2013 Spring Home Improvement

the cheshire herald, March 21, 2013

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MARCH 21, 2013

Two

Spring home improvement Selling Your Home?

Stage It In Style With PJ & Company

AFTER

BEFORE Photos courtesy of PJ & Company Home Styling.

F

ifteen seconds. That’s how long a home For Sale has to make a good first impression with today’s buyers. And, that’s if you can get them to your front door. More than 92% of homebuyers use the Internet to conduct their initial home search, making it more im-

portant than ever for a home to portray a model home look.

If you’ve finally made a decision to sell your home, you may not be thinking about updating and remodeling. But “smart” sellers who prepare their home now can capture increasing buyer foot traffic before a burst of late spring

listings.

“Staging coupled with remodeling are important considerations in your home selling strategy and an investment in getting top dollar for your home,” says Patti Stern, accredited home stager/interior decorator and principal of PJ & Company Home Styl-

ing, LLC, an interior decorating and home staging firm based in Cheshire. “Older homes in particular may require improvements in key rooms such as kitchens or baths and the cost of updates now will be less than an initial price reduction if it sits on the market too long,” she adds.

In addition, if you are thinking of remodeling for your own enjoyment today but have an eye on selling in a few years, you may want to consider consulting with a professional home stager to ensure you make the right selections.

Following are some staging and remodeling tips Patti sug-

gests homeowners consider to meet buyers’ high demand for move-in condition homes.

• Make necessary repairs and complete unfinished projects.

• Replace or refresh outdated accessories, fixtures and furnishings.

• Freshen up your color palette with neutral colors.

• Declutter and open up the space.

• Renovate outdated kitchens and baths.

• Expose or add hardwood floors.

PJ & Company Home Styling, LLC offers decorating and home See PJ & CO., page 11

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MARCH 21, 2013

Three

Spring home improvement

Rent Specialty Tools And Equipment—And Save!

H

ave a project you’ve been wanting to tackle this spring? Don’t let not having the right tool keep you from starting! Contractors and homeowners alike can find the perfect solution by renting a wide variety of equipment from Superior Rental. Superior provides efficient alternatives that will get your job done, while saving you time and money!

In a tough economy, the need to improve and complete projects in a cost effective manner is more

important than ever. Superior has the specialty equipment and tools necessary for your home or business—ranging from hydro-seeders and floor preparation equipment, to lifts and mini excavators.

Renting equipment can help you save in labor, maintenance, and the cost of purchasing new equipment you may only use once. Superior carries all of this Spring’s most popular equipment—landscape equipment, lifts, trucks and trailers, floor preparation equipment and much more!

Don’t let a limited budget interfere with your creativity or necessity! Superior Rental has all of your DIY project equipment essentials. Whether you plan to put a fence around your yard, plant new grass, or wash that dirty winter residue from your house or deck, visit Superior, your local and reliable equipment source.

We stock tillers, power washers, chain saws, nailers and a wide range of easy-to-use equipment to help you get the job done! Now is the time to begin that project

Spring Means Window Cleaning

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irty windows are unsightly, and they can prevent beneficial sunlight from entering a home.

Cleaning windows need not be done every week, but it shouldn’t be overlooked completely. It is certainly a chore, but there are ways to make the task more tolerable.

Having the right tools on hand and a strategy in place will make the job easier to manage.The following nine-step process can make the task less difficult and time-consuming.

1. Choose a day when it is overcast so you will not be blinded by the sun while cleaning. This also helps prevent streaking. Begin by

gathering what you’ll need to get the task done. Having everything at the ready will enable you to move from one window to the next. Here are the basic supplies you will need: • cleaning solution • cloth, newspaper or squeegee • towel • spray bottle • extension pole for high windows • vacuum • ladder or step stool • garden hose 2. Take down and clean drapery or blinds. Remove the curtains so you can work unobstructed.

3. Start with the interior side of the windows, as they are easier to

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access. Place a towel on the sill to catch any drops so the sill or the floor will stay dry.

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you’ve been dreaming about getting started, and more importantly, finished!

Superior Rental is a familyowned company since 1967, proudly serving Cheshire and surrounding areas with the finest equipment available. Our three convenient locations in Southington, South Windsor, and Norwich offer the largest inventory of rental tools across Connecticut. With over 45 years of experience, Superior’s knowledge and expertise

are sure to help you in completing all of your projects this spring – from small to large!

