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Moving company scams - tips to avoid

Posted: 4/12/2010 2:33:53 PM | 6 comments
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, finding the right mover to haul everything you own without breaking any of it is a tough job.

Angie's List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, including movers, asked service professionals as well as members who’ve made a move recently about how make the most of any move.

Angie’s List tips for consumers on the move:
  • Plan ahead: Start researching moving companies four to six weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving during the peak summer months. Movers tend to charge higher rates during this time. Try to arrange your move for the middle of the month – the first and last days of the month are typically a busy time during the summer.
  • Research your mover: Red flags include an unmarked truck, dirty packaging materials, and employees without uniforms.
  • Constant contact: If you’re moving a great distance, hire a mover who offers an online tracking system so you can virtually watch your belonging as they move across the country. Regardless of the distance involved, get phone numbers and back-up phone numbers in case you need to reach the drivers.
  • Check credentials: Moves from one state to another require the company to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Intra-state moves are governed by state consumer affairs agency or Attorney General. Ask for proof that your mover is insured against damage and be sure you understand how you would file claims and be compensated should something go wrong. Ask for proof that your mover is insured against damage and be sure you understand how you would file claims and be compensated should something go wrong.
  • Get at least three estimates: Have the companies come to you for an in-home estimate and show them every item to be moved. Local and intrastate moves are usually priced by the hour, while moves across state lines must be based on the certified weight and distance shipped, plus the amount of special services, such as packing. Be as detailed as possible with the services you need on moving day so the company can provide the right size crew and truck.
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is: Never hire on price alone, especially if that low bid is significantly lower than your other estimates. Just because a mover’s hourly rate is the lowest doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. The move could take longer, or items may be damaged – leading to a higher overall cost.
  • Pay extra for help or pack yourself? If you can afford it, let the movers do both the packing and unloading. The items they pack will be covered by the company’s insurance. Itemize the items to be moved, making note of existing scratches and other damage. Take photos of valuables as proof of pre-move condition.
  • Bigger may mean bigger costs: Some items, like a piano or safe, will cost more to move than couches and chairs. Additional charges may also apply if the movers have to go above and beyond, like getting an antique armoire up a twisting, tight staircase.
  • Additional services: Adding services to your move can change costs. For example, the company may charge you for packing supplies, wrapping up big items and assembly/disassembly of furniture. Determine what you want done and get costs for each step.
  • Do you need insurance? Movers usually carry insurance - generally 60 cents per pound, for each item, but you may decide to purchase more. Check first with your homeowner’s insurance to see if the moving process is already covered. You may want to move expensive or sentimentally important items yourself.
  • Be available: Make sure the mover knows how to contact you. If you cannot be reached at destination, the mover may place your shipment in storage to avoid delaying other shipments and that could mean additional charges for storage and handling.
  • Get it in writing: Items such as delivery dates, the mover’s responsibility for loss of damage, estimate, payment method, etc. should be in writing. Don’t sign any paperwork the movers hand you after unloading until you’re sure there’s nothing missing or damaged.
  • Common moving scams: Reputable movers do not require large deposits to “hold the dates” or “ensure prompt service.” They also do not require you to pay in advance. Payment is due on delivery. Reputable companies charge by weight and distance.
  • Got damages? If you notice that a box is damaged at delivery, open it in the mover’s presence and have them confirm the condition of the articles in the box. Note any damage on the inventory form. It will be easier to collect on damage if you discover it with the movers still present.
Read More >>

Top 5 air conditioning tips

Posted: 4/30/2009 2:29:46 PM | 13 comments
Keep your home cool without breaking your budget--or your air conditioner!
  1. To keep air conditioning costs down this summer, don’t place lamps, TV sets, or other heat producing appliances near your thermostat. The thermostat senses the heat causing the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
  2. Each degree you go below 78 increases your energy consumption by about 8 percent
  3. Clean and replace the air conditioner filter frequently. This is especially important during the summer when dust and allergens circulate. If the filter becomes clogged, your system will have to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air. If your air conditioner needs repair, use Angie's List consumer reviews to find a top rated HVAC specialist in your area.
  4. Air conditioners with proper shading can be more efficient. Air in a shaded space is cooler than the surrounding air meaning the AC will have an easier time cooling the air, but keep plants, shrubs, and other landscaping about two to four feet away from your outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow.
  5. When buying new air conditioners, refrigerators or windows, consider energy-efficient versions. They’re usually more expensive but thanks to federal tax credits and competitive prices, the prices are falling, and because they use less energy, you save in the long-run, too.
Read More >>

Does your home have Chinese drywall?

