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Ask The Pro Newsletter
-DoubleDave's Pizzaworks *COUPON*
-Brown Patch or Cinch Bugs?
-10 Inexpensive Ways to Spruce up Your Property
-Lighting – Careful Planning Sets the Stage!
-Energy Efficient Holiday Lighting
Volume 2, Edition 11
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 Check A Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM - 12 PM
central on CNN 650. For more information about the Check A 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 Check A Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Brown Patch or Cinch Bugs?
In the last couple of months I have seen many lawns destroyed by Chinch Bugs and many cases of
Brown Patch. These are totally different problems and it is very important to know which problem you are
dealing with before treating it.
Chinch bugs are very destructive and by the time you know you have them, they probably have already
destroyed a good part of your lawn. The first sign is an irregular shaped brown or yellow spot in the
grass. They feed on the roots of the grass leaving behind the stem (runner) and leaves which quickly
die. By the time you notice you have them they have already moved on to a nice green patch of grass.
Brown Patch, on the other hand, is a fungal problem shown by a yellowing or brown smooth edged
circular spot on the lawn. It is usually in a low spot or an area that is getting too much water. Lawns with
irrigation systems frequently have brown patch as in the effort to green up the lawn homeowners tend to
over water and over fertilize. Unlike chinch bugs, brown patch only turns the leaves brown but the roots
survive to grow the following spring.
I will caution that proper analysis is the key to solving lawn problems and these are only a few of the
insects and fungus’s that invade our lawns. Call us for a free analysis of your lawn and landscape.
Melinda Sperl is the owner of Dream Landscape Design, Inc., a full service landscape company. You
can reach Melinda at Melinda@dreamlandscapedesign.com or www.dreamlandscapedesign.com
______________________________________________________________________
As Good As New, LLC
Cheryl Wright
10 Inexpensive Ways to Spruce up Your Property
Real estate is still one of the best investments you can make. Despite recent slowdowns in some
markets, housing remains a good long-term investment, and demographic demand favors housing over
the long term.
Homeownership offers immediate benefits and long-term value. Homeowners accumulate wealth for the
future while enjoying the benefits of a shelter that they can use, improve and sell.
It's easy to fix up your properties if you have unlimited cash. You need to keep your properties in good
shape to attract tenants or buyers. There are the basic improvements, such as carpet and paint, but
these can still costs thousands of dollars. The following are some inexpensive ways to improve your
properties with very little cash.
#1) An “As Good As New” Fence
This is such a minor, yet overlooked improvement. Most rental owners and rehabbers paint a unit and
leave the old, ugly gray fence as the welcoming mat. Even worse, some even paint over them. An old
wood fence can be acid washed and stained to a like new appearance in most cases for less than $500.
#2) Paint/Replace Trim
If the entire interior of the house does not need a paint job, consider painting the trim. New, modern
custom homes typically come with beige or off-white walls and bright-white trim. Use a semi-gloss bright
white on all the trim in your houses. If the floor trim is worn, cracked or just plain ugly, replace it! Home
Depot carries a new foam trim that is pre-painted in several finishes and costs less than 50 cents per
linear foot. Create a great first impression by adding crown molding in the entry way and living room.
#3) New Front Door
You only get one chance to make a first impression. A cheap front door makes a house look cheap. An
old front door makes a house look old. If you have a nice heavy door, paint it a bold color using high-
gloss paint. If your front door is old, consider replacing it with a new, stylish door. For about $125, you can
buy a very nice door.
#4) Tile Foyer Entry
After the front door, your next first impression is the foyer area. Most rental property foyers are graced with
linoleum floors. Consider a nice 12" Mexican tile. An 8' x 8' area should cost about $100 in materials.
#5) Add Window Shutters
If you have ugly aluminum framed windows, consider adding wooden shutters outside. They come pre-
primed at most hardware retailers and are easy to install. Paint them an offset color from the outside of
the house - (e.g., if the house is dark, paint the shutters white. If the house is light, paint them green,
blue, etc.).
*Bonus* Add a Nice Mailbox
Everyone on the block has the same black mailbox. Stand out. Be bold. For about $35 you can buy a nice
colorful mailbox. For about $60 more, you can buy a nice wooden post for it. People notice these things....
and they like them!
