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Ask The Pro Newsletter
-DoubleDave's Pizzaworks *COUPON*
-How to Prepare For Hurricane Season
-Baluster Swap Basics
-Summer Driving & Maintenance
-Add some Personality to your kitchen!
-Efficiency is the Key
-I’m Ready To Remodel…Let’s Demo!
-Heat and Notebook computers don’t get along
Volume 2, Edition 7
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
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
As Good As New, LLC
Earl Wright
How to Prepare For Hurricane Season
Once again hurricane season is upon us. Here are 5 simple steps that you want to take BEFORE a
hurricane hits to make sure that you and your loved ones are ready:
1) Make sure that you have enough prescription medicines to outlast a storm and its aftermath.
Purchase a first-aid kit or make sure that your existing first a kit is full.
2) Take inventory of your household items. In addition to a written log, take photos or make a video of
your household items. If you do not have the time or photo/video equipment there are companies for hire
that will inventory your household items for you. If you have trouble finding an inventory company, give us
(As Good As New 281 353 2088) a call for a referral.
3) Stock up on nonperishable foods, drinking water, batteries, diapers and formula for infants and pet
food for animals.
4) Create an emergency telephone list that consist of:
It is important that if you do not have a good roofer, fence repair company and landscaper, you need to
build a relationship BEFORE the storm. Here's why. Prior to hurricane Ike, our company (As Good As
New) emailed all of our previous customers to notify them of special VIP Service (Priority scheduling, non
inflated pricing, expanded services, etc…) that we were providing to all of our previous customers in
need. After the storm hit, we had one customer that could not find a tree removal company that could
come out before 3 weeks. We were able to locate a company for him (Hello Mr. Mize in Missouri City) that
came out the very next day. Build some relationships BEFORE the next storm hits.
5) Double check your insurance coverage for:
I hope that you have found this information informative and helpful. Next month we will be giving you
some tips on “What to Do When a Hurricane Threatens”. If you have any questions, comments or if you
would like to start a relationship with us, you can contact As Good As New @ 281 353 2088 or
www.asgoodasnewfence.com.
______________________________________________________________________
Stairway Makeovers
David Kalinec
Baluster Swap Basics
Have you ever looked at a possible project and considered the pros and cons of doing it yourself? Have
you ever hired a handyman for a project and observed how simple it actually was and tried to figure out
how much you could have saved? Well this article is for you.
Your staircase is the centerpiece of your home, and it is most often the first home fixture guests see as
they walk in the front door. Most homes built before the past few years were built with wooden balusters.
We are here to show you how easy it is to add the elegance of wrought iron yourself and save a good
deal performing your own baluster swap. The first step is finding a quality supplier to get your parts. They
will have a knowledgeable staff to help you design the layout and answer any major questions you have.
Order the parts, and they can be delivered to your door in a few days. All you should need are the
balusters, shoes, and epoxy.
The next step is preparation and removal of your old balusters. Place some sheathing over objects you
want to protect from wood dust, debris, and the occasional epoxy drip. You will need a saws all and
some pliers for this part. Find the narrowest part of your baluster near the base and cut there. Cut all of
the balusters. The come back and twist each piece out and remove the toe nail with the pliers if needed.
Then sand away any glue residue.
The most difficult task is installing the balusters. A chop saw with a diamond blade is the best tool for
this job. Lay the balusters beside the hole they will be inserted to make sure that you like the pattern and
that you have enough pieces. Next, place the baluster up into the top hole, mark the bottom, then cut.
Place the shoe on the bottom of the baluster, insert the baluster into the top hole, move the bottom into
position, drop in the hole. Then glue the top of the baluster and the bottom and in the shoe, set the shoe,
and move to the next baluster. Make sure all shoes are parallel to the cap, and be sure to let the epoxy
cure overnight before touching the balusters. Then just go back through and touch up stain and paint.
Not every job is this simple, but this article will get you through most of them. So remember, if at any time
you feel lost, just give us a call at 832-220-8109 and Stairway Makeovers will walk you through.
David Kalinec, Jr.
Owner, Stairway Makeovers
www.stairwaymakeovers.com
sales@stairwaymakeovers.com
________________________________________________________________________________
Milstead Automotive
Kristin Venema
Summer Driving & Maintenance
Summer’s heat, dust and stop and go traffic all take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last
winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through
periodic maintenance. Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician.
Tip 1: Cooling System - The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system
should be completely flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of
the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually
recommended.)
Tip 2: Air Conditioning – A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system
examined by a qualified technician.
Tip 3: Oil – Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual—more often (every 3,000 miles or
so) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.
Tip 4: Engine Performance – Replace other filters (air, fuel PCV, etc.) as recommended-more often in
dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power,
etc.) corrected at a good shop – you’ll get better gas mileage, too!
