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Ask The Pro Newsletter
-Remodeling your kitchen? Where should you begin?
-Windows don't have to be a "pane"!
-Protecting your family against flooding
-Tips from Ace Hardware
-How to find a good contractor
Volume I, Edition 8
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 Saturday 11am-12pm
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
______________________________________________________________________
Kitchen & Bath Wizards
Adrian del Rio
Remodeling your kitchen? Where should you begin?
Are you ready for a new kitchen, but don’t know where to start? Many homeowners who have never
taken on a remodeling project need the experience and direction of an experienced professional. Here
are some tips that will help your project run smoothly and insure you get your kitchen in time for the
holidays.
Tip #1 – Decide what you want.
Search for photos in magazines or on the internet of design elements or the “look” you want in your
new kitchen. Whether you want a traditional cherry kitchen or a rustic shaker style in knotty maple, the
more pictures the better. Also, a list of features you would like will be helpful in planning your new
kitchen. Items such as waste basket slides in base cabinets or appliance garages are very handy and
not very expensive. Make a list of the “must haves” and the “can do withouts”. Review the kitchen style
photos and design elements list with your design professional at your initial meeting.
Tip #2 – Set a budget.
Can you afford the kitchen you found in your search for photos? According to Remodeling Magazine’s
annual “Cost vs. Value” Report, mid-range kitchen remodels in our region averaged about $20,000 for
a minor kitchen remodel and $51,390 for a major kitchen remodel. The report indicates that
homeowners can expect to recoup nearly 90% of the cost of a minor kitchen remodel and about 81% of
a major kitchen project. Major kitchen remodels in the upscale category can go over $100,000. Your
design professional can help set a realistic budget for your project needs.
Tip #3 – Find an experienced kitchen professional.
Having a professional kitchen specialist (designer and/or remodeler) involved early on in the project
can save you time and money, but where do you start? Professional associations are a great way to
find experienced kitchen specialists. Many of these have websites that allow you to search for
companies that do business in your area. NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and
NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) are excellent resources.
Tip #4 – Start early.
If you want your new kitchen ready for Thanksgiving dinner, don’t wait until November 1st! A contract
should be signed with your contractor three months before your targeted completion date. This may
seem extreme, but with potential lead times typically associated with appliances, cabinets and
countertop fabrication, getting an early start will prevent many completion issues and allow time for
unforeseen conditions once work begins. While unforeseen issues can arise on any remodeling
project, if you follow these tips, you should have your dream kitchen in plenty of time to serve the holiday
turkey.
______________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
Richard Koonce & Mykal Pedraza
Windows don’t have to be a “pane”!
If you’re like many of our clients, choosing the right window treatment is a confusing process. Trying to
decide between the type of window treatment that would work best for you, your home and your
windows, and then finding just the right fabric, is sometimes enough to make you feel like having the
entire window just walled off!
It’s never easy to choose the right window treatment. However, here are a few guidelines to help you
get started. First and foremost, you must decide what you want your window to do. Once you’ve
conquered that decision, half the battle is over! Ask yourself a few questions. Does your window
provide a lovely view that you wish to enhance? Does your room need the natural light the window
provides? Would you prefer to disguise a not-so-lovely view? Do your windows seem too small for the
size of your room? Are the windows in your room mis-matched in width and length, and placement on
the wall? Because there are so many design options available to creatively solve any window
challenge, it’s important you consider function first.
Take this window opening as an example. Perhaps your window opens to a lovely view and you have
absolutely no privacy constraints. The rule in this case is “the simpler, the better”. One design idea for
your custom window treatment might be topping the window with a richly colored and designed top
treatment, and then framing the window with stationary side panels.
Here’s another creative design solution for another window challenge. Perhaps you are dealing with
extremely narrow windows, and your desire it to give them more prominence in your room. By hanging
window treatments beyond the actual frame of the window, these same “thin” windows will take on a
“larger” presence in your room.
And if your dealing with shorter windows, a window treatment hung from floor to ceiling will add the
height you desire.
All in all, there are a myriad of design choices available to solve even the toughest of window design
challenges. By doing your homework, and working with a professional decorator, your solutions will be
exciting to explore.
