Leaves of Fall and Your Gutters

October 25th, 2009

Autumn is a beautiful time of year in Georgia when the leaves change colors and poetically fall to the ground. But not all of the leaves make it to the ground; some end up in your gutter.  Clogged gutters can cause many problems from insects to leaks so keep your gutters cleaned.  For less than you might think you can hire an Atlanta gutter cleaner that will come out to your home, clean your gutters, and haul away the mess. 

At LocalPrice we’ve compared some of the top gutter cleaners in Atlanta and compared items like types of credit cards taken, minimum charges, and affiliations.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Atlanta Services | No Comments »

Atlanta Home Security

October 9th, 2009

If you are considering Atlanta home security review LocalPrice to compare prices of the top burglar alarm companies in the metro area including Gwinnett, Cobb, Fulton, and other metro counties.  Buying a home security system for your home can be confusing but our guide will make it a little bit easier.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Atlanta Services | No Comments »

Looking Around Atlanta for the Price of Limos?

August 25th, 2009

Limousines are usually vehicles we reserve for special days – beginning a vacation at the airport, starting a new life with a wedding, or celebrating great news. But even with their less-than-often rate of usage, we still find ourselves trying to find the best available prices around the Atlanta to find the cheapest but highest quality options. So how do you know you’ve found a winner? Let’s take a look around the Atlanta, Georgia area and see what we dig up.

Know the Standard Prices

To effectively compare the prices you’ll see around Atlanta with the prices around the nation, you’ll need some context. Ahead of time, realize that you’ll be looking at triple-digit pricing for a night with a limousine: in order to justify the price of gas, limousine rental, and labor, you really shouldn’t expect much less. If you do find something that’s available for less than that, you might want to make sure it’s not too good to be true.

Knowing the standard prices for limousines will help you understand the best prices in the Atlanta area. If you try a Google or Yahoo! search, you might be able to dig up plenty of limousine services, but how will you know which is the best to use unless you find out the pricing?

Do Your Own Research

After you’ve tried an online search, it’s time to start digging things up on your own. If you want to find the best limousine prices possible, you should start by knowing your need. Do you need a few limousines? Just one? And for how long? These are the kinds of things you’ll want to ask yourself until you know your precise needs.

Once you know that, you can start seeing how much that package would cost at each individual Atlanta-area limousine provider. Try to dig up three or four well-reviewed limousine services and compare their prices. Once you have that knowledge, you’ll be able to call up an individual limousine company and see if they’ll throw in some extra perks for your business.

Here in Atlanta, renting a limousine is a common thing – it is in any metropolitan city. That means there won’t be a lack of limo services to consider. But when it comes to price – that may be up to you!

Posted in Atlanta Services | No Comments »

How to Protect Yourself When You’re Paying a Small Business

July 29th, 2009

As if a down economy weren’t enough, there’s something else to worry about when the country is going through a recession: scams and dishonest small businesses. We don’t want to go through the world every day assuming everyone is out to get us, but we don’t want to play the role of “sucker,” either. So how exactly can you protect yourself when you’re paying a small business these days, without becoming paranoid? Here are some quick tips.

Reputation, Reputation, Reputation.

Reputation is probably the most powerful indicator you have as to the quality and honesty of a small business. If you’re buying a lamp on eBay, you can easily peruse a seller’s feedback ratings to see how honest they are. As for today’s small businesses, it’s nearly impossible to get away with being a cheat or a scammer over a long period of time.

A quick Google search will help you better understand the reputation of the small business you’re working with. Check around and see if you can contact anyone who’s worked with the business before to see what their experience was. A little prevention can save you a lot of pain when it comes to your money.

Beware the Free Lunch.

Everyone knows there’s “no such thing as a free lunch,” but is that true? When you’re working with small businesses, it can be. Although you don’t want to turn away businesses because they offer free consultations or samples, you also don’t want to be taken in by the prospect of paying too little for what you’re getting. Remember that when it comes to quality, you often get what you pay for.

You should especially be on the watch for small businesses that solicit you with a free offer. It’s better if you notice an advertisement or a Web site that advertises a free offer and you come to that business yourself.

