tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53385697404136681782024-02-19T04:31:00.683-06:00One Call Home Handyman TipsOne Call Home Handyman is a group of service specialists with a combined experience of over 50 years in the handyman repair business. We specialize in all types of home handyman repairs including minor plumbing, electrical fixture repair and replacement, carpentry, flooring, landscaping, painting, concrete, lighting, countertops, tile and much much more. This blog is dedicated to providing helpful tips about common tasks and problems our customers have had and how we solved their problems..Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-86648493532743601242020-09-21T11:21:00.000-05:002020-09-21T11:21:05.934-05:00Option Period Repairs<div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Texas has relaxed it's social distancing guidelines in an effort to get Texans back to work. It will take a little time for you to fill their pipeline and consider what you are going to do when the tidal wave of business crashes down upon you.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Are you going to spend too much time sweating deadlines, chasing paperwork, and getting contractor bids for your option period repairs?</span></div></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #020202; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQZ8Ru8Fc-WFhVLnuTM4GZc4YCDHobF1WY0wKYcjdnL7fvt36h3RaZk8-LMRloaqrjayWJcccecHSj2o226yaVVgBILwgMoS9vMqBUuAnVuYXr9tKA7f-8Y95jr6NbPTmV9X2uzc3s_zP/s1600/inspection.jpg" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQZ8Ru8Fc-WFhVLnuTM4GZc4YCDHobF1WY0wKYcjdnL7fvt36h3RaZk8-LMRloaqrjayWJcccecHSj2o226yaVVgBILwgMoS9vMqBUuAnVuYXr9tKA7f-8Y95jr6NbPTmV9X2uzc3s_zP/s320/inspection.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">As you know, the listing - make ready and option period can be a very stressful time. Inspection reports can reveal an overwhelming number of flagged or non-compliant items. If you want to meet these challenging demands and create a smoother workflow, partnering with One Call to turn inspection reports into figures you can use to negotiate your deals is key to your success!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>One Call's answer! <u>Don't deal with multiple contractors!</u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Instead, One Call can provide a single repair estimate for most service areas out to Grand Parkway on the west and northwest, and Hwy 6 on the south. <b>We will also perform the work if the project is inside Beltway 8. </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />We charge a nominal fee of $105 for our standard 48-hour turn around inspection service or $150 for expedited 24-hour service.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/option.html">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/option.html</a> and follow the instructions.<br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">You call also call us at 832-800-4441. </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-82604709635745489242020-09-21T10:56:00.000-05:002020-09-21T10:56:09.290-05:00Federal Pacific Electrical Panels<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One Call is a general contractor and carries $1M/$2M general liability insurance to protect our customers and ourselves from unforeseen problems. So, every time we bid a job, this insurance cost is included in the price we charge for our services. In addition, if the job we are bidding requires a license, we only hire licensed sub-contractors to perform that work.</span></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On many occasions, we are competing with workmen that are not licensed, have no insurance, and are not qualified to perform the job at hand. Customers assume everyone is "required" to be licensed and have insurance, but the truth is, there are licensing laws, but there is no law requiring insurance. In fact, when a customer hires an unlicensed and/or uninsured contractor to perform work on their home, they are taking the risk of damage to their home, and more importantly, the risk of injury to the contractor and his/her workers. They also take the risk of damage these contractors may do to their property and the property of others.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Since we perform Option Period Repair Quotations and see many properties that have Federal Pacific Electrical Panels installed, you should know that these type of panels have been identified as inferior. If you get an option period inspection you will usually see:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><div><b>The main electric panel is a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel. This product is described to be inferior and has several known problems. There are significant risks of breaker and branch wiring malfunction to include electrical fires. Multiple tests done on this type of panels shows that it is very likely these breakers are defective and will not properly trip when overloaded which represents a risk of fire.</b></div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">If you use an unlicensed or uninsured contractor you are subject to the following:</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hazards of Hiring an Unlicensed and/or Uninsured Contractor</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><div align="justify" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While licensing isn't necessarily a measure of competence, it does imply a certain level of professionalism and suggests that the contractor is committed to his or her job. More significantly, licensing and insurance can protect you from a number of potential problems, such as the following:</span></div><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Unlicensed means - uninsured</b>.</i> If you use a contractor who is unlicensed and/or uninsured, it means the contractor has no way of reimbursing you for any property damage he or she may cause. This means you end up paying the price. Likewise, if contractor carelessness leads to injury or damage to someone else's property, the problem is likely to become yours.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>No coverage under the homeowner's policy. THIS IS A BIG ONE!!! </b></i>Most homeowners believe it is safe to use an unlicensed and uninsured contractor, assuming that any damages incurred would be covered under their own insurance policies. However, this isn't the case. Most homeowner policies require that any work to the property be done by licensed and insured contractors; coverage is often specifically excluded for damages caused by "bootleg" contractors.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Noncompliance with building codes.</b> </i>Most building projects, even minor ones, usually require permits and inspections. Unlicensed contractors are often unfamiliar with the applicable building codes and are unable to obtain permits. If your project isn't permitted or doesn't comply with building and zoning codes, you may - and probably will - be ordered to remove or repair the job. Even if a building inspector doesn't "catch" your code violation right away, you will almost certainly have to correct it if and when you try to sell your house.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Con artists</b>. </i>Scams in the construction industry especially in the home improvement business have become almost legendary in the last few decades. Con artists posing as qualified contractors, and often targeting the elderly, have made national news any number of times. Even so, unwary homeowners continue to be taken in by these pseudo contractors, who often promise unrealistically low prices or use scare tactics to close the deal. In these cases, the homeowner typically ends up with either an incomplete or low quality.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Poor quality work</b></i>. Not all unlicensed contractors do poor quality work. And not all poor quality work is done by unlicensed contractors. However, as a rule, if there's shoddy work to be done, it's usually done by unlicensed contractors. Because unlicensed contractors aren't subject to meeting specific standards, they are often untrained, less experienced, and unqualified to do certain types of work.<br /></span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Limited recourse for broken contracts</b>. </i>If you have a dispute with a licensed contractor, you can call his or her licensing agency. Some licensing agencies offer mediation services or maintain a guaranty fund to help consumers recover their losses. At the very least, the licensing agency has the authority to suspend or revoke a dishonest contractor's license. While this doesn't necessarily ensure a contractor will play fair, it gives him or her considerably more incentive to do so. If the contractor is uninsured, it usually indicates they are not financially able to cover problems is the arise.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In most cities, a contractor must provide the city with a certificate of insurance showing the city as a certificate holder in order to pull building permits in that city. The problem is that most contractors who are not licensed and do not carry General Liability insurance will not pull a permit anyway. In addition, there are many small jobs that do not require a permit, and even if they do, an unlicensed/uninsured contractor will "SCAB" the job and not worry about permits.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The problem here is that you are responsible to ensure that the work performed was done in accordance with city code and requirements. If the city finds out work was performed on your home without a permit, they can require you to remove walls, sheetrock, cabinets and any other impediment to inspecting the work to ensure it was performed according to code. If you sell your home, this can become a hidden defect and could get you in heavy legal issues with any buyer of your home.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In short, protect yourself and your family by only hiring licensed and insured contractors... Make sure anyone who works on your home is licensed and carries enough insurance coverage to protect you, your family, and more importantly, your home.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you have any questions please email us at </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at<a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/countertops.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com</a> for more information. You can also contact us by phone at (832) 800-4441.