How to choose

Advertising Supplement ď‚­ Spring 2014

HOW TO CHOOSE ...your guide to everything!

DRYWALL

PAINTING

HANDYMAN

DECK REFINISH

ANY SIZE PROJECT

Schedule Your Deck Refinishing Today!!!

REFINISHING SANDING REPAIRS

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

BEFORE

AFTER

Call anytime, FREE estimates!

(928) 600-4970 Always On-Time & Professional

ALL SEASONS REMODELING HANDYMAN SERVICE

Quality Work with Satisfaction Guaranteed!

www.FlagstaffDeckRefinishing.com | 930 N Switzer Canyon Suite #102 Flagstaff, AZ | ROC# 263227 2 | How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014  www.azdailysun.com

How to Choose a Home Repair Professional

R

epair and maintenance are the essential but unavoidable cost of owning a home. Most homeowners might be able to take care of minor problems on their own; however, issues with electrical wiring and plumbing will require the services of a professional. The best home repair professionals will save you time, money and heartache. These steps will help you find a high-quality home professional.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Before agreeing to receive any services from a contractors, it is important to ask questions. This is a business transaction. You are interviewing this professional to perform a service for you. View it as a job interview. The contractor is the interviewee and you are the interviewer.

Like any employment interview, asking the right questions will help you find a reliable professional. The answers to these questions will help formulate a clearer idea of the needed work and the philosophy of the service provider.

You should know the contractor’s experience, background and expertise.

Ensure that they are telling you the truth.

Sometimes contractors will hire others to perform jobs for them. You have a right to know who is in your home and on your property at all times.

Ask who will be performing the actual work.

The contractor should have proper licensing. Most states require all general and specialty contractors be licensed and registered in the state where they perform work.

Verify the contractor has insurance. Ask to see the certificates. Also, the contractor should show you the proper permits before work begins.

GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING

You don’t want to get stuck paying for unexpected expenses. Avoid this problem by requesting a written estimate before work begins.

This detailed estimate should describe all fees, expenses, and costs. It will avoid confusion or disagreement later.

Your written estimate will also tell you about the finished project. Will there be cleanup or repainting included in the project? Inquire about any additional finishing touches, such as wood trim or drywall restoration.

When a bid sounds too good to be true, cross that contractor off your list. When professionals are interested in getting the job, they will provide you with estimates that are unrealistic. After work is completed, homeowners will often find the contractor used second-rate materials or skimped on labor. It is vital that only quality materials are used during your project.

A low bid may also indicate that the contracter is unqualified or not licensed for the job. A written estimate will give you valuable legal evidence should a dispute arise. Save all estimates and receipts related to the project.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Once you have finished your interview/initial consultation, perform

a thorough background check on the prospective contractor.

Be certain the professional has all the certifications and business licenses required for the services provided.

It is always a good idea to ask for a list of previous clients. Contact the client to talk about their experiences with the contractor. Were the clients satisfied? The Better Business Bureau (BBB) will also inform you about the contractor’s work history. The BBB can tell you if there is a record of formal complaints filed against the contractor and whether the complaints were resolved.

Remember this person is working inside your home with minimal supervision.

Finally, all professional contractors are bonded. They carry insurance against accidental property damage as well as personal liability coverage. If a contractor doesn’t have this documentation, then keep looking.

WARNING SIGNS

There are specific warning signs you should know before hiring a contractor to perform home maintenance or repairs. These signs don’t necessarily mean you are dealing with an irresponsible contractor. It simply means you should be extra cautious.

The most important sign is when a contractor uses pressure tactics to secure a contract. Contractors might intimidate the homeowner into making an immediate hiring decision. Wait until you feel comfortable.

Another red flag would be the contractor insisting you pay a large portion of the bill in advance. Pay the bill in portions as work is completed.

Only pay the last portion when you are completely satisfied with the finished work.

Anyone who only accepts cash as a form of payment should be considered extremely suspicious. Always pay by check and get a detailed receipt.

Any contractor or worker who appears at your residence uninvited should be considered very suspicious.