Check out our new and improved website www.SuperiorRental.com to browse our full line of rental equipment 24/7 or visit a rental expert at your nearest location!

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MARCH 21, 2013

Four

Spring home improvement

Prepare Your Deck Or Patio For Entertaining

F

ew things are better than having a functional and beautiful outdoor space to entertain guests. Having a great outdoor space enables a person to host parties or intimate gatherings all year long. Establishing an entertaining space and maintaining that space are essential when planning another year of fun in the sun.

There are many things homeowners can do to ensure their entertaining space is safe and functional. As the season approaches, include some landscaping and decorating components to your preparatory plans to make the space as comfortable and aesthetically appealing as possible.

Here are a few key tips for

readying your yard for entertaining possibilities. Expand on these basics to customize an area for your unique needs.

• Check the area for any needed repairs. Prior to your first entertaining session, look over the deck or patio to take note of any flaws that may present safety hazards. Are there any loose railings? Are all screws and nails flush so they do not cause tripping? Are there any cracks in concrete or loose patio blocks?

Be sure to remedy all of the repairs needed to ensure guests will be safe. If you are unsure of any structural deficits, consult with a contractor.

• Hire a reputable contractor. If you are just laying the

groundwork for a new patio or deck, it is important to get the necessary permits and then hire a person who has been properly vetted. Check qualifications and licensing before hiring a contractor and ask to view a portfolio of his or her previous work. Wordof-mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family members are good, and you can also double-check qualifications by contacting the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged or use a service such as Angie’s List to read reviews of his or her work.

• Think about closing in a portion of a deck or patio. The

use of a canopy, netting or even greenery to protect an entertaining space can help minimize weather-related damage to outdoor furniture. Netting will keep a good number of biting insects at bay when the weather is warm

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and humid. Having a bit of concealment also means you can create a private space that isn’t easily viewed by neighbors or passersby.

• Plan well-defined areas. Just as rooms serve different purposes inside of the home, outdoor areas can be separated according to usage. Establish a sitting nook where guests can gather and talk. Have a bar or serving area where refreshments are made and served. Make sure there is a shaded area for when the sun is too uncomfortable to make sitting outside enjoyable. Similarly, have a sunny area where people can soak up a few rays or dry off after a dip in the spa or pool.

Don’t forget to establish a spot for the kids to converge with scaleddown amenities.

• Consider a fireplace or fire pit. For centuries, man (and woman) has gathered around fire for socialization and a means to warming up. Having a backyard fireplace, pit or chiminea is a conversation-starter, a decorative focal point, and a functional tool to extend the number of seasons in which outdoor entertaining can take place. Place the fire wisely and with concern for safety. It should be out of the way of foot traffic, but central enough so that it can be a gathering point.

• Invest in quality outdoor furniture. Today’s yards are extensions of a home’s interior.

Guests no longer want to sit on uncomfortable metal or plastic furniture. There are many different outdoor sofas and chairs that are as stylish as they are comfortable. These pieces can be matched to the decor inside your home for a cohesive look.

• Accessorize. Consider the creature comforts of indoors and mimic that outdoors. Don’t shy away from hanging artwork on an exterior wall or using urns or pottery to decorate the space.

Weather-resistant materials ensure everything from clocks to televisions can be used outdoors.

Think about having an entire set of serving dishes and other entertaining items for the outdoors.

When refurbishing outdoor entertaining areas, emphasize comfort, safety and functionality.

the cheshire herald, March 21, 2013

Five

Spring home improvement

Tree Services Backed By 20 Years’ Experience

E

d The Treeman, LLC is a locally owned and operated Tree Service in Prospect. We are a fully licensed, bonded and insured Tree Company. The owner, Edward Brasche, has 20 years of experience in the tree industry and 12 years operating as owner of Ed The Treeman, LLC. Ed The Treeman, LLC offers a variety of services. We are large takedown specialists in removing trees in difficult and sensitive

areas always keeping your safety and property in mind. Our experienced team of arborists, tree trim-

mers, climbers, ground personal as well as equipment operators will go above and beyond to accommodate each and every cus-

tomer, whether you’re looking to remove an unwanted or hazardous tree or prune your tree for roof clearance or more sun on your property, we can help with our competitive pricing using state-of-the art equipment and superior crews.

Have unsightly stumps?

No problem, we can help with three different sized grinders. We also offer herbicide and pesticide programs to protect and improve plant health.

