Photo Friday – Merry Christmas from Home Depot - 09/30/11 02:00 AM
Photo Friday – Merry Christmas from Home Depot
 
I posted recently about a retail outlet that sells Halloween items. The stores are called Spirit Halloween, the post is: So You Are Already Worried About Your Halloween Costume - Try Spirit Halloween!  When I was considering posting it I wondered if it was too early to post about Halloween in September.
Tonight, I had to swing by the Home Depot in Folsom, Ca. and saw this huge section of the store dedicated to Christmas. Really? Christmas in September? I’m not done being naughty or nice!
J
 
… (11 comments)

You wanna hire me as your contractor, let me do my job. - 09/29/11 03:42 AM
 
You wanna hire me as your contractor, let me do my job.
 
I’m going to see a doctor for a procedure. Before we get started, I will let him know that I’ve seen this done on television, so I know how it’s done. I will remind him that the knives should be sterile, it may lead to infection. I hope he knows where my organs are; I better point them out before going under the medication. The doctor seems rather relaxed. He may not remember what I’m telling him, I better scribble out some reminders on yellow post-it notes … (41 comments)

Is it deer season? Let's shoot them! - 09/29/11 02:08 AM
The deer are out in large numbers right now. Traveling in packs herds, quietly passing through, eating my plants but generally harmless; the herd marches on.
I saw a herd of them yesterday in Greenstone Country and had to stop to shoot them. This time of year, the numbers are greater; more of the bucks can be seen, probably getting ready for the colder weather.

 
 
Just for fun I thought I'd include a video of the Mating Call Championships.
 
 

 
… (10 comments)

So You Are Already Worried About Your Halloween Costume - Try Spirit Halloween! - 09/28/11 03:29 AM
 
So You Are Already Worried About Your Halloween Costume - Try Spirit Halloween!
Trying to come up with that perfect Halloween costume seems like an annual event. It has to be fun, don't want to be outdated; it has to be appropriate.... Where do you go for ideas? I may have an answer for you.
A couple of years ago I noticed that there were some vacant retail space that was being used for a few weeks selling Halloween costumes and accessories. The space had just temporary signage, some posters in the window, nothing fancy! After Halloween, things were taken … (10 comments)

Star Gazing in Placerville, El Dorado County - 09/27/11 03:17 AM
 
If you enjoy looking to the skies, this is an opportunity to see the stars, moon, and planets. You will be able to experience seeing the heavens in a way that many never get to see it, through a high powered telescope. Here is how the Observatory explains the service that they provide:
  
*The Cameron Park Rotary Community Observatory is your window to the night sky!  See the stars through the 14-inch reflecting telescopes on a clear dark night.  Follow planets or the moon as they travel across the sky. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience in … (11 comments)

Top 3 Benefits of Hiring a Local General Contractor For Your Repairs And Improvements. - 09/26/11 09:54 AM
 
Top 3 Benefits of Hiring a Local General Contractor For Your Repairs And Improvements.
 
 
There you are thinking about the things that need to be done around your property. The reasons can be various: the preparation for sale in a few months and you want to get the maximum price, the damages have gotten severe or the years and need repair, or you’d like to just live in a more up-to-date home. But you need to decide who to hire for the work. There are so many contractors to choose, where do you start?
 
I would suggest … (14 comments)

Photo - Hawk Looking For Lunch - 09/26/11 12:53 AM
 
He just sat there with a steady stare. It was almost eerie, no blinking, no moment, nothing. I had plenty of time to go get a camera that could zoom in, he was a about a hundred yards away. I snapped off several photos before it was too late.
What do you mean “Too late”?
He swooped down and grabbed what looked like a field mouse. Then he was gone!
 

… (14 comments)

Repair Siding And Paint Before The Rainy Season In Sacramento, Ca - 09/25/11 09:26 AM
 
Repair Siding And Paint Before The Rainy Season In Sacramento, Ca
 
As the Sacramento summer weather comes to an end, there is a push for contractors to complete the siding repairs so that the exterior painting can begin. Of course, the painters would like to get their work done before the rainy season begins.
 

 
Dry rot and water damage has created the need for siding repairs in many homes and apartment communities in the Sacramento Valley. While exterior painting on a regular basis is an important part of a good maintenance program, painting over rotted and … (9 comments)

Photo Time - Don't Call Me Four-Eyes - 09/24/11 03:40 PM
Sometimes you just see something up close that is awesome. I shot this Beaty here in Placervile a little while ago. I thought it was fake! I was wrong, it was real. I really love the extra set of eyes. I'm not sure if it is a butterfly or a moth.  