As always, we hope that you have found this article helpful. If you would like additional information about
this article or if you would like a FREE fence restoration estimate CALL As Good As New, LLC today at
281 353 2088 or visit us on the web at www.asgoodasnewpreservative.com
________________________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den-The Deco Guyz TM
Richard Koonce & Mykal Pedraza
Lighting – Careful Planning Sets the Stage!
Often times, a beautifully designed room, can easily miss the mark without a well thought out and
executed lighting plan. Have you ever walked into a fabulous room that just seemed to miss the mark?
Perhaps the ambiance of the room seemed off kilter. Or, maybe the room’s lighting gave it a harsh cold
feel.
Here are some specific tips you should consider when working up your own personal lighting plan. And,
here’s a word to the wise. The single best tip to insure a successful lighting plan is to work with a
professional interior designer. That way all the decisions you make the first time will be the right
decisions for your home and your room.
Frequently asked lighting questions:
1. How much light does my room actually need?
As interior designers, we typically calculate the amount of light needed in a room by multiplying the room’
s length by the room’s width – in feet. Then that number is again multiplied by 1.5. I have found that this
gives me the number of watts required to provide adequate ambient lighting for my client’s room.
2. How much specific task lighting do I need?
Typically, I find that a good rule of thumb for task lighting is to multiply the room’s square footage by 2.5
instead of 1.5 to find the proper wattage.
3. My hallway is dull and dreary. How much lighting do I need to brighten it up?
We recommend that a lighting fixture be placed every 8 to 10 feet. If our client’s prefer using wall
sconces, we suggest they be placed 6 to 8 feet apart. And wall sconces should always be hung 60
inches above the finished floor.
These are just a few of the many lighting questions most of my clients
have. Again, making the right lighting decisions the first time will definitely showcase your new décor
beautifully!
_____________________________________________________________________
Brite Lights of Houston
Stacy Gauna
Energy Efficient Holiday Lighting
‘Tis the season---soon everyone will be decorating their home for the holidays. Most people currently
use standard incandescent lights or mini-lights for their decorating. However, these use a significant
amount of energy and regularly involve costly bulb replacement. In fact---it’s often easier to throw away a
string of lights and buy new each year rather than buy replacement bulbs and figure out which bulbs are
burned out.
Wouldn’t you like a better way?? Consider LED lighting. LED lights have a number of benefits over
conventional lighting:
*Energy-efficient: 0.04 watts per bulb; mini-lights use TEN TIMES more energy and standard (C-7) bulbs
use 100 TIMES more energy. What does that mean to the average homeowner?? In dollars---the energy
cost of lighting 500 bulbs for 5 hours for 30 days will be approximately $18.90 for standard bulbs; vs.
$1.89 for mini-lights; vs. a MERE 19 CENTS FOR LED LIGHTS!! Wow – what a savings!
*Long life span: up to 100,000 hours used indoors or 50,000
hours used outdoors.
*Safety: no chance of combustion from the cool temperature
bulbs.
*Sturdy bulbs: the epoxy lenses are virtually indestructible.
*Lamp Replacement: if a bulb does burn out, the other bulbs WILL stay lit, so you can easily identify and
replace a bad bulb.
Every year, LED holiday lighting technology improves. In the beginning, many people didn’t like the “blue-
white” look of the LED lights. Now…you can buy warm-white LED lights that mimic the look of traditional
incandescent lighting. You can still maintain the beautiful, traditional look of Christmas – while saving
energy at the same time!
Happy Holidays!!
Carlos and Stacy Gauna are the owners of Brite Lights of Houston. You can reach them at (832) 274-
3358 or www.britelightsofhouston.com.
-Brown Patch or Cinch Bugs?
-10 Inexpensive Ways to Spruce up Your Property
-Lighting – Careful Planning Sets the Stage!
-Energy Efficient Holiday Lighting
Volume 2, Edition 11
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 Check A Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM - 12 PM
central on CNN 650. For more information about the Check A 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 Check A Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Brown Patch or Cinch Bugs?
