What to Ask Your Home Remodeling Contractor

Embarking on a home remodeling project is a significant investment of time, emotion, and cash. You spend countless hours pulling together design inspiration, researching and hiring the best contractors, and selecting the materials, fixtures, and finishes that will bring your dream space to fruition. Yet, do you really know what to expect once the sledgehammer is swung?

Before beginning a remodeling project, take the time to ask your contractor these 7 vital questions to help keep everything on the up and up.

What’s our schedule? Look for more than a start and end date; ask for an outline of tasks and deadlines to help you plan accordingly. For example, knowing when the kitchen cabinets are due to be installed helps determine the lead time for ordering counter tops and backsplash materials.

Who’s coming, and when? It’s helpful to know who to expect from day-to-day, whom to call with questions, and who is responsible for opening and locking up if you’re away while work is in progress.

How will my home and belongings be protected? Remodeling is messy, so how will rooms be protected from all the dust and dirt that accompanies your project? Ask what items you’re responsible for moving or securing, and make sure any dangerous tools or equipment will be safely stowed at the end of the workday.

How will we communicate? Perhaps your contractor prefers texting, but you prefer emails. Agree on a communication method that works well for both of you and provides the updates you depend on. Also, ask for after-hours contact information in case of emergency.

What concerns you about this project? In home remodeling, as in life, you simply can’t plan for everything. Ask your contractor what areas might trigger a change order (and potentially an increase in budget). Are there concerns about outdated electrical, load-bearing walls, or asbestos?

How will you handle change orders? Have a plan in place to document expected and unexpected changes, especially as they might impact your budget.

What documentation will I receive upon project completion? It’s finally over and you have your dream kitchen, bathroom, or family room addition. But that’s not all you should receive. Ask your contractor to supply lien releases, copies of any inspection reports, operating manuals for all appliances and equipment, and so on.

Certain projects create heightened home security risks, like knocking down an exterior wall to expand a family room.  If you have a home security system but aren’t sure if it’s up to that challenge, contact Now Security Systems today for helpful advice and expert service.

Your home is only as safe and secure as the locks on your exterior doors.

Like most things around the house, they don’t last forever. For that matter, neither do doors.  But let’s say the locks go first as time and constant use have a way of wearing them down. So you need to change them. Or maybe a family member lost a key and you decide that re-keying is the best solution.

Both methods ensure that the old keys will no longer provide access, but how do you know if you should replace the entire lock or simply have it re-keyed? Let’s have a look.

Replace Door Locks

Replacing the lock – and the handle, if it’s a combo – is the most comprehensive method of ensuring security, but it also comes with a bigger price tag. While some locks are DIY friendly, others may require professional installation. Here’s when replacing is a good idea:

• The lock becomes damaged over time from repeated use.
• The wrong key or another object was jammed into the lock, resulting in damage.
• The only key has been lost or stolen.
• Your home has been broken into, or your neighborhood has fallen victim to a rash of burglaries – time to upgrade to a more secure and durable lock.
• You wish to upgrade to a lock with a keypad feature instead of a key, or a smart lock that can sync to your phone or tablet, allowing remote locking and unlocking.

Re-key Door Locks

Re-keying is the more common way of changing locks on a door and involves realigning the internal springs and pins to match the new key. Re-keying kits can be purchased for around $20 or you can hire a locksmith to do the job. Consider re-keying if:

• Your new home is under construction and a variety of people (contractors, subcontractors, inspectors, real estate agents, etc.) have their own keys.
• You’re moving into a home and don’t know how many copies of the keys are out here, or who has them.
• Your house keys have been lost or stolen but you have at least one copy to allow for re-keying.
• You want the convenience of a single key to lock and unlock more than one door in your home, assuming you have the same brand of locks throughout. Re-keying styles and techniques vary from brand to brand.

Even by changing or re-keying a lock, are you fully securing your home against unwanted entry?  Of course not. And that’s where a custom-designed alarm system comes into play, one installed and managed by Now Security Systems.  Contact us today for a free in-home security analysis.

In April the world celebrates Earth Day with people all over taking part in planet-saving activities. And while that’s a good thing, its impact is lessened if “reduce, reuse, recycle” measures are limited to one day a year.