It takes time to complete these steps, but it will be worth it in the long run. By taking time and following these guidelines, you can be confident that the repair job will be completed to your satisfaction.

www.azdailysun.com  How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014 | 3

How to Choose an Auto Repair Shop

F

ew vehicles ever go from cradle to grave without the need for at least one major repair. Every car requires repairs or services at some point; it doesn’t matter whether the car is new or used. The question becomes which auto repair shop best suits your particular needs and your financial or time constraints. One auto repair shop may offer a lower estimated bill, but put your car out of commission for weeks. Another may promise faster service, but the replacement parts may be more expensive. The only way to minimize the annoyance of car repair is to have a good relationship with a high-quality, certified auto repair shop. No amount of caution, communicating, or complaining will make up for starting with a second-rate shop.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when looking for an auto repair shop: • Most people choose an auto repair shop based on a referral from friends, family or coworkers. Less than 40 percent of new customers are walk-ins.

matters relating to motor vehicle repair shops, therefore make sure you do your research. It’s easy for any shop to advertise they are certified when they actually are not. At Heath’s Auto Service, we have 3 Master Certified Technicians.

• Search online for business reviews and visit the shop’s Facebook page if one is available. You can learn a lot about a business and its team by reading social media.

• Don’t shop on price alone!

It is important to remember that you are not just paying for the price of the parts and the time to install them.

You are also paying for the professionalism and expertise of the technicians. With so many different styles of vehicles in the world today, a good technician has to know about them all to be able to repair each automobile.

• Know who is working on your car. Are the auto technicians certified by a specific car manufacturer or Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and are their current certificates clearly displayed for customers to view? Is the shop approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA)? If so, this indicates a customer approval rating of 90 percent or higher and the ability to adequately perform the services advertised. Unfortunately, in Arizona there are no laws to assist consumers with

• People who travel often usually work with shops that offer a Nationwide Warranty. For instance, here at Heath’s we offer a warranty of 24 months or 24,000 miles on all repairs and a lifetime warranty is also available. This is handy for issues that may keep cropping up, particularly in older vehicles.

• Look for brand names and proper certification.

Does the auto repair shop use brand name

4 | How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014  www.azdailysun.com

parts? These parts are engineered to meet the manufacturer’s specifications and will likely come with a warranty.

• Ask about the shop’s range of services. They will need the latest technology to diagnose problems with newer cars.

For example, can your prospective shop handle brake systems, electrical components and warranty repairs? Do they provide a loaner, rental car, or shuttle service while your car is being repaired?!

• Look for a tidy, wellorganized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. These factors all contribute to a level of professionalism, gaining customers’ trust and to optimal service.

• Does the business have a sense of community?

Service awards, plaques for civic involvement, or customer service awards.

Don’t pick a shop based on cost or location; poor repair work will mean higher costs in the long run. Once you have found a shop you trust, establish a good working relationship with your mechanic. When you have great communication, getting repair work completed will be less painful.

We at Heath’s Auto Service provide service and repairs for all makes and models of automobiles. Whether it’s a simple oil change, your vehicle’s factory scheduled maintenance, suspension nd alignments, m ajor epairs both mechanical We at Heath’s Auto Srepairs ervice parovide service a nd W repairs e at Heeath’s fngine or all Aruto Service provide service aand nd repairs for all makes and models of automobiles.

Whether it’s makes ar sepairs, imple and om of that automobiles.

Whether it’s a simple oil electrical, transmission oil r odels even pesky check engine change, your vehicle’s flight, actory osur cheduled mCaintenance, change, ysuspension our vehicle’s factory cheduled aintenance, suspension Master ertified ASE Technicians will msake your vmehicle repairs and alignments, run major engine repairs mechanical and alignments, and major engine repairs both mechanical and like new arepairs gain. both electrical, transmission r epairs, o r e ven t hat p esky electrical, c heck t e ransmission ngine r r ee ven that pesky check engine Family owned and operated for 13 years epairs, where ow offer “quality light, our Master Certified ASE Technicians will light, make oyur our Mvaster ehicle Certified ASE Technicians will make your vehicle repair a t p rice that’s fair” Heath’s Auto Service will provide you We at Heath’s Auto Service provide service and repairs for all run like new again. run like new again. makes and models of automobiles. Whether it’s a simple oil with the quality, expertise, exceptional customer service, and your vehicle’s actory moaintenance, Family owned and operated fchange, or 13 years wfhere Fscheduled amily we offer wned “quality asuspension nd operated for 13 years where we offer “quality repairs a nd a lignments, m ajor e ngine r epairs b oth m echanical and integrity yAou should orepair nly xpect nd deserve rom aAn uto automotive repair at price that’s fair” Heath’s uto Service w ill opr eerovide at tp rice yaou tchat’s fair” Hfeath’s Service will provide you electrical, transmission repairs, ven hat pesky heck engine light, our Master Certified ASE Technicians will make your vehicle repair f acility. with the quality, expertise, exceptional customer with service, the quality, and expertise, exceptional customer service, and run like new again.

