Sunday, May 5, 2013

Is there an danger in keeping your furniture in storage?

Q. I'm moving out in a few weeks to go live with my Mom while I save up some money to get an apartment. While I'm living with her I was thinking of getting a storage unit to keep furniture I buy while I live with my mom, so when I move out I'll have furniture for my apartment. Is there any danger in keeping nice new furniture in a storage unit? Specifically in Florida.

A. Only if you put it in a climate controlled storage facility. Otherwise the extreme heat in summer and cold in winter will damage your things. Honestly it would be best if you wait to see what kind of apartment you will be renting before buying anything. The size of the space and the degree of difficulty in getting your furniture in should be the determinant on what you buy. Otherwise you can wind up buying oversized pieces that will not fit and you will feel cramped. So put your money for furniture into a savings and wait to see where you will be living before buying.

How often does furniture inventory turnover at a large retailer?
Q. We've found furniture that we like but aren't moving into our new house for about 6-8 months as it is being built. We don't have any room to put new furniture but don't want it to be gone/discontinued by the time we need to buy it.

A. It depends. Some retailers sell "open stock" They order furniture, often by the container load, and sell it when it comes in. When it's gone, it's gone and they may or may not order more of the same or even keep the same manufacturer.

Others sell a manufacturer's line and will have display models and inventory or order things just like it as sold. They will continue to sell as long as the manufacturer makes that model and/or they have some in inventory.

Others are "made to order" particularly upholstered furniture. You pick out the style and the fabric (sometimes from 1000s of options). As long as the fabric is available (average lifespan 3-5 years) they will make it for you.

The other thing to do is just ask the retailer. They may know if the style is being discontinued soon. If so, you can buy it and have them hold it for you until you are ready. This may involve a storage or warehousing charge. Or you can put down a deposit and have them let you know if this is happening during the time you're waiting.

How would I clean a Leather couch that has been in storage for a long time?
Q. the couch is blue leather and has been in storage for quite a while and is covered in dust/dirt. I have found products to condition leather and read NOT to use soap and water... any suggestions for cleaning and wiping the couch down prior to conditioning?? Please help

A. You need to use a good quality water based foam leather cleaner.
DO NOT use anything containing oils, waxes or silicones. (Most 'conditioners' contain waxes or oils so should not be used) and furniture polish (Pledge etc)contains silicones which will destroy the finish on the leather.

BABY WIPES are the worst thing you can use as they will destroy the finish on your leather. They are very strong alkiline cleaners to neutralise urine (acid) on babys skin so they are not the right thing to use on leather.

Saddle soap is too harsh to use on todays furniture.

A lot of leather wipes contain chemicals which will also destroy the finish or leave residues on the leather which will damage it. They are not cheap in the long run as you would need a lot to clean a whole leather sofa. A bottle of foam cleaner should do your furniture 1-2 times.

Fairy liquid contains more salt these days to get dishes clean and this will break the finish down on your leather. This has been verified by the manufacturers (as with the baby wipes).

You should also follow cleaning with a good water based leather protector which will act like a 'scotchgard' and inhibit dirt and stains from being absorbed and make cleaning easier the next time.

Dry leather needs rehydrating with water and oils and waxes should not be used as the natural oils do not dry out of leather. Wiping over with a damp cloth regularly will help to do this.

It is important to maintain a regular cleaning regime cleaning dirt off the surface regularly and inhibiting the absorption of body oils into the leather with a protector is the best way of doing this.

The alternative is a brand new product on the market called Lazy Leather. This is the latest technology in cleaning and combines an effective cleaner with a protector. It is quick and easy to use and should be used as a maintenance product once your suite has been cleaned or from new if you have just bought it.

f you clean and protect your leather properly there is no need to cover them, leather is the most hard wearing 'fabric' there is.

Using household products may appear to work but will in the long run deteriorate the leather finish quicker and it may tehn be impossible to restore. May seem cheaper to use products from the supermarket but if they do not work or damage the leather then it is a short sighted saving.

Source(s):

http://www.LTTsolutions.net
Leather care consultants to the furniture and cleaning industries




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Where can i get pottery barn kids coupons or discount codes?

Q. My nephew is 6 years old.I want to buy a pottery barn kids furniture for him .I want to get some coupons to save some money.so how can i get it?thank you

A. I think pottery barn kids is very beautiful. i also like it very much. i got some pottery barn kids coupon from the following site,i hope it is useful for you.

Where can I find a kids night stand sports locker at a reasonable price?
Q. The only place that I can find it is fantasytoyland.com and it is 160.00 and that is a little ridiculous for kids bedroom furniture.

