May 2013
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Free
GUIDE
The homeowner’s magazine for home services, products, landscaping & tips. • Port Charlotte • Punta Gorda • North Port • Englewood • Venice
Tile & Carpet World, Inc. 941-625-9825 see page 5
How To Care For Your Granite Tops - Pg. 6 Find the Gold Deep Clean Forgotten Areas of your Home - Pg. 14 Hammer & You Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist - Pg. 20 Could Win $50 Mother’s Day Gift Idea’s - Pg. 26 see page 29 Home Improvement Guide - Page 2
SUMMER SPECIAL
Before
Before Come & Visit Our Website At: www.imperialhomeservices.net Licensed & Insured #AAA-11-00025
After
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Carri
Call 11 21 12Today
residential repaint specialist • INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • TEXTURE • STAINING • WALLPAPER • AND MORE!
For Your Free Estimate We Also Give Senior Discounts
941.255.3585
Home Improvement Guide - Page 2
Howard’s Pool World, Inc. “Professional Pool Care” Pool Maintenance Full Pool Maintenance Service
1996 - 2012
• • • VOTED BEST OF BEST FROM: 1996-2012
License # cpc053310
Pool Services: • Residential – Cleaning / Maintenance • Commercial Pool Maintenance and Cleaning • Stain Removal • Equipment Repairs • Heat Pump and Solar Blanket Installations • Clean-Ups
• • • •
Vacuuming floor of pool. Brushing the walls. Checking the pool water chemistry and adding necessary chemicals. Cleaning tiles and handrails. Emptying the pump and skimmer baskets. Adding or draining water as necessary. Cleaning the filter.
Chemical Check and Brush • • •
Checking the pool water chemistry, adding necessary chemicals. Brushing the walls of the pool. Adding or draining water as necessary.
Serving: Punta Gorda • Port Charlotte • Englewood • North Port 12419 SW County Road 769 • Lake Suzy, FL 34269 For advertising opportunities call 941.661.7475 - Page 3
CHARLOTTE COUNTY GLASS
Charlotte County Glass Inc., is a Florida premiere glass and mirror specialty establishment. Our integrity, professionalism and attention to detail are what set us apart from all the rest. We aren't satisfied until you are satisfied. Call us today! • • • • • • • •
Residential and Commercial Windows & Sliding Glass Door Dealer Window & Sliding Glass Door Installations Acrylic Lanai Enclosures Table Top Glass Installations Glass Installations for Storefronts Custom Specialty Glass and Mirror Work Custom Shower Enclosures
941-624-5277
11 4 6 M a r k e t C i r ･ Port Charlotte w w w. c h a r l o t t e c o u n t y g l a s s . c o m Licensed & Insured Lic# AAA006761
ACE DOOR COMPANY
• Exterior Doors
• Windows
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• Hardware
• Full Trim Pkg
• Comm Doors
calling all homeowner’s
941-629-2070 1232 Market Circle • Port Charlotte, FL www.acedoors.org Lic.#AAA8409 Insured
Phil Robison’s
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2200 Kings Highway #3-J - Port Charlotte, FL Home Improvement Guide - Page 4
33980
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TILE & CARPET WORLD, INC. Serving SWF For Over 25 Years • Granite • Tile • Carpet • Hardwood • Laminate Shop our area rugs • Vinyl • Medallions online at • Natural Stone TileCarpetWorld.com • Glass Mosaics • Tub/Shower Redo
Financing Available 6 Months Same As Cash M-F 8-5pm • Sat 10-3pm 4820 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, FL 33980 www.TileCarpetWorld.com
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941-625-9825
Family Owned & Operated
CARPET SPECIALS
w 0 wo 0 1 $ FF O
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For advertising opportunities call 941.661.7475 - Page 5
with Scotchgard
S
tone countertops and floors, such as granite, marble and other natural stone, have long been loved for the sophisticated and luxurious appearance they add to kitchens and bathrooms. A natural product made by the Earth, natural stone counters and floors come in an endless range of colors accented with unique veins, swirls and crystals.
The advantages of stone go beyond just its beautiful appearance and the investment in improving a home’s value. Natural stone is resistant to scratching, more sanitary than other surfaces, durable, and easy to maintain. But easy does not mean maintenance-free. There are steps homeowners need to take in order to protect their investment. “Preserving the beauty of natural stone requires proper care and attention,” said Lenny Sciarrino, a third-generation stone-care expert and co-founder of Granite Gold brand stone-care products. “In fact, many ordinary cleaners are harsh and abrasive, which will have damaging effects on natural stone surfaces.” Cleaning, sealing and polishing are the three essential steps required to keep natural stone looking as beautiful as the day it was installed.