amily d owned and operated for 13 a years where we offer “o quality integrity you should only expect a Fnd eserve from integrity an utomotive you should nly expect and deserve from an automotive repair at price that’s fair” Heath’s Auto Service will provide you repair facility. repair facility. with the quality, expertise, exceptional customer service, and

integrity you should only expect and deserve from an automotive Factory-trained

2 YR, 24,000 MILE repair facility.

WE ARE YOUR

MASTER

NATIONWIDE

Factory-trained

Factory-trained

2 YR, 24,000 MILE 2 YR, 24,000 MILE 2 YR, 24,000 MILE WE ARE YOUR

WE ARENATIONWIDE

YOUR DEALERSHIP

WEMASTER

ARE YOUR

CERTIFIED

WARRANTY

MASTER CERTIFIED

MASTER

NATIONWIDE Covers parts & labor WARRANTY

NATIONWIDE

DEALERSHIP

ALTERNATIVE TECHNICIANS DEALERSHIP

DEALERSHIP

ALTERNATIVE TECHNICIANS CERTIFIED

CERTIFIED

on most vehicles.

WARRANTY

WARRANTY

Factory-trained

Covers parts & labor

on most vehicles.

Covers parts & labor

on most vehicles.

FREE

Covers parts & labor

ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE TECHNICIANS TECHNICIANS FREE

FREE on most vehicles.FREE

HOT & COLD

SHUTTLE SERVICE

FREE

FREE

FREE CAR WASH

Beverages & Snacks

Available during

While you wait. hours.

FREE

FREE all openFREE

HOT SHUTTLE SERVICE FREE

FREE

& COLD

CAR WASH

With all repairs

and services.

What Our Customers Are Saying: HOT & COLD

SHUTTLE SERVICE

HOT & Available COLD

SHUTTLE SERVICE

Beverages & Snacks

during

CAR WASH With all repairs CAR WASH

Here’s Snacks

Available Beverages during

& Snacks

Available during

With all repairs andBeverages With all repairs

wait. services. &Cindy While you all open hours.

N. on 02/26/2014 Rob D. on 01/26/2014

and services.

and While you all open While you “We wwait. ere able to get services. the front brake “I have bhours. een going to Heath’s for wait. pads and rotors replaced for the same price as getting pads replaced and rotors turned at dealership. They were able to schedule us quickly.”

all open hours.

over 10 years, this is the best place

to have your car serviced in Here’s What Our Customers Are Saying: Here’s What Our Customers Here’s Are Saying: What Flagstaff.”

Our Customers Are Saying:

Cindy N. on 02/26/2014 Cindy N. on 02/26/2014 Cindy . o 2/26/2014 Rob D. on 01/26/2014 Rob DN . o n n 00 1/26/2014 Rob D. on 01/26/2014 “We w ere a ble t o g et t he f ront b rake “We were able to get the front brake “We w ere a ble t o g et t he f ront b rake have for been going o Hbeath’s for to Heath’s for “I have Read been going to H“I eath’s “I htave een going more reviews at: pads for and rotors for atnd he ame replaced for the same pads and rotors replaced the same replaced pads rsotors WWW.HEAHTHSAUTO.COM over 10 years, this is the best place over 0 years, is the best place over 10 years, this is t1he best tphis lace price as getting pads price replaced nd price as agnd etting pads replaced and as gaetting pads replaced to hturned ave your car serviced have your to ihn serviced in car serviced in rotors turned at dealership. hey were rotors at dealership.

They wave ere your car to rotors tTurned at dealership.

They were Flagstaff.”

Flagstaff.” able to schedule us quickly.” able to sFlagstaff.” chedule us quickly.” able to schedule us quickly.” www.azdailysun.com  How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014 | 5

IT’S THE SMALL THINGS THAT MATTER MOST Integrating state-of-the art traditional veterinary medicine with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

Barnes, Toni Toni Barnes, DVMDVM Linda Rae Westbrook, DVM LeAnn Romans, DVM LeAnn Romans, DVM Rebekah Hartmann, DVM Rebekah Hartmann, DVM Linda Rae Westbrook, DVM

 Professional wellness care including vaccines  In house lab services, radiology, and ultrasound  Comprehensive medical and surgical care  Emergency services

WESTSIDE CLINIC WestsideVETERINARY Veterinary Clinic 963 W Route 66, Flagstaff

779-0148

www.westsideveterinaryclinic.com 6 | How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014  www.azdailysun.com

How to Choose a Veterinarian

M

ost people think of their pets as members of their family. In fact, some people even refer to them as their “furry children”. That’s why finding a veterinarian or veterinary clinic is so important. You need to find qualified care and someone to meet the needs of your pet and you as an owner to help ensure the long-term health of your pet.