… (15 comments)

Big Buck in Placerville, California Community - 09/24/11 02:32 AM
 
It’s not like I was out there on a hunting trip, I was standing in my front yard in Placerville. Looking across the street was a beautiful deer just grazing on the hillside.
The deer are out and about this time of year; it’s this time of year that the big bucks are on the move in the neighborhood.
Luckily, I had a means of taking the picture.
 
 

… (9 comments)

Photo For Friday - Praying Mantis Invasion, Let's Shoot 'Em! - 09/23/11 11:04 PM
It must be praying mantis season, they seem to be everywhere lately. While going about my day they just appear. Had one fly over my head and land on the laptop yesterday. I find them on the windows regularly. They are everywhere.  :)
This one I shot up close just for fun. I'm told they are good hunters, maybe they eat the less desirable inspects.
Enjoy your weekend!

 
… (8 comments)

General Contractor Feeds The Decision Makers. - 09/23/11 01:44 AM
General Contractor Feeds The Decision Makers.
 
As a General Contractor in the Sacramento area, Tromler Construction is included on the “approved vendor” list for many property management companies. Most apartment communities are management by large management firms who may oversee 50,000 to 80,000 units. Getting on the vendor list is not an easy task. Once on the approved list, the work of being used has just begun.
 
These “approved vendor” lists include companies that the management companies allow their on-site managers to contact for estimates and work that needs to be done on there property. In each category, plumbing … (11 comments)

Exciting Trends in Refurbished Apartment Communities in Sacramento, Ca - 09/22/11 02:52 AM
Exciting Trends in Refurbished Apartment Communities in Sacramento, Ca
 
As apartment communities get older and outdated many owners have found that it is time to make some changes to the old styles. Some owners do this to attract renters who have the option of move to a nearby community that is new with all the latest trends. Other owners hope to rehab the community prior to putting it on the market to sell at a maximum price. Still others plan on keeping the apartment community, but see that it is time to update the existing property to last another 20 … (7 comments)

Any Talk Of Water Damage Has To Include A Good Roofing Company - 09/21/11 02:15 AM
 
Any Talk of Water Damage Has To Include a Good Roofing Company
 
All the prevention and maintenance used in protecting our homes may be wasted if we do not include the roof. A leaking roof can do a lot of damage to the interior of your home; it is important that we make sure that it is in good shape for the rainy season.

 
 
What do you know about roofs? If you are like me, I know a bad one when I see one. That’s not good enough.
 
 
 
 
 
I know … (11 comments)

Deck railing safety requires regular inspections. - 09/20/11 09:14 AM
 
Deck railing safety requires regular inspections.
Ignoring the problem will not solve it.
The tenant hasn’t complained, doesn’t make it okay.
If you are waiting for things to get worse – it will!
Nobody has gotten hurt, one day that will change.
 
Regular inspections, routine maintenance can go a long way in the prevention of problems to people and property.
 

… (2 comments)

“I Searched For Your Business Online And I Didn’t Find You!” - 09/20/11 01:28 AM
“I Searched For Your Business Online And I Didn’t Find You!”
 

 
It is estimated that over 80% of businesses are not listed locally. That’s a staggering percentage considering all of the talk about the importance of being searchable.
 

 
 
Many people believe that if they see their business on the internet, they are already listed. That is not true. If you or somebody else did not claim your business, anybody could do so. Do you want your competitor filling out this information? Probably not. But it may not be malicious; maybe an incorrect address or … (81 comments)

Sources of Water Damage in Your Bathroom - 09/19/11 04:08 AM
 Sources of Water Damage in Your Bathroom
 
There are several plumbing fixtures, drains, and water supplies in the bathroom, each is a potential area of water damage.
 
The Bathroom Sink – Although usually smaller than the kitchen sink, similar problems can occur. Check for possible leaks around the faucet; check the caulking, and worn and rusted parts. Under the sink, you need to check for leaks and signs of moisture around the supply lines and drain pipes. It is common for hair to accumulate in the drain, remove the stopper and check for hair. Hair can respect the flow … (7 comments)

Dry Rot Water Damaged Post in Cameron Park Apartment Community - 09/18/11 10:55 PM
 
 
Dry Rot Water Damaged Post in Cameron Park Apartment Community
 
The damage caused by water and soil to a deck can lead to problems to the structure. Water and soil up against a wood post for an extended period of time can lead to dry rot and the softening and loss of good wood.
 
