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Helio Power will be educating us about Solar Power for the Home Remodeling Industry

At this meeting, Helio Power will be educating home remodeling professionals how they can help homeowners reduce or eliminate their electric bill with affordable solar power systems.

Learn about various Governmental Subsidies
The residential Federal Government Solar Incentive

Tax Credit of 30% with no cap makes it the best time ever to purchase a solar electricity system for your home. Including all incentives, you can now save up to 49% on your solar power system, depending on which which utility area you live in.

In California, you could qualify for residential solar financing that enables you to install solar on your home for as little as $0 down.

Learn how you can get trained by the Solar Professionals at Helio University
Helio University solar workshops take you through all the areas of providing solar power to a building. There’s much more to solar than just the installation procedures. There are permits to secure and rebates to file and process. Solar code compliance can be tricky for the new guy, too.

Passing inspection is something you want to do the first time!!

Meeting will held on June 19, 2012 at:

Altera Design Kitchen & Bath, Inc.
1079 Boulevard Way
Walnut Creek, CA 94595

The agenda will be as follows:

6:00pm -7:00pm Networking

7:00pm -7:30pm Chapter Meeting

7:30pm -8:30pm Featured Presentation

8:30pm Adjourn

For more information, contact

Christine Cummings Walters by e-mail at: chapterexec@naridiablovalley.org

Cost to attend:

$35.00 Members early registration(up to 2 days before)

$45.00 Members late registration(2 days before event)

$25.00 first-time Visitors (one time only price)

$45.00 Non-Members early registration

$55.00 Non-Members late registration

For more information, and to register for this event, please visit NARIDiabloValley.org

Or contact us:

David Cook
(707) 342-2820
(925) 335-9099
Email Dave

Chris Cook
(707) 342-3505
Email Chris

Many TV-service providers boast of offering 100 to 150 HD channels, up from barely 20 channels a year or two ago. There’s no agreement on what constitutes a high-definition “channel,” so it’s hard to compare claims. Some providers classify each regional sports network feed as a channel, for example. It’s safe to say that all service providers have been adding more HD channels to remain competitive, but you’ll have to check to see what’s available in your market.

The surge in HD is being driven largely by competition. As Verizon, AT&T, and others roll out fiber-optic networks that can handle TV, voice calls, and Internet access, more consumers have a choice of service providers. The telcos, as the phone companies are called, are expanding fast. Verizon was the top-scoring TV service provider of any type in a recent survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Price, shop & save on cable/satellite plans

If you want to sign up for HD or change providers, consider the following:

Determine what’s available

Cable is accessible in most parts of the country except for some rural regions. About 98 percent of markets are served by a single cable company, so you probably have no choice if you want cable but don’t like your provider. Satellite service is available nationwide from DirecTV and Dish Network, provided you’re able to mount a dish antenna with an unobstructed view of the southern horizon. Fiber-optic availability is still limited, though Verizon and AT&T have been expanding steadily.

Although telco TV has been growing city by city, many states have authorized statewide franchising to speed expansion.

Consider equipment and contracts

Cable service requires no contract, for the most part, and equipment is usually rented. To get high def, you’ll have to rent a high-def box. Monthly fees are typically the same as for standard-def gear: about $5 to $8 for an HD box or DVR, plus $10 to $16 for the DVR programming service.

To get the best deal from a satellite or phone company, you often have to sign a 12-to-24-month service contract, with penalties for early cancellation. To address user concerns about cancellation fees, Verizon has added a month-to-month plan with no penalty for termination, plus a 30-day trial period during which new subscribers can cancel without penalty.

TV providers generally offer discounts on hardware or free equipment when you sign up. Consider how many TVs you want to hook up so you can determine your total equipment costs and programming fees (say, if you want DVR service on multiple sets).

