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Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

Choosing a lawn care service for your lawn’s upkeep can be difficult. There are several lawn care companies possibly in your local area that offer different types of services. To help you choose which company to hire, it is best to decide first what specific services you need done on your landscape.

Also, be aware that lawn care companies may differ in the amount of work they offer. Some contractors may provide as-needed services while others may offer a fixed number of visitations for a particular service, such as pesticide application. Identify the level of service you need so you can choose the company that can best accommodate them.

Do keep in mind, however, that it’s only normal for service costs to increase if you require more work to be done. Typically, lawn care companies provide up to three types of service:

Partial Care

Some lawn care companies provide only partial care or only one type of service. For instance, contractors that do not have the license to apply pesticides will only perform lawn mowing or blowing and possible edging or fertilizer application, but will not offer any pest control services.

Complete Care

Lawn care companies that offer total lawn care services will, in addition to mowing, also take care of lawn irrigation and other necessary cultivation. If necessary, they can also diagnose if you have pest issues and carry out pesticide application.

You should expect these contractors to have well-trained workers who are knowledgeable with identifying pests and safe pest control practices.

Full Management

There are also lawn care companies that offer total management of lawns, which includes taking care of all plant materials in your yard. They offer turf grass mowing, garden edging, and scheduling of lawn irrigation, as well as performing any cultural practices for your lawn.

They are also very knowledgeable about pest control for grass, shrubbery, and even trees. Total management lawn care companies can also handle tree pruning and even implement soil testing and a fertility program for your entire garden.

Find the Best Local Lawn Care Companies

Whether you need simple lawn care or total management of your home’s landscape, TalkLocal can connect you with the right service professionals. Get your landscape job done as soon as possible by letting us match you with local qualified landscapers now. Use our free service today!

Tags: Lawn Care Companies
Posted in Landscapers, talklocal | No Comments »

House Painting Contractors

Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

Hiring a gifted, dependable house painting contractor is one of the best decisions that you can make, if you want to boost the appeal of your property in a time- and cost-effective manner.

However, not every painter has the skills, the tools, or the expertise required to provide more than satisfactory results. So, how could you possibly identify the truly competent house painting contractors who are actually suitable for this job? Here’s how.

Do Your Homework

Word-of-mouth advertising always works to your advantage. Be curious. Ask around. Perhaps one of your best friends or one of your neighbors has recently painted his house and is pleased with the end result.

Pay him a visit and get the contact information of the painting company that completed this assignment. The rest is easy: discuss your options with the house painting contractor and make sure you can afford to pay for these services.

Ask for Up-front, No-Obligation Estimates

To avoid unpleasant surprises, always compare estimates provided by at least three of four painting companies found in your area. Go in favor of first-class services matching your allocated budget.

With so many companies operating in this line of work, it doesn’t really make sense to break the bank to repaint your house. Don’t settle for less than high-quality, inexpensive services that come with a 100% client satisfaction guarantee.

Interview Your Favorite Candidates

Schedule a meeting with your favorite contractors, to analyze their behavior and their answers to some of the most important questions that you should never forget to ask:

1) How long have you been in business?

2) What type of products, tools, and techniques are you going to use to paint/repaint my house?

3) Do you provide written guarantees for your work?

4) Are you licensed, insured and fully trained?

5) Can you offer any references?

Track Experts the Easy Way

If you don’t want to waste any time trying to spot reliable house painting contractors who live and work in your area, rely on TalkLocal to simplify your mission. TalkLocal is a free service created to put you in contact with real pros that operate in your local area.

Tags: House Painting Contractors
Posted in Painters, talklocal | No Comments »

Car Window Glass Replacement

Monday, March 24th, 2014

Windshield scratches are relatively easy to remove. On the other hand, a severely deteriorated car window that cannot be fixed has to be replaced in a timely manner. Car window glass replacement services represent a good investment, as long as they are performed by competent technicians who use high-quality auto glass to replace the damaged section.