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-14623607112759615962020-09-21T10:44:00.000-05:002020-09-21T10:44:12.367-05:00Using Unlicensed Vendors<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As a general contractor, we carry $1M/$2M general liability insurance to protect our customers and ourselves from unforeseen problems. So, every time we bid a job, this insurance cost is included in the price we charge for our services. In addition, if the job we are bidding requires a State of Texas license, we only hire licensed sub-contractors to perform that work.</span></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On many occasions, we are competing with workmen and companies that are not licensed, have no insurance and are not qualified to perform the job at hand. Customers assume everyone is "required" to be licensed and have insurance, but the truth is, there are licensing laws, but there is no law requiring insurance. In fact, when a customer hires an unlicensed and/or uninsured contractor to perform work on their home, they are taking the risk of damage to their home, and more importantly, the risk of injury to the contractor and his/her workers. They also take the risk of damage these contractors may do to their property and the property of others.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hazards of Hiring an Unlicensed and/or Uninsured Contractor</span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><div align="justify" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While licensing isn't necessarily a measure of competence, it does imply a certain level of professionalism and suggests that the contractor is committed to his or her job. More significantly, licensing and insurance can protect you from a number of potential problems, such as the following:</span></div><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Unlicensed means - uninsured</b>.</i> If you use a contractor who is unlicensed and/or uninsured, it means the contractor has no way of reimbursing you for any property damage he or she may cause. This means you end up paying the price. Likewise, if contractor carelessness leads to injury or damage to someone else's property, the problem is likely to become yours.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>No coverage under the homeowner's policy. THIS IS A BIG ONE!!! </b></i>Most homeowners believe it is safe to use an unlicensed and uninsured contractor, assuming that any damages incurred would be covered under their own insurance policies. However, this isn't the case. Most homeowner policies require that any work to the property be done by licensed and insured contractors; coverage is often specifically excluded for damages caused by "bootleg" contractors.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Noncompliance with building codes.</b> </i>Most building projects, even minor ones, usually require permits and inspections. Unlicensed and sometimes licensed contractors are often either unfamiliar with the applicable building codes and are unable to obtain permits or do not want to get a permit because of cost or their inability to do so. If your project isn't permitted or doesn't comply with building and/or zoning codes, you may - and probably will - be ordered to remove or repair the job. Even if a building inspector doesn't "catch" your code violation right away, you will almost certainly have to correct it if and when you try to sell your house. Building inspectors are trained to look for these types of repairs and will call it out when you do your option period inspections.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Con artists</b>. </i>Scams in the construction industry especially in the home improvement business have become almost legendary in the last few decades. Con artists posing as qualified contractors, and often targeting the elderly, have made national news any number of times. Even so, unwary homeowners continue to be taken in by these pseudo contractors, who often promise unrealistically low prices or use scare tactics to close the deal. In these cases, the homeowner typically ends up with either an incomplete or low quality.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Poor quality work</b></i>. Not all unlicensed contractors do poor quality work. And not all poor quality work is done by unlicensed contractors. However, as a rule, if there's shoddy work to be done, it's usually done by unlicensed contractors. Because unlicensed contractors aren't subject to meeting specific standards, they are often untrained, less experienced, and unqualified to do certain types of work.<br /><br />Sloppy work by an unlicensed and uninsured contractor could have serious ramifications. "Basically, it's a safety hazard if your work isn't done improvement project - and several hundred, or even thousands of dollars less.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Limited recourse for broken contracts</b>. </i>If you have a dispute with a licensed contractor, you can call his or her licensing agency. Some licensing agencies offer mediation services or maintain a guaranty fund to help consumers recover their losses. At the very least, the licensing agency has the authority to suspend or revoke a dishonest contractor's license. While this doesn't necessarily ensure a contractor will play fair, it gives him or her considerably more incentive to do so. If the contractor is uninsured, it usually indicates they are not financially able to cover problems is the arise.</span></li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></ul><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In most cities, a contractor must provide the city with a certificate of insurance showing the city as a certificate holder in order to pull building permits in that city. The problem is that most contractors who are not licensed and do not carry General Liability insurance will not pull a permit anyway. In addition, there are many small jobs that do not require a permit, and even if they do, an unlicensed/uninsured contractor will "SCAB" the job and not worry about permits.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The problem here is that you are responsible to ensure that the work performed was done in accordance with city code and requirements. If the city finds out work was performed on your home without a permit, they can require you to remove walls, sheetrock, cabinets and any other impediment to inspecting the work to ensure it was performed according to code. If you sell your home, this can become a hidden defect and could get you in heavy legal issues with any buyer of your home.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In short, protect yourself and your family by only hiring licensed and insured contractors... Make sure anyone who works on your home is licensed and carries enough insurance coverage to protect you, your family, and more importantly, your home.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you have any questions please email us at </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at<a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/countertops.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com</a> for more information. You can also contact us by phone at (832) 800-4441.</span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-42312277842888313612020-03-31T14:05:00.004-05:002020-03-31T14:05:38.759-05:00Wood Window Sash RepairsWe have provided wood window sash repair and restoration for many years and get a lot of requests to evaluate old wood windows for customers in historical districts. Since these historical districts require that the original wood windows stay intact and cannot be replaced with new windows, repair, and restoration of the windows is imperative.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zy8H_qMjnOmerNl5K8-csRPlB7JgMtG90RDDnmh6LBoSUODIA3aoZWP4dWGF6yX_eFaFk7rjvlr30BpfekTXoBXxF-qyddyJkDBjNvvv4cT7I3-R3cCiZ6ADmFztqcUZxBEzUSLoqYWH/s1600/sashparts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zy8H_qMjnOmerNl5K8-csRPlB7JgMtG90RDDnmh6LBoSUODIA3aoZWP4dWGF6yX_eFaFk7rjvlr30BpfekTXoBXxF-qyddyJkDBjNvvv4cT7I3-R3cCiZ6ADmFztqcUZxBEzUSLoqYWH/s1600/sashparts.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Before we started offering this service, we did extensive research into the techniques and products necessary to accomplish this task and found that these type of repairs take extensive trade skills and know-how, and only the highest skilled and experienced craftsmen can accomplish this task.<br />
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That is why we only send our best crews to remove damaged sashes and have contracted with one of the oldest sash and window woodworking craftsmen in Houston to accomplish our wood window sash repair and restoration.<br />
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The process is very straight forward and requires the evaluation of the sashes and, if damaged or rotten, the removal of the window sashes and repair by our woodworking craftsmen.<br />
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The repair/restoration takes about 3 weeks to complete and once repairs are accomplished, the sashes are primed and painted prior to re-installation and then reinstalled into the original frame.<br />
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While the sashes are out of the frame, we request that our customers also replace the rope cord of their old rope cord counterbalance system and install weather stripping. We utilize the <a href="https://youtu.be/gobSyPQwgGs" onclick="window.open('http://www.youtube.com/v/gobSyPQwgGs&rel=0', 'popup', 'width=432,height=360'); return false" target="new">ART Easy Stop</a> weather-stripping system.<br />
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If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/woodwindows.html">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/woodwindow.html</a> for more information. You can also contact us by phone at (832) 800-4441.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-31513868401676707182020-03-31T00:25:00.004-05:002020-03-31T14:06:52.887-05:00Kitchen & Bath RemodelingAs a handyman general contractor, we do many types of restoration projects on an almost monthly basis. As a part of these restorations, the kitchen and/or restoration are challenging but, when done right, can be the most rewarding restoration(s) you can do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3avT81e0pYpHSSoJAbMQQg-FsukeaOnZN9B8qI0TDYzLpvQoUe2SwabjbnMXrVAZ2Ob-CrNW6TtCBaM5m6yX-AcB-aRGOEFm2SUXOu7V8BavZ-YHDDCVqVIiakEgbiw4U8oay1iS1C76/s1600/WoodlawnKitchen3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3avT81e0pYpHSSoJAbMQQg-FsukeaOnZN9B8qI0TDYzLpvQoUe2SwabjbnMXrVAZ2Ob-CrNW6TtCBaM5m6yX-AcB-aRGOEFm2SUXOu7V8BavZ-YHDDCVqVIiakEgbiw4U8oay1iS1C76/s320/WoodlawnKitchen3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Before we started offering these type services, we did extensive research into the techniques and products necessary to accomplish these tasks and found that these types of restorations take extensive skills and know-how, and only the highest skilled and experienced craftsmen can accomplish these jobs.<br />