Avoiding Paranoia

Avoiding paranoia means having a healthy outlook on life: you prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Paranoia means you prepare for the worst and expect the worst. Be willing to trust people with your money, even if it’s not always comfortable. Ultimately, you’ll need other people to do something for you one day anyway.

Of course, not everyone’s out to get you. Eventually, you’ll have to trust your own intuition and gut-level instincts. If everything checks out, pay a small business and don’t look over their shoulder every fifteen minutes. It’s not a pleasant experience to be a sucker, but it’s not fun to be a nervous nellie, either.

Posted in Consumer Service Tips | No Comments »

Compare Companies to Save Money

July 21st, 2009

With today’s roller coaster economy, everyone is looking for ways to stretch their paycheck. And, when there is an unexpected household or business expense, getting the best price for your hard earned cash is vital. After all, you want to get the optimum price for the job to be done. So, learning how to compare companies to save money on household jobs is a good way to keep more money in your pocket.

Depending on the type of job to be done, the specific criteria to be compared will likely change; however, here are some generalities to keep in mind.

  1. Begin by compiling a list of specifications that are important to you. Some of these may include: Is the company licensed and bonded? Do they have a money-back guarantee? Does the company provide workmen’s compensation? How much are you willing/able to spend?
  2. Ask people you know for recommendations based on price, performance and product.
  3. Check out the company with the BBB. If any of the companies you are considering are listed-especially with numerous grievances-take them off your list.
  4. Are there limits to what the company is willing to change in regards to procedures? If so, why or why not? Sometimes it may be a safety issue. Be willing to compromise unless it is a known health or precautionary concern.
  5. Are the companies known for customer service? You may be dealing with the company for a length of time; you want a company known for being fair, respectful and considerate in their customer service.
  6. Be sure you are comparing the same services. Just because you are comparing two services does not mean that they use the same cleaning methods, products or work ethic. They may use the same lingo, but have different definitions. Thanks to LocalPrice you now can compare the services side by side.

Once you have narrowed down your selections, make a few phone calls to help finalize your choice. As you call your prospective service providers, be sure to ask about company guarantees and proof of licensing and bonding. You may even want see if they are willing to negotiate on the price. Many companies “pad their price” so there is often wiggle room.

By taking the time to compare prices, you can ensure that you get the most for your money-so don’t be afraid to shop around for the best for your budget.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Consumer Service Tips | No Comments »

Understanding the Costs of Dentists in Atlanta

July 17th, 2009

cost of atlanta dentist

In Atlanta, just like anywhere else in the United States, dentistry isn’t exactly the easiest medicine to practice – but that’s assuming any medicine is easy to practice! Although patients would like to see their costs be as low as possible, equipment ranging from drills to office chairs mean that being a dentist isn’t exactly the same as working at the local burger joint. So why did your last cavity set you back some $250 (if you’re lucky)? Let’s take a look at the kind of costs dentists face in Atlanta.

Business Expenses

Running a business essentially means that you’re running a budget that’s separate from your own. The same is true even when it comes to dentistry – if the income coming in isn’t exceeding the expenses going out, then there’s going to be a problem with the business.

With dentistry, some of the equipment can get very expensive. Try to remember your last visit. What kind of different equipment did was used on you during a simple, routine checkup? There’s a good chance that in addition to a basic cleaning, you might have had an X-Ray on your set of teeth. Needless to say, having an X-Ray machine is not the type of business expense you’ll see when you run a bakery.

But is that all there is to dentistry? Let’s take a look at medical expenses here in Atlanta.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses typically run higher than most equipment because they’re so vital to the way we live our lives. In order to have proper health care, sometimes the best equipment will have to be used. If you’re having a root canal, the type of technology that is going to be used will be different than a simple cleaning. That’s why dentists need to charge varying rates depending on the type of treatment they’ve given you.

While some private dentists can provide checkups that run less than $100, you might expect to pay more downtown, where the expenses for everything is higher, including real estate. When you need an operation done, the costs will be higher.

