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Archive for the ‘talklocal’ Category

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Austin is known in for being the Texan hub of live music and creative arts, individual self-expression of any means, fierce environmentalism, and subcultures ranging from the eclectic to the downright weird. The city’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird”, and they are succeeding!

Bringing More Weird to Austin

This is exactly why TalkLocal is pumped to be in the Texas capitol. Now, personally, all of us at TalkLocal like to think of ourselves as innovative, but some people frankly find us weird. We are personalizing the way people find local professional services to an individualized level.

Don’t believe us? See how we do it with this quick video.

At TalkLocal, we don’t use the conventional service search method – reading customer review after customer review and calling company after company. Instead, when you give us a call or go online to www.talklocal.com looking for a plumber, handyman, or even a massage therapist, you will speak directly with one of our service representatives who will gather all the necessary details of your request.

Then, he or she will find the best compatible local professional based on the details of your job, location, and availability. In around 90 seconds, you will receive a call from your TalkLocal representative telling you that we’ve got a company on the other line who would be happy to do the job for you.

Most individuals who use TalkLocal end up doing work with the first company we put them on the phone with, but if you’d like to speak with a second or third company, we’d be happy to connect you to them as well.

Austinites won’t find a more individualized service anywhere else. So check us out, and save a call with TalkLocal.

Tags: Austin, culture, Texas
Posted in talklocal | No Comments »

How to Maintain Clean Heating Ducts

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Heating ducts serve to distribute warm air effectively all throughout your home, but on the downside, they are great at collecting dust, dirt, mold spores, and other disease-causing microorganisms that can trigger or make breathing problems worse and, in general, just make your indoor air unpleasant.

A healthier environment inside your home is a benefit worth having from clean heating ducts, especially if there are members in your family who have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems.

Basic Cleaning

If your ducts have a buildup of dust or dirt, it doesn’t take a lot to solve the problem. However, it is best to prevent dust and other debris from building up in the first place by regular cleaning to maintain clean heating ducts. One thing you can do by yourself regularly is to make sure that heating vents as well as cold air returns are free of dust. Also, change the filter frequently.

Professional Cleaning

It’s also a good idea to have heating ducts professionally cleaned every two years to make sure there is no mass buildup of dust and especially mold taking place inside the system.

You’ll want to hire a reputable and qualified cleaning professional so that the job gets done properly. Otherwise, the dust and any other airborne substances collecting in your ducts may end up being spewed out into your home and could cause damage to the heating system.

When to Clean Heating Ducts Thoroughly

A simple visible check of your ducts is all you need to determine whether the entire duct work needs cleaning. To check heating ducts, remove the grill first by unscrewing it from the wall or floor. With a flashlight and a small mirror, check the length of the duct as far down as you can see. Do this with a few ducts. You know the ducts need cleaning if you find any of the following:

– Thick dust layer (more than 1/8 inch)

– Obstructions due to masses of dust or debris

– Signs of mold or mildew

– Signs of rodent infiltration

Usually, when you have any of the above, the register grills will be quite dusty or dirty as well. If all you see are a few dust bunnies, this is not a cause for concern. You can just use a high-efficiency filter on your heating system to help prevent dust buildup.

Hire a Heating Pro

When hiring a contractor to clean your heating ducts, look for someone with the right qualifications and a great track record. TalkLocal can help find the right professional who fills your criteria. Send us the details of your service request and speak to local experts in minutes. Try us now!

Tags: clean heating ducts
Posted in Maid Services, talklocal | No Comments »

Porch Column Repair Kit to Restore the Beauty of Your Porch

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

By design, porch columns typically hold significant weight, whether from the roof or a second story area. As such, it is important to ensure that porch columns are strong enough to support the structures of your house. However, porch columns are naturally exposed to weather conditions and they eventually are damaged.

The top and bottom of a porch post have the tendency to deteriorate or rot. Porch columns also tend to split without proper maintenance. Fortunately, rot and other types of damage can be easily repaired and reversed with a basic porch column repair kit. Do not attempt to repair severely damaged columns.

Dealing with Wood Rot

1. Stop the spread of wood rot by removing the rotted section of the column. Make sure there is no drop of moisture on the remaining material. If necessary, leave your work area open for a couple of days to allow moisture to evaporate.

2. Use water putty or an auto body-filling product to fill in the damaged sections.

3. Sand the post into shape with the appropriate sanding tool.

4. For large rotted sections, cover them with new material from crown molding or baseboard. Nail the cover in place. Use silicone caulk to seal any seams.