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That is why we only send our best crews to renovate kitchens and/or baths and have contracted with the best craftsmen in Houston to accomplish the many tasks required to complete a successful kitchen and/or restoration.<br />
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As you probably know, the beauty and functionality of a kitchen or bath are very personal. From countertops to flooring, every kitchen or bath has its own requirements and each customer their individual tastes. Our job is to marry the two.<br />
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Although there are many choices of materials and layout, customers must decide what function they want and how that the kitchen or bath can satisfy that function.<br />
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In addition, you must take into account the level of knowledge and skill you have in the kitchen. Are you a chief, or just a casual cooker? Are you in the process of becoming an expert, or are you just wanting to cook for your family? The answer to these questions may determine what finishes, appliances and layout you need in your kitchen.<br />
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You also need to know what amenities you want to incorporate into your bath, i.e. finishes, tub/shower fixtures, tile, layout, etc... The answer to these questions will dictate the style and functionality of your bathroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-eTBcPZkYp3gNwQ_rHxStrfXarbsTGLafW3KAf3vxJBnYAMuJ1e61bhE_VvnWziqN8E_JuAeZOMKpZjqiPRRMCGzXxnALFS9tVcrKtQg2zD-aoU2dn9dysoBGmp77Fxy_eyMoR0Lih2i/s1600/Factory_and_Packing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-eTBcPZkYp3gNwQ_rHxStrfXarbsTGLafW3KAf3vxJBnYAMuJ1e61bhE_VvnWziqN8E_JuAeZOMKpZjqiPRRMCGzXxnALFS9tVcrKtQg2zD-aoU2dn9dysoBGmp77Fxy_eyMoR0Lih2i/s1600/Factory_and_Packing.jpg" /></a>In today's kitchen and bath, natural stone has become the most often used floor and countertop surfaces. In addition to withstanding high heat and traffic, stone such as granite is naturally resilient to scratches.<br />
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Our granite countertops are per-fabricated at the manufacturer to save you both time and money. Our granite countertops come in standard countertop and island sizes that will minimize waste and cost. With the edges already finished, our fabricator only needs to cut the granite pieces to length and add a sink or cooktop cutouts prior to installation. These reduced fabrication and material costs ultimately save you money.<br />
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Our selection of granite includes 41 granite colors imported from countries such as Brazil, China, and India, which gives you a diverse selection to suit your every need.<br />
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If you want more information about countertop selections and colors, go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/countertops.html">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/countertops.html</a><br />
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As far as appliances are concerned, we have learned to use companies that sell, deliver and install the appliances they sell. In addition, we like the fact that they will price match any advertised price, including internet pricing. The main company we use for appliances is Sears at their <a href="http://www.sears.com/appliances/b-1020003">Sears Home Appliance Centers</a>. The staff has always treated us with the most care and assists us in getting the best price every time. We actually visit their store in person and recommend them to all of our clients. By visiting the store, the sales rep can compare prices on every Sears outlet, compare internet pricing and work our a deal that will best suit your needs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmhUGZjnUQUaHtNpUDZJ4KLQiGwZlhEpUghdqUwJW9PKICH6QdHJ4tG19jQDfhLKoJNAOVUNLu4LNu1MifwXMn9z_8DgschtwQHupO5_8Ni22IDGwjz-jLD5pL9TOUzIuE-ob2_RsUGgx/s1600/Woodlawn+Master+Bath.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="581" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmhUGZjnUQUaHtNpUDZJ4KLQiGwZlhEpUghdqUwJW9PKICH6QdHJ4tG19jQDfhLKoJNAOVUNLu4LNu1MifwXMn9z_8DgschtwQHupO5_8Ni22IDGwjz-jLD5pL9TOUzIuE-ob2_RsUGgx/s320/Woodlawn+Master+Bath.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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In addition, we have also aligned ourselves with tile, fixture and finish companies that can supply you with any type of tile or finish you might need to accomplish the most demanding kitchen or bath restoration.<br />
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If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/countertops.html">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com</a> for more information. You can also contact us by phone at (832) 800-4441.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-47572200494252298932020-03-31T00:21:00.000-05:002020-03-31T00:21:27.946-05:00Realtor Option Repair Services<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #020202; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The listing make-ready and option period after a contract is executed, can be a very stressful time, as inspection reports can reveal an overwhelming number of flagged or non-compliant items. A good Buyer's or Seller’s Agent should do everything in their power to keep the contract in good standing and help their client reach the ultimate goal - <b>CLOSING</b>. To do this, most Realtors® have a group of licensed and qualified contractors to provide the best, and hopefully lowest, estimates possible for the repairs to be made. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #020202; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, many buyers and sellers are astonished to find that many contractors are not willing to bid inspection repairs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQZ8Ru8Fc-WFhVLnuTM4GZc4YCDHobF1WY0wKYcjdnL7fvt36h3RaZk8-LMRloaqrjayWJcccecHSj2o226yaVVgBILwgMoS9vMqBUuAnVuYXr9tKA7f-8Y95jr6NbPTmV9X2uzc3s_zP/s1600/inspection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQZ8Ru8Fc-WFhVLnuTM4GZc4YCDHobF1WY0wKYcjdnL7fvt36h3RaZk8-LMRloaqrjayWJcccecHSj2o226yaVVgBILwgMoS9vMqBUuAnVuYXr9tKA7f-8Y95jr6NbPTmV9X2uzc3s_zP/s320/inspection.jpg" /></a>Much to the buyer’s and seller’s dismay, most contractors do not see any chance of their bid being accepted and are hesitant to provide free estimates. Unfortunately for you, the buyer or seller has to pay those contractors a “trip charge”, regardless of whether an estimate is provided or not. In many cases, the contractor will not bid at all, thereby making your task of getting an estimate harder.</div>
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<b>One Call has a better option!</b> Instead of dealing with multiple contractors, hoping for several estimates that are reasonable, One Call, though it's many years of experience and an extensive list of highly qualified sub-contractors, can provide an inspection review, invaluable feedback and one estimate report that outlines the costs of all repairs requested. </div>
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Realtor's® and customers who have the correct information and are in touch with the trends are the ones who list, sell and complete transactions swiftly.</div>
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We charge a nominal fee of $105 for our standard inspection service or $150 for expedited service, which is credited if the Realtor® or client utilizes us to repair their home.</div>
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If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/option.html">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/option.html</a> and follow the instructions.<br />
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You call also call us at 832-800-4441.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-25782058054011942492020-03-30T23:59:00.002-05:002020-03-31T00:01:13.819-05:00On Payment... No Warranty!!<span style="font-size: x-small;">As a general contractor handyman, we work with a host of sub-contractors, and all expect to be paid weekly or according to their contract. Why is it that customers think they can withhold large amounts of money from their contract and still receive warranty work without payment?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy a car and do not pay the down payment and have your finance company pay the remaining balance to the car dealer, do you think the manufacturer will warranty the car? NO, and in fact, you will never drive the car off the lot and if you do not pay the payments, the finance company will repossess it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In our business, we provide labor and materials and the customer provides payment for that labor and materials.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The rub comes when the customer is completely unreasonable and thinks he or she can continue to request a warranty for work completed without full payment for that work...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We have a simple philosophy, <b>No payment...; No work... No Warranty... No Exceptions!!!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In fact, we post our 180-day warranty on our web site at <a href="http://www.onecallcorp.com/warranty.html">www.onecallcorp.com/warranty.html</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/woodwindows.html">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/woodwindow.html</a> for more information. You can also contact us by phone at (832) 800-4441.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-53148304676866428932020-03-30T23:56:00.001-05:002020-03-30T23:57:32.357-05:00Are Your Worker Insured?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As a handyman and remodeling general contractor, we carry $1M/$2M general liability insurance to protect our customers and ourselves from unforeseen problems. So, every time we bid a job, this insurance cost is included in the price we charge for our services. In addition, if the job we are bidding requires a license, we only hire licensed sub-contractors to perform that work.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On many occasions, we are competing with workmen that are not licensed, have no insurance and are not qualified to perform the job at hand. Customers assume everyone is "required" to be licensed and have insurance, but the truth is, there are licensing laws, but there is no law requiring insurance. In fact, when a customer hires an unlicensed and/or uninsured contractor to perform work on their home, they are taking the risk of damage to their home, and more importantly, the risk of injury to the contractor and his/her workers. They also take the risk of damage these contractors may do to their property and the property of others.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hazards of Hiring an Unlicensed and/or Uninsured Contractor</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While licensing isn't necessarily a measure of competence, it does imply a certain level of professionalism and suggests that the contractor is committed to his or her job. More significantly, licensing and insurance can protect you from a number of potential problems, such as the following:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Unlicensed means - uninsured</b>.</i> If you use a contractor who is unlicensed and/or uninsured, it means the contractor has no way of reimbursing you for any property damage he or she may cause. This means you end up paying the price. Likewise, if contractor carelessness leads to injury or damage to someone else's property, the problem is likely to become yours.</span></li>
