How much do I charge for painting and repairs?

Q. I am looking in to doing some interior home painting jobs. I am not sure what to charge? Do you base it on the size of the rooms? How and what do I charge? How much should I charge for small repairs, putting in a new faucet, new fan?

A. Whether you bid the job or do T&M (time & material) you have to figure out what you are willing to work per hour. This may not be what you are worth per hour, as competition, location and economic times sometimes dictate terms.

The easiest solution I recommend to people in your situation, is to look over each aspect of the individual job (fan instillation, painting, etc) determine how much time it will take to complete each job from start to finish â¦â¦then double the time âyou thinkâ it will take. It may seem excessive, but it is a simple formula that has proven itself time and again.
There are many variables that go into bidding a jobâ¦â¦ but using this formula should assure you of being within the market range of a bid.
Whatever you determine your hourly at, plus material (and any mark up you put on material) would be your estimated price (and donât forget to figure any time spent at the store)

Having a home painted on the outside?

Q. When having your home professionally painted ( I assume with a gun ) how far can the fine mist travel? I realize there are varying factors, but am looking for a generalized answer. Typically how many feet?

Thanks
Alyssa - worthless!

A. Painters will take every precaution from overspray as they are responsible and accountable.

On a windy day I have seen overspray from soffits go over buildings and mist coat cars some 100 feet away.
A little heads up⦠and question to ask your painters. Ask them if they back roll when they spray.
This is something I require from all the painting contractors when doing homes, it extends the longevity of the job; although not as much so when shooting a nonporous job

How Do I get home owners to hire me to paint their homes? As a home owner, would door to door sales, work?

Q. I run a small home painting business in the East Bay of San Francisco. I use C.L. , its free and seems to work, I dont trust the yelllow pages, am I wrong? How do and would you hire a house painter.

Yellowpages?
Online Postings
Google ads?
Door to door
Flyers or doorhangers?
Guy with white overalls at aint store?

Tell me how you hire your paint.

A. I would place my advertisement every were I could that my budget allowed. Even door to door. If your nice and professional looking and can talk good you could pull it off. Yellow pages are a good source.

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What kind of gun is not lethal but can stun/immobilise a victim? (specifically i'm thinking of home security)

Q. It is specifically meant for personal and home safety. Should not be lethal - hence free from hassles of licensing but have power to stun or immobilise victims; it should be simple and cost-effective enough to make, preferably on our own; it may use chemicals, minor explosives or electronic devices etc but should not be dangerous to keep it; also handy enough to carry around
It should have a reach of at least 30 meters.

A. The very first thing that you need to think about is your safety and the safety of the others in the house that you live in. That also includes any small children that may get a hold of such a thing.Then why non-lethal? Because you would rather not kill a person, if that is your view I completely respect that, or is it the permit issue? Tazers and other non lethal devices can kill or seriously injure a child as easy as a gun. You will need to think about where to store it, how easy it will be for you to get to it, and how effective it will be. They make guns that shoot rubber bullets, or nets that are very effective, but they cost a lot. The cheapest and most reliable device you could use is a 12 gage shotgun. Typically there is no permit issues because they are primarily used for hunting. You can get them with shorter stocks and barrels so they are easier to maneuver in your home. Remember what ever is dangerous to intruders is dangerous to you. If this device is not strong enough to keep them under control until help comes then you only have an angry, injured, criminal which is not a good thing to have in your house.

What are some questions I can ask about in home enviromental safety?

Q. I'm doing a video project for my mass media class. I will be intereview people and asking them questions. I need 2 more questions to ask concering about in home enviromental safety? can someone help me out please?

A. Is the house ventilated? This could be a clue for Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do you notice any strange smells when you've been gone for a few days? Could be mold.
What kind of cleaners do you use? Some are quite toxic or caustic.
When was the house built? Older homes may have asbestos insulation or lead based paints.
Do you have pets or children? Both can leave little messes if they have accidents.

Do most youngsters get adequate guidance and discipline training from their parents?

Q. Esp on home-safety, fire-safety, vehicle-safety and other aspects of safety? Isn't this the right time for more family bonding and to nurture kids properly, for a better tomorrow?