So, whether you’re reading this blog on April 22, June 17, or January 18, here are steps you can take to contribute to preserving natural resources and reducing energy consumption.

Skip the dryer. During warmer months, outdoor temps, gentle breezes, and added daylight are perfect for drying laundry and giving your clothes dryer a break. When the weather isn’t cooperating, an indoor clothes line can help reduce your dependence on your dryer. 

Update your refrigerator. If your fridge is winding down – the average life expectancy is about 15 years – replacing it with an Energy Star model can save you up to $300 in energy costs over the next five years. Old fridge or new, keep it running at max efficiency by not over-stuffing it; that enables air to circulate freely for fresher and better-tasting food.

Switch to green household cleaners. Common household cleaners and detergents contain potentially harmful chemicals and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Look for eco-friendly cleaners or make your own from items you probably already have. Use a 50-50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water to get glass and mirrors sparkling clean. Remove stubborn spots and stains on hard surfaces with a baking soda paste. And ditch paper towels for cloth rags that you can toss in the washing machine once you’re done cleaning.

Check for air leaks. Tending to air leaks helps reduce energy costs and the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool your home.  With less wear and tear to undergo, your HVAC systems will last longer, too. So, seal drafty windows and doors, replace weather stripping as needed, and consider replacing windows and exterior doors that continue to allow air to escape, no matter how much you try to prevent it.

Shine a light on savings. One of the simplest and most affordable ways to reduce energy consumption and save a few bucks is by switching to LED bulbs. They use 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, produce 90% less heat, and last at least 15 times longer.

At Now Security Systems, we do more than encourage and applaud energy saving measures. We practice resource conservation ourselves. Join us, won’t you?

How is it possible that all direct sale items advertised on TV are on sale for a “low, low price”? Even better (or worse), how do they all manage to finish the pitch – and still make money – by offering a second identical product for free with your purchase of one?

How is it possible?  It’s not.  That’s because the price is inflated in the first place to cover the cost of the first, and they’re STILL making a profit. Call it smart advertising or a low-down dirty scheme…either way, it’s a trend that’s not going away anytime soon.

Here are a few more common “free” offers you should be equally wary of:

Free Trials – A free trial is a great way to test out a product or service before committing to it. The only downside is that more and more businesses require a credit card to seal the deal. That’s not so bad by itself. The problem comes when they charge your card once the trial period is over because you didn’t cancel in time. If you’re signing up for a free trial, mark the expiration date on your calendar so you can avoid a fee if you choose not to continue.

Free Appliances – It may be tempting to go for that used, sometimes free appliance offered on Craigslist. But chances are you’ll end up with something outdated, inefficient, and possibly damaged, all of which will cost you down the road in the form of repairs and higher utility costs.

Furniture – Quality furniture doesn’t come cheap. So, before you snag that sofa off the curb, consider why it’s there in the first place. Solid pieces could be damaged or poorly made, while upholstered items could be harboring odors, stains, and even bed bugs.

Paint and Stain – Sometimes you can get a bargain on free, unopened paints and stains. If, however, they‘ve been sitting in someone’s basement for who knows how long, they’re probably past their prime and not suitable for use.

Free Wi-Fi – It’s tempting to use the free internet offered at your neighborhood coffee shop, but if you’re doing more than catching up on the news or checking the weather, you could be putting yourself at risk of identity theft. Avoid doing anything that requires you to enter your login info while on an unsecured network.

It’s not just free offers that should raise a red flag with you but offers that seem too good to be true – usually they are. By contrast, Now Security offers products and services of vital importance for your family’s added safety and security. No games, no gimmicks, no phony sales.  Why not contact us today for a free in-home security analysis and proposal.

Today we are more connected than ever. Technology has made it possible to lock or unluck your car from just about anywhere with the swipe of a smartphone, to skip the coffee shop line and have your order ready and waiting, have your lights turned on and off for added security and convenience, and so much more.

Yet, with its ability to simplify our lives, smart home technology also can make them more complicated. Here are 6 things you can do ensure that the smarter your home, the simpler and safer it becomes.

