Questions to Consider When Buying a Home Security Camera

When it comes to home security, a camera is a great investment. But with so many on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Here are some questions to consider before making your purchase.

How many cameras will you need?

The amount of security cameras you need depends on the size of your home as well as the amount of security you want in general. At a minimum, we recommend putting a camera in the main entrance of your home on the ground floor. Ideally, you also use outdoor security cameras on all ground floor entrances; however, this won’t apply to someone living in an apartment. For more security, you can put more security cameras on the ground level, and in any room that you use frequently or must pass through to enter or exit your home. For additional security, you can put security cameras in main hallways on second or third floors. However, we don’t recommend placing cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms because of privacy issues.

Source: Security

 

Will you go for a wired or a wireless setup?

Wired cameras don’t need a power source nearby, but they do need to be wired back to a central recording device. As a result, they typically require professional installation. Many wireless cameras need an outlet outside or inside; the latter will require drilling through your exterior wall to route the power cord, but it will prevent someone from unplugging the camera or cutting the cord. Some wireless cameras can be powered by a cam battery that will need to be charged periodically, either with a wall outlet or solar power if the camera is designed for it. The main advantage of wired cameras is that you can record continuously to a local device, and therefore you don’t need to pay monthly cloud storage fees or worry about being hacked. For their part, wireless cameras are much easier to install and many have more advanced features, such as facial recognition, activity zones, and more user-friendly mobile apps for viewing footage remotely.

Source: USNews

 

Do you need active alerts?

Home security cameras push notifications to your smartphone when they detect events. Without watching the live feed all day, this is the only way to keep tabs on your home in relative real time. Depending on the camera, it may send text alerts when it detects motion, sound, a face (known or unrecognized), or all three. Some can send alerts to multiple people, usually anyone else in the household using that product’s app; others will send emails in addition to text messages as a failsafe in the event you can’t access your mobile device.

Source: TechHive

 

Having trouble deciding which security camera is right for your home? Give us a call! We’ll help you find a setup that will suit your budget and needs.

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Carpet

If you’ve ever had a child come home from trick-or-treating covered in chocolate, you know the panic that sets in when you realize the mess they’ve made. Not to worry—removing chocolate stains from carpet is actually quite easy. Follow these simple steps and your carpet will be looking good as new in no time!

Scrape off remaining residue

Lift away the chocolate solids with a dull knife or another similar utensil. If the chocolate melts, try placing an ice cube on it for a minute to harden the chocolate, which may make it easier to lift away. Source: TheSpruce

Do a patch test

Before trying out any cleaning solutions, test a small amount on a patch of carpet. Wait 20 minutes to ensure the product will not damage your carpet. If your carpet starts to turn brown or lighter in color, immediately rinse the solution with cold water. Stop and call a professional. Source: WikiHow

Make use of household cleaners

Use a carpet cleaner to remove the remaining chocolate stains by spraying the stain generously. Let the solution sit on the stain for a few minutes, and then blot with a clean, wet cloth working from the outside of the stain to the center. You can also mix 1/4 teaspoon of dish soap or laundry detergent into a cup of room temperature water and apply it to the stain with a clean cloth, working again from the outside to the center of the stain. If the stain still remains, repeat the cleaning process.

Let the area dry

Remove the cleaning solution you used by rinsing the area with a clean cloth and cold water. Blot the area dry with paper towels. Allow the area to air dry, and then vacuum it before anyone walks over the carpet. Source: SFGate

Have you been trying to remove pesky carpet stains, but they just won’t budge? Give us a call! We can make your carpet look like new in no time.

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What To Do When Your Safe Won’t Open

Are you trying to access your safe but the combination isn’t working? If so, don’t worry – there are several things you can do to open it.

In case of a stuck lever, try this

Spin the first two numbers of your combination as you normally would, but instead of finishing the final rotation, stop on the number eight. Grab a heavy rubber hand-sledge and pound the door—not the dial—a few times. If it’s indeed the lever that’s stuck, this is a potentially quick way to free that sucker up.

 

Once you’ve gotten out a few good whacks, continue on to the final number in your combination, and attempt to open it up. If it doesn’t work, repeat the process a few more times until you get it.

Source: DenGarden

 

Get in touch with the manufacturer

If you have the safe’s manufacturer, model number and serial number, you might be able to get the combination from the manufacturer. Most safe companies have a service that allows you to request the combination or a replacement key. This service usually comes with a fee.

 

However, safe manufacturers are careful about handing out this information to protect safe owners from theft. You’ll need to prove that you’re the owner of the safe. Some companies allow you to register your safe after purchasing it, which makes it easier to retrieve your combination or a replacement key. If you haven’t registered your safe, you’ll likely need to verify your identity as the owner in another way, such as through an online verification service or by having a form notarized.

