• Fix Dull Carpet
• Complete Your “Honey Do” List
• Choosing a Reputable Contractor
• Traveling by Car
• Roof Top Decorations
• New Company & Category Additions

It’s the time of the year for cool weather, holiday treats, and realizing that you will have family over and they’re going to see all the spots on your carpet. It is time to clean up.

Just like waiting too long in between dentist appointments, many people wait too long in between professional carpet cleanings. Harmless as it may seem, waiting too long between cleanings can dramatically reduce the life of your carpet.

The dirt and grime that is in your carpet (mostly hidden) grinds away at your carpet fiber like sandpaper, wearing away the protective coating and causing the carpet color to appear dull. This grinding action from the hidden dirt lessens the life of your carpet. Read more to learn the most common mistake for DIY spot cleaning on carpet.

Do your flooring investment justice by finding a professional carpet cleaning company and getting set up with regular maintenance cleanings. Depending upon your situation, you may want to clean anywhere from every four months to once a year for very light use areas. Contact your professional cleaning company for a recommendation.

Common mistakes for DIY spot cleaning on carpet:

• Using soap
  Save the soap for your dishes and your laundry, not your carpet. You will not be able to use enough water to flush out all of the soap. The soap that is left behind will leave a sticky residue that will attract more dirt to the spot.
• Using other harsh cleaners
  Be careful what you use for your spot cleaning. Cleaners that contain brighteners can bleach your carpet. Cleaners that contain solvents can cause your carpet to detach from its backing.
• Using “home remedies”
  Even so-called “home remedies” can take a cleanable spot and turn it into a permanent stain. If you’re not sure what to do about a spot, call a professional.
• Panicking
  Many spots (including ink, red punch, coffee, and other nasty stains) can be removed with the right process. If you panic and throw every cleaner you have under the kitchen sink at the stain, you may be making the situation worse. Again, when in doubt, call a professional.

Use only spot cleaners recommended by a professional. Try warm water first and blot and wipe (don’t scrub, you may damage the texture of the carpet) the spot with a terry-cloth towel.

Article submitted by Brimley’s White Glove Chem-Dry. Contact ToFixIt! today at 602-863-4948 or visit their website at http://www.tofixit.com/phoenix/index.php/carpet-upholstery-cleaning

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It is the time of year that we start to get “ready” for the Christmas season. There are many affordable things that can be done to your home quickly by a professional handyman before those guests arrive. Some of the most common requests we receive include items that can make a huge impact, with little cost and help promote safety for your loved ones. Don’t forget about those furry, four legged family members too. Top 6 reasons to call your handyman today:

• Are your electrical sockets safe? Check or replace cracked or damaged electrical wall plates before adding those holiday lights.
• Are your smoke detectors working? When was the last time you changed the battery? This should be done yearly. Pick a special date or holiday to change your batteries each year.
• Crown molding can make huge impact to add ambiance and glamour to any room. There are some many options available for you to choose, including a variety of wood types, size, staining or paint.
• Do you have little repairs in your walls that need patching? These are easy to fix and can make the room look clean and crisp again.
• Save on your utilities bills by adding weather stripping and caulking around your windows and doors. Your front door is the first thing a visitor views when coming to your home. Spruce it up and fix unsightly blemishes.
• Don’t forget about your pets. Adding a doggie door can be huge relief to you and your pet so that there won’t be any unexpected messes when you arrive home.

Hire a professional handyman today for all of those odds and ends that need to be done so that you can just enjoy more free time to spend with your loved ones this season.

Article submitted by: Built by Grace

Contact ToFixIt! today at 602-863-4948 or visit their website at: http://www.tofixit.com/phoenix/index.php/handyman-services/ to find the experts in your area that can help you take care of your handyman needs.

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There are laws in place to protect you, the consumer. Every city, municipality and state has minimum building standard laws for all construction, remodeling, additions, alterations and repairs. This law requires all new homes and remodeling work to be completed to local codes and provides for third-party inspections. All builders and contractors must follow the same rules and meet the same standards. These measures protect you from poor construction methods and provide you with assurances that your home will be remodeled to scientifically-tested standards.