Hire Only Licensed, Fully-Trained Technicians for This Job

Replacing a no longer functional car window requires knowledge and expertise. To minimize risks and obtain high-quality results, avoid amateurs and go in favor of licensed, fully trained, technicians.

Rely on a Cutting-Edge Replacement Technology

Some of the leading companies operating in this sector utilize a modern, advanced glass window replacement system to solve your problem in record time.

Skilled technicians remove your old car window and install the new product, while using some of the best adhesives and primers currently available on the market. These products have short drying time, which means that you probably wouldn’t have to spend more than an hour inside the auto repair shop.

Premium Auto Glass Exceeding Your Highest Expectations

If you need to replace your old car window, don’t try to cut corners. Cheap, imported products usually never stand the test of time and display obvious signs of wear and tear sooner than expected.

Opt for high-quality auto glass introduced on the market by some of the most prestigious manufacturers that comply with all government standards. Last, but not least, choose to do business with a car window glass replacement expert offering you extended guarantees on both labor and parts.

Contact an Expert

Finding the right auto glass repair specialists in your area can be a stressful and time-consuming process. Make things a whole lot easier for you by using TalkLocal to track the very best experts who operate in your area. With TalkLocal, all the competent professionals that you may need are only one call away.

Tags: Car Window Glass Replacement
Posted in Auto Glass Repair, talklocal | 1 Comment »

Patio Surface Ideas

Monday, March 24th, 2014

A fantastic outdoor patio can boost the resale value of your property and enchant the eyes of all your neighbors and guests. Want to beautify your outdoor space? In this case, you could try to implement your own design ideas by conducting a DIY project or you could hire a landscaper and let him do the heavy lifting. Either way, here are a few popular patio surface ideas that you may want to consider.

Find the Best Surface Ideas Based on Your Favorite Style

To begin, analyze your expectations and your design requirements. Do you prefer structures that reflect a contemporary, modern, traditional, or an eclectic style? Check out different sources of inspiration available online to make an informed decision.

Choose Wisely

There are countless patio surface ideas that may raise your enthusiasm. Nonetheless, it is advisable to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a final call. Stone, brick, marble, and concrete are only a few candidates for this job. Pick the right one for you based on several factors, including:

– Costs

– Versatility

– Availability

– Upkeep

– Resistance and durability

– Design requirements

Concrete patio surfaces are extremely versatile. You could play with different colors, finishes, and stamp patterns to obtain a truly unique, eye-catchy design. Patio tiles are an excellent option, especially those improved by adding granular sand to make them less slippery.

Brick pavers look amazing, are very durable, and are available in different statement colors (including those gorgeous shades of red) that are easy to mix and match.

Even though it is relatively easy to design and build, a gravel patio may not be the best thing for you for a number of reasons, including it requires time-consuming upkeep and it is fairly messy.

Ask an Expert

Don’t know how to identify the best patio surface ideas for your property? In this case, rely on expert advice provided by a competent handyman. Find the best one in your area with TalkLocal, your #1 connection to the best professionals in your area.

Tags: Patio Surface Ideas
Posted in Handyman, talklocal | No Comments »

How to Build Outdoor Patios

Friday, March 21st, 2014

If you want to add value to your property and create a new appealing outdoor space where you could spend quality time with your loved ones, think about creating your very own patio. This project is far from being challenging on a technical level. On the contrary, it is fun, rewarding, and cost-effective, as long as you use the right materials. Keep reading to learn how to build outdoor patios on your own.

1) Opt for the Best Materials

An outdoor patio is a fantastic amenity that represents a long-term investment. This is precisely why you shouldn’t try to cut corners, when it comes to purchasing the best materials for this job. There are various options that you may want to consider, but stone and brick are the most common alternatives embraced by people who decide to conduct this type of home improvement project.

