning Tips from Maid Pro
-Tips from Ace Hardware
-How to find a good contractor
Volume I, Edition 10
The Ask The Pro Newsletter is your outlet for pre-qualified contractors, tips from professionals, and
instruction on how to find safe contractors. The Ask The Pro Newsletter is loaded with information to
keep you up to date in what to look for when hiring professionals today.
For more information on how to find qualified contractors, weekly tips from Ace Hardware, and weekly
information from qualified professionals listen to the Ask The Pro Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM -
12 PM central on CNN 650. For more information about the Ask The Pro Radio Show click here to visit
our website!
If you are not currently a subscriber to The Ask The Pro Newsletter but would like to receive the email
on a monthly basis, you can subscribe here.
Thank you for your interest in the Ask The Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
Richard Koonce
Do it Right the First time!
It’s sad but true! Often times, cutting corners by deciding not to work with a professional interior
decorator, can cost you more time and money in the long run.
Today, more and more homeowners are enlisting the services of professional decorators. Because
the popularity of custom design is at a peak, professional decorators know how to work with your
budget, your lifestyle, and your design vision to create a truly one of a kind, custom look for your home.
If you’re considering using a decorator, there are basic guidelines you should follow before your project
actually begins. We like to take a tour of our client’s home, so that we both have the opportunity to
communicate openly about design options for each room. And if our client’s are considering a large
project, we like to spend some time setting realistic timetables. Another “must”, after a home tour is
the establishment of your decorating priorities and your project budget.
We often find that many of our clients like to keep certain items. Others have specific design requests.
Naturally it’s vital that these requests be communicated immediately, as they affect the overall design
concept.
Remember….a good decorator works around YOU, your wishes, your lifestyle, and your budget.
______________________________________________________________________
Victory Outdoor
Pat Victory
Planning your Outdoor Kitchen. Part 1. Why An Outdoor Kitchen
Your outdoor kitchen should not only be as unique as your personality, but also satisfy your family’s
specific needs and tastes as well. There are more selections of island modules, grills, stainless steel
accessories, and counter tops than ever before. During the last twenty years, swimming pools
became cost-effective enough for middle-class families to install in their backyards. And now
technology allows you to design a kitchen specifically tailored to your personal requirements, and to
enjoy entertaining your guests outside. Everything you need to maximize the pleasure of the outdoors
is near the patio, deck, or pool; from the traditional grill and side burner to a fire pit, refrigerator,
kegorator, blender, ice maker, and even a flat screen television.
Far too many people neglect to maximize the benefits of their backyard. But with the world constantly
changing, increasing fuel costs, and a shortage of quality family time, more and more families are
choosing to invest in their own home (such as installing an outdoor kitchen) rather than make that trip
to the beach or the lake.
Besides increasing the value of your home and improving the aesthetics of the backyard, kitchens and
fire products provide a natural extension to your patio or pool, while greatly improving the total backyard
experience.
Many backyards are as large as the footprint of an individual’s home, offering plenty of space to build a
customized kitchen.
Up until a few years ago, outdoor kitchens were prefabricated and installed without inquiring about the
customer’s needs. Today, however, new modular designs allow families to create a kitchen
personalized to their individual lifestyle. Kitchens can be as plain or as intricate as you desire. They
can be anywhere from a small island with a basic grill to a fully loaded kitchen with a fridge, ice maker,
blender, sink, stereo system, and big-screen television. With over forty different modular cabinets to
choose from, your island can look and function according to your vision. If you are a do-it-yourselfer you
can install it yourself or, if you prefer, you can allow experienced professionals to handle the job.
The options are endless...
_____________________________________________________________________
Dagley Insurance & Financial Services
Nathan Dagley
Get Covered With Accident Forgiveness
Nationwide is excited to offer Accident Forgiveness and Minor Violation Forgiveness. Along with these
two new Auto Upgrades we also offer Roadside Assistance, Diminishing Deductibles, and Total Loss
Deductibles upgrades. Accident Forgiveness and Minor Violation Forgiveness eligibility include one
accident/minor violation per policy in a three year period. When an accident/minor violation is forgiven
on any assigned driver, the policy is eligible to have another accident forgiven 35 months later. Existing
customers will retain Accident Forgiveness/Minor Violation Forgiveness at time of renewal.
Benefits to the customer:
-NO Surcharge from the forgiven accident/minor violation and Loyalty WILL result in additional
accidents forgiven per policy, and Rate stability.
-Able to customize your coverage that fits your lifestyle.
-Can change your customized coverage at any time without a waiting period.
The Accident Forgiveness and Minor Violations Forgiveness Policies may be purchased together in the
Forgiveness Package, as well as, ala carte. You can also add three new Auto Upgrades; Roadside
Assistance, Diminishing Deductible, and Total Loss Deductible Waiver. For further details on how you
can be a part of the Accident Forgiveness, On Your Side Plan today, call Dagley Insurance and
Financial Services at 281-644-1000.