Find a lineup that suits you

Virtually all providers carry the major broadcast networks in HD, plus HD versions of Discovery, ESPN, National Geographic, TNT, and Universal. Many sports channels, regional sports coverage, and sports packages from the NHL and NBA are widely available in HD. Both satellite providers, along with Verizon, Comcast, and many smaller cable companies, carry the NFL Network, with its exclusives on eight league games. If you’re a diehard football fan, DirecTV is still the way to go. It has an exclusive on NFL Sunday Ticket ($289 for about 200 games), plus Sunday Ticket SuperFan, a $99 add-on package that provides extra features, such as eight games on a single screen and game replays without commercials. DirecTV and several cable companies are now carrying the new Major League Baseball (MLB) Channel in HD, which Dish doesn’t offer. Cable has had the edge in video on demand (VOD)—movies and other programs, including high-def ones, that you can order, start, and stop whenever you want to within a 24-hour period. But other services are beginning to catch up. AT&T and Verizon have begun offering HD VOD and are working to expand their offerings. The satellite companies are trying to compete with “quasi” VOD. They download selected programming to your DVR, and you pay for it only if you view it.

Decide on a package

Be realistic about what you’ll watch so that you don’t pay for stations you’ll never tune in. All TV providers charge more for packages with more channels and premium networks. You’ll pay extra for HD service with the satellite companies—$10 a month for DirecTV, $20 a month for Dish. Recently, both satellite providers announced that they’ll start offering some movies in 1080p, though it’s not yet clear whether there will be a noticeable difference in picture quality. Most cable companies don’t add a surcharge for HD programming, but some do. Some HD channels you now get for free will move to optional HD “tiers” you have to pay extra to receive. We’ve generally found only modest price differences among providers for comparable packages. Regardless of provider, expanded basic programming with HD costs about $50 a month. You’ll pay closer to $75 for a fuller lineup including HD, and $100 or more for a package loaded with every available channel, including HD and premium channels such as HBO and Showtime. Don’t place too much weight on the sheer number of HD channels a service offers. Chances are that you regularly watch only a handful of channels anyway.

Consider picture and sound quality

Once most TV service providers are able to offer 100 to 150 HD channels, quality could become the most important differentiator among the services. In our survey, Verizon FiOS and satellite subscribers were generally more satisfied than digital-cable customers as a whole with picture and sound. Cable subscribers getting high-def were much more satisfied with picture and sound than those getting only standard-def, but even cable’s high-def picture quality ratings didn’t match scores for Verizon and satellite, which combined high-def and standard-def. Verizon also got top marks for customer service.

Source:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/tvs-services/tvs/tv-buying-advice/tv-guide/television-service/television-service.htm

Meet and Greet with Marcus Madrid’s team of “Strategic Partners”

The Patio and Fireplace
Custom Fireplace and BBQ
Diablo Grill
DH Tile
The Fire House
Limestone Creations
GM&C Concrete and Masonry
Northern Lights Electric

Guaranteed Plumbing works with its clients to provide cost-effective and creative solutions to a variety of plumbing needs. The staff extends attention to detail in each endeavor, whether it is designing and building a large-scale commercial project or changing out a kitchen faucet.  To Guaranteed Plumbing, no job is too big or too small. The company continuously strives to establish new relationships with homeowners and contractors seeking a dependable, economical and experienced plumbing provider.

Marcus Madrid is a second-generation plumber, having learned the trade by working alongside his father since the age of 12. Marcus has been a Bay Area resident for over 30 years.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Meeting will held on May 15, 2012 at:

85 Front St
Danville, CA 94526

The agenda will be as follows:

6:00pm -7:00pm      Networking

7:00pm -7:30pm      Chapter Meeting

7:30pm -8:30pm      Featured Presentation

8:30pm                  Adjourn

For more information, contact

Christine Cummings Walters by e-mail at: chapterexec@naridiablovalley.org

Cost to attend:

$35.00 Members early registration(up to 2 days before)

$45.00 Members late registration(2 days before event)

$25.00 first-time Visitors (one time only price)

$45.00 Non-Members early registration

$55.00 Non-Members late registration

For more information, and to register for this event, please visit NARIDiabloValley.org

Or contact us:

