Simple adjustments are easy to make, and many cabinets have hinges that allow you to make micro-adjustments in any direction.

For plain hinges, loosen the mounting screws just enough so that the hinges can move, but not so much that the door droops. Prop the door so that it is square with the cabinet opening, using shims if necessary, and then retighten the screws.

Most European-style hinges have built-in adjustment setups, and there are several types. One has a single screw connecting the two halves of the hinge. Loosen this screw slightly and you can reposition the door vertically or horizontally.

Another type has a sliding bar with a set-screw for horizontal adjustments, and a separate screw for vertical. The newest hinges have snap-on mounting plates that let you adjust height and depth.

Order a free booklet Repairing and Replacing hinges at http://www.realestatetrio.com

See you next time on the corner

Tags: cabinet repair, hinge, hinge repair

Beginning on January  2011, fire sprinklers will be required in all newly built one and two family homes and townhouses under a rule recently approved by the International Code Council. These new requirements will be published in the 2009 International Residential Code.

The mandate’s supporters say it will give residents more time to exit a burning building during a fire. The National Association of Home Builders is concerned about the higher home prices and maintenance costs that will result.

Though costs vary by community, the Fire Protection Research Foundation says sprinkler systems run an average of $1.61 per square foot of space covered.

*Wall Street Journal Anjail Athavaley (09/23/08)

See you next time on the corner

Tags: fire, first time home buyer, home, real estate, real estate st louis mo, realtor, sprinkler, townhome

Adults Halloween Party

Date: Oct 25
Location: Central West End
Time: 8:00 p.m.
For more information call: (314) 361-2850
Website: www.thecwe.com

Children’s Halloween Parade

Date: Oct 25
Location: Central West End neighborhood
Time: 11:00 a.m.
For more information call: (314) 367-2220
Website: www.centralwestend.org

The parade takes place along Euclid Avenue between Maryland and McPherson in the Central West End Neighborhood. Goody bags for all provided and prizes for best costumes with trick-or-treating at participating businesses.

Dog Costume Parade

Date: Oct 25

Location: Central West End neighborhood
Time: 1:00 p.m.
For more information call: (314) 367-2220
Website: www.centralwestend.org

The dog contest and parade takes place along Euclid Avenue between Maryland and McPherson in the Central West End Neighborhood. Treats for all and prizes for best costume.

Halloween: Ghosts of The Past

Date: Oct 25
Location: Historic Daniel Boone Home and Boonesfield Village
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $7.50 adults; $5.00 children
For more information call: (636) 798-2005
Website: www.lindenwood.edu/boone

Come to Boonesfield Village for an evening of good old fashioned fun. Music and tales will enchant you to the flicker of candles and campfires.

Lemp Mansion Halloween Party

Date: Oct 25

Location: The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn
Time: 8:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Cost: $45.00 in advance; $50.00 at the door
For more information call: (314) 664-8024
Website: www.lempmansion.com

Spend the evening with ghosts at the Lemp Mansion. There will be three live bands, costume contest with cash prizes, open bar, food and more

St. John’s Mercy Children’s Hospital Boo at the Zoo Spooky Saturday

Date: Oct 25
Location: The Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information call: (314) 781-0900
Website: www.stlzoo.org

Mummies and daddies are invited to bring their little ghouls and goblins for safe and free trick-or-treating. Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes for trick-or-treating along the Pumpkin Trail from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Throughout the afternoon kids can make crafts and play games and join in a costume parade at 4:00 p.m.

Un-Haunted Halloween

Date: Oct 25
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $7.00
For more information call: (636) 451-3512 Registration required
Website: www.shawnature.org

Don your costume and explore the Halloween Village and the surrounding forest and prairie.

Apple Butter Festival

Date: Oct 25 & 26
Location: Kimmswick, Missouri
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For more information call: (636) 464-6464
Website: www.visitkimmswick.com

Vendor booths fill the city park and line the streets of Kimmswick selling a variety of crafts and food items. Live entertainment also be provided by the city of Kimmswick and Kimmswick Merchants. Shuttle service.

Information provided by Metromix, all events subject to change.

See you next time on the corner

Tags: events, halloween, mo, st louis

I would like to invite you to the National Donor Sabbath being held on Sunday, November 2nd at Concordia Lutheran Church at 6 pm. The purpose of this program, which is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is to raise public awareness about transplantation  and organ donation. The ceremony also allows recipients to thank their donors for the gift of life.

Concordia Lutheran Church 

505 S. Kirkwood Rd.

Kirkwood, MO  63122

(Across from the Magic House)

See you next time on the corner

Tags: donor, missouri, mo, national donor sabbath, st louis

Most families automobile is their second largest investment they’ve made. Getting that investment safely to their new home is an important part of making a ROYAL MOVE.