2) Getting Started

For exceptional results, obtained in record time, follow a few simple steps:

– Determine the ideal size of your patio and start making measurements.

– Dig a 10-inch-deep hole and create a flat base by adding a 6-inch-deep layer of high-quality gravel.

– Distribute all the stones and bricks on a top layer of sand and then apply pressure on the entire area with a shovel, to obtain a smooth, even surface.

– Fill in the potential gaps with sand, cover any other imperfections and tamp the entire surface one last time.

– Plant shrubs or any other type of plants around your new outdoor patio.

3) Asking for Help

Keep in mind that the whole process can take up to three weeks, as long as you count on enthusiastic helpers. It would take you at least 1-2 months to complete this ambitious project on your own.

Don’t know how to build outdoor patios? If you don’t have the most inspiring design ideas or you don’t want to spend a great part of your summer holiday hauling construction materials, take the easy way out.

Use TalkLocal to meet dependable landscapers who live and operate in your area. With TalkLocal, tracking first-class professionals has never been easier.

Tags: How to Build Outdoor Patio
Posted in Landscapers, talklocal | No Comments »

Replacing Windows with Milgard Windows

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

Milgard is one of the most popular brands of window products, known for its quality and range of options. With new Milgard windows to replace your old windows, hiring a professional installer is recommended to maximize your investment. You don’t want new windows that are poorly installed.

So, whether replacing one or multiple windows, proper window installation is necessary to ensure the optimal performance of your Milgard windows. Here are the recommended first steps for homeowners looking to replace their windows.

Replacing Windows with Milgard Windows

Step 1: Get the measurements of the window(s) to be replaced, and provide this information to your Milgard windows dealer. Measure the window at three points – top, middle, and bottom – both vertically and horizontally, and use the smallest dimensions.

Step 2: Choose your window frame material and style. Milgard windows come in various materials such as wood, fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum. Various operating styles are available from single and double-hung windows or sliders to casement, awning, picture, garden, arch and bay windows, or skylight windows.

Even you’re just replacing a small window or just one window, make sure to consider the architectural style of your home and overall style of your existing windows when choosing replacement windows. You can request for a Milgard windows guide brochure or schedule for a consultation with one of their experts for help in choosing the best Milgard windows for your home.

Step 3: Get in touch with your Milgard windows dealer for the product information and price as well as installation.

Step 4: Get multiple quotes from contractors to do the installation work. Some Milgard windows dealers also offer installation services. Hire a contractor who has strong recommendations and qualifications, and one you’re most comfortable with.

Step 5: Once you’ve agreed with the service terms, schedule the job. Also, seek advice from your installer about options that can add to your window’s energy efficiency, function, or visual appeal.

Step 7: Get your home ready. Prior to the start of the work, prepare your home for the project. Check with the installer how many days the installation will take, so you can plan accordingly. Expect an interruption in your routine and daily activities, especially if the windows to be replaced are in a busy room like the kitchen. Keep pets and children away from the area. Remove all fragile and valuable items from the work area as well as anything you may need to use while the job is on going.

Locate a Milgard Windows Installer

Contact TalkLocal for help in finding the service professional you need. We can match you with qualified contractors in your area in much less time than doing the search yourself. Imagine the time and effort you’ll save and we won’t charge you anything for it. Try TalkLocal now!

Tags: Milgard Windows
Posted in talklocal, Window Replacement | No Comments »

Why Use Latex House Paint

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

More than 70% of the paint that is available on the market today is the latex type of paint, which is also known as water-based paint, since most of its liquid component is water. A majority of do-it-yourself enthusiasts use latex house paint for their home improvement projects for both interior and exterior paint applications and for good reason. Here’s why:

Qualities of Latex House Paint

Latex paints are preferred by many professional painters and do-it-yourselfers primarily because they are so easy to clean up, requiring only water and regular soap. More than this, latex paints also offer many advantages performance-wise.

