Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Big Bear Lake, CA (PRWEB) July 16, 2014

Pest Control Insulation Guys are now offering attic insulation services to residential and commercial buildings in Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, CA. Their insulation contractor services include the removal of attic insulation, blowing in new attic insulation, clean up of rodent droppings, and installing radiant barriers.

Pest Control Insulation Guys has experience as both general contractors and pest control operators. They are qualified to remove insulation, including damaged insulation from animals or rodents. Cleaning up rodent feces is dangerous because of the hazard to the air that is stirred up during the removal of droppings. These services are best left to experts that have the experience and proper equipment.

For those looking to install new attic insulation in Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Gregory, Crestline, Running Springs, Blue Jay or in mountain area, they are in good hands with Pest Control Insulation Guys. With a licensed contractor and pest control operator, they can install traditional insulation or pest control insulation. This can even be done over old insulation to make the home more energy efficient.

For Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear residents who want to lower their summer utility bill, there is an affordable solution. Installation of radiant barriers is one of the most cost effective ways to lower the utility bill in a home or business. The radiant barrier is installed in the attic and will reflect radiant heat coming from the roof. This drastically reduces the temperature of the attic, reducing the heat entering the home, and makes the air conditioning system work less. For homes with no air conditioning, this makes the whole house more comfortable in the summer months.

Pest Control Insulation Guys servicing the mountain community including Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, CA is licensed and insured. More information about them can be found on their website at http://pestcontrolinsulationguys.com.

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Pest Control Insulation Guys Announce They Now Offer Service In Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, California

Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith addresses trustees and supporters of the Hollyford Conservation Trust in Martins Bay in the lower Hollyford Valley yesterday. Photo by Dave Comer

Conservation Minister Nick Smith announced the funding yesterday to about 50 trustees and supporters of the project at Martins Bay, and also signed a memorandum of understanding between the trust and the Department of Conservation (Doc).

Dr Smith, who flew to the area from Codfish Island, where he released kakapo chicks, said he hoped kiwi and kakapo could be released in the lower Hollyford Valley some day.

It was an area of ''stunning natural beauty'', but rats, stoats and possums posed a threat to its flora and fauna such as beech, podocarp and southern rata, and mohua, blue duck (whio), saddleback, kaka and the Fiordland penguin.

The grant would help the trust set up rat and possum poison bait stations and a stoat trap network to stop the decline of the area's bird populations, while the Department of Conservation would support the project by dropping 1080 on the hills surrounding the area, he said.

The area, which is north of Milford Sound and accessible only by air or three to four days' walk, extends from Martins Bay inland along the shores of Lake McKerrow.

It contains 19 freehold sections - many with cribs - that date back to a failed settlement in the late 19th century.

Trustee Peta Carey, of Queenstown, told the Otago Daily Times last week the trust was formed after the landholders responded with ''overwhelming support'' to a suggestion by Doc they collaborate in pest control work.

Ground operations are expected to begin this spring.

Dr Smith said the collaborative approach of the group, which involves private landowners, tourism operators and iwi, was commendable.

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Trust gets pest control funds

If your garden is full of insects, that might not be such a bad thing.

Contra Costa Master Gardener Steve Griffin says the key to pest management for a healthy planet is to accept that you're going to have pests in your garden and work toward creating a balance -- some good, some bad bugs.

"Accept that no garden is perfect," Griffin told the group at Our Garden this week, "nor should it be."

Griffin is an advocate of sane pest control, which looks at the entire garden and prescribes actions that are ecologically safe. Here are some of his tips:

Live with it

Who's that creeping

Maybe it's you

Use your tools

Products for pest control. Use the least lethal and go organic when you can. Avoid over use. Joan Morris/Staff ( Joan Morris )

Let nature do the work

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Pest management for a healthy planet

TRENTON, N.J. (WABC) --

"Home improvement disputes are consistently the number-one consumer complaint category the Division of Consumer Complaints receives year after year," Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said. "With this action we are demanding more than $1 million in restitution for consumers who paid for work that allegedly was never finished. We also are giving these contractors the opportunity to come into compliance with the law, and reminding New Jersey consumers to protect themselves by conducting basic research before hiring a contractor."

The Division has directed 62 of the contractors to pay a total of $1,046,978 in consumer restitution, in amounts ranging from as little as $378 to as much as $185,000, for allegedly failing to complete work that consumers had paid for in advance, failing to refund deposits, or other issues.

The Division has cited all 68 contractors for violations of New Jersey's Contractor's Registration Act, such as failure to provide consumers with detailed, written contracts for home improvement projects costing more than $500. In addition, 44 of the companies have also been cited for operating without being registered as home improvement contractors in New Jersey. The State has assessed a total of $276,250 in civil penalties against the 68 contractors, for a combined total assessment, including civil penalties and consumer restitution, of more than $1.3 million.