We Plant, You Harvest!

I

n this day and age of suspect produce origins, chemical usage and unknown plant varieties, it has become critical to know as much about your food as possible. What better way to control your diet than having a garden?

Trans-Plant Gardening services prides itself in establishing healthy, fruitful vegetable gardens for customers in the spring. We Rototill new or existing gardens, enrich the soil and sow the vegetable plants you want—the process couldn’t be easier! We’ll help you design your garden and give you tips on how to keep it providing nutritious vegetables throughout the season into the fall. We can also help winterize your garden to get it ready for the next planting season.

Call us at (203) 687-6490, visit our website at transplantgardening.com and follow us on Facebook. We are happy to assist you at any time With Trans-Plant Gardening services, we plant—you harvest!

Ed The Treeman, LLC and his team are EHAP certified to work around electrical wires going to your house. We have an excellent safety record and an A+ rating with the BBB. Our experience and credentials have allowed us to grow and attain contracts with several different towns throughout Connecticut as well as the CT Department of Transportation.

We are also contractors for

FEMA working major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Wilma, Hurricane Sandy and countless ice storms throughout the region. We are on call and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (203) 758-0261.

If you are looking for an honest, well established tree service with competitive pricing, give us a call for a free estimate. Customer satisfaction guaranteed.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MARCH 21, 2013

Six

Spring home improvement

Propane: An Energy Solution For A Greener Tomorrow

A

t J.Thurston Fuel & Propane, we know that today’s consumer is more demanding than ever when it comes to the comfort and efficiency provided by their homes. Propane-fueled heating systems offer the ultimate in heating comfort and energy efficiency, while remaining environmentally responsible.

Propane makes sense because it costs so much less than electricity, installs easily in any home no matter what type of fuel source you use for home heating, and is environmentally friendly. It offers the perfect energy solution for water heating, space heating, cooking, clothes drying, gas logs and fireplaces, pool heaters, generators, gas lamps, and patio heaters.

So pull the plug on your electric appliances, conserve more energy, and start saving today.

Learn more about how you can benefit from propane energy!

Call J.Thurston Fuel & Propane today at (203) 575-9153.

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Call for FREE Consultation Ed Casner (203) 272-4485

Don’t Discard— reStyle!

D

o you have an old table or nightstand that has seen better days?

Do your dining chairs need a facelift? Would you like to keep your grandmother’s piece, but it doesn’t fit in with your room’s décor?

If your answer is “yes,” then we can help! We “reStyle” old furniture with paint, new knobs, and fabric—whatever is necessary to give it new life and style. reStyled furnishings has painted and restyled nightstands and bureaus, side tables and coffee tables, desks and side chairs. We work with you to customize your piece by assisting with paint color selection and shopping for knobs, fabric, and other materials. The final product is a unique furniture item created especially for you, perfect for your room’s color scheme, and at a price that is typically lower than that of a brand new purchase.

There is also ‘”reStyled” furniture inventory available for purchase through two shops in Connecticut: Celebrations Gallery & Shoppes in Pomfret and Seasonal Home in Gales Ferry. Please check their websites and facebook pages for more information. You may also see furniture on our website at www.samuelsoninteriordesign.com or contact me, if you are looking for something in particular.

Consider reusing an old piece of furniture and transforming it into a fun and stylish addition to your home décor. I look forward to “restyling” with you! Katie Samuelson, reStyled furnishings, Cheshire, (860) 305-1287 www.samuelsoninteriordesign.com.

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the cheshire herald, March 21, 2013

Seven

Spring home improvement

Your Roof Isn’t Just Dirty … It’s ALIVE!

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hat’s not just dirt on your roof. IT’S ALIVE with organisms that can affect your health, your home’s appearance, and the property’s value. The pests can include algae, mold, bacteria, mildew and others. Roof stains aren’t just UGLY, they can cost you MONEY. The organisms not only cause an unsightly stain, they actually feed on your home. Their waste products are, in many cases, acidic and they eat away at the exterior of your shingles, while root systems penetrate the surface and expand, causing cracks and roof deterioration.

A pressure washer is simply an erosion machine that strips away the algae bloom and clears the surface, but it doesn’t attack the root so the stain grows back

BEFORE thicker, usually within a year.

Doctor Roofn’Shine uses SoftWash systems with specially designed biodegradable cleaners to eliminate growth at the root. This non-pressure method is tough on pests, yet gentle on your shingles.

