How To Guide 2017

HOW TO...

Published as supplement to the Cottage Grove Sentinel August 2, 2017

CONSTRUCTION

Consumer Consumer

How to

CHOOSE A CONTRACTOR

Anyone who owns property will eventually need the services of a professional when the time comes to make repairs or renovations. The type of service you need can vary depending on the job at hand. You may need a builder, remodeler, plumber, electrician or heating and air-conditioning specialist. There are a lot of specialties that cater to the many systems that make a home or other property function as it should.

Protecting your investment is important, so it’s always a smart idea to be thorough. Take your time and pick the most competent professionals that suit your needs.

Finding someone who is reliable and can be counted on to do quality work on your home is not always easy.

Think about these things when it’s time for you to select a contractor.

START EARLY When people are rushed, they tend to make mistakes and reach hasty decisions. Property owners are much more prone to make mistakes they try to pick a contractor while feeling rushed. And going with the first contractor who approaches you is rarely the best option. Instead, resolve to do your research. It pays to do your homework ahead of time when you start hunting for a contractor.

Of course, that’s not always possible. Emergencies happen, and sometimes you need a job done quickly. That’s why it’s a good idea to have some companies in mind before you actually need their services.

For example, choosing a great plumber is something you should do before you need one. That way, you’ll immediately know whom to call if you have a plumbing emergency in the middle of the night.

Go ahead and pick the best one now. Then keep their contact information written down so that, in a pinch, you’ll have the right professional at hand.

WHO DOES THE JOB? In many cases, the individual who personally does the work on your property is a key factor in determining the quality of the finished job. In jobs where craftsmanship is easily visible, like intricate tile installation or finish carpentry, you might want the expert skills of one specific person or crew to do the work.

If this is an important consideration for you, be sure that you verify who will actually be doing the work on your property.

It’s common in the construction industry for companies to subcontract out different parts of the job. That’s normally not a problem — and can be a good thing when subcontractors are skilled at what they do.

But if you’re expecting one particular person or group to do the job, that should be clear up front. There shouldn’t be any surprises when the work begins.

2 HOW TO GUIDE

LICENSES, PERMITS Different professionals must meet different standards for certification, but one thing is certain: the professional you hire will need to have the right license to do the job, and be able to obtain any required permits to work on your home.

Plumbers and electricians, for example, are typically licensed by your state, and work done by unlicensed people can be downright dangerous, not to mention in violation of building codes.

Reputable professionals also play by the rules. That means they will walk you through the process of obtaining any necessary permits and paying any taxes or fees related to the job they’re doing.

INSURANCE In most cases, your homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover injuries or accidents that occur from work being done on your property. Many property owners are surprised to learn this.

That means you need to make sure the contractor carries their own insurance coverage. Otherwise, you could personally be liable for any injuries that happen on the job site — something that leaves you at huge financial risk, given the cost of health care and lawsuits these days.

Ask whether your contractor carries their own insurance, and verify that it’s in effect when the job is being done on your property.

GET REFERENCES One of the most important parts of choosing a contractor is looking at their references. Talk your friends, family and neighbors, and the contractors themselves.

The best home contractors will always have a great reputation with lots of happy customers. They’ll likely have a list of clients you can call to ask about their work and perhaps even see it in person.

If you’re looking for a painting contractor, for example, drive by some of the homes they’ve painted and see what the quality of the work looks like. You might even be able to find an example that’s not brand-new, so you can see how the job holds up over time.

Even better, try to get references from people you know and trust. If you’ve got a friend who had similar work done on their house, ask them what they thought about the contractor they hired.

Some things to ask: — Did they complete the job on time and on budget?

— Were they professional at all times?

— Did they keep the work site tidy and clean up after themselves?

— What was the quality of their work like? Can I see it?

— Would you recommend them for another job?

After you’ve done your homework, choosing the right contractor will be simple. You just need to take your time and make sure the people you’re dealing with are true professionals with a track record of happy customers to back them up.