"When contractors fail to comply with the law, or the terms of their contracts, consumers can be left with costs in the tens of thousands of dollars and a house full of unfinished improvements," Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Steve Lee said. "Our registration laws help place consumers on equal footing with the contractors they hire, and help ensure that those contractors can be held accountable."

The Division of Consumer Affairs received 1,434 consumer complaints about home improvement contractors in 2013, making that the largest consumer complaint category last year.

Tips for Consumers, When Hiring a Contractor:

To advertise and perform home improvement work legally in New Jersey, contractors must register with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Registration materials and information are available at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/HIC/ .

Investigators Joseph Iasso, Jared O'Cone, Donna Leslie, Juan Odio, Michelle Davis, Cullen Church, and Michael Meola, led by Supervising Investigator Jen Micco of the Division of Consumer Affairs' Office of Consumer Protection, conducted these investigations.

Deputy attorneys general from the Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section within the Division of Law represented the State in these actions.

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New Jersey issues citations to dozens of contractors

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Wednesday cited 68 home improvement contractors, including 12 from Bergen and Passaic counties, for $1.3 million in penalties and consumer compensation for violations of consumer protection laws, according to a release by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

All of the contractors also were cited for violations of New Jerseys Contractors Registration Act. Such violations include failure to provide consumers with detailed written contracts for projects costing more than $500.

With this action we are demanding more than $1 million in restitution for consumers who paid for work that allegedly was never finished, said Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman in the release. We also are giving these contractors the opportunity to come into compliance with the law, and reminding New Jersey consumers to protect themselves by conducting basic research before hiring a contractor.

The 12 North Jersey contractors cited are: A1 Safeguard LLC in Pompton Plains; Air Force One N.J. LLC in Oak Ridge; Do It Right Chimney in Wayne; Durango Travertine Limited Liability Co. in Ridgefield; Flash Painting Inc. in Paterson; Home Care in Oakland; Medina Floors and Construction Inc. in Palisades Park; Mountain Top Maintenance in Haledon; A&E Improvements LLC in North Bergen; Accomplished Chimney Inc. in North Haledon; Agnello Construction LLC in Mahwah; and Keiths Contracting in North Haledon.

Of the 68 companies cited, 44 were penalized for operating without being registered as home improvement contractors in New Jersey.

In 2013, the Division of Consumer Affairs received 1,434 consumer complaints about home improvement contractors. It was the largest consumer complaint category last year.

New Jersey law requires that all individuals or businesses who solicit and/or perform home improvement work must obtain registration from the Division of Consumer Affairs. The registration application requires demonstration that the contractor has a legitimate street address and at least $500,000 in liability insurance.

For home improvement projects costing more than $500, the contractor must provide the consumer with a written contract with specific; detailed information including the projects agreed-upon price; the starting and ending dates; the scope of work; the contractors business name, address and registration number; and other required information.

Each of the contractors receiving a notice of violation has the opportunity to contest the assertion that he or she has violated the law.

Violators of the Contractors Registration Act are subject to civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first violation, and up to $20,000 for subsequent violations.

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NJ Division of Consumer Affairs cites 68 contractors for $1.3 million in penalties

Wrapped in Wilmington Outdoor Lighting
(910) 342-0040 Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington is known for our outdoor and landscape lighting but did you know we also design garden water fea...

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Wrapped in Wilmington Outdoor Lighting - Video

By Lindsey M. Roberts July 16 at 2:35 PM

Outdoor lighting is often an afterthought in exterior facelifts and landscape designs, something not remembered until the plants are dug, the deck is built and the house is repainted. If you find yourself in this kind of dark spot, dont despair: We talked to professionals for some simple ideas that will make a big, bright impact.

First, a few basic rules:

1. Take your homes architectural style into account: If you have a formal brick Colonial, for example, says David Benton, an architect at Marylands Rill Architects, stick with traditional porch pendants and wall sconces. I think its always key to keep things simple, he says. They look more elegant that way. If you have a house thats a bit more modern, you can play with something contemporary, or even funky or farmhouse style.

2. Dont undersize your lights. Do you have a large front yard? Make sure your light fixtures are large enough that they can be seen from the street. Benton says he tends to go just a little bit larger than he thinks hell need to.

3. Think about the big picture. Once youve got the front lighting set, think about how much total lighting you want to do. You want to err on the side of subtle, says Mark Oxley, president of Outdoor Illumination in Bethesda. Its better to start with less. Then you add to it if you think its not enough.

