8 Tips Every Homeowner Needs to Know
From the plumber to the painter, we asked 10 household professionals to give us a tried-and-true tip that they think everyone ought to know.
1. THE BUILDER: ALWAYS GET REFERENCES "There's no substitute for references. Get them — period. And get as many as you can, three at an absolute minimum." —Eric Jagger, project manager, Harbor Builders, Port Clyde, ME
2. THE CARPET-LAYER: PROTECT YOUR HOME "Taking up old carpet disturbs a lot of bad stuff — dust and germs fly everywhere. Find someone who'll use a HEPA vacuum before and after, and who'll wrap your old carpet in plastic before taking it out. Check out healthierlivinginstallation.com." —Reneé LeCroy, Flooring expert, Don's Carpet One Floor & Home, Birminham, AL
3. THE A/V CONSULTANT: DON'T USE CHEMICALS "The chemicals in glass cleaners are too harsh for your electronic screens, and paper towels will scratch them. Use warm water and a microfiber cloth. But not too much water--it can seep into the screen's edges." —Derek Meister, Geek Squad, Best Buy, Cleveland, OH
See more: 20 Decorating Secrets
4. THE GARDENER: KEEP IT SIMPLE "People buy too many varieties of plants. Edit! Ten different kinds planted in one bed will look like a riot. Choose three favorites and mass each in a separate bed to keep the peace." —Stephen Block, Owner, Inner Gardens, Los Angeles, CA
Related: Amazing Outdoor Roomst
5. THE PAINTER: SECURE AN ACCURATE ESTIMATE "Too many painters give an estimate that's basically to paint. Once they're in your house, they'll say, 'Oh, you want me to fix that crack? That'll be extra.' Be clear from the beginning." —Jeff Hester, Vice President, Hester Painting & Decorating, Skokie, IL
6. THE PLUMBER: KNOW YOUR MONTHLY COSTS "Pay attention to your water bill, so you know what's normal. Even if you can't hear it, you might have a running toilet or leaky faucet somewhere. If your bill is running high, call your plumber." —David Pasquesi, Partner, Pasquesi Plumbing, Highland Park, IL
See more: Expert Kitchen Tips and Ideas
7. THE UPHOLSTERER: PICK THE RIGHT SOFA "A well-done tight-back sofa is far more comfortable than one with loose-back cushions." —Matthew O'Reilly, Owner, Matthew O'Reilly Furniture, Albany, CA
See more: Quick and Easy Makeover Ideas
8. THE HOUSEKEEPER: GREEN SOLUTIONS REALLY DO WORK "Steam is the absolute best disinfectant, and it works faster than most household cleaners. We use the Ladybug Steam Cleaner on everything from mattresses to floors to counters. It even gets rid of mold, bedbugs, and fleas in seconds flat." —Diana Henley, Ownenr, Naturalcare Cleaning Service, Houston, TX
What tip would you give?
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