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Ask The Pro Newsletter
-DoubleDave's Pizzaworks *COUPON*
-Water
-Delightfully DazzlingDining Rooms
-Wood Rot and Moisture Damage
-Who are you allowing in your home?
-How to Select a Fence Contractor
Volume 2, Edition 2
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
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Water
While in the summer we need more water on our lawns, right now your grass is dormant so please,
you’re your irrigation system off! If you had that great irrigation system set when it was installed and
never adjust it as the seasons changed, your lawn is probably suffering. Because the sun is less
intense this time of year, the water does not evaporate as fast and you end up with roots that are under
water and drowning.
Fungus, pests and disease can be greatly reduced just by using proper irrigation techniques. Brown
Patch is the result of too much water. Instead of hitting that area with chemicals, look closely at it.
Usually this will be a low spot in your yard and the only treatment needed is a nice layer of compost to
fill in the low spot. Then, in the future, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Insects and disease are attracted to an unhealthy lawn. An over watered lawn may look green in the
summer but it will not be healthy and that will show over time
Until the spring, turn off the water and enjoy a healthy lawn!
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
_____________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
The Deco Guyz
Delightfully Dazzling Dining Rooms
Often times, we meet a client who thinks their dining room is the easiest of all rooms to furnish. Once
they've made the decision on their table and chairs, they tend to think that's all there is to it! Not so!
While that may be one of the biggest decisions to be made, it's far from all!
We submit that you still need to consider providing for the comfort of guests as well as the convenience
of the hostess. We find that there are often problems unique to this room that often make it a design
challenge. With that in mind, it does take some considerable planning to create and design a dining
room that will take center stage in your home.
Chairs alone are a far from simple choice. Massive ones take up too much space, so it's important to
search for well designed chairs that are comfortable as well. Don't worry about having enough dining
room chair shapes and sizes to pick from - there are so many it's bewildering, unless of course you
have professional help!
Tables, too, come in all shapes and sizes. The size should fit both the room and your family and
ideally be designed for easy expansion.
Expandable tables, with drop leaves, built-in extensions, and board inserts are all practical. Today's
table design options can convert from a small cozy table to one that can be instantly enlarged when
company is expected.
It's also more convenient to have silverware, linens, and serving pieces stored right in the room. A
sideboard, or chest will help to give you the storage you need, and can also handle the food for a sit
down buffet. If you opt for this additional furniture piece, consider its top! It's best for these pieces to be
covered in a moisture and stain resistant material such as marble or tile. Other storage options to
consider are cabinets or armoires. A very attractive unit might also become the room's focal point - an
extra added design benefit!
You'll find it helpful to think thru the many uses of your dining room, because our modes of entertaining
are many and ever changing. Ultimately, this means that your dining room design plan should be one
that features flexibility. Whether your hosting a Sunday Brunch for 6 or a late
midnight snack for 20, versatility and comfort should guide you toward the best furniture and design
plan.
_____________________________________________________________________
Mr. Handyman of The Woodlands
John Van Orden
Wood Rot and Moisture Damage
Wood rot is usually caused by moisture, at least initially. Once the wood dries, it can continue to rot.
This is known as dry rot.
When an area of wood rot is identified, it must be properly repaired to prevent further damage.
Homeowners should be aware that the International Residential Code (now used by all US states)
does not permit wood rot to simply be covered up or left in place. It must be removed and repaired.
Wood rot can happen anywhere on your home, but it is most common in the following places:
• Corners and joints – watch for wood rot wherever two pieces of wood join together to form a corner. It’
s easy for moisture to collect here and it won’t dry out quickly.
• Window sills and frames – if not properly caulked and treated, water can easily seep into wooden sills
and window frames.
• Wood Columns – columns are usually hollow on the inside and the inner wood is often untreated.
When water gets in the top or bottom of the column, it’s a perfect environment for wood rot.
• Eaves and roof overhangs – water can seep into your home’s wooden eaves and overhangs in many
ways. Gutters can overflow, moisture can get under the shingles, exposed joints and nail punctures
can absorb water.
• Doorway jambs and thresholds – simply because they are near the ground and horizontal, doorway
thresholds can often remain damp for long periods of time. This is one of the most common places to
find wood rot.
• Fences – in addition to the areas where two pieces of wood connect (water can seep between the
boards and cause rot), look for wood rot near the bottom of the fence. Ground moisture often causes
problems.
______________________________________________________________________
American Comfort Solutions
Robin Sykes
Who are you allowing in your home?
In September of 2003 Texas House Bill 705 went into effect , this bill requires in-home service
companies to obtain criminal history on all employees, whose job duties require entry into another
person’s home.