_____________________________________________________________________
Maid Pro
Cyndi Williams
Holiday Cleaning Tips From Maid Pro
1. Start with a clean surface: before you decorate the house, dust and clean anything that will be
covered with holiday cheer. You’ll be happy you did you when put away decorations in January and don’
t find a year’s worth of dust bunnies on the mantle underneath
2. De-clutter your home. If you’re not using it, put it away. While this is good advice for any time of the
year, it rings true especially around the holidays when extra “stuff” seems to appear overnight.
3. Don’t try to clean all at once. The holidays are stressful enough without trying to find an entire day to
get the house ready for company. Do a little here and a little there and soon enough, the house will be
clean.
4. Use the right product for the job: many folks have specialized cleaners for every surface, which
means a lot of bottles to lug around. Choose core products such as an all-purpose cleaner, a floor
cleaner and a disinfectant.
5. Do one room at a time. Don’t move from room to room dusting all surfaces: clean anything that
needs to be cleaned in one room before moving to the next. MaidPro begins with the kitchen and
bathrooms before starting with the primary living areas. And it goes without saying: if guests won’t see
a certain room, there’s no need to clean it.
6. Enlist family members’ help in cleaning. Little ones can dust, fluff pillows and pick up; older kids can
run the vacuum or sweep floors. Just be careful with household chemicals, as always, around living
things.
7. Relax. The holiday season is about celebrating with friends and family, not getting stressed out over
the state of the house. With any luck, folks will remember the happy occasions and not the dust!
_____________________________________________________________________
Tips From Ace Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Man's Corner - Answers by Lou Manfredini
Q: I have a cedar fence that has two different color stains because of [another hardware retailer's]
mistake. It has become weathered and I would like to renew [with] waterproof stain and possibly [make
it] termite resistant. I need your help to resolve my problem. I want it to look professional.
A: First cedar naturally will resist termites, so you have that covered. I would pressure wash the entire
fence and try and remove the old stain carefully with the water pressure. Then choose a good oil-
based, semi-transparent fence stain in a color dark enough to blend the remaining colors. Apply it after
the fence is dry and you should have a good consistent look.
________________________________________________________________________________
Finding A Good Contractor
Sponsored By Check A Pro
When considering a contractor always be sure to 'Check' them out! You should:
-Research license information with the State of Texas
-Ask them for references
-Ask them if they are insured
-Contact the local business bureau
For a list of pre-qualified service providers visit www.checkapro.com.
-Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen
-Get Covered With Accident Forgiveness
-Holiday Cleaning Tips from Maid Pro
-Tips from Ace Hardware
-How to find a good contractor
Volume I, Edition 10
The Ask The Pro Newsletter is your outlet for pre-qualified contractors, tips from professionals, and
instruction on how to find safe contractors. The Ask The Pro Newsletter is loaded with information to
keep you up to date in what to look for when hiring professionals today.
For more information on how to find qualified contractors, weekly tips from Ace Hardware, and weekly
information from qualified professionals listen to the Ask The Pro Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM -
12 PM central on CNN 650. For more information about the Ask The Pro Radio Show click here to visit
our website!
If you are not currently a subscriber to The Ask The Pro Newsletter but would like to receive the email
on a monthly basis, you can subscribe here.
Thank you for your interest in the Ask The Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
Richard Koonce
Do it Right the First time!
It’s sad but true! Often times, cutting corners by deciding not to work with a professional interior
decorator, can cost you more time and money in the long run.
Today, more and more homeowners are enlisting the services of professional decorators. Because
the popularity of custom design is at a peak, professional decorators know how to work with your
budget, your lifestyle, and your design vision to create a truly one of a kind, custom look for your home.
If you’re considering using a decorator, there are basic guidelines you should follow before your project
actually begins. We like to take a tour of our client’s home, so that we both have the opportunity to
communicate openly about design options for each room. And if our client’s are considering a large
project, we like to spend some time setting realistic timetables. Another “must”, after a home tour is
the establishment of your decorating priorities and your project budget.
We often find that many of our clients like to keep certain items. Others have specific design requests.
Naturally it’s vital that these requests be communicated immediately, as they affect the overall design
concept.
Remember….a good decorator works around YOU, your wishes, your lifestyle, and your budget.
______________________________________________________________________
Victory Outdoor
Pat Victory
Planning your Outdoor Kitchen. Part 1. Why An Outdoor Kitchen
Your outdoor kitchen should not only be as unique as your personality, but also satisfy your family’s
specific needs and tastes as well. There are more selections of island modules, grills, stainless steel
accessories, and counter tops than ever before. During the last twenty years, swimming pools
became cost-effective enough for middle-class families to install in their backyards. And now
technology allows you to design a kitchen specifically tailored to your personal requirements, and to
enjoy entertaining your guests outside. Everything you need to maximize the pleasure of the outdoors
is near the patio, deck, or pool; from the traditional grill and side burner to a fire pit, refrigerator,
kegorator, blender, ice maker, and even a flat screen television.