5. Paint or apply stain to match the existing surface.

Fixing Cracks and Missing Areas

1. If the wood grain of your porch columns has vertical cracks due to drying, you’ll need to have wood glue (exterior grade) in your porch column repair kit and apply this into the cracks of the wood using a large syringe.

2. Wrap the column with double-strap clamps, placing clamps each at the top and bottom of the crack. Tighten the straps and cinch them up together with a ratcheting clamp until the crack seals.

3. Clean up the excess glue on the column. Leave it overnight to dry.

4. Apply water putty or auto body filler into any missing areas. Color the putty with dye stain or paint to match the rest of the porch column.

Applying a New Coating

1. If the paint on your old porch is already faded or chipped, it’s high time to give it a fresh coat of paint or stain.

2. Bring out your porch column repair kit and start by sanding down the column to its base material. Use a belt sander to quickly sand big sections and use small sanding device or hand sanding for details.

3. When it comes to the type of paint, go for exterior house paint with semi-gloss latex finish. If applying wood stain, apply clear finish over the stain. Painted columns should be primed first.

4. Using a fine bristle brush, apply paint in long, even and vertical strokes without any drips as much as possible. Make sure the first coat is already completely dry before applying the next coat.

No Time to Repair Your Porch?

TalkLocal can save you time finding a qualified local handyman who can do any porch repair job. Contact us and you’ll be in touch with service professionals in no time.

Tags: Porch Column Repair Kit
Posted in Handyman, talklocal | No Comments »

Top 5 Ways to Hail a Taxi

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Let’s face it: only those who are eager to enjoy an unexpected shower are willing to wait for a ride in the pouring rain. The rest are looking forward to discovering the most effective cab hailing techniques. Want to stop a cab fast and with minimal effort? Below you will find the top 5 ways to hail a taxi that provide the desirable results.

1) Wave

Wave a few times to capture the drivers’ attention. This is a classic way to hail a taxi that works every single time.

2) Whistle

Sometimes, drivers who are slightly distracted need a little more than plain hand gestures to notice you. In this case, don’t hesitate to whistle, especially if you are waiting for a taxi in an overcrowded area with reduced visibility.

3) Make Eye Contact

This is a secret tactic that can ensure your success. Make eye contact to convince the drivers that you’re actually requiring their services. Also, this method is well-liked by most people who are regularly using cabs to reach their destinations because, in most cases, it triggers immediate feedback. When drivers are willing to stop for you, they usually let you know by nodding their heads.

4) Pick the Best Vantage Point and Make Yourself Noticed

Stay one-step ahead of your main competitors who are also waiting for a taxi by choosing the best vantage point. Make yourself noticed by lifting your arms up. Jump around and flash some cash to separate yourself from the crowd.

5) Use Special apps

Did you know that there are special apps for your mobile phone that you could use to catch a cab in some of the most densely populated urban areas? They come in handy and they pretty much simplify the whole taxi hailing process.

Taking a Shortcut to Reach Your Destination

Don’t want to test the top 5 ways to hail a taxi? If so, note that you can have the best taxi drivers at your disposal 24/7. Use TalkLocal, an excellent free service, to find 5-star professionals in your area in no time and with minimal effort.

Tags: Top 5 Ways to Hail a Taxi
Posted in talklocal, Taxicabs | No Comments »

Main Sewer Line Repair

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Plumbing problems are always annoying, but if you address them early on, you can restore the good functioning of your home and avoid high costs in the long run. In case you have trouble with your main sewer line, it’s important to know what to do.

The most common problem that may occur is main sewer line clogging. However, main sewer line repairs often require more than a simple unclogging procedure. If you don’t know much about plumbing, it’s best to call a professional to check your main sewer line.

Here are some tips that will help you better understand what is involved in a main sewer line repair. If your main sewer line repair involves replacement, there are several aspects to be considered. A licensed plumber has the skills and expertise to inspect your main sewer line and perform the right repair method.

The Size of the Water Main

The first thing to deal with is the size of the new water main. This is important because water pressure depends on it. A plumber can suggest an upgrade of your water main before replacing it if your household needs a larger water supply. Of course, this means a larger water bill, but it will also be more convenient for you and your family. The choice is yours to make, depending on your needs.

Main Sewer Line Material

Materials used for main sewer line repairs need to be approved by the municipality. That’s why you need professional advice when choosing your new main sewer line. The most common materials include copper, iron, and brass.

Water Pressure Problems

These can be caused by a leaking main sewer line or because your tap connection is not big enough. Installing a new tap connection is not difficult and can increase the water volume in your household.

