Home & Garden Guide How do I clean up my garage and get things organized?
Scott Saffran, MBA, CSA Owner, The Garage Dude
If your garage has gotten to the point where you can’t find anything, can’t park your car inside or gives you stress every time you look at it, it is time to call a garage professional. When focusing on the garage, look for a company that will help with all aspects of the garage makeover. These include: clean-up, organization, storage solutions, flooring and maintenance. A good garage professional will work closely with you to help sort through the chaos, and create a flexible and aesthetically pleasing solution that reduces stress and makes you proud to show off to your family, friends and neighbors.
I have always heard that maintenance agreements are a waste of money. Why should I purchase one for my heating and air conditioning system? For many items, a maintenance agreement could be a waste of dollars. However, your HVAC system is a major investment and some components of your system are at work 24/7. Actually, your home climate system has more working hours than your automobile, which you maintain regularly. A properly maintained system is more efficient and comfortable, has fewer breakdowns, and will last longer. In fact, according to a study at LSU, a properly maintained system can save an average of $50.00 per air conditioning month over a poorly maintained system.
Debbie Abernathy, Owner E. Smith Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.
What are the hottest trends in home decorating?
George Lawes, Owner Kudzu Antiques
Today’s trend is away from formal decorating towards a more eclectic and personal style. Industrial and repurposed items are red hot, as is the retro ‘Mad Men’ look. Upholstery is trending towards more compact, neutral sofas accentuated by ‘pillow pops’ of color. Unique vintage items, such as old store signage, accent wall areas. At Kudzu and Company in Sandy Springs we have designed our store to cater to these current design trends.
I would love to have a water garden but I don’t want the bugs that come along with it. How do you keep the mosquitoes at bay naturally? Have you been bitten by the water-garden bug? Don’t let the possibility of mosquitoes stop you from creating that tranquil water garden you’ve always dreamed of. Maintaining a bug-free water garden is easy. Mosquito larvae require air to survive and must break the waters surface while they are underwater looking for food. By simply keeping the surface water constantly moving, it becomes nearly impossible for the larvae to breath and they drown. Add a couple hungry guppies to accompany your goldfish and koi, as well as floating plants to reduce the surface area of the pond. If the nasty buggers still manage to get you, soothe the itch and swelling with crushed basil leaves right out of your garden.
Bryan Plett, Owner Blaydes Landscaping
How do I verify if a contractor is licensed and their company history?
Charlie Dallavalle Owner, Painting Plus, Inc. 24 March 2013
I would recommend looking at the Georgia Secretary of State web site. You’ll want to dig deep to get an idea of his or her business history. This means requesting — and duly verifying — proof that he or she is currently state licensed, paying employees legally and carrying workers’ compensation, property damage and liability insurance. Membership with a reputable professional association is also a good sign. On a similar note, find out if the contractor has ever declared bankruptcy or if anyone has ever taken legal action against him or her.
East CobbeR
www.eastcobber.com