This picture shows what a deck post can look like after a few years of rot due to soil contact and water. This is not safe. This post is the corner post which holds up two deck, one on top of the other. … (9 comments)

Tree Service in Placerville, Ca - 09/18/11 08:49 PM
 
Looking for a tree service company in Placerville, Ca? We may know a few guys who know about trees.
We have had our share of large pine trees fall that past year, we were lucky the trees had fallen away from the house. Fortunately, we got in contact with some very harder working men who knew what they were doing and could get started right away. They do not work for Tromler Construction so I don't know what their schedule is like, but they have been recommended by a lot of people in Placerville area. Let me know you need to … (0 comments)

Sources of Water Damage In Your Kitchen - 09/18/11 04:17 AM
 
Sources of Water Damage In Your Kitchen
 
There are several areas of your home that can be the source of water damage. One of the first area that we can inspect is in the kitchen, let look at the three most common areas.
 
The Kitchen Sink – A lot of activity happens here. Water splashes around the top of the sink. Check for possible leaks around the faucet, caulking that is need of repair, and chips and signs of rust in the sink. Under the sink, look for moisture and staining around the disposal, water supply, and drain … (6 comments)

The Best Ribs Around – RibStock in Cameron Park - 09/17/11 02:40 AM
The Best Ribs Around – RibStock in Cameron Park
 
If you like ribs, Cameron Park is the place to be on Saturday, September 17th at Cameron Park Lake.
 
RibStock is an event that you must experience. The primary showcase is the Rib Contest; this is a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event. Competitors will be coming from throughout Northern California.
 
While tasting the smoke-cooked barbequed meats there are plenty of things to do for the entire family.
·       Music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s
·       Bounce houses for the kids
·       Entertainment for all ages
 
Want … (9 comments)

You Like Thunderous Racetracks? Check Out Placerville Speedway - 09/16/11 03:38 AM
 
You Like Thunderous Racetracks? Check Out Placerville Speedway
 
 
There are many local residents who have never been to Placerville Speedway but have heard of it. I mean they have HEARD of it. It is the racing season here in Placerville which means every Saturday night you can hear the thundering racers for miles away.
 
Located in the Placerville Fairgrounds, this season is the 44th Anniversary of the Speedway. The track is home to several different classes of the sprint car. If you are a fan of the sprint car races, this is the premiere track on the … (6 comments)

Best Business Practices - General Contractor Uses Videos To Get Apartment Complex Jobs - 09/15/11 09:29 AM
 
General Contractor Uses Videos To Get Apartment Complex Jobs
 
I kind of stumbled into this technique about two years ago, but the results have been worthy of mentioning here. While it is something that has worked for me as a contractor, maybe you can come up with something that better fits into your profession.
 
I had finally made the decision to start video recording in an attempt to get familiar with recording, editing, and posting for the sake of marketing. I knew that the growth of video marketing was quickly approaching and wanted to be a part of … (14 comments)

Talent Video Competition - Determination amd Persistance - 09/14/11 09:25 AM
 
This has been a lesson in determination and persistence.
Computer crashes, loss of the F: Drive, hectic work schedule, and other obstacles were not enough to stop the submission of this Talent Video. :)
I look forward to seeing all the posted videos.
Special thanks to Stacey, Chris, and Pamela for all the work involved in the competition.
 
 
 
My Video Submission
 
 
 

 
 
… (20 comments)

Gutters can also prevent your walls from rotting - 09/13/11 08:26 AM
Reuben has posted about the trouble with not having gutters on your home. The post includes some close-up pictures of early water damage behind siding.
 
Click on his link and comment about it.
Via Minneapolis Home Inspections - Reuben Saltzman (Structure Tech Home Inspections):
While everyone thinks about gutters being one of the most important aspects of maintaining a dry basement, gutters can also play a major role in preventing water intrusion at the exterior of the home.
As water drains off the roof and hits hard surfaces next to the house, such as decks and patios, a lot of water … (3 comments)

Market Report - Exterior Siding and Finishes in El Dorado County, Ca - 09/12/11 03:33 AM
 
The trend for siding on homes in the El Dorado County area
1.      Fiber Cement Siding – Hardi Plank or Certainteed lap and panel siding is fastest growing trend in the county. This product offers many benefits to the consumer. The siding does not rot, will not warp or shrink. Can handle extreme weather conditions. Here in the Sierra Mountain Foothills we can get 100 degree summers and below freezing winters. When choosing a strong, long lasting product this is the fastest growing trend. It has been for several years now.
The cost is higher than many of the alternatives initially, … (5 comments)

Competition Is A Funny Thing, It Drives Both Parties To Be Better! - 09/11/11 11:12 PM
 