The next time you go into the dentist, remember all of the different issues that go into your bill, and you might feel a little more understanding. To find the cost of dentist in Atlanta review our guide where you can also find Atlanta dentists and learn about the cost for various procedures like crown implants, root canals, venners, and more.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Atlanta Services | No Comments »

Things to Consider when Moving

July 10th, 2009

Atlanta moving company

Moving is challenging, whether going across town or to a completely new state, the process is certainly not on the list of top ten fun things to experience for most people. The process of moving involves making many decisions, some easy and some a little more complex. Most people agree that with good planning, moving does not have to be a nightmare. The key is for people in this situation to know the things to consider when moving so they can plan and get everything organized. The outcome would include saving money, being far less stressed, and ending up with a much smoother transaction.

One of the most important things to consider when moving is hiring the right moving company. Obviously, people could save money by choosing a lesser-known company but this often means taking a risk. Reputable companies provide reasonable pricing but more importantly, a highly trained team and guarantee. Therefore, while it might be tempting for a person to go with a cheap company as a means of saving money, this could end up in disaster.

Another thing to consider when moving is the packing. One way of saving money is for the homeowner to do his or her own packing but this requires more than just throwing possessions into boxes. It is important that sturdy boxes be purchased or found and that appropriate packing material be used. From there, it is far easier for just one room to be packed at a time with delicate items being carefully wrapped the each box labeled according to room and contents. After the person arrives at the new home, unpacking is far easier because a little time and effort was taken on the starting end of the move.

It is also important that important and valuable items such as jewelry, family heirlooms, collectibles, or even loose items be packed in a separate box with everything clearly marked in a see-through bag. Then, instead of this box going with the moving company, the person moving would place the box in his or her car. Even a small box with necessities such as toilet paper, pet food, medication, coffeemaker and coffee, etc would be beneficial. That way, his or her most prized possessions are guaranteed to get to the new location unharmed.

Another one of the important things to consider when moving has to do with notifications. The person would need to visit the local post office or visiting the postal service website, filling out a change of address card. Once the information has been provided, the individual should follow up with the post office about a week prior to the move to confirm everything is taken care of.

In addition to the change of address, the person should make a list of all services and utilities that would need to be turned off or changed for the new address. This would include standard utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and phone, but also trash pickup, magazine subscriptions, bank statements, creditors, driver’s license, and so on. For people that would be moving to a new state, the Department of Motor Vehicle would need to be notified according to law so all renewal notices and other vehicle related information would be forwarded.

Find the cost of movers in Atlanta as well as reliable, bonded, and insured Atlanta moving companies. There are many things to consider when moving but finding a moving company is now easier than ever with LocalPrice. All you have to do is use our guide to compare movers and find one that is best for your needs.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Atlanta Services, Consumer Service Tips | No Comments »

Let's Look at the Cost of Shutters in Atlanta

July 5th, 2009

Window shutters can be a great convenience around your Atlanta home, allowing quick privacy while adding to the decor of any interior environment. If properly chosen, a good shudder won’t only help your home look good, but it will help it to feel more comfortable both for your family and for your guests. But what exactly can you expect to pay for a shutter here in Atlanta, and in the surrounding areas?

A good shutter or pair of shutters should probably cost you around twenty dollars a square foot – many places feature discounts that dock the cost of each shutter the more you buy. With this as your starting point, you should probably take a look around your house, consider how many windows you need covered, and then multiply by around thirty dollars or so. This will only give you an estimate of the cost of your shutters, but it will at least give you a starting point from which you can start shopping.

Once you have your budget in mind, you’re ready to look for the shutters that are right for you. Knowing your price range ahead of time will help you limit the field immediately – when you walk into a home furnisher, for example, you can simply tell them what your price range is and ask them to show you the best shutters they have for that price. If you’re shopping online at a national outlet, you can use “sort” features to make sure that you’re only looking at the shutters you can afford.

There will be some other factors in the cost of shutters – namely size and the amount of shutters you need. The bigger the shutters, the more you can expect them to cost. The more shutters you’re buying, the more you’ll spend, unless you find a generous discount.

Once you’ve found the shutters you like, you might consider trying just a few of them to make sure that you enjoy them in your house. If not, make sure that the outlet you’ve shopped at has a solid return policy, and make sure that you keep receipts (online receipts can usually be printed out).

What are the cost of shutters in Atlanta? It depends – not only on your house, but on you! Make sure you’re an active customer who knows what they’re looking for.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Importance of Bonding

June 29th, 2009

When you get ready to hire a company to do a job for you, it is likely that you will hear (or read) the phrase, “We are licensed and bonded”. But what exactly does that mean? Does it really matter if a company is licensed and bonded? As a home or business owner, hiring a workman or service company is part of life. Knowing the importance of bonding and licensing can make the difference between a job you are pleased with one in which you are burned.