Tip 5: Tires- Properly inflated and balanced tires can improve fuel economy by up to one mile per gallon.
Depending on the size of your fuel tank that could mean an extra 20 miles per tank!
Tip 6: Spark Plugs – Old, dirty and worn spark plugs can reduce fuel economy by up to 2 miles per gallon.
Tip 7: Battery – Corrosion is very likely to build up during the hot Texas summer. Scrape away corrosion
from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are
removable, check the fluid level monthly.
Tip 8: Headlights - Sometimes you don't notice that you have a bulb out. Now is a good time to take a
look to see if you need to replace a headlight bulb. Not only is it unsafe to drive with one headlight, you
can get a ticket!
Tip 9: Brakes- Your brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice
pulsations, grabbing, noises or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected
promptly or they could cost you plenty down the road!
Tip 10: Emergency Kit – Crate an emergency kit for the trunk that contains at least each of the following;
spare tire, flares, bottled water, and a first aid kit.
_____________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
The Deco Guyz TM
Add some Personality to your kitchen!
A truly successful kitchen remodeling – or new design – project does more than function well for the
homeowner. It has personality! Your kitchen should become a gathering spot, a cook’s oasis, even a
mission control for a busy family. Kitchens are truly a full-fledged living space – deserving of its own
memorable style and personality!
Individuality is the earmark of a room with personality. So, in composing the design elements of a
kitchen’s style, we suggest you trust your own instincts and put your imagination into overdrive.
Are you a clean-counter type person, or do you truly enjoy showing off cherished collectibles? Do you
yearn to re-create an era of long ago – one that might be reminiscent of the Victorian or colonial times?
Or are you soothed by the spirit of a homey, comfortable country kitchen? And perhaps, you prefer a
more eclectically designed kitchen space. The mood of our kitchen should make you and your family
happy. If your kitchen space is open to other living spaces, it’s important that you consider
complementing your kitchen style with those rooms as well.
Whatever your style, call on design elements such as color, fabric, surface materials, lighting, art and
one of a kind accents to create your own personal touch!
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
Richard Koonce Mykal Pedraza
The Deco Guyz TM
713-541-Deco (3326)
CONTINUE TO PAGE 2 --->
-How to Prepare For Hurricane Season
-Baluster Swap Basics
-Summer Driving & Maintenance
-Add some Personality to your kitchen!
-Efficiency is the Key
-I’m Ready To Remodel…Let’s Demo!
-Heat and Notebook computers don’t get along
Volume 2, Edition 7
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
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
As Good As New, LLC
Earl Wright
How to Prepare For Hurricane Season
Once again hurricane season is upon us. Here are 5 simple steps that you want to take BEFORE a
hurricane hits to make sure that you and your loved ones are ready:
1) Make sure that you have enough prescription medicines to outlast a storm and its aftermath.
Purchase a first-aid kit or make sure that your existing first a kit is full.
2) Take inventory of your household items. In addition to a written log, take photos or make a video of
your household items. If you do not have the time or photo/video equipment there are companies for hire
that will inventory your household items for you. If you have trouble finding an inventory company, give us
(As Good As New 281 353 2088) a call for a referral.
3) Stock up on nonperishable foods, drinking water, batteries, diapers and formula for infants and pet
food for animals.
4) Create an emergency telephone list that consist of:
- Your local utility company (electric, gas, water, etc…)
- Your home and automobile insurance agent
- Your roofer, your fence repair company and your landscaper.
It is important that if you do not have a good roofer, fence repair company and landscaper, you need to
build a relationship BEFORE the storm. Here's why. Prior to hurricane Ike, our company (As Good As
New) emailed all of our previous customers to notify them of special VIP Service (Priority scheduling, non
inflated pricing, expanded services, etc…) that we were providing to all of our previous customers in
need. After the storm hit, we had one customer that could not find a tree removal company that could
come out before 3 weeks. We were able to locate a company for him (Hello Mr. Mize in Missouri City) that
came out the very next day. Build some relationships BEFORE the next storm hits.
5) Double check your insurance coverage for:
- Hurricane coverage – If you want it, you need to get it now because you cannot get it once a storm
enters the Gulf. - Flood Insurance – If your insurance company doesn’t offer it, the federal government does, but it
will not go into effect until 30 days after you’ve paid for it.
I hope that you have found this information informative and helpful. Next month we will be giving you
some tips on “What to Do When a Hurricane Threatens”. If you have any questions, comments or if you
would like to start a relationship with us, you can contact As Good As New @ 281 353 2088 or
www.asgoodasnewfence.com.
______________________________________________________________________
Stairway Makeovers
David Kalinec
Baluster Swap Basics
Have you ever looked at a possible project and considered the pros and cons of doing it yourself? Have
you ever hired a handyman for a project and observed how simple it actually was and tried to figure out
how much you could have saved? Well this article is for you.