The purpose of the law is to protect consumers from potential criminals and employers from liability in
criminal cases. But what if the Service Company uses Sub-contract workers? Have they also been pre-
screened?
Before allowing any Service Company into your home ask the company a few simple questions such
as,
1) Do you use sub-contractors?
2) Do your workers wear uniforms?
3) Do you perform TXDPS background checks on your employees?
4) Are they Drug tested?
If you are side stepped on any of these 4 questions, hang up and find someone else, never assume
that all companies are abiding by House Bill 705 believe me thousands are not!
And remember NEVER leave the Key to your home “under the mat “! It’s the first place that criminals
look!
________________________________________________________________________________
As Good As New
Earl Wright
How To Select A Fence Contractor
Putting up a new fence may seem like an easy DIY project and, many homeowners do elect to take the
project on themselves. Quality fence installation, however, is about more than digging holes, slamming
in posts, and attaching pickets. Local climate such as wind tendencies and soil conditions will affect
not only how deep your posts need to be planted, but also the material you should use and how long
you can expect your fence to last. The expertise and the quality of a professional installation from a
fence contractor can easily save you money and hassle in the long run.
You may not think that hiring a fence contractor requires the same diligence as hiring a major home
improvement contractor but, many con-artists focus on smaller home projects. Fence installation
doesn't require heavy equipment that involves a large initial investment. A con-artist can install shoddy
fences that appear fine and then move on to a new area, leaving you with little recourse to recoup your
loss. For your protection we would like to share 5 things that you need to know before hiring a fence
contractor:
1) How long has the company been in business? Select a company that has been in business for at
least 10 years under the same name. Most of the fly by nights will have put themselves out of business
within the first 10 years.
2) Is the company insured? Select a company that has verifiable General Liability Insurance. The key
word here is verifiable. A reputable company should be able to provide a copy of their insurance
certificate.
3) Does the company have customer references? Not 2-3 friends acting as references. I mean real
references. Select a company that has at least 25 references.
4) Will the company provide a written warranty? Select a company with a written warrant and for best
results a company with multiple locations that will honor the warranty.
5) Is the company in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? Select a company with a
satisfactory BBB record.
We want you to know that even if decide to DIY or select another contractor, we wish you well with your
project and if at any stage of your project you need some FREE advice, please feel free to give us a call
at (281) 353 2088 or email us at Houston@asgoodasnewpreservative.com
-Water
-Delightfully DazzlingDining Rooms
-Wood Rot and Moisture Damage
-Who are you allowing in your home?
-How to Select a Fence Contractor
Volume 2, Edition 2
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
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Water
While in the summer we need more water on our lawns, right now your grass is dormant so please,
you’re your irrigation system off! If you had that great irrigation system set when it was installed and
never adjust it as the seasons changed, your lawn is probably suffering. Because the sun is less
intense this time of year, the water does not evaporate as fast and you end up with roots that are under
water and drowning.
Fungus, pests and disease can be greatly reduced just by using proper irrigation techniques. Brown
Patch is the result of too much water. Instead of hitting that area with chemicals, look closely at it.
Usually this will be a low spot in your yard and the only treatment needed is a nice layer of compost to
fill in the low spot. Then, in the future, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Insects and disease are attracted to an unhealthy lawn. An over watered lawn may look green in the
summer but it will not be healthy and that will show over time
Until the spring, turn off the water and enjoy a healthy lawn!
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
_____________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
The Deco Guyz
Delightfully Dazzling Dining Rooms
Often times, we meet a client who thinks their dining room is the easiest of all rooms to furnish. Once
they've made the decision on their table and chairs, they tend to think that's all there is to it! Not so!
While that may be one of the biggest decisions to be made, it's far from all!
We submit that you still need to consider providing for the comfort of guests as well as the convenience
of the hostess. We find that there are often problems unique to this room that often make it a design
challenge. With that in mind, it does take some considerable planning to create and design a dining
room that will take center stage in your home.
Chairs alone are a far from simple choice. Massive ones take up too much space, so it's important to
search for well designed chairs that are comfortable as well. Don't worry about having enough dining
room chair shapes and sizes to pick from - there are so many it's bewildering, unless of course you
have professional help!
Tables, too, come in all shapes and sizes. The size should fit both the room and your family and
ideally be designed for easy expansion.
Expandable tables, with drop leaves, built-in extensions, and board inserts are all practical. Today's
table design options can convert from a small cozy table to one that can be instantly enlarged when
company is expected.
