Commitment to satisfaction doesn’t show itself every day, but at QwikBids, things are a little different. We believe that through registration with us, Service Providers are stating the obvious, “We’ll do whatever it takes to not only provide quality, but competitive pricing as well.

It came as no surprise then, a consumer was so impressed with their contractor they just had to let us know; and so, QwikBids wants you to know too!

“MS” writes, [The company I chose] “was fantastic. They were prompt, clean and did a fantastic job. We had several schedule changes and they were willing and able to accommodate us at the very last minute. I would recommend them to anyone who needs perfect craftsmanship at a very competitive price.”

Keep them coming consumers!

QwikBids is more than happy to share these experiences with our readers, Service Providers, and of course, customers who use our unique system to get the job done right!

In addition to being the busiest time of year, the holiday season is the most popular time to entertain and make merry with family and friends.  Seek out decorating inspiration that’s simple, yet adds warmth, cheer and style to your home!  Some simple ideas to make your home more festive…

• Holiday Greenery:  Add holly berries, evergreen boughs, and pine roping to banisters, doorways and centerpieces.  Fill a large bowl with colored glass ornaments for tabletops and mantles.  Easier still, faux evergreens are great looking, re-usable, and easy to find at craft stores.
• Holiday Scents:  Use pine, gingerbread, sugarplum or peppermint scented candles or potpourri.  Even grocery stores offer candles and “plug-in’s” with seasonal scents.
• Holiday Table Wrapping:  Linens, placemats or runners add holiday flair to tables.  Turn functional items like chairs, doors, banisters and plant containers into decorations by “wrapping” them in fabric and bows.  Buy green, gold, red, blue, or silver linens without holiday themes and think about all the other occasions in which you can these!
• Holiday Sparkle:  Use bead strands and candles to create a holiday glow.  String the beads on light fixtures or over window treatments and watch them twinkle!
• Holiday Sounds:  Have a diverse selection of festive holiday tunes to set the mood for a party – or even for yourself!

Decorate and Forget It!

The most important part of the party should be spending quality time with family and friends.  Keep the holiday displays on the mantle instead of the dinner table so you won’t need to re-arrange for every meal.  Get your decorating done early and simply, so you can sit down and enjoy the season!

Amy Wolff, CID, is nationally certified in the interior decorating profession through Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI). 

By Guest Author Amy Wolff, C.I.D.

When you are starting a new design project, the first thing you must do is assess the bones of your space.  The bones of a room are the shape and details that are a part of its structure.  Unless you are remodeling, there are limits on what you can do with the shape and architectural interests of a room.  The best thing to do is to enhance the positive elements, and downplay the negative elements.

The bones include the ceiling, all walls, archways and shapes of doorways, doors, built-ins, fireplaces, moldings and baseboards, and unusual elements such as stonework or tongue and groove walls.

We must also consider the function of the room to determine which features should be embellished, accented, hidden, or played down.  Many homeowners find this easier to do with the help of a professional.

The very best way to begin a good diagnosis of a room is to remove most of the furnishings.  Of course, it is often not feasible to remove the furnishings from your room – but sometimes just removing the accumulated accessories and then rearranging as you bring them back into the room helps.  Don’t be afraid to seek the help of an interior decorator who can see things with a “fresh eye,” ask the right questions regarding how you want to use the room, and even provide a project plan that will enhance the function, feel and look of the room.

If you are starting a new design project for a room, and you are not planning to remodel the space, you will have a better result if you remember this: The bones are there to stay, and you must design or decorate with the bones in mind first.

For the sake of training and learning, QwikBids staff will follow a bid request by a customer from start to finish. More and more, we are seeing consumers catch on to the QwikBids idea, and what a difference it has made for them. Simplicity is king!