Its important to take into account your houses style, especially when looking for front-entry lighting, says David Benton, an architect at Bethesdas Rill Architects and the lead architect for the 2014 D.C. Design Houses facade. For a Colonial, rambler or mid-century modern house, Benton likes the Lakehouse wall-mount lantern in Americana Bronze. Its a utilitarian fixture that can go either contemporary or traditional. Perfect for over a garage or mudroom door. ($390, http://www.barnlightelectric.com)

Karen Olson Weaver, who specializes in exterior and landscape lighting as principal lighting designer of Olson Weaver Lighting in Alexandria, uses gas lamps in her projects in older neighborhoods such as Georgetown and Kalorama. Plow & Hearths Old Brooke light, in three colors and sizes, is inspired by early gaslight design but uses a bulb. For sizing, Benton says that a good rule of thumb for lights flanking a front door is that they should each be a quarter of the size of the door. If you only have one, it should be a third of the size of the door. ($44.95-$84.95, http://www.plowhearth.com)

Put candles in Terrains copper Mansard lantern and youll get the comfort of flickering light. If you prefer to avoid the mess of fire and wax, try battery-operated LED candles, Olson Weaver suggests. At some point, things have to be practical, she says ($68-$98, http://www.shopterrain.com).

Benton likes retro-inspired string lights, such as World Markets Edison-style 10-bulb string lights, for creating a party atmosphere that you can leave up all summer. These are really fun on a deck, crisscrossed overhead. Its a nice general light, and theyre festive as well, he says. ($24.99, http://www.worldmarket.com)

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Expert picks for outdoor lighting

There are several easy ways to upgrade your deck or patio that will keep it looking fresh all the way through fall. DIY blogger Whitney Yadrich has some tips you can try.

Lighting Lighting increases your ability to be outside during dusk or evening hours. Outdoor lighting can also deter criminals. And theres no need to have wiring anymore. Solar and LED are ideal alternatives.

1. Ambient String lights are hip and can be hung just about anywhere. You can also replace your patio or deck light with an led bulb and a cute fixture. Make sure ambient lighting aims down and out not up so you get the maximum benefit.

2. Task Task lighting focuses on a specific area, like a furniture set. Cluster any outdoor lights together (like string lights attached to an umbrella) to focus light where you need it. A fire pit can also provide task light and maximize cuddle opportunities and conversations.

3. Ambient Cool, glowing effects for gardens, water features and anything else you want to highlight. Use ambient light around garden edging and in unexpected places, like big plant pots, to give the yard some dimension. Glowing orbs and fence lights are excellent additions.

Pop of Color 1. Paint your boring deck furniture. This is the best way to show your stuff without having to make a big investment. Rustoleum is good and can paint over just about any surface. Clean and lightly sand the surface to make sure the paint sticks.

2. Add patterned cushions. They keep your bum happy and add interest to the bright furniture. If you paint the chairs bright, go with a neutral or complimentary color.

3. Bright flowers. Dont be afraid of plants. Succulents do well in Kansas and fit in tiny, cute planters. Pick something that blooms for a long time, so you get the most out of the color.

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Fun, easy ideas to bring life back to your deck or patio

Professional and Affordable Lawn Care Service- Commercial local lawn care maintenance
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Professional and Affordable Lawn Care Service- Commercial & local lawn care maintenance - Video

Memorial designer and landscape architect Bob Horsley, left, and VIFR assistant chief Bob Larsen, right, watch carefully as the first column is lowered into place.

image credit: Natalie Martin/Staff Photo

Vashon Island Fire & Rescues 9-11 memorial has gone from plan to reality, as the first of its pieces was set in place on Thursday.

Chief Hank Lipe, who has driven the project since the fire station obtained a piece of steel from the fallen World Trade Center (WTC) three years ago, was on hand for the long-awaited occasion.

You can see me pacing. This is how I feel when my daughter is just about to race, said Lipe, whose daughter is a rower. Its nerve wracking. Weve been working on this for three years.

The anxiety Lipe referred to was due to the logistics of actually building the memorial, which is comprised of multiple pieces of columnar basalt from the Columbia River basin that will stand vertically to represent the New York city skyline. One of those columns will have the steel piece embedded in it, representing the destruction caused by the attack.

We wanted to make this interactive, said Bob Horsley, a landscape architect and the memorials designer. Its not just something to look at; there will be a bench and sitting stones in among the columns so people can actually be a part of it.

There will also be a special fire hose coiled around the bottom of one of the columns to represent the firefighters.

The construction of the memorial has been delayed primarily due to slow county permitting processes and fundraising needs, but theyve now cleared the biggest hurdles, Lipe explained, although there are ongoing expenses.

People may not realize that there is no public or taxpayer money involved in this project, Lipe said. The entire project has been privately supported through gifts and donations.

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Construction begins on 9-11 memorial in town