December 13, 2015 AsktheBuilder Newsletter
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In years past, I've talked about WX. That's the acronym us Morse code operators use to say 'weather'. Weather and home improvement go hand in hand.
Did you know that Morse operators were the first modern-day people to use word shortcuts like "u" instead of "you" and "c" instead of "see" when sending messages via radio waves or telegraph wires?
And here you thought it was your kids while they texted! In fact, did you know Morse operators can send messages much faster than the best texters?
WATCH THIS VIDEO for proof.
Right now those of us on the East Coast of the USA are basking in above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. It's because of Mother Nature's decision to hang out with her buddy El Nino'.
This means that you have extra days to paint, pour concrete and do other exterior work that freezing WX might hinder.
The point I'm trying to make is two-fold:
1. As winter nears, don't dilly-dally around with tasks or products that could #FAIL if they don't cure before the temperature drops below 32 F.
2. READ all product labels or columns like mine that talk about temperature extremes and pay attention to them to get the best performance.
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| MYSTERY LINK: So you think you know everything about Concrete and Cold. Are you willing to make a bet? CLICK HERE to c how smart u r |
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Phone Help Success Stories
Speaking of electronics - cell phones - and home improvement here are the top two people I saved this week.
Mark is a spinal surgeon in NJ. He had me call him on the phone to verify if his blacktop driveway had been installed correctly.
He should have had me talk to him BEFORE the blacktop was installed, but I digress.
It was a WX issue! His contractor waited a little too long and the WX got cold down in NJ. Mark wanted my advice on what to do with an ugly seam the contractor created right at the circular drive parking spot by his front door.
Wesley is a rental property owner in VA. He had a pesky sewer-gas odor that he couldn't solve.
In less than 15 minutes I coached him through the process of what to do to find the leak saving him about $500 over what a plumber would charge.
That's pretty cool, wouldn't you say? Here's what BOTH Mark and Wesley said to me as soon as I said "Hello, this is Tim Carter calling."
"Tim, I want to THANK YOU for offering this unique service."
I'm not kidding, that's what they both said.
BTW (By the way), both Mark and Wesley could have found what I told them on my website for FREE, but they didn't want to spend the time hunting for it.
They both said their time was more valuable AND they wanted to be able to ask me questions.
If you get into a bind and need to talk with me, you can. Just CLICK HERE to see how easy it is.
Tankless Water Heater Question
A very very good friend of mine, Mike Collins, reached out to me last week. When I first got into the construction business, I used to buy brick from Mike's dad Paul Collins.
Mike wanted to know if it was a smart idea to put in a tankless water heater in the new home he's building.
Guess what? It's not an easy question to answer.
I was the first person on the Internet over seventeen years ago to go up against the slick marketing campaigns of the manufacturers trying to sell these appliances.
Back then, and still today, they ply their wares using Jedi mind tricks containing the magical words "Save MONEY and ENERGY".
You're smart, right? You tell me when you *really* start to save energy when you buy and use one.
If you want to know how I feel, CLICK HERE to read just one of a FEW columns I have about tankless water heaters and the REAL TRUTH about them.
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| CLICK HERE to read ALL of my columns about Tankless Water Heaters |
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More Gift Ideas
Here are some additional Christmas gift ideas for you:
My absolute FAVORITE pocket knife.
Everyone needs a small bottle of Stain Solver in their stocking!!! Buy a CASE of 12 to save BIG MONEY.
Here's the Coffee Mug I use each day to keep my coffee STEAMING HOT. It's awesome.
Here's the backup hard drives I use to store all my data. I LOVE these. Be SURE to get the right one if you're a Mac or PC person.
My FAVORITE kid's or grandkid's Book of all time.
ULTRA-Powerful Milwaukee Spot Light.
Everyone needs a Dremel tool with tons of accessories.
That's enough for today.
MERRY CHRISTMAS - just 12 days away!!!!
Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
Do It Right, Not Over!