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Michael Praegitzer, General Contractor 76176 London Rd, Cottage Grove DEQ # 35385 • CCB # 170112

Trucking: • Rock • Dirt, Sand • Landscape Material • Equipment Hauling

Concrete: • Sidewalks • Foundations • RV Pads

Paving: • Drive Ways • Approaches • Over Lays

Seal Coat: • Hot Rubber • Crack Sealing • Restoration • Repairs • Resurfacing

Parking Lot: • Asphalt • Striping • Stenciling

541-954-9369 HOW TO GUIDE

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AUTOMOTIVE Consumer

How to Things You Should Know 1.

Look for an auto body shop with a good “track record”

2.

Ask the management about the repair equipment they have to repair your vehicle

3.

Customer service is as important as the quality of service

4.

Large selection of vehicles

5.

Factory Trained Technicians

6.

Knowledgeable staff in every department

7.

Involved in the community

8.

How to choose a technician

9.

What you should know about the parts to be repaired or replaced

10. After the work is done 11. Preventative maintenance 12. Maintenance guidelines to prevent costly repairs 13. Warranties 14. Service Contracts

4 HOW TO GUIDE

CHOOSE AN AUTO DEALERSHIP

Oh no! That fender-bender could not have happened at a worse time.

Now you need your vehicle repaired. What should you look for in a quality auto body shop? Do they offer a strong guarantee on their work? Does your insurance company recognize them as an approved collision repair center?

How long have they been in business?

FIRST; Look for an auto body repair shop that has longevity in the community and has a good “track record.” You want to choose a body shop that has trained certified and/or licensed technicians who are experienced professionals.

SECOND, ask to inspect the repair shop. Look for a clean, professionally run facility.

Check the paint area. Is it clean?

Is it well maintained and closed to the other body shop operations?

The management should have no problem showing you the facility and any special features or equipment they have available to repair your vehicle.

THIRD, ask the management about the repair equipment they have to repair your vehicle.

• Is it up-to-date equipment?

• Do they have specialized equipment and tools to do frame repairs?

•Do they use factory replacement parts? The quality of repair tools, equipment and replacement parts and materials the repair technicians used will make a difference, not only when you pick up your vehicle, but for the rest of the time you drive that vehicle.

FINALLY, customer service is as important as the quality of repair.

Most auto body shops will pick up and deliver vehicle owners while repairs are being made.

They also act as your consultant and advocate with your insurance company.

These efforts are intended to ensure you get the best possible repair work, parts and service, whether insurance covers the entire repairs or not.

How to Choose a Technician Is one technician better than another? Look for shops that display various certifications, like an Automotive Service Excellence seal.

Certification indicates that some or all of the technicians meet basic standards of knowledge and competence in specific technical areas.

Make sure the certifications are current, but remember that certification alone is no guarantee of good or honest work. Ask if the technician or shop has experience working on the same make or model vehicle as yours.

What Should I know About the Parts to be Repaired or Replaced?

Parts are classified as: New Those parts are generally made to original manufacturer’s specifications, either by the vehicle manufacturer or an independent company Your state may require shops to tell you if non-original equipment will be used in the repair. Prices and quality of these parts vary.

Remanufactured, rebuilt and reconditioned - These terms generally mean the same thing: parts have been restored to a sound working condition. Many manufacturers offer a warranty covering replacement parts, but not the labor to install them. Salvage - These are used parts taken from another vehicle without alteration. Salvage parts may be the only source for certain items, though their reliability is seldom guaranteed.

What do I do After the Work is Done?

Get a completed repair order describing the work done. It should list each repair, parts supplied, the cost of each part, labor charges, and the vehicle’s odometer reading when you brought the vehicle in as well as when the repair order was completed. Ask for all replaced parts. State law may require this.

Preventative Maintenance What are the consequences of postponing maintenance? Many parts on your vehicle are interrelated. Ignoring maintenance can lead to trouble: specific parts - or an entire system - can fail. Neglecting even simple routine maintenance, such as changing the oil or checking the coolant, can lead to poor fuel economy, unreliability or costly breakdowns. I also may invalidate your warranty.