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<ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>No coverage under the homeowner's policy. THIS IS A BIG ONE!!! </b></i>Most homeowners believe it is safe to use an unlicensed and uninsured contractor, assuming that any damages incurred would be covered under their own insurance policies. However, this isn't the case. Most homeowner policies require that any work to the property be done by licensed and insured contractors; coverage is often specifically excluded for damages caused by "bootleg" contractors.</span></li>
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<ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Noncompliance with building codes.</b> </i>Most building projects, even minor ones, usually require permits and inspections. Unlicensed contractors are often unfamiliar with the applicable building codes and are unable to obtain permits. If your project isn't permitted or doesn't comply with building and zoning codes, you may - and probably will - be ordered to remove or repair the job. Even if a building inspector doesn't "catch" your code violation right away, you will almost certainly have to correct it if and when you try to sell your house.</span></li>
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<ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Con artists</b>. </i>Scams in the construction industry especially in the home improvement business have become almost legendary in the last few decades. Con artists posing as qualified contractors, and often targeting the elderly, have made national news any number of times. Even so, unwary homeowners continue to be taken in by these pseudo contractors, who often promise unrealistically low prices or use scare tactics to close the deal. In these cases, the homeowner typically ends up with either an incomplete or low quality.</span></li>
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<ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Poor quality work</b></i>. Not all unlicensed contractors do poor quality work. And not all poor quality work is done by unlicensed contractors. However, as a rule, if there's shoddy work to be done, it's usually done by unlicensed contractors. Because unlicensed contractors aren't subject to meeting specific standards, they are often untrained, less experienced, and unqualified to do certain types of work.<br /><br />Sloppy work by an unlicensed and uninsured contractor could have serious ramifications. "Basically, it's a safety hazard if your work isn't done improvement project - and several hundred, or even thousands of dollars less.</span></li>
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<ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Limited recourse for broken contracts</b>. </i>If you have a dispute with a licensed contractor, you can call his or her licensing agency. Some licensing agencies offer mediation services or maintain a guaranty fund to help consumers recover their losses. At the very least, the licensing agency has the authority to suspend or revoke a dishonest contractor's license. While this doesn't necessarily ensure a contractor will play fair, it gives him or her considerably more incentive to do so. If the contractor is uninsured, it usually indicates they are not financially able to cover problems is the arise.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In most cities, a contractor must provide the city with a certificate of insurance showing the city as a certificate holder in order to pull building permits in that city. The problem is that most contractors who are not licensed and do not carry General Liability insurance will not pull a permit anyway. In addition, there are many small jobs that do not require a permit, and even if they do, an unlicensed/uninsured contractor will "SCAB" the job and not worry about permits.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The problem here is that you are responsible to ensure that the work performed was done in accordance with city code and requirements. If the city finds out work was performed on your home without a permit, they can require you to remove walls, sheetrock, cabinets and any other impediment to inspecting the work to ensure it was performed according to code. If you sell your home, this can become a hidden defect and could get you in heavy legal issues with any buyer of your home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In short, protect yourself and your family by only hiring licensed and insured contractors... Make sure anyone who works on your home is licensed and carries enough insurance coverage to protect you, your family and, more importantly, your home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you have any questions please email us at </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at<a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/countertops.html">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com</a> for more information. You can also contact us by phone at (832) 800-4441.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-27373849115454102102020-03-30T22:00:00.001-05:002020-03-30T22:00:25.586-05:00Quality At A Low Price?We get a lot of calls from customers wanting us to provide service in their home and when we give them the price, they have a cat.... What is up?<br />
<br />
Why do people think they can get high-quality service at discounted prices? Do they think that just because we are a smaller independent handyman company, we can perform quality work at a lower price than the other larger companies?<br />
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The fact is, we carry the same insurance, have more experience and usually more qualified tradesmen than the large companies do,. We also provide much better customer service and warranties....<br />
<br />
The only thing I ask my customers is, do you want price or quality? I also tell them, "It is almost impossible to get both!!"<br />
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We have over 50 years of combined construction experience and hire only the highest trained and experienced tradesmen. Our business relies on repeat business and our <a href="http://onecallhomehandyman.com/testimonials.html">customer testimonials</a> tell the story,<br />
<br />
If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> , go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/</a> or call us at 832-800-4441.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-72588284877927469122020-03-30T18:43:00.002-05:002020-03-30T22:00:42.072-05:00Repair DisposalWe get many calls from customers telling us their garbage disposal won't turn on but makes a humming sound when you flip the switch. If you keep trying to turn it on, it won't do that for long because it will probably trip the breaker on the bottom of the disposal.<br />
<br />
If you have this problem, it usually means you have a stuck flywheel and the reset button on the unit itself or the fuse or circuit breaker in your electrical service panel will trip and turn off very quickly. The flywheel is stuck because something is lodged between it or the impeller(s) and the shredder ring.<br />
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To repair this issue follow these easy steps:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUY0KP-XRBK1ZdCIx4YoU3VfivVD2lKSs9dgq7Gd-YzEGtJKIPr8-IPRa-1dxNTpfwSrxwDNedpBOH0UxtcI5a8J-JMbqGE1dWOBcjV7W5-uKgISTtMnnq0rlhe8K3ci1PyJ8KiMiabSO/s1600/disp_bottom_reset_only.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUY0KP-XRBK1ZdCIx4YoU3VfivVD2lKSs9dgq7Gd-YzEGtJKIPr8-IPRa-1dxNTpfwSrxwDNedpBOH0UxtcI5a8J-JMbqGE1dWOBcjV7W5-uKgISTtMnnq0rlhe8K3ci1PyJ8KiMiabSO/s320/disp_bottom_reset_only.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUY0KP-XRBK1ZdCIx4YoU3VfivVD2lKSs9dgq7Gd-YzEGtJKIPr8-IPRa-1dxNTpfwSrxwDNedpBOH0UxtcI5a8J-JMbqGE1dWOBcjV7W5-uKgISTtMnnq0rlhe8K3ci1PyJ8KiMiabSO/s1600/disp_bottom_reset_only.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUY0KP-XRBK1ZdCIx4YoU3VfivVD2lKSs9dgq7Gd-YzEGtJKIPr8-IPRa-1dxNTpfwSrxwDNedpBOH0UxtcI5a8J-JMbqGE1dWOBcjV7W5-uKgISTtMnnq0rlhe8K3ci1PyJ8KiMiabSO/s1600/disp_bottom_reset_only.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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1. Turn off power to the garbage disposal at the electrical switch or service panel.2. Reminder: Don't ever put your hand down into the garbage disposal hopper (grinding chamber) with the power attached.<br />
3. Take the offset wrench that came with the disposal unit and insert the wrench into the flywheel turning hole in the bottom of the unit. If you don't have the wrench you can pick one up from the hardware store that sells your garbage disposal.<br />
4. Once the wrench is inserted, turn it clockwise to dislodge the stuck impeller or flywheel. When it dislodges, you'll feel the flywheel turn freely.<br />
5. Another approach is to try and use a wooden broom-handle or similar wooden object to free the stuck impeller and flywheel from the top of the unit through the drain.<br />
6. Place the broom-handle into the hopper and against an impeller. Use leverage to try and free the stuck flywheel. As before, when it dislodges you'll feel the flywheel turn freely.<br />
7. Once freed, turn the power back on at the panel but don't turn on the disposal yet.<br />
8. Go back to the disposal and press the reset button.<br />
9. Run some tap water into the disposal and quickly flip the switch on and off turning the disposal on for a short burst. Turn on and off again quickly. That should spin the flywheel and the dislodged obstruction should be washed down the drain.<br />