_____________________________________________________________________
Dagley Insurance & Financial Services
Nathan Dagley
Protecting your family against flooding
Did you know, EVERYONE lives in a flood zone? Twenty-five percent of flood insurance claims come
from the low-to-moderate risk areas. In 2006, flood insurance claims exceeded $550 million dollars,
with an average paid claim of nearly twenty-six thousand (Source: National Flood Insurance Program).
Flooding is the nation's #1 natural disaster. Many people do not know that just having Homeowners or
Renters Insurance does not protect you when flooding is caused by a hurricane or tropical storm.
Flood insurance can protect you and you will be reimbursed for covered costs if you experience a flood.
Flooding can happen anywhere it can rain. Some people believe that if you live on a hill you are safe.
Well, in many cases you are not out of the woods! You are still at risk of being a victim.
To protect you and your family from being at risk of flood damage here are some tips:
• Have an evacuation plan
• Have a safe place for important documents
• Build an emergency kit
• Purchase a flood policy
Contact Dagley Insurance and Financial Services at 281-644-1000 to see how you can save your
assets and no longer be a prospect of flood damage the next time “Hurricane Rita” flood seeps into
your home.
_____________________________________________________________________
Tips From Ace Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Man's Corner - Answers by Lou Manfredini
Q: I've recently read an article (written by a hose manufacturer) stating that my family should not drink
water out of garden hoses. Is this true? I've seen advertisements for "safe drinking hoses," but am not
sure if they're just trying to make money off my fears. I remember being a kid and drinking out of the
hose all the time, and I turned out alright.
Are these just fear tactics? Are there some hoses that are ok to drink out of and others that are not? I'm
not exactly what kind of hose I have right now. It's red and really heavy. I bought it last year.
A: You should not drink too much soda, eat too many fried foods, and stay away from sweets. A good
quality hose is fine, I have been drinking from them for years and other than the third eye I have
everything is fine. (kidding, although my kids say I have eyes in back of my head.) Just let it run for a bit.
________________________________________________________________________________
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. All Check A Pro members have
been pre-qualified through the following:
-Reference Check
-Local Business Bureau Review
-License Check w/ the Sate of Texas
-Windows don't have to be a "pane"!
-Protecting your family against flooding
-Tips from Ace Hardware
-How to find a good contractor
Volume I, Edition 8
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 Saturday 11am-12pm
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
______________________________________________________________________
Kitchen & Bath Wizards
Adrian del Rio
Remodeling your kitchen? Where should you begin?
Are you ready for a new kitchen, but don’t know where to start? Many homeowners who have never
taken on a remodeling project need the experience and direction of an experienced professional. Here
are some tips that will help your project run smoothly and insure you get your kitchen in time for the
holidays.
Tip #1 – Decide what you want.
Search for photos in magazines or on the internet of design elements or the “look” you want in your
new kitchen. Whether you want a traditional cherry kitchen or a rustic shaker style in knotty maple, the
more pictures the better. Also, a list of features you would like will be helpful in planning your new
kitchen. Items such as waste basket slides in base cabinets or appliance garages are very handy and
not very expensive. Make a list of the “must haves” and the “can do withouts”. Review the kitchen style
photos and design elements list with your design professional at your initial meeting.
Tip #2 – Set a budget.
Can you afford the kitchen you found in your search for photos? According to Remodeling Magazine’s
annual “Cost vs. Value” Report, mid-range kitchen remodels in our region averaged about $20,000 for
a minor kitchen remodel and $51,390 for a major kitchen remodel. The report indicates that
homeowners can expect to recoup nearly 90% of the cost of a minor kitchen remodel and about 81% of
a major kitchen project. Major kitchen remodels in the upscale category can go over $100,000. Your
design professional can help set a realistic budget for your project needs.
Tip #3 – Find an experienced kitchen professional.
Having a professional kitchen specialist (designer and/or remodeler) involved early on in the project
can save you time and money, but where do you start? Professional associations are a great way to
find experienced kitchen specialists. Many of these have websites that allow you to search for
companies that do business in your area. NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and
NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) are excellent resources.
Tip #4 – Start early.