A consumer had a frustrating leak in which they tried to remedy themselves. Now, QwikBids encourages consumers to save the extra buck in these hard times by doing it themselves if it is feasible. But this consumer was done trying to deal with the problem (maybe more important things to do?). Here was the description of the project:

“Problem 1:  Flexible line underground which has many drip lines off it keeps getting leaks. We fix one leak and it leaks further down the line. There does not appear to be a pressure control on the valve. Need pressure reducer installed at valve and 3-4 feet of tubing replaced near end of line. Must remove granite/dirt and replace in both areas.

Problem 2:  Another valve is leaking either around the solenoid or the valve lid.  Probably needs a part replaced.”

An irrigation leak in the Valley, especially during this time of year, is definitely a problem. So of course, the consumer wanted it bid on quickly and the project started right away. Within a few days, we were happy to see a consumer that realizes the value of QwikBids. He wrote, “Quick response. Fixed my irrigation system the next day. Used good quality parts that will last. Went above and beyond by checking the whole system and setting timer. Very nice and knowledgeable gentleman.”

Need we tell you more? It speaks for itself! This consumer also chose to donate $10.00 Arizona Animal Welfare League (awarded to the charity of choice because of feedback to the provider).

Go to QwikBids today for the project you have either been putting off or the repair that needs to be done quickly!

QwikBids encourages all consumers and service providers to write in about their experiences with us. So when a consumer called in to the corporate office this morning, it was a pleasant surprise.

Erin Gort, an Account Specialist with QwikBids, took the call. Erin says the consumer, who remains anonymous per QwikBids Privacy Policy, wanted to let us know how his experience was going and had a few questions. “I’ve received compliments over the phone before, but never to this extent,” she says. “He stated how much he loved our concept. He was pleased that we were so much easier than the Yellow Pages because service providers and quotes came to him.”

The consumer, Erin tells me, had 6 service providers bidding on the project, giving him many choices.

The consumer went on to tell Erin that he found QwikBids in an Ahwatukee Foothills News newspaper article and thought he would try QwikBids out. “He said after his experience with us, he is telling everyone, how it works and how easy it is,” Erin adds.

When I sat down to speak with Erin more about the consumers and service providers, she was all smiles. “Everyone I’ve talked to loves the concept, whether it has been a consumer or registered provider,” Erin says of QwikBids. “It’s really working and catching on!”

If you’re a regular reader of ours, you have realized by now that QwikBids stands behind the greenest ways of saving energy, not to mention environmental preservation. No, we’re not over the top with it, but we do believe every single person has to play at least a small role in making things better for our environment. 

Having softened you up with that piece, we would like to touch briefly on heating your pool. No, we’re not speaking of the electric or gas type of pool heaters. We are constantly exploring ways in which to avoid those resources, so this brings us to solar water heating. Now before you cast in the myth of being too expensive and stop reading, you may want to rethink this technology rather than dismiss it. Point is, employing this feature to your pool system, knowing what we know, would be a smart idea.

Let’s start with some of the benefits. We know that energy is saved and pollutants are eliminated, but how about extending the swim season when the system makes the pool 10 degrees warmer? You’ll get more out of your investment. A good tip when the water gets too warm: Simply run the solar heating system at night.     

When it comes to cost for a new solar heater and its maintenance, opinions widely vary. But for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gasses, it is the best. The pollutants created to generate electricity (if you were to use an electric heater) and pollutants from gas heaters, are very significant. These two facts alone should be enough for anyone to consider renewable energy.

To get started, it would be best to get a specialist. They intimately know the fundamentals of pool plumbing, and how a solar heating system will perform best when installed. The installer will size the pool to get the approximate square footage of the water’s surface area. This will determine the square footage of the solar collector needed to efficiently heat the water. Other factors, such as region of the country, whether you cover the pool when not in use, and whether the pool is in the shade all or part of the day are also considered. The installer will then determine the best place to mount the collector, which is best installed at a 30 degree angle east or west of due south.