What are the options for transporting my automobile?

Your auto can be moved with your household goods, on a trailer being pulled behind your self rented moving truck or with a separate auto transport company. To ship your car cost-effective, using an auto transport company it’s important to know about different shipping techniques, such as open or closed trailers. The model of the car, and destination, will help determine the type of trailer you will need.

What is an Open Trailer?

An open trailer is the more popular and frequently used trailer. It carries anywhere from 1-12 vehicles at a time.

Advantage: Open trailers are less expensive than closed trailers. The cost is determined by the weight of the vehicle.

Disadvantage: Open trailers are subject to the elements (i.e. rain, snow, wind, dirt, rocks and dust).

What is a closed trailer?

A closed trailer is a vehicle that has a covered freight area. It is commonly used for shipping expensive or classic cars that need to be protected. If you wish to protect your car from wind-blown sand and heat, this is your best option.

Advantage: The car is well-protected from the elements of nature.

Disadvantage: Closed trailers cost more, because they normally do not haul as many units as an open trailer. Remember, the cost is determined by the weight of the vehicle.

Is my car Insured?

The company that transports your vehicle(s) should provide adequate insurance to protect against driver negligence. Ask for a copy of the “Certificate of Insurance” and familiarize yourself with the types of coverage provided. Consult with your current auto insurance agent to determine whether you need supplemental coverage.

Turning your vehicle over to the carrier.

Prior to handing over your car to a driver or transport company, be sure you receive an “Original Inspection Report.” This report provides: pick-up and delivery information, current mileage, and most importantly, shows the condition of your car at time of pick-up (pre-existing scratches and dents, cracked glass/mirrors, general paint condition, etc.). Take plenty of photos also.

Accepting your vehicle for delivery.

At the time of delivery, inspect your vehicle thoroughly and compare the condition and mileage against the “Original Inspection Report.” Many transport companies also provide a copy of this report at time of delivery. If there are discrepancies, note them as exceptions and be sure the driver signs it. NEVER accept your vehicle at night if you cannot verify the report condition and without being signed by the driver.

What’s in your trunk?

As of 1990 the Department of Transportation ruled that you may not load any items in a vehicle other than clothing. Auto transporters are not licensed to carry household goods or personal items. Damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is not covered by insurance.

Contact the The H Team for a referral to relocate your automobile.

Tags: moving, Moving Tips, real estate, real estate st louis mo, realtor, relocation, transporting

Moving can be one of the most stressful event you will experience. Working with an experienced full time team of Realtors such as The H Team will greatly reduce your stress level. Put your move in the hands of “The Royal Move” and sit back and relax.

Plan Ahead

• Record information about your move and keep it in one place.
• Print out our moving checklist
• Gather moving supplies: boxes, tape, markers, scissors, box cutters, blankets, moving pads, twine and/or rope and a hand cart.
• Sell or donate unwanted items.
• Keep a record of all your moving expenses, including receipts.
• Back up computer files and plan to safely transport delicate electronics.

Get Estimates, Contact Utility Companies

• Call movers or truck rental companies for estimates.
• Plan to disconnect current utilities and connect utilities at your new home.
• Notify your healthcare professionals about your move and, if necessary, ask for referrals.
• Register your children with the new schools.
• Advise the post office, IRS and all periodicals of your new address.
• Ask your insurance company to transfer your insurance to your new home
• Pick up dry cleaning, return movies, etc., near your old house

Pack it up

• Make a list of your valuables.
• Review packing tips.
• Fill suitcases with clothes or other items.
• Create a “Priority Box” with medications, toiletries, bed linens, a first aid kit, garbage bags, light bulbs, flashlights, towels, pet food, a small tool box, etc. Keep this with you during the move.

Remember the Details

• Keep your small tool box handy for breaking down and reassembling furniture.
• Move valuables yourself.
• Check items for damage if you used movers.
• Walk through every room one last time - don’t forget to check the storage areas and closets.

Welcome Yourself Home…

• Create an emergency phone list and post it somewhere visible.
• Change batteries in fire detectors and plan an escape route in case of fire.
• Mail thank you notes to people who helped you move.
• Send ‘We’ve Moved’ cards or e-mails with your new contact information to friends and family.
• Relax and enjoy your new home!

Tags: buyers agent, first time home buyer, real estate, real estate st louis mo, realtor

Mirrors and Pictures:

Clothing:

Lamp Shades:

Tables:

Best to remove the legs and stack on the edge. If unable to remove the legs protect the table top with a blanket.