10. If for some reason the obstruction is being caused by a metal screw or nail you will need to turn the power off again and use a flashlight to locate the item. Once located use a magnet or screw grabber to retrieve the item. Once removed turn the power back on and follow the instructions in number 9 above.<br />
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You can also watch this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWKXCdMpKSE" target="_blank">YouTube Video</a><br />
<br />
If you are unable to free the obstruction call a professional to assist you.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-59599521116693404472016-08-23T08:28:00.003-05:002016-08-23T08:28:25.097-05:00Granite CountertopsAs a handyman general contractor, we do kitchen and bathroom restoration projects on an almost monthly basis. As a part of these restorations, the replacement of counter tops is a must if the project is going to be successful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLmprMVonvmWKQvSLwMHOMI5qOzCkc7Wztw3uiylxnsHHGrWJQHDQLTkI-eNtZmuAcn7iW8o4x_ekbMOunTroSeI7sD0YtZekARELl230gO4yECCEpBA2jG-VoJ0vODORSs6zp71YGVXR/s1600/KitchenOsage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLmprMVonvmWKQvSLwMHOMI5qOzCkc7Wztw3uiylxnsHHGrWJQHDQLTkI-eNtZmuAcn7iW8o4x_ekbMOunTroSeI7sD0YtZekARELl230gO4yECCEpBA2jG-VoJ0vODORSs6zp71YGVXR/s1600/KitchenOsage.jpg" width="200" /></a>Before we started offering this type service, we did extensive research into the techniques and products necessary to accomplish this task and found that these type of repairs take extensive skills and know how, and only the highest skilled and experienced craftsmen can accomplish this task.<br />
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That is why we only send our best crews to remove and replace counter tops and have contracted with the best craftsmen in Houston to accomplish our granite counter top installations.<br />
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As you probably know, the beauty of natural stone is legendary. From counter tops to flooring, natural stone can turn an ordinary room into a showplace. Our natural stone products include granite, marble, travertine and quart, and we offer these items in a variety of colors, shapes and designs. From prefabricated and custom counter tops, we offer our customers the largest and finest selection.<br />
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Although there are many counter top choices in the market, we believe granite is the superior choice. Stunning and stylish, granite counter tops are the perfect addition to any kitchen or bathroom; blending well with both contemporary and traditional styles. It defines elegance in any area and contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchens or baths. Products made of natural stone will not depreciate with time and will add value to any property. There is no surface as distinct and unique in its beauty as natural stone. The durability of natural stone is also one of the main reasons it is selected.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-eTBcPZkYp3gNwQ_rHxStrfXarbsTGLafW3KAf3vxJBnYAMuJ1e61bhE_VvnWziqN8E_JuAeZOMKpZjqiPRRMCGzXxnALFS9tVcrKtQg2zD-aoU2dn9dysoBGmp77Fxy_eyMoR0Lih2i/s1600/Factory_and_Packing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-eTBcPZkYp3gNwQ_rHxStrfXarbsTGLafW3KAf3vxJBnYAMuJ1e61bhE_VvnWziqN8E_JuAeZOMKpZjqiPRRMCGzXxnALFS9tVcrKtQg2zD-aoU2dn9dysoBGmp77Fxy_eyMoR0Lih2i/s1600/Factory_and_Packing.jpg" /></a>In addition to withstanding high heat and traffic, stone such as granite is naturally resilient to scratches. Our granite is pre-fabricated at the manufacturer to save you both time and money. Our granite counter tops come in standard counter top and island sizes that will minimize waste and cost. With the edges already finished, our fabricator only needs to cut the granite pieces to length and add sink or cook-top cutouts prior to installation. These reduced fabrication and material costs ultimately save you money.<br />
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Our selection of granite includes 41 granite colors imported representing countries from all over the world such as Brazil, China and India, which gives you a diverse selection to suit your every need.<br />
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If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/countertops.html">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/countertops.html</a> for more information. You can also contact us by phone at (832) 800-4441.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-89816372471673161992016-04-22T22:39:00.000-05:002020-03-31T00:19:30.554-05:00Inspection Repair Services<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #020202; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The listing make-ready and option period after a contract is executed, can be a very stressful time, as inspection reports can reveal an overwhelming number of flagged or non-compliant items. A good Buyer's or Seller’s Agent should do everything in their power to keep the contract in good standing and help their client reach the ultimate goal - <b>CLOSING</b>. To do this, most Realtors® have a group of licensed and qualified contractors to provide the best, and hopefully lowest, estimates possible for the repairs to be made. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #020202; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, many buyers and sellers are astonished to find that many contractors are not willing to bid inspection repairs.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #020202; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQZ8Ru8Fc-WFhVLnuTM4GZc4YCDHobF1WY0wKYcjdnL7fvt36h3RaZk8-LMRloaqrjayWJcccecHSj2o226yaVVgBILwgMoS9vMqBUuAnVuYXr9tKA7f-8Y95jr6NbPTmV9X2uzc3s_zP/s1600/inspection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQZ8Ru8Fc-WFhVLnuTM4GZc4YCDHobF1WY0wKYcjdnL7fvt36h3RaZk8-LMRloaqrjayWJcccecHSj2o226yaVVgBILwgMoS9vMqBUuAnVuYXr9tKA7f-8Y95jr6NbPTmV9X2uzc3s_zP/s320/inspection.jpg" /></a>Much to the buyer’s and seller’s dismay, most contractors do not see any chance of their bid being accepted and are hesitant to provide free estimates. Unfortunately for you, the buyer or seller has to pay those contractors a “trip charge”, regardless of whether an estimate is provided or not. In many cases, the contractor will not bid at all, thereby making your task of getting an estimate harder.</div>
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<br /><b>One Call has a better option!</b> Instead of dealing with multiple contractors, hoping for several estimates that are reasonable, One Call, though it's many years of experience and an extensive list of highly qualified sub-contractors, can provide an inspection review, invaluable feedback and one estimate report that outlines the costs of all repairs requested. </div>
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<br />Realtot's® and customers who have the correct information and are in touch with the trends are the ones who list, sell and complete transactions swiftly.</div>
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<br />We charge a nominal fee of $105 for our standard inspection service or $150 for expedited service, which is credited if the Realtor® or client utilizes us to repair their home.</div>
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<br />If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/option.html">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/option.html</a> and follow the instructions. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-71012888557236922942014-01-26T22:09:00.001-06:002016-08-23T08:20:21.942-05:00Upgrading Lighting to LED BulbsWe get a lot of calls from customers telling us they want to change the type of lighting they are getting in their newer homes from the standard incandescent down lighting.<br />
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After much study and research I have <span style="font-family: inherit;">found</span> that incandescent and halogen lights generate a huge amount of heat (about 3<span style="font-family: inherit;">° F more heat in your house) that you have to air condition out, and cost you on average of between $150 to $250 more on your energy bill over the useful life of the replacement LED bulb. That is about 75% more than the LED replacements, even with the extra cost of the bulbs.</span><br />
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<div>
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After investigating replacement bulbs, I found that LED replacements at The Home Depot generate much brighter light and create a much more pleasant home environment.<br />
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There are multiple replacement bulbs I would recommend and they are as follows:<br />
<ol style="border-image: none;">
<li>The EcoSmart 16-Watt BR40 LED Flood Light Bulb for standard down cans</li>
<li>The EcoSmart 14-Watt BR30 LED Flood Light Bulb for directional cans</li>
<li>The EcoSmart 6-Watt LED Light Bulb to replace a standard 40-Watt bulb or the EcoSmart 10-Watt LED Light Bulb to replace a standard 60-Watt bulb</li>
<li>The EcoSmart Candelabra 4-Watt LED Light Bulb to replace a standard 25-Watt bulb</li>
<li>And multiple others that are equivalent to other standard bulbs</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGeoo9uryuohjKfLs_czSS2Bub4RFPLovk8-2cNjeJXGCQiZZoRuHF31u5dcjkVOnl4ZRU4V1VnmANeJz4p5iEo8-dZC0GG2DMnxBMC3TJCuNGP_T6BqV8FgjcOLPEL6iikC3LnVCDGWM/s1600/ecosmartbr40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGeoo9uryuohjKfLs_czSS2Bub4RFPLovk8-2cNjeJXGCQiZZoRuHF31u5dcjkVOnl4ZRU4V1VnmANeJz4p5iEo8-dZC0GG2DMnxBMC3TJCuNGP_T6BqV8FgjcOLPEL6iikC3LnVCDGWM/s1600/ecosmartbr40.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BbOeGTeqDHcHbIr0IyPuTkxghDhXes6a1N6synziReuQ65oBE01Bt7O-j8VUdzRIT3VbL6BkOsKH396G3WLjcnStttwjtTFHJPszMgAHN9iYhJf7X9Hh_G6xZ1llnzto6z7oKZCtWqsC/s1600/LED+standard+light+bulb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BbOeGTeqDHcHbIr0IyPuTkxghDhXes6a1N6synziReuQ65oBE01Bt7O-j8VUdzRIT3VbL6BkOsKH396G3WLjcnStttwjtTFHJPszMgAHN9iYhJf7X9Hh_G6xZ1llnzto6z7oKZCtWqsC/s1600/LED+standard+light+bulb.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOKJf90mBBTMO5en6CL9xH62ixuTxJznDxX8PIunGWiFLiFRvwG4v46ClOB7MAg79XlzNdg3WvwlqhNUhNhshUkfo2xboje3Txnkmxe0VOvGJASurerlEwejqlFGbpSB8UfBba4dXK5Fc/s1600/LED+blunt+tip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOKJf90mBBTMO5en6CL9xH62ixuTxJznDxX8PIunGWiFLiFRvwG4v46ClOB7MAg79XlzNdg3WvwlqhNUhNhshUkfo2xboje3Txnkmxe0VOvGJASurerlEwejqlFGbpSB8UfBba4dXK5Fc/s1600/LED+blunt+tip.jpg" /></a></div>
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The steps for replacing these bulbs are as follows:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Count your down can, directional cans, standard light bulbs and candelabra bulbs in your home.</li>
