Angie’s List Tips: Hiring a house sitter

Angie’s List Tips: Hiring a house sitter

Every homeowner who leaves home for long periods of time has to deal with taking care of mail and newspaper delivery and frets a bit over what might happen to the house while it’s unoccupied. For the owners of the more than 100 million pets in the United States, there’s the added worry over Fido or Fluffy’s care and feeding.

Short trips don’t generally cause homeowners a great deal of worry, but when homeowners have to be gone for an extended amount of time, a great way to achieve peace of mind over pet and property can be finding a good sitter. Professional sitters can provide great peace of mind for absent homeowners because they will water plants, feed and play with pets, pick up mail and newspapers and give the house a lived-in look that will help deter intruders. If anything goes wrong – like basement flooding, tree falls or pet illness or injury – they can begin the recovery process, give the homeowner the news and stave-off long-term damage.

Advantages of hiring a angie's list house sitter:
• Provides security & deter crime: An occupied home is a safer home.
• Minimizes the disruption of your home: Forget the hassles of preparing your house for your absence.
• Reduces pet trauma: Your pet gets to stay in the environment it knows best.
• Repairs & maintenance: House sitters can provide consistent maintenance of your home and lawn to keep them in top condition.

Begin interviewing early so you’ll be confident with your decision. House sitters usually get booked up well ahead of the summer and holiday season so plan accordingly.

Angie's List says follow these tips for finding a house sitter
• Interview candidates: Interview the sitter in person. Can he/she provide written proof that he/she has commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and is bonded (to protect against theft).
• Check references: Call the sitters’ other clients and references. For pet sitters, see if they are in an accrediting organization such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org).
• Pet interaction: Does your pet seem comfortable with the sitter?
• Fees & services: Inquire about costs.
• Join Angie's list for House Sitters in your area.

Before you leave home, follow these suggestions from Angie's List:
• List of contacts: Leave a clear, written list of contacts including how to reach you, your veterinarian and a neighbor with a spare key.
• Written instructions: Leave plenty of pet food and prescriptions with instructions on feeding times, etc.

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Angies List Easy Tips to Live Green

Angie's List Serves The Best

It would be great to purchase a hybrid car or install solar panels, but we can't all make big changes like that. There are some simple ways to live green. If your community offers curbside recycling, take advantage of it. If not, find the nearest Angie's list drop-off location.

Add blown-in cellulose insulation to your attic to improve your home's heating and cooling. It's made from recycled, formaldehydte-free newsprint.
Use a rain barrel to collect water from your roof to water your garden.
Buy water-based paints with low volatile organic compound levels (VOC). Basically, the less glossy the paint, the fewer VOC's it contains.
Buy minimally packaged goods. Less packaging can reduce your garbage.
Check your mulch level. If it's low (fewer than 2 inches) calculate the area you want to cover in square feet and then in depth. Multiply the two numbers, then divide that number by 324. This is the number of cubic yards you'll need to buy.
Install an efficient showerhead. This is an excellent way to save money on your water bill.
Cut energy consumed by your appliances by buying Energy Star ones. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy.
Use cloth napkins/towels instead of napkins/paper towels.
Store food in re-usable containers, instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Reuse plastic bags or buy canvas bags at the grocery store.
Join a toy library and give old toys to other families.
Don't use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand such as opening cans, hanging clothes to dry, etc.
Print or copy on both sides of the paper.
Join Angie's list

Angies List Tips: Protect against scrap metal theft Home Inspections

Angie's List - Where thousands of consumers share their ratings on the local contractors and service companies they hire.
Angie's List Tips: Protect against scrap metal theft Home Inspections.

An upsurge in the market price for aluminum and copper is driving an unusual crime wave in neighborhoods across America. Scrap metal thieves are stripping aluminum siding and gutters from houses and even copper coils from air conditioning units.

Thieves can “earn” more than $100 for the coils they take from your air conditioner. But it can cost you thousands of dollars to fix the damage. In a 2007 Angie's Listpoll, more than a quarter of Angies List members reported that thieves had made off with their gutters.

Angie’s List Tips on How to Thwart Scrap Metal Thieves: • Lock it down: Secure the a/c unit with a padlock and chain so thieves can’t reach the valuable metal. • Ring the bell: Add an alarm unit with sensors to your a/c unit or a video surveillance system. • Write it down: Record your unit’s serial number in the case of theft – it won’t prevent the crime, but it could help solve it. • Light it up: Install motion sensors on your outdoor lighting. This is an inexpensive way to deter burglars – when the lights come on, they will think someone is coming. Make sure your lights are pointed toward the ground – a spotlight into the sky won’t help anyone see what’s happening on the ground. • Lock it up: Lock your garage and sheds that contain tools and ladders that thieves can use to steal your stuff. • Trim is in: Keep plants around your gutters and downspouts trimmed. That way, passersby will be able to spot the thieves at work. • Protect your car: Scrap metal thieves are also yanking catalytic converters out of cars. Park your car in a garage or well-lit area.