Far too many people neglect to maximize the benefits of their backyard. But with the world constantly
changing, increasing fuel costs, and a shortage of quality family time, more and more families are
choosing to invest in their own home (such as installing an outdoor kitchen) rather than make that trip
to the beach or the lake.
Besides increasing the value of your home and improving the aesthetics of the backyard, kitchens and
fire products provide a natural extension to your patio or pool, while greatly improving the total backyard
experience.
Many backyards are as large as the footprint of an individual’s home, offering plenty of space to build a
customized kitchen.
Up until a few years ago, outdoor kitchens were prefabricated and installed without inquiring about the
customer’s needs. Today, however, new modular designs allow families to create a kitchen
personalized to their individual lifestyle. Kitchens can be as plain or as intricate as you desire. They
can be anywhere from a small island with a basic grill to a fully loaded kitchen with a fridge, ice maker,
blender, sink, stereo system, and big-screen television. With over forty different modular cabinets to
choose from, your island can look and function according to your vision. If you are a do-it-yourselfer you
can install it yourself or, if you prefer, you can allow experienced professionals to handle the job.
The options are endless...
_____________________________________________________________________
Dagley Insurance & Financial Services
Nathan Dagley
Get Covered With Accident Forgiveness
Nationwide is excited to offer Accident Forgiveness and Minor Violation Forgiveness. Along with these
two new Auto Upgrades we also offer Roadside Assistance, Diminishing Deductibles, and Total Loss
Deductibles upgrades. Accident Forgiveness and Minor Violation Forgiveness eligibility include one
accident/minor violation per policy in a three year period. When an accident/minor violation is forgiven
on any assigned driver, the policy is eligible to have another accident forgiven 35 months later. Existing
customers will retain Accident Forgiveness/Minor Violation Forgiveness at time of renewal.
Benefits to the customer:
-NO Surcharge from the forgiven accident/minor violation and Loyalty WILL result in additional
accidents forgiven per policy, and Rate stability.
-Able to customize your coverage that fits your lifestyle.
-Can change your customized coverage at any time without a waiting period.
The Accident Forgiveness and Minor Violations Forgiveness Policies may be purchased together in the
Forgiveness Package, as well as, ala carte. You can also add three new Auto Upgrades; Roadside
Assistance, Diminishing Deductible, and Total Loss Deductible Waiver. For further details on how you
can be a part of the Accident Forgiveness, On Your Side Plan today, call Dagley Insurance and
Financial Services at 281-644-1000.
_____________________________________________________________________
Maid Pro
Cyndi Williams
Holiday Cleaning Tips From Maid Pro
1. Start with a clean surface: before you decorate the house, dust and clean anything that will be
covered with holiday cheer. You’ll be happy you did you when put away decorations in January and don’
t find a year’s worth of dust bunnies on the mantle underneath
2. De-clutter your home. If you’re not using it, put it away. While this is good advice for any time of the
year, it rings true especially around the holidays when extra “stuff” seems to appear overnight.
3. Don’t try to clean all at once. The holidays are stressful enough without trying to find an entire day to
get the house ready for company. Do a little here and a little there and soon enough, the house will be
clean.
4. Use the right product for the job: many folks have specialized cleaners for every surface, which
means a lot of bottles to lug around. Choose core products such as an all-purpose cleaner, a floor
cleaner and a disinfectant.
5. Do one room at a time. Don’t move from room to room dusting all surfaces: clean anything that
needs to be cleaned in one room before moving to the next. MaidPro begins with the kitchen and
bathrooms before starting with the primary living areas. And it goes without saying: if guests won’t see
a certain room, there’s no need to clean it.
6. Enlist family members’ help in cleaning. Little ones can dust, fluff pillows and pick up; older kids can
run the vacuum or sweep floors. Just be careful with household chemicals, as always, around living
things.
7. Relax. The holiday season is about celebrating with friends and family, not getting stressed out over
the state of the house. With any luck, folks will remember the happy occasions and not the dust!
_____________________________________________________________________
Tips From Ace Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Man's Corner - Answers by Lou Manfredini
Q: I have a cedar fence that has two different color stains because of [another hardware retailer's]
mistake. It has become weathered and I would like to renew [with] waterproof stain and possibly [make
it] termite resistant. I need your help to resolve my problem. I want it to look professional.
A: First cedar naturally will resist termites, so you have that covered. I would pressure wash the entire
fence and try and remove the old stain carefully with the water pressure. Then choose a good oil-
based, semi-transparent fence stain in a color dark enough to blend the remaining colors. Apply it after
the fence is dry and you should have a good consistent look.
________________________________________________________________________________
Finding A Good Contractor
Sponsored By Check A Pro
When considering a contractor always be sure to 'Check' them out! You should:
-Research license information with the State of Texas
-Ask them for references
-Ask them if they are insured
-Contact the local business bureau
For a list of pre-qualified service providers visit www.checkapro.com.
Check A Pro Radio Show Check A Pro Radio is sponsored by CHECK A PRO. Learn more at www.checkapro.com.