A. i purchased two of them through a cataloge called hold everything if discontuied try sports authority

Can you refer someone in Mumbai who can repaint my Godrej Steel almrah artistically in patterns?
Q. I have a beautiful godrej almirah which i got as a part of kids furniture set. The colours dont match with my interiors and so I want them repainted professionally in some artistic patterns.

A. Check this link for a list of Art Colleges in Mumbai:
http://mumbaieducation.net/EducationProfile/Colleges/Art/

I would start there as you could make contact with one of the instructors and get a good reference for a paint artist. You may also get a good price.




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Can anyone estimate how much it costs to finish an attic? About 1200 sq ft.?

Q. The attic is unfinished, not fully insulated, unwired, unventilated... but quite large - with floor finished covered. A couple of windows, maybe 8 feet in the center, but fairly steep roof with rafters. Decent staircase up - but would also need a spiral or other additional staircase. Bathroom upstairs would be bonus, but not required. Any estimates? Anyone have anything similar done?

A. with wiring, insulating, ventilation, finishing windows and trim, hanging sheetrock and finishing drywall and painting, and carpet you are probably looking at twenty thousand or so.

How can I get paint off of hardwood floors?
Q. We had a friend paint our house and now I have paint specs (like overspray) all over my newly refinished hardwood floors. How can remove the paint withour harming the floors finish?

A. First of all, do not use goof-off on your hardwoods, it will void the warranty and it smells. Secondly, water is the only thing necessary to remove latex based paint. Use a soft cloth and your fingernail. DO NOT use a butter knife or other implement which may scratch the floor. Be sure to dry the floor completely when finished.

How much does it cost to finish an attic?
Q. Okay so it doesn't need heating, air, or plumbing. It already has electricity. It already has stairs going up to it. I just want it insulated, drywall up, flooring finished (the ply wood stops about 3 deet from the edge on 2 sides.), and maybe a closet put in.

A. Depends on how large it is and to a lesser extent what kind of flooring. You can probably get it insulated, drywalled and painted for roughly $4500, maybe a little less if you find an out of work handyman on Craigslist etc. to save on labor or a bit more if it has a high ceiling.

Add another $1200 if the floor only needs to be extended on the boarder with plywood and putting down cheap linoleum or carpet, more for hardwood or tile, or for a mix of these. Add another $1000 if the existing plywood is not sufficient for regular travel, needs to be replaced with some that is thicker.

The rate will also vary based on your location, the only way to get an accurate estimate is to get a contractor to come and make a bid after you've decided the particulars of how it is finished.




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What am I going to need straight away when the babies born?

Q. Ive been looking around target and babyco and Im just not sure of the things that I am going to need straight away and things that can just wait a while.

What will need to be in the babies bedroom?
What are the best toys etc?

PLease save this young oblivious girl :-)

Thanks peeps :-)

A. I'll tell you what not to waste your money on...money is in Australian dollars.

Tommee Tippee (or other brand) sanitiser bins (even if you live in an apartment) (waste of $80)

Avent (or other brand) bottle warmers (waste of $80)

Sterilisers - they take 20 mins to sterilise and boiling on the stove takes 5 mins (waste of $300 dollars in total)

0000 & 000 Formal outing clothes - only buy bonds wondersuits with mitten hands (waste of $500 approximation only)

Hooded baby towels (waste of $60)

Baby bath - (waste of $50)

Any Johnson and Johnson products as they all contain damn mineral oil which is a shocker for baby skin (get Innoxa for babies from chemists) (waste of $100)

Toys (waste of $300 - although we will use them later)
but new stuffed toys except for one teddy are going to Westmead Childrens Hospital

Travel cot (waste of $250) - we don't travel

Baby bag from Big W (waste of $90 - just use a regular bag and buy a thermo for babies bottles only if you need it - if breastfeeding take your breasts with you)

The best cot available from Baby Co - a standard cot would have been sufficient (waste of $1000, greys online has cots for $120 that met the Australian standards)

The best mattress available (standard mattress would be Ok as they move out of their cots pretty fast and much faster if they co-sleep (waste of $200)

Best car seat on the market (at the time was on special for $450) - again standard version perfectly fine.

Basically don't get sucked into the hype like we did to get the very best. The best toys are pots and pans and other items around your house.

You only need about a weeks worth of clothing - particularly if you have a dryer - as they grow out of 000's pretty quickly.