<li>Purchase your bulbs and try to see if the manager at The Home Depot will give you a discount for these bulbs. They run between $15 and $35 each but last up to 25,000 hours, use about 20% of the energy of a standard bulb and produce almost no heat. All of this can save you as much at $250 over the life of the bulb.</li>
<li>Remove the existing incandescent light bulbs.</li>
<li>If you are replacing standard light bulbs, go to number 8. </li>
<li>While replacing can or down light bulbs, if the bulb being replaced is the same length as the LED bulb, go to number 8.</li>
<li>If you happen to have a short version of can or down flood, about 1" shorter than the new bulb, you will need to adjust the bulb support inside the can. This is done by removing the cover from the can, loosening the wing nut that holds the bulb support, move the bracket up toward the top of the can by about 1" and then re-tighten the retaining wing nut. (see illustration below)</li>
<li>Once the bulb bracket is secure replace the cover.</li>
<li>Install the new LED light bulbs and test it to make sure it turns on and off properly.</li>
<li>Repeat these steps on every bulb until you have replaced all the bulbs.</li>
<li>Discard all replaced bulbs properly as required by your local garbage collection or recycling authority.</li>
<li>If you are unable to make any of the above adjustments or steps please call a professional to assist you.</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JAn650qEgwZHvnszJsQAX6X6pvgG6cnC48px4kjBcjnjoLf81d2Qckt_KY0grt7hf8QoT-MgZzUvNq3OSPV7InBP1j_wHOAFbWjVpbS4VGTSZyKO-JmzD2qVAu2sZq5gcJIwCmlbAwbZ/s1600/canlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JAn650qEgwZHvnszJsQAX6X6pvgG6cnC48px4kjBcjnjoLf81d2Qckt_KY0grt7hf8QoT-MgZzUvNq3OSPV7InBP1j_wHOAFbWjVpbS4VGTSZyKO-JmzD2qVAu2sZq5gcJIwCmlbAwbZ/s320/canlight.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/countertops.html">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com</a> for more information. You can also contact us by phone at (832) 800-4441.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-74821472539265433122013-11-11T22:28:00.000-06:002013-11-11T22:32:52.336-06:00Lighting A Water Heater Pilot After Gas Has Been Turned Off<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We get a lot of calls from customers telling us they are having issues lighting their hot water heater after they have had the gas turned off. This is a common issue and is very easy to solve!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the steps you should use to light your pilot and have hot water tonight.</span><br />
<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEgiIEAbBafnM937jNEdVH9215CN0e0Yi_Hcif268qqAqbaIr128q2vHtFQnHPXpnJwW8tdM28cEkgP_Ie9E6wZ2RMXH_k6u201CIItML8liCbcqHCo3OHrhZdlsVYt1NnWajbi6R0sXK/s1600/GasValve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEgiIEAbBafnM937jNEdVH9215CN0e0Yi_Hcif268qqAqbaIr128q2vHtFQnHPXpnJwW8tdM28cEkgP_Ie9E6wZ2RMXH_k6u201CIItML8liCbcqHCo3OHrhZdlsVYt1NnWajbi6R0sXK/s1600/GasValve.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure your gas is turned on to the house and to the hot water heater.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn the top or side selector to Pilot and push down or in (black arrow to the right). This will start the flow of gas to the pilot. Since the gas has been off for a while, make sure you hold it down for a few minutes before trying to start the pilot.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a few minutes, push the igniter button (red arrow) to create a spark at the pilot to light it. If it does not light, continue to hold the knob down and repeat his step until the pilot lights. You may have to hold it down for quite a while if the gas has been off for an extended time. Just keep repeating this step until it lights.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the pilot lights, hold the knob down for a minute or so, release the knob and turn it to on.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The burner should light and start heating the water.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure to adjust the water temperature below 120° F so you do not scald yourself.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If all else fails just call a professional or One Call Home Handyman and we will help in any way we can.</span><br />
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have any questions please email us at </span><a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> or go to our site at </span><a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-68950701151199308622012-06-10T15:06:00.001-05:002012-06-10T15:06:28.846-05:00Extension Cord Keeps TanglingDuring all my years as a contractor I have never had a problem with my extension cords tangling because of a little trick I learned years ago from a old framer. Since I visit many a home and see their extension cords tangled, I though you might want to view this YouTube video, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaEv9wm6gy0&noredirect=1" target="_blank">No Tangle Extension Cord Storage</a>, and never have a tangled extension cord again...<br />
<br />
Remember, if all else fails just call a professional or One Call Home Handyman and we will help in any way we can. If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-82577278590181069102012-05-15T09:14:00.000-05:002012-05-15T09:14:04.432-05:00Toilet Won't Stop RunningDuring a recent visit to one of my customer's homes I was asked to help fix a toilet that would not stop running. Upon investigation I found that about every minute or so the tank valve would come on and fill the tank with a small amount of water. This ususally means that the flapper valve is leaking and is a simple fix. Upon further investigation I saw that the gasket under the flapper assembly was deteriorating and was allowing water to leak into the tank.<br />
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Since the toilet was only 4 years old and these gaskets are supposed to last many years I did some investigation and found that recent research has shown that many common toilet cleaning products can damage the rubber flapper causing significant leakage. Dropping certain toilet bowl cleaners (usually in the form of large white tablets) into your toilet tank may result in damage to the parts within the tank, especially if you do not flush your toilet at least once a day. Some manufacturers may even void the warranty on those parts. If you chose to use these cleaners, the toilet must be flushed at least once per day. As an alternative, use the in-bowl toilet cleaner rather than the in-tank cleaners.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1RudUGTsESVaI4Q86a5p_gfCYlAIBsRZm2FrEVnaWuqTCfwKY9bFbGA-CBW3fGfKlEnr49QoIxlr4Wd08xvfDDmNczRXNcz-p1S5u6RD1c7e9A9bj50AJo12kZ-JBPyBsqF0Z8xFWPV7/s1600/TankGasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1RudUGTsESVaI4Q86a5p_gfCYlAIBsRZm2FrEVnaWuqTCfwKY9bFbGA-CBW3fGfKlEnr49QoIxlr4Wd08xvfDDmNczRXNcz-p1S5u6RD1c7e9A9bj50AJo12kZ-JBPyBsqF0Z8xFWPV7/s1600/TankGasket.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since the prior owner did not know about this issue, I had to change the entire gasket and flapper assembly. This assembly on cost about $5 - $10 at Home Depot or Lowe's.</div>
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If the toilet is conventional, the process of changing the gaskets is as follows: <br />
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1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. <br />
2. Flush the toilet to get as much water out of the tank. <br />
3. With some old rags, sop up all the water left in the tank. <br />
4. Loosen and remove two nuts and washers on the two bolts which secure the tank to the bowl. <br />
5. Carefully lift the tank off off the bowl, and set it upside down on the floor. <br />
6. Remove the old gasket from wherever it's stuck, and clean all fragment from the contact areas on both the bowl and bottom of the tank.<br />
7. Unscrew the large nut that holds the flapper assembly onto the tank.<br />
8. Remove the old gasket between the flapper assembly and the tank.<br />
9. Install the new gasket on the flapper assembly.<br />
10. Install the flapper assembly back into the tank by screwing the nub back onto the flapper assembly and tightening it (do not over tighten).<br />
11. Install the new gasket onto the bowl float screw.<br />
12. Remove the bolts and old washers from the tank, and clean the mating surface. <br />
13. Install new washers on the bolts [they go inside the tank, under the bolt heads] <br />
14. Carefully set the tank atop the bowl, being very careful to get perfect alignment on the first try. <br />
15. Reinstall the two bolts with new washers. <br />
16. By hand very carefully reinstall the nuts and washers on the bolts, running them all the way up by hand. 17. With a wrench, very carefully final tighten the nuts, but not too tight as it is very easy to overload the china bowl or tank, resulting in breaking one or both, ruining the entire toilet assembly. The nuts don't have to be extremely tight just up snug so as to just slightly begin to compress the washers.<br />
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If all else fails just call a professional or One Call Home Handyman and we will help in any way we can.</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-23818099317165388712012-04-22T22:53:00.001-05:002014-01-26T22:25:41.684-06:00Installing A Light Fixture Swag KitIt seems as thow almost every week I have a customer call to have their dining room chandelier or breakfast room hanging light moved to the center of the dining table. This type of fixture move is simple and can be accomplished by almost anyone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-7pX3_dFWFRAEJ7oEaJuqMKQueJeeWn5mTO-IphKzNv02EBpTamBxsdwNnFC9cbD_f8MFFZMz28GtuKEQSrec_PV2QhErZ8bTPt4V3crNB3w7whTV8hISJknMlsoS6Hq1O0xZE_AChFH/s1600/swag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-7pX3_dFWFRAEJ7oEaJuqMKQueJeeWn5mTO-IphKzNv02EBpTamBxsdwNnFC9cbD_f8MFFZMz28GtuKEQSrec_PV2QhErZ8bTPt4V3crNB3w7whTV8hISJknMlsoS6Hq1O0xZE_AChFH/s200/swag.jpg" height="200" qda="true" width="200" /></a></div>
Swagging a chandelier or hanging light fixture uses a simple swag kit that is available at both The Home Depot and Lowe's.<br />
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These kits include from 12' to 20' of wire, 10' of chain, mounting hooks, toggel bolts and wood retaining screws. Some also include a switch that is not used in the standard swag installation. These swag kits range in price from $14 - $25 depending upon the type and finish of the metal on the hook and chain. Make sure you purchase a swag kit that matches the metal finish of you chandelier and has wire that will also match what is used in your existing fixture.<br />