Sounds nice, doesn't it? Don't relax just yet. You're entrusting someone with what is probably your largest asset and their only required guidance is a code that provides a minimum standard. Want to rest easy that you've got a good professional contractor? Here's the homework assignment:

• Beware of an unusually low bid or low advertised price. No matter what he signs, the contractor has to be able to afford to pay for labor, materials and overhead or you’re both in trouble.
• Discuss the bid in detail with the contractor to make sure you understand the reasons for any variation in price.
• Ask for insurance certificates to verify current worker’s compensation and general liability insurance.
• Make sure the contractor has a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers.
• Visit the Registrar of Contractors, http://www.azroc.gov/forms/contractorsearch.html to find out how long the company has been in business and whether there are any unresolved complaints against the firm.
• Select a contractor you are comfortable with – one who understands your tastes, need and with whom you can communicate.

Ask your contractor for references and photos of finished projects from previous customers so you can ask about the quality of their work. Take your time. Most problems occur when consumers fail to investigate contractors carefully before hiring them.

Article submitted by: MJR Builders, Inc.

To learn more about remodeling projects that can be completed before the holidays contact ToFixIt at 602-863-4948 or visit the website http://www.tofixit.com/phoenix/index.php/general-contractor/ to find your local general contractor.

Be sure to visit the Coupon/Promotion section for this newsletter to view a special discount offer.

We know you have heard it all before but it never hurts to hear it again. Thanksgiving is the most traveled holiday of the year and more motorists are on the road than at any other time. Be sure to use extra caution. Here are some travel tips:

Check that automobile
Make sure it is sound, enough air in the tires, oil change on time before you leave, water in the windshield wipers, seat-belts are strong and safe, engine is running good, no strange noises and be sure to check the brakes.

Take an emergency kit
Make sure you have a battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, snack foods, maps, tire repair kit and flares.

Watch out for clever criminals
Do not stop if your car is bumped from behind or if someone says there is something wrong with your car. Go to a well-lit, populated area and call for help. Fill the gas tank before dark and lock your doors when you leave. Remove valuables from your car and lock the doors.

Stop along the way
It is a good idea to stop every 2 or 3 hours and get out of the car. Let the kids run around for about 15 minutes. Don't be in a hurry to reach your destination. Stop and sleep or change drivers if the present driver becomes tired, it is better to be safe in your car and take some time to rest then cause an accident.

Be aware of changes in weather
Weather conditions will be changing - especially during mornings and evenings with the cold. Watch for ice, snow and other weather related obstacles. Watch for the signs.

Don’t be a Turkey
Plan ahead, know your limitations, slow down and buckle up.

Call 602-863-4948 at or visit http://www.tofixit.com/phoenix/index.php/repair/ to find honest, reliable automotive repair shops to give you peace of mind before you get behind the wheel of your car this holiday season.

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Christmas lights and roof top decorations can add the extra “wow” to your house for the holiday season. However, hanging and putting up these decorations can be dangerous and possibly cause damage to your roof.

Your roof is a huge investment and asset to your home so you want to make sure you are keeping up the maintenance. It should be checked and cleared twice a year to help increase the life of your roof, which is about 15 years in Arizona. Little repairs can help prevent costly problems later. To learn more tricks of the trade read entire article.

Before installing anything on your roof you want to make sure the roof is clean and dry.

If you have a lot of trees around your house if would be a good idea to call your roofing contractor and have them inspect the roof and remove all debris for you.

The debris can make it slippery while you’re up there but it can also cause damage to your roof year round. Prior to you going up on the roof for your lighting we recommend:

• using the variety of plastic clips that they sell
• these clips go right on your wood without puncturing any holes and are easy to remove once the holiday season is over

If you are installing anything on the actual roof top please remember:

• ladder safety
• make sure the ladder is placed on a level ground
• ladder is the right height to fit your house
• have someone else with you to help hold the ladder

Article submitted by KY-KO Roofing Systems, Inc.. Call ToFixIt today at 602-863-4948 or visit the website at: http://www.tofixit.com/phoenix/index.php/roofing learn many more tips and coupons for your roofing needs.

Be sure to visit the Coupon/Promotion section for this newsletter to view a special discount offer.