In three steps, our SoftWash treatment can be the cure and it

is guaranteed to instantly restore your shingles to their proper condition, prevent premature damage to the surface, and extend new life into your shingles.

And we don’t do just the roof!

We have the cure for your entire exterior including driveways, patios, decks, vinyl siding, and

AFTER sheds. We can even sanitize public restrooms and playgrounds.

We welcome inquiries from condo associations, property managers, and real estate companies as well as private homeowners.

Get a house call from Doctor Roofn’Shine for a free estimate.

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fordable. Call Frank Bainer, Jr., your local licensed and insured enviro softwash professional at (203) 410-4561, email him at frank@doctorroofnshine.com, or visit www.doctorroofnshine.com for more information.

Restore your home’s curb appeal—call in The Doctor!

Need A New Driveway?

A

sphalt #1 Paving LLC of Southington is a full service paving contractor. We service most of Central Connecticut. Whether you need a driveway for your home or a new parking lot for your business, when you hire Asphalt #1 Paving, you get the job done right at the best price possible. Modern equipment, experienced employees, and the owner is on every job.

With over 40 years of experience, we have the expertise to handle any job; big or small, new or repairs, we

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even specialize in drainage issues. We also provide the following services in addition to asphalt paving; curbing, residential or commercial sealing, hot crack repairs, gravel/stone driveways, drains, backhoe service, parking lot markings and we now offer custom patio block for a driveway that will make you the envy of your neighborhood.

Please call John at (860) 276-1130 for your free estimate. We supply all the correct permits and bonds. Asphalt #1 Paving is fully insured, CT License # HIC 0551489.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MARCH 21, 2013

Eight

Spring home improvement

Outdoor Kitchens Morph Into Great Rooms

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f you can’t wait for spring, and your new dream room is in your own backyard, you have a lot of company. At this time of year, the heart of the home begins the move outdoors, and a growing number of homeowners want fully functional outdoor kitchens.

The rolling barbecue cart is a thing of the past.

The Outdoor Great Room is in great demand by today’s homeowners and, in a survey just released by the American Society of Landscape Architects, 97 percent of respondents rated fire pits and fireplaces first, followed by grills (96.3 percent), seating and dining areas (96.3 percent), and lighting (95.1 percent).

According to the annual Weber Grill Watch Survey of outdoor home cooking, spending on outdoor appliances is up more than eight percent this year over last season.

“At Connecticut Appliance & Fireplace Distributors (CAFD), our selling season for outdoor products has expanded from three or four months to nine or 10 months,” said Doug DuPont.

“This year, we started selling grills in February!”

Not only are more Americans cooking outdoors, but they’re doing it in a big way!

The outdoor living industry now nets $6.2 billion annually, and many products that used to be considered luxury brands now have lower prices that middle-class families can afford.

The thrill of the grill These days, consumers demand special features and quality construction in their grills. Walk into CAFD’s Outdoor Living Showroom and you will see how important the world of the outdoor kitchen has become. There are vignettes of outdoor living products

Courtesy of CAFD

such as Weber, Lynx, Viking and Vermont Castings outdoor gas grills, a Viking outdoor Beverage Center and even an outdoor fireplace.

CAFD is the one-stop shop for

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everything outdoors, including grills, torches, heaters, fire pits, audio and video equipment, and outdoor kitchen products. The outdoor appliance industry is exploding and, beyond cooking, people want to entertain and feel

comfortable. Manufacturers have responded with outdoor living products, appliances, and accessories to fit every budget!

Visit CAFD online at www. cafd.com or at 50 Graham Place in Southington.

Window Cleaning Tips continued from page 3 ing solution. Edges and corners of the window tend to accumulate the most grime, so clean those areas first, then work on the middle.

Wipe the windows in a horizontal direction to alleviate dripping.

5. For a streak-free surface, use a squeegee. Be sure to wipe the rubber strip of the squeegee after

each pass on the window. You may choose to buff out any other streaks with newspaper.

6. Vacuum the window sill and frame afterward to catch any dust and debris.

7. Repeat the process for all interior windows.

8. Move outdoors and start off by spraying the window with a garden hose to loosen any of the accumulated grime. Use your cleaning solution to dissolve the rest of the dirt. You may want to let it sit on the window if there is stubborn grime. Repeat the cleaning process used indoors for each window.