In a difficult economy, pet care might get overlooked. Routine care might even seem unnecessary. Sometimes humans skip medical and dental check-ups if they feel like they’re in good shape. However, pets age faster than human beings. Their bodies and internal systems can change rapidly, sometimes in a matter of a few months. When you take your pet to his doctor regularly, you can catch an illness in its early stages, and doing so can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars and slow the progression of some disease processes. Routine veterinary care helps ensure your pet lives a long and happy life.

Choosing a good veterinarian that suits you and your pet can seem like a difficult task. If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to find a professional that will give your pet the best care possible.

ASK FOR REFERRALS,

they are the best way to find a veterinary clinic you will be happy with.

Your family and friends, who have the same approach to their pets as you, may know a good veterinarian.

Listen to their experiences with a critical ear. You need to find someone who is professional, compassionate and timely. Ask specific questions, such as what sort of equipment they have, do they refer patients to specialists if needed, how are patients evaluated prior to surgery or anesthesia, what protocols are used for pain management. Do they respond to concerns in a timely manner?

Research “veterinarian” and “veterinary clinics” on the internet. Make a list of prospective candidates, and check with the Veterinary Medical Board in your state to see if there have been any complaints against these

professionals. How were the complaints resolved? Also look at Yelp, Google, Dogster, Catster, or Angie’s List to get reviews, always reading online reviews with a critical eye.

If you need additional services such as grooming or boarding see if the veterinary clinic provides them or can provide a recommendation for these.

MAKE A VISIT

After making a list of choices, visit the veterinary office or clinic. Call ahead and request a tour of facilities. The staff should have the time to answer your questions.

You should see a clean and well-maintained office.

Observe how the staff interacts with clients and pets. Are they warm toward the animals and owners? The employees should have an affinity for animals.

Sit in the waiting area and introduce yourself to other clients. Find out if they are happy with the services and staff. Also, inquire about prices to verify it is within your budget.

If you feel uncomfortable during your visit, consider taking your services elsewhere, most practices expect clients to come and go.

Finding the best vet for you and your pet will take time and research. You should put the same effort into finding a doctor for your animal as you would in finding one for yourself.

The bottom line is that your pet’s health is a cooperative undertaking between you and your veterinarian. Finding the perfect vet for you and your furry, scaly or feathered friend will ensure your pet is with you for years to come.

www.azdailysun.com  How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014 | 7

Tips for Buying and Selling Coins

C

ollecting coins is a fascinating and lucrative hobby. A coin’s design is influenced by history. It is an excellent way to learn about governments and countries. It is also a great investment if you purchase coins that increase in value. But it is not a simple hobby because of all the factors that impact the value of each individual coin, from its history to its quality and scarcity. If you are considering starting a coin collection, here are some things to keep in mind.

Know What You Have

Research is key for coin collectors.

Thankfully, there are lots of books that can help you understand what you are buying or selling.

It is important to discover everything you can about a coin before purchasing it. If you have inherited coins, or have received them as gifts, educate yourself on their background.

Coin shops likely have books that can help you get started. You can also find information at the local library and Internet.

Once you have completed your research, you can start buying and selling with confidence.

often tempted to give their coins a polish. Shinier coins must be worth more, right?

Cleaning or polishing a coin can destroy its worth. It removes some of the original finish,

Spend Time at the Coin Shop

Develop a relationship with your favorite coin shop.

Hanging out there can be a fun way to spend an afternoon.

It will also help build your collection.

Once a dealer knows your interests, he can call you with information about the coins you are seeking. Networking with employees may also help you develop new friendships that come out of common interests.

Understand Coin Grades

Knowing coin grades is essential if you collect coins.

This system assigns a value based on the coin’s condition.

The grading process is pivotal. You could have the same two coins -- same year, same mint, same design -- and they could be worth drastically different prices based on the score they received when being graded.

Coins in near-perfect condition are very rare. So they are more valuable than modified or damaged coins.

Don’t Clean Coins

Never clean your coin collection. Novices are

area. You can find them at coin shows and shops.

There may even be clubs in your community.

Ask them about the best coins to buy. Find how about their successes and failures. It will help you avoid pitfalls.