Look for compatible products. If your goal is complete home automation, make sure the products you choose are compatible with each other.

Complete all suggested updates. App and device updates often include security upgrades, so complete them when prompted to gain full value.

Pace yourself. Sure, it’s tempting to purchase everything “cool” or helpful all at once. But doing so can cause you to skimp on the details and thereby not receive full benefits from each smart home purchase.

Consider your internet limitations. An increase in Wi-Fi compatible devices could result in reduced internet speed, so be prepared to up your bandwidth.

Remove login info when moving. If you’re leaving any home automation devices behind, be sure to clear your login info.

Is it really smart? Not all smart devices are as smart as they sound. If the task is already easy, like pressing “brew” on your coffee maker, automating it might be more hassle than it’s worth.

Now Security also has ventured into the smart home arena. Our home security systems come equipped with an app so you can access your system from any place with a Wi-Fi connection.  That way, you can keep an eye on your home while you’re gone, disarm and arm the system from afar, and more. Contact us today for a free in-home security analysis and new system proposal.

What’s not to love about Daylight Savings Time (DST), especially here in New England.  It’s a precursor of spring, a sign that the worst of winter is over, and provides more daylight hours to enjoy being outdoors.

At the same time, DST didn’t just come into being on its own. So, to liven up your next conversation with family, friends, or co-workers, here are some fun facts about DST we’re confident you’ll enjoy.

• In 1784, Benjamin Franklin suggested that people get out of bed earlier in the spring and summer months to enjoy more natural light. Though DST was adopted and repealed once or twice, it wasn’t until 1966 that it became official throughout most of the U.S.

• Daylight saving time was first enacted in Europe during World War I. Germany and Austria moved their clocks forward one hour between April 30th and October 1st to conserve fuel. The UK and several other European countries soon followed suit.
• Farmers strongly opposed the official adoption of DST, and many continue to fight for its abolition, especially dairy farmers. They contend that grain is best harvested after morning dew evaporates, and that cows are particularly sensitive to milking times.
• For decades, candy makers lobbied for daylight saving time, believing it would lead to more candy sales around Halloween. However, after the federal government established daylight savings time, children simply waited until dark to go trick-or-treating.
• “Cyberloafing,” or surfing the web for enjoyment during work hours, increases significantly the first Monday after DST begins. Researchers attribute this increase to lack of sleep and thus lack of focus and motivation.
• Drive-in movie theater owners and enthusiasts blame DST for some of the industry’s decline, arguing that the extended evening daylight prevented drive-in theaters from starting at a family-friendly hour.
• A 2014 study conducted by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that drivers were at a higher risk of getting into a car accident in the days after DST than on any other day. The 10-year study attributed 302 traffic fatalities to DST.
• Because more daylight hours encourage people to spend more time and money on outdoor activities, many retail establishments – including shopping and dining – have long supported DST. Outdoor grill and charcoal manufacturers are especially grateful for the time change to the tune of about $200 million in sales.

Here’s another interesting fact about DST. Contrary to popular belief, most home burglaries occur in the summer during daylight hours vs. during the Standard Time months.  Part of the reason is that more families take vacations during the summer than any other time of the year.  Plus, more windows are left open, outbuildings unlocked, and so on.

Contact Now Security Systems today to learn how to beef up your home security during the summer and all year long.

Certain household chores are automatic, like making beds, laundry, running the dishwasher, even the dreaded task of dusting.

Then there’s another list of chores, many of which tend to fly under your radar. Well, pardon us for bringing them front and center but, trust us, it’s for the good of your household.

Mop Entryway Floors. Messy shoes leave messy floors behind them. So, that leaves you with two choices: mop them regularly or stare at dried footprints.

Organize Bookshelves. Remove books you no longer want or need and pare back on decorative items to expose a little empty space. This will make the room feel a little less cluttered.

Rotate Mattresses. While you wait for your sheets to dry, take a minute to rotate (or flip, if appropriate) your mattresses. Doing so every three months helps them wear evenly, improves comfort, and extends their lifespan.

Donate Linens. Speaking of bedding, pack up a bag of old linens and towels (in good condition) that you no longer need and donate them to a homeless shelter or church. There are always people in need.