Your valuable comments would be much appreciated!

A. From where I am, parents teach, guide and discipline youngsters on the basics of safety, good behavior and manners. We don't even spare the rod, so to speak, if a child does wrong. But we explain to him why he is being spanked - not because we love him less but because we want to instill in his young mind the importance of knowing what is right and what is wrong, that there are certain rules to consider and must be obeyed to make him a better person when he grows up and that includes thinking not only for his own self but to consider others as well.

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I am searching for best home contractors in Charlestion South Carolina.?

Q. I am searching for best home contractors in Charleston South Carolina. Can any one give me a good reference.

A. I think gatch builders will be good for you. They can help you. http://www.gatchbuilders.com

How do I find an apprenticeship for a general contractor.?

Q. I want to be a home contractor though. Build houses and such. I have looked and craigslist and searched the web, but I guess perhaps the best thing would to be contact other companies who build homes and see if they have any entry positions? also What kind of schooling is required to be a general contractor, I want to eventually be in the supervisory position once Ive learned everything.

A. 1. You should possess a degree or basic qualification in construction, civil engineering or related subjects.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Basic-Qualifications-of-a-General-Contractor&id=5393201

2. You should approach a construction company for apprenticeship.

.

Is it legal for a home improvement contractor to walk off the job?

Q. We hired a home improvement contractor for a major landscaping job. He completed about 80% of the work but then disappeared. Right before he disappeared, he asked if we minded paying him for the work he already completed. He seemed nice so we agreed. Then, he vanished, even though he signed a contract with us saying that he was supposed to do our driveway (which he didn't -- and now it is near winter and we have no driveway). Can he legally do this? (walk off a job even though the work in the contract is incomplete)

A. Never Pay until the job is DONE.

Never

No matter HOW NICE he seems.

Of course if he is contractually obligated to finish the job - but Now YOU have got to compel him to do it. (and you've lost hour hammer)

(no pun on the contracting thing)

It will probably be cost effective to hire someone to finish the job... and consider this a lesson learned.

I assume you've called him to ask "what's up"? And I also assume he's UNAVAILABLE, right?

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How do I make a homemade composting bin?

Q. I've looked at composting bins online and the prices are steep for a a house of college students, ranging from 150-200$. I was wondering if anyone knew how to construct one for a lesser cost.
A slat wood built bin?, Can one just be made out of a large rubbermaid bin? Other ideas?

A. Good Evening ShyGirl,


I was always to poor to know any other way. I have been gardening for 60 years. I don't know why people love to spend so much money on gardens. I use nothing but natural ingredients. I use no chemicals or pestcides. I think people forget they eat whatever they put on their plants or in the soil. My garden is 20x20 ft, and I have nine (9) rare fruit trees. You see why I have two 55 gal compost drums.

You sound like you need help on making a good compost bin. Since you are new at compost, it may be easier for you to start with a plastic bin. A 32 gal is just find.

Make sure your bin is away from the house. Compost bins will give off odors. Cut out the bottom and add holes around the sides. You must vent the sides. Place four inch bricks shaped like the letter "I_I" or V" on the ground. Place your bin on the top of the bricks. You can shovel compost out of the open end of the bricks when your compost is ready.

Layer in your soil, your vegetable and grass cuttings, dead plants, egg shells, and coffee grounds. I do not use other materials because they can draw mice, and the smell is bad. Never use meat or cooking oils. I mix my compost with chicken manure. Chicken manure is by far the best. Therefore add chicken manure every (about 2 cups) few inches. Keep the mixture lightly moist. You will never buy soil again. A 1cu. ft. of chicken fertilizer will cost about $4. The plastic can will cost about $20.

Do not use wood of any type. Wood will draw termites in the summer in certain areas of the country. It does not take them to long to find wood and dirt. I hope I helped. Good luck to you and your family, from Los Angeles.

Anyone know the name of that one popular pastrami place in Vegas?