Don’t feel overwhelmed. Let the professionals at QwikBids get you the service professionals who can take care of this or any other project you want done precisely and in a timely manner. QwikBids’ providers are already checked out for you, from licensing and insurance, to references and background. Plus, you remain anonymous until you choose the company with the best fit!

There are many pesticides out there that will take care of common household pests, but today we’d like to explore natural pest control and the different ways we can avoid strong chemicals. Many companies, including the larger ones still utilizing chemicals, are offering this service too.

The use of natural pest control is becoming popular as we move into the go-green era. The awareness that harsh chemicals have an effect on our environment and health has grown enormously. Federal, state, and city governments (as well as schools) across the nation are shifting to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The program’s goal is to reduce or eliminate pesticides altogether. The data collected over the years is painting a picture that illustrates health hazards to humans, animals, and desired insects. In 2006, the U.S. Geological Survey released Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Groundwater. The survey, conducted between 1992 and 2001, highlighted that over a billion pounds of pesticides are being used annually. Much of the pesticide ends up in the nations waterways, and is linked to cancer, neurological disorders, and birth defects. The study also indicated profound impacts on the environment.

As mentioned previously, more and more pest control professionals are offering a healthier way to control our pests, and it is not only limited to the home. If it’s a garden you are trying to rid of forage-eating insects, there is a unique way professionals and environmentalists alike are suggesting with more frequency. The use of other insects seems to be the newest trend. Take ladybugs, for instance. They eat the aphids and mites that are a problem in most gardens. But beware of the ants. Ants must be controlled because they will defend the aphids against the lady bug. The problem, experts say, is that the results are not as promising if the ladybug is purchased and relocated. It is best to promote the habitation, as well as being cautious with insecticides that may kill them. As you all can imagine, the praying mantis is also a beneficial insect to any garden.

Locating pest control professionals that offer natural alternatives on the QwikBids site is a breeze. Place your bid request today to get started on a pest control regimen that would not only benefit your health, but also our fragile ecosystem and environment.

One major project you’ll eventually have as a homeowner is roofing. Not only is it a big job, it can also be expensive. Of course, the easiest way to find a roofer without the hassle (unless you have a relative in that field) is through QwikBids. You definitely want a roofer that is not only reliable, but also insured and licensed. After all, your home is an investment that will last generations. Only the best will do for something as major as roofing. But to get the best, most believe it would come at a great cost. With the arrival of QwikBids, this simply is not true.

The unique process of QwikBids’ easy-to-understand site takes not only the pain away from finding a quality roofer, it makes it somewhat cheaper. When multiple contractors bid for your business, it’s obvious why the cost goes down, especially due to the competitive nature of the industry. You want the best contractor possible for the money. So, you get the best roofers because we prequalify them by verifying licensing, insurance, and references. Couple this convenience with great cost, and you’ll have a far better experience on this major project.

QwikBids knows consumers are busier than ever. Finding a quality roofer should entail the following:

• Name and address. Any professional contractor will have one. Plus, it makes it easier to check their past.
• Experience. The age of the company, as well as training, is essential to making a choice.
• Licensing. It’s vital with any major project to verify the licensing and licensing history.
• Insurance. They should have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. It must be verified.
• References. Your contractors past will inevitably affect your future.
• Warranty. Does the contractor stand behind his work?

Of course, you’ll want more than one bid for the best price. The above items would be repeated over and over until you find the right contractor. We know, it’s a pain for an individual to do all of this. Let the QwikBids team make your roofing project, big or small, an easy task!

Today, we would like to explain a little to our readers about irrigation systems and why it would probably be a great idea to get a professional in to inspect, install, or repair it. If you were to spend enough time learning about the system you have or are looking to install, the time spent doing so and the labor afterward would be worth paying for the service. First, you’ll need to figure out what type of system is going to be right for your needs.