9. If exterior second-floor windows are hard to reach, consider using a ladder and extension pole.

Upper windows will not be scrutinized as closely as lower ones, so you may have a greater margin for error. If the windows are simply too high up, rely on a professional window cleaner.

Mix your own cleaning solution. It may take trial and error to find a solution that works. Here is one recipe you may want to start with: 1 cup white vinegar 1-1/2 cups rubbing alcohol 2 drops of dish soap Pour into a clean and empty spray bottle. Remember: Never mix bleach and ammonia together to create a cleaning solution, as toxic fumes will result.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MARCH 21, 2013

Nine

Spring home improvement

We’ll Clean Your Home From The Inside Out

M

ost homeowners have no idea what goes on inside their home’s air ducts. The fact is, they can become littered with years of accumulated dirt, debris, and allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander.

At Thurston Duct Cleaning, we understand your entire home or business HVAC system. We are one of Connecticut’s most trusted air duct cleaning companies. Our professional teams are insured

and professionally trained to restore the integrity of your home’s duct-work.

Periodic cleaning of your home’s HVAC system can help improve indoor air quality in your home, and enhance the efficiency of your heating/cooling system, which may reduce energy bills.

The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, not the least of which is the preference of the home owner. According

to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average home accumulates about 40 pounds of dust per year. You may see this manifest in your home in several ways: • You are dusting more frequently than usual.

• You notice unusual odors when you cut the HVAC on.

• There are visible dust buildups on your vent grills.

• You observe streaking or

black marks around your vent grills.

• You or any family members begin to suffer from allergies or respiratory issues within the confines of your home.

We recognize that not all air duct cleaning methods are alike.

Our technicians use one of the most powerful and effective trailer mounted air duct cleaning systems on the market today. This allows us to clean all types of duct work and air duct systems.

Our air duct cleaning methodology follows the guidelines of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).

At Thurston Duct Cleaning, we aim to be your one-stop, hasslefree solution to indoor air quality.

There are no up-charges, add-ons, or travel fees and we guarantee great service and results. So please call us today at (203) 5759153 or 1-800-869-0364 for a free phone estimate and improve your indoor air quality.

Septic Services Done By A Pro

L

uigy’s Septic Services offers everything from septic tank cleaning to repairs and inspections of tanks.

Luis Velez, owner of Luigy’s, has over 18 years of experience in the sanitation field, having worked for Hometown Septic and Nustone Industries. He has also worked with many of the best in the past, such as James Hubbell, Charles Pritchett, Tony Chia and Henry Batch, to name just a few.

Luis is someone who can be counted on by his many customers, and he is very trustworthy.

Luis is licensed and insured by the State of Connecticut and the Department of Public Health, along with being a member of

the BBB. His slogan says it all: “I Love Me Job.” Call Luigy’s Septic Services, LLC, Hamden, (203) 248-1122.

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(203) 494-1868

FULLY INSURED - CT LIC#562885

www.jthurstonfuel.com

Home & Garden Directory

WALLINGFORD • MERIDEN • SOUTHINGTON • CHESHIRE

DRIVEWAYS • PARKING LOTS

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

FN MASONRY

Fikret Nuredini 860-417-8500 • 860-274-6458 STONE WALLS • FIREPLACES SIDEWALKS • PATIOS SMALLER FOUNDATIONS All Types Of Masonry - Free Estimates License #614946

DEERFIELD LANDSCAPING Serving Cheshire since 1998

SPRING CLEANUPS • Spring / Fall Cleanup • Thatching & Aerating • Bed Mulching • Hedge Trimming • Mowing • Snowplowing • Sanding LANDSCAPING INSTALLATION: Shade Trees & Shrubs • Sidewalks • Patios Walls • New Lawns • Flower Beds

NOW ACCEPTING NEW ACCOUNTS

Mark Stevenson

203.668.0312

CURBING EXCAVATION

Years of Reliable Service PROMPT FREE ESTIMATES OIL TANK REMOVAL CONCRETE WORK

• SIDEWALKS • DRIVEWAYS SEALED • HOT PATCHING • BULLDOZER & BACKHOE WORK

State License # 577005

For a free quote contact us at:

203-237-6058 D & G PAVING & EXCAVATION 790 OLD COLONY ROAD • MERIDEN • REAR BUILDING

24 years of experience

DEL’S VINYL SIDING & Home Improvements

203-272-8917 203-710-0294 (Cell)

