Category Archives: Home and Family

Home and Family

Richard Spanton Jr | Rewards of Dedication | Richard Spanton Jr

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Richard Spanton, Jr. Knows the Rewards of Dedication – By Richard Spanton Jr.

Richard Spanton, Jr. shows that there is no limit to achievement–if you put your mind to it.

Des Moines, IA, August 29, 2009 — Not only has Richard Spanton, Jr. achieved success, but he has done it on many levels. He provides for his family while sustaining his passions. To this day, he cultivates agricultural projects that keep him connected to his childhood. These same projects have also provided him with the inspiration to succeed in other forms of business.

Richard Spanton Jr. started a roofing and siding company called Mastercraft Exteriors in 1996. With dedication, in under two decades, a nationwide vision for this company has been realized. But Richard Spanton, Jr. does not simply measure his success according to Mastercraft Exteriors.  His dedication to family comes first.

Coming from farming roots, Richard Spanton, Jr. maintains an elk farm with his brother Matt and their father, Richard Spanton, Sr. He has also opened up a luxury bed and breakfast located in an orchard with his loving wife Chrissie Spanton. His mother Saundra offers her culinary expertise to the luxury lodging.

Where does Richard Spanton, Jr. find the time and the energy for all of these projects? It is the love he has for and that he receives from his family that motivates him. He says that is the key to his success.

Contact Richard Spanton, Jr. at:

Mastercraft Exteriors

604 Locust Street, Suite 222

Des Moines, IA 50309

877-ROOFS-02 (Toll Free)

www.richardspantonjr.com

Home and Family

Mastercraft Exteriors | National Dedication | Mastercraft Exteriors

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Local Experience and National Dedication Is Found in Mastercraft Exteriors – By Mastercraft Exteriors

Founded by visionary Richard Spanton, Jr., Mastercraft Exteriors is a nationwide leader in roofing, gutters, and siding.

White Bear Lake, MN, August 29, 2009 — During his childhood, Richard Spanton, Jr. was taught many skills of the land. When he wasn’t playing hockey, his father was teaching him the essentials of farming and animal husbandry.

In his adulthood, with a firm grasp of the realities of a life lived off the land, Richard Spanton, Jr. decided that industrial fortification promised a sound financial future. A family man with agricultural roots, Mastercraft Exteriors is his full-service home exteriors company.

Richard Spanton, Jr. founded Mastercraft Exeriors in 1996.  He had seen firsthand the damage and anxiety inflicted upon his neighbors by extreme weather conditions. He wanted to help those members of his community by being a contractor they could trust.

“We want to provide you with a long lasting professional relationship,” says Mastercraft Exteriors founder, Richard Spanton, Jr. “A relationship that gives you a sense of comfort when your job is finished.”

Since those early shop days, the Mastercraft Exteriors enterprise has grown into a nationwide operation. Whether it’s a ferocious Midwest storm or a coastal hurricane that has damaged the exterior of your home, call Mastercraft Exteriors at their toll free number to get it fixed. They’ll even help you negotiate with your insurance company.

Contact:

Mastercraft Exteriors

2340 Country Road J

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

877-ROOFS-02 (Toll Free)

763-315-0040

www.mastercraftexteriors.com

Home and Family

Brian Weinstock | Rehabilitation Communication | Brian Weinstock

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Rehabilitation Communication – By Brian Weinstock

When remodeling your home, Home Installation Professionals urge you to tap into one of your most basic human skills – communication.

When renovating your home, you’re a most valuable asset. So don’t risk disappointment by not speaking your mind.  Consistently communicate with your contractor.  Brian Weinstock, a prominent name in the field, urges homeowners to establish a rapport with their contractor.  Set expectations together, review your plan often, and talk through issues as soon as they arise – not near the end of the project.

Many people hire a contractor, and then expect the renovation to magically appear at the end of their wait.  Though it is the contractor’s job to produce labor and materials, they are not mind readers.  A seasoned contractor like Brian Weinstock expects that, if you have a question or a doubt about a particular project, you will communicate with him before that project is far along.

“Selecting a contractor is a very important decision,” agrees Tom Black, an Illinois homeowner who contracted Brian Weinstock of Home Installation Professionals. “It’s not only about the total cost of the job or the timing of the job.  It’s about choosing to be in a close relationship with your contractor while making some big decisions.”

Choose a veteran contractor like Brian Weinstock.  Call around.  Find someone who is available and responsive.  Remember to communicate periodically with your contractor.  In this way you will preemptively iron out any kinks before they become expensive and taxing problems.