Clean often. Even if your surface appears clean, it should be cleaned daily & after every meal
preparation. Avoid common cleaners & abrasives, which can break down the protective seal. The result could be costly repairs or even replacement. It’s also important to use a cleaner, such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner, that is pH balanced, non-toxic, biodegradable & safe for use on all food-preparation surfaces.
Check the integrity of the seal. There is a common misperception that natural stone surfaces
#11538_AR Source: Granite Gold
HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS
Easy Care For Your Natural Stone
can be damaged by too much sealing. However, frequent sealing maintains maximum surface protection, which provides superior, long-lasting resistance to staining, etching and soil buildup. Check the integrity of the seal of your granite with an at-home water test. Pour enough water on your stone to create a circle 3 inches in diameter then repeat in several different locations. Let the water sit for 30 minutes before wiping it away and checking for any dark marks or rings. These indicate the water is penetrating the stone and it’s time to reseal.
Polish regularly. Polishing your stone after cleaning brings out its natural beauty & reinforces the protective seal, which provides ongoing protection against water spots & fingerprints. Polishing is particularly important on stone shower walls and tub surrounds to help prevent soap scum build-up. Polishing stone floors is not recommended as it will make the walking surface slick and dangerous. Home Improvement Guide - Page 6
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Hardwood Floors Installed large selection to choose from
Happy Home Services 941-766-0115 • 941-429-5902 • 941-575-6500 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 5-31-13.
Shaw & Hercules Quick Step Laminates Installed With Upgraded Underlayment selected styles available
Happy Home Services 941-766-0115 • 941-429-5902 • 941-575-6500 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 5-31-13.
Ceramic Tile Installed 18‘x18’ or 20‘x20’ various sizes to choose from
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941-457-4197 MyDirtyGrout.com Home Improvement Guide - Page 8
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DONT REMOVE IT . . . IMPROVE IT!
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• handcrafted flagstone • thinset veneer pavers
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941-628-1423 THE
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480 E. Railroad Ave. Suite 6 - Boca Grande, FL 33921
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Licensed & Insured #CPC025642 3527 Tamiami Trl ･ Unit A ･ Port Charlotte, FL 33952 Home Improvement Guide - Page 10
home improvement is important... but so is automotive improvement!
ICE COLD
AUTO REPAIR
FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR CENTER
We service Foreign & Domestic, RV's & Commercial Trucks. When we say Full Service auto Center, we mean it. Locally owned & operated by Bobbi Berry, serving the Port Charlotte, Florida area with integrity & automotive excellence. ✓ Air Conditioning ✓ Power Window Motors ✓ Radiators ✓ Lube / Oil / Balance
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It’s easy to find us...Just look for the Blues Brother’s in front of our business!
4868 Tamiami Trail • Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980
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Call today & we’ll take care of your lawn so YOU don’t have too! Call Jason at:
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Discounts not to be combined with move-in specials. Not valid with any other offer.
EXPIRES 5/31/13 www.storamer.com 1145 Capricorn Blvd・Port Charlotte, FL 33983
2013 READERS’ CHOICE
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Windows & Doors
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941-475-9545
Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00 • Sat 9:00-3:00
Home Improvement Guide - Page 12
CH A RLOT T E PL UMBI NG
Adding Luxury to our Kitchen & Baths
“Come Visit Our Beautiful Showroom!”
(941) 625-9981 1266 Market Circle • Port Charlotte- Page • 8am-4pm For advertising opportunities call 941.661.7475 13
Common household items can suffer from the wear & tear of everyday use, but a few simple cleaning tricks will help keep them in good condition & extend their lifespan, saving you money & angst in the long run. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Dryer: Make sure to empty the dryer’s lint trap on a regular basis. Keeping this often forgotten area lint-free will increase the efficiency of a standard tumble dryer by allowing warm, moist air to flow freely out of the appliance as clothing dries. Additionally, keep in mind that some brands of dryer sheets can leave an invisible film on the lint trap. To test yours, run water through it - if it holds water, it’s suffering from build-up. If this is the case, scrub it with a stiff brush and soapy water every six months.