Basically, there are three types of irrigation types. Fixed spray-type irrigation heads should be used for smaller areas. Some professionals will say an area of within 25 feet is ideal (keep in mind there are rotor heads that can be used for up to 18 feet although not as economically). Spray-heads also have less that can go wrong with them due to their simplicity. The most common issue with these types of spray-heads is clogging. Flushing the pipes before installing the spray-heads, as well as installing a filter, will virtually eliminate this problem. Small filter screens usually come with spray-heads, but providers from QwikBids indicated this may not be enough. To be safe, install a mesh filter at the water source as well.

Then there’s the rotor-type of spray heads. They are rather simple, employing water in single or multiple rotating streams. They have more moving parts or mechanisms, so there is a slightly better chance of problems, as wear and tear takes its toll. Experts at QwikBids explain these types of spray-heads are used for much larger areas to be watered. But keep in mind how important it is to space spray-heads to avoid dry spots and/or disease problems. In our minds, it’s for this very reason a professional installer would be ideal for tasks such as these. From QwikBids’ perspective, it’s easy to find one that fits your needs. Log in to the QwikBids website to place a bid for your irrigation project. You’ll save valuable time and save a few bucks to boot!

Finally, we want to touch briefly on drip irrigation systems. Experts with QwikBids tell us this is by far the most efficient way to irrigate. They’re 15-20% more efficient than the latter two types of systems, saving much-valued water. Drip irrigation applies water directly to the soil. It’s simple and cheaper to install. Its efficiency is attributed to the simple fact that far less water evaporates, and that water is applied only when needed, at the roots. QwikBids still insists you get a professional for your irrigation needs, and it all starts at by placing a request for bid!

There are many myths surrounding fire sprinklers in the home. But as we found out, not only were some of these myths untrue, we discovered some other facts many aren’t aware of. As QwikBids learned more, it was realized these systems have come a long way over the years in not only protection, but cost and affordability as well.

Take Scottsdale, Arizona for instance. A city ordinance, implemented in January of 1986, requires single-family homes built after that date to be equipped with approved fire sprinklers. If a major remodel is to be done to a home built before that time, fire sprinklers must be included. This was supplemental to the ordinance already implemented for multi-family homes and commercial buildings in 1985. According to the City of Scottsdale, these systems have been responsible for saving the lives of at least 14 in a 15 year period in which data was collected, not to mention millions of dollars in property damage.

As for some of the myths behind fire sprinklers, one in particular is that its believed fire sprinklers, when engaged by a fire, all open up at the same time, causing water damage to the rest of the house unaffected by flames. This is simply untrue, as two myths were found in that statement. Fire sprinklers are individually heat activated; they will therefore open only if near heat or flame. As for water damage? That just speaks for itself if only one sprinkler opens during a fire. Visit the City of Scottsdale website for more interesting myths.

When speaking with a service provider with QwikBids, I was given the crash course on leaks. He says the sprinkler heads, unless very old or defective, don’t usually leak. Another consideration to make if a leak is found is that sometimes, if a sprinkler head is near an AC vent, condensation can build, trickle along the piping to the sprinkler head, and drip. Of course, the hapless occupant believes it’s a sprinkler leak. I appreciated the tip, as I would have never thought of that!

An effective fire sprinkler system means effective maintenance. Here are some things to remember:

• Each month, take a visual look at your entire system to assure there are no obstructions that would compromise the sprinklers spray pattern or purpose.
• Never hang things from the sprinkler heads.
• Avoid painting, overspray, or paint splatters on or near the sprinkler heads.
• Don’t bump, hit, or otherwise tamper with the sprinkler heads.
• The pressure relief valve is pre-adjusted by the manufacturer; do not change.
• Make sure to schedule regular testing of the entire system.
• Be certain when having parts replaced that the provider is licensed and certified.
• Always check your smoke alarms!

Searching for qualified fire equipment providers can be a pain, especially if you don’t know where to start looking. QwikBids does the homework for you. Place a bid request for an inspection, test of your system, or repair for a simple leak easily from certified, licensed providers. Quality, at a great price, makes perfect sense!