If you want your new kitchen ready for Thanksgiving dinner, don’t wait until November 1st! A contract
should be signed with your contractor three months before your targeted completion date. This may
seem extreme, but with potential lead times typically associated with appliances, cabinets and
countertop fabrication, getting an early start will prevent many completion issues and allow time for
unforeseen conditions once work begins. While unforeseen issues can arise on any remodeling
project, if you follow these tips, you should have your dream kitchen in plenty of time to serve the holiday
turkey.
______________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
Richard Koonce & Mykal Pedraza
Windows don’t have to be a “pane”!
If you’re like many of our clients, choosing the right window treatment is a confusing process. Trying to
decide between the type of window treatment that would work best for you, your home and your
windows, and then finding just the right fabric, is sometimes enough to make you feel like having the
entire window just walled off!
It’s never easy to choose the right window treatment. However, here are a few guidelines to help you
get started. First and foremost, you must decide what you want your window to do. Once you’ve
conquered that decision, half the battle is over! Ask yourself a few questions. Does your window
provide a lovely view that you wish to enhance? Does your room need the natural light the window
provides? Would you prefer to disguise a not-so-lovely view? Do your windows seem too small for the
size of your room? Are the windows in your room mis-matched in width and length, and placement on
the wall? Because there are so many design options available to creatively solve any window
challenge, it’s important you consider function first.
Take this window opening as an example. Perhaps your window opens to a lovely view and you have
absolutely no privacy constraints. The rule in this case is “the simpler, the better”. One design idea for
your custom window treatment might be topping the window with a richly colored and designed top
treatment, and then framing the window with stationary side panels.
Here’s another creative design solution for another window challenge. Perhaps you are dealing with
extremely narrow windows, and your desire it to give them more prominence in your room. By hanging
window treatments beyond the actual frame of the window, these same “thin” windows will take on a
“larger” presence in your room.
And if your dealing with shorter windows, a window treatment hung from floor to ceiling will add the
height you desire.
All in all, there are a myriad of design choices available to solve even the toughest of window design
challenges. By doing your homework, and working with a professional decorator, your solutions will be
exciting to explore.
_____________________________________________________________________
Dagley Insurance & Financial Services
Nathan Dagley
Protecting your family against flooding
Did you know, EVERYONE lives in a flood zone? Twenty-five percent of flood insurance claims come
from the low-to-moderate risk areas. In 2006, flood insurance claims exceeded $550 million dollars,
with an average paid claim of nearly twenty-six thousand (Source: National Flood Insurance Program).
Flooding is the nation's #1 natural disaster. Many people do not know that just having Homeowners or
Renters Insurance does not protect you when flooding is caused by a hurricane or tropical storm.
Flood insurance can protect you and you will be reimbursed for covered costs if you experience a flood.
Flooding can happen anywhere it can rain. Some people believe that if you live on a hill you are safe.
Well, in many cases you are not out of the woods! You are still at risk of being a victim.
To protect you and your family from being at risk of flood damage here are some tips:
• Have an evacuation plan
• Have a safe place for important documents
• Build an emergency kit
• Purchase a flood policy
Contact Dagley Insurance and Financial Services at 281-644-1000 to see how you can save your
assets and no longer be a prospect of flood damage the next time “Hurricane Rita” flood seeps into
your home.
_____________________________________________________________________
Tips From Ace Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Man's Corner - Answers by Lou Manfredini
Q: I've recently read an article (written by a hose manufacturer) stating that my family should not drink
water out of garden hoses. Is this true? I've seen advertisements for "safe drinking hoses," but am not
sure if they're just trying to make money off my fears. I remember being a kid and drinking out of the
hose all the time, and I turned out alright.
Are these just fear tactics? Are there some hoses that are ok to drink out of and others that are not? I'm
not exactly what kind of hose I have right now. It's red and really heavy. I bought it last year.
A: You should not drink too much soda, eat too many fried foods, and stay away from sweets. A good
quality hose is fine, I have been drinking from them for years and other than the third eye I have
everything is fine. (kidding, although my kids say I have eyes in back of my head.) Just let it run for a bit.
________________________________________________________________________________
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. All Check A Pro members have
been pre-qualified through the following:
-Reference Check
-Local Business Bureau Review
-License Check w/ the Sate of Texas
Check A Pro Radio Show Check A Pro Radio is sponsored by CHECK A PRO. Learn more at www.checkapro.com.