Find Help Right Away

If you need a plumber for main sewer line repair or any other problems with your plumbing system, TalkLocal can put you in touch with local professionals in minutes.

Tags: Main Sewer Line Repair
Posted in Plumbers, talklocal | No Comments »

Simple Steps to Install Outdoor Carpet Tiles

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

If you want to improve the aesthetics of your property on time and on a budget, consider investing in beautiful outdoor carpet tiles. These products are extremely versatile, low-maintenance, and easy to install. Keep reading to discover everything there is to know about budget-friendly outdoor carpet tiles.

The advantages of carpet tiles

Carpet tiles are available in a great variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. This means that you can beautify your outdoor areas and give them a personalized touch by simply installing your favorite type of carpet tiles.

The tiny carpet pieces can be placed on the floor without professional help. Some of them are self-adhesive, while the others can be installed after applying special adhesive or carpet tape on the backside of every piece.

Carpet tiles can easily transform any ugly, irregular, flat surface into an eye-catchy area with a smooth look that can last for many years without requiring costly maintenance routines. These products can be installed in numerous outdoor spaces, including patios, decks, and pool areas.

How to Install Outdoor Carpet Tiles

You should know that you could easily apply carpet tiles on your own while utilizing a basic set of tools: a utility knife, measuring tape, a broom, a power washer, chalk, and chalk line. Follow a few simple steps to obtain flawless results:

1) Clean the area and remove dirt and debris.

2) Measure the whole surface that should be covered with tiles, and buy as many carpet pieces as you need to cover the entire area.

3) Determine the best position for each tile using a piece of chalk.

4) Apply adhesive on the backside of each tile (one dot of adhesive in each corner and another dot in the center of the tile).

5) Cut, install, and press all edge tiles to make them fit perfectly until you finally manage to cover the entire surface and obtain excellent results.

Ask for Help

Sometimes, choosing the right type of carpet tiles for your outdoor areas can be quite challenging. If you want to make an informed decision, just ask the best carpet cleaners for advice. Find the best ones in your area with TalkLocal, a free service designed to connect you with the best professionals in your area.

Tags: outdoor carpet tiles
Posted in Carpet Cleaners, talklocal | No Comments »

How Much Do Tailors Charge?

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Ready-to-wear clothing rarely fits exactly, and this is where tailoring services come in. You can have your clothes altered to fit you perfectly or even order a custom garment. One of the first questions any customer would ask hiring a tailoring service is: how much do tailors charge? The cost of tailoring services will vary depending on the type of clothing, what alterations need to be done, and other factors.

Average Fees for Alterations

The general practice when estimating the cost of having a piece of clothing altered is to start with the original price of the garment and take around 5-20 percent of this price as the tailoring fee. For example, if the suit you bought is worth $200, then you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $40 to have it altered by a professional tailor. The average cost of tailoring ranges from $5 up to $80, but this will be different from one geographical area to another.

The type of clothing also affects tailoring costs. How much do tailors charge for a shirt? How about for a suit? For sure, you can expect to pay less to have a shirt tailored than a suit. The average cost to alter a casual shirt is around $5-$20. To alter a suit, it can cost about $16 just to shorten the sleeves. Dresses that need to be altered can cost around $20-$60, depending on the fabric and the specific alteration needed. You can pay around $15 for basic shortening. To shorten pants, it can cost as little as $10-$50.

Do tailors charge a fixed rate? Some tailor shops do charge a fixed fee regardless of what clothing will be altered. For example, a store may charge $20 for any two items to be altered.

Extra Services

Some tailors offer in-home services where they come to the customer’s location, whether at home or in their workplace or any other site, to provide tailoring services. Of course, this personalized service would cost more. Pick-up and delivery of items are also typically available for an additional fee as well as rush tailoring, although many alterations can be done fairly quickly, usually within 2 to 3 days.

Hire an Experienced Tailor

If you’re looking for a reputable tailor, TalkLocal can help with your search. Let us now your service request by phone or online and we’ll be glad locate the best tailors in your area. Be connected directly to quality local tailors within minutes.

Tags: tailor charge
Posted in Tailors, talklocal | No Comments »

Flat Roofs Repairs

Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

If your flat roof is leaking or has deteriorated because of aging and harsh weather conditions, you need to repair it. In some cases, if the damage is too serious, you might have to replace your roof completely. To make it easier for you, here are some guidelines:

Flat Roofs Repairs – Where to Start

First, you need to identify the source of the leak, and make sure you know what type of material your roof is made of. Different materials require different fixes, so inspect your roof and see what it’s made of. Look at the boarding of your roof. If it’s older, it’s probably made of chipboard.