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The process of swaging the fixture is a follows:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Mark the center of your table on the ceiling above the table. This will determine where the fixture will hang. This is done by measuring from the center of the table to 2 of the closest walls that are 90 degrees from each other (write these measurements down). That way you can use these measurements to mark the ceiling directly above the table that is exactly in the center of your table. </li>
<li>Move the table out of the way so you have access to the ceiling and fixture.</li>
<li>Using a ladder measure on the ceiling exactly the same measurements as you did when measuring. Make a mark on the ceiling where each measurement crosses. This will give you a mark exactly in the center of your table.</li>
<li>Using a 1/2" wood bit and drill, drill a hole in the sheetrock where you made the cross mark. If the bit goes right through the sheetrock that is OK. If you hit a ceiling joist that is OK as well, just make sure you do not drill into the joist. This will determine the type of attachment screw you will use to attach the hanging hook.</li>
<li>If the bit went through the sheetrock and did not hit a joist you will use the toggle bolt on your hook. If you hit a joist you will use the wood screw bolt on you hook. Both will be supplied in the kit.</li>
<li>Now using the mounting hook and screw bolt matching the type of support you have, secure the mounting hook to the ceiling by tightening it until it covers the hole you made in the ceiling with the drill bit. Screw it until it is tight up the the ceiling.</li>
<li>Now go the the fixture and measure the existing chain length and write this down.</li>
<li>Taking the new chain from the swag kit and tough one end of the chain to the center of the fixture center attachment point and then pull the chain tight until it touches the mounting hook you just put into the ceiling. Then allow enough chain to swag from the mark until the center of the swag is about 6" to 8" from the ceiling. Once you have that point in the middle of the chain, measure from that link to the end of the chain that is touching the fixture attachment point and write that measurement down.</li>
<li>Now add the two measurements together and that is how long the new chain needs to be.</li>
<li>Once you have measured out that chain length, locate the chain link just after that measurement and that is the link you will need to open and remove. The chain you just measured is the one you will use to replace the existing chain with.</li>
<li>TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE FIXTURE AT THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OR FUSE PANEL.</li>
<li>Remove the fixture from the ceiling making sure you have a way to support it either on the table or in a chair. Make sure not to break any glass bulbs or covers.</li>
<li>Once you have the fixture resting on the table or chair you will need to remove the old chain and wire and replace them with the new chain and wire from the kit. This process requires that you disassemble the fixture, usually at the bottom, opening the wiring box thereby allowing the wire connections to the light arms to be exposed. Disconnected the old wire from the light arm wires, usually connected with wire nuts, and removed the old wire from the fixture.</li>
<li>Once the old wire is removed insert the new wire into the same hole at the top of the fixture and push it through until you can see is at the bottom. Pull enough wire out so you can make up the connection just as it was when the other wire was removed. Each bulb arm should have two wires coming out of it, each connected to a corresponding wires from each of the other bulb arms. These are the hot and neutral wires.</li>
<li>You then need to connect one wire from the newly installed wire to the hot and the other to the neutral and wire nut each. Reinstall the wires back into the wiring box.</li>
<li>Once this is done replace the wiring cover to the bottom as it was when you disassembled it.</li>
<li>Now you need to install the new chain by opening one of the links and putting it on the hanging ring on the top of the fixture. Once on the ring bend the chain link back into place.</li>
<li>Now stretch the chain out from the fixture and measure out the amount of chain that matched the length of the original chain you first marked down. Taking the chain link that corresponds with that length, hang the fixture on the mounting hook using that link.</li>
<li>Now repeat the above step for the hanger loop that connects to the ceiling mounting bracket.</li>
<li>Now snake the new wire through every fourth link until you reach the hanger loop and push the wire through the hole in the hanger loop.</li>
<li>Make sure the chain, hanger loop and wire are pushed through the ceiling cover and cover nut.</li>
<li>Push the wire through the mounting screw pipe in the junction box and allow all remaining wire to hang out of the junction box.</li>
<li>Screw the hanger loop on the mounting screw pipe until it is tight.</li>
<li>Cut the wire to the proper length and attach to the ceiling hot and neutral wires.</li>
<li>Push the wires into the junction box and replace the cover and cover nut until the cover is tight against the ceiling.</li>
<li>Turn the power back on and test the light.</li>
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If all else fails just call a professional or One Call Home Handyman and we will help in any way we can.</div>
</div>
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If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-70618567828317739002012-04-02T23:59:00.000-05:002012-04-22T11:48:08.739-05:00Toilet Valve Adjustment and Water ConsumptionSeveral days ago we got a call from a customer telling us they are having issues with high water consumption and their toilets continually running.<br />
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Did you know that as much as 80,000 gallons of water can be wasted each year by an undetected toilet tank leak?<br />
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In investigating toilet issues we found that this problem can be caused by either a faulty toilet valve and/or a leaking flapper valve. To fix these problems there are 2 things you need to check.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzihEriCis4UBCxDZ522yjK0jS-RTNptODFjyFJT22mEsVQOAvbp5-LV-lpHx4iwXUM3KqndonFWyJ_y12urrmTm-8k65dG235i5jnx9G0_I8G7kwePke32zoyNfn-jsnrmrHHJcb0MbO6/s1600/Toilet_float_on_rod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzihEriCis4UBCxDZ522yjK0jS-RTNptODFjyFJT22mEsVQOAvbp5-LV-lpHx4iwXUM3KqndonFWyJ_y12urrmTm-8k65dG235i5jnx9G0_I8G7kwePke32zoyNfn-jsnrmrHHJcb0MbO6/s1600/Toilet_float_on_rod.jpg" /></a></div>
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1. Check the toilet valve for proper adjustment.</div>
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If you happen to have a toilet that has the old type toilet valve with a float that cuts the water off when it reaches a certain level, you can adjust the valve by screwing the adjustment screw into the valve or bend the brass float holder toward the water. That way you cause the valve to shut off sooner and reduce the level of water in the tank. If this valve is out of adjustment it will overflow and water will drain into the bowl thereby causing you to use water.</div>
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If you happen to have one of the newer type valves you will need to adjust the screw that attaches the float to the cut off valve. Just turn the screw counter-clockwise to make the float move down toward the water. This will reduce the amount of water in the tank.<br />
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If you make this adjustment and the water continues to drain into the overflow tube, then you need to change the valve. This is an easy task and can be accomplished in about 30 minutes and for less than $20. All you need to do is go to your local hardware or do it yourself store (Home Depot or Lowes) and purchase a new valve. They usually run about $15 - $20 and are very easy to change. </div>
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All you need to do is follow these 12 easy steps and you will save a lot of time, money and water:<br />
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a. Turn off the water supply at the wall behind or to the side of the toilet.</div>
b. Flush the toilet and hold the handle down so most of the water goes out of the tank.<br />
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c. Put a bowl or catch basin under the water supply line that attaches to the tank to catch the extra water when you remove the water supply line.</div>
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d. Remove the water supply line that attaches to the current valve. This under the water bowl usually to the left or right of the bowl.</div>
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e. Unscrew the plastic or metal retaining bolt that holds the valve on under the tank.</div>
f. Remove the old valve and water flow tube.<br />
g. Unscrew the retaining bolt from the bottom of the new valve.<br />
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h. Push the new valve into place with force to compress the rubber seal holding it tight until the retaining bolt is in place.</div>
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i. Screw the retaining bold on until it is hand tight and then release the valve. Tighten it about half a turn more. This should seal the valve to prevent leaks.<br />
j. Connect the overflow tube to the overflow spout as shown in the direction from the valve supplier</div>
k. Connect the water supply line to the bottom of the new valve and tighten with a snug fit. Caution... DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN AS YOU WILL BREAK THE HOUSING SCREW.<br />
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l. Turn on the water and allow the bowl to fill.</div>
m. Check for leaks. If there are leaks tighten each area as necessary.<br />
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2. Check for a leaking flapper valve.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUndGH6x_zBOd13K_e70q3OGIC2lHRV5ylN2b_Keupz9Cz2zMhllGr_8e4NJDtFYcgGPfN2Yv9VnnVirWACkgj9FBcc_IHBmb0Sb1YaWENL-zO2xEhxiawxjsSDObHO0rQyFbNYEL8zfxR/s1600/flapper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUndGH6x_zBOd13K_e70q3OGIC2lHRV5ylN2b_Keupz9Cz2zMhllGr_8e4NJDtFYcgGPfN2Yv9VnnVirWACkgj9FBcc_IHBmb0Sb1YaWENL-zO2xEhxiawxjsSDObHO0rQyFbNYEL8zfxR/s1600/flapper.jpg" /></a>If water is not leaking into the overflow tube but water is leaking into the toilet bowl and continues to run, then the problem is probably the flapper valve.</div>