Free Estimates Fully Insured Cont# 538114

PERSONAL TOUCH LAWN CARE “We Take Pride and It Shows”

A full service lawn maintenance company Serving Cheshire and Surrounding Areas

• MOWING • CLEAN-UPS • FERTILIZING • LANDSCAPING Call Gary Flowers 203-676-1121 ptlcllc@comcast.net

Now Accepting New Accounts CT Bus. Reg. B-1101 DEP- S-3234 HIC- 0620267

(203) 745-6503 (203) 317-7248

prestigepaintservice@gmail.com

Tomori’s Masonry Complete Service for:

• Stone Walls • Sidewalks and Patios • Fixing Steps and Fireplaces

Call For Free Estimates Cell 203-695-2689 CT Lic #062798

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MARCH 21, 2013

Ten

Spring home improvement

Look No Further For Tile

S

ince 1989, Cortina Tile of Waterbury has offered complete bathroom remodeling service to customers, from custom design to professional installation by owner Anthony J. Daddona and his skilled team members.

There’s no need to look any further, as we do our own in-house installations. Or, customers can come to our large showroom at 625 Wolcott Street in nearby Waterbury to purchase the materials they need in order to complete their own work, or hire it out to someone else.

The showroom is filled with samples, choices, ideas, and a ‘can-do’ atmosphere, to assist you through your bathroom remodeling plans and completion.

Cortina offers a wide variety of products for any bathroom remodel job including custom marble and granite countertop fabrication, glass block, pavers, floating porcelain flooring

by Avaire, and a wide array of tile products from which to choose, to name just a few. Cortina can also clean tile floors, clean the grout, and then seal it.

Call the Cortina Tile showroom at (203) 757-4100 to ask for our hours, to set up an appointment, to discuss your specific remodeling needs, or to just ask questions for which you need answers as you start planning your new bathroom. Cortina Tile is closed on Sunday and Monday, but ready to serve you the remaining five days each week.

Our professionals are fully licensed and insured in the state of Connecticut and we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Cortina Tile of Waterbury is ready to assist you with your next bathroom remodeling projects, so give us a call and let’s get started!

FREE estimates on garage doors

Call 860-628-4162 www.OnlineFence.com

Design The Perfect Fence With Rustic

E

stablished in 1948, Southington Rustic Fence Company, 134 Queen St, Southington, has built a long standing reputation as a quality-driven fence supply and installation company. We have been servicing the residential, commercial and “do it yourself” markets for 65 years! In keeping with our long heritage, we subscribe to high quality standards and proudly stand by all of our work. In addition to offering fencing and railing we also carry a wide assortment of outdoor furniture, mailbox posts, lamp posts, rose arbors, pergolas and custom hardware. We service all of Connecticut and look forward to designing the perfect fence that is right for you. Call us at (860) 628-4162.

Sales • Service • Installation We service all makes and models Check out our website for more promotions

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF WATERBURY 56 New Wood Road • Watertown, CT • Open: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat. 8-12 203-758-3667 • Toll Free 877-702-3667

25 off

when you spend over $750

50 off

when you spend over $1500

100 off

when you spend over $2000

200 off

when you spend over $3000

$

With this coupon. One offer per customer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 5-30-13.

$

With this coupon. One offer per customer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 5-30-13.

www.overheaddoorwaterbury.com

CALL TODAY

HEATING & COOLING CONTRACTORS

$

With this coupon. One offer per customer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 5-30-13.

203-272-6676 1187 Highland Ave Cheshire, CT

Replacements

With this coupon. One offer per customer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 5-30-13.

$ Come visit our Showroom

RESIDENTIAL & LIGHT COMMERCIAL

Oil Gas

Installations

*Financing options available

Remodels

12 months 0% with min payments.

Electric

Add-ons

Radiant

Service

Geo Thermal

www.calleastcoast.com (for those who qualify)

CT Lic. #S-1 303257 #SM-1 0005738 Major Credit Cards Accepted

Silverstream Enterprises, LLC

L ANDSC APES All MASONRY Types All CONCRETE Types SMALL ExC AvATiONS From Concept, To Creation, To Care.