#11393_AR Source: Bissell
HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS
Deep Clean Forgotten Areas of Your Home
Shower Head: If the water pressure in your shower is less than ideal, chances are your shower head is suffering from mineral deposits that inevitably accumulate over time. To promote better water flow, remove the shower head from the wall, if possible, and soak in white vinegar for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly in the sink, reattach to wall and turn on the water to observe your shower head working at its best again. Home Improvement Guide - Page 14
Carpet: Vacuum at least once a week to remove the dust and debris that settles in carpet fibers on a regular basis. If you have shedding pets, or family members who suffer from allergies, you may need to vacuum more frequently. BISSELL, the floor care experts, recommends you deep clean your carpet at least twice per year to remove the dirt, stains and allergens vacuums can leave behind. To learn more about DIY deep cleaning, including both portable and upright deep cleaners, and professional deep cleaning formulas containing Scotchgard™ Protection* to prevent future stains, visit www.bissell.com. Refrigerator: Commonly overlooked, the refrigerator’s condenser coils – often located in the back on older units and beneath the doors on newer models – are instrumental in allowing the appliance to cool properly. Since dust, grime and pet hair can build up on the coils, it’s important to clean them twice a year to ensure your refrigerator is running as efficiently as possible. To do this, unplug the unit for safety, then locate the condenser coils. Vacuum them with the wand attachment of your vacuum, going back over any stubborn areas with a stiff brush if needed. If there’s still grime left, you can use a rag and warm, soapy water, but make sure to let the coils dry completely before plugging the unit in again. Once they’re on your radar, these simple cleaning tips are easy to incorporate into your routine. With a little time and upkeep, you’ll find the items you use on a daily basis are in better shape than ever before. For advertising opportunities call 941.661.7475 - Page 15
HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS
If you can’t remove the shower head from the wall, bring the solution directly to the problem: slip a rubber band tightly over the shower head, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and submerge the shower head until all holes are covered. Secure in place with the rubber band and soak 15 to 20 minutes before removing.
CLINTON CASUAL
our m t i s Vi wroo ShoToday
PATIO & FIREPLACE
L Selearge To ctio n C Frohoose m
• Replacement cushions • Electric Fireplaces by Dimplex • Aluminum • Wicker • PVC • Patio Tables & Chairs
new recliner chair with sunbrella fabric
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“Look for our pink umbrella”
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Tues-Fri 10am-5pm • Sat 10am-4pm • Evenings by appointment
740 Tamiami Trl • Port Char. ½ mile North of Toledo Blade
Pied Piper INC.
Licensed & Insured #CFC1427125
X
• Custom screen rooms and entryways
Emergency Services • Water Heaters/Tankless • Garbage Disposals • Drain Cleaning • Sewer Camera • Toilets & Faucets • Remodel & Repipes • Backflow Installation, Repairs & Certification
estimates
We specialize in stopping gutter leaks from staining your pool area!
• Custom seamless & super gutters
Residential & Commercial Family Owned & Operated
free
Protect Your Property From Rain Damage
(941) 429-9979 (941) 249-4160 www.piedpiperplumbing.us piedpiperplumbing@yahoo.com
• Soffit & fascia • Rescreens • Hurricane protection • And more!
CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
9 4 1 -Senior 6 6Discounts! 1-1861 Licensed and Insured #scc1331150869
Home Improvement Guide - Page 16
CLINTON CASUAL
PATIO & FIREPLACE
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media consoles • fireboxes • mantels • corner mantels • wall-mounts • optimyst and more!
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740 Tamiami Trl • Port Charlotte C l i n t o n C a For s uadvertising a l . C opportunities om ½ mile- Page North call 941.661.7475 17 of Toledo Blade
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Licensed / Insured #CFC 1427404
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Home Improvement Guide - Page 18
A Healthier Alternative To Smoking -Smoke Anytime, AnywhereEnjoy the pleasure and satisfaction of smoking without Tar, Ashes & No Smell. Our E-Cigarettes are easy to use; simply inhale like you would a regular cigarette, and instantly your Vapor Rising Electronic Cigarette will power on and create the great taste you're used to. Even better, there’s no second hand smoke, no ash, and no odor. Choose your favorite flavor and strength from our wide selection of refills. With our large selection of E-Liquids, you can easily find the taste and satisfaction that’s perfect for you. Are you looking for a quality smoking alternative, but cannot decide what to buy? We have made it easy for you. Check out our complete starter kits to "make the switch" as early as today.