Bonding and Licensing Q&A:

  1. What is bonding? Simply put, bonding is “A third party obligation promising to pay if a vendor does not fulfill its valid obligation under contract.”
  2. Are there different types of bonds? Yes. There are 5 types of bonds: Performance Bonds which guarantees that work will be accomplished as stated in the contract; A Bid Bond which promises you (the company) will perform the work if you win the work contract; a Indemnity Bond which guarantees to reimburse loss incurred for failure to achieve the work or if payment to other vendors is not done; a Licensed Bond which is required in some states for certain business; and, a Payment Bond which promises you will pay all subcontractors and material providers for items used on the job.
  3. Is a bond the same as insurance? No. A bond only means that a job will be completed properly and as the contract stated.
  4. What about licensing? Depending on the type of job, licensing is not necessarily needed. However, most states require a general business license. Companies with a license are often more reputable and are a bit easier to research for customer reviews.
  5. How can I find out if a company really is bonded and licensed? Contact the Register of Contractors or the Contractor’s State Licensing Board.
  6. Why is licensing important? Licensing allows you to assure yourself that you are getting qualified workers. Typically, getting a license requires fingerprinting and a background check. Also, a licensed contractor often has a minimum of 4 years experience and must pass at least 2 test that demonstrate knowledge of their field.

    7. With any job, you get what you pay for. By hiring a licensed and bonded contractor, you are protecting yourself and taking the steps necessary to see that you have a job with which you are pleased.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Consumer Service Tips | No Comments »

How Important is a Termite Bond?

June 26th, 2009

Current homeowners and people thinking of buying a home need to know the dangers of termites. These tiny insects are the most destructive in all of North America, causing serious damage to homes inside and outside. Termites live underground where they build tunnels. Within the tunnels are various rooms used for storing the food they eat – wood. In the wild, termites scavenge for dead trees but when termites build tunnels around a home, they find food in the form of wood decking, foundation, floor and ceiling joists, and so on.

The problem is that if an infestation of termites is not controlled quickly, they multiply and soon, thousands and thousands of dollars of damage has been done, often creating an unsafe environment for the homeowner. For homebuyers, regardless of the property’s age, it is important to purchase a termite bond after treatment. During the time the home inspection would be performed, a professional should be hired to complete a termite inspection. This inspection is so vital that buyers should never sign a contract for the purchase of the home until this is completed.

During the inspection, the professional would look at areas where termites are commonly found. The exception is during the month of April, a time when termites swarm and remain inside wood, devouring everything they can. The inspection involves looking for tunnels or any other suspicious area. Once the inspection is completed, the professional would provide the homeowner with a report on his or her findings, outlining the location of damage and the degree of damage. The inspector would also recommend that the homeowner have the termite problem treated immediately. For the buyer, the cost of this treatment usually falls back on the seller.

After treatment, the pest control company would offer the new homeowner what is known as a termite bond. Of course, existing homeowners that are not selling should also consider having an inspection done, at which time they too would have the option of a termite bond. In both cases, the termite bond is a type of contract whereby the home would be inspected once a year to identify any new termite activity. A termite bond does require an annual fee but considering the depth of damage these tiny insects do, it is a great investment.

Typically, a termite bond guarantees that if new termite activity were found upon inspection, the home would be treated again at no charge. Some pest control companies also put in the contract that any damage done by the new termite activity would be covered at their expense. For a homeowner to pay for such damages, the cost would be significant so the small fee of the termite bond makes it a wise decision.

The most important thing is that once the homeowner agrees to a termite bond, this contract should not be allowed to expire. Even if the homeowner expects to remain in the home for 20 years, the annual fee ensures protection from damaging termites. In summary, the termite bond is an agreement between homeowner and pest control company that any future problems with termites after the home was treated would be the responsibility of the company and not the homeowner.

Find termite control companies in Georgia where you can get a termite bond for Atlanta so that you can rest soundly knowing that your home investment is protected.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Consumer Service Tips | No Comments »

« Older Entries