Source: Hunker

 

Contact a locksmith

The most common reason to need a locksmith is because you have forgotten or lost the combination to your safe. Occasionally safes can also jam or become damaged, in which case you will require the services of a locksmith to get them open and repair them. Ask the locksmith if you will need to provide documentation to prove that you are the owner of the safe before they will open it.

Source: WikiHow

 

If you have forgotten the combination to your safe or if the safe has malfunctioned for some reason, don’t panic! Give us a call!

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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How to Update Tiles Without Replacing Them

So you’re not exactly thrilled with your current tile situation, but you don’t want to replace them all because of how expensive the project can be. What can you do? Luckily, there are a few ways to update tiles without having to pull up all the old ones. Read on for some tips!

Install vinyl 

Vinyl flooring is available in the form of luxury vinyl flooring and traditional vinyl flooring. This is waterproof, has a soft underfoot and can be installed on the existing floor tiles. These are also available in different colours, patterns and designs which simulate the look of wood or natural stone. However it is not advisable to use vinyl flooring in the outdoors or in the indoor areas which are exposed to a lot of sunlight because vinyl has the tendency to fade in the presence of UV light. You can also use simple peel and stick vinyl tile stickers to refresh the look of the flooring. Source: ArchitecturalDigest

Paint it with a new color

Give the bathroom tile a completely new color to upgrade your environment, whether it’s on the floor, the walls, or both. Painting works best away from the tub and shower, where excessive moisture may make it peel away prematurely. For a minor update, paint the top band of tile a new color, such as cobalt blue, to add a fresh new accent to the space, or paint an entire wall’s worth of tile for a new look. Sand the tile gently to scuff it up and make it receptive to primer. Wear a dusk mask to avoid breathing in dust; then wipe the tiles down with a soft rag. A bonding primer is the key to getting paint to stick well to the tile; once that dries, use a latex semi-gloss or gloss paint to ensure the paint finish holds up well to moisture. Apply a water-based polyurethane sealer over your work after the paint dries for several days — especially on floor tile — to prolong the paint finish. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate

Cover it with decals

Another fun way to change up your bathroom tile is by adding tile decals. Decals can be used to conceal a whole tiled area, or you can choose to cover specific damaged or cracked tiles to add a statement pop of color to your bathroom.

Tile decals are fairly easy to apply. You must first ensure the area you want to cover is clean, free of any oil and grease, and totally dry. You can then peel and stick your tile decals over the area.

You can also spruce up an older bathroom tile with a colored grout pen. Changing the grout to a different shade can give your tiles a whole new look in minutes. Source: Hunker

Having trouble deciding which one of these will be your best bet? Give us a call! We’ll work out a solution that will suit your budget and needs.

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How to Avoid Car Theft

Car theft is a serious problem, but there are ways to protect your car and minimize your chances of being a victim. Here are a few tips to help you keep your car safe. 

Keep your keys safe

First, never leave your keys in your vehicle, even if you’re just running into a convenience store or another location for a minute or two. Second, be careful of where you keep your spare key. Storing your spare key on the outside or inside of your car can make it easy for thieves to steal your car. And thanks to the push-start features that new vehicles have, a thief wouldn’t even have to find the key in the vehicle to drive away with it — it would be enough that the key was there.

Source: CNET

 

Don’t park alone

If you are leaving your vehicle in a parking lot, park near other people and in an area where there’s plenty of people coming and going. If possible, park in a spot that is well-lit.

 

Be on the lookout

Be on the lookout for anything suspicious where you leave your car. Are there people lingering around the area that shouldn’t be there? Trust your instincts and never leave your car in an area where you feel it is unsafe.

Source: FamilyHandyman

 

Enhance your home security

Car security doesn’t have to start with your car. Get the jump on anyone prowling your property with these home security features:

• Shine outdoor lights on your car’s parking spot.
• Install a floodlight camera for a live video feed from the safety of your home, and use the two-way audio to scare people away.
• Set up a driveway alarm to know when someone crosses onto your property.
• Use contact sensors and tilt sensors on your garage door, service door, and windows to know when someone breaks in. Source: Safewise

 

Need help in beefing up your home’s security? Give us a call! You can count on us to work within your budget and meet your needs.

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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Types of Flooring You Can Install Over Ceramic Tiles

Are you tired of your old, boring ceramic tile floor? Well, don’t worry—you have plenty of options when it comes to replacing it! Keep reading to learn more.