Be careful when you inspect the roof, especially if it’s made of chipboard. This material becomes soft as a result of water infiltration and you might fall through. On the other hand, if your roof decking is made of tongue and groove plywood, you’re safer because this material is more resistant. However, watch out when you inspect your roof, and if you don’t feel at ease doing it, call a professional roofer.

Flat Roofs Repairs or Replacement?

Minor leaks that are detected early can usually be repaired easily. Once you identify the leak, if it’s not too big, you can use a sealant to cover the cracks. Make sure it’s the right product for the type of flat roof material you have and follow the instructions on the label for application.

However, if your flat roof has been leaking for a while and you’ve been postponing repairs, the entire structure may be affected, and you might have to replace the roof. To be on the safe side, it’s best to talk to a professional roofer before deciding.

Find an Expert

Need flat roof repairs? TalkLocal can connect you with up to three experienced roofers in your area to fix your roof. We’re here to make it easier for you. Our service is fast and free.

Tags: Flat Roofs Repairs
Posted in Roofers, talklocal | No Comments »

How to Repair Your Main Water Line

Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

A home’s main water line attaches to the water company’s big water line and runs directly into the house. When this breaks, it can quickly overflow and even enter into the home. Often these breaks require a simple repair, but in some extreme cases, a main water line must be replaced.

Contact 8-1-1 First

To access the main water line a trench must be dug. Before any digging commences, 8-1-1 should be dialed. Contacting this free service, available in all states within the United States, is required before anyone (professional or do-it-yourself) digs into the ground.

The service will come out and mark the locations of the water line so that the digging area is outlined and obvious. This prevents any accidental digs into gas lines. The service is free and essential for digging safety.

Check on Permits

Some cities require a permit before a main water line can be repaired or replaced. Contact the local building authority for any permit requirements and obtain the necessary permit before digging; otherwise, the project could be fined.

Shut Off the Valve

Water should be shut off from the home as well as the main water supply. If you cannot locate this, contact the local water department for assistance with the shut off. The shut off valve can be located in your basement, crawl space, or in a utility room, depending on when your home was built.

Second Pipe or Full Replacement?

When replacing a main water line for a house, you will have to choose between adding a second line and replacing the original pipe. Depending on the severity of a break, sometimes a new line can be added, connected to the existing line, and rerouted without removing or replacing the original pipe. This is because replacing the original pipe – the one that leads through the wall or floor of the home and connects the water to the rest of the structure – can be extensive and require the assistance of a professional contractor.

Need Help?

If you’re feeling out of your element, give TalkLocal a ring today. TalkLocal can connect you with professionals in your area skilled in main water lines in houses, so your job is done quickly and professionally the first time around.

Tags: house, main water line
Posted in Plumbers, talklocal | No Comments »

Tipping Moving Companies

Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

Some may think twice about tipping movers when they think of the total service cost they paid but, really, only a small percentage of the bill goes to a mover’s salary.

While professional movers normally do not expect clients to tip, the act will surely be appreciated when you offer it. Tipping moving companies is a way to say “thank you” for taking care of your belongings and for doing the hard work of lugging your stuff in and out of the truck to your new place. More than that, tipping is a form of recognition of quality service.

After a move, it can be tough for many to decide how much to tip movers. First of all, remember that tipping is generally done based on performance. Tipping moving companies is only applicable if you received a good service from them. You shouldn’t feel guilty about not giving a tip if the service is not tip-worthy at all. However, tip appropriately if a mover is professional, friendly, and goes the extra mile to accommodate your needs.

Rough Guidelines When Tipping Movers

– You should have suitable beverages on hand for the crew such as coffee, cold bottled water, or sports drinks.

– Prepare some food, especially if the move extends over a mealtime. Some offer to buy the crew a meal, usually lunch, in lieu of tipping moving companies. Some give a tip and feed the crew. Both offers are fine; just do what you’re comfortable with.

– The average tip for one to two movers ranges from a total of $40 to $60, depending on the length of hours they worked and the difficulty of the move, such as whether they had to lift heavy boxes or had to go up a flight of stairs.

– For a group of movers, the standard tip is $20 per mover for 8 hours or a full day of work, and $10 per mover for four hours or a half day of work.

– It is best to hand the money to each mover personally so you can show you recognize his or her individual effort.

Planning to Move Soon?

Get in touch with professional movers right now. TalkLocal can connect you with three top-notch moving companies within minutes at no charge. Get started now!

Tags: Tipping Moving Companies
Posted in Moving and Storage, talklocal | No Comments »

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