Angie's ListEasy Tips to Live Green

Angie's ListEasy Tips to Live Green

A 2007 poll of AngiesList members found 94 percent say the environment is important to them. Three-fourths of poll respondents participate in curbside recycling. Of those, two-thirds pay nothing, while just 2 percent pay $35 or more per year.
It would be great to purchase a hybrid car or install solar panels, but we can't all make big changes like that. There are some simple ways to live green. If your community offers curbside recycling, take advantage of it. If not, find the nearest drop-off location.
Here are 13 unique eco-friendly tips to help make a difference.
Add blown-in cellulose insulation to your attic to improve your home's heating and cooling. It's made from recycled, formaldehyde-free newsprint.
Use a rain barrel to collect water from your roof to water your garden.
Buy water-based paints with low volatile organic compound levels (VOC). Basically, the less glossy the paint, the fewer VOC's it contains.
Buy minimally packaged goods. Less packaging can reduce your garbage.
Check your mulch level. If it's low (fewer than 2 inches) calculate the area you want to cover in square feet and then in depth. Multiply the two numbers, then divide that number by 324. This is the number of cubic yards you'll need to buy.
Install an efficient showerhead. This is an excellent way to save money on your water bill.
Cut energy consumed by your appliances by buying Energy Star ones (www.energystar.gov). They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy.
Use cloth napkins/towels instead of napkins/paper towels.
Store food in re-usable containers, instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Reuse plastic bags or buy canvas bags at the grocery store.
Join a toy library and give old toys to other families.
Don't use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand such as opening cans, hanging clothes to dry, etc.
Print or copy on both sides of the paper.

Angies List Tips: Maintaining your air conditioner

Angies List Tips: Maintaining your air conditioner
A recent nationwide Angies List poll found 43 percent of respondents skip having their air conditioning unit serviced annually. One in 5 neglect to check or replace their air conditioning filter regularly. Without regular maintenance, an air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency for each year of operation. Angie’s List wants to remind homeowners to check that their air conditioning is running properly. Industry experts say preventative maintenance can save you on average $100 a year.

According to Angies List: Not only will a well maintained air conditioning system run better but it will also help you save money on your monthly utility bills. Pinpointing potential problems before they arise can also protect your family from costly repairs down the road and the summer’s dangerous heat.

Angie’s List air conditioning tips to help beat the heat:

Keep the filter clean: Clean and replace the air conditioner filter frequently. This is especially important during the summer when dust and allergens circulate. If the filter becomes clogged, your system will have to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air.
Check for leaks: Take a closer look at all hoses for any signs of leakage.
Free from debris: Keep plants, shrubs, and other landscaping about two to four feet away from your outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow.
Made in the shade: Air conditioners with proper shading can be more efficient. Air in a shaded space is cooler than the surrounding air meaning the AC will have an easier time cooling the air before pumping it into the home.
Call a professional: Each central air conditioning unit should be inspected, cleaned and tuned by a professional once every two years. A professional tune-up costs between $50-$125.


For more Angie’s List tips check out Angieslist.com and click on the Angies Tips tab on the top of the page.

Angies List Tips: Burglary Prevention

Angies List Tips: Burglary Prevention
A recent Angies List poll revealed nearly half of all AngiesList member respondents have a home alarm system, but over a quarter don’t use it.

While there’s no such thing as a completely burglar-proof home, there are some easy ways homeowners can better protect themselves.

Angie’s List Tips:
Hold the mail: Mail falling out of the mailbox is one of the biggest indicators that you’re not at home. You can have the post office hold your mail. You can also call your newspaper company and have them stop delivery for a few days, or consider having a neighbor you trust pick up your mail for you.
Think like a burglar. Take a walk around your property with a close friend or neighbor who is not too familiar with your house; they may spot things you’ll overlook. Start outside and identify the best locations for a break in.
Lights on: Buy a timer so that lights inside your house can be turned on automatically at night so that it appears someone is inside your home.
Don’t close all your drapes: Drapes that are closed shut during the daytime are a sure sign to potential burglars that you’re not home. It also allows them to move around your home unseen after they enter.
Alarm your company: If you have a home alarm, tell the company you will be away. Provide a phone number where you can be reached.
Turn your telephone ringer down or off: A burglar is less likely to hear the ringing that someone is not home. Also, don’t leave an outgoing message saying you’re on vacation.
Ask for help: A trusty neighbor can make your home look occupied by parking in your driveway. Leave them an extra key and the number where they can reach you. If you’ll be gone for more than two weeks, ask your neighbor or hire a lawn service to mow your yard or consider hiring a house sitter.
Hire help: Consider hiring a house sitter who will make it seem that your house is still occupied.
Lock your garage & shed: These areas typically contain tools and ladders that can be used to break into your home.
Secure all entryways: Make sure all doors, windows, and pet entrances are locked.
Lock up valuables: Transfer valuables to a safe deposit box.
Check Angie's list for alarm companies and house sitters in your area.

