1. On the Wire - Avoid Moving Mayhem
2. Ask Tom & Leslie - Concrete Care
3. Got A Question About Your Money Pit?
4. On the Air - Curb Appeal A-B-Cs
5. Dot Common Sense - Ryobi Miter Saw
6. Fun Fact - Dish it Out
7. Short Cuts - Take it Outside?
8. Share This Information With A Friend!

On the Wire - Avoid Moving Mayhem

Experts in the moving and storage industry say that, for this particular period, you’ll need to plan six to eight weeks in advance to book a reputable moving company. Finding that reputable company can be a challenge, however, and a little research should be done before you entrust all of your worldly possessions to professional care.

Each year, the Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints against companies that have not met estimates, have lost or damaged belongings, and missed pick-up and delivery schedules. Such rates of past failure serve as warning to savvy consumers, who should consider the following as they gather bids and conduct interviews.

• Check their license and insurance. First and foremost, determine whether a mover is licensed and insured. Movers should be registered with your state’s Department of Transportation, and interstate movers should be licensed with the Interstate Commerce Commission.
• Collect competitive estimates. Obtain written estimates from at least three moving companies, and make sure they’re based on an in-person assessment of your current space and belongings. While it’s possible for estimates to be completed online or over the phone, these methods aren’t usually the best way to get an accurate assessment of costs. Moving estimators need to poke around in your closets, look under your bed, and inventory everything in your kitchen cabinets. Make sure the estimator also checks the basement and attic, because anything left out of the estimate could seriously alter your bill at the end of the move.
• Know whether an estimate is binding or non-binding. These are the two general industry categories for estimates, and you should know the difference before booking a mover. With non-binding estimates, the moving cost is based on an estimated hourly rate and/or the estimated weight of the cargo. The risk is that it can be difficult to know how heavy a house’s contents might be or how long they’ll take to move. According to the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) of Alexandria, Virginia, there are no guarantees that the final cost won’t exceed the non-binding estimate.

• Binding estimates, on the other hand, are far better. While you may be charged a fee for a mover to bind an estimate, the ultimate cost of the move will be predetermined and final. With binding estimates, a mover is required to take a closer look at your home’s contents, leaving the moving company financially responsible for the estimate’s accuracy.
• Understand the fine print. Once you have estimates in hand, make sure you understand all of the charges listed. Some furnishings, such as your baby grand piano, may require special handling that adds to the bottom line. There may also be limits on the company’s ability to handle and transport some items (such as firearms), which will necessitate additional arrangements on your part.
• Ensure that you’re insured. When you secure a moving company, you’ll need to consider what kind of insurance coverage to purchase. While moving companies are held accountable for the goods they transport, there are different levels to consider, with “released value” and “full value protection” being the most common. Under released value, the basic, no-extra-charge option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound—not much at all if an expensive item is damaged.

Full value protection costs more, but provides the most comprehensive coverage for your belongings. Available at different deductible levels, this type ensures that the customer will be reimbursed for any articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed at the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the lost or damaged item. Under this option, any articles determined to be of “extraordinary value” and worth over $100 per pound (e.g., fine jewelry) must be specifically listed in shipping documents; otherwise, movers are permitted to limit their liability in related cases of loss or damage. Be sure to get a full explanation of such terms during the estimation process.

• Confirm the crew. Only commit to a service that builds its moving crews from experienced, full-time staff covered by the company’s insurance. Such a team will work effectively and efficiently together, and get the job done to the delight of both you and your belongings.
• Check references. It may sound silly, but this is your stuff we’re talking about, right? A reputable moving company will be happy to provide a list of references who can be contacted for honest evaluations of efficiency, care, and professionalism.

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Ask Tom & Leslie - Concrete Care

QUIKRETE has a concrete resurfacer product that is my choice for concrete that is basically solid but is aging and worn. For a surface that has significant holes and is delaminating, a sand mix with an acrylic fortifier is the next best alternative.

Resurfacer is easy to apply with a squeegee and can be mixed with a propeller mixer in a 5 gallon bucket. If you have a few holes they can be filled with the resurfacer mixed to a trowelable consistency.

If you need heavier repairs, a sand mix with QUIKRETE® Acrylic Fortifier will restore the surface and allow you to add a ½-inch to 1-inch topping with one mix. The sand mix requires a trowel finish, taking a bit more skil but will really do the job nicely.

Resurfacing over paint or other coatings can be tricky and require careful attention to properly prepare a clean concrete surface. In both cases above, the key to success is good surface preparation. All loose concrete, all paint, mold, mildew and dirt must be removed. A pressure washer with no additives is ideally suited for this job. Be sure to hold the spray approximately 2 inches above the surface to get all deteriorated surface away.

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Got A Question About Your Money Pit?

1. The toll-free studio hot line is 1-888-MONEY PIT. Find out when we broadcast in your area by checking out our website at www.moneypit.com. Each week we take dozens of calls, give great advice and offer callers a chance to win a terrific prize awarded to one random caller to every show.
2. Call when it's convenient for you, 24 hours a day, same number: 1-888-MONEY PIT. A live person takes your call 24/7! So -- WHENEVER you have a home improvement question -- phone it in. Simply tell our phone screener your first name, and where you're calling from...and ask your question. We’ll get back to you with the answer – or even call you back during the show!
3. Click here to email your question to us. We may read your email on the air and we also respond personally to many of the email questions we get.

On the Air - Curb Appeal A-B-Cs

Dot Common Sense - Ryobi Miter Saw

Fun Fact - Dish it Out

Short Cuts - Take it Outside?

• Do I grill often, including in the cooler months?


• Do I grill lots of food at once? For example for a large family or frequent get-togethers?


• Do I often invite guests to your home for an outdoor meal?


• Do I have a patio or deck that I don’t use often but would like to incorporate more into my daily life?


• Do I want to cook more than just burgers and steaks on the grill?


When planning an outdoor kitchen, remember to put it near your indoor kitchen. Why? Because you’re always going to be moving things in between the two spaces. And you also want it within easy reach of utilities and away from flammable structures like trellises, arbors and vinyl siding.
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Share This Information With A Friend!

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Copyright 2007 Squeaky Door Productions, Inc.