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This is an easy fix as well and can be accomplished in about 20 minutes and for less than $10. Again, all you need to do is go to you hardware store and purchase a flapper valve replacement kit. There are in many types so make sure the one you purchase will work on your toilet. After you turn the water supply off, just take the one you have off and take it with you to the supply store so they can help you pick the proper replacement.</div>
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Just follow the following steps and you can accomplish this task with ease:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkscFqk1J8fFh2rcU2PPJl9C3W00hQwhR376LIDyfBlJqUNHv374udIzdx8uMsncDJl8Zk-AWfPluudUgqAamRhemybmHqvjUCDVGF1YVJ-OY5j44hH1sbUlbOVvou4AZArSnpVySpUr4/s1600/flappervalve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkscFqk1J8fFh2rcU2PPJl9C3W00hQwhR376LIDyfBlJqUNHv374udIzdx8uMsncDJl8Zk-AWfPluudUgqAamRhemybmHqvjUCDVGF1YVJ-OY5j44hH1sbUlbOVvou4AZArSnpVySpUr4/s200/flappervalve.jpg" width="200" /></a>a. Turn off the water supply at the wall behind or to the side of the toilet.</div>
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b. Flush the toilet to remove most of the water.</div>
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c. Remove the existing flapper valve and take the chain off the flush handle rod.</div>
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d. Replace the old with with a new one similar the the one you removed.</div>
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e. Insert the new flapper onto the attachment brackets on either side of the overflow tube.</div>
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e. Attach the metal chain to the flush handle rod.</div>
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f. Turn the water supply on.</div>
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g. Allow the tank to fill completely and check to see if the flapper valve is still leaking. If it is still leaking then the valve supplied by the supply house is not the correct model.</div>
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If all else fails just call a professional or One Call Home Handyman and we will help in any way we can.</div>
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If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-39311717596576491072012-04-02T22:01:00.000-05:002014-03-03T01:00:29.978-06:00Landscape Lighting IssuesWe get a lot of calls from customers telling us they are having issues with their landscape lighting. <br />
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After much study and research I have found that most of the issues we have found with these type of low voltage lighting systems is caused by landscapers that are not careful when planting annuals or replacement planting. They just dig a hole and plant the new plants without regard for landscape light wiring. While digging the hole for the new plant they cut the landscape wiring and thereby turn your lights off.<br />
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If you have only a portion of your lights at one end of your lights that are not working, this is usually the issue.<br />
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If only one or two of the lights are out the problem is usually a burned out bulb or bad connection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1ytQ7WXI13BZHXKDQJu-VS_CtbhqhT8Gl5wrTni_nyriF_b1fqyk8CeDITMSCpVdElskIWwdQzAlheSzWcGwgkt6JhYyOCTTIE8HetNWOl_M2HB-ydmAyia_TdfZyGv6XqwZrtyHBMC2/s1600/LandscapeConnector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 168px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 178px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1ytQ7WXI13BZHXKDQJu-VS_CtbhqhT8Gl5wrTni_nyriF_b1fqyk8CeDITMSCpVdElskIWwdQzAlheSzWcGwgkt6JhYyOCTTIE8HetNWOl_M2HB-ydmAyia_TdfZyGv6XqwZrtyHBMC2/s200/LandscapeConnector.jpg" dea="true" height="200" width="200" /></a>The way you repair the cut wire is to locate the cut by pulling the wire between the light that works and the ones that do not to see if it is cut. Usually this is easy because the cut end will pull out very easily. If you find the cut, pull the other end from the fixture that is not working and expose the other end of the wire. You can then use a connector from Home Depot or just strip the cut ends, connect them to each other and wire nut the ends. This will usually make the other lights come on.</div>
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If you feel that the light bulb is bad just go to a fixture that is working and remove the bulb then put that bulb in the fixture that is not working. If it does not come on check the connection and make sure it is connected properly. If all is OK with the connection, then you will need to replace the fixture. </div>
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If you determine that the bulb is the problem just get replacements and change them.</div>
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If all else fails just call a professional or One Call Home Handyman and we will help in any way we can.</div>
If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-37738564831267082562012-01-19T01:23:00.001-06:002012-01-19T01:31:56.173-06:00LED Flood Light ReplacementsWe get a lot of calls from customers telling us they want to change the type of lighting they are getting in their newer homes from the standard 120 watt incandescent down lighting. <br />
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After much study and research I have found a replacement bulb at The Home Depot that generates much brighter light and creates a much more pleasant home environment.<br />
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The 2 replacement bulbs I recommend are the EcoSmart 16-Watt BR40 LED Flood Light Bulb for standard down cans and the 14-Watt BR30 LED Flood Light Bulb for directional cans. <br />
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The steps for replacing these bulbs are as follows:<br />
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1. Count your down cans and directional cans in your home.<br />
2. Purchase your bulbs and try to see if the manager at The Home Depot will give you a discount for these bulbs. They run between $29 and $35 each but last up to 25,000 hours, use about 20% of the energy of a standard bulb and produce almost no heat. All of this can save you as much at $250 over the life of the bulb.<br />
3. Remove the existing incandescent flood light. If the bulb being replaced is the same length as the LED bulb, go to number 6.<br />
4. If you happen to have a short version of the flood, about 1" shorter than the new bulb, you will need to adjust the bulb support inside the can. This is done by removing the cover from the can, loosening the wing nut that holds the bulb support, move the bracket up toward the top of the can by about 1" and then retighten the retaining wing nut.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JAn650qEgwZHvnszJsQAX6X6pvgG6cnC48px4kjBcjnjoLf81d2Qckt_KY0grt7hf8QoT-MgZzUvNq3OSPV7InBP1j_wHOAFbWjVpbS4VGTSZyKO-JmzD2qVAu2sZq5gcJIwCmlbAwbZ/s1600/canlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JAn650qEgwZHvnszJsQAX6X6pvgG6cnC48px4kjBcjnjoLf81d2Qckt_KY0grt7hf8QoT-MgZzUvNq3OSPV7InBP1j_wHOAFbWjVpbS4VGTSZyKO-JmzD2qVAu2sZq5gcJIwCmlbAwbZ/s320/canlight.jpg" width="216" /></a><br />
5. Once the bulb bracket is secure replace the cover.<br />
6. Install the new LED light bulb and test it to make sure it turns on and off properly.<br />
7. Repeat the first 6 steps on every down can until you have replaced all the bulbs.<br />
8. Discard all replaced bulbs properly as required by your local garbage collection or recycling authority.<br />
9. If you are unable to make any of the above adjustments or steps please call a professional to assist you.<br />
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If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5338569740413668178.post-9618195943080403132012-01-10T13:43:00.007-06:002020-09-21T10:58:07.540-05:00Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Plugs<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Seems like almost every day we get a call from a customer with a plug that does not work in their kitchen, bath, or outside their home. We ask them if they checked their breakers and the response is usually yes and then we ask if they checked their GFCI plug and the response is "What?"<br />
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For those that do not know what a GFCI plug looks like an example is shown to the right. <br />
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The red button is the reset button and the black is the test. If for some reason you have a short across to the ground on any plug attached to one of these GFCI plugs, the red button will pop out and disconnect the circuit. <br />
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To turn the power back on you need to reset the circuit by pussing red button in until it pops. Once reset the power will be restored and the plugs can be used again.<br />
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You can also test the circuit by pussing the black test button, which will pop the red one indicating that the plub is working properly. You will then need to reset the plug again so power will be restored.<br />
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GFCIs help protect against electrical shocks due to ground faults. They are required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in all wet or damp locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, garages and workshops. Important reminder: GFCIs can become damaged over time, they must be tested monthly to ensure they are providing protection.<br />
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If you have one of these plugs pop all the time when you attach an appliance to that circuit the appliance is either bad or the GFCI is weak. <br />
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The best way to test the appliance is to move to another circuit controlled by a GFCI and plug it in. If it trips that circuit as well you can bet the appliance has an issue and trash it. Getting electricuted is not fun and can kill you. Just get rid of the appliance.<br />
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If you attach the appliance to another GFCI circuit and the circuit does not trip, then the other GFCI is week or bad and you need to have it replaced by a qualified tradesman...<br />
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If you have any questions please email us at <a href="mailto:sales@onecallhomehandyman.com">sales@onecallhomehandyman.com</a> or go to our site at <a href="http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/">http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0