Angies List Tips: Home Inspections

Angies List Tips: Home Inspections
An Angies List poll revealed almost two-thirds of Angies List members have been involved in a home inspection within the last two years. Sixty-eight percent found their inspector through their real estate agent. The cost of an inspection depends on a number of factors including the size of the house, its age, and other services such as septic and radon testing. Nearly three out of five Angies List members say they spent over $300 for a home inspection.

According to Angies List: A home inspection is an important step in the home buying process. According to a recent nationwide poll of AngiesList members, 30 percent said their home inspector’s oversights ended up becoming a major expense down the road. Some of the costly mistakes included mold, asbestos, termites, leaking roofs, even rats on one member’s property!

Home inspections are typically the “last look” a buyer will get before making what will be their largest single investment. That’s why it’s important to take the time to find a qualified, experienced professional who is going to do a comprehensive inspection that you can rely on.

Drawing on the real-life experiences and feedback from its more than 500,000 members in 124 cities across the U.S., AngiesList has put together its own list to help consumers:

Angie’s List Tips:
Always do your homework: Angies List can provide you with experiences other members have had with local home inspectors. Check your home inspector’s credentials. Ask to see proof of state certification or proof of membership in either the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) http://www.nahi.org/ or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) http://www.ashi.org/ Keep in mind that the home inspector industry is not regulated in some states, so proof of professional membership may be your best indication of an inspector’s qualifications.
Check their experience: Both NAHI and ASHI require a minimum of 250 inspections, however most experienced professionals will say it’s better to find someone who’s performed at least 1,000 inspections and has at least three-to-five years of full-time experience.
Are they insured? Do they have general liability and errors and omission (E&O) insurance? Ask to see physical proof of coverage before you commit.
Get involved: While it’s not required that you attend the inspection, it’s a good idea that you’re there to ask the inspector any questions about areas that need repair. Typically, a home inspection takes about two to four hours.
Know what an inspector should be looking for. This includes structural problems; roof damage; fire hazards, such as improperly vented chimney flues; electrical safety issues, including old wiring; and problems with plumbing and major appliances, like the HVAC system and hot water heater.
Ask to see the home inspection report: Many inspectors provide the report the same day as the inspection. The report should be thorough and easy to understand. If the inspector notices problems with the house, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy it – you’ll know in advance what to expect and the seller may agree to fix those repairs.
Home inspections aren’t just necessary for old homes: Newer homes can have just as many problems as an older home. And, if you are building a home, inspections at key points during construction should be a part of the process.
Check angie's list/ for reviews and ratings of Home Inspectors in your area..
For more Angie’s List tips check out Angieslist.com and click on the Angies Tips tab on the top of the page.

Angies List Tips: Renting party equipment

Angie's List | Angies List | Angieslist

A recent Angies List poll reported that more than a quarter of AngiesList members have rented party equipment, and 87 percent of them said it was money well spent.

Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, birthday, graduation or family get together, party rentals can take the hassle out of planning and leave your guests raving about the great time they had.

Angie discusses the dangers of do-it-yourself projects and how to know when you need to call in a professional

The more common items rented for parties, according to Angies List members, are tents, tables and chairs, but savvy entertainers are adding items that keep their younger guests from getting bored, and there’s a growing movement to renting equipment for children’s parties. Other popular rentals are cotton candy and sno-cone machines, even hot dog stands can be rented. For the more practical party planner, and those who want to keep their guests from tracking through their homes, port-a-potties are becoming a must-have.

Angie’s List 8 Tips to renting equipment that will make your party THE party of the year:

Do your research: Call at least 3 rental facilities to compare prices. Visit each facility to inspect their equipment in person. Ask about delivery, pick-up times, and deposits. Check to see whether their employees will set up and take down your equipment, and what the cost will be. Are there repair fees if you return an item that’s damaged?
Know your audience: Tables and chairs are easy decisions. For other rentals, make sure they fit your audience. A bounce house may be too much for very young children and boring for those approaching their teenage years. A karaoke set-up may be great for all ages.
The early bird throws the best party: The sooner you place your rental equipment, the better. Even if you do not know the exact guest count, it’s best to place your order and make adjustments as needed.
Elbow room: If you want to rent a bounce house AND have an outdoor party, be sure you have enough room for the house and room for your guests to mingle, eat and do other fun activities.
Share the costs: Since most items rent for the weekend, coordinate your rental with neighbors or friends. For example, you could use the rentals on Saturday and your neighbor on Sunday. It’s easy to share tents, tables and chairs.
Stay in the loop: As with any vendor, confirm your reservations several times throughout your planning process. Notify them immediately of any changes.
Fair weather or foul: If you’re having an outdoor event, consider renting a tent to cover you in case of unexpected rain. If its heat you’re escaping, be sure to position the tent to provide shade where needed. Consider renting side panels (these may cost extra) to block the sun, rain or wind.
Obstacle course: If the rental equipment company will be setting up the items for your party, clear the area and all driveways and walkways so installation is easy.
Check http://www.angieslist.com/ for Party Rental sources near you.