It's also more convenient to have silverware, linens, and serving pieces stored right in the room. A
sideboard, or chest will help to give you the storage you need, and can also handle the food for a sit
down buffet. If you opt for this additional furniture piece, consider its top! It's best for these pieces to be
covered in a moisture and stain resistant material such as marble or tile. Other storage options to
consider are cabinets or armoires. A very attractive unit might also become the room's focal point - an
extra added design benefit!
You'll find it helpful to think thru the many uses of your dining room, because our modes of entertaining
are many and ever changing. Ultimately, this means that your dining room design plan should be one
that features flexibility. Whether your hosting a Sunday Brunch for 6 or a late
midnight snack for 20, versatility and comfort should guide you toward the best furniture and design
plan.
_____________________________________________________________________
Mr. Handyman of The Woodlands
John Van Orden
Wood Rot and Moisture Damage
Wood rot is usually caused by moisture, at least initially. Once the wood dries, it can continue to rot.
This is known as dry rot.
When an area of wood rot is identified, it must be properly repaired to prevent further damage.
Homeowners should be aware that the International Residential Code (now used by all US states)
does not permit wood rot to simply be covered up or left in place. It must be removed and repaired.
Wood rot can happen anywhere on your home, but it is most common in the following places:
• Corners and joints – watch for wood rot wherever two pieces of wood join together to form a corner. It’
s easy for moisture to collect here and it won’t dry out quickly.
• Window sills and frames – if not properly caulked and treated, water can easily seep into wooden sills
and window frames.
• Wood Columns – columns are usually hollow on the inside and the inner wood is often untreated.
When water gets in the top or bottom of the column, it’s a perfect environment for wood rot.
• Eaves and roof overhangs – water can seep into your home’s wooden eaves and overhangs in many
ways. Gutters can overflow, moisture can get under the shingles, exposed joints and nail punctures
can absorb water.
• Doorway jambs and thresholds – simply because they are near the ground and horizontal, doorway
thresholds can often remain damp for long periods of time. This is one of the most common places to
find wood rot.
• Fences – in addition to the areas where two pieces of wood connect (water can seep between the
boards and cause rot), look for wood rot near the bottom of the fence. Ground moisture often causes
problems.
______________________________________________________________________
American Comfort Solutions
Robin Sykes
Who are you allowing in your home?
In September of 2003 Texas House Bill 705 went into effect , this bill requires in-home service
companies to obtain criminal history on all employees, whose job duties require entry into another
person’s home.
The purpose of the law is to protect consumers from potential criminals and employers from liability in
criminal cases. But what if the Service Company uses Sub-contract workers? Have they also been pre-
screened?
Before allowing any Service Company into your home ask the company a few simple questions such
as,
1) Do you use sub-contractors?
2) Do your workers wear uniforms?
3) Do you perform TXDPS background checks on your employees?
4) Are they Drug tested?
If you are side stepped on any of these 4 questions, hang up and find someone else, never assume
that all companies are abiding by House Bill 705 believe me thousands are not!
And remember NEVER leave the Key to your home “under the mat “! It’s the first place that criminals
look!
________________________________________________________________________________
As Good As New
Earl Wright
How To Select A Fence Contractor
Putting up a new fence may seem like an easy DIY project and, many homeowners do elect to take the
project on themselves. Quality fence installation, however, is about more than digging holes, slamming
in posts, and attaching pickets. Local climate such as wind tendencies and soil conditions will affect
not only how deep your posts need to be planted, but also the material you should use and how long
you can expect your fence to last. The expertise and the quality of a professional installation from a
fence contractor can easily save you money and hassle in the long run.
You may not think that hiring a fence contractor requires the same diligence as hiring a major home
improvement contractor but, many con-artists focus on smaller home projects. Fence installation
doesn't require heavy equipment that involves a large initial investment. A con-artist can install shoddy
fences that appear fine and then move on to a new area, leaving you with little recourse to recoup your
loss. For your protection we would like to share 5 things that you need to know before hiring a fence
contractor:
1) How long has the company been in business? Select a company that has been in business for at
least 10 years under the same name. Most of the fly by nights will have put themselves out of business
within the first 10 years.
2) Is the company insured? Select a company that has verifiable General Liability Insurance. The key
word here is verifiable. A reputable company should be able to provide a copy of their insurance
certificate.
3) Does the company have customer references? Not 2-3 friends acting as references. I mean real
references. Select a company that has at least 25 references.
4) Will the company provide a written warranty? Select a company with a written warrant and for best
results a company with multiple locations that will honor the warranty.
5) Is the company in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? Select a company with a
satisfactory BBB record.
We want you to know that even if decide to DIY or select another contractor, we wish you well with your
project and if at any stage of your project you need some FREE advice, please feel free to give us a call
at (281) 353 2088 or email us at Houston@asgoodasnewpreservative.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.