In the last couple of months I have seen many lawns destroyed by Chinch Bugs and many cases of
Brown Patch. These are totally different problems and it is very important to know which problem you are
dealing with before treating it.
Chinch bugs are very destructive and by the time you know you have them, they probably have already
destroyed a good part of your lawn. The first sign is an irregular shaped brown or yellow spot in the
grass. They feed on the roots of the grass leaving behind the stem (runner) and leaves which quickly
die. By the time you notice you have them they have already moved on to a nice green patch of grass.
Brown Patch, on the other hand, is a fungal problem shown by a yellowing or brown smooth edged
circular spot on the lawn. It is usually in a low spot or an area that is getting too much water. Lawns with
irrigation systems frequently have brown patch as in the effort to green up the lawn homeowners tend to
over water and over fertilize. Unlike chinch bugs, brown patch only turns the leaves brown but the roots
survive to grow the following spring.
I will caution that proper analysis is the key to solving lawn problems and these are only a few of the
insects and fungus’s that invade our lawns. Call us for a free analysis of your lawn and landscape.
Melinda Sperl is the owner of Dream Landscape Design, Inc., a full service landscape company. You
can reach Melinda at Melinda@dreamlandscapedesign.com or www.dreamlandscapedesign.com
______________________________________________________________________
As Good As New, LLC
Cheryl Wright
10 Inexpensive Ways to Spruce up Your Property
Real estate is still one of the best investments you can make. Despite recent slowdowns in some
markets, housing remains a good long-term investment, and demographic demand favors housing over
the long term.
Homeownership offers immediate benefits and long-term value. Homeowners accumulate wealth for the
future while enjoying the benefits of a shelter that they can use, improve and sell.
It's easy to fix up your properties if you have unlimited cash. You need to keep your properties in good
shape to attract tenants or buyers. There are the basic improvements, such as carpet and paint, but
these can still costs thousands of dollars. The following are some inexpensive ways to improve your
properties with very little cash.
#1) An “As Good As New” Fence
This is such a minor, yet overlooked improvement. Most rental owners and rehabbers paint a unit and
leave the old, ugly gray fence as the welcoming mat. Even worse, some even paint over them. An old
wood fence can be acid washed and stained to a like new appearance in most cases for less than $500.
#2) Paint/Replace Trim
If the entire interior of the house does not need a paint job, consider painting the trim. New, modern
custom homes typically come with beige or off-white walls and bright-white trim. Use a semi-gloss bright
white on all the trim in your houses. If the floor trim is worn, cracked or just plain ugly, replace it! Home
Depot carries a new foam trim that is pre-painted in several finishes and costs less than 50 cents per
linear foot. Create a great first impression by adding crown molding in the entry way and living room.
#3) New Front Door
You only get one chance to make a first impression. A cheap front door makes a house look cheap. An
old front door makes a house look old. If you have a nice heavy door, paint it a bold color using high-
gloss paint. If your front door is old, consider replacing it with a new, stylish door. For about $125, you can
buy a very nice door.
#4) Tile Foyer Entry
After the front door, your next first impression is the foyer area. Most rental property foyers are graced with
linoleum floors. Consider a nice 12" Mexican tile. An 8' x 8' area should cost about $100 in materials.
#5) Add Window Shutters
If you have ugly aluminum framed windows, consider adding wooden shutters outside. They come pre-
primed at most hardware retailers and are easy to install. Paint them an offset color from the outside of
the house - (e.g., if the house is dark, paint the shutters white. If the house is light, paint them green,
blue, etc.).
*Bonus* Add a Nice Mailbox
Everyone on the block has the same black mailbox. Stand out. Be bold. For about $35 you can buy a nice
colorful mailbox. For about $60 more, you can buy a nice wooden post for it. People notice these things....
and they like them!
As always, we hope that you have found this article helpful. If you would like additional information about
this article or if you would like a FREE fence restoration estimate CALL As Good As New, LLC today at
281 353 2088 or visit us on the web at www.asgoodasnewpreservative.com
________________________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den-The Deco Guyz TM
Richard Koonce & Mykal Pedraza
Lighting – Careful Planning Sets the Stage!