My wife just yelled out to tell you that you will need -

breast pads
cotton wool (she didn't use those sensitive wipes until baby was 4 weeks old and still uses the cotton wool with warm water regularly)
maternity pads (but it's best to get tena lady for incontinence as you'll bleed like your "carking it" for about 2 weeks)
panty liners when it slows down
....she's still yelling out stuff - aren't I regretful of asking her for her advice for you....
atleast 2 silicone dummies (pacifiers/binkys - whatever- for the yanks) and 2 latex ones
Maybe a breast pump if you need help stimulating breasts (shop for them and pick one out to send your support person to buy it only if needed)

HAVE PLENTY OF SLEEP NOW...

oH Bloody Hell now I have to Edit my answer so my wife can tell you to buy

Nappies (diapers) - Huggies are the best - they are green in colour or if on a budget buy the small range from Aldi

Baby cream - Amolin is her favourite

Singlets x 7
Body suits x 7
Jumpsuit x 7
socks and mittens (x 2)

Cetaphil (it's sensitive hypollargenic cleanser and safe for babies - doesn't even sting eyes) - used for absolutely everything - washing hair, cleansing and moisturising faces, bums, you downstairs when your too sore for perfumed soaps)

Okay I'm moving on to the next question before she yells out something else...arrrhhh

Whats the best way to catch mice?
Q. I have tried the humane way, but gave up on that when they moved in to my babies bedroom. Since then i have used 2 different types of poison, glue boards and snap traps. they dont go near the poison and have escaped the glue, and licked the chocolate off the snap trap without setting it off.
Im at the end of my tether, this is a new property and all the flats have been infested with them due to shabby workmanship.
please help me im going out of my mind!

A. Use a mouse trap. Usually, a mouse trap is rectangular in shape and it is made of iron wire mesh. However, u may have to keep a piece of meat or good smelling stuff inside the cage. You will not find blood and flesh splattered. But you will surely find the mouse very much alive and kicking

How do I trade off waking up for the baby with my husband?
Q. We have one baby, 3 bedrooms, and one baby monitor. We have been all sleeping in separate rooms. My husband and I both work and we both seem to be losing a lot of sleep. I am still nursing at night. How do we share the load?

A. If you are still nursing this really makes it difficult... it probably should still be you in the middle of the night unfortunatly. Unless you want to pump and then put it in bottles for him to give to your baby.

That's really the only option right now... or possibly you can do all the getting up and nursing one night and then the next night he could go get the baby - change him/her and bring the baby to you in bed to feed it. then when you're done - he can take the baby back and get him/her back and settled down again. This trading off can work out if you don't want to pump.

good luck. I know what you are feeling :/




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Can you give me information on solar energy?

Q. I would love to use some solar energy in my home. What can you tell me about how much it costs to begin? Is there some sort of federal tax credit? What all do I need to buy (panels, batteries, etc)? Can a homeowner do the installation or must it be done by a professional? Would also appreciate any websites for retailers of solar energy items. Thank you very much for any information.

A. When I was gainfully employed, prior to experiencing the bliss of retirement, I worked for a hardware store that marketed a solar energy system for single family residences.

The cost profile (this stuff is expensive) suggested that, if you planned to live in your home for 19 years post-installation, you would amortize the cost.

There were federal and California state tax credits available at the time, as well as a rebate from Pacific Gas and Electric (primary utility provider in No. Calif.) which produced a net cost near $20K.

You need to determine if your local power company is obligated to buy back surplus power from your solar system first. If they are not legally required to do so, that will make amortization more difficult.

Q. How the electricity is produced by using solar energy?
Q. Please describe in details how do the whole mechanisms work? How it is developed? What apparatus is required? How the solar panel is constructed and how it works? Explain me all questions by using 3d figures or images or video if available. I have no prior knowledge about solar electricity so; please guide me in the easiest way as much as possible; I want to make electricity for my home by using solar energy what should I do? How can I achieve or construct it myself?

A. Solar electric panels are made up of something called silicon, the same thing that makes up sand. There is more silicon on the planet than almost anything else. Even though you can find silicon almost everywhere, making a solar panel is difficult and expensive. The silicon has to be heated to super high temperatures in a big factory, and then formed into very thin wafers.

When sunlight hits a solar panel, it makes electrons in the silicon move around. (Electrons are teeny tiny specks--they?re way too small for us to see, even under a microscope.) The electrons flow through wires that were built into the solar panel. And presto! We have electricity! We can do whatever we want with this electricity, run a calculator, a CD player, or, if we have big enough solar panels, a satellite! [Solar panels are also called photovoltaic panels. "Photo" means light and "voltaic" means electricity.]

http://www.windandsolar.com/nss-folder/pictures/Solar%20Panels%20S%20Wind%20machines%208319%20W%20Sunset%20005.jpg

Before installing solar panels, make sure you are wearing safety goggles. Make sure you have read and understand the manuals for your installation equipment.