David Cook
(707) 342-2820
(925) 335-9099
Email Dave

Chris Cook
(707) 342-3505
Email Chris

The first thing you need to decide is if it is time to install a new roof. Most asphalt roofs have a life expectancy of 20 years. Newer shingles are touted to last as long as 40 years but history has shown that it has not been the case. While technology has improved, roofing materials and the shingles manufactured today may last longer than 20 years, but 20 years is a good rule of thumb. If there are signs of aging like leaks, loose granular particles, lifting or curling shingles and you roof is around 20 years old, it’s most likely getting near the time to replace it. These are all signs that it is time to call a professional roofing contractor to perform an evaluation.

A major issue to consider when contemplating a roof replacement project is if the existing roofing needs to be replaced or resurfaced. In years past, the rule of thumb was no more than three layers. Today building codes, allow no more than two layers of residential roofing. This means that you must remove the existing roof prior to the installation of a new roof if your home has two or more layers. There is another consideration; if there is only one layer and the existing shingles would adversely affect the performance of the second layer, it should be removed. The two most common conditions which occur to cause this to happen are when the existing roofing is so deteriorated and curled that the new layer would not have a flat surface to be installed on. The second would be if your existing roof shingles are very thick and therefore would not serve as a flat surface. The reason for this is that asphalt shingles will overtime, confirm to the surface that they are installed over. So if your roof is not flat the new roof will bend to that shape.

Which shingle should you choose? Today there are many, many shingles to choose from. Your choices range from the standard three-tab shingles to architectural shingles that give a dimensional look to the specialty shingle and give your home a custom look. This decision can add from several hundred to several thousand dollars to the cost of the project. The only shingle you might consider staying away from is the 20-year three-tab shingle. You should understand that whether you have a 25-year shingle or the top of the line “lifetime” shingles installed, they should all perform (keep your home dry) the same. What you are paying for with the higher end shingles is a different look. If you have not considered the higher end shingle, I would offer this advice; the decision is not whether to do the job or not, it’s whether to spend the additional money for the more expensive shingle. On most homes the roof is a very visible part of your home and you need to assess whether the increased cost and increased aesthetic appeal of your home is worth it. You need to decide if the added cost is worth the more attractive look.

Ultimately your roofing project experience hinges on hiring the right contractor. While there are no guarantees that your experience will be a positive one, there are steps you can take to dramatically increase the odds that you have hired a quality contractor.

1. Has the contractor been in the business a minimum of 10 years? How many times have you heard “When I called him to come back for a problem he had gone out of business?”
2.  Confirm that the contractor is licensed in your county.
3. Does the contractor have BOTH liability and workers compensations insurance? The company should have a minimum of $2,000,000.00 of liability insurance and workers compensation on ALL workers (including owners). Have the insurance company send you an “Accord Form.” This is a written verification by the insurance company. It costs the contractor nothing and should be sent to you directly form the insurance company.
4. Does the contractor operate the business from an office with staff there to answer phones five days a week, 9 to 5? This shows an established business, which you can reach during business hours, should you have a question or problem (a cell phone is not an office).
5. Did the contractor go on the roof to perform and inspection (can an auto mechanic evaluate a car’s problem with out starting the car and opening the hood)? Did the contractor gain access to you attic to evaluate ventilation?
6. Did the contractor give a written estimate listing all materials, a detailed scope of work, a written guarantee, and a payment schedule?
7. Payments: 10% deposit (never any more), balance upon completion (100% completion). If some part of the project is delayed (installation of gutters) hold two times the amount until it’s complete. This should not be negotiated.
8. Did they show up on time for the estimate?
9. Ask for several recommendations.

If you follow these nine steps, you will dramatically increase the odds of hiring a quality contractor and experiencing a problem-free job.