Posted: 4/16/2009 11:17:42 AM | 4 comments
More than 500 million pounds of drywall shipped from China to the United States between 2004 - 2006 contained potentially toxic sulfur compounds. Chinese drywall is believed to be responsible for damaging hundreds of homes, creating possible health problems and prompting a string of lawsuits against builders and drywall manufacturers. Experts believe there was enough of this drywall to build between 50,000 - 100,000 homes.

Some builders have addressed the issue by removing it from affected homes and replacing it with new drywall. However, many other homeowners with reported problems have had no resolution. The majority of known affected homes appear to be in South Florida, but homes in several other states could be at risk.

Studies are still being done to determine possible health issues, but many homeowners are concerned about the potential effects of long-term exposure to the drywall.

Tips to determine if your home has Chinese drywall:
  • Your home was built between 2004-06: There was a shortage of drywall during this period, so more than 500 million pounds was shipped in from China.
  • Your home has a foul smell: Homeowners with Chinese drywall complain of a strong odor of sulfur, or what smells like rotten eggs.
  • You notice metal and copper corroding: Chinese drywall is reported to corrode metal and copper, notably air-conditioning coils and electrical wiring, with a black coating.
  • You identify your drywall as made in China: Some affected drywall will state it is made in China. Other Chinese drywall bears the mark of manufacturers, including Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin, Knauf Gips, and Taishan Gypsum Co.
  • Lennar Corp., Aubuchon Homes, Meritage Homes, Ryland Homes, Standard Pacific Homes, Taylor Morrison and WCI Communities are all builders confirmed to have used drywall imported from China.
Some home inspectors have begun adding drywall testing to their list of available services.
Read More >>

How to get an accurate water bill

Posted: 4/15/2009 11:20:17 AM | 0 comments
Estimated water bills can be a hassle—and you could be paying for water you're not using.

While many utilities don't estimate their bills, some water companies do.

To determine whether your meter is being estimated, check your bill for an "E" or "EST" code. Most billing statements include a list of codes on the back to spell out the meaning of each.

If you notice that you are receiving an estimated water bill, here are five tips to getting an accurate bill:
  1. Contact your water company to determine why your bill was estimated. Ask for an actual reading the next month.
  2. Keep your meter clear of obstructions and keep pets away from your meter.
  3. If you are overcharged for previous estimated readings, you should receive a credit for the difference.
  4. If you are undercharged and receive a bill for the difference, be sure you are charged the correct rates for the dates billed and not the likely higher, current rate.
  5. You can also read your meter yourself. Determine when your next meter read date is, then record all of the numbers on the dial, which reads like an odometer, on that date and track it throughout your billing cycle.  You can then compare your own reading to that provided by your water company.
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How to save on phone and cable bills

Posted: 4/15/2009 11:07:17 AM | 4 comments
Whether you have cable TV, satellite TV, a landline phone or a cellular phone, you can save money by negotiating with your current provider or shopping around for another.

Tips to get a better deal:
  1. Look carefully at your bill.
    • Is it accurate?
    • Are there services you pay for that you rarely or never use?
    • When was the last time you used your home FAX? Are you still paying for it?
    • Are there channels you never watch that you're paying extra for?
  1. Negotiate a better deal.
    • Have an example of a competitor’s lower prices and call the company’s consumer retention department and be prepared to end your contract if you can't get a better deal.
    • Record the name of the person you’re speaking with and note the date and time you called. These details will increase your credibility if you need to follow up later.
    • Before you agree to any deal, ensure the new plan price includes any equipment you need to install.
  1. Ask about bundling packages. If you get your phone, Internet, and television from the same provider you’re likely to get a better price.
    • Ask how much of a discount will you receive if you buy more than one service.
    • Is the rate they're offering only an introductory rate? How long will it last?
    • Is there an installation fee? What kind of equipment is involved?
    • If I don’t want all the features listed with your bundled services plan, will you deduct the amount of those features?
    • Will the installation involved any digging/wiring on my property?
    • Is there a penalty for early cancellation of all the services?
  1. Keeping the deal
    • Check your bill every month to make sure the deal you negotiated doesn’t suddenly disappear.
Read More >>

Lucrative landscaping ideas

Posted: 4/13/2009 9:23:38 AM | 10 comments
A well-designed landscape can improve your property value. Landscaping can add 7 percent to 14 percent to a home’s value. But you want the right landscaping – avoid climbing ivy, it attracts pests.

Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs as much as 25 percent by shading the windows and walls of your home. Plant trees and shrubs on the east and west sides of the house.

Landscaping tips:
  • Annuals die at the end of the growing season and must be replaced the next year. Perennials die at the end of the season too, but re-emerge year after year.
  • Planting seeds is more cost-effective than starting with plants, but not all varieties are hardy enough to survive.
  • Early bedding plants can be planted while it’s still cool. Plants such as pansies, snapdragons, dianthus (pinks), alyssum and dusty miller are tolerant of the chilly spring.
  • Hold off planting new perennials, warm-season annuals and anything that does not tolerated frost until the danger of frost is past.
  • Before you go shopping for plants, consider what kinds of plants you would like to plant. Are you looking for flowers, vegetables, herbs or greenery?
  • Be realistic about your budget. You may not be able to afford it all this month or even this season.
  • Before picking out plants, decide where you want to plant them. Is the area sunny or shaded, or both?
  • If you’re not a big avid gardener, keep in simple with some pretty flowers.
  • Read plant labels. They tell you everything from how far apart to plant, water needs and whether it’s an annual or perennial.
  • Many culinary herbs are easy to grow from seed or from plants. Many can be grown on your back deck or a window box.
  • Prepare and test your soil.
  • Mulch will keep the soil moist and cut down on weeding.
  • Check Angie's List consumer reviews to find the best landscapers in your area.
Choosing a nursery/greenhouse:
  • A well run plant nursery should be clean and tidy with orderly, well-stocked displays.
  • How well are the plants categorized? Plants should be categorized into plants for sun and plants for shade and separated annuals, perennials, etc.
  • Plants should be well watered and cared for, pest and disease-free.
  • Signs should be easy to read and clearly identify each plant. Prices should be marked.
  • There should be an adequate number of sales people to consult with customers and the sales people should be well-informed about the plants they are selling.
Garden Trends:
  • Concerned and heightened awareness for the environment
  • Low maintenance landscapes for busy homeowners
  • Using colorful foliage plants to spruce up monochromatic plantings
  • Plants that attract and feed wildlife
Read More >>

Tips to keep your pets healthy

Posted: 4/8/2009 8:50:48 AM | 5 comments
In a recent nationwide poll of Angie’s List members, 81 percent said they have at least one pet and 51 percent have two or more. The majority of respondents said they are still investing in their pets’ preventative pet care, despite the difficult economic times, with 60 percent spending between $200 and $1,000 last year on their pets’ health and another 18 percent spending more than $1,000.

Highly rated veterinarians discuss the two most common causes of health concerns for household pets.

Weight management 
  • Obesity is as common a problem in household pets as it is in people.  It’s important that you avoid allowing your pet to take in more calories than he or she will burn off per day. Obesity can cause an array of health problems, including cancer. Nearly 40 percent of respondents to the Angie’s List poll say their pet has health issues, and nearly 1 in 4 say their pet is overweight.
  • Seeing the veterinarian at least once per year is an important part of your pet's preventative medicine program. Older pets should be seen more frequently based upon their age and other medical issues.
  • Properly examining and discussing health risks allows your veterinarian to work with you in designing a customized health program for your pet's specific health requirements.
  • Early detection of problems like dental, cardiac, gastrointestinal, orthopedic or behavioral issues allows a greater chance of successfully treating your pet’s health conditions.
Dental Hygiene
  • Open your pet's mouth and examine the teeth and gums for one clue to their overall health. Shiny white teeth, pink healthy gums and fresh breath are major signs of health. Stinky breath, red lines or swellings on the gums and bad breath indicate a need for your veterinarian's assistance.
  • Pet owners can attempt to brush their pets’ teeth themselves on a regular basis, but that should not replace regular dental care by a professional.
  • Bacteria from the mouth because of poor dental health can lead to more serious problems, including significant damage to the organs.
  • Dental health is so important in our pets that veterinary medicine now has specialists who are veterinary dentists, these doctors deal specifically with diseases of the mouth, including teeth, gums, growths/tumors, and bone disease or injury to the mouth.
  • If your pet has dental issues, look for a vet who carries the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. Pet dental cleanings generally require general anesthesia.
Questions to ask your veterinarian before a cleaning:
  • Will a doctor examine my pet's teeth after the dental cleaning?
  • How do you monitor your patients under anesthesia?
  • Have you received training in dentistry in school or after school?
  • Will a doctor be performing any extractions needed?
  • If extractions are needed, will you present me with other options before treating?
  • Does your office have dental x-ray capability?
Read More >>