For one, high-quality latex house paint is more durable than oil-based paint when it comes to retaining color and resisting chalking. This means a house painted with latex house paint would look good for longer than one painted with oil-based paint.

Also, latex paints do not have the tendency to become brittle, unlike oil paints, so these paints will not crack easily.

Latex paints of high quality that have binders of 100% acrylic are particularly long lasting and flexible. They are known to adhere incredibly well to various outdoor surfaces, so there is less likelihood of painting problems, like flaking, peeling, or blistering. Using latex house paint for your home project will save you time, since it dries much quicker than oil-based paint. With its fast drying time, it’s possible to apply the second coat on the same day.

Features of Latex House Paint:

– More elastic than oil-based paint so it adheres well to most surfaces and can be applied on concrete, wood, brick, stucco, galvanized metal, aluminum and vinyl siding, and others

– Excellent chalk- and fade-resistance, even with bright sun exposure

– Allows smooth and even application with minimal paintbrush drag

– Not susceptible to mildew growth

– Minimal odor

– Easy cleanup with water

– Quick-drying in as short as one hour, up to six hours

Do You Need Help with a Painting Job?

Whether you’ve got a small or big painting job or you need expert painter hands, turn to TalkLocal to find you the best painters in town. We offer a free service that will connect you with up to three, qualified local painters, so all you have to do is to choose the best person for the job. Save time searching for a reputable painter. Use TalkLocal now!

Tags: Latex House Paint
Posted in Painters, talklocal | No Comments »

Flood-Proof Home with Flood Resistant Flooring

Friday, March 14th, 2014

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in certain regions of the United States, and things are not about to change given the unusual changes in weather and the building of more and more hard surfaces. One way to get a flood-proof home is to make the flooring resistant to flooding. Having flood-resistant floors is a must if you reside in a flood-prone town or you have a leaky basement or poor downspouts.

Build Flooring Using Flood-Resistant Materials

If your home is located in an area that is below the 100-year flood level, your floors and walls should be built with flood-resistant materials. Some of these materials include concrete, porcelain tiles, stone lines, laminate, linoleum, and vinyl tiles.

Add a Waterproof Barrier

Another way to make a flood-proof home is to construct a waterproof barrier over your exterior walls to help keep water from getting in. This job is for a licensed contractor only. The barrier will consist of a course of brick with a waterproof membrane backing. Before installing this barrier, remove the house siding first, and then use exterior-grade plywood sheathing as replacement.

If needed, extend the footing of the existing foundation to give additional support to the layer of brick. You will also need to make changes to the interior walls to protect them from water damage when they come into contact with flood water. Use washable closed-cell foam insulation instead of regular batt insulation. Make sure the pieces of wood blocking placed inside the walls are made of exterior-grade lumber. Do note, however, that this method is not applicable if water can enter the house due to groundwater flooding.

Seal the Floors

Coat the flooring with epoxy products to add a waterproof membrane to it. First, clean the floors and make sure all contaminants and dust are removed. It may be necessary to grind the floors to achieve a clean and hard surface. Repair minor flaws such as cracks by grinding these out.

Fill any cracks along the wall and floor joint with fillet seal or epoxy patch repair mortar. Next, apply a coat of clear epoxy seal. Apply one to two more coatings of clear epoxy seal.

Has Your Home Already Been Flooded?

If you’re already dealing with the aftereffects of a flood in your home and you’re wondering whether it’s possible to clean a flooded carpet, it’s best to call carpet cleaning experts quickly to prevent mold growth. Don’t waste time. Use TalkLocal to find qualified carpet cleaners operating in your area within minutes. Contact us now!

Tags: Flood-Proof Home
Posted in Carpet Cleaners, talklocal | No Comments »

Flat Roof Restoration

Thursday, March 13th, 2014

Aging, weather conditions, and climatic variations have an impact on your roof. There comes a point when repairs and even restoration are necessary to ensure the comfort of your home. If you have a flat roof, you need to become familiar with the restoration requirements that apply to flat roofs.