Resource:
http://roofservices.com/Home/RoofingBlog/tabid/150/entryid/34/9-Things-to-Know-Before-Replacing-Your-Roof.aspx

The first basic tip to keep in mind is that the floor should be kept as clean as possible at all times. Dust and dirt particles remaining on the wood is a sure way to slowly destroy the surface of a hardwood floor. This is because dirt can scratch the polished exterior of the floor as a result of foot traffic. The best way to clean up dust and dirt is by using a fine broom. If possible do not use a wheeled vacuum cleaner. This is because the wheels of the vacuum cleaner can scratch the wood. Sweep the floors at least every alternative day. When vacuuming, it is important to use a soft vacuum brush. Vacuuming should be done once a week.

The next tip has more to do with preventing damage to the floor. This involves using synthetic mats at the entrance point of the house. This is an excellent way to collect any residual dirt from people’s shoes. There is a wide choice of mats available today and finding one that suits the interiors of the house should not be difficult. Last but not least make sure the mats do not have adhesive or abrasive coated bottom.

Hardwood floors should never be cleaned with water. Using water is a sure way to destroy the wood in the long run, no matter what type of wood it is. Wood floor cleaning products are available in most supermarkets. When using one of these spray the floor and then wipe it with a cotton cloth. The cloth should be as soft as possible. These days more and more people are opting for polyurethane finish as opposed to waxed finish. Each type of finish will have a specific way to clean it properly.

Stains are the biggest enemy of hardwood floors. And at some point the floors will get stained no matter what. Somebody will eventually drop something on the floor that will cause stains. Having to deal with stains is one of the drawbacks of having a hardwood floor. The best way to deal with difficult stains is by using rubbing alcohol and fine steel wool. When this is done it will leave a mark on the wood. The last step is to do a polish job to make the wood look normal again.

Many people cover the portions where most of the foot traffic happens with carpeting. However, this is a matter of personal taste. Some see this as defeating the purpose of having hardwood floors in the first place. If carpets are used then it will retain the original luster of the wood for a long time.

IF there are any maintenance issues always consult with experienced professionals. Even if there is no visible damage to the floors having a professional look at it once every couple of years is a good idea. A trained and experienced eye will be able to detect any problems with the floor that you may miss. This also includes if you decide to polish the floor and give it a new finish. They will suggest the best polish to use on the floors.

Source:
http://www.msoly.org/hardwood-floor-maintenance-tips.php

On the other hand low volume can be specific to an individual plumbing fixture or through out the entire plumbing system. 

If both hot and cold water are affected in only some of the faucets, probably the aerator is congested with rust and corrosion. The aerator is located on the end of the faucet spout to introduce air into the water as it come out of the faucet. On newer faucets, it also restricts the water flow.

You should be able to remove the aerator by hand. Disassemble all the parts, being especially careful to lay the parts out in the order they are removed. Clean the rust or corrosion from each part and reassemble in exact order. If that doesn’t work, the problem may be in the faucet or the plumbing system and you should call a plumber, or call us. We can contact our plumbers who we know and trust.

Source:
http://kennedyplumbing.com/tips.htm#Low_Water_Pressure

*Price is for the above mentioned items and finishes only. Client selected upgrades and options as well as existing site conditions may affect final price. An allowance of $300 has been included for required building permits. All work will be done according to local building codes and permits will be procured by contractor. Assumes an existing exhaust fan is present and an existing roof jack is available for fan exhaust. Price includes all labor and materials to remove and replace a standard 8’x5’ bathroom with a tub/shower combination. Bathrooms with showers only will be higher. Requires a site visit by Cook’s Kitchen and Bath, Inc. to verify existing conditions. Offer expires May 31st, 2012.

Instructions
1 Remodel the bath/shower area with a walk-in shower or a tub with a seat; some models are accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. Choose a model with a nonskid surface on the floor and the seat. Include a fixed showerhead, plus a handheld shower with an adjustable height, recommends the National Aging in Place Council.

2 Install a senior-friendly toilet. Sometimes called chair-height toilets, these fixtures make it easier to get up and down.

3 Place grab bars in key locations. Install at least one handrail next to the toilet to provide additional leverage when pulling yourself back to a standing position. Include grab bars in the shower/tub area to provide safety while getting in and out.