The Time Is Now According to the American Cancer Society, cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including 60 known cancer-causing (carcinogenic) compounds and 400 other toxins. These include carbon monoxide as well as formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, DDT, and the worst ingredient of all, cancer-causing tar.
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4860 Tamiami Trl ･ Port Charlotte, FL 33980 Any Vapor or Electronic Vapor kit (a couple blocks North of the Punta Gorda Bridge, just look Coupon required. Expires 5-31-13 for the green building past RaceTrac on the For just advertising opportunities callright!) 941.661.7475 - Page 19
HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS
Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist For most homes, the rule of thumb is to have your central A/C system checked once a year by a qualified technician. The checklist below covers the basic items a routine air conditioner maintenance call should include. In addition to the annual service, it’s important to check on a couple of things each month during the cooling season. This is something you can do yourself in just a few minutes. 1. Clean the outdoor condenser coils and indoor evaporator units. The coil is made up of the refrigerant lines and surrounding radiator-like fins that line the cabinet of your outdoor A/C unit. The evaporator is the interior counterpart to the outdoor unit and has its own coil. Dirt and debris on the coils reduce efficiency and stress the system’s mechanical parts. 2. Check the refrigerant level. An improper amount of refrigerant (Freon, in most systems) makes a compressor work too hard, reducing the efficiency and longevity of the system. 3. Inspect the drain pans and condensate drains. Drains must be unobstructed and clean to ensure excess moisture is not trapped in the units or inside the house. 4. Check outdoor fan motor and blades and indoor blower assembly. The fan on the outdoor unit pulls air in through the coil fins. The indoor blower is the fan unit (motor, fan wheel and housing) on your furnace. Older blowers may include a drive belt that should be inspected and adjusted or replaced as needed. 5. Check compressor and refrigerant tubing. 6. Lubricate moving parts (as applicable). Older A/C units often have ports on fan motors, compressors and other parts for adding lubrication periodically. Newer models typically have sealed parts that don’t need to be lubed. 7. Inspect all electrical controls, wiring and connections. All electrical components and hookups should be checked for soundness, wear and damage. 8. Inspect and clean or replace air filters.
Home Improvement Guide - Page 20
10. Check ductwork for leaks and other problems. A duct inspection is not needed every year and may not be included with a standard system checkup, but air leakage in ductwork is one of the main causes of inefficiency in forced-air A/C and heating systems. It’s a good idea to have your ductwork assessed and sealed and/or insulated in problems areas, as needed. Monthly Maintenance During the Cooling Season Now for a couple of things that you can do to help keep your A/C in good shape while you’re using it most: First, check the furnace filter each month, and replace it as soon as necessary. And second, check the outdoor condenser unit and remove all leaves, grass clippings and other debris from the sides and top of the cabinet. Cut back shrubs and other vegetation as needed to maintain a minimum of 2 feet of clearance on all sides of the unit. This ensures adequate airflow to the condenser coil. Tips for Scheduling Service The best time to call a service pro for an annual air conditioner maintenance checkup is in early spring (in most areas), or at least well before the cooling season really kicks in. If you wait until summer, the pros are booked to their fan blades with emergency repairs and installation jobs. Also be aware that some utility companies offer low-cost efficiency checkups, as well as service package plans that cover maintenance and repairs for a set monthly fee.
For advertising opportunities call 941.661.7475 - Page 21
HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS
9. Run a general system test. Your technician should turn on the A/C system to check operating functions such as the starting cycle and shut-off control, check for unusual noises or odors, and measure indoor/outdoor temperatures and system pressures as needed.
SOUTHWEST CURBING 941.637.1186 ·FULL LANDSCAPE SERVICE AVAILABLE ·Decorative Concrete Borders ·Plants, Trees, Mulch, Rock, Flowers ·Tree Removal commercial ·Stump Grinding & ·Stepping Stones residential ·Walkways Mow • ·Sod-Install & Rip Out
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in business since 1984
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Home Improvement Guide - Page 22
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Home Improvement Guide - Page 24
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HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS
Oh no! It's Mother's Day very soon & you forgot to get her a gift? Mother's Day is a very important date to show your mother that you love & appreciate her, so you should make an effort to do something for her, even if you don't have much time left. No ideas? Have no fear: this article is here to help! Just read on for some simple, quick & cost-effective ways to show your appreciation to your mother this Mother's Day.