Competition Is A Funny Thing, It Drives Both Parties To Be Better!
Last week, I noticed that I had dropped one AR ranking point in California after posting to my blog. I thought, "How can I lose a rank when I added points?" At first I assumed it was a glitch in the site, but it happened again. I clicked on the rank number to see where I was on the California list, and there she was - Evelyn Kennedy! We were within a handful of points. If we were posting and commenting at the same time, that could explain the … (33 comments)

Prepare for the rain? But we are in California! - 09/11/11 12:11 AM
This is not the time of year when I think about the rainy season in Placerville, Halloween is the usual reference date for me. However, while at the MeetUp in Roseville yesterday, it rained in El Dorado County. Although it lasted only a few minutes, it got me thinking of some things that need to be done before the rains get heavy.
I came up with a few things that I like to check before Halloween.
Roof check and maintenance –         Inspect for signs of damage – broken, loose tiles and shingles.
     Repair damaged areas to create a … (19 comments)

Do you have a Power Team? (A small group that refers business to each other) - 09/10/11 11:02 PM

 
 
 
I want to be on Debbie's team!
 
Debbie has written a beautiful post about referrals and a power team.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Via Debbie Gartner - Westchester Flooring -Hardwood Floors Carpet Tile Refinish - (Floor Coverings International Westchester NY & Fairfield CT):
Yesterday, as I was driving back home from my afternoon appointment I was thinking about how powerful this concept of a Power Team can be when it's really done well.  It reminded me of one of my most successful and rewarding projects from when I worked at Procter and Gamble...we had a small … (6 comments)

Roseville Meet Up At The Cheesecake Factory - 09/10/11 04:33 PM
 
I don't think anyone knew what to expect from this first Meet Up in Roseville, Ca but it sure was great getting to meet those that came to the meeting.
Leilani Souza was a soft spoken and friendly host. She arranged this first Meet Up at The Cheesecake Factory at The Galleria in Roseville. Thanks Leilani for all your efforts.
Here is a quick video of those in attendance.
 
:)  
 
Nancy McNamee, Susan Neal, Doug Bullwinkel, Mike Young, Tom Arstingstall, Ed Gillespie, Hilary Auer, Maria Marriott, Debbie Baldes, DeeDee Riley, Sally Dunbar and, Leilani Souza
 
 
… (22 comments)

Excited about the Meet Up in Roseville Today - 09/09/11 02:16 PM
 
  
Getting Ready for the Meet Up in Roseville
  
 
 
I know that Leilani and Bob has been working hard at promoting this Meet Up at The Cheesecake Factory for quite some time. Personally, I am looking forward to meeting those ActiveRain members from this area. Other Meet Ups have already happened the last few days and I have heard nothing but good things from those that participated.

 
 
 
So let’s dance!
 
 
 
 
… (4 comments)

Chipotle Is Coming To Placerville, Ca - The Locals Are Pleased - 09/09/11 03:23 AM
 
 
Chipotle Is Coming To Placerville, Ca - The Locals Are Pleased
 
There has been a lack of restaurant choices here in Placerville. Recently, those that we did have, closed. So when we learned of getting a Chipotle, we are excited for the Grand Opening. I drove by tonight and the contractors were working late into the night.
Chipotle is a Mexican food chain that serves large burritos that are good.
They describe it this way...
"It's not just a burrito. It's a foil-wrapped, hand-crafted, local farm supporting, food culture changing cylinder of deliciousness."
 
Sounds like just my type … (5 comments)

The Secret To A Steady Flow Of Work Costs Me $.28 - 09/08/11 12:01 AM
 
The secret to a steady flow of work costs me $.28. (the cost of postage)
I realize that the best practice for getting business will vary between industries. What works for a contractor, may or may not work for you. But one of the hottest marketing media that we use is the postcard. A simple 5 x 7 inch postcard, printed on both sides. It has a unique picture, our name, a thank you message, our phone number and a hand written message. That's it!
I have never mailed out more than 5 at one time. We mail these postcards … (20 comments)

Time for the annual tune-up of Old Smokey? - 09/07/11 09:12 AM

 
 
I can't believe people like Scott are thinking ahead. It will be close to 100 degrees today, and he's suggesting tuning up the furnace. :)
It is a great idea though. Extend the life of the furnace, anf get ready for the winter!
Thanks Scott!
Via Bourbonnais Kankakee Home Inspector Scott L Seaton Jr (SLS Home Inspections Bradley Bourbonnais Kankakee):
Time for the annual tune-up of Old Smokey? You better believe it. There are a few things that are worse than a furnace acting up in the middle of the winter, but for the life of me I can't … (4 comments)

In Shingle Springs, Lee's Feed Is The Place For All Your Animal Needs - 09/07/11 01:56 AM
 