Q. Last time I was in Vegas was in 1995. There was a small food place, no drive thru, order at a window, long wood building, a few eating tables outside. The line was always super long, and they were famous for making people so full, it would be rare to see a person eat there twice in one day. Their sandwiches were soooo good, and I think they only had one location. I was wondering if anyone knows the name of it, and if it's still around?

A. Sammy's L.A. Pastrami ! Delish!

4035 S Decatur Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89103

(702) 644-8747
www.sammysdogs.com

Where can I buy sustainable wood lumber for restoration renovation, I do custom woodworking in PA, NJ area?

Q. Where can I buy sustainable wood lumber for restoration renovation, I do custom woodworking in PA, NJ area?
I am looking for old growth lumber, high quality timber, virgin wood reclaimed wood. I am in the Philadelphia manayunk area wood building trades. I do wood working, a number of projects right now are unique pieces, i am trying to stay with using old character antique lumber. My passion is for beautifully aged beams timber with outstanding patina and rich colors. Anywhere in Southeast Pa or NJ will do? I only use antique reclaimed beams from locally knocked down buildings. I like the raw wood beautiful timbers and handcraft it into wood furniture and custom woodworking.

A. Try us Atlas Wood Products in Phila Pa.
215-843-0313
Ask for me Nick Sucic "wood man" for a discount.
someone said to us "your a great source for all types of reclaimed wood. i tell my friend how nice and helpful you guys are"
we might have the largest selection of different used reclaimed wood in Phila,Pa.
Located in North Philadelphia near Manayunk.
Our wood is from the Philadelphia's area.
215-843-0313
Atlas Wood Products
2101 w lippincott ave Phila, Pa 19132
try us first or last for a great price and friendly service.
We think we are the only green woodworkers under roof, exclusively offering a huge selection of completely different selection of material for sustainable lumber uses reused lumber, compared to anyone else for restoration renovation, custom wood working in southeast PA. We do wooden furniture repair, rustic wooden tables wood benches, wood bar stools, millwork planing, large bandsaw resawing sanding surfacing etc.
Source(s):
Atlas Wood Products 215-843-0313 phila pa
http://woodrecycling.me/about/ look at our first blog

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How do you keep your home smelling good?

Q. I am always going into homes where everything smells so fresh and even sweet, what do you use to keep your home and linen smelling so good and long lasting?

A. Dryer sheets, lysol, and carpet powder are your best friends. Potpourri and candles do good to mask the smell, but that's not what you want. It's artificial. It's nice for a scent, but it's not a clean smell, really.

After cleaning, sprinkle some scented carpet powder on the floor and let it set for a couple of minutes, then vacuum it up. The scent remaining is very faint and fresh. Put a dryer sheet between your linen to keep them fresh smelling. You can also stick a bar of soap or dryer sheet in your closets to keep them fresh smelling. You can even rub a dryer sheet over your furniture (test it first) to give a nice scent AND reduce any static cling. Dryer sheets also clean and de-static-ify (LOL) tv and computer screens. AAAANNNDDD you can put a dryer sheet wedged or taped into an air conditioning vent in every room to spread the fresh scent around. No one will even know it's there.

How can I keep my dog off the furniture?

Q. she is a 5 year old lab and she won't do it when we're home but the minute we leave she makes herself at home! I've tried laying kitchen chairs on the couch but she just knocks them off!

A. This is an issue of obedience. Do NOT spank the dog as another person suggested. This does nothing and may hurt your relationship with the dog more than help. Plus, it is cruel and unnecessary. All it does is show that you are NOT in control.

Your dog has learned that she is barred from the furniture as long as you are there. Once you are gone, it's free game. That's because in her mind, she recognizes the "command" to stay off the furniture being associated with your presence.