Contact:

Brian Weinstock

Home Installation Professionals

Covering all of Northeastern Illinois

847-804-8012

www.homeinstallations.com

Home and Family

A Bailey Plumbing | Making Home Efficient | A Bailey Plumbing

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A Bailey Plumbing | Making Your Home More Efficient – By A Bailey Plumbing

Have you heard it said that cleanliness is next to godliness? Well, if you’ve got a furnace, cleaning or replacing the filters once a month will keep it working at top efficiency. Also clean your air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed, and make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes. It won’t guarantee holiness, but you will save money on your heating bills.

Do you have a gas furnace or stove? Then you might consider a gas hot water heater as well. You’ll save money extending the gas line to your water heater, as natural gas and propane water heaters are about 3 times less expensive to operate than their electric counterparts. This is one time when having gas can actually bring you a lot of relief.

When was the last time you had your water heater professionally inspected? It should be checked out by a certified plumbing technician a minimum of once a year. Not only will this keep it in top working order, but your unit should also be checked for possible carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide is serious business. It’s colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly. Don’t take chances with your family’ safety. It’s more than a money-saving tip, it could be a life-saving tip as well.

And speaking of safety, chemicals belong in a laboratory—not down your drain! Chemical cleaners have a triple whammy of disadvantages—they’re dangerous to use, harmful to your pipes, and polluting to the environment. A kinder, gentler, yet effective solution to clearing drains is the use of a biologically active drain cleaner.

What does that mean? All-natural, good bacteria and enzymes literally eat away the clogs in your system without damaging the pipes. Sounds gross? Well, unlike harsh chemicals, bio-cleaning products are safe for children, pets, and the planet. So go green and be clean—call A. Bailey Plumbing to get hooked up with product.

About A Bailey Plumbing

When Chris and Joanne Bailey started A Bailey Plumbing in the late eighties they had no idea how tied they would become to their community. More then twenty years later, Bailey Plumbing is known throughout the area for their slogan “same day service with a smile”. Chris is a master plumber by trade and a good friend by personality. Their business is family owned and operated and they are happy keeping it that way. “A Bailey Plumbing has built its reputation on the principles of quality service, respect, and unwavering commitment to you and your home,” Chris recently told a local group.

The firm combines good old-fashioned hard work with the most current technologies to create a service experience second to none. This speaks most clearly in both their 100% money back guarantee and their A+ accredited business rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company has been a BBB accredited business since December 2001. That means A Bailey Plumbing supports the BBB’s services to the public and meets BBB Accreditation standards. A Bailey Plumbing is fully licensed and bonded as well as registered with the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers.

CALL A Bailey Plumbing at  800-392-3981 TODAY! Or Contact us via E-MAIL at info@abaileyplumbing.com

Home and Family

Brian Weinstock | While Choosing Contractors | Brian Weinstock

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When Choosing Contractors, Caution Is Advised – By Brian Weinstock

Is it time to remodel?  There are a lot of contractors out there.  How will you decide?  Before plunging in, look into long standing organizations, like Home Installation Professionals.

Nearly all contractors have the rudimentary skills necessary to produce a new kitchen or bathroom for an eager client.  But a select few go above and beyond.  It is the consumer’s responsibility to dig deeper than just a low-ball price and an impressive truck full of tools.

Always research contractors and home remodeling firms.  Do they have the experience to back up their claims?  Look for a contractor who is a member of their business community.  A contractor like Brian Weinstock, who has a base of dedicated professionals to bring their combined expertise to bear on your project.

“Know exactly what you are getting,” counsels Brian Weinstock, “and in turn have a much better chance of making the perfect investment.”

For example, is your prospective contractor operating under the auspices of a particular trade organization?  Is he or she licensed and bonded in your state?  Does he, like Brian Weinstock of Home Installation Professionals, have access to the design professionals and skilled tradesman necessary to bring your remodel to completion?

Brian Weinstock is an educator, engineer, builder and home inspector with over 31 years experience in the field. He holds degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and College of Lake County, Grayslake.  He currently owns and operates Home Installation Professionals, faithfully serving all of Northeastern Illinois.