What Maintenance Guidelines Should I Follow to Avoid Costly Repairs Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual for your type of driving.

Some repair shops create their own maintenance schedules, which call for more frequent servicing than the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Compare shop maintenance schedules with those recommended in your owner’s manual. Ask the repair shop to explain and make sure you understand - why it recommends service beyond the recommended schedule.

Service Contracts Many vehicle dealers and others sell optional contracts - service contracts issued by vehicle manufacturers or independent companies. Not all service contracts are the same; prices vary and are usually negotiable. To help decide whether to purchase a service contract, consider: Its cost, the repairs to be covered, whether coverage overlaps coverage provided by any other warranty, the deductible, where the repairs are to be performed, procedures required to file a claim such as prior authorization for specific repairs or meeting required vehicle maintenance schedules, whether repair costs are paid directly by the company to the repair shop or whether you will have to pay first and get reimbursed. The reputation of the service contract company.

Check it out with your state Attorney General’s office or local consumer protection agency.

Cottage Grove Chevrolet GMC is a familyowned and operated Chevrolet and GMC dealership in my family for 22 years. We serve the cities of Cottage Grove, Springfield, Eugene and the surrounding communities.

We typically keep around 325 combined New and Used vehicles in stock to ensure you have adequate selection. When you arrive at the Cottage Grove Chevrolet GMC Service Department, you will find the

accommodations clean and well-lit. We have a nice customer lounge with a T.V. snacks and coffee.

We have 9 Service bays so we can meet your needs in a timely manner. If you can’t wait, we have a courtesy shuttle to take you to your home or business until your work order is complete.

Our service department is OPEN SATURDAYS for convenience: 8am-5pm

A Brad’s Buy is a Better Buy! Our friendly low overhead location, low pressure approach ensuring our customers the best possible pricing, selection and service.

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HOW TO GUIDE

5

HEALTH

Consumer Consumer

How to

LOOK FOR AN ASSISTED LIVING CENTER

If you are searching for an assisted living center for yourself or a loved one, your first task should be researching your local care centers. All assisted care centers are not the same.

Assisted living centers help patients continue to live an active lifestyle. They can live in comfortable, cost-effective setting that has many conveniences. However, assisted care centers are also a full-time medical facility.

As people age, they often need extra care. Others may be facing a debilitating illness. The care required can be far more than friends or family can give.

Assisted living centers are popular options for people who need medical attention.

In the past, long-term care could only be handled by a nursing home. Living in a hospital setting for an extended time was not a pleasant environment.

When looking for an assisted care center, consider some of these factors.

GARDEN AND LANDSCAPING It's a little known fact that the landscaping of an assisted living center will give you a good indication about the quality of the facility. Proper maintenance of the lawn and gardens is a good sign.

If the prospective resident enjoys spending time in nature, look for a facility that has park-like areas. Some centers have community-style gardens and walkways for residents.

Just being able to see nature as it grows and changes with the seasons can be uplifting and soothing. An assisted living center with manicured lawn and garden can make a huge difference in the quality of life for a loved one.

HOME AMENITIES Accommodations at these centers can range from luxurious, detached cottages to cozy condominiums. It all depends on what you are looking for, what you can afford, and what is available.

6 HOW TO GUIDE

As you visit the facilities, try to personalize each space. Imagine how your loved one's belongings might fit into the area and where decorations will be placed. Does the atmosphere bring about a feeling of peace and tranquility? How are the rooms decorated?

Are they tasteful and soothing, or do they remind you of a hospital setting?

Look at the home amenities and consider how you would feel living there, or your loved one living there, and how they meet your budget.

RECREATION FACILITIES Game and meeting areas can help the resident make new friends and keep them from feeling alone and lonely. Leaving the confines of their units is an important part of recovery. Make sure the center offers activities and space to occupy your loved one's time.

Quality facilities will have activities that match his or her hobbies.

If your family member enjoys crafts, then look for a center with a designated craft area or classes for your loved one to enjoy.