Can you give me information on solar energy?
Q. I would love to use some solar energy in my home. What can you tell me about how much it costs to begin? Is there some sort of federal tax credit? What all do I need to buy (panels, batteries, etc)? Can a homeowner do the installation or must it be done by a professional? Would also appreciate any websites for retailers of solar energy items. Thank you very much for any information.

A. When I was gainfully employed, prior to experiencing the bliss of retirement, I worked for a hardware store that marketed a solar energy system for single family residences.

The cost profile (this stuff is expensive) suggested that, if you planned to live in your home for 19 years post-installation, you would amortize the cost.

There were federal and California state tax credits available at the time, as well as a rebate from Pacific Gas and Electric (primary utility provider in No. Calif.) which produced a net cost near $20K.

You need to determine if your local power company is obligated to buy back surplus power from your solar system first. If they are not legally required to do so, that will make amortization more difficult.

I came accross a new, proven and tested home made wind power system and solar power system which eliminates our electricity bills. It was written by a Renewable energy enthusiasts Michael Harvey the diy called Earth4energy. You can get your copy to save energy and help environment while eliminating your power bills. Get it from here:

http://how-to-build-cheap-solar-energy.blogspot.com/




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How do you hang Christmas lights in your livingroom?

Q. I live in an apartment but my livingroom is kinda big. I don't know the exact size. What I'm really concerned is what can I put on the walls in order to hang the lights? Can I find that product at target? Ps- I live in Los Angeles, Ca in case you don't know what target is.

A. there is a brand called command that has removable hooks in clear plastic

What would I need to build a tall pet gate for blocking livingroom from hallway?
Q. What would I need to build a tall pet gate for blocking livingroom from hallway. My dogs love to see visitorsbut they jump all over them. So I want to build a tall pet gate to block the livingroom for when visitors do come. I am no DIY'er but I want my guests to feel welcome without the slobber and being malested by my dogs. :-)

A. Unless they are larger dogs maybe a pet gate would be suitable, and a lot less trouble and cheaper as well. http://www.overstock.com/Pet-Supplies/Carlson-Lil-Tuffy-Expandable-Pet-Gate/5156686/product.html Good Luck

What paint colour will look best with my livingroom furniture?
Q. I am trying to decide what color to paint my livingroom. I have a black leather couch & love seat, dark walnut floors and teak coffee table. What paint colors will compliments my furniture and floors?

A. I'd like to give you a different idea. On one of the walls in your living room, place a mirror with a kind of designed grill in front like in this picture - http://www.luxuryfurnitureandlighting.com/furniture_images/living/deco/Y02%20sofa-1.jpg

Or paint the walls a light grey colour. see this - http://www.3dm3.com/forum/attachments/f48/14067d1200848748-living-room-interieur.jpg

Since you have dark colour in you living room, try to balance it by painting the walls a very faint yellow or off-white. Or one main red wall and the rest beige colour could also work. You decide. :)




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Can you explain the extensive features of the application of roofing materials?

Q. Can you explain the extensive features of the application of roofing materials? What type of reflective results they can provide?

A. The application of Liquid applied acrylic coatings is rather simple. All that's needed is a paint roller or an airless spray rig. The reflective results are 85% UV reflective. You can purchase these coatings on the web page listed below. The different types of coatings are Benchmark and Rapid Roof.

What is the linear coverage (length) of a roll of double coverage roll roofing material?
Q. How many feet long is a roll of double coverage roofing material?

A. One roll of this product (also called 19" selvedge, duplex, or half-lap roofing) will cover 50 sq ft. Technically speaking, this means the roll is 35' 4" long. The rolls are usually a couple of inches long.

Keep in mind that the material is 36" wide and actually laps 19" -- just a bit more than half, so you only get 17" of coverage per run.

Rolled rubber roofing material, where can I buy it?
Q. I'm looking for a retail dealer in east Texas that sells rolled rubber roofing material at least 8 ft. wide.

A. don't think HD has it. and it is not really a DIY product. i've used it a few times and there are a few special methods you need to know.

try this site, they have someone in texas. i think you want to ask for edpm roofing: http://www.roofingproductsunlimited.com/aboutus.html

try: http://www.gaf.com/General/GAFIntro_MAIN.asp

also try: Modern Building Supply. 31209 State Highway 64. Wills Point, TX 75169 (903) 865-6762 [they're a little east of Dallas]




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