Here's a trick to use - and it will take a bit of patience and a few tries, but may work well. Get a can (soda can is fine) and place about 20 pennies in it. Seal the can well. Then leave the area (room or house) in such a way that she thinks she can now go on the furniture, but stay within site of both her and the couch (you may need to trick her or use another person). As soon as she leaps on the couch (or starts to get on the couch), toss the can right at her feet. Do NOT hit her with the can. The goal is to scare her. After she leaps up frightened, walk into the room with a open arms, warm smile and comfortingly say, "come here girl - oh you poor thing, it's scary on that bad couch, isn't it?" What you are trying to do is make it seem like the couch is the one "barking" at her to get off, not you. She will associate going on the couch as "bad" and listening to you as good. As I wrote, she associates the "off" command with you. You want her to associate the command with the couch. So if she sees the couch, she remembers that it "barks" or makes a loud noise when she hops on. So she'll be more likely to stay off the couch.

This is a trick that I was taught by a professional dog trainer (over two decades of professional training) and one that I currently employ. If your dog is responsive to that can, it could be used for a variety of training issues. Do NOT shake the can as a rattle. Just give it one harsh shake - as if you just gave one loud "bark". So if she jumps on a person, shake the can once at her and say "down" or "off". This is just one example of how it can be used. Alpha dogs in the wild will give tiny nips at the neck and one loud bark to control the other dogs in the pack. This is even true for a group of dogs at play (when one will become the alpha). The goal is for YOU to become the alpha dog and then teach her "manners", like not jumping, not barking and staying off the couch.

Good luck!

What is the best vaccum or comercial vac for big home?

Q. I have a 3500sqft. home. We need a new vaccum the one we have is not doing it. We have a Hoover windtunnel. It does not perform well even when maintained. I have had a dyson in past and don't like the suction on that either. I would love a commercial vac with the best suction. Please help I have shaft carpet, hardwood, tile and stairs.

A. Print this articleDyson DC14 All-Floors Cyclone Upright
The Dyson DC14 All-Floors Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed for use on all surfaces. It features a motorized brush bar that when activated removes dirt and pet hair from carpets. This function can be switched off to protect fine rugs or delicate flooring surfaces. The vacuum cleaner uses Dyson's Root Cyclone technology to ensure that there is no loss of suction. The Cyclone has a long telescopic wand to clean areas that are hard to reach. Dyson upright vacuums are certified asthma friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.

Electrolux EL 7020B Oxy3 Ultra Canister
The Electrolux EL 7020B Oxy3 Ultra Canister Vacuum cleans traditional carpeted, hardwood and laminate flooring. The vacuum cleaner features a Beta power head option that increases power on carpets. The Optimal light informs the user about the performance level of the Oxy3 Canister. Electrolux guarantees that the Oxy3 captures 99.97 percent of the dust, allergens and small particles in a home. A simple cord rewind function at the touch of a button is a user-friendly addition.



produtools.comHoover 5507-900 Elite Rewind Upright Bagless
The Hoover 5507-900 Elite Rewind Upright Bagless vacuum cleaner is powered by a 12-amp motor. A lifetime HEPA filter is included, and a light indicates when it requires cleaning. The vacuum cleaner covers all surfaces and cleans wide strips. The vacuum features a headlight and furniture guard. Each Hoover vacuum includes a pet-hair removal tool, a dusting brush and an upholstery tool.

Kenmore Progressive 36932 Upright
The Kenmore Progressive 36932 Upright Vacuum Cleaner is bagless and designed to clean many surfaces, such as carpets, bare floors and rugs. The vacuum cleaner features a rotating brush roll that moves the vacuum across the floor. It also works well with tools, which are necessary when cleaning stairs, drapes and upholstery. Another feature is the Inteli-Clean lights, which change color to indicate when an area is completely clean.

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How much does a professional home exterior and interior paint sprayer cost?

Q. I am about to buy a professional paint sprayer that paints I can use to paint houses. I will be doing interior and exterior paint jobs. Thanks for the help.

A. My graco gas powered sprayer was $5000, no electric required, very nice to have. A good tall boy electric from graco or titan should be about $ 2000 - 3000 based on volume of paint you will. E using per job. You can get an ok (just ok) unit for about 1200. DONT GET A CHEAP SPRAYER OR SPRAY GUN. Make sure gun is rebuildable.

Is there any way to seal brick on your homes exterior?