 
In Shingle Springs, Lee's Feed Is The Place For All Your Animal Needs
Lee’s Feed is the source for all your pet, livestock, and western needs in Shingle Springs, Ca. This place is incredible. Need feed for your pigs? They got it. Need saddles for your new horse? Definitely have it. Corral fencing? No problem. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find something that they don’t have in stock.
Check out their web site, you can see the type of inventory Lee’s Feed packs into their store.
The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable about a … (6 comments)

Walk, Jog, Bike, or Horseback On This Placerville Trail - 09/05/11 09:54 PM
 

 
Placerville has trails for all sorts of exercise enthusiasts. Walking, jogging, bike trails, even horse trails can be found in the foothills of El Dorado County. One such trail is open to all of these trail blazers, right here, starting in Diamond Springs and ending in Placerville, Ca.
The El Dorado Trail stretches all the way up to Pollock Pines. The trail is broken into smaller segments, the fourth section of the El Dorado Trail, the "Trestle Segment", runs from Forni Road near the intersection with Ray Lawyer Drive to Missouri Flat Road near Walmart. The Trestle Segment … (10 comments)

Things to do in El Dorado County - Search Stories Video - 09/05/11 02:36 AM

Using Google Search Stories with YouTube’s Video Director, you can create some quick videos online. The whole process is very quick and can be used for local posts that will come up in both web and video searches. The link is included here if you would like to give it a shot.
Search Stories
 
I was able to put together a quick video of things to do in El Dorado County.
 
 

… (0 comments)

El Dorado County Real Estate Market Report - A Contractor's View. - 09/04/11 05:20 AM
 
Producing a marketing report from a general contractor's perspective can be a little difficult to accumulate the data necessary to chart the data. Data from home sales, homes in escrow, days on the market, etc. can be generated with a few click of the keyboard. For a contractor's view of the market, I am going to make a few assumptions. The first assumption is that the building permit totals for new construction is the barometer for the industry in El Dorado County. I know that the number of building permits issued in El Dorado County has plummeted since 2005. This … (6 comments)

Relay For Life in Placerville, Ca - 09/03/11 12:52 AM
 
Are you going to participate in the Relay For Life in Placerville on September 10th?
 
Many are going to be on hand to help Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back!
 
 
 
Celebratethe survivors, and the accomplishments made so far.
Rememberthose that have been lost
Fight Back with a personal commitment to saving lives.
 
On September 10th Placerville, California will host a Relay for life at
the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.
 
Event Schedule
Survivor Breakfast: 8:45 am Saturday, Sept. 10th
Opening Ceremony: 10 am  Saturday, Sept. 10th
Survivors Lap: Immediately following Opening Ceremonies
Luminaria Ceremony: 9 … (9 comments)

Things To Do In Sacramento On Labor Day Weekend - 09/02/11 01:03 AM
Things to do in Sacramento on Labor Day Weekend
The Sacramento area has many things to do this Labor Day Weekend. There is always going to the park, watching a movie, bike trail riding, going to that special restaurant, and so many more things. Experts say that - Less travel expected this weekend, what are your plans?
 
Here are some ideas for your Labor Day Weekendin Sacramento, Ca
 
Gold Rush Days
Sacramento Rainbow Festival
Labor Day Kick Off: MiX Downtown
Chalk It Up!
Little Buckaroos Day
Annual Progressive Picnic & Wine Tasting
One Love One Heart Reggae Festival
… (8 comments)

Missing General Contractor Magically Reappears - 09/01/11 03:10 AM

Missing General Contractor Magically Reappears 
I discovered I was missing for several days, until today. Okay maybe I wasn't missing, but I was misplaced for seven days within Google. After being at the top of Google Places for a very long time, Tromler Construction just vanished. I posted about it seven days ago when I was first missing - Vanishing From Google Places. Kind of scary to think that a business could just be lost for no reason. There weren't any changes, updates, or anything of that sort.
I researched throughout the Google empire for answers. Forums, help pages, trouble shooting, … (7 comments)

The Best Gourmet Pot Pies In Placerville - 09/01/11 01:01 AM
 
When thinking about places to go for lunch or dinner, we have many choices. We can probably find a restaurant for any ethnic food within driving distance here in California. When asked "Where do you want to go to eat?" dozens of choices quickly come to mind. There is a small restaurant that I had heard about right here in Placerville that many people recommended. Not your fansy restaurant, but a little store front down a side road. You'd probably miss it if you weren't looking for it.
The restuarant is called - Z-Pies.
What do they serve? Gourmet Pot … (10 comments)

 

Tom Arstingstall - An Uncommon Contractor (Tromler Construction): Builder-Contractor in Placerville, CA

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