Laminate 

Laminate flooring goes very well over ceramic tiles. It is a thin, solid flooring system that doesn’t require adhesive, and comes with a padded underlayment that helps smooth out any contour from the ceramic. Laminate is a cheap, fast flooring solution that easily goes right over ceramic tile. Source: Hunker

Vinyl 

Vinyl flooring is a stylish and durable flooring solution that is easy to install. Some vinyl installation types include peel-and-stick, self-adhesive, and interlocking vinyl floor tiles. 

If the top of your old floor is clean and even, you can just lay it down directly over the ceramic tile. 

Vinyl floor tiles are low maintenance, too. You can find water-resistant vinyl tiles that come in realistic hardwood and granite designs. 

Vinyl flooring, however, tends to fade when exposed to sunlight for a long time. So it’s not recommended for outdoors or rooms that get a lot of sunlight. Source: DesigningIdea

Carpet

Carpet is easy to install and offers much more comfort than ceramic tiles. You can customize the thickness of the carpet depending on how much padding you want, but the thicker your carpet, the more floor height you gain. This type of flooring is great for cold and dry areas because it’ll keep your floor warm. Source: Ownerly

Engineered Wood

Solid wood is not a great option as it requires plywood sub-floor before installation, and that plus the thickness of the wood (3/4 of an inch) will more often than not make the flooring too thick. That said, engineered wood can be glued directly onto the tile, making installation easy, and it is much thinner than solid wood. Source: Angi

Is it really necessary to replace your old tiles with new ones? The simplest way to bring life back to your tiles is to repair and clean them. Call us for more information!

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What Is a Sisal Carpet?

Sisal is a natural fiber often used for carpets due to its durability and eco-friendliness. Will this be a perfect choice for your home? Read on to find out!

How is it made?

Sisal fibers originate in a cactus plant called Agave sisalana that grows in Africa and Brazil. Since it is a cactus, it prefers arid desert climates where other kinds of fibrous plants would be scarce. Agave sisalana has long been farmed for its internal, tensile fibers that people make into rope and twine. The fibrous stalks are cut, dried, and treated to produce tan-colored lengths. A popular destination for this twine is to be woven into sisal rugs for the floor. Source: HomeQuestionsAnswered

What are the pros and cons?

It is relatively easy to dye, making it very versatile for flooring design. It can stand up to high-traffic areas without being coarse or uncomfortable underfoot, and it wears well, making it good for high-traffic areas. But it can become slippery with use, so sisal is a poor choice for stairs.

Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, sisal carpet can be used in almost any room of the house, although it must be used with caution around moisture, which can damage the fibers. The fact that sisal can be so easily dyed also means that it can be easily stained; it requires treatment to make it resistant to dirt and spills. Sisal is also relatively expensive, typically costing more than coir but less than wool. Source: TheSpruce

How to maintain?

Blot spills as they happen. Moisture of any kind can warp the weave of sisal and lead to browning of the fiber, so it is important to address spills as they happen. Blot the spot dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as this will only spread the moisture. 

Take note of whether the spill left a stain. Even a slight change in color at the time of the spill can quickly alter the color of the rug. Source: WikiHow

Need help identifying which type of carpet material would suit your budget and needs? Call us!

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What To Do if You Lose Your Car Keys

There is nothing more stressful than losing your car keys, especially if you don’t have a spare. But don’t worry, if this happens to you, there are plenty of things you can do. Stay calm and follow these simple steps, you’ll be back on the road in no time!

Consider your options

You should first check your car insurance documents to see if you have signed up for key cover – as many policies offer this as a premium add-on. However, if you do claim on your insurance, it is worth bearing in mind that it may affect your no claims bonus – so, it might cost you more in the long term.

Source: Motorway

 

Call a locksmith

You can replace your lost car key at a locksmith, even if you don’t have the original key. Going straight to a locksmith may be more cost-effective than going to your car dealer, but you’ll need some information to make the process easier.

 

Gather your information

To get a replacement key from a locksmith, you’ll want to have the following information ready: 

• Make of the car
• Model of the car
• Year
• Car registration
• Title 
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)

 

The information will help the locksmith identify what type of key your car needs. You can find your car’s VIN on the dashboard on the driver’s side or the driver’s door. 

You’ll also need this information to prove that you’re the owner of the car. Before the locksmith gets started, they will need to ensure you’re the rightful owner of the vehicle.

Source: MetroMile

 

Get a spare key

Once you have a new key for your car, it’s time to get a spare. It’s going to be easiest just to order two keys at the same time. 

With your spare key, you won’t have to face this level of panic again. The next time you lose your key, you will have another on-hand to get you by until a backup spare can be purchased.

Source: MechanicBase

 

If you need help, don’t hesitate to call us! We’ll be happy to assist you in any way we can.

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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