Contact:

Brian Weinstock

Home Installation Professionals

Covering all of Northeastern Illinois

847-804-8012

www.homeinstallations.com

Home and Family

Carmackmoving.com says “Don’t Hit a Sour Note when Moving a Piano”

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CARMACK MOVING SAYS “DON’T HIT A SOUR NOTE WHEN MOVING A PIANO”

by Robert Carmack, carmackmoving.com

There are many funny cartoons and movies that feature situations involving people trying to move a big heavy piano. Pianos can be very difficult to move, especially if they’re heavy antiques and heirlooms passed on from generations and you don’t utilize professionals like CarmackMoving.com. Here are some ways for you to move your piano to another room, or if you want to bring your piano with you as you move residences.

The grand piano is the first thing that comes to mind when people say “piano.” The strings of a grand piano are laid out horizontally along a specially-shaped case. Most grand pianos are used for ballrooms, auditoriums, music halls, and are often rented out for recitals and other formal functions.

CarmackMoving.com reminds you that he strings, keys, and hammer mechanisms of a grand piano are quite sensitive; you may accidentally cause the strings to go out of tune if you move the grand piano the wrong way. The lacquered case of a grand piano may also get pitted, chipped, or scratched.

If you do not use a professional service such as CarmackMoving.com you will need at least three people to move a grand piano. To move a grand piano, follow these steps:

  1. Secure the lid of the piano with elastic bands or nylon straps.
  2. Lift the piano from the front left leg, and carefully prop it on a jack.
  3. Remove the front left leg, and carefully position the corner on the piano skid.
  4. Remove the rear left leg, and lower the piano to its flat side on the skid.
  5. Lift the piano up, using the edge of the piano as a lever. Once the piano is propped up on its flat side, remove the front right leg of the piano.
  6. Protect the piano on the skid with blankets or other padding, and secure the instrument with cables or rope.
  7. Move the piano very carefully while it’s secured on the skid.

It is always best to spend the money and hire a professional such as CarmackMoving.com. Long after you have saved a little money the scratches in the lacquer remain.

Robert Carmack is the owner of Carmackmoving.com located in Chantilly, Virginia. With more than thirty years of experience in light hauling, local moving, regional moving and long haul national moving operations Mr. Carmack shares his insights from years of experience and overseeing thousands of moves through Carmackmoving.com. Carmackmoving.com may be reached at 703-378-1616.

Home and Family

A. Bailey Plumbing & Heating | A Bailey Plumbing | ABaileyPlumbing

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FIVE SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

by Chris Bailey, Master Plumber and Owner of A. Bailey Plumbing & Heating

Avoid high pressure showers: Too much pressure can be stressful, not just on yourself, but on your plumbing system too! High pressure showers not only cost more because of the extra water running down the drain, but too much force can actually wear on your fixtures. 60 – 80 psi is the recommended pressure. Anything higher may be costing you money.

Address leaky faucets immediately: Leaky faucets are more than an annoyance—they costing you money! A slow but steady drip can waste almost 50 gallons of water a day. Over the course of a year, that adds up to 18,250 gallons. And speaking of faucets, the latest styles are more than attractive. Look for new models that are designed to conserve water. You can use up to a 1/3 less water, depending on the faucet you choose.

Pay attention to foul odor when you turn on the hot water: It’s NOT hip to be funky when it comes to your water. If your water gives off a foul odor during the first few minutes of running the hot tap, it could be due to a faulty anode rod in your water heater. If the anode rod goes, corrosion results, which can eat away at the inside of your tank. Replacing the rod will extend the life of your water heater.

A running toilet could indicate a leak: Here’s a quick and easy way to test it yourself. Place a few drops of food coloring, powdered drink mix, or instant coffee in the TANK, not the bowl. Leave it undisturbed for 20 minutes. When you come back, check out the BOWL. It there’s any discoloration, you’ve got a confirmed leak.

Do you have repeated clogged drains? Snaking may no longer be the best solution. You may need high velocity water jetting to clear out all the clogs. At 4000 psi, this process literally blasts away years of accumulated scale, debris, hair, and grease build-up on the inside walls of the pipes, clearing them of blockages and avoiding pipe replacement.

To contact A. Bailey Plumbing for your plumbing needs call 732. 462. 4484

Or send an email to: info@abaileyplumbing.com

A. Bailey Plumbing & Heating is giving away a free Bradford White water heater to one lucky winner. All parts, labor and permit fees are included.

Interested entrants must take a picture of their current water heater, indicate the model and serial number, and send it to the company along with a brief explanation of why they should be chosen. Entries may be submitted to freewaterheater@yahoo.com, or mailed to the company’s headquarters in Freehold.

The winner’s “before and after” pictures will be posted on A. Bailey’s website.