Need Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Think about what she likes. Is there something special that she wants or is really interested in? The best gifts for Mother's Day are a lot more personal than the generic flowers or chocolate. If there's something she's been wanting to buy, then getting it for her as a surprise can be a great present. If she has a particular interest, then you could get her something related to that interest or use it to personalize the card or present you made. Get her a card. This is an essential part of Mother's Day, something she can keep and also an opportunity to leave her a short message of appreciation. Even if you don't have time to find her a present, getting her a card should be a priority. For a really personal touch you can make the card yourself. Make your mother a gift yourself! This is the most personal and creative type of gift you can give your mother, as well as being a good alternative if you're strapped for cash. There are lots of different things you can make your mother, depending on what kind of things she is interested in. • Making her some custom jewelry can be an awesome gift! So things like beaded ribbon or chain bracelets, earrings, necklaces or rings. • If you're feeling creative, why not try writing her a poem or painting her a picture? • Make her something that she can use to pamper herself. For example, makeup like lipgloss, a bath bomb in her favorite color, a homemade perfume, a body scrub in a fragrance she likes, etc. Get her a voucher or a gift card. This will allow her to choose a gift for herself and show you have thought about Mother's Day. Many sites now have opportunities to buy vouchers online quite quickly, with just a credit/debit card, PayPal account, etc. Think about sites your mother uses or buys things from often and see if they do online vouchers. Does she like to shop? Try buying her a voucher for her favorite clothes shop. Is she into music? Get her an iTunes gift card or a Spotify membership. Or get something really unique and creative, like a person-to-person micro-lending gift card. If you don't know you can always buy her vouchers for a site that sells a wide variety of things like Amazon. • You could always give it a more personal touch by making it a voucher for something you could do together, for example, giving her a DVD voucher and telling her to choose a film for both of you to watch together. Home Improvement Guide - Page 26
Go out and pick some flowers. This puts a fresh touch on the traditional gift of a bunch of flowers, & is also quick, easy & doesn't cost anything at all! Go out & look for flowers close to where you live - try not to pick flowers that your mother planted in your garden if you can help it! Or lay down some money & go buy her a beautiful bouquet of flowers, add water and a vase for perfection! Make her breakfast in bed. This time-honored tradition is a lovely gesture and will really start off your mother's day well. Sneak into her room about the time she normally gets up and insist she stays in bed for a while, for you have made her breakfast! Include any favorite breakfast foods she may have and set the meal out creatively. Don't forget to bring her up something to drink like coffee or juice. Take some of her work off her hands. This will really relieve her burden & allow her to relax for the day. Are there some things she normally does around the house, like washing the dishes, cleaning, tidying, etc.? Why not try doing them yourself for the day. It won't take too long and it will really please your mother that you've thought about how much work she has to do. Cleaning your house is an especially good one to do, as when your mother gets out of bed, she won't believe her eyes! Cook her an evening meal. This can be a great way to relieve your mother of some of her duties & also treat her with something you made yourself. Plus, it also means that you can announce to your mother in the morning that you will cook her an evening meal... & then you will have the whole day to buy ingredients if you need to & to figure out what on earth you will actually cook for her! If you are young, try to enlist the help of an older sibling or another adult. For advertising opportunities call 941.661.7475 - Page 27
HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS
Make some Mother's Day coupons. These are like vouchers, but are for things that you can do yourself, which will make it much more personal. Get a piece of paper and write down something you promise to do for her, or make a more professional looking coupon on the computer if you can. If you're feeling brave you could always give her a blank voucher and tell your mother to write what she would like from you on it! Some good ideas for coupons could include: • Doing the grocery shopping • Giving her a massage or a manicure • Cleaning your room (it could be just for that day, or on a weekly basis for a set amount of time) • Doing some gardening or weeding • Taking out the rubbish • Babysitting your younger siblings so that your mother can go out for the night.
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Home Improvement Guide - Page 28
Home Improvement Guide Publisher: Jason LaViolette Advertising Info: 941-661-7475
Enter our “Find the Gold Hammer Contest” to Win $50 * Did you find the “Gold Hammer” hidden in our magazine if so, scan qr code or enter online at:
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Home Improvement Guide - Page 30
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Home Improvement Guide - Page 32
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