4 Lower the bathroom sink to provide easier access. Include knee clearance under the sink for wheelchair users.

5 Enlarge all doors into the bathroom so a senior with a walker or wheelchair can pass through easily. Remove thresholds to eliminate tripping hazards.

Source:
eHow Contributor| updated October 05, 2011
http://www.ehow.com/how_2141939_remodel-bathroom-safe-seniors.html

*Price is for the above mentioned items and finishes only. Client selected upgrades and options as well as existing site conditions may affect final price. An allowance of $300 has been included for required building permits. All work will be done according to local building codes and permits will be procured by contractor. Assumes an existing exhaust fan is present and an existing roof jack is available for fan exhaust. Price includes all labor and materials to remove and replace a standard 8’x5’ bathroom with a tub/shower combination. Bathrooms with showers only will be higher. Requires a site visit by Cook’s Kitchen and Bath, Inc. to verify existing conditions. Offer expires May 31st, 2012.

Below are just a few of the preventative maintenance services that should be done on a regular basis. The homeowner can also take part in protecting their greatest investment.

MONTHLY

• Fire Extinguisher: Check that it’s fully charged; recharge or replace if needed.
• Sink/Tub Stoppers and Drain Holes: Clean out debris.
• Garbage Disposal: Flush with hot water and baking soda.
• Water Softener: Check water softener salt drum and replinish salt if necessary.
• Forced-Air Heating System: Change filters once a month if user’s manual recommends fiberglass filters.

EVERY 2 MONTHS

• Wall Furnace: Clean grills.
• Range Hood: Clean grease filter.

EVERY 3 MONTHS

• Faucet: Clean aerator.
• Tub Drain Assembly: Clean out debris; inspect rubber seal and replace if needed.
• Floor and Outdoor Drain Grates: Clean out debris.

EVERY 6 MONTHS

• Smoke Detector: Test batteries and replace if needed.
• Toilet: Check for leaks and water run-on.
• Interior Caulking: Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks; replace any if it is deteriorating.
• Forced-Air Heating System: Change semi-annually if user’s manual recommends high efficiency pleated or HEPA-style filters.
• Garbage Disposal: Tighten drain connections and fasteners.
• Clothes Washer: Clean water inlet filters; check hoses and replace them if they are leaking.
• Clothes Dryer: Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas.
• Wiring: Check for frayed cords and wires; repair or replace them as needed.
• Range Hood: Wash fan blades and housing.

EVERY SPRING

• Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Clean them out or install no-clean version. Inspect and repair weak areas; check for proper drainage and make repairs if needed.
• Siding: Inspect and clean siding and repair if needed.
• Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
• Windowsills, Doorsills, Thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if needed.
• Window and Door Screens: Clean screening and repair or replace if needed; tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if needed; replace broken, worn, or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.

EVERY FALL

• Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Clean out. Inspect and repair weak points; check for proper slope.
• Chimney or Stovepipe: Clean flue (more frequently if needed); repair any cracks in flue or any loose or crumbling mortar.
• Siding: Inspect and clean siding and repair if needed.
• Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
• Storm Windows and Doors: Replace any cracked or broken glass; tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if needed. Replace damaged hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
• Window and Door Weather Stripping: Inspect and repair or replace if it is deteriorating or if it does not seal.
• Thermostat: Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts; check accuracy and replace thermostat if it is not functioning properly.
• Outdoor Faucets: If you live in an area with freezing winters, shut off valves to outdoor faucets. Open spigots and drain, store hoses.

ANNUALLY

• Septic Tank: Have a professional check the tank (watch for backup throughout the year). In many areas, it is recommended that the tank be pumped every year.
• Main Cleanout Drain: Have a “rooter” professional clean out the main line, particularly if there are mature trees in your yard whose roots could have cracked the pipe in their search for moisture.
• Water Heater: Drain water until it is clear of sediment; test temperature pressure relief valve; clean burner and ports (gas heater).
• HVAC System: Have a professional tune up your heat/air conditioning system.