Often times, a beautifully designed room, can easily miss the mark without a well thought out and
executed lighting plan. Have you ever walked into a fabulous room that just seemed to miss the mark?
Perhaps the ambiance of the room seemed off kilter. Or, maybe the room’s lighting gave it a harsh cold
feel.
Here are some specific tips you should consider when working up your own personal lighting plan. And,
here’s a word to the wise. The single best tip to insure a successful lighting plan is to work with a
professional interior designer. That way all the decisions you make the first time will be the right
decisions for your home and your room.
Frequently asked lighting questions:
1. How much light does my room actually need?
As interior designers, we typically calculate the amount of light needed in a room by multiplying the room’
s length by the room’s width – in feet. Then that number is again multiplied by 1.5. I have found that this
gives me the number of watts required to provide adequate ambient lighting for my client’s room.
2. How much specific task lighting do I need?
Typically, I find that a good rule of thumb for task lighting is to multiply the room’s square footage by 2.5
instead of 1.5 to find the proper wattage.
3. My hallway is dull and dreary. How much lighting do I need to brighten it up?
We recommend that a lighting fixture be placed every 8 to 10 feet. If our client’s prefer using wall
sconces, we suggest they be placed 6 to 8 feet apart. And wall sconces should always be hung 60
inches above the finished floor.
These are just a few of the many lighting questions most of my clients
have. Again, making the right lighting decisions the first time will definitely showcase your new décor
beautifully!
_____________________________________________________________________
Brite Lights of Houston
Stacy Gauna
Energy Efficient Holiday Lighting
‘Tis the season---soon everyone will be decorating their home for the holidays. Most people currently
use standard incandescent lights or mini-lights for their decorating. However, these use a significant
amount of energy and regularly involve costly bulb replacement. In fact---it’s often easier to throw away a
string of lights and buy new each year rather than buy replacement bulbs and figure out which bulbs are
burned out.
Wouldn’t you like a better way?? Consider LED lighting. LED lights have a number of benefits over
conventional lighting:
*Energy-efficient: 0.04 watts per bulb; mini-lights use TEN TIMES more energy and standard (C-7) bulbs
use 100 TIMES more energy. What does that mean to the average homeowner?? In dollars---the energy
cost of lighting 500 bulbs for 5 hours for 30 days will be approximately $18.90 for standard bulbs; vs.
$1.89 for mini-lights; vs. a MERE 19 CENTS FOR LED LIGHTS!! Wow – what a savings!
*Long life span: up to 100,000 hours used indoors or 50,000
hours used outdoors.
*Safety: no chance of combustion from the cool temperature
bulbs.
*Sturdy bulbs: the epoxy lenses are virtually indestructible.
*Lamp Replacement: if a bulb does burn out, the other bulbs WILL stay lit, so you can easily identify and
replace a bad bulb.
Every year, LED holiday lighting technology improves. In the beginning, many people didn’t like the “blue-
white” look of the LED lights. Now…you can buy warm-white LED lights that mimic the look of traditional
incandescent lighting. You can still maintain the beautiful, traditional look of Christmas – while saving
energy at the same time!
Happy Holidays!!
Carlos and Stacy Gauna are the owners of Brite Lights of Houston. You can reach them at (832) 274-
3358 or www.britelightsofhouston.com.
DoubleDave's Pizzaworks Bob Sudkamp *COUPON* Are you looking for a spot for your next team party, birthday party or group event? DoubleDave's Pizzaworks, located at 1660 South Mason (corner of Highland Knolls), can be your event location. Our party room can accommodate a large group of people. We have a wide assortment of games for the kids to play while enjoying our specialty pizzas like our Veggie, Buffalo Chicken, The Works, Barbecue Chicken and our Meateaters along with our famous Peproni rolls, Stromboli an assortment of desserts and a our Texas sized salad bar. DoubleDave's offers dine in, pick up, delivery and can cater your next event. Give us a try! We can be reached at 281-391-3283. *Bring this add in for $1 off your next order. |
Check A Pro Radio Show Check A Pro Radio is sponsored by CHECK A PRO. Learn more at www.checkapro.com.