Refrigerators and Freezers:

Small Kitchen Appliances:

Contact The H Team today for your free packing tips brochure.

Tags: loading, Moving Tips, packing, real estate, real estate st. louis, realtor, relocation

OK, the move is over, the boxes have all been emptied and everything is in it’s place. Before you put your feet up in your new home there are a few things you need to do to protect yourself and family.

1.  Change or re key the door locks; Who knows who may have a key to your new home? It’s very easy to remove the locks and take them to your local hardware store or home improvement center and have them rekeyed, or purchase new locks and install them yourself. Most locksmiths will come to your home and rekey the doors for about $50 per door. Make sure you have all locks rekeyed to the same key code and you’ll only need one key to access all the doors. Contact the H Team today for a qualified locksmith referral.

2.  Change the code to your garage door opener: Someone may have an extra garage door opener or possibly the former owner left the garage door opener at the pre-set programmed code. Anyone driving down the street with a factory programmed garage door opener will be able to access your home through the garage. This includes changing any access codes that allow you to enter the garage from a touch key pad.

3.  Alarm code: Did your home come with an alarm? Make sure to change the access code to prevent anyone from entering your property.

4. Fire Extinguisher. A fire extinguisher is a must for every kitchen. There are different extinguishers for different types of fires. The labels on the units are marked A, B and C.

• Class A extinguishers are designed to fight fires involving paper, wood, textiles and plastics. The material inside smothers the fire by cutting off the oxygen that feeds it.
• Class B extinguishers are designed to fight fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, oil, gasoline and paint. Two kinds of material are used: one smothers the fire and the other creates a chemical reaction to extinguish the fire.
• Class C extinguishers use non-conductive materials to fight fires in live electrical equipment. 

4.   Smoke Detectors. Battery-operated detectors or plug-in detectors with battery backups help ensure that the unit works in case of a power outage. Test monthly and replace batteries annually. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and inside or near every bedroom.

5.  Automatic Timers. Set your home’s lights to turn on and off at specific times with a timer. Burglars will be less tempted to break in if they see activity within the house

6.  Outdoor Lighting and Motion Detectors. Highlight shaded areas of your property with low-energy outdoor lights and motion detectors. The lighting will enhance the appearence of your home.

7.  Peepholes and Cameras. A peephole is a tried and true safety method: See who is at the door before opening it. Well-placed cameras offer the same protection, but extend your field of vision far beyond the front door.

8.  Chainlocks, sliding door locks, window locks. Installing quality chainlocks will add a little extra security. A sliding door lock can be as simple as an old broom handle or ball bat. A window lock is an expensive security item that just screws on to prevent a window from being raised to allow access. 

For a quality contractor to preform any of the mentioned services just contact The H Team

Tags: moving, Moving Tips, new home, real estate st louis mo, realtor, relocation, security, st louis

CPR Teddy is the latest innovation in CPR practice aids! This new bear is ideal for parents, babysitters, teachers and other child care providers to practice their Infant and Child Choking Rescue and CPR Skills. Keep CPR Teddy visible as a gentle reminder to continually practice your CPR skills and to reassure parents that their child is safe in your care. This bear is not intended to replace training by a certified instructor, but a tool to assist you in keeping your skills sharp. Squeeze his paw, and a voice quickly reminds you what to do if a child is choking and if the child loses consciousness. You can then practice your skills with a metronome to pace compressions, lights in the bowtie telling if you’re pushing too hard or just right, and a mask and airbag that allow you to “see the chest rise” as you give rescue breaths. Though he is endearing, CPR Teddy™ is a toy with a purpose. He can also be used to introduce children to these life-saving skills. No classroom should be without it. A full-length training DVD on Infant/Child CPR and choking rescue skills is included with every bear.

• Practice your Infant/Child (0 to 8 years of age) choking rescue and CPR skills at home
• Place in child’s room as constant reminder of your skills
• Test your babysitter’s skills
• Uses three AA batteries - batteries are included.
• FREE CPR & First Aid training DVD with every order

CPR Teddy Kit comes with Teddy, DVD, Instruction Manual, Mask, Wallet Reminder Card & Warranty Card.

*Trainikins, Inc. recommends that all parents, babysitters, and other child care providers take a complete CPR and First Aid course for Adult, Child, and Infant rescue taught by a certified instructor. CPR Teddy manikins are intended to assist in practicing skills already acquired, and are not meant to be used in an actual rescue.

This would make a great gift for new parents and only costs $60. You can order it at http://www.cprteddy.com

See you next time on the corner

Tags: cpr, cpr teddy, infant cpr, teddy bear, youth cpr