It is hard to know what is reputable online. That’s why networking in your area and finding people with great reputations is a better way to get your questions answered.

rendering the coin far less valuable as a result.

Real collectors prize coins that are in their original, pristine condition.

Ask Questions

Ask questions, no matter how trivial you think they might be. It is the only way you will learn and grow as a collector.

Look for more experienced collectors in your

8 | How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014  www.azdailysun.com

Doing these things will help you avoid wasting time and money on bad purchases. It will also pass the time, as you accumulate more knowledge. Soon you will be on your way toward becoming a seasoned collector.

But once you become an expert, don’t keep the knowledge to yourself. Give back to the coin collecting community. Help others develop in interest in the hobby as well.

www.azdailysun.com ď‚­ How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014 | 9

You’re in good hands Dr. Zane Larson can help you get better and be better.

Recovery from Injury At Larson Rehabilitation, we are knowledgeable in the most current programs to help those who have had surgery recover as quickly as possible without damaging the fragile tissue that was repaired. Often we can help you prevent the need for surgery in the first place.

Injury Prevention Helping you recover from an injury is great, but helping you prevent the same injury is even better.

Using our strong foundation from anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, it is possible to guide you in your physical goals to help prevent injuries from occurring.

Sports Recovery By applying body awareness, proprioceptive training, and sound biomechanic principles, performance can be enhanced. This is done by improving balance, strength, flexibility, and muscular control.

1600 W University Ave #106, Flagstaff, AZ | 928-526-3031 10 | How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014 ď‚­ www.azdailysun.com

How to Choose a Physical Therapist

P

hysical therapy helps alleviate pain. It focuses on treating musculoskeletal disorders. For example, people with back pain can receive physical therapy to strengthen the core muscles in their back. Not only will they feel better, patients may also emerge from physical therapy with a restored, functional body.

Most patients visit physical therapists for chronic pain from injuries or if they recently underwent surgery. People with pain in their backs, knees, neck, shoulder or other joints can receive benefits from finding a physical therapist.

Insurance companies often agree about these benefits. Most companies require patients to try physical therapy before turning to expensive surgery to fix the problem.

In fact, physical therapy can actually negate the need for surgical treatment.

After surgery, physical therapy might serve as part of the aftercare and recovery process. For example, when you have surgery to repair a rotator cuff, a therapist can play a huge part in a successful recovery.

People with degenerative disc problems in their backs will benefit from a physical therapy regimen. It can help ease pressure and pain in their lower back. Normally, a problem like this requires surgery, but physical therapy can help patients regain a full range of motion.

Physical therapists also provide the best remedy for other injuries. Someone with a reattached finger will need to practice with a physical therapist to regain feeling and movement. A person who has been incapacitated for an extended period may need

physical therapy to regain their functionality.

Insurance companies will likely have requirements. You may have to choose a therapy that is in-network, rather than out-of-network.

Your insurance may also limit the amount of visits they cover.

Once you have narrowed your search to a few potential candidates, inquire about the physical therapist’s previous work history. Don’t be afraid of asking directly about their success rates and potential problems.

Also, contact your state board of physical therapy to see if any complaints have been filed

against the professional you are considering.

The best physical therapists will provide emotional support as well. Treatment and recovery is very hard work, especially for patients in severe pain. When you feel exhausted, the physical therapist will provide motivation. He will not allow you to make excuses. Instead, a physical therapist will push you to your limits, which will aid in your full recovery. The therapist will inspire you to regain your full independence; this is especially important for elderly people who have problems getting around on their own.

It is vital that you feel comfortable with whichever physical therapist you choose. This professional may have to examine sensitive areas of your body to check for swelling or heat. He may also massage your muscles as part of therapy. You should feel at ease and safe during this process.

The physical therapist will likely provide you with follow-through exercises at home. It is very important you act on his recommendations. It will help you recover faster.

With the assistance of a good physical therapist and your own hard work, you can often make recover fully and enjoy life again.

www.azdailysun.com  How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014 | 11

99

THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN ARIZONA

DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT NORTHERN AZ EXEMPLARY EVENTS FAMILY FAVORITES SPECIAL GEMS GREAT ATTRCTIONS ON THE TRAIL

FLAGSTAFF • GRAND CANYON • WILLIAMS • NAVAJO & HOPI LANDS • SEDONA LAKE POWELL • PRESCOTT • VERDE VALLEY • WINSLOW 12 | How to Choose... your guide to everything 2014  www.azdailysun.com