Also himneys

C & FireplaCes

Cheshire (203)439-0429

Licensed and Insured - Lic. # 584301

Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basements • Windows Additions • Remodeling • Siding • Roofing Fully Insured FREE ESTIMATES CT. Reg. 557760 Call James Guarino (Cheshire Resident)

(203) 271-1338

Cheshire’s Roofing and Remodeling Company since 1985.

www.guarinohomeimprovements.com

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MARCH 21, 2013

Eleven

Spring home improvement

Start Your Pool Plans With A Professional Contractor

Y

ou have thought long and hard about adding a pool to create a backyard oasis. So, once you have reached the decision to proceed, start with a professional swimming pool contractor can put you on smooth track to getting the project completed in a professional, timely manner and, most importantly, within your budget.

The best way to find a contractor is through a referral or friend who has used the business and is happy with their services. Outside of that, contact a few reputable businesses that have been established, who can give you references on the spot, and offer follow-through services such as a retail store for all your pool needs, water analysis, and a service department that is familiar with the products you will have on your pool.

Make sure, first and foremost, they are licensed and insured. In Connecticut, that means a home contractors and sP1 for the owner and an sP2 license for their employees indicating the level of training provided. Those unlicensed and uninsured may give you a better price on the job, but you leave yourself unprotected should the job be incomplete or worse.

You may want to ask how long their employees have been with them, signaling they are a good employer to work for and the crew is experienced, not just seasonal.

Most companies will go out to your home and

give free estimates as to the cost of the project. if you get more than one estimate then compare apples to apples as to what you are getting with each, i.e. filter system, style of plumbing, number of return lines. There is top-of-the-line and cheaper equipment, so do your homework. Ask if excavation is included and up to what level or amount of hours.

One company may list something as an option while another may include it in the package. A good estimate includes the total package, which will give you an idea of not only what the pool itself will cost, but also what you will need in your budget for the electrician, water, fencing, and decking. Referrals should be offered so, should you not know anyone in those fields, the process is streamlined and it all gets done.

The bottom line is that the cheapest estimate may not be your first choice. After considering hard facts, you will follow your gut, such as you heard good things about this guy, or you liked the way this one envisioned what your yard would look like when completed, or one was more of a salesman while the other seemed more honest about the whole process.

Remember, this is a big-ticket purchase and, hopefully, a relationship where you deal with the company for years to come. In the end, you have to be able to feel good that you are dealing with someone you can trust. That’s Prospect Pools.

Check us out at www.prospectpoolsllc.com or visit our blog at www.prospectpoolsllc.com/blog.

WE DO GREAT WORK ALL THE TIME Bucket Truck Service Chipper Service • Stump Grinding Storm Clean-up • Skilled Climbers

FREE ESTIMATES

10% OFF WINTER WORK VALID 1/1/2013 THRU 3/31/2013

Tel: 203 785-0261

Prospect Ed Brashe, Owner/Operator LICENSED • FULLY INSURED

Residential • Commercial SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM INGROUND POOLS

C T Lic. Arbor # S-5765

over 25 Years experience

HIC #0570632 PLM #0285621SP1

• Sales and Services • Free Estimates • Custom Designed Pools • Liner Replacements • Pool Restoration • Pool and Spa Chemicals • Parts and Accessories • Free Computer Water Analysis

203-758-0524 52 WATERBURY ROAD PROSPECT, CT 06712

This bathroom was transformed by painting the walls and vanity and adding new light fixture, mirror and faucet.

PJ & Company Stages And Styles Homes To Sell continued from page 2 staging services for individuals, realtors, builders, and others in the industry. Our team offers turnkey services from initial consultation and planning to final execution.

To schedule a decorating or staging consultation, contact us at (203) 640-3762 or email patti@pjhomestyling.com. To see the latest design work, articles and features on the company, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pjandcompanyhomestyling.

JONES Plumbing & Heating LLC

Plumbing & Heating LLC Owner On Every Job

No Job Too Small

Serving Cheshire & Surrounding Towns For Over 15 Years Installations • Service • Repairs

Sinks • Faucets • Toilets • Water Heaters Boilers • Frozen Pipes Well Pump Service & Installation

AFFORDABLE QUALITY

FREE ESTIMATES “Free Pool Opening with Purchase of Goldline AquaRite Salt Generation System”

www.prospectpoolsllc.com

CHRIS Office 203-758-4378 Cell Phone 203-592-6545 CT LIC #204778 • Fully Insured

Twelve

the cheshire herald, March 21, 2013

WHOLESALE & RETAIL DELIVERY AVAILABLE