Your staircase is the centerpiece of your home, and it is most often the first home fixture guests see as
they walk in the front door. Most homes built before the past few years were built with wooden balusters.
We are here to show you how easy it is to add the elegance of wrought iron yourself and save a good
deal performing your own baluster swap. The first step is finding a quality supplier to get your parts. They
will have a knowledgeable staff to help you design the layout and answer any major questions you have.
Order the parts, and they can be delivered to your door in a few days. All you should need are the
balusters, shoes, and epoxy.
The next step is preparation and removal of your old balusters. Place some sheathing over objects you
want to protect from wood dust, debris, and the occasional epoxy drip. You will need a saws all and
some pliers for this part. Find the narrowest part of your baluster near the base and cut there. Cut all of
the balusters. The come back and twist each piece out and remove the toe nail with the pliers if needed.
Then sand away any glue residue.
The most difficult task is installing the balusters. A chop saw with a diamond blade is the best tool for
this job. Lay the balusters beside the hole they will be inserted to make sure that you like the pattern and
that you have enough pieces. Next, place the baluster up into the top hole, mark the bottom, then cut.
Place the shoe on the bottom of the baluster, insert the baluster into the top hole, move the bottom into
position, drop in the hole. Then glue the top of the baluster and the bottom and in the shoe, set the shoe,
and move to the next baluster. Make sure all shoes are parallel to the cap, and be sure to let the epoxy
cure overnight before touching the balusters. Then just go back through and touch up stain and paint.
Not every job is this simple, but this article will get you through most of them. So remember, if at any time
you feel lost, just give us a call at 832-220-8109 and Stairway Makeovers will walk you through.
David Kalinec, Jr.
Owner, Stairway Makeovers
www.stairwaymakeovers.com
sales@stairwaymakeovers.com
________________________________________________________________________________
Milstead Automotive
Kristin Venema
Summer Driving & Maintenance
Summer’s heat, dust and stop and go traffic all take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last
winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through
periodic maintenance. Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician.
Tip 1: Cooling System - The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system
should be completely flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of
the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually
recommended.)
Tip 2: Air Conditioning – A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system
examined by a qualified technician.
Tip 3: Oil – Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual—more often (every 3,000 miles or
so) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.
Tip 4: Engine Performance – Replace other filters (air, fuel PCV, etc.) as recommended-more often in
dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power,
etc.) corrected at a good shop – you’ll get better gas mileage, too!
Tip 5: Tires- Properly inflated and balanced tires can improve fuel economy by up to one mile per gallon.
Depending on the size of your fuel tank that could mean an extra 20 miles per tank!
Tip 6: Spark Plugs – Old, dirty and worn spark plugs can reduce fuel economy by up to 2 miles per gallon.
Tip 7: Battery – Corrosion is very likely to build up during the hot Texas summer. Scrape away corrosion
from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are
removable, check the fluid level monthly.
Tip 8: Headlights - Sometimes you don't notice that you have a bulb out. Now is a good time to take a
look to see if you need to replace a headlight bulb. Not only is it unsafe to drive with one headlight, you
can get a ticket!
Tip 9: Brakes- Your brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice
pulsations, grabbing, noises or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected
promptly or they could cost you plenty down the road!
Tip 10: Emergency Kit – Crate an emergency kit for the trunk that contains at least each of the following;
spare tire, flares, bottled water, and a first aid kit.
_____________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
The Deco Guyz TM
Add some Personality to your kitchen!
A truly successful kitchen remodeling – or new design – project does more than function well for the
homeowner. It has personality! Your kitchen should become a gathering spot, a cook’s oasis, even a
mission control for a busy family. Kitchens are truly a full-fledged living space – deserving of its own
memorable style and personality!
Individuality is the earmark of a room with personality. So, in composing the design elements of a
kitchen’s style, we suggest you trust your own instincts and put your imagination into overdrive.
Are you a clean-counter type person, or do you truly enjoy showing off cherished collectibles? Do you
yearn to re-create an era of long ago – one that might be reminiscent of the Victorian or colonial times?
Or are you soothed by the spirit of a homey, comfortable country kitchen? And perhaps, you prefer a
more eclectically designed kitchen space. The mood of our kitchen should make you and your family
happy. If your kitchen space is open to other living spaces, it’s important that you consider
complementing your kitchen style with those rooms as well.
Whatever your style, call on design elements such as color, fabric, surface materials, lighting, art and
one of a kind accents to create your own personal touch!
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
Richard Koonce Mykal Pedraza
The Deco Guyz TM
713-541-Deco (3326)
CONTINUE TO PAGE 2 --->
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.