PERSONAL CARE Ask your loved one's personal physician how much care is required to function safely. The doctor may even be able to guide you toward an appropriate facility. Be sure to seek advice on what qualifications and certifications you need to look for in the center's staff. The center's employees should be well-qualified to handle medical needs.

If you monitor the medical care, you can avoid paying for extensive services that your loved one may not need. Understanding the care the person requires will help you find a center that is a good fit.

Choosing an assisted living facility is about finding the right combination of medical services and amenities. With research and thought, you will find the perfect place to bring comfort and care to your loved one.

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7

HEALTH

Consumer

How to

CHOOSE A DENTIST

— What is dental insurance and how does it work?

Important Points…

■ Check the dentist’s good standing with local, state and national dental associations & dental boards.

■ On-time offices value the patients time as much as they value their own. Know that low cost clinics may double book appointments to help defray cancellation rates.

■ Consider office location and convenience.

■ State of the art equipment, although it might increase basic costs slightly, is a good sign of a conscientious dentist office.

■

Determine the dentist/staff’s ability to show examples of quality dentistry or satisfied patients.

■ Seek referrals from other friends/patients who have had good experiences.

■ All quality medical care offices have a courteous and knowledgeable staff.

■ Check out the office insurance participation and or if financing is available.

■ All dentistry should meet or exceed American Dental Assoc. standards of care.

■ Cleanliness is a good sign of a well managed and safe office.

8 HOW TO GUIDE

D

ental insurance is a highly complex area that creates confusion for many dental patients. The complexities of dental insurance and the lack of sufficient information provided by some insurance companies make it almost impossible for some patients to properly understand their benefits. Even more confusing is understanding how to properly work with your dental insurance company to achieve the highest level of benefits to which you are entitled.

Dental insurance is a contract between your employer and a dental insurance company. The benefits that you will receive are based on the terms of the contract that were negotiated between your employer and the dental insurance company and not your dental office. The goal of most dental insurance policies is to provide only basic care for specific dental services. The services selected are based on the cost of the policy to your employer and the negotiated arrangements with the dental insurance company.

Because the benefits you currently have are decided between your employer and the insurance company, many services are not covered. The selection of non-covered services is not based on what you need or want, but is based strictly on the contract with the insurance company.

The reimbursement mechanism from your dental insurance company is merely a mathematical formula as to which benefits you will receive and the percentage of the dentist’s office fee that will be paid.

We do not want to compromise your care based on restraints placed by an insurance company.

Another fact that most dental patients do not realize is that each dental insurance plan has a dollar amount limitation each year. Once this limit is reached, no other services will be covered by your dental insurance company regardless of how essential the service may be to your dental health.

Some services are typically not covered by dental insurance companies. These include: cosmetic dentistry, implants, occlusion or bite redesign and other services. Although these are important dental services that can greatly enhance the quality of life of patients, dental insurance companies do not feel that they should have to pay for these services. That is why these services are rarely included in con-

Another fact that most dental patients do not realize is that each dental insurance plan has a dollar amount limitation each year.

ARE YOU LOSING YOUR RIGHT TO CHOOSE?

Unfortunately, today many patients are losing the right to choose their own dentist. The reason is that their employers have opted for inexpensive dental plans that force patients to see certain dentists.

For many people, the traditional relationship between dentist and patient has disappeared. Patients are forced to see dentists they do not know simply because they participate in a particular plan. This new system is know as “managed care.”

Managed care essentially forces patients to see dentists who have agreed to accept lower fees in exchange for their services. It is changing the relationship between dentists and insurance companies. Instead of subsidizing the care of patients, dental insurance providers are now dictating who patients will see and h f h ill i I i

not unusual for insurance company employees (non-dentists) to dictate the type of care that is acceptable for patients they don’t even know.

It is true that managed care plans help reduce the cost of health insurance to employers. However, once in a plan, patients find that these managed care insurance plans severely limit their choice of dentists.