Check for Moisture. Inspect your bathrooms for signs of moisture, mildew, or mold. Repair leaky fixtures and toilets, and make sure your vent fan is drawing out moisture properly.

Clear Dryer Vent. In addition to cleaning the lint trap after each load, make sure your dryer vent is clear of lint and blockages. Clean it at least once a year to keep your dryer running more efficiently while reducing the risk of a dryer fire.

Replace Smoke Alarm Batteries. The U.S. Consumer Product Commission recommends that you check your smoke detector batteries once a month. Alarms have test buttons that, when pushed, cause them to sound. If they do not, replace all those batteries that aren’t working. You should install new batteries once a year.

For even greater protection against a home fire, contact Now Security Systems for more information about our whole-house fire alarm systems.  They’re connected to your local fire station and our own monitoring station 24/7/365 for the ultimate in protection, even when you’re not home.

Snow, ice, freezing temps and blustery winds can make winter driving unpredictable, treacherous, and downright nerve-wracking. So, this winter, be prepared for whatever nature hurls your way by keeping these emergency supplies stocked in your car.

Kitty Litter – A good sprinkle of kitty litter can give your car the traction it needs to get you out of the snow.

Traction Mat – When you need extra traction to get out of a snowy or icy situation – and kitty litter won’t do – a foldable traction mat will usually do the job.

Windshield De-Icer – It helps breaks up ice on your windshield.  When applied to headlights and taillights, it keeps them from freezing over and losing brightness. Consider keeping some in a spray bottle in your backpack, purse, or briefcase should your car door locks freeze up.

Snow Brush – Choose a combo brush and ice scraper – ideally with an expandable handle – so you can safely remove snow from all areas of your car.

Windshield Cover – Expecting snow or freezing rain while you’re out and about? Throw a cover on your windshield to keep the glass clear and protect wipers from freezing.

Hand Warmers – Should you become stranded on the road, keep your hands warm with air-activated hand warmers as you wait for help to arrive or walk to safety.

Heated Blanket – Stay warm as you wait for help to arrive with a heated blanket that plugs into your car’s 12-volt outlet. Choose one that’s large enough for two people with a cord long-enough to reach the back seat.

Waterproof Nonslip Boots – You never know when you’ll need to change a tire in freezing rain, shovel snow out from under your tires, or walk to safety.

Preparing your car for winter driving difficulties is like installing a home security alarm system – you may never really need either, but are you willing to take that chance? For more information about how Now Security Systems can help safeguard your home and family, contact us today.

Shopping for furnishings, tools, appliances, and other household items can be stressful. Sure, you want the lowest price, but do you want a substandard item in exchange?

And yet paying full price is rarely necessary in today’s retail environment…especially when you buy at the right time.

Consider the following:

Major Appliances – January, September, October, Holidays: Much like furniture, the best deals on major appliances come when stores need to make room for new inventory. If you don’t mind having “last year’s model”, shop in January, September, or October. If you must have the latest and greatest, wait for Black Friday and holiday deals. This is also a great time to get bigger savings if you’re buying more than one item.

Home Furnishings – January and July:  Furniture manufacturers commonly introduce new pieces in February and August, which means stores try to clear out existing inventory during the prior months. For extra good deals, ask about buying floor samples.    

Storage Essentials – January and August:  After the holidays, stores roll out savings on storage essentials to help you get better organized for the New Year. In August, you’re bound to find similar savings as parents prepare to send their kids back to school.

Towels, Linens and Bedding – January:  Many department stores have January “white sales” with deep discounts on bed and bath items. If your must-have bedding set or towel color happens to be out of stock, ask a sales clerk for a rain-check so you can get what you want at the discounted price once the item is restocked.

Mattresses – February and May:  Presidents Day and Memorial Day seem to inspire department stores to offer savings on mattresses. Specialty stores can even drop prices by 50% but, be warned, those discounts may be offered against marked-up prices.

Flooring – December and January: These are slow months for flooring retailers and installers because homeowners tend to take a break from home remodeling and renovating over the holidays.

When it comes to home security equipment and monitoring, you can count on great value for your money all year long. For more information or a free in-home consultation and proposal, contact us today.