Q. My house is in need of help. I have a sandy textured brick on the exterior (about 30 years old). The brick seems to have lost its coating and is crumbling off and spaulding out. It gets especially worse during the winter as it freezes and thaws. Is there any product that I could spray on the brick to seal it and stop this?
Thank you for all of your responses. I found more info on the net. Cosmo, you were right about the mortor tuck. Without that done first, trying to seal the brick won't do a thing. I'm having a mason look at it and quote me. I dont want to paint the brick, even though it probly is the longest lasting solution, and my wife is dead set against it. So it looks like Im going to get the mortor joints right first, and then apply the Behr sealer.

A. I am afraid your bricks may be too far gone for a sealer. Thompson's would be one step better than water and, in my opinion would be a waste of good money and even more valuable time.

Your home must be pretty old to have this ocuring. If your brick is to the point of crumbling, I think you are past the point of help for anything that can be applied with a brush or a spray gun. I would consult a mason. Perhaps the damage you are seeing is more cosmetic than structural. A mason may suggest a mortar tuck. This is where you dig out any loose mortar and replace it with new. Its a big job, but at some point in any stone building, it is necessary.

I don't want to alarm you, as your brick is still likely to outlast you.

Where can I get an exterior people door that already has a doggy door installed in it?

Q. I already installed a doggy door in my brand new home's exterior and it leaks to inside the house when it rains - despite caulking it! I'd rather just buy pre-fab one next time.

A. if your home has a sliding door you can buy 1 on these

http://www.petdoors.com/panel_pet_door_info.htm

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What are you the best interior paints, and do you think that brands like Farrow & Ball are worth the price?

Q. As an artist, I've learned that sometimes expensive paints are worth the money because of the exceptional quality, and others are a rip off. I'm guessing the same is true with interior paints for your house. My mom is obsessed with Farrow & Ball, but to me it's absurd to pay more than $90 a gallon for paint. They have very limited color options, too.

A. Farrow and ball only do paints that are period colours (georgian, victorian etc..), and you can choose from lots of different finishes. But personally, i don't think that it makes a blind bit of difference! I would much rather spend my money on some fabulous feature wallpaper, or a nice sofa than on paint, which nobody is going to pay the slightest bit of attention to. Nobody compliments your paint, no matter how expensive it is! I think that if you are trying to create a victorian house, with every detail spot on and correct, then maybe, just maybe, its worth it. Otherwise i wouldn't bother!

What is the best interior paint for resale?

Q. Okay. I am going crazy trying to find the right interior paint color for resale. I eventually want to sell my condo and I want the best color. Has anybody used Restoration Hardware's Latte and do you like it? Please give me your favorite neutral paint color or maybe a link to a website that has great suggestions. Brands and specific colors please. Not just "beige". LOL. Thank you!

A. I think you have the right idea. Any soothing neutral earth tone is going to please the eyes well. As long as you have coordinating furniture and accents done correctly. Staging is just as important as color when you sell. We can all give you a color that will work, but so will the latte.

Can a half of a can of interior paint that is out in the garage during freezing weather be used again?

Q. I started a project a month ago to paint some interior walls but I got too busy to finish, can I continue with interior paint that has been sitting in our garage in below freezing temperatures to work again? I was wondering if I need to go buy another can of the same paint instead of messing up and taking a risk of using what I have already started to uset. Can anyone help me before I begin the project again. HELP!
Just FYI...the paint is water based. Hope that helps when answering the question. Thanks! :)

A. There is no "set" answer to this, as paint comes in a vast number of chemical combinations, and it depends on the paint you have.

A very broad answer is that some water-based paints will not survive. Others will survive, but may dry with a flaky or loose finish when applied. Some will work nearly, or fully, as well as before.

Oil-based paints are harder to predict. The solvents will be undamaged, but the solids may congeal and become useless.

All you can do is to slowly thaw your paint indoors, (do NOT apply any heat to speed it up,) then try to mix it. If it mixes well, try it on a spare piece of material and let it dry for a few days, then examine it and rub it with a coarse cloth to test its staying ability.

Note

Once it is fully dry, compare the newly-painted piece with whatever you painted before, as the frozen paint may have acquired a colour shift.

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