For full details of the free water heater give-away, visit www.ABaileyPlumbing. com or call 800-392-3981.

All entries must be received by June 30.

Home and Family

Carmack Moving and Storage | Robert Carmack | Carmack Moving and Storage

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Carmack Moving and Storage – HELPING YOUR CHILDREN COPE WITH A MOVE

By Robert Carmack, Carmack Moving and Storage

School is out and families across America are preparing to pack up and move. Whether you are moving across the street or across the country moving can be especially stressful for children. Younger kids often become confused when their daily routine is disrupted, while teenagers fear the loss of old friends and dread the thought of making new ones in a strange school or neighborhood. There are steps you can take to help alleviate their fears and get them involved at the same time.

Demystify

It’s important for parents to provide children with as much information as possible and allow them to participate in discussions. This will give them a sense of control and help relieve anxiety. Talk about all of the positive aspects of their new home, school and neighborhood and explain that the new home, if given a fair chance, can be even better than the old one.

Exciting Adventure

For younger children, the move can be made into an exciting adventure. Suggest that your child to pack his or her own things, make sure to leave favorite toys out until the very end. You might even practice moving day ahead of time. A conversation could go something like this: “On Friday when we wake up, there will be a big truck in the driveway. We will have breakfast, then go into your room and show the movers which things to put on the truck. Then, after the truck is filled we will get in our car and go to our new home. Then we will tell the movers exactly where to put your things in your new room….” If your children are really young, consider hiring a baby-sitter while you pack, and also on moving day. But otherwise resist the temptation to send children away during the move. Participating will help them understand what’s happening and adjust more easily to their new surroundings.

Make it Fun

For older children, a move that involves leaving friends, sports teams and favorite hangouts behind can be hard. Help them say good-bye to friends by having a good-bye party. Emphasize how easy it is to keep in touch through e-mail, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, video chats and the telephone. Technology has made the world a smaller place and those moving can really benefit from these new tools.

Get Back to “Normal”

Once you are unpacked and settled in your new home, get back to familiar routines as soon as possible. If it is a tradition in your family to eat pizza on Friday nights or watch cartoons on Saturday mornings, continue the practice as soon as possible in your new home. Normal looks like different things to different people. What’s important is that your family embraces all of the good from the new surroundings while keeping up with the things that make your family unique.

After the Move

Finally, don’t take it personally if your kids blame you for the difficulty of a move. No matter how well you prepare them, expect them to be a little upset and give them some time to grieve. They will almost certainly grow to love their new home just as much as the old one.

Robert Carmack is the owner of Carmack Moving and Storage located in Chantilly, Virginia. With more than thirty years of experience in local and long haul national moving operations, Carmack Moving and Storage shares their insights from overseeing thousands of moves. Carmack Moving and Storage may be reached at 703-378-1616.

Home and Family

Carmack Moving | Robert Carmack | Carmack Moving

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Carmack Moving – TIPS FOR REDUCING THE STRESS OF A MAJOR MOVE

by Robert Carmack, Carmack Moving

Some of life’s simplest problems can end up being the biggest bother to solve. When it comes to moving, think simple. While professional movers such as Carmack Moving offer direction on how to plan for a move, it is still best to also think things through yourself. Once everything is packed up and ready to load, make sure the things you will need least are loaded on to the truck first. Simple common sense is needed when loading the truck. Place the box containing things like your best dishes on top of the box of books and not vice versa.

Think about the things you’ll need the first night in your new home. Pack items that serve your basic needs in a separate bag and carry it with you. Think about eating. Will your appliances be hooked up right away? Will there be a place to store food when you get there? You may even want to prepare a simple meal that you can heat and serve on your first night.

Remember to set aside items for each night you are in transition like clothes, a towel, prescription drugs, a toothbrush, and other personal items. Pack these in your car or somewhere that you can access them easily. And don’t forget plastic utensils, paper plates, paper towels, plastic cups, toilet paper, toiletries, trash bags, hand tools, a flashlight, first aid kit including pain relievers, pencil and paper, snacks, beverages, and re-closeable plastic bags.

Keep the stress level down. Take thirty minutes in the beginning of your move and address the simple issues. Thinking the basics through can avoid all of the oops! moments that can occur.

Robert Carmack is the owner of Carmack Moving located in Chantilly, Virginia. With more then thirty years of experience in light hauling, local moving, regional moving and long haul national moving operations Carmack Moving shares their insights from years of experience and overseeing thousands of moves. Carmack Moving may be reached at 703-378-1616.