In a traditional dentist-patient relationship, a patient selects a dentist based on reputation and need. The patient is then treated by the dentist and makes a decision whether or not to stay with the practice. Typically, the practice handles the responsibility of submitting insurance forms to the insurance company and patients are responsible for the amount not covered by the insurer.

HOW MANAGED CARE WORKS

In a managed care system, the overall concern is for the bottom line. The insurance company contracts with certain dentists and closely controls the costs of the work these dentists perform. (Some managed care plans actually have penalties for dentists who refer patients to specialists or who perform too many procedures!)

The concept behind managed care is “cost containment.” Certainly, by encouraging doctors to not perform costly procedures or to not refer patients to specialists, overall costs are reduced. However, the focus has shifted from the patient’s well being to the bottom line, and patients lose the freedom to choose their dental care.

If you join a managed care plan, the dentist you are assigned or select from the plan’s list will be your primary dentist.

No matter what your dental problem may be at any given time, you will always have to see your primary care dentist before you visit a specialist. It is the responsibility of this primary dentist to determine if you require the services of a specialist, and even then, your insurance company may only allow you to see a specialist who is part of the plan. Once again this limits your freedom of choice and prevents you from seeking out the most qualified specialist for your situation.

“Brightening Lives One Smile at a Time”

Douglas G. Maddess, DMD Comprehensive Family Dentistry Now Offering Digital X-Rays Financing Options Available

“Love Your Smile” Welcoming New Patients •Call for an appointment today!

541-942-1559 914 South 4th Street Cottage Grove, OR

douglasgmaddessdmd.com HOW TO GUIDE

9

CONSTRUCTION

Consumer Consumer

How to

CHOOSE A FLOORING DEALER

Giving your home a new floor is a dramatic and practical way to transform its look and feel.

A new floor can boost your home’s appeal. It can help give old, familiar rooms a new look, making them feel more cozy and intimate, or more open and formal. New floors can even make the rooms in your home appear larger or smaller.

When it comes to flooring choices, there are many. residential flooring materials include carpet, hardwood, bamboo, laminate, stone, tile and even more exotic materials both synthetic and natural.

Owing to the sheer number of available options, it’s wise to work with an experienced flooring dealer. A dealer can offer advice on the best brands, as well as the most durable flooring types and which are suited to the use you have in mind. So choose a good dealer, and let them help you decide which flooring material best matches with your goals.

Don’t cut corners: when looking for the ideal flooring and a dealer to assist you, try not to be overly frugal. Consider the longevity of your purchase.

While you may have a tight budget that makes cost an important concern, remember that the money you spend now will go a long way in helping you achieve long-lasting overall value.

Think about the long term. What if something happens in 10 years and you have no warranty to repair or replace the damage? Or if the installers make a mistake and leave your flooring permanently damaged?

So be sure to look at additional support and services. Find a dealer who has a great reputation and long track record of excellent customer service. Spending extra money is worth purchasing a product from a flooring dealer you can trust. You aren’t just buying flooring.

You are also creating a relationship.

When looking for a flooring dealer, look on the Internet or your local phone book.

10 HOW TO GUIDE

On the Internet, you can find review sites to see how local flooring dealers compare. You can also check advertisements in your local newspaper to find specials and deals.

Keep in mind, though, the Internet can be misleading when it comes to finding a qualified floor dealer. Just because it is one of the top search engine results doesn’t mean that the company is reliable.

Instead, look on consumer review sites. Then check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has had any complaints lodged against it. If so, look to see how they were resolved. You might also check with the Chamber of Commerce.

After making a list of potential dealers you are considering, give each of them a call. Inquire about the background of the company and how long they’ve been in business. You may ask for referrals from previous customers for references.

Find out about the installation services they use and their reliability. Do they use in-company groups or outside contractors? Also, find out about prices and warranty coverage.

If you visit their offices, they might even show you a scrapbook of prior work.

Experience should play a role in which company you ultimately select. Quality of materials, comparable or lower prices and good references will all make a big difference in finding the right flooring dealer.

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12 HOW TO GUIDE