To be sure your flat roof restoration is done properly and with the right methods, it is advisable to entrust this job to experts. Companies specializing in this type of restoration will know exactly what to do, and you will gain the peace of mind that your roof is properly repaired.

Flat roofs can crack over time and can accumulate water in some parts of their surface, which can lead to holes and leaks. The most important factor to consider before initiating flat roof restoration is the material your roof is made of. Older flat roof repairs may require materials such as rubber compounds or sheet membranes, while newer flat roofs may need different types of coatings, such as elastomeric coatings. To be on the safe side, consult a specialist before beginning restoration.

Asphalt Flat Roofs

Asphalt roofs tend to shrink over the years due to exposure to sunlight, which can cause cracks to appear on the surface of your roof. Needless to say, cracks make room for water infiltration, and you end up with unpleasant leaks that are sometimes hard to spot, if the roof substrate has been affected. The solution is to apply an asphalt-based coating to seal the entire roof surface.

Metal Sheet Application

Some homeowners prefer to refurbish their flat roof using metal sheets due to their superior durability. Metal sheets improve the appearance of your roof and increase its resistance to elements. However, if you decide to choose this type of flat roof restoration, you need to know that the process is relatively complex and requires expert training and tools.

Find Help

TalkLocal can connect you with experienced roofers in your area who can get the job done well and quickly. Our service is free and effective.

Tags: Flat Roof Restoration
Posted in Roofers, talklocal | No Comments »

Fast Growing Fruit Trees

Tuesday, March 11th, 2014

Fruit trees have been planted and grown for centuries in more than 120 countries for their delicious, nutritious fruits offering countless remarkable health benefits to their consumers. If you want to identify the best trees for your backyard that will provide a significant amount of fresh fruit for your dinner table in no time, choose to invest in fast growing fruit trees.

Spot the best fruit trees for your orchard

There are numerous types of fast growing fruit trees that could offer you a more than decent crop in record time. Choose the right type based on important factors, like climate, soil type, growing time, the amount of time you plan to spend taking care of your fruit trees and so on.

You should probably know that you could purchase tiny citrus trees that are already producing fruits as very young potted trees. Bananas can also offer you a more than decent crop in less than one year. If you don’t have what it takes to grow exotic fruit trees in your open area, you could always go for stone fruit trees, like peaches, plums, and apricots, widely appreciated mostly due to the fact that they grow quickly and offer a considerable amount of fruits after 2 or 3 years. Apples and cherries are excellent choices as well, if you plan to plant fast growing fruit trees in your orchard.

The choice is up to you; when in doubt, consult an online chart showing you exactly how long it takes most trees to fruit or better yet, contact a skilled landscaper and discuss your options.

What you should know before purchasing and planting your fruit trees

If you want to enjoy the sweet taste of fresh, organic fruits and harvest as many as possible, make sure to purchase the young trees from a respectable nursery, instead of trying to grow them on your own from cuttings and seeds; this way, you’ll manage to obtain your very own fruits at least one year sooner.

Stone fruits usually offer you a great crop in approximately 2 years, but it all depends on numerous factors, including the size of the tree, weather conditions, soil conditions, potential pest problems, and so on. For instance, climate is a key element influencing the fruiting time of many exotic trees. In a tropical or subtropical climate, they tend to produce fruits faster.

Also, keep in mind that you could easily stimulate the productivity of your fruit trees by using fertilizer spikes; don’t forget to protect them against a long list of threats, including unfriendly temperatures and pests, and prune them on an annual basis.

Contact an Expert

If you know very little about fast growing fruit trees and can’t say for sure which trees would be ideal for your orchard, eliminate all doubts by consulting a landscaper. Find the best one by relying on TalkLocal, a free service designed to put you in contact with reputable professionals who operate in your area.

Posted in Landscapers, talklocal | No Comments »

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